By David Mays
Special to American Forces Press Service
June 7, 2007 – A new Pentagon Channel documentary, "Finding Their Way," revisits wounded warriors further into their recovery to see how they are doing. Medical advances used by critical care specialists on the front lines and in military hospitals have resulted in more troops surviving war injuries than at any point in history. From the end of World War II until the end of the 20th century, at least one out of every four service-members wounded on the battlefield died.
The Army-wide survival rate now averages 91 percent in Iraq and Afghanistan, according to statistics provided by Fort Sam Houston, Texas. While vastly improved care has resulted in far fewer fatalities, it has also forced many servicemembers to face lives with missing limbs and other significant physical and emotional wounds that in past wars would have seemed insurmountable challenges.
Yet many of these wounded warriors are either returning to military service or living full lives in other professional capacities that inspire awe in fully able-bodied observers. In order to track the progress of some of these wounded warriors, the Pentagon Channel sent a crew to revisit troops viewers first met just home from war. The Pentagon Channel wanted to see how these wounded warriors are "Finding Their Way."
"Two years ago, "Recon" visited military hospitals and talked with servicemembers severely wounded in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom," said Air Force Master Sgt. Daniela Marchus, host of the documentary series. "They all had heart-rending stories to tell, yet most projected a remarkably positive attitude about their injuries and their futures," she said. "We decided to see how some of them are doing in 2007."
Retired Army Staff Sgt. Jay Fondgren's life changed forever in Iraq. He remembers the moment vividly. "The platter charge skipped off the road and came up through the bottom part of me and just took both legs off," he said. "There's days when I miss having my legs, but when I look back at what we accomplished and the freedoms we've given the Iraqi people, it was worth it. I don't regret anything."
The trauma of losing both legs and the arduous recovery at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, in Washington, D.C., prepared Fondgren for his current role: a veterans service representative in Waco, Texas. "I'd gone through the process, and I knew the steps," he said. "I knew working here I could help veterans get their claims established."
Pentagon Channel producers not only followed wounded servicemembers during their professional workdays but also were granted access to their personal lives, which have been dramatically altered by severe injuries. Thanks to technology advances, these veterans have been afforded a surprising degree of normalcy.
Viewers of "Finding Their Way" will see how disabled troops are able to negotiate daily chores that most people take for granted, like driving a vehicle. "It took me a while to get proficient at hand controls," Fondgren said. "It was a level of freedom I hadn't known since I'd gotten hurt ... to be able to go to the store when I wanted, go places without having to ask somebody to pick me up."
This new "Recon" allows a glimpse at the intensely personal and emotional reality of severely wounded servicemembers who have to explain their permanent disabilities to their own young children. "The oldest is starting to realize I'm not like everybody else's daddy," Fondgren said. "I'll put my prosthetics on and he'll say, 'Daddy walk! Daddy walk!' That's what he calls my prosthetic, 'Daddy walk.' When we say 'Where's mommy's foot?' he'll point at her foot. We say 'Where's daddy's foot?' He'll either point at my stump or if my prosthetics are in sight he'll point at them."
"Finding Their Way" also offers a view of the challenges faced by spouses of severely wounded servicemembers like Fondgren's wife, Anne, who permitted Pentagon Channel crews to videotape their home, which has been specially designed to accommodate her husband's wheelchair. "We have doors on our doors now," she said. "At our old home we had to take the doors off the bathroom to our bedroom just so Jay could get in and out."
Retired Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Joe Dan Worley was on patrol in Fallujah, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device ripped through his unit. Worley applied a tourniquet to his severed left leg in order to save his own life. The trauma has failed to stifle the former corpsman's optimism. "Just about everyone who is an amputee or is injured down here has an absolutely awesome attitude and takes it really well," Worley said. "Strangely enough, you'd expect a couple of these guys to be salty or angry about it, but no, everyone's awesome about it."
Worley invited Pentagon Channel cameras into his life to view some of the blessings that have aided his recovery, including a brand new dwelling, built by the "Homes for Our Troops" organization, and college education under way that the former corpsman hopes will put him on the path to becoming a doctor.
"I love the way my life is right now," Worley said. "It's hard. It's not easy. But it's content. I really just don't regret it one bit. I was glad I went over there. I was glad I did my part."
Army Sgt. Kortney Clemmons was getting ready to ship home from Iraq and separate from the military. During his last two weeks of service, the star cornerback was showing replacement troops the lay of the land in Baghdad and dreaming of a pro football career. During the orientation tour, Clemons came upon an overturned Humvee and three wounded servicemembers. As the medic and his trainees began to help, an improvised explosive device detonated, ripping off Clemmon's right leg. "I really couldn't picture anything that bad happening to me," Clemmons said. "I was just really thinking it was a bad dream and I was going to wake up from it."
What Clemmons woke to was the reality of doing what he could with what he had, which thanks to medical technology, was a "c-leg." This highly advanced computerized prosthesis controls balance, strike and other aspects of mobility that has allowed Clemmons to regain his athletic prowess and focus his energy on setting records on the track at this year's elite Parapan American Games in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, and next year's Paralympics in Beijing, China.
"Whether I win the gold or not, it's just the journey, just getting there," Clemmons said. "Once I walk away at the end of the day I know I gave it everything I have.
"And it's going to help me when I go out into the workforce, because we're going to be competing for the rest of our lives, whether it's for jobs of whatever," he added. "So actually this helps me put things in perspective and teaches me a lot of patience."
"Finding Their Way" debuts tomorrow at noon Eastern Time on the Pentagon Channel. The documentary will encore on the channel over the next four weeks. It also will be available via podcast and video on demand at www.pentagonchannel.mil.
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
Friday, June 08, 2007
'Gophers' Golf for Injured Troops
By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service
June 7, 2007 – Inspired by pro golf's support of the troops, about 100 golfers hit the links each weekend for friendly competition that ultimately benefits injured servicemembers. Those who come away victorious from the informal games at Tournament Players Club Sawgrass in Jacksonville, Fla., donate a portion of their winnings to the cause, Dan McAuliffe, the games' organizer, said. Since December, the "Gophers," as the group calls itself, have raised nearly $2,000 in this manner.
"We play together week in and week out. ... We decided, 'Let's go to the golf course, and let's make a difference (for the troops)," McAuliffe, a former New York law enforcement officer, said. "I've got a great deal of respect for the guys in the uniform."
The money the group is raising will ultimately benefit Homes for Our Troops, the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund and Lickliter's adopted group, Wounded Warrior Project. Other PGA golfers have adopted troop-support groups, including Phil Mickelson who champions both Homes for Our Troops and the Special Operations Warrior Foundation.
All of these troop-support groups are members of America Supports You, a Defense Department program connecting citizens and corporations with military personnel and their families serving at home and abroad.
The Gophers are expanding their fundraising efforts with a June 14 cocktail party, which will include a raffle of donated goods from community retailers. The tickets, selling at $150 per couple, already have pumped up the total the group will donate to America Supports You groups.
"I think we're between $10,000 and $15,000 ... that we've raised due to the ticket sales of the cocktail party," McAuliffe said. "Instead of doing a silent auction, ... every ticket that is bought, that ticket stub is good as a raffle ticket.
"Everybody's so willing to help," he added.
McAuliffe also emphasizes to those who question him that this is an apolitical venture. "This is not about party affiliation," he said. "This is about guys in uniform, and that's all it's about.
"It's about raising money for them just in case they need a helping hand when they get back, the money is there," he said.
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
American Forces Press Service
June 7, 2007 – Inspired by pro golf's support of the troops, about 100 golfers hit the links each weekend for friendly competition that ultimately benefits injured servicemembers. Those who come away victorious from the informal games at Tournament Players Club Sawgrass in Jacksonville, Fla., donate a portion of their winnings to the cause, Dan McAuliffe, the games' organizer, said. Since December, the "Gophers," as the group calls itself, have raised nearly $2,000 in this manner.
"We play together week in and week out. ... We decided, 'Let's go to the golf course, and let's make a difference (for the troops)," McAuliffe, a former New York law enforcement officer, said. "I've got a great deal of respect for the guys in the uniform."
The money the group is raising will ultimately benefit Homes for Our Troops, the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund and Lickliter's adopted group, Wounded Warrior Project. Other PGA golfers have adopted troop-support groups, including Phil Mickelson who champions both Homes for Our Troops and the Special Operations Warrior Foundation.
All of these troop-support groups are members of America Supports You, a Defense Department program connecting citizens and corporations with military personnel and their families serving at home and abroad.
The Gophers are expanding their fundraising efforts with a June 14 cocktail party, which will include a raffle of donated goods from community retailers. The tickets, selling at $150 per couple, already have pumped up the total the group will donate to America Supports You groups.
"I think we're between $10,000 and $15,000 ... that we've raised due to the ticket sales of the cocktail party," McAuliffe said. "Instead of doing a silent auction, ... every ticket that is bought, that ticket stub is good as a raffle ticket.
"Everybody's so willing to help," he added.
McAuliffe also emphasizes to those who question him that this is an apolitical venture. "This is not about party affiliation," he said. "This is about guys in uniform, and that's all it's about.
"It's about raising money for them just in case they need a helping hand when they get back, the money is there," he said.
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
Illinois Group Plays Santa for Troops
By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service
June 6, 2007 – For three years, an Illinois group has made sure troops serving overseas have something to look forward to during the holidays. "Last year we shipped over 10,000 homemade Christmas stockings filled with goodies to our deployed troops," Patti Smith, a founder of "Central Illinois Proud Families of Marines" and mother of two Marines, said. "Our goal is to do many more (this year), as the need is great due to the recent troop surge."
This year's drive is already under way and will conclude Nov. 1. The group is hoping for donations of comfort, personal and food items to stuff the stockings, but cash is always appreciated, Smith said.
"We need to raise at least $50,000," she said. "Since we are a (nonprofit) group, all gifts are tax deductible."
The stockings will be stuffed and shipped during the first two weeks of November. This ensures a timely holiday arrival for those serving overseas, she said.
In addition to Operation Santa, Central Illinois Proud Families of Marines conducts other service projects benefiting troops and provides friendship and support to military family members.
The group's work reaches well beyond the Marine Corps family.
"We are a 24-7 community here for all branches of our armed forces, family members and veterans," Smith said.
Central Illinois Proud Families of Marines has found that mission is much more easily accomplished as a member of The Defense Department's America Supports You program. The program connects citizens and corporations with military personnel and their families serving at home and abroad.
"We deeply appreciate the national exposure (America Supports You) has given us," Smith said. "(It's a great help) to anyone looking to network with us in central Illinois or nationwide."
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
American Forces Press Service
June 6, 2007 – For three years, an Illinois group has made sure troops serving overseas have something to look forward to during the holidays. "Last year we shipped over 10,000 homemade Christmas stockings filled with goodies to our deployed troops," Patti Smith, a founder of "Central Illinois Proud Families of Marines" and mother of two Marines, said. "Our goal is to do many more (this year), as the need is great due to the recent troop surge."
This year's drive is already under way and will conclude Nov. 1. The group is hoping for donations of comfort, personal and food items to stuff the stockings, but cash is always appreciated, Smith said.
"We need to raise at least $50,000," she said. "Since we are a (nonprofit) group, all gifts are tax deductible."
The stockings will be stuffed and shipped during the first two weeks of November. This ensures a timely holiday arrival for those serving overseas, she said.
In addition to Operation Santa, Central Illinois Proud Families of Marines conducts other service projects benefiting troops and provides friendship and support to military family members.
The group's work reaches well beyond the Marine Corps family.
"We are a 24-7 community here for all branches of our armed forces, family members and veterans," Smith said.
Central Illinois Proud Families of Marines has found that mission is much more easily accomplished as a member of The Defense Department's America Supports You program. The program connects citizens and corporations with military personnel and their families serving at home and abroad.
"We deeply appreciate the national exposure (America Supports You) has given us," Smith said. "(It's a great help) to anyone looking to network with us in central Illinois or nationwide."
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
Pace Faces Tough Questions From Young Citizens
By Linda D. Kozaryn
American Forces Press Service
June 6, 2007 – Marine Gen. Peter Pace has faced tough questions from the president, the National Security Council and members of Congress. The toughest questions, however, seem to come from the nation's youngest citizens. During a town hall meeting here yesterday, for example, 8-year-old Katherina Daul asked the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, "Why do soldiers have to deploy so long?"
Katherina had thought her dad -- Capt. Kevin Daul, a chaplain assigned to the 45th Special Troop Brigade -- was coming home soon, after being deployed to Iraq for 11 months. She recently learned that instead of being gone 12 months, he's going to be gone 15 months.
Pace came here specifically to meet with family members whose loved ones are among the first to be extended under the Army's new policy. He was on his way back to the United States from a trip to Singapore and Malaysia.
Katherina came out to the base theater to see the chairman with her mom, Carol, and her 11-year-old brother Jeremiah. After about 45 minutes of questions and answers by the grown ups in the room, Jeremiah raised his hand.
In a gentlemanly fashion, he thanked the chairman for meeting with them and offered a suggestion. Jeremiah said that along with rest and recuperation back home, the Army should send soldiers from Iraq for R&R at military resorts in Germany and then send the families to join them.
"That's a great idea," Pace said. "It would be a great way to show that we value the families. I'll look into that."
Pace also reassured Jeremiah that he is doing everything he can to make sure that military parents have more time to spend with their children.
After a few more questions by the grownups, Pace turned to a tiny hand in the air. "Are you trying to upstage your brother?" he teased Katherina.
The youngster took the microphone and slowly and clearly asked, "Why do soldiers have to deploy so long?"
Pace's answer seemed to resonate with the audience as a reminder of why they were all there in the first place.
"Soldiers have to deploy so long sometimes, because soldiers love their daughters," the chairman replied, drawing applause.
"And as much as your Daddy would prefer to be here right now hugging you, he wants to make sure that you get to grow up in the same United States that he got to grow up in," Pace said.
"There are bad people out there who want to change that. Your Daddy is going to make sure that they don't," he said.
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
American Forces Press Service
June 6, 2007 – Marine Gen. Peter Pace has faced tough questions from the president, the National Security Council and members of Congress. The toughest questions, however, seem to come from the nation's youngest citizens. During a town hall meeting here yesterday, for example, 8-year-old Katherina Daul asked the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, "Why do soldiers have to deploy so long?"
