Voice of a Soldier's Mom

Post-traumatic Stress Disorder

By James W. Ralph, M.D.

Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) has become a major problem among veterans. In fact, it has been a problem
for many years, but fully appreciated until after Vietnam. In the past, PTSD has been called by such names as Shell
Shock, Survivor Guilt Syndrome, Forgotten Warrior Syndrome, and similar terms. As a former DAV National
Commander described it, PTSD includes: "Bitterness, anger and anxiety... depression, loneliness and alienation...
sleeplessness... flashbacks to combat and suicidal feelings... drug and alcohol dependence... and so much more."

The VA National Center for PTSD describes PTSD as: "...a psychiatric disorder that can occur following the
experience or witnessing of life-threatening events such as military combat, natural disasters, terrorist incidents, serious
accidents, or violent personal assaults..." It has been reported that about 30% of Vietnam veterans have suffered some
degree of PTSD, and a similar percentage of those exposed to combat in Afghanistan and Iraq have also suffered from
PTSD. The signs and symptoms of PTSD should never be taken lightly!

PTSD presents in many forms, but often is not recognized until many years after the exposure to personal risks
occurred. This is particularly true in senior officers and senior NCOs who refuse to admit to themselves, or anyone else,
that they have problems, because they fear it could interfere with their military careers. This is also happens in
physicians, because we feel that we aren't subject to such problems, only our patients have it. I know this personally,
being a physician and retired senior medical officer who held in my own PTSD symptoms for almost 40 years. I served
two tours in Vietnam, as well as in Desert Storm. During my first tour in Vietnam, I was shot down and suffered serious
back, neck and shoulder injuries. Two weeks later I received a bullet wound to the scalp. I was a Flight Surgeon, but I
could not allow the pilots in my units to know I was developing a fear of flying, so I held it in and tried to ignore that I
had a problem. I ended up flying approximately 1,000 missions with my units, mostly with "Dustoff" MedEvac. I finally
had to admit that I had PTSD problems and I am now a PTSD outpatient with the VA medical system.

Why does PTSD happen to some, but not others who witness the same terrifying situations? There is no simple
answer to that. Some people have pre-existing personality disorders, such as dependency, obsessive-compulsive
behavior, paranoia, and so on, that become aggravated under stress. Others have no problems prior to experiencing
traumatic events, such as combat, only to subconsciously hold on to the horrifying experience. And this is not limited to
military veterans. Research has indicated at about 8% of all Americans suffer from some degree of PTSD, but I shall
concentrate on the PTSD of combat veterans.

What are some of the more common signs of PTSD? I will go over many of them, but for more compel information, I
suggest all concerned veterans obtain a copy of Veterans and Families Guide to Recovering from PTSD, which is an
excellent book available from the Military Order of the Purple Heart.

Treatment of PTSD can consist of individual one-on-one therapy with a psychotherapist, group therapy with other
veterans, or even spending several; months in a group home (at or near a VA hospital) for daily interaction other
veterans, and occasional classes to explain PTSD and how to deal with it.

Anxiety is one of the most common symptoms of PTSD, with the veteran warring excessively over what others would
find to be minor problems. Anxiety is often related to flashbacks and nightmares of personal danger experienced in
combat. It may also add to other medical problems, such as increased blood pressure and rapid or irregular pulse.

Becoming easily frustrated and difficulty controlling anger are also high on the list. One may become easily
exasperated, feel displeasure and even hostility toward others. The tendency to strike out must be controlled, as doing
so will only worsen the situation. This is a sure sign that one needs professional help, before things get out of hand.

Chronic pain from combat injuries is often a very irritating reminder of horrifying situations in one's past. One must
take care to not become overly dependent on prescription pain medications, and definitely must avoid even "sampling"
illegal drugs. Drug dependency has serious, and often strict legal consequences.

Compulsive behavior, recurrent confusion, difficulties with sleeping, abnormal fear and delusions are often signs of
PTSD. Feeling depressed, lonely, or becoming overly dependent on others also suggests that PTSD may be the
underlying cause such symptoms. It is not at all unusual for victims of PTSD to be suspicious of employers, government
agencies (including the VA), or even friends a family members. Such feelings can lead to suicidal, or even homicidal,
thoughts. Holding in such feelings is counterproductive, but these feelings of paranoia can usually be treated with
proper therapy, if recognized and dealt with promptly. Trying to hide such feelings or to hold them in will only make
matters worse, possibly with tragic results. It is therefore very important to seek immediate help if such feelings occur.

I hope that the information provided in this article will help explain the signs and symptoms that many of us veterans
feel. If you recognize any of these thoughts or feelings in yourself, or in friends or family, please seek professional help
without delay.

Additional information of PTSD can be found at this VA web site: http://www.ncptsd.va.gov/facts/general/fs_what_is_ptsd.html

-------------------------

Dr. Ralph is a retired Colonel, U.S. Army Medical Corps. He is an Army Master Flight Surgeon and Naval Flight Surgeon (having served 4 years as a Marine Corps Reserve Battalion Surgeon). He is also Special Forces qualified. His combat decorations include the Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star/V, and Purple Heart.

This Christmas Season was a very special one for Operation First Response, Inc; (OFR). OFR is a Culpeper, Virginia based, all volunteer, 501c3 non-profit that supports our nation’s wounded Heroes and their families with personal and financial needs.

One of OFR’s services is to facilitate flights for wounded service members and their families. OFR accepts donations of frequent flyer miles and uses them to purchase flights, reserving general funds for other needs whenever miles are available.

Armand Janelle, the assistant to James M. Cashman, the President of Cashman Companies contacted OFR to offer a large donation of frequent flyer miles.

Jamie Cashman, a home owner of Lafitte, Louisianna, donated 1.5 million miles to OFR requesting that we send as many wounded Heroes home for Christmas as possible. This generous donation enabled OFR to facilitate 27 flights to Heroes who contacted OFR during that time requesting help getting home for Christmas.

This was very moving to the staff of OFR.

In most cases OFR is involved with a family during a very traumatic time, this donation enabled us to share a special gift with them and their families.

Mr. Cashman gave 27 wounded Heroes and their families a special memory and new meaning to the phrase “I’ll Be Home for Christmas”.

Contact Info:

Operation First Response, Inc

Peggy Baker/ President

www.operationfirstresponse.org

Cashman Companies

James Cashman

www.4barges.com

Operation First Response to Meet with the President Alongside Emmy Award-Winning Actor Gary Sinise to Discuss Efforts of ASY Member Organizations Nationwide

WASHINGTON—Operation First Response, a Culpeper-based organization, is one of fourteen groups that has been invited by President George W. Bush for a special White House meeting on June 26, 2006 at 10 a.m. of America Supports You team members to discuss their work and to thank them for their support of the military at home and abroad. Emmy Award-winning actor Gary Sinise will also participate in his role as a celebrity spokesperson for the America Supports You campaign. Sinise is a founder of the Kansas-based organization Operation Iraqi Children, also an America Supports You team member.

Immediately following the meeting, Sinise and other ASY members will convene outside the West Wing for an open-press Q&A to discuss their meeting with the president. America Supports You is an outreach program, launched by the Department of Defense, to recognize citizens’ support for our military men and women and to communicate that support to members of our Armed Forces and their families at home and abroad.

Operation First Response provides assistance to wounded service members and their families by aiding with travel expenses and financial burdens. The organization helps wounded military men and women from Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany and combat support hospitals in Iraq. The organization is always in need of financial donations as well as sweatshirts, socks, toothbrushes, razors and other personal products for care package backpacks for service members. Visit www.operationfirstresponse.org for more information.

WHO: Peggy Baker of Operation First Response
WHAT: Available for interview regarding meeting with President George W. Bush and Actor Gary Sinise at the White House
WHEN: Upon request
HOW: Phone or in person

About America Supports You:
America Supports You is an ongoing nationwide program that helps showcase American’s support for the men and women of the Armed Forces. Since its launch in November of 2004 by the Department of Defense, America Supports You has welcomed 225 member organizations and more than 20 corporate sponsors to its team. Many America Supports You team members support the troops by writing letters, sending care packages, helping the wounded when they return home, assisting military families, sending e-mails or simply extending kind gestures to the troops. To learn more about how you can support military personnel please visit www.americasupportsyou.mil.

About Gary Sinise:
Gary Sinise, best known for his work as Lt. Dan in the Academy Award winning film Forrest Gump and as Detective Mac Taylor in “CSI: New York,” is often noted for his efforts in raising awareness about the sacrifices made by members of the military. He is a celebrity member of the “America Supports You” campaign and performed with his Lt. Dan Band at an America Supports You Salute at the Pentagon in May during Military Appreciation Month. Sinise recently received the prestigious Superior Public Service Award from Deputy Secretary of Defense Gordon England for his support of U.S. service members. Sinise is a founder of the Kansas-based organization Operation Iraqi Children.

CONTACT: Peggy Baker
peggy@operationfirstresponse.org (540)547-9011

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – June 6, 2006

Culpeper, Virginia – Operation First Response, Inc (OFR) an all volunteer, non profit that supports our Nation’s wounded Heroes received a substantial grant in the amount $50,000.00 from the Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH) Service Foundation enabling OFR to continue their efforts in assisting military families.

The two organizations share a common goal that they will not forget the sacrifices made by America’s Finest.

“Due to long recovery periods for many wounded service members, families are in need of America’s support, thanks to the generosity of MOPH we will be able to continue to lighten their load with the services we offer,” states Peggy Baker, President and Co-Founder of Operation First Response.

In addition to financial assistance to the families of wounded service members OFR, sends backpacks filled with handmade quilts, clothes and hygiene items to soldiers wounded during combat. The organization works with hospitals in Iraq, Germany and other worldwide locations.


To learn more about OFR please visit their website at www.operationfirstresponse.org

To learn more about the Military Order of the Purple Heart visit their website at www.purpleheartfoundation.org

Operation First Response, Inc (OFR) was contacted by Valerie Stoki; Community Service Officer of Col. Wesley Fox Young Marines of Front Royal, Virginia, in February wishing to offer the services of their Young Marines in helping our Nation’s wounded service members.
Plans were made for the children to help pack OFR backpacks on April 22, 2006.
Col. Wesley Fox Young Marines were an inspiration to watch; they quickly grasped what needed to be done and with the help of their leaders were able to pack 105 backpacks to be shipped overseas for our wounded heroes. The day ended with a pizza party and talk of future packing parties.

OFR would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to these fine young men and women who are following in the footsteps of our Heroes of Yesterday and Today, it is as if we have a small glimpse into the future and see the Heroes of Tomorrow. They are a reminder that we are never too young to learn that honoring our veterans, the very ones that make our freedoms possible, is the right thing to do.

For more information on how you can help our wounded Heroes please visit…
www.operationfirstresponse.org

For more information on the Young Marines program please visit…
www.youngmarines.com

By Peggy Baker
Mother of a Soldier
Operation First Response
www.operationfirstresponse.org

Operation First Response an all volunteer, 501 c3, non profit organization that supports our Nation’s wounded Heroes and their families, partnered with Therapeutic Adventures a non-profit organization committed to providing greater access to adaptive outdoor recreation for persons of all ages who have a disability (physical or developmental), a chronic illness, or other special health needs, for a celebration of five very special members of the Army National Guard Unit 189 Big Stone Gap and Richlands, VA.

The event was located at Massanutten Ski Resort in Virginia, where everyone met and spent the weekend. What began as a celebration of Dean Swartz and some of his close comrades was to become a treasured memory for all with hopes of making this a yearly event. Therapeutic Adventures supplied adaptable snow gear for Dean Swartz, a young Hero who was deployed to Iraq where he was wounded and lost his leg, and ski passes for 4 of his comrades. Several family members and significant others of each soldier joined the festivities creating an even warmer atmosphere.

My brothers, my comrades…

Although I am only the mother of a soldier I believe that I have learned what that phrase really means.

As I watched these young men interact it was an indescribable feeling of awe. They are bonded together so intricately that I wonder if they even know of its strength. I suppose that it comes from watching each others back in a fashion that only they can understand.
To know that you would lay down your life for the man standing next to you or to comfort him as he lay wounded is something our troops must live with each day of their deployment to hostile territories. We, as Americans can not fathom waking up to that feeling each day and this is because of these young men and others like them. They have taken this commitment upon themselves to spare each of us on our homeland from knowing the terror that must exist in a country whose people are not free. For this and so many other reasons they should be forever honored by all Americans.

Dean’s family has lived through moments that every family prays they will not experience and it is evident that they have come through this experience with a love that is powerful. There is not even the slightest hint of self pity within any of them, actually quite the opposite. Theirs is a story of a family united by love and stronger than ever because of enduring one of life’s difficult trials. It was a privilege and an honor to be in the company of America’s Finest!

OFR would like extend a heartfelt thanks to Therapeutic Adventures for their kindness and generosity to our Heroes and most of all for giving us the opportunity to see yet another facet of the American Soldier…

My brothers, my comrades….their love, their strength, their unity.

By Paul X. RutzAmerican Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Jan. 23, 2006 – Wounded servicemembers have an extra helping hand thanks to Operation First Response, a group specializing in providing them supplies and funds during their recuperation.
Peggy Baker of Culpepper, Va., founder and president of the all-volunteer nonprofit, answered questions from interested troops Jan. 19 at the Washington Capitals' "Salute to the Military Night" at the MCI Center here. While thousands of servicemembers and their families enjoyed free tickets to the hockey game against the St. Louis Blues, Baker took the opportunity to offer assistance.
"We're kind of an extension. Where somebody will fall through the loops, we try to pick it up," she said.
As a member of America Supports You, a Department of Defense-sponsored effort to support the troops, the organization has found ways to provide a variety of services to show troops "they are heard, cared about, and honored," Baker said.
One way the group supports America's servicemembers is by collecting frequent flyer miles to allow family members of wounded troops to reunite with them, she said. It also provides a car service that picks up families at Washington-area airports and brings them to Walter Reed Army Medical Center here or the National Naval Medical Center, at nearby Bethesda, Md., as well as financial support for those families during their stay here.
Since its inception in August 2004, the group has provided similar types of aid to troops in other places. Baker said Operation First Response has developed connections to military installations across the country and beyond, including Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, in Germany; Fort Bliss, Texas; Camp Lejeune, N.C.; Naval Medical Center San Diego; Camp Pendleton, Calif.
"We help anywhere," Baker said.
The group's volunteers have sent thousands of backpacks full of supplies to wounded troops at combat support hospitals in Iraq and Afghanistan, sending them "where they are most needed," she said. Volunteers pack the bags themselves after receiving donations, including hygiene items, T-shirts, socks, underwear and even handmade quilts for cots.
When contacted by family members of wounded servicemembers, the group often goes into action before wounded troops return to the states, facilitating phone calls and taking care of other needs, Baker said.
"We have a nurse at Landstuhl in Germany who takes care of our guys and gives them our information," she said. Landstuhl is often a stopping off point for servicemembers medically evacuated to the United States.
Baker, whose son is an Army specialist, said she founded OFR after she noticed a need while helping a friend. "My girlfriend's boy lost his leg, and I went into Walter Reed to meet with her to help her because she was from Iowa, and just saw a lot of things that we could actually do as citizens," she said.
Filling the gaps for servicemembers and families in need is what her group does best, Baker said.
"If they let us know what their needs are, we try to meet them," she said. "Whatever they call us with, we try to pick it up."

By Peggy Baker
Mother of a Soldier
President of Operation First Response, Inc
www.operationfirstresponse.org



Operation First Response, Inc (OFR) is an all volunteer, non profit (501c3) organization that supports our Nation’s wounded Heroes and their families. OFR was presented a check from VFW Post 9835 of Warrenton, Virginia on January 26, 2006 for five hundred dollars to help with OFR services provided to wounded Heroes. The two organizations met at the Baker’s home in Culpeper, Virginia to have the opportunity to see how they can work together to let our wounded Heroes and our Veterans know they are heard, cared about and honored.
It is an incredible validation to have the Heroes of Yesterday donate to OFR, these men are of the same mold as our Heroes of Today; they would have sacrificed all to preserve our freedoms and as they talk about their memories and experiences you can see in their eyes the pride they have for their comrades and their country.
“The fact that men that have worn the “Uniform” feel that our work is important gives us the inspiration to push forward and never forget that we have a responsibility to these fine men and women,” says Peggy Baker, President of Operation First Response.
Our wounded Heroes of Today will be our Veterans of Tomorrow.
OFR hopes to inspire the wounded they work with to become members of their local VFW Posts and Post 9835 of Warrenton, Virginia hopes to inspire other VFW Posts to support the efforts of Operation First Response.
For more information on the organization please visit www.operationfirstresponse.org

The Minnesota Platoon, a group of five disabled Vietnam-era Veterans that distributes “Military Salute” at no charge to active-duty Military units, Veterans groups, family support groups, public safety organizations, church groups, school districts, and students working on patriotic projects, is now conducting an online auction of the 50,000th copy of the video to benefit Operation First Response.

Operation First Response (OFR) (http://www.operationfirstresponse.org) sends backpacks to Combat Support Hospitals in Iraq and Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany. OFR staff visits Walter Reed Army Medical Center and the Bethesda National Naval Medical Center to meet with our wounded military and their families. OFR provides items such as groceries, clothing, hygiene items, books, and monetary assistance. Operation First Response is an all volunteer nonprofit 501(c) (3) organization formed in the State of Virginia. Your donation to OFR is tax deductible. Administrative costs are less than 1%.

“Military Salute” (http://condocat.home.att.net), a 34-minute Windows-XP video honoring America’s Armed Forces, past and present, can be viewed online or downloaded at no charge from http://www.soldiergifts.com/Military-Salute.html or http://www.rollingsportsman.com/Military-Salute.html.
The auction will run from January 1, 2006 through 11am CDT on Tuesday, April 25, 2006.
For more information, visit the Military Salute 50,000th Copy Online Auction page at http://home.att.net/~militarysalute4/index.html .

Operation First Response considers this opportunity the highest honor. To know that our wounded Heroes of the past consider our efforts worthy of their time and attention is exactly the kind of reputation the staff of Operation First Response strives for each day while caring for our wounded Heroes of today.

Please join Operation First Response in giving a big “Military Salute” to our Heroes, past, present and future. Let’s show them that we see their sacrifices and that we will never forget.

The higher the bid for this unique copy of “Military Salute” the more families of the wounded can benefit from the proceeds as well as tell all of our Military that…
America Supports You!

> >by Michael Marks
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >I had no Christmas spirit when I breathed a weary sigh,
> >And looked across the table where the bills were piled too high.
> >
> >The laundry wasn't finished and the car I had to fix,
> >My stocks were down another point, the Chargers lost by six.
> >
> >And so with only minutes till my son got home from school
> >I gave up on the drudgery and grabbed a wooden stool.
> >
> >The burdens that I carried were about all I could take,
> >And so I flipped the TV on to catch a little break.
> >
> >I came upon a desert scene in shades of tan and rust,
> >No snowflakes hung upon the wind, just clouds of swirling dust.
> >
> >And where the reindeer should have stood before a laden sleigh, Eight
> >Humvees ran a column right behind an M1A.
> >
> >A group of boys walked past the tank, not one was past his teens
> >Their eyes were hard as polished flint, their faces drawn and lean.
> >
> >They walked the street in armor with their rifles shouldered tight,
> >Their dearest wish for Christmas, just to have a silent night.
> >
> >Other soldiers gathered, hunkered down against the wind,
> >To share a scrap of mail and dreams of going home again
> >
> >There wasn't much at all to put their lonely hearts at ease, They had
> >no Christmas turkey, just a pack of MREs.
> >
> >They didn't have a garland or a stocking I could see,
> >They didn't need an ornament--they lacked a Christmas tree.
> >
> >They didn't have a present even though it was tradition,
> >The only boxes I could see were labeled "ammunition."
> >
> >I felt a little tug and found my son now by my side,
> >He asked me what it was I feared, and why it was I cried.
> >
> >I swept him up into my arms and held him oh so near
> >And kissed him on the forehead as I whispered in his ear.
> >
> >"There's nothing wrong, my little son, for safe we sleep tonight Our
> >heroes stand on foreign land to give us all the right,
> >
> >To worry on the things in life that mean nothing at all, Instead of
> >wondering if we will be the next to fall."
> >
> >He looked at me as children do and said, "it's always right, To thank
> >the ones who help us and perhaps that we should write."
> >
> >And so we pushed aside the bills and sat to draft a note,
> >To thank the many far from home, and this is what we wrote:
> >
> >"God bless you all and keep you safe, and speed your way back home.
> >Remember that we love you so, and that you're not alone.
> >
> >The gift you give you share with all, a present every day, You give
> >the gift of liberty and that we can't repay."

The following is a recap of my trip to Columbus, Georgia attending the fourth annual God Bless Fort Benning Day (GBFBD) on November 19th 2005.