Katherina had thought her dad -- Capt. Kevin Daul, a chaplain assigned to the 45th Special Troop Brigade -- was coming home soon, after being deployed to Iraq for 11 months. She recently learned that instead of being gone 12 months, he's going to be gone 15 months.
Pace came here specifically to meet with family members whose loved ones are among the first to be extended under the Army's new policy. He was on his way back to the United States from a trip to Singapore and Malaysia.
Katherina came out to the base theater to see the chairman with her mom, Carol, and her 11-year-old brother Jeremiah. After about 45 minutes of questions and answers by the grown ups in the room, Jeremiah raised his hand.
In a gentlemanly fashion, he thanked the chairman for meeting with them and offered a suggestion. Jeremiah said that along with rest and recuperation back home, the Army should send soldiers from Iraq for R&R at military resorts in Germany and then send the families to join them.
"That's a great idea," Pace said. "It would be a great way to show that we value the families. I'll look into that."
Pace also reassured Jeremiah that he is doing everything he can to make sure that military parents have more time to spend with their children.
After a few more questions by the grownups, Pace turned to a tiny hand in the air. "Are you trying to upstage your brother?" he teased Katherina.
The youngster took the microphone and slowly and clearly asked, "Why do soldiers have to deploy so long?"
Pace's answer seemed to resonate with the audience as a reminder of why they were all there in the first place.
"Soldiers have to deploy so long sometimes, because soldiers love their daughters," the chairman replied, drawing applause.
"And as much as your Daddy would prefer to be here right now hugging you, he wants to make sure that you get to grow up in the same United States that he got to grow up in," Pace said.
"There are bad people out there who want to change that. Your Daddy is going to make sure that they don't," he said.
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
Gates, Military Members Reflect on D-Day Heroism
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
June 6, 2007 – Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates was among hundreds of people who walked today above the windswept cliffs and paused among fog-shrouded headstones here to honor those who died during the D-Day invasion. The secretary took a private moment in the American Cemetery, reflecting on row after row of crosses and Stars of David that serve as the final resting place for 9,387 of those killed on D-Day and in the bloody days that followed.
He traveled several miles down the road to Point du Hoc to look out over Utah and Omaha beaches and hear the story of the 2nd Ranger Battalion that scaled a 100-foot cliff to face off against German bunkers and gun turrets.
Earlier in the morning during his address at the D-Day commemoration, Gates praised the heroism and sacrifice demonstrated here. "Stories of valor were countless," he told the audience. "As gunfire rained down, men stopped to pull comrades from the water. Alone or outnumbered, they charged heavily fortified positions. ... No amount of firepower could overwhelm their instincts, their bravery, their compassion and their humor."
Among those heroes was Walter Ehlers, who returned here today to pay tribute to his brother, Roland, and other soldiers he served with who died on D-Day. Ehlers earned the Medal of Honor in the action here with the 1st Infantry Division's 18th Infantry Regiment and said it's a miracle that he, too, wasn't among those killed.
"A lot of my friends are here," said Ehlers, now 86. "They are all my brothers. It's important that we give them as much honor as possible." Most importantly, he said, "we need to make sure they didn't die in vain."
Ehlers said the cemetery and the new visitor's center will ensure these soldiers aren't forgotten in history. He called it "a very wonderful place to come and commemorate and remember the sacrifices made by these men."
Harley Reynolds, who wore his old Army jacket with its staff sergeant stripes to today's ceremony, said he takes special pride in the American Cemetery. Reynolds' 1st Infantry Division unit was in the first D-Day wave, landing on Omaha Beach and seizing the land where the land above.
"This ground was taken by my company on the first day," Reynolds said proudly. "We are a part of history."
It's a history retired Army Gen. Frederick Franks Jr., chairman of the American Battle Monuments Commission, said continues to inspire troops serving today.
Franks praised those who served and were buried here as they "carried the hopes and care of the free world on their young shoulders." These troops fought for freedom through "duty and service to something larger than themselves" and set the example for those who followed in their footsteps.
Franks said a new generation of men and women in uniform draws inspiration from them.
Among them is Cpl. Justin Clark, who is assigned to Marine Corps Embassy Security Command at the U.S. Embassy in Paris but came to today's ceremony today to provide support. "It's an honor" to be able to recognize the D-Day heroes, he said.
Clark said he's proud to be part of what's been called "the next great generation," another generation of U.S. troops fighting for their country as their World War II contemporaries did.
"We follow their example," he said. "They laid it down. We just carry it on."
Army Pfc. Christian Lozano was among about 60 1st Armored Division soldiers, many slated to return to Iraq this fall, who took a 10-hour bus ride from Baumholder, Germany, to serve as color guards and escorts and for the ceremony. "These guys are hard-core," he said of the D-Day veterans. "They showed us what it's all about."
Army Spc. John Jennings, also with the "Old Ironsides" division, said that despite differences between World War II and Iraq and the way the wars are being fought, striking similarities remain. "The big picture is the same," he said. "We are fighting for our freedom. We are fighting for our future."
Army Brig. Gen. Yves Fontaine, logistics officer for U.S. Army Europe, called today's ceremony a moving tribute to the men who died here, as well as to World War II veterans who survived. They showed the price of freedom and the qualities it takes to preserve it, he said.
"The previous generation opened the way for us," he said. "And this new generation is doing the same thing today."
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
American Forces Press Service
June 6, 2007 – Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates was among hundreds of people who walked today above the windswept cliffs and paused among fog-shrouded headstones here to honor those who died during the D-Day invasion. The secretary took a private moment in the American Cemetery, reflecting on row after row of crosses and Stars of David that serve as the final resting place for 9,387 of those killed on D-Day and in the bloody days that followed.
He traveled several miles down the road to Point du Hoc to look out over Utah and Omaha beaches and hear the story of the 2nd Ranger Battalion that scaled a 100-foot cliff to face off against German bunkers and gun turrets.
Earlier in the morning during his address at the D-Day commemoration, Gates praised the heroism and sacrifice demonstrated here. "Stories of valor were countless," he told the audience. "As gunfire rained down, men stopped to pull comrades from the water. Alone or outnumbered, they charged heavily fortified positions. ... No amount of firepower could overwhelm their instincts, their bravery, their compassion and their humor."
Among those heroes was Walter Ehlers, who returned here today to pay tribute to his brother, Roland, and other soldiers he served with who died on D-Day. Ehlers earned the Medal of Honor in the action here with the 1st Infantry Division's 18th Infantry Regiment and said it's a miracle that he, too, wasn't among those killed.
"A lot of my friends are here," said Ehlers, now 86. "They are all my brothers. It's important that we give them as much honor as possible." Most importantly, he said, "we need to make sure they didn't die in vain."
Ehlers said the cemetery and the new visitor's center will ensure these soldiers aren't forgotten in history. He called it "a very wonderful place to come and commemorate and remember the sacrifices made by these men."
Harley Reynolds, who wore his old Army jacket with its staff sergeant stripes to today's ceremony, said he takes special pride in the American Cemetery. Reynolds' 1st Infantry Division unit was in the first D-Day wave, landing on Omaha Beach and seizing the land where the land above.
"This ground was taken by my company on the first day," Reynolds said proudly. "We are a part of history."
It's a history retired Army Gen. Frederick Franks Jr., chairman of the American Battle Monuments Commission, said continues to inspire troops serving today.
Franks praised those who served and were buried here as they "carried the hopes and care of the free world on their young shoulders." These troops fought for freedom through "duty and service to something larger than themselves" and set the example for those who followed in their footsteps.
Franks said a new generation of men and women in uniform draws inspiration from them.
Among them is Cpl. Justin Clark, who is assigned to Marine Corps Embassy Security Command at the U.S. Embassy in Paris but came to today's ceremony today to provide support. "It's an honor" to be able to recognize the D-Day heroes, he said.
Clark said he's proud to be part of what's been called "the next great generation," another generation of U.S. troops fighting for their country as their World War II contemporaries did.
"We follow their example," he said. "They laid it down. We just carry it on."
Army Pfc. Christian Lozano was among about 60 1st Armored Division soldiers, many slated to return to Iraq this fall, who took a 10-hour bus ride from Baumholder, Germany, to serve as color guards and escorts and for the ceremony. "These guys are hard-core," he said of the D-Day veterans. "They showed us what it's all about."
Army Spc. John Jennings, also with the "Old Ironsides" division, said that despite differences between World War II and Iraq and the way the wars are being fought, striking similarities remain. "The big picture is the same," he said. "We are fighting for our freedom. We are fighting for our future."
Army Brig. Gen. Yves Fontaine, logistics officer for U.S. Army Europe, called today's ceremony a moving tribute to the men who died here, as well as to World War II veterans who survived. They showed the price of freedom and the qualities it takes to preserve it, he said.
"The previous generation opened the way for us," he said. "And this new generation is doing the same thing today."
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
Marine Receives Belated Christmas Gift
American Forces Press Service
June 6, 2007 – While stationed at Camp Fallujah, Iraq, over Christmas 2006, Marine Lance Cpl. Jordan Richards received a special care package with an extraordinary gift to be claimed upon his return to the states. Troop-support group Operation Gratitude sent the care package.
Richards claimed that gift, a new Dodge Caliber, on May 30. Checkers/Rally's restaurants donated the car and presented the Marine with the keys at one of the food chain's St. Louis stores.
"We are honored to recognize one of America's true heroes through our partnership with Operation Gratitude. This new car is one small way Checkers and Rally's can continue to show our appreciation to the troops," Terri Snyder, chief marketing officer for Checkers Drive-in Restaurants, said. "We thank Marine Lance Corporal Jordan Richards for his service to our country and hope that he and his fiancee enjoy their new car."
Operation Gratitude is a member of America Supports You, a Defense Department program connecting citizens and corporations with military personnel and their families serving at home and abroad. Checkers/Rally's is a corporate supporter of the program.
Richards' special care package marked a significant milestone for Operation Gratitude since the group's beginning in March 2003, and the group wanted to make it truly exceptional.
"When we reached our 200,000th care package mark, we wanted to do something very special to commemorate the milestone," Carolyn Blashek, Operation Gratitude's founder, said. "We were overwhelmed and thrilled when Checkers/Rally's said they would donate a new car!
"We are so thankful for Checkers/Rally's support and feel privileged to be able to give this brave Marine such a wonderful welcome home gift," she added.
In addition to a post card from Checkers Drive-in Restaurants proclaiming "This Dodge Caliber is yours!" the package included, among other things, a DVD player and celebrity-autographed hats to tickets to a Los Angeles Lakers basketball game.
Operation Gratitude hasn't slowed its mission since sending Richards' package as part of December's holiday care-package drive. In fact, the group kicked off its 4th Annual Patriotic Drive over Memorial Day weekend. Officials also anticipate that this drive, which is expected to produce 50,000 care packages for troops overseas, also will produce a new milestone: care package 250,000.
Blashek added that she is still accepting names of deployed servicemembers for the current drive. For more information on how to get an Operation Gratitude care package to a deployed servicemember or an entire unit this July 4th holiday, contact the group at opgrat@aol.com.
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
June 6, 2007 – While stationed at Camp Fallujah, Iraq, over Christmas 2006, Marine Lance Cpl. Jordan Richards received a special care package with an extraordinary gift to be claimed upon his return to the states. Troop-support group Operation Gratitude sent the care package.
Richards claimed that gift, a new Dodge Caliber, on May 30. Checkers/Rally's restaurants donated the car and presented the Marine with the keys at one of the food chain's St. Louis stores.
"We are honored to recognize one of America's true heroes through our partnership with Operation Gratitude. This new car is one small way Checkers and Rally's can continue to show our appreciation to the troops," Terri Snyder, chief marketing officer for Checkers Drive-in Restaurants, said. "We thank Marine Lance Corporal Jordan Richards for his service to our country and hope that he and his fiancee enjoy their new car."
Operation Gratitude is a member of America Supports You, a Defense Department program connecting citizens and corporations with military personnel and their families serving at home and abroad. Checkers/Rally's is a corporate supporter of the program.
Richards' special care package marked a significant milestone for Operation Gratitude since the group's beginning in March 2003, and the group wanted to make it truly exceptional.
"When we reached our 200,000th care package mark, we wanted to do something very special to commemorate the milestone," Carolyn Blashek, Operation Gratitude's founder, said. "We were overwhelmed and thrilled when Checkers/Rally's said they would donate a new car!
"We are so thankful for Checkers/Rally's support and feel privileged to be able to give this brave Marine such a wonderful welcome home gift," she added.
In addition to a post card from Checkers Drive-in Restaurants proclaiming "This Dodge Caliber is yours!" the package included, among other things, a DVD player and celebrity-autographed hats to tickets to a Los Angeles Lakers basketball game.
Operation Gratitude hasn't slowed its mission since sending Richards' package as part of December's holiday care-package drive. In fact, the group kicked off its 4th Annual Patriotic Drive over Memorial Day weekend. Officials also anticipate that this drive, which is expected to produce 50,000 care packages for troops overseas, also will produce a new milestone: care package 250,000.
Blashek added that she is still accepting names of deployed servicemembers for the current drive. For more information on how to get an Operation Gratitude care package to a deployed servicemember or an entire unit this July 4th holiday, contact the group at opgrat@aol.com.
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
Thursday, June 07, 2007
New, Improved Military Equipment Showcased at Capitol Hill Exhibit
By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service
June 6, 2007 – America's servicemembers are the best-equipped in the world, and people could see and touch an array of all-new or improved military equipment on exhibit on Capitol Hill here today. Attendees examined a revamped Land Warrior ground-soldier system, inspected improved body armor, tasted the latest field rations and viewed a new aerial cargo delivery system along with more equipment on display at the one-day exhibit held inside the Rayburn House Office Building. The exhibit is co-sponsored by the U.S. Army's Natick Soldier Research, Development and Engineering Center, Natick, Mass., and Program Executive Office Soldier based at Fort Belvoir, Va.
The Army's Land Warrior individual combat system was a popular exhibit. Land Warrior is a prototype system that harnesses computer technology and earth-orbiting satellites to boost an infantryman's survivability on the battlefield, while providing senior leaders with real-time information about the situation on the ground, said Army Sgt. Philip Morici, an infantryman who demonstrates the Land Warrior system.
In development since the early 1990s, the current version of Land Warrior is "a great system, but it's obviously not the end-result of what we want," Morici said as he hefted a specially-equipped M-4 carbine that is integrated with the Land Warrior system.
Land Warrior is now being tested by an Army unit in Iraq, the sergeant noted.
"We're slowly getting the info back and we're making the changes we need to," Morici said.
Recent improvements to Land Warrior resulted in an 8-pound weight loss compared to the previous edition, Morici said. Future versions of Land Warrior will likely be smaller, lighter, and be wireless and voice-activated, he predicted.
The improved armored tactical vest now being fielded provides servicemembers with the best protection available, said Francis Hayden, a soldier survivability expert with Program Executive Office Soldier at Fort Belvoir.
The improved vest now weighs 29 pounds for a size medium, a 4-pound weight reduction, Hayden said. It features a new, tailored fit, he noted, that in tandem with expanded sizes for longer torsos, provides increased area of protection coverage.
The vest also has a weight re-distributing internal waistband that makes it more comfortable to wear. The vest still incorporates ceramic-plate inserts that will stop a variety of small-arms projectiles, Hayden noted.
"It provides full, 360-degrees protection on the torso," Hayden said of the new vest, noting it includes detachable protection for the upper arms and groin. The new vest also features a pull-release device for quick removal in case of emergencies, he noted.
"The Interceptor body armor is the best body armor, right now, that we have out on the street for our soldiers," Hayden emphasized.
And, thanks to the new Unitized Group Ration Express, also called "Kitchen in a Carton," U.S. servicemembers deployed to austere locales will soon be able to enjoy hot meals even though there's no dining facility in sight, said Gerald Darsch, director for DoD Combat Feeding at the Natick facility.
The Kitchen in a Carton system is self-heating and features menu items such as turkey dinner with gravy, Darsch said.
"It requires no cook, no fuel, no equipment and no power," he explained, noting each self-contained system is designed to be air-dropped, weighs 40 pounds and feeds 18 servicemembers.
Kitchen in a Carton, Darsch said, is one of two newly developed military field rations. The other new field food is called the "First-Strike Ration," he said, and it's designed for troops on the move.
The all-in-one ration is designed to replace multi-component meals-ready-to-eat, Darsch said, noting they contain about 3,000 calories, enough to feed a warfighter for one day.
"Everything contained in that First-Strike Ration is designed to be consumed on the move," Darsch explained. "Even the beverages come in an ergonomically designed pouch, where you don't have to fumble with the canteen or the canteen cup." Officials hope to field this new ration soon, he said.
And, through the new Joint Precision Airdrop System, the U.S. military has developed a novel method to aerially deliver rations, fuel, ammunition and other vital supplies to troops in the field.
After exiting a cargo plane flying as high as 25,000 feet above the ground, the computer-controlled JPADS parachute system "self-maneuvers using Global Positioning System coordinates to a drop zone as small as 100 meters," Ed Doucette, Natick's director of air delivery and warfighter protection, explained. Computer-controlled twisting or warping of the system's wing-shaped parachute causes the airborne payload to turn left or right, he noted.
A 2,000-pound payload version of the JPADS system has been used in Afghanistan, Doucette said, noting another system with a 10,000-pound capacity also has been developed.
"There are further plans to deploy more of those (2,000-pound systems) over the next six months, and then rapidly field the 10,000-pound systems, as well," Doucette noted.
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
American Forces Press Service
June 6, 2007 – America's servicemembers are the best-equipped in the world, and people could see and touch an array of all-new or improved military equipment on exhibit on Capitol Hill here today. Attendees examined a revamped Land Warrior ground-soldier system, inspected improved body armor, tasted the latest field rations and viewed a new aerial cargo delivery system along with more equipment on display at the one-day exhibit held inside the Rayburn House Office Building. The exhibit is co-sponsored by the U.S. Army's Natick Soldier Research, Development and Engineering Center, Natick, Mass., and Program Executive Office Soldier based at Fort Belvoir, Va.
The Army's Land Warrior individual combat system was a popular exhibit. Land Warrior is a prototype system that harnesses computer technology and earth-orbiting satellites to boost an infantryman's survivability on the battlefield, while providing senior leaders with real-time information about the situation on the ground, said Army Sgt. Philip Morici, an infantryman who demonstrates the Land Warrior system.
In development since the early 1990s, the current version of Land Warrior is "a great system, but it's obviously not the end-result of what we want," Morici said as he hefted a specially-equipped M-4 carbine that is integrated with the Land Warrior system.
Land Warrior is now being tested by an Army unit in Iraq, the sergeant noted.
"We're slowly getting the info back and we're making the changes we need to," Morici said.
Recent improvements to Land Warrior resulted in an 8-pound weight loss compared to the previous edition, Morici said. Future versions of Land Warrior will likely be smaller, lighter, and be wireless and voice-activated, he predicted.
The improved armored tactical vest now being fielded provides servicemembers with the best protection available, said Francis Hayden, a soldier survivability expert with Program Executive Office Soldier at Fort Belvoir.
The improved vest now weighs 29 pounds for a size medium, a 4-pound weight reduction, Hayden said. It features a new, tailored fit, he noted, that in tandem with expanded sizes for longer torsos, provides increased area of protection coverage.
The vest also has a weight re-distributing internal waistband that makes it more comfortable to wear. The vest still incorporates ceramic-plate inserts that will stop a variety of small-arms projectiles, Hayden noted.
"It provides full, 360-degrees protection on the torso," Hayden said of the new vest, noting it includes detachable protection for the upper arms and groin. The new vest also features a pull-release device for quick removal in case of emergencies, he noted.
"The Interceptor body armor is the best body armor, right now, that we have out on the street for our soldiers," Hayden emphasized.
And, thanks to the new Unitized Group Ration Express, also called "Kitchen in a Carton," U.S. servicemembers deployed to austere locales will soon be able to enjoy hot meals even though there's no dining facility in sight, said Gerald Darsch, director for DoD Combat Feeding at the Natick facility.
The Kitchen in a Carton system is self-heating and features menu items such as turkey dinner with gravy, Darsch said.
"It requires no cook, no fuel, no equipment and no power," he explained, noting each self-contained system is designed to be air-dropped, weighs 40 pounds and feeds 18 servicemembers.
Kitchen in a Carton, Darsch said, is one of two newly developed military field rations. The other new field food is called the "First-Strike Ration," he said, and it's designed for troops on the move.
The all-in-one ration is designed to replace multi-component meals-ready-to-eat, Darsch said, noting they contain about 3,000 calories, enough to feed a warfighter for one day.
"Everything contained in that First-Strike Ration is designed to be consumed on the move," Darsch explained. "Even the beverages come in an ergonomically designed pouch, where you don't have to fumble with the canteen or the canteen cup." Officials hope to field this new ration soon, he said.
And, through the new Joint Precision Airdrop System, the U.S. military has developed a novel method to aerially deliver rations, fuel, ammunition and other vital supplies to troops in the field.
After exiting a cargo plane flying as high as 25,000 feet above the ground, the computer-controlled JPADS parachute system "self-maneuvers using Global Positioning System coordinates to a drop zone as small as 100 meters," Ed Doucette, Natick's director of air delivery and warfighter protection, explained. Computer-controlled twisting or warping of the system's wing-shaped parachute causes the airborne payload to turn left or right, he noted.
A 2,000-pound payload version of the JPADS system has been used in Afghanistan, Doucette said, noting another system with a 10,000-pound capacity also has been developed.
"There are further plans to deploy more of those (2,000-pound systems) over the next six months, and then rapidly field the 10,000-pound systems, as well," Doucette noted.
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
Navy to Commission New Guided Missile Destroyer KIDD
The Navy will commission the newest Arleigh Burke class guided-missile destroyer, the USS Kidd, Saturday, June 9, 2007, during an 8 p.m. CDT ceremony in Galveston, Texas.
Designated hull number DDG 100, the new destroyer honors Medal of Honor recipient Rear Adm. Isaac Campbell Kidd Sr. On Dec. 7, 1941, Kidd was commander of Battleship Division One and the senior officer present afloat during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. From the bridge of his flagship, the USS Arizona, Kidd directed the counterattack against enemy aircraft until the magazine of Arizona exploded by enemy ordnance, eventually sinking the ship. Kidd was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions.
Rep. Ron Paul of Texas will deliver the ceremony's principal address. Regina Kidd Wolbarsht and Mary Corrinne Kidd Plumer will serve as sponsors of the ship named for their grandfather.
Two previous U.S. Navy destroyers have been named in honor of Kidd. The first ship was a Fletcher-class destroyer that was in service from 1943-1974. It is now a floating veterans' memorial and museum in Baton Rouge, La. The second, the lead ship of the Kidd-class destroyers, was also built at Northrop Grumman Ship Systems. It served from 1981-1998 and was sold to Taiwan in 2004 and renamed Tzuo-Ying, and given the hull number designation DDG 1803.
The newest USS Kidd is the 50th ship in the Arleigh Burke class of guided-missile destroyers. This multi-mission ship can conduct a variety of operations, from peacetime presence and crisis management to sea control and power projection, in support of strategic maritime operations. Kidd will be capable of fighting air, surface and subsurface battles simultaneously.
Cmdr. Richard E. Thomas of Westwood, N.J., is the ship's first commanding officer and will lead her crew of 276 officers and sailors. The 9,200-ton Kidd has an overall length of 511 feet, a waterline beam of 59 feet and a navigational draft of 33 feet. Four gas turbine engines will power the ship to speeds in excess of 30 knots.
For more information on Arleigh Burke class destroyers, visit http://www.navy.mil/navydata/fact_display.asp?cid=4200&tid=900&ct=4.
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
Designated hull number DDG 100, the new destroyer honors Medal of Honor recipient Rear Adm. Isaac Campbell Kidd Sr. On Dec. 7, 1941, Kidd was commander of Battleship Division One and the senior officer present afloat during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. From the bridge of his flagship, the USS Arizona, Kidd directed the counterattack against enemy aircraft until the magazine of Arizona exploded by enemy ordnance, eventually sinking the ship. Kidd was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions.
Rep. Ron Paul of Texas will deliver the ceremony's principal address. Regina Kidd Wolbarsht and Mary Corrinne Kidd Plumer will serve as sponsors of the ship named for their grandfather.
Two previous U.S. Navy destroyers have been named in honor of Kidd. The first ship was a Fletcher-class destroyer that was in service from 1943-1974. It is now a floating veterans' memorial and museum in Baton Rouge, La. The second, the lead ship of the Kidd-class destroyers, was also built at Northrop Grumman Ship Systems. It served from 1981-1998 and was sold to Taiwan in 2004 and renamed Tzuo-Ying, and given the hull number designation DDG 1803.
The newest USS Kidd is the 50th ship in the Arleigh Burke class of guided-missile destroyers. This multi-mission ship can conduct a variety of operations, from peacetime presence and crisis management to sea control and power projection, in support of strategic maritime operations. Kidd will be capable of fighting air, surface and subsurface battles simultaneously.
Cmdr. Richard E. Thomas of Westwood, N.J., is the ship's first commanding officer and will lead her crew of 276 officers and sailors. The 9,200-ton Kidd has an overall length of 511 feet, a waterline beam of 59 feet and a navigational draft of 33 feet. Four gas turbine engines will power the ship to speeds in excess of 30 knots.
For more information on Arleigh Burke class destroyers, visit http://www.navy.mil/navydata/fact_display.asp?cid=4200&tid=900&ct=4.
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
Vice Chairman Receives Honorary Doctorate
By Tech. Sgt. Adam M. Stump, USAF
Special to American Forces Press Service
June 5, 2007 – The vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff accepted an honorary doctor of engineering degree during a ceremony at the City Center here June 3. Navy Adm. Edmund P. Giambastiani was awarded the degree by Polytechnic University of Brooklyn, the second-oldest private engineering school in the United States.
Jerry M. Hultin, the president of the university, nominated the admiral for the degree. Hultin served as undersecretary of the Navy from 1997 to 2000.
Along with the admiral, two other people were on hand to receive their honorary doctorates. Padmasree Warrior, executive vice president and chief technology officer for Motorola, and William A. Wulf, president of the National Academy of Engineering, also received honorary doctor of engineering degrees. The ceremony also was the commencement for 22 doctorate recipients, 452 master's degree recipients and 332 bachelor's degree recipients.
During the citation reading by a Polytechnic staff member, Giambastiani was cited for his visionary leadership on land and sea and for his commitment to the development of new technologies and experimental processes.
Before the admiral addressed the crowd, a member of Polytechnic's teaching staff came forward to say he objected to the admiral receiving the degree because of the war in Iraq. When Giambastiani arrived at the podium to deliver remarks, the admiral addressed the staff member's comments.
"I do what I do, and we as an armed forces do what we do, so that gentleman who just spoke can do what he just did. That's democracy in this country," Giambastiani said, sparking applause from the audience.
During the admiral's speech, he addressed the university's proud history of graduates, who have created technological advances such as the Panama Canal lock system, Teflon and even light beer. He also said it was imperative for the graduates to apply innovation to their life's work.
"I would summarize my advice to you today in a simple phrase: innovate or perish," the admiral said.
He said the first key part to innovation is questioning assumptions.
"Questioning assumptions sounds easier than it is. Assumptions make our life easy. Lots of people have lots of time, energy and money invested in status quo assumptions. Because of the way that assumptions form the way we think and analyze, it may be hard to identify an assumption as an assumption," he said. "But if you approach every problem and every opportunity by looking for and questioning assumptions, you'll be ahead of the 'innovation curve.'"
Giambastiani said a way to spur innovation is to form partnerships.
"I always look for opportunities to partner with individuals and organizations that think differently than I do. As a commanding officer, I would pay close attention to my chaplain, my lawyer and my public affairs officer just because they approach problems and opportunities in a different way, and they made me think deeper and better about issues," he said. "As a senior military leader, I sought partnerships between my commands and industry, academia, think tanks and thought leaders for exactly the same reason."
The admiral said that besides the intellectual benefits, partnerships also are a great way to share risk and expand opportunities. He added that organizations that wish to achieve innovation need to dedicate time, money and people to the task.