The weekend started with a meet and greet on Friday night. Last year there was perhaps two dozen guests at the meet and greet; this year it grew and had to be more than fifty guests. The meet and greet was held at the Hilton Garden Inn in Columbus, which is where most, if not all, of the guests were staying. I was greeted by my friend Kim Scofi, Director of Operations for God Bless Fort Benning, www.GodBlessFortBenning.com in between greeting other guests we were catching up on what we both have been doing lately.

Once in the room, I went in search of my friend John Givhan, a wounded Vietnam Veteran and author of “Rice and Cotton: South Vietnam and South Alabama”. I found John right after I found the food :) With lots of people to meet, John introduced me to another wounded Vietnam Veteran and author, Jon Hovde “Left for Dead”. This was my chance to thank some Veterans for their service to our country and tell them and others about Operation First Response and Give 2 The Troops. I met a young man named Jason. Jason was an orphan from Vietnam who came to the United States and in his appreciation for a chance at life, drove the three plus hours to visit John Givhan and thank him for his service in Vietnam.

I also met “Ranger”, a retired SGM US Army and I met Phil Kiver, a currently active soldier and author of “182 Days in Iraq”. The evening wasn’t a long one since we had to rest up for the main event Saturday.

GBFBD is held at the Civic Center in Columbus. Unlike the warmth of last year, it was chilly for southwestern Georgia. I flew to Georgia after spending a few days off in Florida; it was preparing me for the cold of the northeast. We had a sunny day in spite of the chill in the air. I arrived and approached one of the volunteer tents to find out where to set up my table. Ironically, I’m standing in front of a young lady on her cell phone and just heard her say “I found Bob, he’s standing right in front of me!” Tiffany, one of two volunteers to help me with my table, was looking for me. Operation First Response (OFR) was there to help when Tiffany’s husband, Doug, was wounded. My other volunteer was Tiffany’s friend Dawn, whose husband is still deployed in Iraq. Knowing first hand the assistance OFR gave to Doug, both of these fine ladies wanted to help.

We displayed a wounded backpack to show what is included in the backpacks we send to Landstuhl Medical Center in Germany and Combat Support Hospitals (CSH) in Iraq and Afghanistan. A little side note: Peggy Baker, President/Founder of OFR, recently received a phone call from soldier in Iraq thanking OFR for the wounded backpack. We displayed a quilt, one of many that goes into a wounded backpack and handed out at Walter Reed Army Medical Center (WRAMC). Fighting the wind, we had fliers on the table for OFR and Give 2 The Troops (G2TT). In addition to showing our support, it was a chance to make contacts and get donations.

One of the groups next to the OFR table was the National Military Family Association www.nmfa.org – from their website “To educate military families concerning their rights, benefits and services available to them and to inform them regarding the issues that affect their lives and...To promote and protect the interests of military families by influencing the development and implementation of legislation and policies affecting them.”
House of Heroes www.houseofheroes.org I met because they were raffling off a grill and I still took a couple of chances knowing I wasn’t about to take a grill onto Delta airlines LOL! Volunteers for House of Heroes perform minor repairs and make improvements to the homes of Veterans, public safety officers, and their spouses at no cost to them through the generosity of individuals, civic organizations and corporations.

Operation Special Delivery: www.OperationSpecialDelivery.com a group of volunteer doulas who assist military wives whose husbands are on deployment when they are due to give birth. I believe they came by when I was in search of a late lunch and well, let’s face it; it was better the two military wives, volunteering their time with me, spoke with the representative.

Karen Pavlicin, author of “Surviving Deployment: A Guide for Military Families” stopped by the OFR table to show support. www.survivingdeployment.com

Michelle Ferguson-Cohen, author of “Daddy, You’re My Hero” and “Mommy, You’re My Hero” also stopped by the OFR table. Michelle was stunned when the daughter of one of my volunteers started to recite the first few lines of Michelle’s book.

Sometime in the early afternoon, soldiers started to appear behind our table. Nextel offered them free calls to family members and with the lines long, some ended up near the OFR table. My two volunteers and I offered our cell phones to be used by the soldiers to call family as well. We had our own line of soldiers. I’m amazed and thankful my cell phone lasted the entire time. I’m also thankful it was a Saturday with unlimited calling LOL!

At the end of a long day, I met Marc Wolfe, artist of military and law enforcement tactical art. www.MarcWolfeArt.com I didn’t realize it at first, but I posed for a picture Friday night next to one of his works.

I also met Paul D’Andrea distributor of the Hooah bar www.HooahBar.com – Paul and I will talk about sending Hooah bars to the troops, which his company has already been doing through other organizations, as well as for the wounded at WRAMC.

Sunday morning came early. Breakfast at 7:30am with honored guests from the weekend. Food was excellent, speeches were made and very touching. Someday I’ll have the guts to stand up in front of a room and say something, preferably before the speeches that are heart wrenching. After breakfast I gave my business cards to a mother with sons in the military. I explained how her son deployed with the Navy can sign up with Give 2 The Troops www.Give2TheTroops.org to receive packages. In turn, she connected me with Tim Buckley who e-mailed me a couple of days later representing United for Our Troops www.UnitedForOurTroops.com - from their website “Families United for our Troops and Their Mission, a project of Operation Iraqi Hope, is a grassroots coalition of families who are united in their steadfast support of our men and women in uniform fighting the War on Terror, and for ensuring our troops are allowed to finish their mission.”

I was bold enough to introduce myself to General Yarborough, gave him my business cards and explained how OFR has helped soldiers from Fort Benning at WRAMC. I mentioned one by name, but didn’t expect it to ring a bell with all the men and women at Fort Benning.

One lady who spoke at breakfast gave me her book, “Heart of a Hawk, Eye of the Eagle” – her name is Deborah Tainsh. Deborah was explaining about a group she supports with profits from her book, www.taps.org which stands for “Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors”

It was an emotional weekend. I don’t think about my missed opportunity to ride a Huey helicopter and after watching hundreds of motorcycles depart at noon that Saturday for the motorcycle rally – I didn’t miss being on one. Those two should be an indicator that when I visit Six Flags, I’m usually holding items for those on the rides LOL!

I look forward to working with the contacts I made as well as another visit to God Bless Fort Benning Day next year.

Very Respectfully,
Bob

Director of Special Projects, Operation First Response
www.OperationFirstResponse.org

Director, Give 2 the Troops
www.Give2TheTroops.org

By LIA MILLER
New York Times
Published: November 14, 2005
WITH Motown tunes blasting in the background, about 900 volunteers for Operation Gratitude spent Veterans Day and this past weekend getting blisters on their hands and sore backs on an assembly line in the California Army National Guard Armory in Van Nuys, Calif. They were there packing 15,000 boxes for soldiers in Iraq with items like energy bars, coffee, DVD's, CD's, phone cards and T-shirts for shipment this morning.
Carolyn Blashek, who started Operation Gratitude (opgratitude.com) in March 2003, said this weekend was the kickoff to a season-long drive that lasts until the middle of December. In the 2½ years she has been doing this, her organization has sent more than 71,000 boxes of goods. But this year, she said, they are "way busier."
As the war in Iraq approaches its third year, the efforts of the American public to provide the troops there with supplies ranging from body armor to extra socks and toothbrushes have grown and become more organized. These groups also send supplies to troops in Afghanistan. Some organizations have also begun providing services to soldiers returning home from combat, particularly those with serious wounds. And more such groups keep coming. At least 32 charities with the words "military and veterans" had their names registered for a tax exemption with the Internal Revenue Service in 2004; so far this year, at least 25 more have registered.
The federal government has noticed . Last November, the Department of Defense started a Web site called americasupportsyou.mil, a clearinghouse for information on supporting the troops. The site gets over 100,000 new visitors each month on average. It includes a state-by-state list of certified charities, news articles and e-mail messages to and from the troops.
Cmdr. Greg Hicks, a Pentagon spokesman, said the proliferation of such charities is not a result of the troops' having more needs but rather reflects a growing interest by civilians who want to help. "People want to feel that they can contribute," he said. "It's a great measure of the intensity of support for our troops."
The Pentagon has also begun a reimbursement program for soldiers who buy necessary combat equipment for themselves. The measure was proposed last year by Senator Chris Dodd, Democrat of Connecticut, and recently put into place by the Pentagon. A soldier can apply to be reimbursed for up to $1,100. (Information about the policy and the application can be found at defenselink.mil. To find the application, search for Form dd2902.)
Gail Van Vranken, who lives in Wheeling, W. Va., began Boatsie's Boxes (boatsie.com) in June 2004, sending care packages to the troops. This year, she has doubled the number of boxes she sends from an average of 20 a week to 40. She has also become a public speaker for the first time and has incorporated Boatsie's as a nonprofit organization.
For her big Christmas project, sending stockings stuffed with games and treats to the soldiers, her organization will be preparing close to 13,000, compared with the 2,500 she sent last year.
But Mrs. Van Vranken said that the most significant change had been the response, as word spread about her efforts. "Now I can pick up the phone and call the schools and call the stores and they know me," she said. And now that she said she was about to become a tax-exempt organization, she can solicit items from large companies for larger amounts and apply for grants.
Andi Grant, of Rocky Hill, Conn., who started give2thetroops.org, a charity listed on americasupportsyou, said her workload had doubled since 2004. Her husband, Sgt. Brian Grant, was deployed for a year in Iraq; his service there was an impetus for creating the charity. Even with a full-time job, she puts in an average of 30 hours a week on the project. Ms. Grant said she missed the hands-on work of packing boxes as her role has shifted since she incorporated last year. "Now we have a lot of legal responsibilities and management responsibilities," she said.
"We have nine branches all around the country," she added. "We don't do as much of the actual boxes. I used to do it every single night in my basement."
While the work keeps her aware of what is being reported about Iraq and what the soldiers are enduring, she said that politics have never entered into the equation at her charity. "Everyone seems very educated about the difference between supporting the war and supporting the troops," she said.
Operation First Response (operationfirstresponse.org), which was started by Peggy Baker of Culpeper, Va., and Liz Fuentes of Cheraw, S.C., is a nonprofit group devoted to the wounded. Mrs. Baker said the soldiers recovering in military hospitals are often far from their home, making it difficult for their families to visit. The soldiers are no longer receiving combat pay, and sometimes their spouses need to take a leave from work to stay nearby, problems that can lead to stress and financial difficulties.
Her organization sends care packages to the hospitals, donates frequent-flier miles and phone cards and has even sent a car service to and from the airport. In some cases, they have provided financial help. "A lot of families come, some have never traveled before, and you are traveling under the worst conditions," Mrs. Baker said. "A car service picks them up and takes them to the right building. So it's kind of a comfort thing for them."
She said she wanted to make sure the soldiers were not forgotten after their tour of duty. "The soldiers of today will become the veterans of tomorrow, and we have to make sure that we don't have another generation of homeless veterans," she said.
For everyone involved in these efforts, there is a goal beyond the tangible aid. Mrs. Van Vranken said it was summed up for her in a remark from an army reservist who approached her after she gave a talk at an American Legion hall. "You know, we see your boxes all over Iraq," he told her. "I want you to give the American people a message for me. I want you to tell the American people to continue loving us and supporting us."

www.operationfirstresponse.org

Thank You West Virginia!
By Peggy Baker
Mother of a Soldier
President of Operation First Response
www.operationfirstresponse.org

Operation First Response, Inc (OFR) is an all volunteer, 501 © 3 non profit organization that support’s our Nation’s Wounded Heroes and their Families.
OFR would like to take this time to thank all of the wonderful residents of West Virginia who have supported our wounded Heroes through the mission of OFR.

In July, OFR was asked by WV Delegate Jack Yost to speak about our mission to several people gathered at Brooke County Library in Wellsburg, WV.
We were met by many locals who opened their hearts to the needs of our Wounded Heroes.

Since that day OFR has seen a huge response from West Virginians in the way of hand made quilts, hygiene products, clothing, pillows and monetary funds. The out pouring of love has been a blessing beyond words.

OFR is a vehicle for a proud America, we could not touch the hearts of so many without all of you and your wondrous support. Your generous donations have sent a message to our wounded Heroes and their families, this message is one of love and hope and honor.

We believe that our Wounded Heroes of Today will be our Veterans of Tomorrow and that in being there for them now we can give them hope for a promising future. This Country was founded on Heroes such as the young men and women of our Military. They stand for the core of America and West Virginia has stood up and applauded them with the help they have provided and for that OFR will be forever grateful!

A deployed Soldier just recently emailed with this comment…

“Communities that support Soldiers and Veterans teach at an early age
the values of
duty, honor and selfless service.”

The residents of West Virginia have shown this to be true.

It is our duty as Americans to continue to keep the home fires burning and give comfort to those in need.

Thanksgiving is approaching and as we all sit down to our family dinners and prepare to thank God for this year’s blessings, please remember our Heroes and the sacrifices that they make for each of us.

The staff of OFR will certainly be thankful for the blessing of our good Friends of West Virginia.

Melissa House
Bayonet staff

When her best friend's husband was evacuated to Brooke Army Medical Center, Dawn McMaster went to work finding help. When the Soldier came off his breathing tube, he asked for his parents, who could ill afford more than $2,000 for plane tickets.
McMaster got help - in spades - from an organization called Operation First Response, founded by two women from different areas of the country who were brought together by their desire to do something to help Soldiers and their families.
"It was amazing," McMaster said. "Not only did they get tickets from New York to San Antonio, Texas, but provided his family and the other families with money to help with expenses. And they're still doing more."
Peggy Baker, OFR's president and co-founder, had been on the board of directors with another charitable organization. She visited Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C., with a friend whose son had lost a leg and realized there were wounded Soldiers with needs American citizens could fulfill.
So she left one organization in order to found another, and recently, OFR received its official nonprofit status.
"It has changed our lives forever," Baker said. "We get involved at such a critical time in the Soldiers' lives and we've worked with some of them for more than two years. We went to find a way to help and it has turned into so much more than we ever could have seen."
Since its inception in 2003, OFR has sent more than 1,000 black backpacks filled with T-shirts, undergarments, toiletries and a handmade lap quilt overseas to Landstuhl Army Medical Center in Germany. Wounded Soldiers often arrive there with nothing more than the clothes on their backs, she said. OFR volunteer Carolyn Crossley, a nurse and Army spouse, hands the backpacks out overseas.
"The backpacks get information out to the guys really quickly," she said. "So, if they have issues, they can contact us. Carolyn has the hardest job - she's faced with the trauma there."
But beside the backpacks, OFR has been able to provide 300 families of wounded Soldiers with things like plane tickets, cash, food and clothing, depending on their needs, she said. The OFR volunteers are "on call" from their homes in Virginia and South Carolina all day, every day.
"We stay in contact with the Soldiers and their families, even the ones who go home, retire or return to their units overseas," Baker said. "You become very personally attached to them at a time when it's so emotional. You're adding one more to your Christmas list."
And with McMaster's phone call, OFR added a few more families to the list. The group relies on donated frequent flier miles in order to provide family members with airline tickets.
"We desperately need frequent flier miles," Baker said. "Having to purchase the tickets really drains the funds ." Sometimes, she said, the funds run out, so they contact other agencies to get help. The Coalition to Salute America's Heroes is stepping in to help pay some bills.
"What a relief," Baker said. "We want (the Soldiers) to be able to concentrate on getting better and we're thrilled to be able to help take some burdens off the families."
"This is our way of letting the Soldiers know that America supports them and cares," she said. "It's an honor to be able to do this."
OFR's vice president and co-founder Liz Fuentes answered the phone at 10:30 p.m. when McMaster called her home in Cheraw, S.C., a small town of around 5,000.
"She was searching the Internet for help and by some miracle, she found us," Fuentes said.
But according to McMaster, the miracle is in what OFR is doing to help her friend's family and the families of other Fort Benning Soldiers.
"When an organization helps like that and in such a big way. it's wonderful," McMaster said. "It just kills me to see how much they care. These people are angels."And what really stuck in her mind was something Fuentes told her about why she became involved.
"She doesn't even have someone in the military," McMaster said.
In fact, Fuentes only connection to the military is the fact that her cousin's husband served in the Army for a few years.
She got started, she said, watching the war on TV.
"I have two daughters, 22 and 24, and they're safely in college," she said. "I kept seeing these sons and daughters going off to war."
She started sending packages and got more involved, to the point where she met Baker and decided she, too, wanted to focus of the wounded Soldiers.
"We feel fortunate we get support from the American public to be able to do what we do, she said. "We're honored any time someone calls us for assistance because they feel we can help."
Fuentes was on the phone with a wife on Wednesday hearing the latest news from BAMC.
"If it's good news, it's overwhelming. If it's bad news, it's really overwhelming," she said.
And something one of the wives she helped said something to her that stuck in her mind and made her want to work even harder.
"This wife of an injured Soldier - in the middle of a tough time - said 'Don't worry about (us), Just make sure you take care of the other Soldiers. We know we can make it through,'" Fuentes said. "To see (her husband) burned - to see his battle buddies burned and to still be so stalwart - amazes me.
"But it would be nice if we got put out of business," she said.
For more information or to make tax deductible contributions to OFR, visit
www.operationfirstresponse.org

All proceeds donated to: Operation First Response“Supporting Wounded Heroes and Their Families; Serving America’s Finest”For More Information: www.operationfirstresponse.org
Registration:
10:00 – 11:00 AM at the Gowrie City Park Shelter House
Cost:
$25.00 per bike or vehicle. (Includes Free T-shirt)$10.00 per passenger (T-shirt not included)
Poker Run:
1st prize for High Hand $1002nd High Hand $50, Low Hand $50Cards need to be turned in at shelter house at 6:00 PM Pork Loin Dinner and entertainment included with each entry.
T-shirts and other items available for sale.Music at 7:00 PM Auction at 9:00 PM at Dick’s Trikes, 1110 Elm Street in Gowrie50/50 drawings will be held throughout the event
Limited Camping Available Call 1-866-833-5551 for more information.Motels available nearby in Fort Dodge
A Fundraiser For Our Wounded Troops

My son died in Iraq--and it was not in vain.
BY RONALD R. GRIFFIN
I lost a son in Iraq and Cindy Sheehan does not speak for me.
I grieve with Mrs. Sheehan, for all too well I know the full measure of the agony she is forever going to endure. I honor her son for his service and sacrifice. However, I abhor all that she represents and those who would cast her as the symbol for parents of our fallen soldiers.
The fallen heroes, until now, have enjoyed virtually no individuality. They have been treated as a monolith, a mere number. Now Mrs. Sheehan, with adept public relations tactics, has succeeded in elevating herself above the rest of us. Sen. Bill Nelson of Florida declared that Mrs. Sheehan is now the symbol for all parents who have lost children in Iraq. Sorry, senator. Not for me.
Maureen Dowd of the New York Times portrays Mrs. Sheehan as a distraught mom standing heroically outside the guarded gates of the most powerful and inhumane man on earth, President Bush. Ms. Dowd is so moved by Mrs. Sheehan's plight that she bestowed upon her and all grieving parents the title of "absolute moral authority." That characterization epitomizes the arrogance and condescension of anyone who would presume to understand and speak for all of us. How can we all possess "absolute moral authority" when we hold so many different perspectives?
I don't want that title. I haven't earned that title.

Although we all walk the same sad road of sorrow and agony, we walk it as individuals with all the refreshing uniqueness of our own thoughts shaped in large measure by the life and death of our own fallen hero. Over the past few days I have reached out to other parents and loved ones of fallen heroes in an attempt to find out their reactions to all the attention Mrs. Sheehan has attracted. What emerges from those conversations is an empathy for Mrs. Sheehan's suffering but a fundamental disagreement with her politics.
Ann and Dale Hampton lost their only child, Capt. Kimberly Hampton, on Jan. 2, 2004, while she was flying her Kiowa helicopter. She was a member of the 82nd Airborne and the company commander. She had already served in Afghanistan before being deployed to Iraq. Ann Hampton wrote, "My grief sometimes seems unbearable, but I cannot add the additional baggage of anger. Mrs. Sheehan has every right to protest . . . but I cannot do that. I would be protesting the very thing that Kimberly believed in and died for."
Marine Capt. Benjamin Sammis was Stacey Sammis's husband. Ben died on April 4, 2003, while flying his Super Cobra helicopter. Listen to Stacey and she will tell you that she is just beginning to understand the enormousness of the character of soldiers who knowingly put their lives at risk to defend our country. She will tell you that one of her deepest regrets is that the world did not have the honor of experiencing for a much longer time this outstanding Marine she so deeply loved.
Speak to Joan Curtin, whose son, Cpl. Michael Curtin, was an infantryman with the 2-7th 3rd ID, and her words are passionately ambivalent. She says she has no room for bitterness. She has a life to lead and a family to nurture. She spoke of that part of her that never heals, for that is where Michael resides. She can go on, always knowing there will be that pain.
Karen Long is the mother of Spc. Zachariah Long, who died with my son Kyle on May 30, 2003. Zack and Kyle were inseparable friends as only soldiers can be, and Karen and I have become inseparable friends since their deaths. Karen's view is that what Mrs. Sheehan is doing she has every right to do, but she is dishonoring all soldiers, including Karen's son, Zack. Karen cannot comprehend why Mrs. Sheehan cannot seem to come to grips with the idea that her own son, Casey, was a soldier like Zack who had a mission to complete. Karen will tell you over and over again that Zack is not here and no one, but no one will dishonor her son.
My wife, Robin, has a different take on Mrs. Sheehan. She told me, "I don't care what she says or does. She is no more important than any other mother."