"Big organizations -- and you will go on to lead big organizations -- need to have a group of smart people who wake up every day thinking about how to innovate," he said. "Then you need to empower them to go make innovation happen by investing time, money and energy in their work. Every time I have been able to do this in my military career, it has repaid the investment many times over."
(Air Force Tech. Sgt. Adam M. Stump is assigned to the Joint Staff Public Affairs Office.)
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
Special to American Forces Press Service
June 5, 2007 – The vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff accepted an honorary doctor of engineering degree during a ceremony at the City Center here June 3. Navy Adm. Edmund P. Giambastiani was awarded the degree by Polytechnic University of Brooklyn, the second-oldest private engineering school in the United States.
Jerry M. Hultin, the president of the university, nominated the admiral for the degree. Hultin served as undersecretary of the Navy from 1997 to 2000.
Along with the admiral, two other people were on hand to receive their honorary doctorates. Padmasree Warrior, executive vice president and chief technology officer for Motorola, and William A. Wulf, president of the National Academy of Engineering, also received honorary doctor of engineering degrees. The ceremony also was the commencement for 22 doctorate recipients, 452 master's degree recipients and 332 bachelor's degree recipients.
During the citation reading by a Polytechnic staff member, Giambastiani was cited for his visionary leadership on land and sea and for his commitment to the development of new technologies and experimental processes.
Before the admiral addressed the crowd, a member of Polytechnic's teaching staff came forward to say he objected to the admiral receiving the degree because of the war in Iraq. When Giambastiani arrived at the podium to deliver remarks, the admiral addressed the staff member's comments.
"I do what I do, and we as an armed forces do what we do, so that gentleman who just spoke can do what he just did. That's democracy in this country," Giambastiani said, sparking applause from the audience.
During the admiral's speech, he addressed the university's proud history of graduates, who have created technological advances such as the Panama Canal lock system, Teflon and even light beer. He also said it was imperative for the graduates to apply innovation to their life's work.
"I would summarize my advice to you today in a simple phrase: innovate or perish," the admiral said.
He said the first key part to innovation is questioning assumptions.
"Questioning assumptions sounds easier than it is. Assumptions make our life easy. Lots of people have lots of time, energy and money invested in status quo assumptions. Because of the way that assumptions form the way we think and analyze, it may be hard to identify an assumption as an assumption," he said. "But if you approach every problem and every opportunity by looking for and questioning assumptions, you'll be ahead of the 'innovation curve.'"
Giambastiani said a way to spur innovation is to form partnerships.
"I always look for opportunities to partner with individuals and organizations that think differently than I do. As a commanding officer, I would pay close attention to my chaplain, my lawyer and my public affairs officer just because they approach problems and opportunities in a different way, and they made me think deeper and better about issues," he said. "As a senior military leader, I sought partnerships between my commands and industry, academia, think tanks and thought leaders for exactly the same reason."
The admiral said that besides the intellectual benefits, partnerships also are a great way to share risk and expand opportunities. He added that organizations that wish to achieve innovation need to dedicate time, money and people to the task.
"Big organizations -- and you will go on to lead big organizations -- need to have a group of smart people who wake up every day thinking about how to innovate," he said. "Then you need to empower them to go make innovation happen by investing time, money and energy in their work. Every time I have been able to do this in my military career, it has repaid the investment many times over."
(Air Force Tech. Sgt. Adam M. Stump is assigned to the Joint Staff Public Affairs Office.)
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
Positive Attitude, Physical Therapy Turns Things Around for Amputees
By Fred W. Baker III
American Forces Press Service
June 4, 2007 – Working with Army Pfc. Randy Gollinger is, to say the least, challenging. When asked, his physical therapist, Bunnie Wyckoff, used the words "challenging" and "challenge" at least four times to describe her work with Gollinger.
"He's challenging. He was very difficult to motivate in the beginning. He turned around like most of the guys do. He's doing fine now. But he likes to challenge me all the way. I'm up for the challenge. I enjoy it," she said.
"He's a challenge," she said again, and laughed.
"I'm a pain in the butt," Gollinger corrected her, and then he laughed.
To be sure, if laughter is the best medicine, Gollinger, a military policeman injured by an explosive device while patrolling in Baghdad, is well on his way to a speedy recovery. An amputee who lost a leg and an eye, Gollinger is recovering at Walter Reed Army Medical Center here. He keeps Wyckoff on her toes and in stitches at the same time. The two go back and forth like kin, verbally poking and picking.
Wyckoff has been on staff at the center for more than three years and has personally worked with nearly half of the amputees who've received care there. She meets them bedside when they are first brought to the center and follows them through their care -- from being wheeled into the therapy room to, hopefully, walking out on their own.
"I love it here. I love to see the fact that people improve and they get back to living a life that's meaningful to them," Wyckoff said.
Wyckoff works with seven to 10 patients daily. Some are more independent and work through much of their therapy on their own, she said.
The physical therapy room is large, white and full of commotion. Low, padded tables cut through the center of the room providing areas for patients to lie, sit, exercise or rest. Amputees at various stages of therapy go about their recovery in a deliberate, although sometimes frustrating, fashion. Some work on upper body strength with familiar exercises like push ups; others practice walking; and some get help stretching from family members.
Exercise machines are stationed for walking and biking in the physical therapy room. Peer amputee visitors mingle and encourage, and there is even a therapy dog, Troy, who drops a tennis ball at the base of patients' wheelchairs in hopes that it will get thrown and he will get to chase. Some do, some don't, but eventually Troy finds someone who is willing to give the ball a fling across the room.
During this therapy session, Gollinger literally pulled Wyckoff around the outside of the main hospital building. Using a rubber band connected to a belt at Gollinger's waist, Wyckoff held and resisted as Gollinger stepped around the building in a race against fellow amputee Army Sgt. Kevin Brown. Gollinger lost.
Using the same resistance, Gollinger followed up his loss with an indoor race against Brown, maneuvering down a row of colored cones, stopping to squat using his prosthetic leg and touching the cone with his other leg. This race he won, although Wyckoff jokingly accused him of cheating. Friendly competition keeps the therapy fun, Gollinger said.
But the exercises have purpose, each targeting specific areas and concentrating on particular elements of recovery.
The exercises in this session help with balance and confidence using the prosthetic leg, Wyckoff said.
"We want them to be able to control the knee prosthetic, while they are squatting down. They need to be able to learn to pick things up off the floor," she said.
Gollinger has served in the Army for one and a half years, and he has spent nearly half of that time at Walter Reed. Therapy wasn't always as fun for him as it is now.
"At first I was very bitter. I didn't really care. Now it's just kind of like my second home," he said.
"Medically I died twice. I'm pretty thankful to be here today at all, let alone just missing an eye and a leg. You can't really complain about that," he said.
A year-round athlete in high school, Gollinger said he joined the Army to "get out and see the world." He also hoped to get money for college and eventually play college sports.
The 20-year-old said he thought his life was over when he found out his leg was amputated. But therapy and a positive attitude turned it around for him. The New York state native said he plans to enroll in college there to become a teacher and hopes to eventually hit the athletic fields again.
"I went through a really hard time trying to adapt and find things that would interest me," he said. "I figured my life was pretty much over with as far as stuff I liked to do, but I've been reassured that, depending on how good I get, I'll be able to play softball."
Gollinger said his therapy improved when his attitude improved. "As soon as I was mentally prepared ... everything else just took off, and I've been going nowhere else but up," he said.
"How bad do you want it? I want it bad now. Before, I didn't want it bad at all. Riding a wheel chair, I figured, would be my first means of transportation," Gollinger said. "The more I see everybody else I know getting up and walking, the more I realize that I don't want to be in a wheelchair the rest of my life."
Gollinger offered simple advice to those who follow in his footsteps at the center.
"Don't wait for things to happen. Make them happen. Keep your head up. Others have been there. And we're going to help," he said.
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
American Forces Press Service
June 4, 2007 – Working with Army Pfc. Randy Gollinger is, to say the least, challenging. When asked, his physical therapist, Bunnie Wyckoff, used the words "challenging" and "challenge" at least four times to describe her work with Gollinger.
"He's challenging. He was very difficult to motivate in the beginning. He turned around like most of the guys do. He's doing fine now. But he likes to challenge me all the way. I'm up for the challenge. I enjoy it," she said.
"He's a challenge," she said again, and laughed.
"I'm a pain in the butt," Gollinger corrected her, and then he laughed.
To be sure, if laughter is the best medicine, Gollinger, a military policeman injured by an explosive device while patrolling in Baghdad, is well on his way to a speedy recovery. An amputee who lost a leg and an eye, Gollinger is recovering at Walter Reed Army Medical Center here. He keeps Wyckoff on her toes and in stitches at the same time. The two go back and forth like kin, verbally poking and picking.
Wyckoff has been on staff at the center for more than three years and has personally worked with nearly half of the amputees who've received care there. She meets them bedside when they are first brought to the center and follows them through their care -- from being wheeled into the therapy room to, hopefully, walking out on their own.
"I love it here. I love to see the fact that people improve and they get back to living a life that's meaningful to them," Wyckoff said.
Wyckoff works with seven to 10 patients daily. Some are more independent and work through much of their therapy on their own, she said.
The physical therapy room is large, white and full of commotion. Low, padded tables cut through the center of the room providing areas for patients to lie, sit, exercise or rest. Amputees at various stages of therapy go about their recovery in a deliberate, although sometimes frustrating, fashion. Some work on upper body strength with familiar exercises like push ups; others practice walking; and some get help stretching from family members.
Exercise machines are stationed for walking and biking in the physical therapy room. Peer amputee visitors mingle and encourage, and there is even a therapy dog, Troy, who drops a tennis ball at the base of patients' wheelchairs in hopes that it will get thrown and he will get to chase. Some do, some don't, but eventually Troy finds someone who is willing to give the ball a fling across the room.
During this therapy session, Gollinger literally pulled Wyckoff around the outside of the main hospital building. Using a rubber band connected to a belt at Gollinger's waist, Wyckoff held and resisted as Gollinger stepped around the building in a race against fellow amputee Army Sgt. Kevin Brown. Gollinger lost.
Using the same resistance, Gollinger followed up his loss with an indoor race against Brown, maneuvering down a row of colored cones, stopping to squat using his prosthetic leg and touching the cone with his other leg. This race he won, although Wyckoff jokingly accused him of cheating. Friendly competition keeps the therapy fun, Gollinger said.
But the exercises have purpose, each targeting specific areas and concentrating on particular elements of recovery.
The exercises in this session help with balance and confidence using the prosthetic leg, Wyckoff said.
"We want them to be able to control the knee prosthetic, while they are squatting down. They need to be able to learn to pick things up off the floor," she said.
Gollinger has served in the Army for one and a half years, and he has spent nearly half of that time at Walter Reed. Therapy wasn't always as fun for him as it is now.
"At first I was very bitter. I didn't really care. Now it's just kind of like my second home," he said.
"Medically I died twice. I'm pretty thankful to be here today at all, let alone just missing an eye and a leg. You can't really complain about that," he said.
A year-round athlete in high school, Gollinger said he joined the Army to "get out and see the world." He also hoped to get money for college and eventually play college sports.
The 20-year-old said he thought his life was over when he found out his leg was amputated. But therapy and a positive attitude turned it around for him. The New York state native said he plans to enroll in college there to become a teacher and hopes to eventually hit the athletic fields again.
"I went through a really hard time trying to adapt and find things that would interest me," he said. "I figured my life was pretty much over with as far as stuff I liked to do, but I've been reassured that, depending on how good I get, I'll be able to play softball."
Gollinger said his therapy improved when his attitude improved. "As soon as I was mentally prepared ... everything else just took off, and I've been going nowhere else but up," he said.
"How bad do you want it? I want it bad now. Before, I didn't want it bad at all. Riding a wheel chair, I figured, would be my first means of transportation," Gollinger said. "The more I see everybody else I know getting up and walking, the more I realize that I don't want to be in a wheelchair the rest of my life."
Gollinger offered simple advice to those who follow in his footsteps at the center.
"Don't wait for things to happen. Make them happen. Keep your head up. Others have been there. And we're going to help," he said.
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
Gates 'Puzzled' By Russian Response to U.S. Missile Defense Plans
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
June 5, 2007 – Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said here today that he and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice "are both puzzled by what the Russians are doing" in response to U.S. plans to build missile defense sites in Eastern Europe. Speaking at a joint news conference with French Defense Minister Herve Morin, Gates said the two leaders had discussed the issue, including "some of the public statements coming out of Russia recently, especially by President (Vladimir) Putin."
Putin, who has accused the United States of trying to start an arms race, ordered test-firing of new missiles this week.
For the first time in history, the leaders of the U.S. State and Defense departments both have doctorates in Russian studies -- and both are baffled by Russia's activities, Gates noted today.
"I think it is important to be flexible in addressing their concerns on a number of different issues," he said. "At the same time, we should not be in the position of allowing them to obstruct further progress in a number of areas.
"But above all," he said, "we would prefer that they partner with us and be allies in pursuing a number of these initiatives."
Morin declined to state France's specific position on the missile issue, but said it's in nobody's interest to "create conditions that recall older times." He emphasized the need for "constructive dialog with our Russian friends."
During a June 3 question-and-answer session at the Asian Security Summit in Singapore, Gates emphasized that the missile defenses in question wouldn't be technically advanced enough to threaten Russia. Rather, he said, they would be designed to counter rogue countries or terrorist groups.
"In neither case is the ballistic missile defense aimed at weakening the deterrent of either China or Russia," he said.
Gates said the United States will explore "anything we can do to provide transparency on that point and help people understand the capabilities (and) characteristics of the system."
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
American Forces Press Service
June 5, 2007 – Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said here today that he and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice "are both puzzled by what the Russians are doing" in response to U.S. plans to build missile defense sites in Eastern Europe. Speaking at a joint news conference with French Defense Minister Herve Morin, Gates said the two leaders had discussed the issue, including "some of the public statements coming out of Russia recently, especially by President (Vladimir) Putin."
Putin, who has accused the United States of trying to start an arms race, ordered test-firing of new missiles this week.
For the first time in history, the leaders of the U.S. State and Defense departments both have doctorates in Russian studies -- and both are baffled by Russia's activities, Gates noted today.
"I think it is important to be flexible in addressing their concerns on a number of different issues," he said. "At the same time, we should not be in the position of allowing them to obstruct further progress in a number of areas.
"But above all," he said, "we would prefer that they partner with us and be allies in pursuing a number of these initiatives."
Morin declined to state France's specific position on the missile issue, but said it's in nobody's interest to "create conditions that recall older times." He emphasized the need for "constructive dialog with our Russian friends."
During a June 3 question-and-answer session at the Asian Security Summit in Singapore, Gates emphasized that the missile defenses in question wouldn't be technically advanced enough to threaten Russia. Rather, he said, they would be designed to counter rogue countries or terrorist groups.
"In neither case is the ballistic missile defense aimed at weakening the deterrent of either China or Russia," he said.
Gates said the United States will explore "anything we can do to provide transparency on that point and help people understand the capabilities (and) characteristics of the system."
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
Gates, French Defense Minister Reaffirm Defense Ties
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
June 5, 2007 – Meeting here today on the eve of the 63rd anniversary of the D-Day invasion, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates and French Defense Minister Herve Morin agreed to work toward strengthening their two countries' historic ties. Morin told reporters after a 45-minute session with Gates that he considers it "a great honor" that Gates is the first foreign defense leader to visit since Morin took office two weeks ago.
Gates called today's meeting "a good introductory conversation" that covered a full range of defense issues.
Morin said he and Gates shared many common views during their discussions and agreed that they want to work together and collaborate on a variety of issues.
He reiterated France's support for the NATO International Security Assistance Force mission in Afghanistan, the NATO-led peacekeeping force in Kosovo, and the Darfur, Sudan, peacekeeping effort.
Asked about France's commitment to Afghanistan, Morin said: "Our role is not to remain forever." Rather, he said, the goal is to develop and reinforce Afghanistan's own institutions so it can stand on its own. He called training of Afghanistan's security forces a priority.
Both leaders said they look forward to visiting Normandy together tomorrow, the 63rd anniversary of D-Day, when thousands of Americans died storming the beaches. Gates is slated to speak at the American Cemetery at Coleville-sur-Mer during ceremonies marking the anniversary.
"At the same time we will memorialize those who gave their lives on D-Day, we will also acknowledge and celebrate the long ties that have bound both the United States and France," Gates said.
Morin told reporters his father reminded him often "how much we owe to all the Allied soldiers, especially the young Americans who came to die on our beaches."
"The American graveyards have a great and deep significance," he said.
Gates' visit follows Nicolas Sarkozy's recent election as France's new president. Sarkozy, who has advocated closer relations with the United States, will meet this week with President Bush and other European, Canadian, Japanese and Russian leaders during the G8 conference in Germany.
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
American Forces Press Service
June 5, 2007 – Meeting here today on the eve of the 63rd anniversary of the D-Day invasion, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates and French Defense Minister Herve Morin agreed to work toward strengthening their two countries' historic ties. Morin told reporters after a 45-minute session with Gates that he considers it "a great honor" that Gates is the first foreign defense leader to visit since Morin took office two weeks ago.
Gates called today's meeting "a good introductory conversation" that covered a full range of defense issues.
Morin said he and Gates shared many common views during their discussions and agreed that they want to work together and collaborate on a variety of issues.
He reiterated France's support for the NATO International Security Assistance Force mission in Afghanistan, the NATO-led peacekeeping force in Kosovo, and the Darfur, Sudan, peacekeeping effort.
Asked about France's commitment to Afghanistan, Morin said: "Our role is not to remain forever." Rather, he said, the goal is to develop and reinforce Afghanistan's own institutions so it can stand on its own. He called training of Afghanistan's security forces a priority.
Both leaders said they look forward to visiting Normandy together tomorrow, the 63rd anniversary of D-Day, when thousands of Americans died storming the beaches. Gates is slated to speak at the American Cemetery at Coleville-sur-Mer during ceremonies marking the anniversary.
"At the same time we will memorialize those who gave their lives on D-Day, we will also acknowledge and celebrate the long ties that have bound both the United States and France," Gates said.
Morin told reporters his father reminded him often "how much we owe to all the Allied soldiers, especially the young Americans who came to die on our beaches."
"The American graveyards have a great and deep significance," he said.
Gates' visit follows Nicolas Sarkozy's recent election as France's new president. Sarkozy, who has advocated closer relations with the United States, will meet this week with President Bush and other European, Canadian, Japanese and Russian leaders during the G8 conference in Germany.
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
Actors Honor Real-Life Army Counterparts
By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service
June 5, 2007 – Reality met Hollywood last month when the cast and crew of the Lifetime Network's new series "Army Wives" hosted a picnic honoring real Army wives in Charleston, S.C., where the series is filmed. The actors who hosted the May 5 picnic included Catherine Bell, who played Marine Lt. Col. Sarah MacKenzie on the long-running CBS series, "JAG." She was joined by actress Kim Delaney, who has had recurring roles on several TV series, including "China Beach." Brigid Brannagh, Sally Pressman and Roland Burton also attended with their "Army" spouses, actors Brain McNamara, Terry Serpico, Jeremy Davidson, Drew Fuller and Wendy Davis.
"This wasn't a mandatory, 'You have to show up for this,'" Regina Galvin, editor of CinCHouse.com, said. "The actors were very interested in really hearing the experiences of these women and where they're coming from.
"There was genuine respect, mutual respect, for what the actors were doing and also for what the Army wives were doing in holding down that home front," she said.
The event, which included pampering for the real-life wives from North Carolina and Kansas, provided an opportunity for Lifetime to publicize its new series. More importantly, however, it allowed the network to bring awareness to Operation Homefront, a troop-support group founded by a military spouse, Galvin said.
Lifetime accomplished this through a short film called "Wives on the Homefront." The film, which runs just over 11 minutes, gives voice to the challenges wives face and their feelings about facing those challenges alone. It also allowed for the cast members to reflect on what they learned during their day with the wives.
"Not enough people know what the wives and families of our troops do and how strong they are and how much support they give our troops," Bell said.
Davis agreed. "These are the women who are really what I consider to be unsung heroes," she said. "These are the women who are raising the children; they're holding down the fort at home."
Jane Biter, wife Army Staff Sgt. Robert Biter, currently serving in Afghanistan, is one of those unsung heroes. She is raising her 7-year-old son and 5- and 2-year-old daughters.
"It's hard having to be both Mommy and Daddy," she said. "But it's workable."
The film also included comments from Stefani Pelkey, a former Army captain, whose husband, also an Army captain, took his life after returning from service in Iraq. "When he came back he was not the same happy-go-lucky person as he was before," Pelkey said. "He was suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (and) unfortunately, he was not able to get that help when he needed it."
Pelkey now is a contributor to Operation Homefront's online community, CinCHouse.com, a community of military spouses offering support in all areas of military life. As a representative of Operation Homefront's Wounded Warrior Wives program, she works to help other military spouses identify signs of post-traumatic stress disorder and where to find help.
The new program helps wives of wounded servicemembers navigate the many challenges they may face.
Operation Homefront and CinCHouse.com are members of America Supports You, a Defense Department program connecting citizens and corporations with military personnel and their families serving at home and abroad.
The network of support that the wives offer each other impressed the cast.
"They really look to each other," Fuller said. "It's the best support group I've ever seen."
Missy Reese, an Army wife, said she can always count on other Army wives when she needs anything, and other wives can count on her. "Whatever I need, or whatever they need, we're always there," she said. "It's like a pot of support."
To further express their support and appreciation for the real-life Army wives and the work of Operation Homefront, the cast members helped the wives pack care packages. The boxes were put together to fill orders Operation Homefront received through its "eCarePackage" program.
Through this program, visitors to the Operation Homefront Web site can choose items to fill a care package for a servicemember for just the cost of the shipping and handling.
"Wives on the Homefront" originally aired June 3 on Lifetime TV, the same day as the premiere of "Army Wives." In addition, to the TV program, Lifetime TV is offering blogs from four military spouses, three of whom also contribute to CinCHouse.com.
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
American Forces Press Service
June 5, 2007 – Reality met Hollywood last month when the cast and crew of the Lifetime Network's new series "Army Wives" hosted a picnic honoring real Army wives in Charleston, S.C., where the series is filmed. The actors who hosted the May 5 picnic included Catherine Bell, who played Marine Lt. Col. Sarah MacKenzie on the long-running CBS series, "JAG." She was joined by actress Kim Delaney, who has had recurring roles on several TV series, including "China Beach." Brigid Brannagh, Sally Pressman and Roland Burton also attended with their "Army" spouses, actors Brain McNamara, Terry Serpico, Jeremy Davidson, Drew Fuller and Wendy Davis.
"This wasn't a mandatory, 'You have to show up for this,'" Regina Galvin, editor of CinCHouse.com, said. "The actors were very interested in really hearing the experiences of these women and where they're coming from.
"There was genuine respect, mutual respect, for what the actors were doing and also for what the Army wives were doing in holding down that home front," she said.
The event, which included pampering for the real-life wives from North Carolina and Kansas, provided an opportunity for Lifetime to publicize its new series. More importantly, however, it allowed the network to bring awareness to Operation Homefront, a troop-support group founded by a military spouse, Galvin said.
Lifetime accomplished this through a short film called "Wives on the Homefront." The film, which runs just over 11 minutes, gives voice to the challenges wives face and their feelings about facing those challenges alone. It also allowed for the cast members to reflect on what they learned during their day with the wives.
"Not enough people know what the wives and families of our troops do and how strong they are and how much support they give our troops," Bell said.
Davis agreed. "These are the women who are really what I consider to be unsung heroes," she said. "These are the women who are raising the children; they're holding down the fort at home."
Jane Biter, wife Army Staff Sgt. Robert Biter, currently serving in Afghanistan, is one of those unsung heroes. She is raising her 7-year-old son and 5- and 2-year-old daughters.
"It's hard having to be both Mommy and Daddy," she said. "But it's workable."
The film also included comments from Stefani Pelkey, a former Army captain, whose husband, also an Army captain, took his life after returning from service in Iraq. "When he came back he was not the same happy-go-lucky person as he was before," Pelkey said. "He was suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (and) unfortunately, he was not able to get that help when he needed it."
Pelkey now is a contributor to Operation Homefront's online community, CinCHouse.com, a community of military spouses offering support in all areas of military life. As a representative of Operation Homefront's Wounded Warrior Wives program, she works to help other military spouses identify signs of post-traumatic stress disorder and where to find help.
The new program helps wives of wounded servicemembers navigate the many challenges they may face.
Operation Homefront and CinCHouse.com are members of America Supports You, a Defense Department program connecting citizens and corporations with military personnel and their families serving at home and abroad.
The network of support that the wives offer each other impressed the cast.
"They really look to each other," Fuller said. "It's the best support group I've ever seen."
Missy Reese, an Army wife, said she can always count on other Army wives when she needs anything, and other wives can count on her. "Whatever I need, or whatever they need, we're always there," she said. "It's like a pot of support."
To further express their support and appreciation for the real-life Army wives and the work of Operation Homefront, the cast members helped the wives pack care packages. The boxes were put together to fill orders Operation Homefront received through its "eCarePackage" program.
Through this program, visitors to the Operation Homefront Web site can choose items to fill a care package for a servicemember for just the cost of the shipping and handling.
"Wives on the Homefront" originally aired June 3 on Lifetime TV, the same day as the premiere of "Army Wives." In addition, to the TV program, Lifetime TV is offering blogs from four military spouses, three of whom also contribute to CinCHouse.com.
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
Terrorists Using Chlorine Car Bombs to Intimidate Iraqis
American Forces Press Service
June 6, 2007 – Anyone who doubts that al Qaeda would use chemical, nuclear or biological weapons need only look at the terror group's attacks in Iraq, Defense officials said. Al Qaeda and affiliated groups have used chlorine gas in attacks against civilians, Iraqi forces and coalition forces at least 15 times since October, according to U.S. officials in Baghdad.
"Chlorine is used by terrorists with the intent to harm or kill large numbers of civilians," an official said. "The attacks show that the terrorists are adaptable, but it reflects more on their maliciousness than their sophistication."
The first documented chlorine attack was Oct. 21, 2006, in Ramadi, a Multinational Force Iraq spokeswoman said. In that attack, terrorists drove a car bomb with 12 120 mm mortar shells and two 100-pound chlorine tanks. The attack wounded three Iraqi police officers and a civilian.
The first attack that received media attention was at Taji, where terrorists remotely detonated a 5-ton truck packed with 100 pounds of high explosives and two 1-ton chlorine tanks. The attack killed one civilian and wounded 114 others.
Other chlorine attacks occurred in Fallujah, Balad and Ramadi. The most recent attack was June 3 against Forward Operating Base Warhorse, in Diyala province. Again, a suicide car bomber launched the attack, and officials estimate it included two tanks of chlorine and 1,000 pounds of explosive. The cloud from the attack blew over Warhorse and sickened 65 servicemembers, Multinational Force Iraq officials said. All were examined and returned to duty.
Officials in Baghdad cannot tell from their records if anyone has died from chlorine inhalation. A Multinational Force Iraq spokesman said there are anecdotal reports that while the blasts from the attacks have killed, few have died solely from the gas. "We hear that an old man and some babies may have been killed, but we can't pin that down," the spokesman said.
"We have seen attempts made by insurgent forces - al Qaeda in particular - to use debilitating agents like chlorine in their (improvised explosive devices and car bombs) to cause casualties beyond just concussion and blast," Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman said.
Whitman said the attacks have been of limited effectiveness, but that does not lessen concerns. "We continue to look at ways to prevent those materials from making their way to those who plant explosive devices," he said.
This is a difficult proposition because many chemicals, like chlorine, have legitimate civilian uses. Chlorine is used to purify water and in other industrial processes.
Without getting into details that could jeopardize operational security, U.S. servicemembers have gear to protect them from such weapons, a Pentagon official said. So the terrorists aim the weapon at civilians in an effort to intimidate populations.
"The car bombs themselves are designed to target innocent civilians," Whitman said. "It reflects the brutality of the enemy we are facing and the total disregard of life to use such an indiscriminate nature."
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
June 6, 2007 – Anyone who doubts that al Qaeda would use chemical, nuclear or biological weapons need only look at the terror group's attacks in Iraq, Defense officials said. Al Qaeda and affiliated groups have used chlorine gas in attacks against civilians, Iraqi forces and coalition forces at least 15 times since October, according to U.S. officials in Baghdad.