By all accounts Spc. Casey Sheehan, Mrs. Sheehan's son, was a soldier by choice and by the strength of his character. I did not have the honor of knowing him, but I have read that he attended community college for three years and then chose to join the Army. In August 2003, five months into Operation Iraqi Freedom and after three years of service, Casey Sheehan re-enlisted in the Army with the full knowledge there was a war going on, and with the high probability he would be assigned to a combat area. Mrs. Sheehan frequently speaks of her son in religious terms, even saying that she thought that some day Casey would be a priest. Like so many of the individuals who have given their lives in service to our country, Casey was a very special young man. How do you decry that which someone has chosen to do with his life? How does a mother dishonor the sacrifice of her own son?
Mrs. Sheehan has become the poster child for all the negativity surrounding the war in Iraq. In a way it heartens me to have all this attention paid to her, because that means others in her position now have the chance to be heard. Give equal time to other loved ones of fallen heroes. Feel the intensity of their love, their pride and the sorrow.
To many loved ones, there are few if any "what ifs." They, like their fallen heroes before them, live in the world as it is and not what it was or could have been. Think of the sacrifices that have brought us to this day. We as a country made a collective decision. We must now live up to our decision and not deviate until the mission is complete.
Thirty-five years ago, a president faced a similar dilemma in Vietnam. He gave in and we got "peace with honor." To this day, I am still searching for that honor. Today, those who defend our freedom every day do so as volunteers with a clear and certain purpose. Today, they have in their commander in chief someone who will not allow us to sink into self-pity. I will not allow him to. The amazing part about talking to the people left behind is that I did not want them to stop. After speaking to so many I have come away with the certainty of their conviction that in a large measure it's because of the deeds and sacrifices of their fallen heroes that this is a better and safer world we now live in.
Those who lost their lives believed in the mission. To honor their memory, and because it's right, we must believe in the mission, too.
We refuse to allow Cindy Sheehan to speak for all of us. Instead, we ask you to learn the individual stories. They are glorious. Honor their memories.
Honor their service. Never dishonor them by giving in. They never did.
Mr. Griffin is the father of Spc. Kyle Andrew Griffin, a recipient of the Army Commendation Medal, Army Meritorious Service Medal and the Bronze Star, who was killed in a truck accident on a road between Mosul and Tikrit on May 30, 2003.

Wounded 224th soldier returns home for benefit in his honor.
By SHAWNA RICHTER
srichter@thehawkeye.com
SALEM — Bob Briggs sat near the entrance to the food pavilion in the city park, smiling and talking with those in line — each of them there to support him and his family.
His hat read "Purple Heart. Iraqi Freedom. Combat wounded."
Briggs, a sergeant with the 224th Engineer Battalion, still wore the hospital bands around his right wrist. He still massaged his left hand, trying to get the feeling to come back.
On April 16, Briggs was hit by shrapnel from an artillery round while at Camp Ramadi, Iraq. He suffered head trauma rendering him paralyzed on his left side. He also lost his right eye.
Though wounded in combat, Briggs isn't letting anything hold him back from recovery.
"I plan on being out of this thing," he said, leaning forward and tapping the arm of the wheelchair with his right hand.
In the beginning, Briggs was taken to Germany and then transferred to Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington where he was told he'd only get back use of 80 percent of his left side.
He plans to gain back 100 percent.
Four months after the injury, Briggs has started to walk with a cane and has gained some movement in his left arm. While he still stays in Minneapolis for physical therapy, he got to come home for the benefit in his honor.
"He was really looking forward to coming home," his wife, Michelle Briggs, said. "The overwhelming support of the community is just awesome."
More than 250 went through the dinner line by 5:30 p.m., with several hours left to go, and more than 1,000 raffle tickets were sold at a dollar a piece.
"It's very overwhelming," Bob said about the sheer number of people attending the benefit. "Just look at how many come together when one of their own is hurt.
"I want people to keep the other soldiers in mind," he added. "The 224th Battalion is still over there — some of them lost their lives."
Carrie Crull was thinking of her husband, a sergeant in the 224th, when she came out to support Briggs.
"My husband's in Iraq; he's the next sergeant up from Bob," the Mount Pleasant woman said. "We all know Briggs."
Crull's daughters, 14–year–old Makenzie and 10–year–old Madysinn Crull, also were at the event.
"I think this is cool," Makenzie Crull said. "We get to see Bob, have fun and raise money."
Makenzie and Madysinn already were helping the family after the accident by baby–sitting the two Briggs children while Michelle ran her business, "A Paw Above."
Since Michelle has no plans to close her business, the girls will be needed again before Bob comes home.
A group of Iowa American Legion Riders came from Des Moines for the event.
The riders, part of Operation First Response, met Bob in his hospital bed in Washington months before, the day after he was taken off life support.
"He was a wreck," said club president Chuck Thompson. "We've kept in touch and tried to help with the expenses."
Michelle Briggs said all proceeds from the benefit will go directly to travel expenses and other unforeseen expenses in the family's future.
"The road is still in the air and we don't know where it will take us," she said.

WELLSBURG - For more than two years, Americans have mourned their fallen soldiers and welcomed heroes returning home from Iraq, but the spotlight seldom falls on the nearly 7,000 wounded in Iraq - nor the hardships they face. This week, Wellsburg residents learned of an effort to bring comfort and hope to those injured overseas, as a nurse with local ties who works at Landstuhl Army Medical Hospital in Germany joined the co-founders of Operation First Response for a presentation at the Brooke County Library. The organization is based in Culpeper, Va.
West Virginia Delegate Jack Yost, D-Brooke, asked Carolyn Crossley to talk about her experiences with the soldiers being treated in Germany. Crossley was in the area for the Fourth of July weekend with her husband, Doug, a Wellsburg native and medical technician in the U.S. Army.
"Basically, they're there with no family," Crossley said of injured soldiers held in Germany for treatment, many of whom are amputees who must learn an entirely new way of life.
She noted the military does its best to care for wounded personnel but explained the system sometimes becomes overwhelmed, leading to shortages in necessary items like toothbrushes and clothing. Operation First Response has provided more than 1,000 backpacks that contain clothing, personal care items, pre-paid phone cards and hand-made quilts.
"It's like a hug from home, especially the quilts," Crossley said, noting that recovery from crippling injuries requires more than just medical treatment. "You need to treat the heart, too."
Operation First Response co-founder Peggy Baker said many soldiers don't have the support they need and the rest of us have a responsibility to help.
"We benefit from everything these young men and women do for us," Baker said. "A lot of these kids don't have a big family support system."
She said the military will pay for family members to travel overseas only when injuries are life-threatening and that the families of many wounded soldiers don't have the financial resources to travel to where their loved ones are hospitalized. Operation First Response assists those families by collecting donations of frequent flyer miles and providing free plane fare.
"We have families that are losing their homes, losing their vehicles and spending their life's savings to be with their soldiers," Baker said, pointing out that families can spend as much as a year overseas while wounded soldiers are treated.
Operation First Response also provides an average of $200 per week in financial support for families staying at Walter Reed.
"We've helped close to 250 families," Baker said.
Operation First Response co-founder Elizabeth Fuentes said the organization tries to provide whatever assistance is needed, from diapers and baby formula to cash to pay bills, and more. In one case, the organization made a $600 payment and negotiated more lenient terms with a lender to keep a family's car from being repossessed.
Each backpack costs about $40 to assemble and ship. For those wishing to help, Operation First Response accepts cash donations and frequent flyer miles, as well as backpacks and items to fill them. To meet military standards, backpacks must be all black without logos or designs. Other items accepted include T-shirts, sweat shirts, sweat pants, knit boxers, white crew socks, toothbrushes, toothpaste, mouthwash, deodorant, disposable razors, shampoo, hand lotion, antibacterial wipes, 5-inch combs, nail clippers, 100-minute prepaid phone cards and cot-size handmade quilts. All items should be "travel" size.
Donations may be sent to: Operation First Response, 20037 Dove Hill Rd, Culpeper,VA 22701.
Operation First Response began with hospital visits in November 2003 and was formally organized in September. The all-volunteer organization also seeks reliable helpers. For information, call Baker at (540) 547-9011or visit the Operation First Response Web site.
www.operationfirstresponse.org

Baker said anyone wishing to provide assistance to Iraq veterans closer to home should contact their nearest VA hospital.

WELLSBURG - The Brooke County Public Library was visited Tuesday by three women involved in a grass-roots effort to provide assistance and moral support to servicemen and women injured while serving in Iraq. Peggy Baker, president of Operation First Response, said the Midland, Va.-based group has provided more than 1,000 backpacks containing clothing, personal hygiene products and other items to service members at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany, Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington and other hospitals.
The group also provides airfare, through the donation of frequent flyer miles, to families visiting the patients at hospitals in the U.S.
The government provides transportation for two family members to visit service members classified as seriously injured or ill at such facilities.
But Elizabeth Fuentes, the group's secretary, said Operation First Response has enabled other family members to visit and to make return trips to the facilities when work and personal commitments temporarily take them from the patient's side.
Carolyn Crossley, the group's vice president and an Army nurse at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, said clothing and materials are issued by the government to service members treated there, but it's not unusual for the facility to run out of such supplies.
Crossley said the facility, the largest American hospital outside the U.S., typically treats 40 to 90 per day and at times during the war, has been been filed to its 400-bed capacity.
She recalled in December treating many injured in the suicidal bombing by an insurgent of a dining tent at an Army base in Northern Iraq.
"That was a horrible day for us," she said, adding the injuries were more severe because few were wearing the protective armor they would wear in combat.
More than 20 were killed and more than 60 injured in the attack, according to various reports.
Despite such casualties, Baker said she and others behind Operation First Response won't take an official position on the war.
Baker, the mother of a serviceman stationed in Korea, said, when asked by Time magazine how she felt about the war, "I said I feel the same as the boys."
She said through weekly visits to Walter Reed Army Medical Center, she has been impressed by the desire of wounded servicemen and women to return to Iraq to aid their fellow unit members.
"They truly are heroes. I don't know how else to describe them," Baker said.
Sgt. 1st Class Doug Crossley, Crossley's husband and a former Colliers resident, said the morale of those treated at Landstuhl hasn't been diminished by their injuries, which at times have led to double or triple amputations.
"They want to go back to their units from the hospital," said Crossley, who served in Somalia and is currently stationed in Germany.
But he added the soldiers there aren't without anxiety.
"The majority are scared. They don't know what the future holds for them (after the military)," Crossley said.
Baker said a visit from a family member helps to comfort them and the backpacks, particularly the quilts, show them someone cares.
"The quilt is a comfort item. It's something soft and clean and made for them and it ends up being a treasured item," she said.
Among those who heard the group's talk was Bill Konkle, president of the Brooke County chapter of AARP, who said he will recruit his group to collect items for the backpacks.
State Del. Jack Yost, D-Brooke, who arranged the program after meeting the Crossleys during this weekend's Independence Day festivities, said he and other state legislators want to also help.
www.operationfirstresponse.org

YOU KNOW I AM LONG WINDED. PLEASE BEAR WITH ME AND READ IT ALL.
Please go to www.operationfirstresponse.org and read about an organization that I think you will agree with me "Is one of the most NEEDED and NOTE WORTHY things that has come to our attention in a long time. I know the woman who started this and I can tell you that she is for real. ALL "ALL Money that is collected is spent on the soldiers and their families as the web site describes. This lady and the ones who help her do not get ANY of it nor do they want it. They only want to help the men and women that have sacrificed so much so that we as AMERICANS can do the things that we do everyday without worry or fear. My biggest fears are, How much higher will the price of gas go, Can I get a good enough price for a plane ticket to the next Longhorn Cattle sale, will I get a motel room close to the sale barn, will my men at home keep the customer satisfied, Do I get a bigger trailer to haul the cattle in and will this truck last until next year? It is 3 years old now. When I think about it, I am reminded that it could go another way if it were not for the brave men and women of OUR COUNTRY, THAT HAVE GIVEN THEIR LIVES AND LIMBS AND HEALTH for ME AND YOU. In their lives it is more like this. I hope I can get gas to take the kids to school. I wish I had a way to get a plane ticket to go and see my son/daughter/husband/wife/mother/dad in the hospital. I hope that I can find a way to afford to stay close to the hospital while I am there. Will I have a job when I get back from visiting them? Can I afford to keep the insurance on my 1991 chevy pick-up since my soldier spouse took a 50% cut in pay when they went active and the power company wants their money this month. I know that we all hear about the troubles that are going on and we think we would like to help, BUT do we ? There are a great deal of you who can put it in a much more eloquent way to your friends and associates. Please help in any way that you can. Give up that 1 tank of gas on a week-end on your boat or as the least MATCH IT. We have raised thousands even hundreds of thousands for other worthy causes like cancer research and even scholarships for our young ones. These are all great and worthy, but NOT MORE worthy than this one. These men and women are in these situations because they are willing to stand up with a weapon in their hands, between the enemy and us and allow us our freedom to do what we do. My intent is not to harass, or preach. Just to beg if needed. FOR YOUR HELP. Donate a cow for a soldier and their family, Donate your time to help, Donate a bedroom for a sleep over if you are near a hospital that has some wounded soldiers and their family needs help. Talk to your friends and neighbors. E-Mail forward, this like it was one of the best jokes you have ever read. I have referred a lot about the Cattle people and the longhorns. I guess this is because I have NEVER seen a more determined bunch that could get more done in less time anywhere and when I talk about the greatest bunch of people they are the ones that come to mind 1st as a group. Please pass this on to everyone and visit the web site www.operationfirstresponse.org and call Peggy to see what you can do to help..

Thanks, I love you all. Lee Sherbeyn Choice Longhorns

By DONNA FARLEY ~ Staff Writer

Cigarettes and a soda were the first things wounded Campbell soldier Carl Workman Jr. asked for when he met Carolyn Crossley in May at a Landstuhl, Germany hospital.
That's what the Ellington native does -- provide whatever help she can to as many of the arriving wounded as possible.
The city of Landstuhl holds the largest American hospital outside the United States. Many of the soldiers wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan are treated there.
"We get [soldiers] here fresh from the battle," Crossley said, "They are still in shock or in comas, but all of them want their mom and dad.
"So I do the best I can to fill that need until they can get home."
Crossley is one of many volunteers and liaisons working for the fledgling charity Operation First Response.
OFR offers support, providing supplies and financial assistance, to wounded soldiers and their families in an effort to pick up where military provisions leave off.
A Jackson, Miss., soldier's message on the OFR web site expressed how much he appreciated the help he and his family received after returning from Iraq and Kuwait in February 2004.
"When I was having pay problems, OFR was there to help," said the Army specialist, "When I was having trouble getting [Christmas] presents for my kids, OFR was there. When I have to return to Walter Reed [Army Medical Center] for my monthly check ups and I am having transportation problems, due to lack of funds, OFR is there to help.
"People out there truly do not understand what kind of predicaments the soldiers have to face on top of the medical problems."
Crossley, OFR vice president and mother of a Marine, has seen too much of the by-products of war to stand back and do nothing.
"In 1993, I was a nurse in Somalia [with the 42nd field hospital of Fort Knox, Ky.]," Crossley said, "During the conflict, I worked the expectant ward, where the soldiers are expected to die.
"There was nothing I could do to help them, just hold their hand and pray with them until they went.
"It left me hurting badly after six months of that duty, so during every conflict I have tried to find ways to help."
Over the years, Crossley has worked with a variety of people, sending care packages to wounded soldiers.
She left the United States for Germany when her husband, Sgt. 1st Class Douglas Crossley, was transferred to Landstuhl and has continued to work there.
Crossley met Peggy Baker, OFR president, on-line, while looking for ways to help deployed soldiers.
"[Peggy] called me one day and told me a mother had called about her son," Crossley said, "He was in very bad shape here, at Landstuhl, and in a coma. [The woman] didn't have the money to come to him.
"They asked me to go to him and tell him [his mother] loved him and that she would be waiting for him when he came to the United States."
The soldier, who recovered, had been shot through the neck.
"When I walked into his room, my heart broke. He was so badly injured." Crossley said, "I whispered in his ear the message from his mom. Then [I] called his mom and let her tell him over the phone.
"That night, Peggy and I made a promise to be there for these boys, and their families, wherever and whenever."
OFR was born, and the small charity covers a lot of ground, with Baker working at Walter Reed, Crossley at Landstuhl and liaisons at combat support hospitals in Iraq.
Injured soldiers, who are often transported with no personal belongings, receive care packages containing clean clothing, prepaid phone cards, hygiene products and comfort items, like CDs and handmade cot quilts.
"Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the assistance you gave my husband when he was sent to a hospital in Germany from Iraq." a wife wrote on OFR's web site, "He had no extra supplies with him and was given a backpack, which had your organization's name in it."
After starting OFR, the group realized that the families of wounded soldiers also had needs that the military was unable to meet.
"The military only flies families [in, if] their son or daughter is in grave condition," Crossley said, "So now we have boys who have lost their legs and arms and have parents who can't be there with them.
"[I] understand there are so many [wounded soldiers], the military couldn't begin to pay for all [the families' travel expenses.]
"So, we started using donated frequent flyer miles and started having families waiting at the hospitals in the States for their children or husband."
On the OFR web site, one woman thanked the organization for helping when her husband was injured in Iraq and she had no idea what to do.
"Without your help, I wouldn't have known who to call to get information," the woman said, "and would probably not have gotten in touch with my husband when he was at Walter Reed Hospital.
"Your support alone and words of wisdom and kindness carried me through several days of uneasiness and for that I will forever be grateful."
With over 350 benefactors, the organization has been able to give care packages to dozens of soldiers, help their families with transportation costs and continues to aid the soldiers even after they have been sent home.
Crossley plans to continue working with OFR, and work as a nurse in Landstuhl, despite the difficulty she has, seeing the injured men and women in the hospital.
"Is it hard to see these boys and girls [hurt]? Yes, yes, yes," Crossley said, "Some days it is so hard I don't want to see another young person in that shape. But the biggest hurt is to see them lying here, suffering, without their Mom's and Dad's. That hurts.
"Or to see the parents brought over to say good-bye to their children. They are only brought here, [to Landstuhl], if the news is very, very bad.
"Sometimes we see miracles, sometimes not."
OFR depends entirely on the donations sent by many individuals, schools, quilting societies, government officials and American Legion posts.
More information about the organization can be found at www.operationfirstresponse.org.
Donations can be sent to Operation First Response, 20037 Dove Hill Rd., Culpeper, VA. 22701.

Operation First Response, Inc. (OFR) is an all volunteer non- profit organization that serves our Nation’s wounded Heroes and their families at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and several other major military facilities located within the states and extended to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany.
During OFR’s work over the past two years we have become a vehicle for many proud Americans who wanted to let our Heroes know that they are not alone and that their sacrifices are seen and appreciated.
It our pleasure to take a moment to recognize one of our “Littlest Americans” for his selfless act of kindness to our wounded Heroes.
OFR was contacted by family members of Brian Weingast of Vienna, Virginia. We were told that he was approaching his seventh birthday and instead of receiving gifts his wish was to have donations made to OFR to help the people he most admired…
The American Soldiers…
Brian’s family sent out many birthday invitations explaining his wishes and on July 4, 2005 they had a large birthday celebration for him and also set up a table explaining what OFR’s mission was.
On July 16, 2005, OFR’s Co-founders, Peggy Baker and Liz Fuentes had the honor of meeting Brian and his family at the Malogne House, located at Walter Reed Army Post, where Brian presented over $2,000.00 worth of donations made on his behalf to OFR. Brian was presented with the very first OFR Award that day and was also introduced to several of the soldier’s that his generosity would benefit.
It was a very emotional visit for all involved, our wounded Heroes are awe inspiring, and regardless of their injuries they stand strong in their commitment to our Country and its Freedoms. Meeting Brian was just as inspiring, to know that our littlest Americans can have such a big heart gives us great hope that we are a Country that will stand with its Heroes and never forget what they have done for us.
Please join us in thanking Brian Weingast and his family for helping OFR help
America’s Finest!

GCN Exclusive Special Feature


While Caring For A Severely Wounded Son At Walter Reed Army Medical Center, This Single Mom Has Lost Her Job, Home, And Car. Though A Muslim, She Proudly Proclaims,
“I Am An American, First.”

By Perry Hicks- Special to Gulf Coast News


The media has made much about the 1600 plus U.S. service members killed fighting in Iraq. What is rarely said is that upward of 90% of combat casualties actually survive their wounds. This stunning success is partly due to the protective body armor our troops wear, but also the rapid evacuations to combat support hospitals, and the superb medicine practiced at U.S. military facilities such as Walter Reed, Bethesda Naval, and Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany.

Once the wounded have reached Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C., the warrior’s care will fall into the hands of specialized teams of doctors, therapists, and to many people’s surprise, their own mother.

One of these “Walter Reed Moms” is 45 year old Sema Olson, a naturalized citizen originally from Eskisehir, Turkey. Her son, Bobby, was severely wounded when his Stryker light armored vehicle drove over an improvised explosive device, or IED. While tending to the emotional and physical needs of her son, Sema has lost her job, her home, and her car. She lives at the generosity of U.S. Army invitational orders and the supporting humanitarian organizations working with Walter Reed.

While having to see Bobby struggle back has been very difficult for Sema, she does see the importance of his sacrifice because she knows the fear of terrorism first hand. Her native Turkey has long been a battleground for what some would say is “the soul of Islam.”



A Faith In Conflict

Sema is also familiar with the stifling cultural oppression that dictates that a Muslim woman is little more than chattel property. In Turkey, it can be dangerous for a woman to demand even the most basic of human rights. This reality seems to have been lost on many westerners who argue against bringing freedom and democracy to the Middle East.

For example, just days before her son was wounded, Sema attended a lecture at the University of Puget Sound titled, “Woman and Islam,” presented by University of Kentucky professor, Riffat Hassan. The guest speaker was a British journalist who had been captured by the Taliban and held for 10 days before being released, Yvonne Ridley.

Once back in the United Kingdom, Ridley had converted to Islam. She has also adopted much of the hard-line anti-western, pro-Islamic rhetoric of those who would take the world back to the 12th century.

In her presentation, Ridley, covered head to toe in black orthodox Muslim attire, was quite critical in asserting that the West does not understand Islam. So when the question and answer session began, Sema spoke up to address Ridley with a few critical assertions of her own. Sema related to GCN her response this way:

“I told Ms. Ridley, I agree with you that the West misunderstands Islam, but having grown up in a Muslim country, it appears that Islam is misunderstood by the Muslims themselves. If it weren’t so, the women would not be treated the way they are in those Muslim countries. I appreciate the fact that you are able to practice the beautiful Muslim religion in a country like England where you are treated as an equal. However, having grown up in a Muslim country, and having crimes committed against me, I cannot put any weight in what you are defending.”

Sema’s remarks elicited hissing and condemnation from some of those in the audience. Afterwards, a group of berka wearing women chided her for “not being an obedient Muslim.”

Speaking very softly, Sema explained her view to GCN, “These jihadists do not work for God. Islam is a beautiful religion. There is nothing in the Koran about Berkas, or subjugating women the way they do.”

Professor Hassan has herself long asserted that Islam had been hijacked by Muslim extremists.

It should be note here that an estimated 4000 Muslims currently in the U.S. Armed Forces. They receive little recognition, much less thanks, for their service under what are arguably special circumstances.



Coming To America

It is against this backdrop of oppression that Sema came to the United States in 1983. Her Air Force husband of 6 years had taken up with another woman and was agitating for a divorce. Because a Turkish court would likely have taken her two boys from her, and realizing her children were automatically U.S. citizens, Sema brought the boys to the U.S. where they could expect to receive equal justice.

Sema came without marketable skills, without knowing how to drive a car, and without being able to speak English. The first 5 years she describes as “being an absolute hell.” She had to become skilled in all of these things while adapting to what for her was an alien culture. They arrived in January. They had little money so their first home was a mere camping trailer.

Still, Sema and her children were able to remain together as a family. She worked at night as a waitress in a restaurant bar while she attended school during the day. Sleep came whenever she could catch it. As might be expected, her finances remained critically tight.

One of the club’s regular customers was a Vietnam veteran. When his old wounds deteriorated to the point he was confined to a bed, Sema volunteered to take on still one more duty; caring for a crippled veteran until she finished her training as a paralegal.

A few months after Sema graduated, and was able to move her boys into a home of their own, the man committed suicide; something that causes her great emotional pain even after 17 years. In relating this story, her eyes well up with tears and her words come haltingly. At the end, she is utterly speechless.


A Seminal Moment

Immigration commonly fosters alienation so many newcomers to America come to feel as if there is nowhere they truly belong. Assimilation takes time.

“There was no sense of belonging here (in the U.S.,)” Sema explained. “Yet, I didn’t feel at home in Turkey.”

Though by then a citizen, Sema had not resolved her feelings by the morning of September 11th, 2001. She and the boys had been in the United States for almost 19 years.

“I could not believe what I was seeing on TV,” remarked Sema. “Even when the first plane hit the (north) tower, I immediately knew this was a terrorist attack. I had a sense of fear sweep over me that I hadn’t felt since I had lived in Turkey. It was as if this evil were following me.”

Shortly thereafter, Sema went to visit her mother in Eskisehir. Naturally, the subject of George W. Bush and the war terror came up in conversation and Sema found herself having to defend America.

After the first Gulf War, Kurds had poured across the Iraqi frontier into Turkey seeking asylum from Saddam Hussein. As Sema encountered them and heard the horror stories they had to tell, she had to ask herself, “What is our responsibility as the fortunate ones living with democracy and freedom to the rest of the world that is suffering? I really didn’t care whether Iraq had weapons of mass destruction or not. The suffering had to end and if we Americans could do that, then we should.”

To Sema’s surprise, her mother made the pronouncement that she “admired” Saddam.

Admire a man who so brutalized his people? Starved and gassed them? Mutilated them or simply gunned them down far out in the Iraqi desert?

“How could you possibly say that?” asked Sema.

Her mother replied tersely, “I admire him because he has stood up to America.”

It was precisely at that moment that Sema realized that “I was truly American.”


Walter Reed Army Medical Center

In 2003, her youngest son, Bobby, enlisted in the U.S. Army. He arrived in Iraq on October 9th, 2004 and was fortunate to witness the very first democratic election held in that country. Bobby was severely wounded on March 12th and was moved to a combat support hospital and stabilized so that by March 14th he was in Germany and in Washington D.C. the very next day. Bobby remained on life-support for 5 days after arriving at Walter Reed. He was unconscious the first 3 days but opened his eyes on day 4.

“When he opened his eyes they were blank; they didn’t even follow me as I moved about tending to him; wiping his eyes, they were always running; feeding him; keeping his lips moist with chips of ice. It almost killed me when he looked at me with those blank eyes. I thought he might have been brain-dead,” Sema told GCN. When she continued, emotion filled her voice, “Even as he lay asleep I kept telling him that I was here and he was safe and that I loved him. I was ecstatic when he was finally able to move just one finger,” Sema told GCN.

To call them merely “wounds” diminishes the ghastly nature of combat injuries: Limbs crushed and broken beyond surgical repair- providing they haven’t been blown off altogether. If not blinded, these battle survivors may have a temporary hyper-sensitivity to light, and they may also suffer temporary or even permanent deafness. There can also be burns, and/or serious head injuries. And of course, there are the attendant infections.
If any one of these veterans can remember how “it” happened, their collective stories sound all too much the same: It could have been either night or day; there was a flash-bang, yelling, screaming in pain, being dragged- or dragging oneself- out of a smoldering Humvee, Bradley, or Stryker before the enemy could finish blowing it to smithereens; the desperation as other squad members regrouped to mount a defense against enemy fighters who were just as desperately trying to finish them off; traumatic shock and ruptured eardrums may have left them in a surreal silence as they watched two or three medics frantically work to save their lives; other combat teams rallying to protect him with counter-suppression fire; and blood, they always say “there was so much blood.”

Often these battle veterans awaken thinking they are still back in Iraq. Nightmarish dreams leave them in a sweat as they relive that day over and over again. They may try to sit up and pull IVs out of their arms as they try to leave their bed.

For the third time Sema became emotional as her narrative related to me how her son suffered during the hours after his first surgery. Tearfully she told me how he pleaded with her to take the pain away. Bobby was already heavily sedated so all she could do was sit up with him and try to comfort him with her words and hold his hand. Later, around 4 AM, “He started to beg me help him die. My knees just gave in and tears just flooded onto my cheeks. I just couldn’t handle that….. that broke my heart and shook me to my core,” explained Sema.

Even now it is a sobering experience to see these wounded warriors lying in bed with their eyes glazed by powerful drugs and knowing that even this dosage level is grossly inadequate.


Interminable Waiting

Once Bobby’s condition had been stabilized, surgeons began to repair his broken body. For a time, this meant up to 3 surgeries per week installing or removing rods, installing plates, cleansing, and closing wounds. Bobby may have been taken to pre-op as early as 5:30 in the morning or 8:00 AM if he were the “second case.” Bobby would not return to his room until post-op could see his heart-rate had stabilized. Often, this would mean evening.

For the first 5 weeks, Sema had to be in constant attendance to Bobby. Since he was running a continuous fever, he struggled to maintain hydration; his mouth was always parched so Sema had to give him water every few minutes and applied cold compresses to make him feel more comfortable. Because he could not grasp things much less lift his arms, she also fed him and assisted him with his personal hygiene.




Sema went to her hotel room only to bathe herself and change clothes. Sleep came only when Bobby was away undergoing one of his many surgeries. Even now, when Bobby is able to do much more for himself, Sema feels guilty about leaving him. She has subordinated all of her own personal needs to that of her son.

For the single moms this waiting time may be spent trying to catch some blessed sleep, or reading. However, it may also be spent trying to delay the inevitable eviction, repossession, and financial ruin.

The volunteer assistance organization, Operation First Response (OFR,) provides support not only to wounded troops at Walter Reed, Bethesda Naval, Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany, and combat support hospitals in Iraq, but also to the families tending to their loved one.

Peggy Baker, president and founder of OFR, put it in perspective for GCN saying, “The last thing these wounded guys (or gals) need is to watch their families come apart while they lay there in bed.”

Besides OFR, Walter Reed Army Medical Center Family Assistance, the USO, Red Cross, and numerous other volunteer agencies also offer support providing that funds are available. (See side bar.)

Sema praises these organizations and the Army for doing what it can to house her and provide her with some quality of life; she is particularly appreciative of Peggy Baker of OFR and Michael Wagner of Walter Reed’s Family Assistance.

The Army houses Sema in a small (264 room) Hilton in nearby Silver Spring, Maryland. So that she can travel back to Walter Reed every day, Peter Anderson, General Manager of Mologne House arranged for a rental car donated by Yellow Ribbon Fund. Still, there is food for her to buy and gas and parking for her to pay. With no job, meeting such expenses can be dicey.

It should be noted that Sema has not waited for Bobby to recover before she has begun to “give back.” She is currently a Red Cross volunteer.


Circling Predators

Like stalking hyenas watching and waiting for the opportunity to cull a weak gazelle from a herd, there are those who would take advantage of a vulnerable mom. Sometimes the offender is painfully too close to home.

Sema reports that an ex-husband of one of the other mom’s started up a website seeking donations for his wounded son. Of course, not a single dime has ever been sent to help either his son or his attendant mother.
Bobby’s own father wasted no time in contacting a hometown newspaper to talk about his great personal challenge in having a son wounded in Iraq. He has also written Bobby’s commander and has even gone so far as to write President George W. Bush. Sema was not mentioned.

But what was most hurtful to Sema and Bobby was the letter his biological father had sent Bobby claiming that his mother had “deprived me of loving you.” Considering what caused her to flee to America and the struggle she had to care for her boys, this claim cut her like a knife.

“No one can deprive you of loving,” Sema remarked with a combination of hurt and anger. At the same time, her words carried considerable poignancy. Just how could one actually deprive another of what love is; the feeling of unselfish devotion, affection and tenderness?

“My son's biological father did not have any contact with my sons for 20 years. No child support, no phone call, or a visit,” she said.

Sema does not want to speak of the details, but predators are not limited to ex-husbands. There are those who have even more sinister motivations that these moms have to guard themselves against.


When The Crisis Is Over

If his progress continues, Bobby may be able to transfer over to Walter Reed’s Mologne House just in time for Independence Day. There, he will continue various therapies and perhaps more minor medical interventions until he can totally take care of himself. Sema will likely move out of her hotel and into Mologne House so that she can continue to care for Bobby.

When Bobby is ready and able to live on his own, he will be transferred again to Summit Hill Apartments located off of medical center grounds. At that point, Sema’s presence will no longer be needed.

That is when Sema will have to resume her own life. However, unlike the veteran who has an entire Federal agency (VA,) dedicated to their reintroduction into mainstream society, Sema will have virtually nothing. She will have to somehow re-enter the work force, find her own place to live, and struggle to regain everything she had worked for over 22 years.

There is a considerable anti-climatic aspect to Sema’s return to her own life. Having subordinated her personal needs for so long, it will be difficult to redirect her energies solely to herself. Then there is also the distinct possibility that Sema, as any of the other moms, could experience post traumatic stress disorder. This begs the question then, just who will be there for the moms?
The Power Of Love

It would be all too easy for the parent of one of these service members to become embittered. Some do. However, Sema places it all in a spiritual perspective that helps keep her mind at ease and allowing her to eschew the medication some moms accept to steady their nerves. Sema explains her perspective this way:

“Since I’ve been here, I have met some wonderful people who extend their helping hands and hearts. I have made some great friends and met people who are challenging but I always try to see the message they bring. God puts people on our path for a reason.

“I spend many hours at the chapel on the 3rd floor of Walter Reed, which has been my sanctuary for the last 2 months. I try to find some solace in my and my son’s predicament. The only power I have is prayer. I ask God for compassion, patience, wisdom and guidance to deal with the challenges that we are facing. I trust He is guiding us both. There is a reason (God’s reason) for all of this.

“I have no animosity towards the people who did this to my son. I am very proud that my son doesn’t, either. He believes and trusts God’s plan.

“I feel blessed that my son’s mind and heart is with me. Our lives have changed drastically: As his world has shrunk into that hospital room, my world has shrunk into a hotel room. Even though I miss having a home with a window that opens, the simple pleasures of cooking and gardening… my old friends… the Northwest rain (yes, I can’t believe I miss the rain), I am fortunate to have a roof over my head. I am thankful that the Army provides me with food and lodging because I am a part of the team that is working feverishly to heal our heroes.

“During my travels, I have listened to people’s stories and what I have found is that no matter what color you are, what culture you come from, everybody’s story is the same. We are all suffering because this world is lacking love, compassion, tolerance and acceptance. Until the people of the world realize that, we will continue to have unfairness, crime, corruption, and wars.”

On Tuesday, June 21, 2005, Representatives of Operation First Response, Peggy and Steve Baker had the pleasure of attending a Congressional hearing on Veterans issues. We were invited by Pat Rowe Kerr and were inspired by her passionate speech that clearly showed her love and respect for American Veterans.

By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, April 14, 2005

Peggy Baker of Midland, Va., said her son opened her eyes to the big picture of what the military does for Americans.
Army Staff Sgt. Christopher Cook displays Operation First Response backpack he received as a patient at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington as OFR's Peggy Baker looks on. Before he was wounded in Iraq, Cook was an OFR point of contact at a combat support hospital in Iraq. He was with the Wisconsin Army National Guard’s Company B, 118th Medical Battalion. “I was one of those people who walked around and had no idea," she said. "I had no military in my family.”
Then Sept. 11, 2001, happened where she said her son was "just a few buildings" over from the Pentagon. From that experience, she said, "he just came home and joined the Army."
“He opened my eyes to, ‘Oh my gosh, you’re right, look what’s being done for us (by the military).”
So Baker too joined an effort to support the troops. Originally, she started with a group that mainly focused on deployed servicemembers. And she was also involved in working with returning, injured servicemembers. But she didn’t feel she could be involved with both endeavors and do either of them justice.
So in August 2004, she formed Operation First Response. The group, with about 10 significantly involved members across the country, works to do just what Baker calls her responsibility: assist wounded servicemembers as they return to the states and transition back into civilian life.
“I think that it’s our responsibility (to support the troops),” she said. “Freedom is not free.”
To date, Operation First Response has provided more than 1,000 backpacks to wounded servicemembers through points of contact at 11 combat support hospitals in Iraq and Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany. They come filled with personal hygiene products as well as season-appropriate clothing and a phone card. Baker always makes sure there’s a greeting card from well-wishers across the country included too. She ensures the backpacks are always black so that servicemembers returning to active duty can still use them.
Baker said that on occasion the group has received a bulk donation of items such as hand-held games, cards, journals and even compact discs of songs that express support for the troops. Those are included when they’re available.
“Actually, our goal is to get CD players,” Baker said. But right now, she noted, the money's needed for other support items.
The group has one other major goal: helping families get to their injured servicemember. The military will cover travel expenses for two family members to meet their loved one at a hospital, but Baker said that with extended family and divorced people frequently there are more than two people who like to be with the servicemember.
One way OFR helps accommodate those extra family members is using donated frequent flyer miles – something the group can't get enough of.
“We are in such need for the frequent flyer miles,” Baker said. “The frequent flyer miles are such a blessing because we have been able to get … many … family members to the sides of these soldiers that they ordinarily couldn’t afford to go.
“Those are such a blessing and we are begging for them right now,” She emphasized.
She said the airlines typically charge $50-$85 to transfer the miles, but OFR covers the charge.
For those family members traveling into the Washington metropolitan area to reconnect with an injured servicemember, OFR also covers the cost of a car service. The family members are picked up at luggage claim and driven to Walter Reed Army Medical Center or National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda to eliminate one worry from their list.
Baker said she also visits Walter Reed twice a week. One is to meet with a group of wives and mothers. For these family members, she offers a source of resources available to them and their injured loved one. If need be, she even helps them fill out necessary forms.
She said she has made lifelong friends through her endeavors. “My Christmas list is really growing,” Baker said. “You become so involved with them and you love them (like) your own family.”
But she said that none of the Walter Reed trips would be possible with out her husband, Steve, who drives her to the hospital twice a week, about 100 miles roundtrip.
“He is wonderful with the soldiers,” Baker said. “When I watch him with them, I realize how good it is for them to have a man to talk to.”
She also gives Liz Fuentes great credit. Baker said Fuentes books the flights, manages the Web site and basically acts as her “right hand.”
Currently the group awaits final approval of its nonprofit organization status application. Thus far, donations through Paypal, the online payment system, and private donations have supplemented the funds given from their biggest contributors, the VFW and the American Legion and other big military-affiliated organizations.
As for her son’s take on all of this: Spc. Joshua Nickel, 27, is probably embarrassed "to death.", his mom said.
“But I think he’s very proud,” Baker said. “He called me the other day and he said … ‘Mom, I saw you in an article.”
The article was in a VFW magazine.
Nickel is currently a Bradley fighting vehicle gunner stationed at Camp Casey, South Korea.
Baker said that what she does is small. But, she said, when America sends its military to protect its citizens, troops deserve to know that America supports them.
“We send our military to protect us, they don’t make a lot of money. There’s no other reason other than that these are a breed all of their own, and if not for them we would be living like the other countries do,” she said. “I think it’s the least we can do is to take care of our wounded when they send them home to us.
Related Sites:
Operation First Response
America Supports You
http://www.defenselink.mil/news/Apr2005/20050414_608.html

OFR has been blessed to have been taken under the wings of the American Legion Riders of Iowa. You are all very special to us, for not only do you support our cause, but you also share our hearts desire to never let these Heroes know that we do not take lightly the Freedoms they defend. But even more than that, you are the Heroes of Yesterday helping the Heroes of Today. That is an awesome thing to us…the Brother Hood carries on…even though your combat ready days are over…you stand before these young men and women as a symbol of what is good and honorable….your vow as comrades in arms continues on. Through you, these young Heroes will be given the honor and respect they so deserve and they will also receive strength from the compassion and understanding that can be seen in your eyes.
Many of our Heroes and their families are struggling right now, they need us and together we will be there for them. Our out look on this is that if in a community there was a tragedy that fell upon a family…that community would pull together and support and comfort this family…well this is what has happened..
These Heroes and their families are from this great community called the United States of America…we as Americans must come together and uplift these families.
It is our responsibility; we at OFR and our good friends…The American Legion Riders… will continue these efforts until the need no longer exists. We are proud to stand with our Heroes of the past, present and future!
www.operationfirstresponse.org

By Peggy Baker
Mother of a Soldier
Operation First Response

Operation First Response (OFR) would like to express their deep gratitude to the American Legion Riders of Iowa Posts 731 and 121 for their generous efforts to support OFR and by doing so, support our nation’s Wounded Heroes. Through the hard work of these two posts, OFR has received many cash donations that will go to help our Heroes and their families as they recuperate in several different medical facilities. The American Legion Riders have taken OFR under their wings, they have shown us that our Heroes from the past are still Heroes of the present. Their love for these young Warriors has shown in all that they have done in these past months. OFR visits the wounded at Walter Reed Medical Center in Washington, DC each week and also sends filled backpacks with needed items overseas to be given to our wounded at Landstuhl in Germany and 11 combat support hospitals in Iraq. Many of the wives and friends of these two American Legion Posts have made blankets and quilts to be included in our backpacks and distributed to our wounded at Walter Reed. They will never fully know how they have touched the lives our young Heroes. OFR has been blessed to see the joy that is in the eyes of these young men and women when they realize that America cares. Recently through these two Posts a memorable experience occurred. Diane Thompson, a middle school teacher from Newman Catholic School in Mason City, Iowa spoke at Post 121. During her talk she mentioned she was taking her class on their annual trip to Gettysburg/Washington, DC. A large donation of hygiene products had come in for OFR but needed to be transported from Iowa to the DC area. She graciously offered to transport these items in the bus which would be bringing her and her class to our nation’s capital.