"Chlorine is used by terrorists with the intent to harm or kill large numbers of civilians," an official said. "The attacks show that the terrorists are adaptable, but it reflects more on their maliciousness than their sophistication."
The first documented chlorine attack was Oct. 21, 2006, in Ramadi, a Multinational Force Iraq spokeswoman said. In that attack, terrorists drove a car bomb with 12 120 mm mortar shells and two 100-pound chlorine tanks. The attack wounded three Iraqi police officers and a civilian.
The first attack that received media attention was at Taji, where terrorists remotely detonated a 5-ton truck packed with 100 pounds of high explosives and two 1-ton chlorine tanks. The attack killed one civilian and wounded 114 others.
Other chlorine attacks occurred in Fallujah, Balad and Ramadi. The most recent attack was June 3 against Forward Operating Base Warhorse, in Diyala province. Again, a suicide car bomber launched the attack, and officials estimate it included two tanks of chlorine and 1,000 pounds of explosive. The cloud from the attack blew over Warhorse and sickened 65 servicemembers, Multinational Force Iraq officials said. All were examined and returned to duty.
Officials in Baghdad cannot tell from their records if anyone has died from chlorine inhalation. A Multinational Force Iraq spokesman said there are anecdotal reports that while the blasts from the attacks have killed, few have died solely from the gas. "We hear that an old man and some babies may have been killed, but we can't pin that down," the spokesman said.
"We have seen attempts made by insurgent forces - al Qaeda in particular - to use debilitating agents like chlorine in their (improvised explosive devices and car bombs) to cause casualties beyond just concussion and blast," Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman said.
Whitman said the attacks have been of limited effectiveness, but that does not lessen concerns. "We continue to look at ways to prevent those materials from making their way to those who plant explosive devices," he said.
This is a difficult proposition because many chemicals, like chlorine, have legitimate civilian uses. Chlorine is used to purify water and in other industrial processes.
Without getting into details that could jeopardize operational security, U.S. servicemembers have gear to protect them from such weapons, a Pentagon official said. So the terrorists aim the weapon at civilians in an effort to intimidate populations.
"The car bombs themselves are designed to target innocent civilians," Whitman said. "It reflects the brutality of the enemy we are facing and the total disregard of life to use such an indiscriminate nature."
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
Wednesday, June 06, 2007
New Pentagon Channel Show Helps Make Troops 'Fit for Duty'
By David Mays
Special to American Forces Press Service
June 4, 2007 – Hosts of a new show coming to the Pentagon Channel want to make troops hurt. They want to make them sweat. They want to push servicemembers' limits. Above all, they want to ensure members of the U.S. military are "Fit for Duty." "Fitness is as much a part of the military as the uniform," said retired Air Force Master Sgt. Jim Langdon, who serves as the Pentagon Channel's director of operations and programming as well as executive producer of "Fit for Duty."
"All the services go to great lengths to entice their troops to stay fit," Langdon said. "We wanted to help too."
"Fit for Duty" takes viewers through a high-energy 30-minute workout led by servicemembers with expertise in fitness training. The show makes it simple to follow along and complete exercises demonstrated by the instructors. A military sports medicine physician also offers tips for preventing injuries and avoiding career-ending accidents during each episode of the show.
Fitness instructors on the show represent each branch of the military and were selected after a nation-wide call for auditions was launched through advertisement on the Pentagon Channel's Web site, e-mails to public affairs officers across the country, and word of mouth with the goal of appealing to a military audience.
"We hope they'll identify with our hosts and join us for a daily workout," Langdon said.
"I thought it sounded like fun and a good idea because it isn't built around just one service or one absolute fitness nut," said Marine Corps Sgt. Clint Reynolds, a martial arts instructor selected for the show. "I feel fitness should be part of everyone's life. Now I am not saying you have to run a billion miles every week, live off of grass and bark or anything, but you should keep yourself healthy so that you feel better physically and emotionally, live longer, and enjoy life more."
In developing exercise routines for the show, Reynolds faced some hurdles. "The most challenging part (was) trying to come up with routines that will keep someone motivated and is actually enjoyable to do, and is able to be watched and done in less than 30 minutes," he said. "I hope that it will show that there are many different ways of working out and staying fit and that it will make my own fitness better."
"I enjoy working out," said Air Force Master Sgt. Sandifer Temeria, another "Fit for Duty" instructor. "I also like helping individuals obtain their personal goals in fitness, but I tell them all that it starts with them and positive attitude. Fitness only works when you're having fun, and enjoy what you're doing."
"The Pentagon Channel realizes the need to provide programming that entices our audience to watch," Langdon said. "If you're into fitness, you'll not only improve some exercise techniques, you'll learn some valuable information about your military rights and benefits during our spot breaks -- two good reasons to watch."
"I hope that servicemembers and civilians alike watch the show so they can see all the services in action and the difference between them all, but in the same light see that regardless of those differences we are working as one team to make sure we are up to the challenge to protecting our great nation," Reynolds said.
Navy Cmdr. (Dr.) Dave Keblish, an orthopedic surgeon and head of sports medicine at the U.S. Naval Academy, in Annapolis, Md., hosts a "Fit for Duty" segment called "Train Smart Stay Strong" that teaches servicemembers highly effective methods to prevent career-ending injuries.
"I tend to think of fitness as having three main pillars: aerobic conditioning, flexibility and strength," said Keblish, who believes proper fitness workout habits learned early in a military career are paramount.
"If more servicemembers looked at fitness this way and learned a bit more about avoiding common orthopedic injuries, I feel we would have a healthier and less disabled work force," he added. "I have counseled many active-duty members about the severity of their condition after it was too late. There is much truth in the old saying that 'an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.'"
But much like the instructors on "Fit for Duty," servicemembers shouldn't expect the doctor to go easy on slackers.
"I am tired of the cliche of the washed-up sports jock with a dozen aches and pains from old sports injuries and surgeries," Keblish said. "I was a stoic athlete myself, and I don't relate well to patients who are too lazy to get in shape or too whiny to endure a bit of pain along the way. However, I strongly believe that we work hard, we play hard, and when we're injured we need to rest hard."
"Fit for Duty" is one of the most technically challenging productions the Pentagon Channel has undertaken. A crew of 10 set up an elaborate field studio at Bolling Air Force Base, in Washington, D.C., to shoot the first dozen shows over a hectic three-day shoot schedule. In the future, "Fit for Duty" producers hope to take the show to military installations across the country and around the world.
"The Pentagon Channel is breaking new ground with this original program," Langdon said. "Our channel has many news and information programs, but this is the first interactive program."
"Fit for Duty" is just one of many lifestyle shows the Pentagon Channel plans to present soon. An upcoming military cooking show, "Combat Kitchen," will introduce viewers to the "Grill Sergeant" who will "get you locked and loaded with some tasty meals," Langdon said. "We will continue to develop programming deserving of those who keep and protect our freedom."
"Fit for Duty" debuts June 18 on the Pentagon Channel. It will also be available via podcast and video on demand. For complete program schedule, check www.pentagonchannel.mil.
(David Mays works for the Pentagon Channel.)
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
Special to American Forces Press Service
June 4, 2007 – Hosts of a new show coming to the Pentagon Channel want to make troops hurt. They want to make them sweat. They want to push servicemembers' limits. Above all, they want to ensure members of the U.S. military are "Fit for Duty." "Fitness is as much a part of the military as the uniform," said retired Air Force Master Sgt. Jim Langdon, who serves as the Pentagon Channel's director of operations and programming as well as executive producer of "Fit for Duty."
"All the services go to great lengths to entice their troops to stay fit," Langdon said. "We wanted to help too."
"Fit for Duty" takes viewers through a high-energy 30-minute workout led by servicemembers with expertise in fitness training. The show makes it simple to follow along and complete exercises demonstrated by the instructors. A military sports medicine physician also offers tips for preventing injuries and avoiding career-ending accidents during each episode of the show.
Fitness instructors on the show represent each branch of the military and were selected after a nation-wide call for auditions was launched through advertisement on the Pentagon Channel's Web site, e-mails to public affairs officers across the country, and word of mouth with the goal of appealing to a military audience.
"We hope they'll identify with our hosts and join us for a daily workout," Langdon said.
"I thought it sounded like fun and a good idea because it isn't built around just one service or one absolute fitness nut," said Marine Corps Sgt. Clint Reynolds, a martial arts instructor selected for the show. "I feel fitness should be part of everyone's life. Now I am not saying you have to run a billion miles every week, live off of grass and bark or anything, but you should keep yourself healthy so that you feel better physically and emotionally, live longer, and enjoy life more."
In developing exercise routines for the show, Reynolds faced some hurdles. "The most challenging part (was) trying to come up with routines that will keep someone motivated and is actually enjoyable to do, and is able to be watched and done in less than 30 minutes," he said. "I hope that it will show that there are many different ways of working out and staying fit and that it will make my own fitness better."
"I enjoy working out," said Air Force Master Sgt. Sandifer Temeria, another "Fit for Duty" instructor. "I also like helping individuals obtain their personal goals in fitness, but I tell them all that it starts with them and positive attitude. Fitness only works when you're having fun, and enjoy what you're doing."
"The Pentagon Channel realizes the need to provide programming that entices our audience to watch," Langdon said. "If you're into fitness, you'll not only improve some exercise techniques, you'll learn some valuable information about your military rights and benefits during our spot breaks -- two good reasons to watch."
"I hope that servicemembers and civilians alike watch the show so they can see all the services in action and the difference between them all, but in the same light see that regardless of those differences we are working as one team to make sure we are up to the challenge to protecting our great nation," Reynolds said.
Navy Cmdr. (Dr.) Dave Keblish, an orthopedic surgeon and head of sports medicine at the U.S. Naval Academy, in Annapolis, Md., hosts a "Fit for Duty" segment called "Train Smart Stay Strong" that teaches servicemembers highly effective methods to prevent career-ending injuries.
"I tend to think of fitness as having three main pillars: aerobic conditioning, flexibility and strength," said Keblish, who believes proper fitness workout habits learned early in a military career are paramount.
"If more servicemembers looked at fitness this way and learned a bit more about avoiding common orthopedic injuries, I feel we would have a healthier and less disabled work force," he added. "I have counseled many active-duty members about the severity of their condition after it was too late. There is much truth in the old saying that 'an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.'"
But much like the instructors on "Fit for Duty," servicemembers shouldn't expect the doctor to go easy on slackers.
"I am tired of the cliche of the washed-up sports jock with a dozen aches and pains from old sports injuries and surgeries," Keblish said. "I was a stoic athlete myself, and I don't relate well to patients who are too lazy to get in shape or too whiny to endure a bit of pain along the way. However, I strongly believe that we work hard, we play hard, and when we're injured we need to rest hard."
"Fit for Duty" is one of the most technically challenging productions the Pentagon Channel has undertaken. A crew of 10 set up an elaborate field studio at Bolling Air Force Base, in Washington, D.C., to shoot the first dozen shows over a hectic three-day shoot schedule. In the future, "Fit for Duty" producers hope to take the show to military installations across the country and around the world.
"The Pentagon Channel is breaking new ground with this original program," Langdon said. "Our channel has many news and information programs, but this is the first interactive program."
"Fit for Duty" is just one of many lifestyle shows the Pentagon Channel plans to present soon. An upcoming military cooking show, "Combat Kitchen," will introduce viewers to the "Grill Sergeant" who will "get you locked and loaded with some tasty meals," Langdon said. "We will continue to develop programming deserving of those who keep and protect our freedom."
"Fit for Duty" debuts June 18 on the Pentagon Channel. It will also be available via podcast and video on demand. For complete program schedule, check www.pentagonchannel.mil.
(David Mays works for the Pentagon Channel.)
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
Servicemembers Missing From WWII Now Listed In Electronic Database
The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) announced today that an electronic database listing the names of servicemembers still unaccounted for from World War II is now available for family members and researchers.
This new listing will aid researchers and analysts in WWII remains recovery operations. Prior to this three-year effort, no comprehensive list of those missing from WWII has existed.
This database, listing nearly 78,000 names, was compiled by researchers from DPMO and the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command. They used hard-copy sources including "The American Graves Registration Service Rosters of Military Personnel Whose Remains were not Recovered" from the National Archives II repository in College Park, Md., and "The World War II Rosters of the Dead." Once transferred into electronic formats, they used computer programs to compare the two lists and determined possible discrepancies among the entries. These differences were then resolved using additional sources from the National Archives and thousands of personnel files from the Washington National Records Center.
After more than three years of research and coordination to transfer information into an electronic format, efforts to gather more data on unaccounted-for WWII servicemembers continue. New names and information will be added as historical documents and personnel files are located. The names of servicemen whose remains are recovered and identified in the future will be removed as families accept the identification and inter their loved ones in cemeteries of their choice.
This WWII database, along with databases listing the missing from the Korean War, Cold War, Vietnam War and Gulf War, are available on DPMO's Web site at http://www.dtic.mil/dpmo. For additional information on the Defense Department's mission to account for missing Americans, visit the DPMO Web site or call (703) 699-1169.
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
This new listing will aid researchers and analysts in WWII remains recovery operations. Prior to this three-year effort, no comprehensive list of those missing from WWII has existed.
This database, listing nearly 78,000 names, was compiled by researchers from DPMO and the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command. They used hard-copy sources including "The American Graves Registration Service Rosters of Military Personnel Whose Remains were not Recovered" from the National Archives II repository in College Park, Md., and "The World War II Rosters of the Dead." Once transferred into electronic formats, they used computer programs to compare the two lists and determined possible discrepancies among the entries. These differences were then resolved using additional sources from the National Archives and thousands of personnel files from the Washington National Records Center.
After more than three years of research and coordination to transfer information into an electronic format, efforts to gather more data on unaccounted-for WWII servicemembers continue. New names and information will be added as historical documents and personnel files are located. The names of servicemen whose remains are recovered and identified in the future will be removed as families accept the identification and inter their loved ones in cemeteries of their choice.
This WWII database, along with databases listing the missing from the Korean War, Cold War, Vietnam War and Gulf War, are available on DPMO's Web site at http://www.dtic.mil/dpmo. For additional information on the Defense Department's mission to account for missing Americans, visit the DPMO Web site or call (703) 699-1169.