The following is what Mrs. Thompson writes about the experience….

What do the following people have in common? A repairman/biker; agroup of 8th grade students and chaperones from Newman Catholic inMason City, Iowa; a retired nurse's aide that will turn 90 on hernext birthday; a dentist from Des Moines, Iowa, a pre-school teacherwhose children are all grown and who has many grandchildren; anEnglish teacher with a Masters in Education who enjoys quilting; ahotel receptionist; a retired food service worker; a group of womenfrom the First Congregational Church of Forest City, Iowa, busdrivers for Hawkeye Stages, a farmer, and a middle school teacher. Theanswer ….Operation First Response.These people all come from different walks of life, different agegroups, different religions, different interests, and differentcommunities, but they all contributed to helping Peggy Baker and hergroup called Operation First Response. How? Some made quilts -total of 24 to be exact. Some wrote cards to the soldiers, cards ofencouragement and thanks. Some gave money for phone cards - 30-120minute phone cards so soldiers can call home. Some donated 200pounds of toothpaste and tooth brushes and others carried anddelivered all these items to Washington, D.C. Some donated theirchange to help give the soldiers change to buy sodas - $73.26 to beexact. Why? Because one person asked another person to help and theeffort started growing and more people became involved. All becausesome one asked to help the soldiers. What did these people receivefor their efforts? Joy, the joy of knowing that they were able tohelp someone else. This was an awesome experience for all and theyare very glad they could help.

It is hard to top how Diane Thompson wrote the details to this experience. We will be forever grateful for all that Mrs. Thompson and her class did to show our Heroes that America has not forgotten their sacrifices. OFR believes we are merely a vehicle for a proud American and that Iowa should be very proud of the people who represent her. So once again, Thank You, Iowa for you have been a blessing to many wounded Heroes and their families!

Please visit www.operationfirstresponse.org to see how you can help a Wounded Hero!

Iowa Legion Riders are huge supporters of Operation First Response and our Wounded Heroes

It was a real treat for our Wounded Heroes at Walter Reed Army Medical Center when Carly Goodwin visited and sang for them on this past Easter weekend. Carly was a guest invited by Operation First Response, there wasn't a dry eye in the house when she sang her new song
"Baby Come Back Home".

Below is Carly singing with our Hero Ryan Autrey

By Peggy Baker
Mother of a Soldier
President of Operation First Response
www.operationfirstresponse.org

Operation First Response has been involved with many wounded Heroes and their families; many are experiencing this familiar story. Your son, daughter, or spouse has elected to join one of our Armed Forces to defend our Country’s people and their freedoms. Many have joined based upon the events of 9-11, knowing that there was every possibility that they would have to take up arms and defend our liberties on another shore far from home and all those they love. They also knew that one day because of their decision to defend us they may lose their lives or be changed forever because of wounds they received from the battles they have endured. So imagine yourself as a parent or spouse of one of these brave Heroes. Your loved one is seriously wounded and you rush to their side at a major medical facility. Depending on their injuries they could face a year or more at this facility recovering and adjusting to their disability. If your child or spouse lost a limb or limbs, or any other number of serious injuries that our Heroes are facing, you would want to be with them, they are often frightened and in excruciating pain and the comfort and encouragement that a family member can give them is immeasurable to their recovery. Most American families are surviving on two incomes and in order for someone to be with our wounded the family will now have to change their daily lives and routines completely. The loss of an income in most cases can devastate the family. I can not image having to choose between being with my son during a time when he may need me more than ever before and paying our bills. We have families who have had to spend their life savings on being near their loved ones during their recoveries. I recently talked with the mother of a wounded soldier at Walter Reed Medical Center. He is an amputee and will be there for quite some time. This family will have to make hard decisions and even more sacrifices before this chapter in their lives will come to an end. I sat and listened to this Mom talk about how she knew she needed to be here for her son and yet all the uncertainty of how their family would make it through the financial crisis they would soon face was a growing fear. For this family and many others, one income is gone now and yet all their family’s expenses will continue to grow. She would need extra money during her stay at the hospital. How do they compensate for loss of income and increase of expenses?
For most families they have now entered down a road that will quickly come to a dead end. She has turned to others for help who say that she should take money from her son’s pay to help the family with these new expenses. Is this really fair to this young man? In many cases our young men and women were saving their pay so that they can build a life for themselves when they return to civilian life. Now these family’s lives are changed forever, not just by the injuries they sustained but also by the financial hardship that they are now experiencing. Should the small amount of savings that this young man was able to accumulate be spent on keeping his family with him in a time of need? I have seen communities come together for a family in need and now we are needed to come
together as a nation. These families gave a part of themselves that we might rest peacefully tonight, that our children and grandchildren will continue to live in a country that is free. They stood by the gates and waved goodbye and cried as those planes disappeared across the sky with our troops and now there are many who are standing next to hospital beds wondering how they will make ends meet. Operation First Response (OFR) believes that we need to be there for these families. With cash donations to OFR, you can be sure that these Heroes that have given so much can take the time to mend their bodies and not feel as if they are a burden to their families. They deserve to be held in a place of honor. We believe at OFR that our government is doing all they can during a very trying time and that we as the People of this great Nation for which, our Military defends, need to also do our part. It is not a time of finger pointing and discussion on whose responsibility it is to protect our own, but rather the real question is…. Can I say that I am doing my part? When each of us can answer “YES” to that question then in my heart I believe each of our families will have their needs met. Our Nation has come to together before for many worthy causes, one just recently comes to mind, the tragedy of the Tsunami, we were able to donate billions of dollars to help people in need. OFR wants to make the same pleas for our wounded Heroes; they too need us and deserve to receive our support.
Please visit our website and see how you can help!
www.operationfirstresponse.org

www.operationfirstresponse.org

By Samantha L. QuigleyAmerican Forces Press Service
February 02, 2005 ARLINGTON, Va. -

A new organization is helping to make sure servicemembers with severe injuries have all available resources."One way we can express our gratitude for (injured servicemembers) is by working to make sure that the Department of Defense, the U.S. government and the American people as a whole do everything we can to enable these heroes to recover from their injuries and rebuild their lives," Deputy Defense Secretary Paul Wolfowitz said Feb. 1. Wolfowitz addressed his comments to the crowd gathered for the Feb. 1 ribbon cutting to officially open the Military Severely Injured Joint Operations Center here. The new center will tie together military and other government programs, such as the Army Disabled Soldier Support System and similar programs in the other services, and those run by the departments of Labor and Veterans Affairs. "The purpose of the center is to bring things together to make sure no one falls through the cracks, make sure everyone has a single telephone number that they may call … if they have a question, a problem, an issue that has not been properly resolved," said David S.C. Chu, undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness.
"Our job may not be to resolve the issue, it may be to turn to the appropriate service provider and say, 'We have private so-and-so here (and) we need to do X, Y and Z for him or her,'" Chu said. Other times, the center staff members may need to take action themselves, he said. As an example, Chu used the case of a young officer who wants to return to graduate school but can't leave the hospital to take the Graduate Record Exam. This is the type of case that doesn't fall into any particular military service's niche. Therefore the center will try to arrange for the officer to take the test another way. The center's mission is not to replace government or military programs, Chu said. "It is to unify. It is to coordinate. It is to give every family member … a place of recourse if they need it." The services of the center, which will be under the direction of Chu's office, are a toll-free phone call away. Help is available to servicemembers or their families at (888) 774-1361 24 hours a day, seven days a week. When calling the center, a servicemember or family member will be assigned a care manager to serve as a permanent point of contact. "A family will be assigned a care manager for the entire time they're in the system," said Navy Cmdr. Dave Julian, director of operations for the military side of the center. "We're looking for extended support for five years and beyond." He also said the center can meet most of a family's needs. "We have a wealth of resources to take advantage of," Julian said. "There's no shortage of people that want to help servicemembers and their families." Wolfowitz said he realized the need for the center just a short time ago. The number of phone calls his office was receiving requesting help with different issues was the red flag. "This is very much the vision of (Wolfowitz), who has taken a deep personal interest in the wounded and their families," Chu said. Patti Walker, wife of Army Sgt. 1st Class Kevin Walker, sees the center as a buoy for spouses who have many responsibilities and decisions to make when they learn their loved one in the military has been injured. Had the center existed when her husband, currently with the 24th Infantry Division at Fort Riley, Kansas, was injured in Iraq, her experience would have been much easier, she said. "When Kevin was injured, I was incredibly alone," Walker said. "This center would have helped me more than I can ever tell you. I didn't know where to turn when Kevin was injured. … It's going to be a very good vehicle for military spouses."

Goal: Construct a Fisher House to Accommodate Family Members of Veterans and
War Wounded Service Memberswww.fisherhousepa.com

VA Palo Alto Health Care System - Executive Summary:

Thank you for the opportunity to explain the need to construct a Fisher House (similar to a Ronald McDonald House) at the Veterans [VA] Hospital in Palo Alto. This proposed facility would provide temporary living accommodations for family members of returning service members injured in the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts and for the families of the thousands of veterans we serve each year. Many of these families travel long distances to visit their wounded son, brother or father. Most families cannot afford $150 hotel accommodations in Palo Alto. Families often visit and comfort their loved ones during rehabilitation that requires treatment lasting six months or longer. .

The Veterans Hospital in Palo Alto is one of the largest and most complex medical centers in the Department of Veterans Affairs. The VA Palo Alto Health Care System is a major tertiary care referral center with three hospital-based divisions and a network of six outpatient clinics. Our health care system provides primary, secondary and tertiary care within a large geographical region encompassing a 10-county, 13,500 square mile catchment area. Approximately 325,000 veterans reside within VA Palo Alto’s primary service area, of which over 80,000 veterans are enrolled in VA health care.

Mission: President Abraham Lincoln’s solemn promise – “to care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow and his orphan” – defines the heart of the mission of VA. Our mission statement describes the fundamental purpose of our organization: putting veterans first. VA Palo Alto’s primary objective is to serve the veteran through compassionate, innovative, comprehensive, accessible quality patient care in a safe and supportive environment while promoting excellence in research and education.

Over 9,000 soldiers and marines have been wounded in combat in conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. Facilities in Palo Alto provide mission critical treatment for returning wounded soldiers, sailors and Marines. Treatment is arduous and rehabilitation agonizing.

Additionally, it’s important to remember that having someone you love seriously injured is traumatic for the families too and the last thing they need to be worried about is how to pay for a hotel bill. Their families often travel thousands of miles from their homes to Palo Alto to visit these severely injured service members, only to find they have no where to stay.

Budget: Unfortunately, VA does not have statutory authority to provide funding or accommodations for parents, spouses or children. The Fisher Foundation would donate $2.5 million dollars if we were able to raise matching funds to build a facility that would solve the problem.

Impact: Your ability to help us raise $2.5 million dollars will improve the lives of these families, many of whom have paid a very high price for guaranteeing the freedoms that we cherish today. Your assistance and support would be gratefully appreciated.
Target Population:
VA Palo Alto Health Care System provides many highly specialize program, all of which would benefit from a Fisher House. These programs, hospice and palliative care, spinal cord injury, organ transplant, post traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury, are critical programs and family members often visit during rehabilitation.

These programs are also regional referral centers, which means that Palo Alto receives patients from the entire West Coast and as far away as Texas.

VA Palo Alto also has one of VA's four traumatic brain injury units in the United States. At any one time there are from 6-12 patients who are undergoing extensive rehabilitation for traumatic brain injury, or TBI, a wound that occurs in more than 60% of veterans who incurred impact injuries in Iraq. These servicemen and women come to the VA after receiving their acute care at Walter Reed, Bethesda or other DoD medical facilities. At VA Palo Alto, they spend hard months in rehabilitation, fighting daily to get their lives back. “Nightline” recently devoted an entire program to a soldier and a Marine injured in Iraq suffering from TBI and being treated at VA Palo Alto.

Other patients include, Raymond Warren, a 22-year old Marine. He was hit by a grenade and still has shrapnel in his brain that cannot be removed. Doctors were forced to remove part of his skull until the swelling in his brain subsided, and hopefully in a second surgery in December they will be able to complete what is needed. Meanwhile, Cpl. Warren wears a helmet and is making remarkable progress. Jason Poole, 21, was hit by an improvised explosive and lost a portion of his face and skull. He is blind in one eye and struggles even to walk and talk. He’s a remarkable young man, and his positive attitude is inspiring to the other service members, as well as staff.

Gunnery Sergeant Kenneth Sargent was blinded and also lost a portion of his skull. His wife, Tonia Sargent, is a wonderful woman who is doing everything she can to bring awareness to the community that there is a need for support for the families of these troops. Many of the families, like herself, live far from Palo Alto and do not have the money to stay in local hotels.

A Fisher House will not only serve families of injured Iraqi service members, but will be there for all veterans' families who have someone they love going through long-term rehabilitation programs, including traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, post traumatic stress disorder and vision rehabilitation.

Often these injured service members arrive at Palo Alto unable to walk, talk or even perform basic bodily functions. The dedicated team of therapists, doctors, nurses and other caregivers, in conjunction with the amazing attitudes of the men themselves, perform daily miracles. A Fisher House would add immeasurably to the comfort and morale of the troops, and their families. We encourage you to make this a top priority and we want you to know that we’re fully committed to doing everything we can to help make this goal a reality.

Project Description:
The Fisher House program is a unique private-public partnership that supports America's military in their time of need. The program recognizes the special sacrifices of our men and women in uniform and the hardships of military service by meeting a humanitarian need beyond that normally provided by the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs.
Because members of the military and their families are stationed worldwide and must often travel great distances for specialized medical care, Fisher House Foundation donates "comfort homes," built on the grounds of major military and VA medical centers. These homes enable family members to be close to a loved one at the most stressful times - during the hospitalization for an unexpected illness, disease, or injury.
There is at least one Fisher House at every major military medical center to assist families in need and to ensure that they are provided with the comforts of home in a supportive environment. Annually, the Fisher House program serves more than 7,000 families, and have made available more than 1,500,000 days of lodging to family members since the program originated in 1990. Based on a comparison of fees at a Fisher House (the average charge is less than $10 per family per day, with many locations offering rooms at no cost) with commercial lodging facilities in the same area, it is estimated that families have saved nearly $60 million by staying at a Fisher House since the program began.
Constructing a facility at the VA medical center in Palo Alto will provide accommodations for family members of soldiers wounded in Iraq. The VA does not have the ability to house families and dependants. We as Americans have a fundamental responsibility to provide for those families who have sacrificed so much for our nation. A Fisher House will enable up to 15 families to stay onsite while their loved ones undergo extensive rehabilitation.
All financial donations are gratefully accepted. Please make your check out to the Fisher House Foundation (VA Palo Alto) and mail to:

Fisher House Foundation
1401 Rockville Pike
Rockville, MD 20852

Or you can donate on line at www.fisherhouse.org. Please remember to designate the money for VA Palo Alto.

I was sitting alone in one of those loud, casual steak houses that you find all over the country. You know the type--a bucket of peanuts on every table, shells littering the floor, and a bunch of perky college kids racing around with longneck beers and sizzling platters.
Taking a sip of my iced tea, I studied the crowd over the rim of my glass. My gaze lingered on a group enjoying their meal. They wore no uniform to identify their branch of service, but they were definitely "military:" clean shaven, cropped haircut, and that "squared away" look that comes with pride.
Smiling sadly, I glanced across my table to the empty seat where my husband usually sat. It had only been a few months since we sat in this very booth, talking about his upcoming deployment to the Middle East. That was when he made me promise to get a sitter for the kids, come back to this restaurant once a month and treat myself to a nice steak. In turn he would treasure the thought of me being here, thinking about him until he returned home to me. I fingered the little flag pin I constantly wear and wondered where he was at this very moment. Was he safe and warm? Was his cold any better? Were my letters getting through to him? As I pondered these thoughts, high pitched female voices from the next booth broke into my thoughts.
"I don't know what Bush is thinking about. Invading Iraq. You'd think that man would learn from his old man's mistakes. Good lord. What an idiot! I can't believe he is even in office. You do know, he stole the election."
I cut into my steak and tried to ignore them, as they began an endless tirade running down our president. I thought about the last night I spent with my husband, as he prepared to deploy. He had just returned from getting his smallpox and anthrax shots. The image of him standing in our kitchen packing his gas mask still gives me chills.
Once again the women's voices invaded my thoughts. "It is all about oil, you know. Our soldiers will go in and rape and steal all the oil they can in the name of 'freedom'. Hmph! I wonder how many innocent people they'll kill without giving it a thought? It's pure greed, you know."
My chest tightened as I stared at my wedding ring. I could still see how handsome my husband looked in his "mess dress" the day he slipped it on my finger. I wondered what he was wearing now. Probably his desert uniform, affectionately dubbed "coffee stains" with a heavy bulletproof vest over it.
"You know, we should just leave Iraq alone... I don't think they are hiding any weapons. In fact, I bet it's all a big act just to increase the president's popularity. That's all it is, padding the military budget at the expense of our social security and education.
And, you know what else? We're just asking for another 9-11. I can't say when it happens again that we didn't deserve it."
Their words brought to mind the war protesters I had watched gathering outside our base. Did no one appreciate the sacrifice of brave men and women, who leave their homes and family to ensure our freedom?
Do they even know what "freedom" is?
I glanced at the table where the young men were sitting, and saw their courageous faces change. They had stopped eating and looked at each other dejectedly, listening to the women talking. "Well, I, for one, think it's just deplorable to invade Iraq, and I am certainly sick of our tax dollars going to train professional baby killers we call a military."
Professional baby killers? I thought about what a wonderful father my husband is, and of how long it would be before he would see our children again.
That's it! Indignation rose up inside me. Normally reserved, pride in my husband gave me a brassy boldness I never realized I had. Tonight one voice will answer on behalf of our military, and let her pride in our troops be known. Sliding out of my booth, I walked around to the adjoining booth and placed my hands flat on their table. Lowering myself to eye level with them, I smilingly said, "I couldn't help overhearing your conversation. You see, I'm sitting here trying to enjoy my dinner alone... And, do you know why? Because my husband, whom I love with all my heart, is halfway around the world defending your right to say rotten things about him..."
"Yes, you have the right to your opinion, and what you think is none of my business. However, what you say in public is something else, and I will not sit by and listen to you ridicule MY country, MY president, MY husband, and all the other fine American men and women who put their lives on the line, just so you can have the "freedom" to complain. Freedom is an expensive commodity, ladies. Don't let your actions cheapen it."
I must have been louder that I meant to be, because the manager came over to inquire if everything was all right. "Yes, thank you," I replied. Then turning back to the women, I said, "Enjoy the rest of your meal."
As I returned to my booth applause broke out. I was embarrassed for making a scene, and went back to my half eaten steak. The women picked up their check and scurried away.
After finishing my meal, and while waiting for my check, the manager returned with a huge apple cobbler ala mode. "Compliments of those soldiers," he said. He also smiled and said the ladies tried to pay for my dinner, but that another couple had beaten them to it. When I asked who, the manager said they had already left, but that the gentleman was a veteran, and wanted to take care of the wife of "one of our boys."
With a lump in my throat, I gratefully turned to the soldiers and thanked them for the cobbler. Grinning from ear to ear, they came over and surrounded the booth. "We just wanted to thank you, ma'am. You know we can't get into confrontations with civilians, so we appreciate what you did."
As I drove home, for the first time since my husband's deployment, I didn't feel quite so alone. My heart was filled with the warmth of the other diners who stopped by my table, to relate how they, too, were proud of my husband, and would keep him in their prayers. I knew their flags would fly a little higher the next day.
Perhaps they would look for more tangible ways to show their pride in our country, and the military who protect her. And maybe, just maybe, the two women who were railing against our country, would pause for a minute to appreciate all the freedom America offers, and the price it pays to maintain it's freedom.
As for me, I have learned that one voice CAN make a difference. Maybe the next time protesters gather outside the gates of the base where I live, I will proudly stand on the opposite side with a sign of my own. It will simply say, "Thank You!"

By Ed Stanton

It has been three weeks since my ship, the USS AbrahamLincoln, arrived off the Sumatran coast to aid the hundreds of thousands of victims of the Dec. 26 tsunami that ravaged their coastline. I'd like to say that this has been a rewarding experience for us, but it has not: Instead, it has been a frustrating and needlessly dangerous exercise made even more difficult by the Indonesian government and a traveling circus ofso-called aid workers who have invaded our spaces. What really irritated me was a scene I witnessed in the Lincoln's wardroom a few days ago. I went in for breakfast as I usually do, expecting to see the usual crowd of ship's company officers in khakis and air wing aviators in flight suits, drinking coffee and exchanging rumors about when our ongoing humanitarian mission in Sumatra is going to end. What I saw instead was a mob of civilians sitting around like they owned the place. They wore various colored vests with logos on the back including Save The Children, World Health Organization and the dreaded baby blue vest of the United Nations. Mixed in with this crowd were a bunch of reporters, cameramen and Indonesian military officers in uniform. They all carried cameras, sunglasses and fanny packs like tourists on their way to Disneyland. My warship had been transformed into a floating hotel for a bunch oftrifling do-gooders overnight. As I went through the breakfast line, I overheard one of the U.N.strap-hangers, a longhaired guy with a beard, make a sarcastic comment to one of our food servers. He said something along the lines of "Nice china, really makes me feel special," in reference to the fact that we were eating off of paper plates that day. It was all I could do to keep from jerking him off his feet and choking him, because I knew that the reason we were eating off paper plates was to save dishwashing water so that we would havemore water to send ashore and save lives. That plus the fact that he had no business being there in the first place. My attitude towards these unwanted no-loads grew steadily worse that day as I learned more from one of our junior officers who was assigned to escort a group of them. It turns out that they had come to Indonesia to "assess the damage" from the Dec. 26 tsunami.Well, they could have turned on any TV in the world and seen that the damage was total devastation. When they got to Sumatra with no plan, no logistics support and no five-star hotels to stay in, they threw themselves on the mercy of the U.S. Navy, which, unfortunately, took them in. I guess our senior brass was hoping for some good PR since this was about the time that the U.N. was calling the United States "stingy" wit our relief donations. As a result of having to host these people, our severely over-tasked SH-60 Seahawk helos, which were carrying tons of food and water every day to the most inaccessible places in and around Banda Aceh, are now used in great part to ferry these "relief workers" from place to place every day and bring them back to their guest bedrooms on the Lincoln at night. Despite their avowed dedication to helping the victims, these relief workers will not spend the night in-country, and have made us their guardians by default. When our wardroom treasurer approached the leader of the relief group and asked him who was paying the mess bill for all the meals they ate, the fellow replied, "We aren't paying, you can try to bill the U.N. if you want to." In addition to the relief workers, we routinely get tasked with hauling around reporters and various low-level "VIPs," which further wastes valuable helo lift that could be used to carry supplies. We had to dedicate wo helos and a C-2 cargo plane for America-hater Dan Rather and his entourage of door holders and briefcase carriers from CBS News. Another camera crew was fromMTV. I doubt if we'll get any good PR from them, since the cable channel is banned in Muslim countries. We also had to dedicate a helo and crew to fly around the vice mayor of Phoenix, Ariz., one day. Everyone wants in on the action. As for the Indonesian officers, while their job is apparently to encourage our leaving as soon as possible, all they seem to do in the meantime is smoke cigarettes. They want our money and our help but they don't want their population to see that Americans are doing far more for them in two weeks than their own government has ever done or will ever do for them.To add a kick in the face to the USA and the Lincoln, the Indonesiangovernment announced it would not allow us to use their airspace for routine training and flight proficiency operations while we are saving the lives of their people, some of whom are wearing Osama bin Ladin T-shirts as they grab at our food and water. The ship has to steam out into international waters to launch and recover jets, which makes our helos have to fly longer distances and burn more fuel.What is even worse than trying to help people who totally reject everything we stand for is that our combat readiness has suffered for it. An aircraft carrier is an instrument of national policy and the big stick she carries is her air wing. An air wing has a set of very demanding skills and they are highly perishable. We train hard every day at sea to conduct actual air strikes, air defense, maritime surveillance, close air support and many other missions - not to mention taking off and landing on a ship at sea.Our safety regulations state that if a pilot does not get a night carrier landing every seven days, he has to be re-qualified to land on the ship. Today we have pilots who have now been over 25 days without a trap due to being unable to use Indonesian airspace to train. Normally it is when we are at sea that our readiness is at its very peak. Thanks to the Indonesian government, we have to waive our own safety rules just to get our pilots off the deck. In other words, the longer we stay here helping these people, the more dangerous it gets for us to operate. We have already lost one helicopter, which crashed in Banda Aceh while taking sailors ashore to unload supplies from the C-130s. There were no relief workers on that one.I'm all for helping the less fortunate, but it is time to give this mission to somebody other than the U.S. Navy. Our ship was supposed to be home on Feb. 3 and now we have no idea how long we will be here. American taxpayers are spending millions per day to keep this ship at sea and getting no training value out of it. As a result, we will come home in a lower state of readiness than when we left due to the lack of flying while supporting the tsunami relief effort. I hope we get some good PR in the Muslim world out of it. After all, this is Americans saving the lives of Muslims. I have my doubts. Ed Stanton is the pen name of a career U.S. Navy officer currently serving with the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group. Send Feedback responses to dwfeedback@yahoo.com

Mary Ward, author of Letters Home, announces a new campaign to honor her son, Spc. Sean Ward’s, second deployment to Iraq with the 3rd Infantry Division to raise money for Operation First Response (OFR). The campaign will raise money for OFR through the sale of Ward’s book Letters Home – From 9/11 to Operation Iraqi Freedom A Military Mom Shares Her Family’s Story of Patriotism, Courage and Love published October 2004. Ward will donate $5.00 of the sale of each book purchased through the website http://www.marehaven.com/ and mail or phone orders direct through MareHaven Productions Inc. “Until He Comes Home”. Sean’s deployment began January 21, 2005 and is expected to last 14 to 18 months.

Operation First Response focuses on wounded troops from Walter Reed and Bethesda Naval Hospital to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany to 11 combat support hospitals in Iraq. They are always in need of financial donations as well as sweatshirts, socks, underwear, toothbrushes, razors, etc. and backpacks for delivery of these essentials. OFR also provides assistance to families of wounded warriors with travel expenses and financial burdens they incur during this period. Peggy Baker of OFR says “When our wounded say to us… What will I do now? Please join me in saying…Take my hand and we will get through this together and give hope to all that need it."

Letters Home could be any family’s war story. There are thousands of families deeply affected, some with more compelling stories some with less, all with fears they never dreamed existed. Ward says “My mission in writing and publishing Letters Home was to share with other military families our journey, providing comfort to them they are not alone in their worries and concerns; and at the same time offer the opportunity for non-militaries to gain an understanding in what it takes to send a child off to war. Our story is every military family’s story.”

Ward and Baker are each looking to the future when raising money for wounded warriors will no longer be a necessity. In the meantime they will work together to provide comfort and support to our Heroes who have given so much. We invite you to join us.

Contact: Mary Ward, Principal & Author
MareHaven Productions, Inc.
919.493.5039
www.marehaven.com

Peggy Baker
Operation First Response
540-788-3627
www.operationfirstresponse.org

Yesterday I made my trip down to Walter Reed Hospital and the Malogne House to visit our wounded soldiers.
It was my first Tunes for Troops donation trip down and a chance to meet a truly unsung hero in the founder of Operation First Response, Peggy Baker. And most importantly a chance to meet and visit with our hero soldiers whom are all staying there recuperating and rehabilitating from their battle injuries.
I must say that it was a moving experience and that our fine women and men soldiers sent more than chills down my spine. In spite of many loss of multiple limbs, sight and hearing to many, these soldiers remain proud Americans, scarred but not beaten, upbeat and ready to keep going in life.
With parents, spouses and friends meandering in and out, Operation First Response becomes a "family" suppport system as well. And they are not only about back pack care packages. Peggy works 14 hours a day toward acheiving any possible wish and need these soldiers and families might have. I saw her with paperwork requests she helps process, answers to questions that might take days to uncover through regular channels, arrangements, consuling mothers, fathers, spouses and soldiers with the grace of an Angel.
Her small organization is BIG in the heart and somehow this lady gets results to needs of these fallen heroes. She has an extension of Operation First Response through a nurse over in Lundstuhl Germany and can track soldiers for families from their arrival in Germany to their landing back in the state hospitals.
She has many ways in which to contribute on her web site. Or I suspect by phone or e-mail. And she and her husband have a son deployed as well.
I ask you to check out her site, drop her an e-mail if you are so inclined. And if possible, float her link around to your friends through e-mail in hopes that they might consider contributing to her organization.
Funds that are collected go for many different soldier and family needs. Anywhere from costly transportation costs, to helping defray many other care costs. This lady works magic. And if you can sprinkle a little dust her way to help our soldiers located at the hospital and in Germany I urge you to. I might add that the beauty in meeting, seeing and believing in Operation First Response is that any contribution makes it into the hands of need.
Our wounded ratio is climbing in Iraq to well over 10,000 soldiers already. And we could use 10,000 more Mr. and Mrs. Bakers that dedicate beyond a parents call of duty to administer to the fallen needs that come with being wounded to the level these young people have been.
Thanks Moms and Dads for your time in reading this. Drop her a line of support if you can.
I was thinking on my four hour drive home last night from Walter Reed, that with 800 mom and dad members, that even a dollar from each of us would speak volumes to the efforts of Operation First Response. And they are there every single week and day, working to help make adapting to altered lives as easy as can be possible to these troops.
http://www.operationfirstresponse.org/ Peggy Baker 1-540-788-3627
Thanks so much fellow moms and dads.
Truly
Jeffery

By Peggy Baker
Mother of a Soldier
www.operationfirstresponse.org

Recently I had the opportunity to meet a wonderful man named Ziggy who came to America from Kosovo more than 25 years ago. Ziggy was an inspiration to meet, watching his eyes glow with pride for our young Heroes recuperating from their battle wounds at Walter Reed. Ziggy stood out among us with his proud display of Patriotism in full view. He wore this Country’s symbol of Freedom “Old Glory” from head to toe. He told all of us how much he loved America; he had come from a country that did not hold the same value for freedom and the rights of its people as the one he had grown to love and respect for these past 25 years. I could feel his connection with our wounded Heroes, for he knew exactly what they were fighting for and how very important their job has been. I will never forget our day together and the feeling of pride that Ziggy helped surface in me that our country is one to be proud of and our service men and women are to be held in a place of honor for it is they that put their lives on the line for us.

I am an American Soldier. I am a Warrior and a member of a team.
I serve the people of the United States and live the Army Values. I will always place the mission first. I will never accept defeat. I will never quit. I will never leave a fallen comrade. I am disciplined, physically and mentally tough, trained and proficient in my warrior tasks and drills.
I always maintain my arms, my equipment and myself. I am an expert and I am a professional. I stand ready to deploy, engage, and destroy the enemies of the United States of America in close combat. I am a guardian of freedom and the American way of life. I am an American Soldier.

By Peggy Baker
Mother of a Soldier
Operation First Response

Our wounded Heroes at Walter Reed Army Medical and Bethesda Naval Hospital were once again visited by “Wounded Soldiers” a group based out of Wadsworth, Illinois. Anna and Rich Sherony flew in to start the New Year with our Heroes and to present to each of them a gift bag which included a Marine or Army jacket, corresponding hat and a shaving kit.

The Sherony’s spent Friday Dec, 31 visiting the awe-inspiring Marines at Bethesda Naval Hospital. On Saturday, Jan 1, Operation First Response joined our dear friends from Illinois to spend another memorable day enjoying more of America’s Finest at Walter Reed Army Medical Hospital.

It was a day spent with the hustle and bustle of many returning back to post from their holiday leave. It was an honor to be there to welcome them back and to let them know that they may be far from home but they are never far from family.

It is so heart warming to see the love exchanged between this Marine Mom from Illinois and our special Heroes. She is filled with compassion to their needs and wants and ready always to go the extra mile to help them in any way she can. She is an inspiration to all who stand back and watch her loving spirit flow through the halls of these hospitals.
By the end of their three day visit the Sherony’s had passed out over 300 of these beautiful coats. On Operation First Response’s weekly visits since the Sherony’s left we have seen so many of our Heroes proudly wearing their coats. They will not forget the kindness shown by “Wounded Soldiers” of Illinois nor will we.

Operation First Response and Wounded Soldiers are committed to letting our Heroes know that we couldn’t be prouder and that we will continue to support them and their families for as long as they need us.

We also know that we are just vehicles of a proud America, that with out the help of all we come in contact with we could not make these differences.

So once again we thank Illinois for sending their love through Anna and Rich Sherony!

Wounded Soldiers
“Supporting the Heart of America, Our Wounded, Our Troops, Our Veterans”
Anna Sherony
Liz Kehrer
(847)263-1882

Operation First Response
“Supporting Wounded Heroes and their Families”
http://www.operationfirstresponse.org/

By Peggy Baker
Operation First Response
Mother of a Soldier

Cedar Lee Middle School in Bealeton, Virginia was approached by Victoria Lyon, the mother of two of Cedar Lee’s students, to participate in a fundraiser for Operation First Response. Operation First Response is a group devoted to supporting our wounded Heroes and their families. Mrs. Lyon was in hopes of gathering enough items to put together Christmas stockings for the wounded at Walter Reed Army Medical Center.
The students and faculty were very excited to participate and began collecting items two weeks before Thanksgiving. Mrs. Lyon was called to pick up the items collected and was thrilled to find 7 very large boxes of items waiting for her.
Operation First Response is very happy to announce that the students collected enough items to fill 75 Christmas stockings. Those stockings were taken to Walter Reed the week before Christmas and handed out to some very special Heroes, all of which were so thankful and moved by the love shown from the children.
Operation First Response wishes to send a heart felt thank you to Mrs. Lyon, Cedar Lee Middle School faculty and students for taking the time to reach out and show America’s Finest that we do indeed remember them and all their sacrifices.
As we enter this New Year please remember that it is our responsibility as Americans to take care of our wounded when they come home.

America…Land of the Free…because of the Brave!!!!

Operation First Response
12444 Old Mill Rd.
Midland, Va. 22728
540-788-3627
http://www.operationfirstresponse.org/

www.wildcritterproductions.com

Motivated by media reports, soldier blogs and an email from his marine son’s fiancé, Wild Critter Productions’ civilian Jeffery Lynn took it upon himself to answer the call for music overseas to give our fighting troops a taste of home. His son is on his second tour in Iraq.

“My goal is to get music in the hands of any soldier that needs a taste of home - and that's just what our Tunes for Troops program does.”

The affordable match program offers the Full Music Jacket or the Pair-A-Trooper option. With the $10 Pair-A-Trooper, donating consumers purchase one CD, and one CD is sent to a thankful soldier in Iraq or Afghanistan. The $20 Full Music Jacket gives the donating consumer one CD, while three are packaged up ‘magazine’ style to the troops overseas.

In addition to the music, donors are encouraged to send a personalized message, on a card provided by Wild Critter, included with their package. The messages and words from home mean a lot to the recipient troops. Email inclusion is optional, as some of the troops have internet access and may write back.

CDs involved with the program are “Coffee with Joe: 11 Cups of Coffee Your Way”, a compilation of ‘all coffee songs’ presented by Coffee Cup Joe, and the personal works of Amy Fox, one of the artists on the Wild Critter production team.

Coffee with Joe was chosen as the disc to give every donating business or consumer, because of its variety and diverse genres, including something that will appeal to everyone. It’s great for a morning commute or to enjoy anytime. Coffee is a widely universal commodity, and the songs and stories that relate to it on the disc will evoke fond memories of a common experience and keep the troops alert. And Coffee Cup Joe, the character who presents the disc, is a traveling journalist who likes to share stories, life experience, coffee and music. Amy Fox’s CDs are smooth groove and rock, sure to energize or soothe the troops. As a recording artist, Fox’ work can be found on six CDs, many of which support organizations of goodwill. One recruiter told Jeffery that female voice and style is particularly comforting in a foreign place.

The terminology was definitely fashioned with the soldiers in mind: “I spoke with an ex-marine who served in Vietnam”, says Jeffery, “and he gave me a smile, seeing the ‘Full Music Jacket’. He told me that over there, a laugh goes a long way.”

Music reaches the troops via direct mailings by Wild Critter and through the efforts of Care Package Organizations, such as Give 2 the Troops.

Jeffery instigated the program because his days are consumed with thoughts about his son. “This way, even when I’m working I feel I’m contributing my support in some way as an American and father.”

For more information about Tunes for Troops or Coffee with Joe, please visit www.wildcritterproductions.com,
or call (908) 887-0833.
Jeffery Lynn 908-887-0833 info@wildcritterproductions.com

www.wildcritterproductions.com

www.wildcritterproductions.com/schlumdackledaddy

SCHLUMDACKLEDADDY!

© Stan Popovich – All Rights Reserved
Looking for all of the answers in how to manage your most persistent fears and anxieties? I deal with fear on a personal level and I found it difficult to find all of the answers in managing my anxieties. I read some anxiety books and talked to various professionals, however I still had trouble dealing with certain fears and anxieties. Eventually, I wrote a book that presents all of the ways to help manage those hard to manage fears and anxieties and it is located at http://www.trebleheartbooks.com/mvStanPopovich.html
Let me explain the process of how I found those answers.
I first went to my local bookstore to find those books that dealt with fear and anxiety. I looked for those books that reviewed the techniques in how to manage certain fears and anxieties. As I read these books, I wrote down some notes on those techniques that I found most useful in managing my fears. As a result, I started a notebook and every time I found a technique that was useful in managing my fears, I would write it down in my small notebook.
Secondly, I talked to various professionals in the psychology and religious fields and they provided me with additional information. Again, I would write down in my notebook the information that the professionals gave me that I felt was most useful in managing my fears. Some of the techniques that I was told to use was learning how to use positive self talk, using thought stopping techniques, and breaking a overwhelming problem into its smallest parts.
For instance, I was told that I should visualize a red stop sign in my mind when I encounter a fear provoking thought. The stop sign would remind me to stop focusing on that thought and to think of something else. Another example, is when I conducted my job search. Instead of looking at the job search as a whole, I broke down the job search into many different tasks. I first developed my resume. When I completed my resume, I began to look for companies that would hire me and I submitted my resume. After sending out my resume, I then focused on the job interviewing process. During my job search, I performed each of these tasks one at a time which prevented me from getting overwhelmed.
I made it a point that every time I would experience a fearful or anxiety related situation, I would use the information in my notebook to help me. After the anxiety would go away I figure out what techniques worked and which ones didn't work. In every anxiety related situation I experienced, I began to learn what worked, what didn't work, and what I needed to improve on in managing my fears and anxieties
At the same time, I would continue to talk to various professionals to learn and to become better at managing the many types of fears and anxieties. I would review what I have learned with these professionals and they would provide me with additional information so that I would be better able to deal with my fears in the future. I did this research for around fourteen years and during this time, I gained a lot of valuable information on how to manage fear and anxiety.
The main point of this article is that no matter how difficult it is to manage your fear and anxieties, the answers are out there if you look hard enough. It might take some hard work and persistence, but it is possible to find those techniques that work for you.
BIOGRAPHY:
Stanley Popovich endured his share of fear and anxiety over the years. Unable to find the help he needed, the author decided to undertake his own research. The result is "A Layman's Guide to Managing Fear Using Psychology, Christianity and Non Resistant Methods" - an easy to read book based on a combination of research and personal experience. For additional information go to: http://www.trebleheartbooks.com/mvStanPopovich.html
Or Email the author at lonestar_9780 @ yahoo.com

© Michele L. FreyDecember 3, 2004
As we count down the days that lead to our holiday season, may we not forget the men and women who are fighting abroad. They are without their families and friends, although within each other, they have found a new family. Our soldiers overseas share a special bond with each other that will strengthen their morale. It is up to America, as a nation, not to let them feel forgotten during this special time of year.
We read about our troops each day in the paper. We hear the reports broadcast across the airwaves. But, do we really know first hand what our soldiers must endure? During this time of year, may we all place our animosity on the back burner. May we save our personal insults for a later time. This is a season of love, a holiday of giving and a time to care.
Message to the soldiers For the heroic efforts you demonstrate every moment, we thank you.For the pride you show on behalf of freedom, we are grateful.For your selflessness in the line of duty, we respect you.
Each and every one of you are defending the name of freedom during the season you should be spending with your families. You are out there trying to make the world a safer place. That is your sense of duty – your moral obligation. May the closeness you share with your fellow soldiers keep the holiday season alive in your hearts. Know that when your loved ones go to bed at night, they speak to you. They hold you and they kiss you. It’s what you cannot see that you know is really there. You are not forgotten, you are missed. Through your hard work and determination, there is a newfound respect within our military system. There is honor.
You carry the burdens of independence with you in your journey. As you stare into the eyes of defeat, you emerge victorious. It is more than a strength you hold within yourselves. It’s a power, a force driving you to succeed. May we all learn the lessons that are visible throughout this ordeal. May we respect one another regardless of our differences. May we look into the eyes of every soldier and find a friend.
The heart of America is with you during this special time of year. Close your eyes and listen to the laughter of your children, imagine their smiles. When your job is done, know that you played the most important role in their futures. You will one day soon get to hold your loved ones in your arms. And when you do, remember that every tomorrow they have is because of you.
To my friend, SSgt. Mark Baker of Palmyra, Pennsylvania – my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Every day that goes by brings you another day closer to coming home. You can hold your head high with what you are able to accomplish. I am proud to say that no matter how many years may pass, you are my friend and I miss you…Merry Christmas!
mlunkow@independentbias.com

To our dear Soldiers and their families,

I would like to take a moment and thank you each of you for allowing us to share in a very difficult time in your lives. We feel blessed to have been able to help in any way for each of you is a Hero in our eyes.