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
Pace Promotes Future Cooperation with Malaysia
By Linda D. Kozaryn
American Forces Press Service
June 4, 2007 – The United States and Malaysia have had "a long, very strong and prosperous relationship," Marine Gen. Peter Pace said here today, noting that Malaysia is the United States' 10th largest trade partner. Pace, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said he came to Malaysia to "listen and learn how the two nations' militaries can work together in the future." He met with Prime Minister Abdullah bin Amad Badawi in Putrajaya, the new federal government center a half hour's drive from the capital. He also met with senior defense officials at the Ministry of Defense to discuss U.S.-Malaysia relations.
Pace arrived here yesterday after attending the Institute for Strategic Studies' Asia Security Conference in Singapore. Shortly after arriving, Pace visited the capital city's Petronas Twin Towers, the world's tallest freestanding twin towers at 451.9 meters, and toured the Islamic Arts Museum.
Today, Pace discussed security issues with of Defense Minister Mohamed Najib Abdul Razak and Chief of Defense Gen. Abdul Aziz Zainal before addressing about 200 students at the Malaysia Armed Forces Staff College. Military officials said the audience included students from 37 armed services from 29 countries.
The hour-long event was closed to the media, but at a luncheon afterwards, students said they found Pace to be "very open and direct" in answering their questions about regional and global security issues. The students also said they would like to see more U.S. senior leaders visit the moderate Islamic country.
Malaysian military officials briefed the chairman on their plans to establish a joint forces headquarters. Pace invited the senior officers to visit the Pentagon to meet with members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to share the U.S. experience of setting up a joint headquarters.
During a joint news conference with Aziz at the Ministry of Defense, Pace responded to local reporters' questions on Malaysia's role in peacekeeping and countering piracy, Iraq, China, and the war on terrorism.
In response to a query on the day's talks on military cooperation, Pace said: "Malaysia has been a world leader in peacekeeping operations for many years.
"As we sit here now, there are 10 or so peacekeeping operations Malaysia is involved in," he said. "Malaysia also has a world-class peacekeeping center here that is available to your friends and neighbors. Peacekeeping is certainly an area where we'd like to continue to facilitate cooperation."
As a result of the "terrific cooperation" between Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia, he said, piracy in the Strait of Malacca has dropped drastically. "We're eager to continue to provide whatever information we can to assist in those kinds of activities."
"We're eager to find ways we can cooperate, that we can learn from each other, and that we can assist the region and the United States in being good partners and friends in a way that can help all the countries," Pace said.
In terms of military-to-military ties, Aziz said, the U.S.-Malaysian relationship has been strong. "In terms of enhancing security, our objective is the same: maintaining and ensuring peace in this part of the world. We always consider the United States as the security provider."
Asked about a recent International Herald Tribune article saying that the United States is considering using Korea as a model for Iraq, Pace said he had not had a chance to read the report. He said that he had, however, participated in very open discussions with Iraqi government officials in Washington.
"Clearly, as a sovereign nation, Iraq will determine who it wants to invite to be guests in their country for the long term," he said.
Pace said that he'd heard discussion about the Korea model, where the Iraqi government officials would determine the kind of long-term assistance they would like to have and then the two governments determining together how best to meet those requirements by having some U.S. forces present in the country. "Again, that would be after a thorough dialogue with respect to Iraq's sovereignty," the chairman said.
Asked about the U.S. military buildup on Guam, Pace said the island has been "a strategic location for the United States and for our support for our friends in the region" for many years.
Pace said he is delighted that U.S. officials and the government of Japan have come to an agreement that will reduce the number of U.S. Marines in Okinawa and move them to U.S. territory on Guam.
"This is just a continuation on American soil of the U.S. commitment to this region in a way that will signal to our friends that we are here as a Pacific nation and that we intend to remain here as a Pacific nation," he said.
"This part of the world is vital to the prosperity of the United States and, collectively, we can do things that will provide for dependable security for all the nations in the region so they can continue to trade with each other and prosper," he said.
Regarding threats in the region, the chairman told reporters that a threat is based on capacity and intent. "I don't ascribe to any nation intent to attack neighbors in this region or to attack the United States," he said. "But we need to have the capacity to respond should intent change."
Pace said he is optimistic about continuing good relations with China. "China is a very important part of the global community. They continue to grow and to prosper. They are modernizing their military, for sure. We in the United States are encouraging them to be as transparent as possible so we can understand what they intend to do and how much money they're spending on modernizing.
"I see much more probability of trade between all the nations in the Pacific than I do any kind of conflict," he said.
The general said he was glad China sent representatives to the Asia Security Conference because it is a terrific forum for dialogue that can help further understanding.
With regard to terrorist threats, Pace said that he and the Malaysian officials spent their time discussing how they can better understand each other.
"Understandably, different cultures have different ways of looking at problems, not only Malaysia and the United States, but all countries," he said. "How might we collectively get together and share our ideas, understand what we see as a terrorist threat, what we see that is the same and what we see as different so that as friends we can understand the perspective from which we all see the current threat so we can find the best way forward that respects each other's sovereignty and views on how to deal with the problem?"
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
American Forces Press Service
June 4, 2007 – The United States and Malaysia have had "a long, very strong and prosperous relationship," Marine Gen. Peter Pace said here today, noting that Malaysia is the United States' 10th largest trade partner. Pace, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said he came to Malaysia to "listen and learn how the two nations' militaries can work together in the future." He met with Prime Minister Abdullah bin Amad Badawi in Putrajaya, the new federal government center a half hour's drive from the capital. He also met with senior defense officials at the Ministry of Defense to discuss U.S.-Malaysia relations.
Pace arrived here yesterday after attending the Institute for Strategic Studies' Asia Security Conference in Singapore. Shortly after arriving, Pace visited the capital city's Petronas Twin Towers, the world's tallest freestanding twin towers at 451.9 meters, and toured the Islamic Arts Museum.
Today, Pace discussed security issues with of Defense Minister Mohamed Najib Abdul Razak and Chief of Defense Gen. Abdul Aziz Zainal before addressing about 200 students at the Malaysia Armed Forces Staff College. Military officials said the audience included students from 37 armed services from 29 countries.
The hour-long event was closed to the media, but at a luncheon afterwards, students said they found Pace to be "very open and direct" in answering their questions about regional and global security issues. The students also said they would like to see more U.S. senior leaders visit the moderate Islamic country.
Malaysian military officials briefed the chairman on their plans to establish a joint forces headquarters. Pace invited the senior officers to visit the Pentagon to meet with members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to share the U.S. experience of setting up a joint headquarters.
During a joint news conference with Aziz at the Ministry of Defense, Pace responded to local reporters' questions on Malaysia's role in peacekeeping and countering piracy, Iraq, China, and the war on terrorism.
In response to a query on the day's talks on military cooperation, Pace said: "Malaysia has been a world leader in peacekeeping operations for many years.
"As we sit here now, there are 10 or so peacekeeping operations Malaysia is involved in," he said. "Malaysia also has a world-class peacekeeping center here that is available to your friends and neighbors. Peacekeeping is certainly an area where we'd like to continue to facilitate cooperation."
As a result of the "terrific cooperation" between Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia, he said, piracy in the Strait of Malacca has dropped drastically. "We're eager to continue to provide whatever information we can to assist in those kinds of activities."
"We're eager to find ways we can cooperate, that we can learn from each other, and that we can assist the region and the United States in being good partners and friends in a way that can help all the countries," Pace said.
In terms of military-to-military ties, Aziz said, the U.S.-Malaysian relationship has been strong. "In terms of enhancing security, our objective is the same: maintaining and ensuring peace in this part of the world. We always consider the United States as the security provider."
Asked about a recent International Herald Tribune article saying that the United States is considering using Korea as a model for Iraq, Pace said he had not had a chance to read the report. He said that he had, however, participated in very open discussions with Iraqi government officials in Washington.
"Clearly, as a sovereign nation, Iraq will determine who it wants to invite to be guests in their country for the long term," he said.
Pace said that he'd heard discussion about the Korea model, where the Iraqi government officials would determine the kind of long-term assistance they would like to have and then the two governments determining together how best to meet those requirements by having some U.S. forces present in the country. "Again, that would be after a thorough dialogue with respect to Iraq's sovereignty," the chairman said.
Asked about the U.S. military buildup on Guam, Pace said the island has been "a strategic location for the United States and for our support for our friends in the region" for many years.
Pace said he is delighted that U.S. officials and the government of Japan have come to an agreement that will reduce the number of U.S. Marines in Okinawa and move them to U.S. territory on Guam.
"This is just a continuation on American soil of the U.S. commitment to this region in a way that will signal to our friends that we are here as a Pacific nation and that we intend to remain here as a Pacific nation," he said.
"This part of the world is vital to the prosperity of the United States and, collectively, we can do things that will provide for dependable security for all the nations in the region so they can continue to trade with each other and prosper," he said.
Regarding threats in the region, the chairman told reporters that a threat is based on capacity and intent. "I don't ascribe to any nation intent to attack neighbors in this region or to attack the United States," he said. "But we need to have the capacity to respond should intent change."
Pace said he is optimistic about continuing good relations with China. "China is a very important part of the global community. They continue to grow and to prosper. They are modernizing their military, for sure. We in the United States are encouraging them to be as transparent as possible so we can understand what they intend to do and how much money they're spending on modernizing.
"I see much more probability of trade between all the nations in the Pacific than I do any kind of conflict," he said.
The general said he was glad China sent representatives to the Asia Security Conference because it is a terrific forum for dialogue that can help further understanding.
With regard to terrorist threats, Pace said that he and the Malaysian officials spent their time discussing how they can better understand each other.
"Understandably, different cultures have different ways of looking at problems, not only Malaysia and the United States, but all countries," he said. "How might we collectively get together and share our ideas, understand what we see as a terrorist threat, what we see that is the same and what we see as different so that as friends we can understand the perspective from which we all see the current threat so we can find the best way forward that respects each other's sovereignty and views on how to deal with the problem?"
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
Positive Attitude, Physical Therapy Turns Things Around for Amputees
By Fred W. Baker III
American Forces Press Service
June 4, 2007 – Working with Army Pfc. Randy Gollinger is, to say the least, challenging.
When asked, his physical therapist, Bunnie Wyckoff, used the words "challenging" and "challenge" at least four times to describe her work with Gollinger. "He's challenging. He was very difficult to motivate in the beginning. He turned around like most of the guys do. He's doing fine now. But he likes to challenge me all the way. I'm up for the challenge. I enjoy it," she said.
"He's a challenge," she said again, and laughed.
"I'm a pain in the butt," Gollinger corrected her, and then he laughed.
To be sure, if laughter is the best medicine, Gollinger, a military policeman injured by an explosive device while patrolling in Baghdad, is well on his way to a speedy recovery. An amputee who lost a leg and an eye, Gollinger is recovering at Walter Reed Army Medical Center here. He keeps Wyckoff on her toes and in stitches at the same time. The two go back and forth like kin, verbally poking and picking.
Wyckoff has been on staff at the center for more than three years and has personally worked with nearly half of the amputees who've received care there. She meets them bedside when they are first brought to the center and follows them through their care -- from being wheeled into the therapy room to, hopefully, walking out on their own.
"I love it here. I love to see the fact that people improve and they get back to living a life that's meaningful to them," Wyckoff said.
Wyckoff works with seven to 10 patients daily. Some are more independent and work through much of their therapy on their own, she said.
The physical therapy room is large, white and full of commotion. Low, padded tables cut through the center of the room providing areas for patients to lie, sit, exercise or rest. Amputees at various stages of therapy go about their recovery in a deliberate, although sometimes frustrating, fashion. Some work on upper body strength with familiar exercises like push ups; others practice walking; and some get help stretching from family members.
Exercise machines are stationed for walking and biking in the physical therapy room. Peer amputee visitors mingle and encourage, and there is even a therapy dog, Troy, who drops a tennis ball at the base of patients' wheelchairs in hopes that it will get thrown and he will get to chase. Some do, some don't, but eventually Troy finds someone who is willing to give the ball a fling across the room.
During this therapy session, Gollinger literally pulled Wyckoff around the outside of the main hospital building. Using a rubber band connected to a belt at Gollinger's waist, Wyckoff held and resisted as Gollinger stepped around the building in a race against fellow amputee Army Sgt. Kevin Brown. Gollinger lost.
Using the same resistance, Gollinger followed up his loss with an indoor race against Brown, maneuvering down a row of colored cones, stopping to squat using his prosthetic leg and touching the cone with his other leg. This race he won, although Wyckoff jokingly accused him of cheating. Friendly competition keeps the therapy fun, Gollinger said.
But the exercises have purpose, each targeting specific areas and concentrating on particular elements of recovery.
The exercises in this session help with balance and confidence using the prosthetic leg, Wyckoff said.
"We want them to be able to control the knee prosthetic, while they are squatting down. They need to be able to learn to pick things up off the floor," she said.
Gollinger has served in the Army for one and a half years, and he has spent nearly half of that time at Walter Reed. Therapy wasn't always as fun for him as it is now.
"At first I was very bitter. I didn't really care. Now it's just kind of like my second home," he said.
"Medically I died twice. I'm pretty thankful to be here today at all, let alone just missing an eye and a leg. You can't really complain about that," he said.
A year-round athlete in high school, Gollinger said he joined the Army to "get out and see the world." He also hoped to get money for college and eventually play college sports.
The 20-year-old said he thought his life was over when he found out his leg was amputated. But therapy and a positive attitude turned it around for him. The New York state native said he plans to enroll in college there to become a teacher and hopes to eventually hit the athletic fields again.
"I went through a really hard time trying to adapt and find things that would interest me," he said. "I figured my life was pretty much over with as far as stuff I liked to do, but I've been reassured that, depending on how good I get, I'll be able to play softball."
Gollinger said his therapy improved when his attitude improved. "As soon as I was mentally prepared ... everything else just took off, and I've been going nowhere else but up," he said.
"How bad do you want it? I want it bad now. Before, I didn't want it bad at all. Riding a wheel chair, I figured, would be my first means of transportation," Gollinger said. "The more I see everybody else I know getting up and walking, the more I realize that I don't want to be in a wheelchair the rest of my life."