To our Soldiers…
You are the rock upon which our Country is built. The courage and bravery of each of you is immeasurable. We have watched as you have pushed on to over come your injuries and we are proud of your strength and courage. You have suffered beyond words for each of us and we will never forget what you have sacrificed in the name of Freedom.

To our Moms, Dads, Grandparents, sisters, brothers, aunts and uncles…
Your strength and courage has not gone unnoticed. Many Americans feel that the “family unit” is gone, but that is not true. We have seen what each of you has gone through, the dedication to your loved one, sitting day after day and praying for them to get better. You are an inspiration.

So this holiday season, we at Operation First Response wish to express how very important each of you is to us.
As we start this New Year ahead, please know that we are now and always will be here if you need us.
You make being an American a very special honor!

Happy Holidays!

Forever grateful for having walked among Heroes this year!


The Staff at Operation First Response

Written by Charles S. Lauer

Our men and women in the armed forces are a source of inspiration
Story originally published December 13, 2004
I recently spent an emotional and inspirational day in Washington. It gave me a sense of pride in our country and its people, especially those brave, dedicated and loyal young men and women in our armed forces.
I was in town for a healthcare conference and during that event went to dinner with Edward Eckenhoff, chief executive officer of National Rehabilitation Hospital; Diane Appleyard, president of the Healthcare Research and Development Institute; and Thomas Chapman, president and CEO of the HSC Foundation. Over dinner Eckenhoff told us about a young Marine corporal recently admitted to his hospital. He said this man was one of the most inspirational people he had ever met. He thought that if we had the time, we should visit the man the next day, which we did.
We met the corporal, Oscar Canon. He was humble and articulate. He left me with a sense of pride for all the wonderful men and women who serve in harm's way in Iraq and Afghanistan. These are special people who come from farms, suburbs, and big cities-from all walks of life. They share a love of country, a sense of duty and a hope for the future. They make the words duty, honor and country come alive.
Canon had been hit badly during the heavy fighting in Fallujah, Iraq, while leading his platoon. They had been ambushed and he lost six of his men. Three had died in his arms. He was injured by gunfire several times and was evacuated to a base in Germany and then, eventually, to the U.S. He had undergone a number of surgeries and showed me and Appleyard his substantial scars.
Canon said his wife had flown out from the West Coast to see him but had a very difficult time with his injuries. She couldn't look at them. He was still in a lot of pain.
Here was this man lying in a hospital bed with extensive wounds, and he was telling us about his men and how much he wanted to get back to them, about how much good is being done with Iraqi children that we don't hear about, about his belief in the mission that had been set for him and his troops.
I asked him what he wanted for Christmas, and he asked if it was possible for us to send some gifts to his battalion. I promised him that would happen, and those gifts are being sent as I write this column.
Later that day, I headed to the airport to catch my plane back to Chicago. At the security checkpoint I saw a man sitting in a wheelchair with his right leg elevated. I asked him what had happened, and he told me he had just returned from Iraq and was simply trying to figure out how to get on a plane home to St. Louis. I helped him through the security process. We visited for a while after that, and he told me about being on a Blackhawk helicopter that was shot down. He was a mechanic assigned to keep the helicopter flying; he and the pilot were the only people on board when it crashed. The female pilot lost both legs in the incident but lived. "I had just finished taking that ship apart stem to stern and then put it back together," he told me. "It was a good ship and it got us back on the ground, even though it had been hit badly."
The surgeons did a good job with his leg, but he said he was going to have to keep it elevated and not stand on it for weeks. During our visit he talked by cell phone to his wife, who at the time was driving to St. Louis from Dixon, Mo., with their three children to meet him.
This man is a grizzled veteran, having been in the Marines for nearly eight years back in the late 1980s and early 1990s. He also participated in the Persian Gulf War. He left the Marines and went home but later joined the National Guard. His unit was activated and he ended up back in Iraq.
He told me the Blackhawk helicopter he was assigned to took troops to insurgent areas. As a result, the chopper was often in the middle of heavy fire. This guy was 38 years old, but he seemed like he had seen everything.
After I bade him farewell, I found it very hard to get him and Oscar Canon out of my mind. I have been in touch with both and I have told them how much I appreciate their service, their courage and their love of country. They feel they are protecting us through their service in Iraq, upholding the freedom and democracy we cherish. I kissed both on their cheeks and I hugged them, because out of all the things we can be there is nothing more honorable, nothing more courageous than serving your country.
If you would like to help support our soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan, one way I would suggest is to get in touch with a great organization, OperationFirstResponse.org. At its Web site you can make a contribution of cash, services and even frequent flier miles to soldiers.
We aren't asked to do much to help in this war effort, but this is one way we civilians can begin to repay those who are on the front lines in the war against terrorism. It's the least we can do.
God bless the United States of America,

By Peggy Baker
Mother of a Soldier
Operation First Response
www.operationfirstresponse.org

I am Peggy Baker, President of Operation First Response, a group devoted to supporting our wounded Heroes from the War on Terrorism.

On the weekend of November 13th, Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington D.C. was visited by Anna Sherony and Liz Kehrer who belong to a group called Wounded Soldiers from Wadsworth, Illinois. Anna and Liz have worked on many projects to help our wounded receive special care packages at several military hospitals. This particular project was accomplished by many area volunteers who helped to pack 360 care packs for the wounded. The ladies even involved the passengers on their flight to D.C. by asking everyone to fill out a card that would be given to a wounded soldier.

Both ladies came to Washington D.C. filled will love and compassion for our wounded and their families. They understand the sacrifices made by our military families because Anna is the proud mother of a Marine and Liz is the proud wife of a Vietnam Vet. It was an honor to stand back and watch as they poured out their love to all of our Heroes. They brought gifts that our wounded were overjoyed to receive, but more than that they were on a mission to show how much they cared and that with all their might they would do anything they could to help. During their three day stay they hugged heroes, comforted parents and spouses, purchased airfare for a family, and ran between Walter Reed and Bethesda Naval Hospital.

When my husband and I visited Walter Reed and Bethesda a week later their presence was still felt as we passed people in the halls that remembered the love from Illinois that had been shown by our friends.

I am sure that Anna and Liz will be forever changed by their visit; you can not spend time with our brave and courageous heroes without leaving with a new out look on life. Through out the halls of these great buildings are many stories of heroism, those of our service men and women and those of their fine families. I am continuously amazed at how positive and inspiring they are, filled with the knowledge that what they stand for and what they have lost is the price for the freedoms that this great country holds dear. I believe that they can live with their sacrifices if they receive from America a sense of valor, if through us they are held in a place of honor they so rightfully deserve. This is what these two ladies came to let our children know.

Illinois, you can proud of how Anna Sherony and Liz Kehrer represented your state.

Operation First Response wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you for their visit that filled so many with the hope that America cares about what is happening to our wounded Heroes and that we will stand together across the states to show them how proud we are of each and every one of them.

To find out more information about Wounded Soldiers please call 847-263-1882

To find out more information about Operation First Response please visit our website at www.operationfirstresponse.org

Please check out this site to help our deployed troops.
http://www.give2thetroops.org/

By Peggy Baker
Mother of a Soldier
Operation First Response

Guy Gilchrist the syndicated cartoonist of Nancy, The Muppets, Your Angels Speak and much more made a memorable two day visit to Walter Reed Army Medical Center on October 27 and 28. Mr. Gilchrist graciously accepted an invitation from Operation First Response to visit the heroes who fill the halls and rooms of this great military facility.

Our visit began at WR headquarters where he put a smile on the faces of the many people who keep this facility running with the utmost efficiency and expertise. We then went to visit some of the families that Operation First Response has had the honor of helping. What a joy it was to stand back and watch Mr. Gilchrist brighten a room with his gifted hands and make all of us forget for a few moments the pain that each room held.

We had an important luncheon date with some very special little people. The Pediatrics Ward invited us to a pizza party so we arrived promptly at noon. We were greeted by big smiles and dancing eyes from some of littlest Heroes at WR. I don’t think I will ever forget the faces of those precious children as they watched Mr. Gilchrist take a plain piece of paper and turn it into one of their favorite cartoon characters.

After enjoying our time with the children we were off to visit some of America’s finest. Mr. Gilchrist was on a mission to bring smiles to the faces of our wounded Heroes. He went into many rooms and was able to get even the roughest, toughest, and bravest men and women to admit that yes, they had a favorite Muppet character not so long ago. I watched as parents who had been sitting by their children’s beds for endless days were smiling because someone was making their child smile. These heroes were thanking him for coming to visit and he was so graciously extending his heart felt thanks to them for all their sacrifices.

The second day of his visit we spent between the Fisher House and the Malogne House. These are buildings on the post, and are a “home away from home” for our out patient military service men and women and their families. Mr. Gilchrist again mesmerized all he came in contact with by his incredible talents and humorous personality.

Operation First Response wishes to extend a heart felt thanks to Guy Gilchrist for sharing these two days with us. He will never know just how much joy he brought to each person he met. Many of our families are going through one of the most difficult times in their lives; to be able to bring smiles to their faces is truly a blessing from above.

To find out more about Guy Gilchrist please visit his website at http://www.gilchriststudios.com/ .
To find out more about Operation First Response, a group devoted to wounded Heroes and their families, please visit their website at http://www.operationfirstresponse.org/ .

by Peggy Baker
Mother of a Soldier

Operation First Response has a special mission to reach out to our wounded Heroes and their families. One of our first experiences with the wounded was with a dear friend of ours, through her experience with her son and our involvement we were able to see some of the most important needs of our families during this traumatic time in their lives. We were able to see first hand how important a hug could be. We have had the privilege to help family members to fly in to be at the sides of their loved ones through generous donations of frequent flyer miles from great Americans and we have a company that picks up our families at the airports and brings them directly to the hospital. We have built good relationships with the Fisher Houses and help to get our families into a "home away from home." Landstuhl in Germany, Walter Reed and Brooke Medical, all receive constant contact from a specific person appointed to each hospital.
We launched Operation First Response Back Packs, after realizing that we could help to provide some love and comfort to our wounded at the combat support hospitals. We started putting together backpacks which included a shirt, boxers, shorts, socks, a long list of hygiene products and a hand made blanket from a proud American. Once word got out about Operation First Response Care Packs cash donations and items donations began pouring in from all across America. The blankets and quilts were one of our most important items in the back packs.We were continually hearing stories from the wounded, their families and the nurses who cared for them that the blankets were very comforting and having something soft next to them was very important. Many special ladies endlessly make and send these treasures to me for packing, which brings me to what this article is all about.
Recently our contact in Germany alerted us to the fact that a seriously injured soldier and his family were going to need our support.
Later that day our contact called me and we discussed this family and how we could help them. I began preparing for their arrival to Walter Reed. Also that day I had emailed one of our combat support hospitals to see if they needed more backpacks. I received an email saying that they were all set, that they not seen a lot of wounded lately but that they had just given a backpack to a seriously wounded soldier, mainly because they wanted him to have the blanket inside, they were not sure he would ever wake up. They told me that the need to give this blanket to him was very strong. It wasn't long before I realized that we were talking about the same soldier that I was preparing for his arrival here in the states.
Yesterday this family arrived at Walter Reed, I called to let them know I would be visiting them soon and to see what I could bring for them. I spoke to our wounded hero's brother and was so inspired by this family. Their strong faith had not been shaken by this experience, we talked for a long time and he told me about a prayer vigil for his brother back here in the states and how during the exact hours of this prayer vigil, his brother began to stir for the first time since his injuries. We knew that was not a coincidence, prayer truly works. I began to share the story of the backpack and blanket with this young man and he couldn't believe it, he knew just the blanket that I was talking about because this blanket was still with his brother and it had been signed by all the medical care providers that had been in contact with this wounded hero. This blanket had traveled around the world with a very special mission of love, it will be treasured by this family always.
Once again I have been shown that the good works of many are spreading the word that we, as Americans, are so very proud of our great military and we will continue to keep the home fires burning until they all come home.

By Peggy Baker
Mother of a Soldier

Walking through the halls of Walter Reed there are many feelings one might have. I am often nervous upon entering the hospital, how will I act, should I show emotion, what if I cry, will my empathy for our heroes seem as pity to them? For pity is not what they want or even what I feel. I feel a great honor to be in their presence, to be with them during a difficult time in their family's lives. To be with a family when their hearts and souls are open and their only need is to be comforted. It is at this time that I want to represent a feeling of hope to them.
Our wounded come home with many emotions stirring inside. Beyond dealing with their own injuries, many have to deal with the deaths of their comrades. They often feel responsible in some way, dealing with the questions of …"If I had done this or that would they still be here" or "why was I the one that made it?" They often feel they did not do their job because if they had, their comrades would still be here with them. When they talk to me about this, I see the look in their eyes, their emotional pain is very real.Their camaraderie for their fellow soldiers is something I think we would find hard to imagine.Unless we have walked in their shoes how can we fully understand their commitment to each other?
They wonder just how long the nightmares will last, no one can answer that question for them but I believe that we as Americans can help them to sleep peacefully much sooner by reaching out to them and treating them like the heroes they really are. We can give them hope that life is not over, yes, it may have taken a different path but it is certainly not over. There are reasons why things happen and if we give them the support and hope to strive to reach above their trials, they will reach their potential.
Our wounded need to know that when they have reached their goals physically that they will also be able to reach the same goals that both you and I can achieve in other aspects of life. They need to know that they can go on to live productive lives. We must give them hope.
I looked up the word "hope" in the dictionary and this is its definition…
Hope: to desire with expectation of fulfillment, one that gives promise for the future.
Hope: to trust, to look forward to.Our soldiers take an oath upon entering the military, it goes like this…
Oath of Enlistment I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God.
I believe they take this oath very seriously and live it to its full intent.
There is an oath upon becoming an American citizen, it goes like this…
THE OATH OF ALLEGIANCE "I hereby declare, an oath, that absolutely and entirely renounce and abjure all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state, or sovereignty of whom (which) I have heretofore been a subject (or citizen) that I will support and defend the Constitution and Law of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance or purpose of evasion; so help me God".
So many of us born to this country do not even know that there are certain things expected of us as American citizens, that we have a responsibility to defend this country's constitution and it's people. We give the responsibility to our military to take up arms and defend our homeland and when they have given all they can, isn't it then that our oath kicks in and embraces them?
Isn't it our job to give them hope and security, the same security that they enlisted to be in harms way for us? Our sacrifices in giving them hope and a chance for a promising future is so small in comparison to their sacrifices. It should be so easy for us to care for our heroes. If each of us gave a small gesture of kindness to them imagine the difference we could make.
So when our wounded say to us… "What will I do now?"

Please join me in saying…"Take my hand and we will get through this together and give hope to all that need it."

by Peggy Baker
Mother of a Soldier

I was thinking the other day about the great parallel between the relationships of Soldier/Country and Mother/Child. They are interestingly similar.

A Soldier will lay down his life for his comrades and country …
A Mother will lay down her life for her family and home.

A Soldier is on call or working 24/ 7…
A Mother is on call or working 24/ 7…

A Soldier's pay is very little…they depend on appreciation from their comrades, officers and country…
.A Mother's pay is very little…they depend on appreciation from their families, friends and community.

A Soldier must report to work regardless of illness or lack of sleep…
A Mother must take care of her family regardless of illness or lack of sleep.

A Soldier must stay the course regardless of the opinion of others for the benefit of their country…
A Mother must stay the course regardless of the opinions of others for the benefit of their families.

A soldier's heart is uplifted by a letter from home…
A Mother's heart is uplifted by a remembered birthday card.

For all these reasons and so many more, I as a mother will keep on remembering our soldiers and continue to support them in any way possible until they are all home safe and sound.There is a mother for every soldier over there and you will hear our voices supporting our troops because in order to have a soldier who serves their country,there must first have been a mother serving her child.

by Peggy Baker
Mother of a Soldier

Late one night the call came in, you know that call none of us as parents ever wants to receive. We have made a commitment to the soldiers and their families to go through this war hand in hand. So when a parent receives that call, there are several of us who do as well. We were notified that we had a soldier down and his mom needed to know if we had a person in Germany that could go to her son and put the phone to his ear. She knew her son was in a coma but needed to express to him how much she loved him and to be strong until he was brought home to her. When I received the call I was amazed as to the turn events of just a few days earlier when I had received notice that we had a new contact in Germany who happened to be a nurse in Landstuhl. I immediately notified her and without a moments hesitation she went to our soldier's side. She sat with him and told him about all the people back home waiting and praying for him. She told him how much his mom loved him and how badly she wished she could be there. Our special lady held his hand and touched his head and then dialed the phone to connect him with his mom. She held that phone while this mom poured out loving encouragement from the other side of the world to her critically wounded son, and my friend is convinced he reacted to his mother's voice. During the next few days while he remained in Landstul until his surgeries were over and he was strong enough to be flown home this precious woman continued calling here to the states and kept both myself and the mom well informed of his condition, she can never fully understand her contribution to this soldier's recovery. In the mean time back here in the states many were busy helping his mom make plans to arrive in Washington D.C. to join her son at Walter Reed. She arrived late one night and was greeted by a friend's brother at the airport and brought to a room on the post that was arranged by another friend. On the phone the day after her arrival to Walter Reed, she expressed how she wished she had a Dr.Pepper and that afternoon a cooler of Dr.Pepper was dropped off at the hospital for her. I feel so blessed to know such fine people. It was just like an old saying my Grandmother often reminded me of…. small ripples make big waves.. I was able to check in on them at Walter Reed soon after that and my experience was one of pure joy. His mom and I had never met before but were bonded by that call, you can't comfort someone during a time of heartbreak and not bond with them, but the moment our eyes met, we ran to each other and embraced as if we had known each other all of our lives. She introduced me to her son, he was unable to speak because of his injuries, but in his eyes as he held my hand I knew what he was feeling. We all stood around his bedside and talked and when it was time for me to leave he somehow communicated to his mom that he wanted to tell me something. I went over to him and he took both my hands and held on tight, he drew me near and looked right in my eyes, I don't think I had ever felt such communication in eye contact before. The words that came from my mouth seem to answer the thoughts coming from his eyes. I could actually see him thanking me without him uttering a word. I will never forget that moment for all of my life. I told him not to use one ounce of his energy on worrying about his mom, that we would be there for them and that all he needed to do was get stronger each day. I can say with confidence that we will stand with this family and any family in these circumstances until the need no longer exists.When ever I leave that hospital I realize that these soldiers belong to each of us, that we have a responsibility to be here for them.
Every one of our deployed military should have the peace of mind that when they send home their wounded comrades that America will take over and see to their needs. I correspond with several combat support hospitals in Iraq and I can't tell you the honor it is for me to be asked by them to follow up on a patient when they arrive here in the states. So until all our boots are home safe and sound, we Americans will be stirring the homes fires.

by Peggy Baker
Mother of a Soldier

Some days are longer than others for the Mom’s of a Soldier. Not to take away from all you Dad’s out there, that I know love your soldiers dearly, just looking at it from a Mom’s perspective. How is it that you can be so proud and yet be unable to catch your breath at the same time? My son is in Korea and I know he is in a safer place than those that are in Iraq or Afghanistan but he is so far away and certainly in an unfriendly and unstable environment, which leaves me with an uneasy feeling as I go about my daily life.

I have thrown myself into my work with Operation First Response just as I was involved in Little League when my son was young. My house was always the “Kool-aid House” and I liked it that way. I liked being the Mom who knew what was going on and who her children were hanging out with. So you can imagine that relinquishing control over to the Army has not been an easy thing for me..smile..

Operation First Response has given me the ability to stay involved and make a difference in the life of a soldier.

In our work with the wounded, we have been in contact with several combat support hospitals in Iraq recently and have been able to supply them with some of the comforts of home. To the soldiers there our help is so gratefully appreciated and yet we feel we need to do so much more.

It does not matter which side of the political arena you are on, the fact that we can even have a political arena is do to the bravery of our men and women in the military. They are there to make sure that 9-11 doesn’t happen again on our home front. They continuously tell us that our support from home makes all the difference. When they are tired and just want to come home, they are renewed with strength to continue on because they know the cause is that of “Freedom for all.” They miss their families and friends but they do this for your families and mine, so that we may sleep peacefully tonight.

Our soldiers are now coming home from a year overseas and they will have difficulty getting through the emotions left from being at war but never should they have to deal with the emotion of not knowing if others care.

We need to help them walk with pride that their country supports them completely.