Gollinger offered simple advice to those who follow in his footsteps at the center.
"Don't wait for things to happen. Make them happen. Keep your head up. Others have been there. And we're going to help," he said.
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
American Forces Press Service
June 4, 2007 – Working with Army Pfc. Randy Gollinger is, to say the least, challenging.
When asked, his physical therapist, Bunnie Wyckoff, used the words "challenging" and "challenge" at least four times to describe her work with Gollinger. "He's challenging. He was very difficult to motivate in the beginning. He turned around like most of the guys do. He's doing fine now. But he likes to challenge me all the way. I'm up for the challenge. I enjoy it," she said.
"He's a challenge," she said again, and laughed.
"I'm a pain in the butt," Gollinger corrected her, and then he laughed.
To be sure, if laughter is the best medicine, Gollinger, a military policeman injured by an explosive device while patrolling in Baghdad, is well on his way to a speedy recovery. An amputee who lost a leg and an eye, Gollinger is recovering at Walter Reed Army Medical Center here. He keeps Wyckoff on her toes and in stitches at the same time. The two go back and forth like kin, verbally poking and picking.
Wyckoff has been on staff at the center for more than three years and has personally worked with nearly half of the amputees who've received care there. She meets them bedside when they are first brought to the center and follows them through their care -- from being wheeled into the therapy room to, hopefully, walking out on their own.
"I love it here. I love to see the fact that people improve and they get back to living a life that's meaningful to them," Wyckoff said.
Wyckoff works with seven to 10 patients daily. Some are more independent and work through much of their therapy on their own, she said.
The physical therapy room is large, white and full of commotion. Low, padded tables cut through the center of the room providing areas for patients to lie, sit, exercise or rest. Amputees at various stages of therapy go about their recovery in a deliberate, although sometimes frustrating, fashion. Some work on upper body strength with familiar exercises like push ups; others practice walking; and some get help stretching from family members.
Exercise machines are stationed for walking and biking in the physical therapy room. Peer amputee visitors mingle and encourage, and there is even a therapy dog, Troy, who drops a tennis ball at the base of patients' wheelchairs in hopes that it will get thrown and he will get to chase. Some do, some don't, but eventually Troy finds someone who is willing to give the ball a fling across the room.
During this therapy session, Gollinger literally pulled Wyckoff around the outside of the main hospital building. Using a rubber band connected to a belt at Gollinger's waist, Wyckoff held and resisted as Gollinger stepped around the building in a race against fellow amputee Army Sgt. Kevin Brown. Gollinger lost.
Using the same resistance, Gollinger followed up his loss with an indoor race against Brown, maneuvering down a row of colored cones, stopping to squat using his prosthetic leg and touching the cone with his other leg. This race he won, although Wyckoff jokingly accused him of cheating. Friendly competition keeps the therapy fun, Gollinger said.
But the exercises have purpose, each targeting specific areas and concentrating on particular elements of recovery.
The exercises in this session help with balance and confidence using the prosthetic leg, Wyckoff said.
"We want them to be able to control the knee prosthetic, while they are squatting down. They need to be able to learn to pick things up off the floor," she said.
Gollinger has served in the Army for one and a half years, and he has spent nearly half of that time at Walter Reed. Therapy wasn't always as fun for him as it is now.
"At first I was very bitter. I didn't really care. Now it's just kind of like my second home," he said.
"Medically I died twice. I'm pretty thankful to be here today at all, let alone just missing an eye and a leg. You can't really complain about that," he said.
A year-round athlete in high school, Gollinger said he joined the Army to "get out and see the world." He also hoped to get money for college and eventually play college sports.
The 20-year-old said he thought his life was over when he found out his leg was amputated. But therapy and a positive attitude turned it around for him. The New York state native said he plans to enroll in college there to become a teacher and hopes to eventually hit the athletic fields again.
"I went through a really hard time trying to adapt and find things that would interest me," he said. "I figured my life was pretty much over with as far as stuff I liked to do, but I've been reassured that, depending on how good I get, I'll be able to play softball."
Gollinger said his therapy improved when his attitude improved. "As soon as I was mentally prepared ... everything else just took off, and I've been going nowhere else but up," he said.
"How bad do you want it? I want it bad now. Before, I didn't want it bad at all. Riding a wheel chair, I figured, would be my first means of transportation," Gollinger said. "The more I see everybody else I know getting up and walking, the more I realize that I don't want to be in a wheelchair the rest of my life."
Gollinger offered simple advice to those who follow in his footsteps at the center.
"Don't wait for things to happen. Make them happen. Keep your head up. Others have been there. And we're going to help," he said.
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
Vice Chairman Plans to Retire in August
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
June 4, 2007 – After 37 years of commissioned service, Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Navy Adm. Edmund P. Giambastiani Jr. will retire in August. Giambastiani will retire after serving two years as America's second-highest ranking military officer. He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1970 and is a career submariner who has spent an extensive amount of time in joint assignments and in experimentation and concept development.
During his career, the admiral has worked on every Quadrennial Defense Review, and has worked to implement the recommendations of those important documents.
Giambastiani spoke about his tenure as vice chairman during an interview today. He said he came back to the Pentagon in 2005 after serving as Commander Joint Forces Command and Supreme Allied Commander Transformation to work on the "business of business" of the Department of Defense. He teamed with Deputy Defense Secretary Gordon England to refine management processes and change the way the department develops, acquires and maintains defense capabilities.
"Ed Giambastiani has given a lifetime for service to his Nation and he will be deeply missed," England said. "His strong, steady leadership has ensured that our military is prepared for any challenge it may face, both today and in the future.
"He has been a close partner and friend to me and a champion of the men and women of our armed forces and their families," England continued. "America will miss this great Naval Officer, and we wish Ed and his family every blessing in their future."
Giambastiani says that transforming the military will continue under Defense Secretary Gates. "You try to make yourself a learning institution, you want to embed a 'change culture,' and you want people to understand that a 'change culture' is good," the admiral said.
Giambastiani also talked about how the military needs to continue the process of change, identify and act on lessons learned and look at itself critically. "We've embedded some of this, but frankly this mindset, this culture and this process need to be reinforced continually," he said.
The military has developed institutions to do this, and developed leaders at all levels to continue this process, the admiral said.
He said that Deputy Defense Secretary England is a "national treasure" and a key person in the whole change process. Giambastiani said that it has been an honor to work with Secretary England.
"He is dedicated to the department, he brings a wealth of knowledge and experience, and he brings a focus to this that is really quite remarkable and healthy for the system," he said.
Giambastiani and England have been involved in making the Defense bureaucracy more agile and able to move quickly. The two have worked to include the combatant commanders and the Pentagon stakeholders in an expanded Joint Requirements Oversight Council, as well as working with civilian and uniformed leaders on the Defense Acquisition Board and the Deputies Advisory Working Group.
The refined, collaborative and transparent business processes being employed by these entities improve resource decisions that affect servicemembers serving in combat zones. Among these are the decision to get combat capabilities like the mine-resistant, ambush-protected vehicle to troops faster. Other decisions include accelerating unmanned aerial vehicle acquisition and development of intelligence capabilities.
Establishing the Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Organization is another example of working to develop comprehensive fixes to a problem - that of IEDs and car bombs - which cuts across the department and includes technology, tactics, techniques and procedures to combat the threat, he said.
Giambastiani said his most memorable time in the military has been "continuously working all these years with the fine young people. They are inspirational and remarkable. Getting up every morning and coming to work with them, working to help them be successful, and trying to provide them with the equipment and capabilities they need to get their job done has been the most rewarding part."
The admiral also said that meeting with servicemembers worldwide and "seeing how they apply themselves to the mission at hand" has been inspiring.
The admiral, from Canastota, N.Y., has not given any thought to what he will do after retirement. "I'll decide that after I retire, I'm too busy now," he said.
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
American Forces Press Service
June 4, 2007 – After 37 years of commissioned service, Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Navy Adm. Edmund P. Giambastiani Jr. will retire in August. Giambastiani will retire after serving two years as America's second-highest ranking military officer. He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1970 and is a career submariner who has spent an extensive amount of time in joint assignments and in experimentation and concept development.
During his career, the admiral has worked on every Quadrennial Defense Review, and has worked to implement the recommendations of those important documents.
Giambastiani spoke about his tenure as vice chairman during an interview today. He said he came back to the Pentagon in 2005 after serving as Commander Joint Forces Command and Supreme Allied Commander Transformation to work on the "business of business" of the Department of Defense. He teamed with Deputy Defense Secretary Gordon England to refine management processes and change the way the department develops, acquires and maintains defense capabilities.
"Ed Giambastiani has given a lifetime for service to his Nation and he will be deeply missed," England said. "His strong, steady leadership has ensured that our military is prepared for any challenge it may face, both today and in the future.
"He has been a close partner and friend to me and a champion of the men and women of our armed forces and their families," England continued. "America will miss this great Naval Officer, and we wish Ed and his family every blessing in their future."
Giambastiani says that transforming the military will continue under Defense Secretary Gates. "You try to make yourself a learning institution, you want to embed a 'change culture,' and you want people to understand that a 'change culture' is good," the admiral said.
Giambastiani also talked about how the military needs to continue the process of change, identify and act on lessons learned and look at itself critically. "We've embedded some of this, but frankly this mindset, this culture and this process need to be reinforced continually," he said.
The military has developed institutions to do this, and developed leaders at all levels to continue this process, the admiral said.
He said that Deputy Defense Secretary England is a "national treasure" and a key person in the whole change process. Giambastiani said that it has been an honor to work with Secretary England.
"He is dedicated to the department, he brings a wealth of knowledge and experience, and he brings a focus to this that is really quite remarkable and healthy for the system," he said.
Giambastiani and England have been involved in making the Defense bureaucracy more agile and able to move quickly. The two have worked to include the combatant commanders and the Pentagon stakeholders in an expanded Joint Requirements Oversight Council, as well as working with civilian and uniformed leaders on the Defense Acquisition Board and the Deputies Advisory Working Group.
The refined, collaborative and transparent business processes being employed by these entities improve resource decisions that affect servicemembers serving in combat zones. Among these are the decision to get combat capabilities like the mine-resistant, ambush-protected vehicle to troops faster. Other decisions include accelerating unmanned aerial vehicle acquisition and development of intelligence capabilities.
Establishing the Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Organization is another example of working to develop comprehensive fixes to a problem - that of IEDs and car bombs - which cuts across the department and includes technology, tactics, techniques and procedures to combat the threat, he said.
Giambastiani said his most memorable time in the military has been "continuously working all these years with the fine young people. They are inspirational and remarkable. Getting up every morning and coming to work with them, working to help them be successful, and trying to provide them with the equipment and capabilities they need to get their job done has been the most rewarding part."
The admiral also said that meeting with servicemembers worldwide and "seeing how they apply themselves to the mission at hand" has been inspiring.
The admiral, from Canastota, N.Y., has not given any thought to what he will do after retirement. "I'll decide that after I retire, I'm too busy now," he said.
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
New Technology Tests for IEDs
Improvised explosive devices based on peroxide containing materials have increasingly been used in recent years by various terrorist organizations. The main reason is that such peroxide-based explosives can be easily “home-made” using inexpensive, readily available starting materials which can be purchased in most hardware and paint stores, even in bulk quantities.
A new patented peroxide explosive tester - ACRO-P.E.T., developed by Acro, Inc.(www.acrosec.com). The innovative pen-like tester is able to identify peroxide based explosives, such as Triacetone Triperoxide (TATP), which may appear in a variety of shapes and forms, including liquid explosives. Peroxide-based explosives are almost impossible to identify since they don't contain nitro groups and are colorless.
ACRO-P.E.T has been designed for rapid, on-site detection of peroxide-based explosives using three chemical solutions, through direct contact with the suspicious substance. Its main advantages are high sensitivity, high selectivity, fast response, simple operation, small size and cost effectiveness. For example, ACRO-P.E.T can detect less than 50 micrograms (0.00005 gram) of TATP.
ACRO-P.E.T. is based on an invention of Professor Ehud Keinan of the Technion - Israel Institute of Technology. Prof. Keinan is the former Dean of the Technion's Faculty of Chemistry. He is a member of Acro's board of directors and the company's chief scientific advisor. Prof. Keinan is one of the world’s foremost experts in the science of improvised explosives, winner of the Technion award for security science and technology, and consultant to many US and European government agencies in the area of improvised explosives.
Acro’s Advisory Board includes General (ret.) Ehud Barak, former IDF Chief of Staff and former Prime Minister of Israel, Prof. K. Barry Sharpless, winner of the 2001 Nobel Prize for Chemistry, and Prof. Richard A. Lerner, President and CEO of The Scripps Research Institute, which is considered one of the most influential scientific institutes worldwide.
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
A new patented peroxide explosive tester - ACRO-P.E.T., developed by Acro, Inc.(www.acrosec.com). The innovative pen-like tester is able to identify peroxide based explosives, such as Triacetone Triperoxide (TATP), which may appear in a variety of shapes and forms, including liquid explosives. Peroxide-based explosives are almost impossible to identify since they don't contain nitro groups and are colorless.
ACRO-P.E.T has been designed for rapid, on-site detection of peroxide-based explosives using three chemical solutions, through direct contact with the suspicious substance. Its main advantages are high sensitivity, high selectivity, fast response, simple operation, small size and cost effectiveness. For example, ACRO-P.E.T can detect less than 50 micrograms (0.00005 gram) of TATP.
ACRO-P.E.T. is based on an invention of Professor Ehud Keinan of the Technion - Israel Institute of Technology. Prof. Keinan is the former Dean of the Technion's Faculty of Chemistry. He is a member of Acro's board of directors and the company's chief scientific advisor. Prof. Keinan is one of the world’s foremost experts in the science of improvised explosives, winner of the Technion award for security science and technology, and consultant to many US and European government agencies in the area of improvised explosives.
Acro’s Advisory Board includes General (ret.) Ehud Barak, former IDF Chief of Staff and former Prime Minister of Israel, Prof. K. Barry Sharpless, winner of the 2001 Nobel Prize for Chemistry, and Prof. Richard A. Lerner, President and CEO of The Scripps Research Institute, which is considered one of the most influential scientific institutes worldwide.
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
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