We need to help their families know that we see and appreciate the sacrifices made for us.
If we hold hands in this endeavor we will undoubtedly bring home healthier soldiers.

by Peggy Baker
Mother of a Soldier

There is so much to be said for the look in someone's eyes. Eyes are the mirror to one's soul some say, and I do believe that's true.
Have you ever looked into a baby's eyes and seen their innocence? How about a new mother when she is looking into those precious eyes of her newborn child for the first time? There are even those of us who can look into ones eyes and see the untruths.
During the past two years since 9-11, I have noticed someone's eyes. Those would be the eyes of President George W. Bush. Do you remember his eyes at the moment he was told about the attack on the towers? I remember the impact that look had on me. I can think of many times through out these two years that I have been touched by the look on our President's face. The day he stood with the rescue workers at Ground Zero, the speech he gave after the attacks, the day the United States declared the War on Terrorism, the day he visited our first wounded soldiers, the moment he walked into that room of soldiers in Iraq on Thanksgiving and countless other times
The look I see is a very strong, confident, firm in his convictions kind of man, even more than that, I see compassion beyond words. I believe this man feels for each one of us, who is touched by this war, in a personal way. I can't imagine the weight he carries.
Can you picture the look in a parent's eyes when they are desperately watching the news and they hear of another soldier dying and they scramble to their knees in prayer that it is not their soldier? Yet they don't want it to be any one else's soldier either. I receive letters from Iraq that tell of great things our soldiers are doing, things that if told to America might help ease those weary eyes of the families. I do not believe anyone is for war, but I do believe that there are important reasons for our being in this war. Being a mother of a soldier, I feel I must put my trust in our President; after all he is my son's boss. He is our Commander and Chief. I have seen him wipe a tear away and I have heard his voice crack with emotion. I am thankful for those emotions because I want to live in a country that has a man like President Bush in charge and not one like Saddam Hussein. I saw the look in my son's eyes the day he graduated from basic training; it was one of great pride and accomplishment. Our children have put full confidence in our President and have taken up for the cause. I only wish we civilians could do the same. I realize that the President can't please all the people all the time but wouldn't it be nice if we could stand behind him and encourage him. Every time I turn on the news I hear such disrespectful things about him and wonder, who among us thinks that they can do a better job? Even if you think you could do a better job running the country, do you have any idea how you disrespect our wounded and fallen soldiers when you talk this way? I know that if I had to lose my child in this war that the only way I could continue on, would be to know that my sacrifice was in such an honorable way, I would have to believe that this war is in our best interest. Thank you, President Bush, for your strength to stand strong in the face of adversity. Please know that there are Americans out here who are praying for you. 12-21-03

By Spc. Lorie Jewell
March 25, 2004


WASHINGTON (Army News Service, March 25, 2004) – Advances in prosthetic technology are keeping Soldiers in the mainstream of life – and in some cases, on active duty – more than ever before, health care officials contend.

Soldiers benefiting from technological wonders like the Otto Bock microprocessor C-Leg knee unit or the myoelectric Utah 3 arm marvel not only at the existence of the devices, but that they are receiving such top-shelf products.

Spc. Sean Lewis, 20, for instance, knew very little about prosthetics just a few months ago.

“Lt. Dan from ‘Forrest Gump,’ that’s about it,” said Lewis, illustrating the extent of his knowledge with a reference to a movie character that lost both legs in the Vietnam War but who showed up toward the end of the movie using titanium alloy prosthetics the main character, Gump, called “magic legs.”

A Jan. 21 mortar attack on an Army camp near Baqubah, Iraq changed that.

Lewis was a communications equipment repair specialist attached to the 588th Engineer Battalion, 2nd Brigade of the 4th Infantry Division from Fort Hood, Texas. It was early evening and he was standing next to his vehicle, talking and smoking with two friends – Spc. Gabriel Palacios and Pfc. James David Parker – when, without warning, a mortar round hit them.

From the ground, Lewis recalled looking up to see most of his right leg completely severed from his body. Palacios and Parker were dead.

Two months later, Lewis was standing on two feet – one natural and the other rubber, attached to an aluminum pylon straight-leg prosthetic – in Walter Reed Army Medical Center’s Orthotics and Prosthetics laboratory.

“I loved it,” Lewis said. “Even though I was using crutches, I felt like I was up on both legs again. The prosthetic helped with a lot of the phantom pain.”

Lewis was fitted the following week with the latest high-tech prosthetic for lower extremity amputees, the C-Leg. Equipped with a microprocessor knee and hydraulic pneumatic controls, the leg brings patients like Lewis as close as they can be to a natural gait, said Ralph Urgolites, head of the Orthotics and Prosthetics lab.

Whereas a traditional prosthetic leg is swung forward using body weight, the C-Leg moves according to information it collects through computerized sensors that send feedback data 50 times per second between the foot and the knee.

“It’s amazing what they can do now,’’ Lewis said. “I’ve met with lots of people here and until they told me, I didn’t even know they had a prosthetic on.”

As of mid-March, Urgolites has counted 83 Soldiers – including at least one woman – who have come through the prosthetics lab since Operation Iraqi Freedom began. Several have also come from Afghanistan, where Soldiers continue to face danger while serving in Operation Enduring Freedom.

Of those, 19 Soldiers have lost upper extremity limbs, he noted That’s an unusually high percentage, Urgolites noted, compared to the national average of 2.5 upper extremity cases for every 100 amputees.

The high volume of Soldiers in need of prosthetics forced the department to hire part-time help, increasing a normal staff of four or five prosthetists to seven or eight, depending on the need, Urgolites said. Twice, the need has been close to overwhelming – once in November and before that in August, when seven Soldiers with upper extremity amputations arrived at one time, he said.

“It’s very rare to see more than two upper extremities at a time,’’ Urgolites said.

One of the newest devices for such amputees is the computer-assisted myoelectric prosthetic. The Utah 3 arm allows the elbow and wrist to move simultaneously, while previous models were limited to separate movements, Urgolites said. The first six Utah 3 models off the production line went to Soldiers at Walter Reed following a round of tests last summer, he added.

Sgt. Steve Clark, 36, is one of the six. He lost his right arm above the elbow in October when the Humvee he was gunning on a road outside of Baghdad was hit by a remote-controlled improvised explosive device. Like Lewis, Clark said he knew nothing about prosthetics before being injured. Not only is he impressed with the technology, but that Soldiers are getting it as well. With the cost of each prosthetic device ranging from $20,000 to $100,000, Clark is grateful the Army is investing so much into the care of Soldiers.

The hardest part about wearing the prosthetic, he said, is remembering to use it. His natural instinct is to take the fastest route to getting something done, which sometimes leaves the prosthetic idle. The more he takes the time to manage the Utah 3, the easier it gets, Clark said.

Clark was a multiple launch rocket system crewmember with the 127th Field Artillery from Babenhausen, Germany. He’s planning to take a medical retirement and pursue a job as a resource counselor with the Veteran’s Administration, working with Soldiers at Walter Reed.

“Before all of this happened, I would have thought that losing an arm would be too devastating, that I would just want to crawl in a hole,’’ Clark said. “But that’s not the case.”

Going through the recovery process side by side with other Soldiers makes a big difference, Clark and Lewis said.

“There’s an unspoken brotherhood,’’ said Lewis. “We encourage each other. Sometimes we taunt each other.”

Added Clark: “There’s always someone who has it worse.”

For as much as Soldiers motivate each other, their can-do attitudes have an equally positive effect on the staff, Urgolites said.

“When a Soldier says ‘why can’t I do that?’ it makes us stop and ask ourselves ‘Why can’t we do that?’” Urgolites said. “We’ve come a long way from years past, when the attitude might have been to be satisfied with just getting them walking again. Now, it’s that we should do more, and we can.”

One innovation the staff is currently exploring is how to combine two existing prosthetic legs – one for use in the shower, with tiny suction cups on the sole, and the other for swimming – into a single prosthetic. That would eliminate the need to switch from one to the other, said research prosthetist Joe Miller.

Miller and others are hoping research will clear up some uncertainties as they push forward. They’d like to find out how much moisture or heat certain prosthetics can take, for instance. Or how to protect a Soldier on the battlefield who has a microprocessor in his prosthetic leg that might emit a signal, potentially exposing him to the enemy.

“We’re stretching the boundaries of rehabilitative care with prosthetics,’’ Miller said. “We believe it’s the right thing to do, and until that can be disproved, we’re moving forward.”

The ultimate goal is to make each Soldier as whole as possible and enable them to carry on with normal lives, Miller and Urgolites said. That includes remaining on active duty, if they so choose and the medical board determines they are fit to do so.

There are Soldiers who have shown it is possible to stay on active duty with a prosthetic – or two. Dana Bowman, for instance, lost both legs when he collided mid-air with a fellow member of the Golden Knights parachute team during a 1994 training exercise. With two prosthetic legs, Bowman jumped five months later while on a pass from Walter Reed. He re-enlisted nine months after the accident and completed more than 800 jumps with his prosthetics before retiring in 1996 as a sergeant first class. Bowman has been working since as a motivational speaker, including with the Army’s recruiting command. (www.danabowman.com)

Bowman has visited Soldiers at Walter Reed several times in the past year to share his experiences and offer whatever assistance he can provide. He’s amazed at the advancements in technology and gratified by the staff’s dedication.

“What they’re doing to help these Soldiers is remarkable,’’ Bowman said. “I’ve seen incredible patient care throughout.”

Some Soldiers have left Walter Reed with prosthetics and returned to active duty units while awaiting the medical board process, officials said, but an exact number wasn’t available. One Soldier, Staff Sgt. Andrew McCaffrey, is back on duty at Fort Bragg, N.C., with a prosthetic right hand that replaced the one he lost in Afghanistan last year.

McCaffrey and a few other Soldiers accompanied Urgolites last month to a program on the history of and advancements in prosthetics at the Smithsonian’s Museum of American History.

Urgolites gave a power point demonstration on what’s being done at Walter Reed that included a video clip of McCaffrey using a microprocessor “Greifer” prosthetic to accomplish ordinary tasks, like picking up a bottle or unfastening a wristwatch. McCaffrey also knocked out some push-ups, using a fingerless prosthetic hand he discovered in a catalog.

“He was having difficulty doing push ups with another prosthetic because the fingers kept bending,’’ Urgolites said. “So he found one that was designed for a child, got the largest size, and adapted it for what he needed to do.”

Lewis, 20, is also determined to return to his unit. From the time he was a little kid, all he’s ever wanted to be is a Soldier. Beyond that, he wants to be a marathon runner again and someday, wear the rank of command sergeant major. Those goals and unwavering support from Jessica, his wife of one year, and senior leaders in his chain of command, keeps Lewis focused on doing whatever he can to make it happen.

“I love the Army, I love everything about it,’’ Lewis said. “This is something I will do. I’m not going to let them kick me out.”

You can hear Hank Brake's tribute song to our troops by visiting the website

asoldiersmom.com

By Joyce Shannon
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Sunday, February 8, 2004

A group that helps injured soldiers asked Jeremy Feldbusch what it could do for him. Instead, he offered to assist its mission. Despite living without sight for nearly a year, Feldbusch's outlook on life is optimistic. Feldbusch, 24, was blinded after being injured in Iraq.

As the first anniversary of the day he was injured approaches, Ranger Feldbusch is preparing for discharge from the Army. The dedicated military man still embraces life, despite the changes wrought by war.

A 1997 Derry Area High School graduate, Feldbusch was determined to become a Ranger after he enlisted, following his graduation from the University of Pittsburgh with a degree in biology.

"It's a whole different lifestyle," Feldbusch said. "Everything we do, even the training, it's all top secret. You want to be part of the stuff that people don't talk about."

It wasn't easy, making it as a Ranger. Of about 45 men from his basic-training platoon who took the physical test, few passed. After the five-mile run, only four soldiers from his original group remained.

Feldbusch graduated No. 1 out of 228 soldiers in his Ranger class.

Even after Feldbusch became a Ranger mortarman, he set other goals. He wanted to try for Special Forces, Delta Force, or maybe go to officer training school.

But April 3, 2003, changed his path in life. The 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, had been assigned to guard the Hadithah Dam, several hundred kilometers north of Baghdad.

Feldbusch stood watch for 36 hours before he was hit in the face with shrapnel during action. He first was evacuated to a local unit, then to a Kuwait hospital; Rota, Spain; Landstuhl Hospital, Germany; and finally to Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas.

Shrapnel destroyed Feldbusch's right eye and injured the frontal lobe of his brain. He underwent several surgeries, including one that installed titanium mesh in his head to keep his brain from sinking down into his sinuses.

The injury and surgery also damaged his left eye, rendering it sightless.

When Feldbusch awoke, his parents waited two weeks, on the advice of the doctor, to tell their son that he probably would never see again.

"That's one thing that really scared me, becoming blind," Feldbusch said. "I was quite angry at first."

But he moved past that anger. "I've been dealt a new hand of cards," Feldbusch said.

After returning home, he didn't interact much with the public or media -- despite both clamoring to hear his story and see the person they called a hero. But that changed after a welcome-home parade that Blairsville threw him over the summer.

He began visiting schools -- Blairsville and New Derry elementary schools, Blairsville Middle School, Homer-Center School District, to honor Veterans Day and, most recently, his old stomping grounds: Derry Area High School.

"There's been a lot of things that's happened to me," Feldbusch explained. "I wanted to see what everyone thought."

The kids get a kick out of seeing their hometown hero. When Feldbusch spoke to the entire student body at Derry on Wednesday, "there wasn't one sloucher in that whole auditorium," said his mother, Charlene Feldbusch.

At first, Feldbusch was just going to speak to a small group at Derry, about 170 kids. But he didn't want anyone to feel left out, so he suggested that everyone attend.

Feldbusch's former wrestling and football coaches helped to introduce him.

Feldbusch's midget football coach, Bob Slezak, told one story about a game they were about to lose. Slezak was feeling frustrated when he felt a tug on his pant leg and looked down to see Feldbusch. "Coach, give me the ball. I can do it," he said.

Feldbusch often talks to children and fields their questions about the military. Once, a young boy at New Derry Elementary asked if he had ever killed anyone. Feldbusch explained how, as a soldier, it is his job to protect the lives and freedoms of not only Americans, but of others who don't live in this country.

"Yes, I did have to kill people," he told the child.

Though Feldbusch still feels the butterflies when preparing to speak to a group, he said he's getting more comfortable with public speaking. The practice has led him on a new path: becoming a motivational speaker.

"I need to talk to people and let them know: Whatever your goals are in life, do them and keep producing," Feldbusch said.

Feldbusch has received numerous letters from people across the country. Even more arrived after he was featured in a December article in The New York Times. The Soldier's Angels Foundation saw the article and called him.

But Feldbusch didn't want any gifts from the Angels. Rather, he wanted to take their gifts to the wounded who were still in hospitals.

Pending the results of a Monday visit to the doctor, Feldbusch will travel Feb. 21 back to Brooke Army Medical Center. He'll thank the medical professionals who saved his life and bring gifts from the Angels to soldiers still there.

He wants to "let them know that life isn't over."

There are other trips that Feldbusch wants to make: to Walter Reed Hospital in Washington, D.C., and to Florida to visit new and old friends.

"I honestly have too many short-term goals to think about the long-term goals," he said with a grin.

His plans include getting a graduate degree and a seeing-eye dog, and getting back into body building. But for now, he mostly takes it one day at a time.

That was also on the advice of a doctor, who said, "Don't worry about that stuff right now."

"We could be bitter," Charlene Feldbusch said. "But we're not."

"It wasn't my time to go," Feldbusch said.

By Peggy Baker
Mother of a Soldier

When my son joined the Army almost a year ago now, I believe our entire family joined with him. Our lives have changed so much. My youngest son can almost always be seen in his camouflage attire and my daughter spends many hours writing out cards and helping to pack care packages. Never a day goes by that there isn’t something going on pertaining to “The Soldiers”. We are homeschoolers and even our classroom has taken on the name Classroom/Army Office. A trip to the grocery store has turned into….what the family would like and what will go into this weeks care packages.

This week we experienced the heartbreaking aspect of being involved with “The Soldiers”. I received a request from a friend to meet her at Walter Reed Medical Center because her son had been wounded and lost his leg. My husband took me to my friend’s side and we were able to watch in awe at the strength and determination of this soldier and his family. I saw God’s hand in so many ways that day.

I had the opportunity to meet the Soldier who accompanied my friend’s son back to the states and during a conversation found out that a project I had been involved with provided this soldier with clothes to wear on his trip home. While I listened to him talk, my heart swelled with pride for each person who helped in this endeavor. It really is true, our efforts are needed and appreciated. My husband and I talked with these two soldiers and when we left we truly knew we were in the presence of Heroes.

We took my friend and another mother shopping and watched these two wonderful women unwind and act like life was normal again, for just a few hours. We were even there when the other mom got great news about her son and we all cried together. These families will have a rough road ahead but they are determined to find the good that will someday come from all of their sacrifices. They have no ill feelings towards our President, they know that our soldiers have taken on the commitment to serve our Country and will lay their lives down in doing so, if need be. They believe that their sons may someday be able to help someone else in this position.

I have seen this to be true, I have several wounded soldiers who are further along in their recovery and have offered to help me with newly injured soldiers.
The American Soldier is a breed all of its own.

Most parents of a soldier can relate to the fact that the child that left your home before basic training is not the same child you see on graduation day. The child who could not keep a clean room or talk with respect is now completely capable of these things and so much more. They are now able to put the importance of someone else in front of their own needs. I can find no words to express to each one of them how very proud I am of their accomplishments and sacrifices.

Our soldiers stand strong and tall for each of us, even for the ones that are too self-centered to realize all that has been done for them. They are not drafted but rather elect to defend this country, that speaks volumes to me.
I can never thank my son enough for opening my eyes, I may never have realized just how much has been sacrificed for our Country and her people, all through history, but I assure you that now I know. I will always remember that a price has been paid for each freedom I enjoy. I will do my best to deserve the sacrifices made for me and make those American Soldiers proud of the people they are defending.

In our recent correspondences with the hospital we have found them to be in great need of the following list for our wounded…



· Sweat shirts and pants (sizes M, L, XL)



· T-shirts (sizes M, L, XL)



· Pajama/lounge pants



· socks



· Stationery and envelopes



· Calling cards



· Blanket throws


If you would like to donate please visit www.operationfirstresponse.org

Prayer For Troops... God,
Please protect our
soldiers overseas.
Guide their every step
with your love and light.
Give them the strength,
courage, and fortitude
to fly through the
difficult days ahead.
Instill calm
where there's anxiety,
hope where
there's grief,
and comfort where
there's pain.
And bring them safely home
to their loved ones.

By Peggy Baker
Mother of a Soldier


Operation First Response is a group of Americans who reach out to our troops. I am part of this group and have never felt more honored.

Many people ask, just what it is that we do…

We reach out to the wounded and their families by visiting them at the hospital, bringing comfort, gifts and cash donations to help in this difficult time.

Some might ask us…why?

Well let me tell you…

These special men and women of the military have put everything on the line to defend our homefront whether it is here in the states or overseas. They took an oath to defend our freedom and each day they got up and fulfilled that duty. Most will be forever changed by the experience. Day in and day out they were surrounded with poor living conditions, no phones, no internet, and MRE’s ( Military Ready to Eat meals), as well as being combat ready at all times. Often our soldiers are depressed because of little or no contact from home. Then when they do hear news from home, they hear about the constant debates on how Americans feel about the war.

They don’t hear about the great things that they are doing.

They have had dramatic successes in finding weapons, explosives and huge amounts of enemy weapon caches. They have cleaned up the schools so the Iraqi children can begin to live a more productive life. They have conducted missions to clear unexploded bombs in nearby fields where Iraqi children now play in safety.
They caught Saddam Hussein, who at our house, was considered a weapon of mass destruction. Their list of accomplishments goes on and on. They have made huge milestones in the short time they have been there.

So there are a few of the reasons why we do this.

Some people wonder…does it make a difference?

This is what one of my soldiers said…
“Let me first start by saying thank you for your letter. While all of this is very new to me, I am amazed at the support and caring both my soldiers and I have received during our ongoing operation here in Iraq. I want you to know that I personally take great pride in having the opportunity to receive personal thanks from great Americans such as you! It was truly heartwarming and could not have come at a better time than it did, Thank You. While I have been in the Army now 16 years and have been deployed on numerous occasions, I have unfortunately lost friends and soldiers in my journey. While all of them hold a special place in my heart, recently however I lost a true and dear friend to both my family and I, of almost 14 years, while conducting combat patrols. CSM Eric Cooke was a great leader, man, friend and teacher. While words alone could not describe this man in enough detail the enormous amount of soldiers and people he has helped throughout his life, including me, is a small comparison to the remarkable gift he had to offer this world. While I doubted after his loss, my own acceptance of a continued military career and our mission here, as a result of mixed emotions, the receipt of your letter helped me understand the greater meaning of our chores ahead and our light of hope however dimmed by his loss to the world. For this, I thank you for reaching out to a total stranger to show your support. I want you to know that in 16 years of service this has never happened to me before.”

This is why….

You can probably imagine the faces of my family members and me when we read this letter. We were touched beyond words and there were no dry cheeks in the house. Imagine making a difference in someone’s life in that magnitude. Things like this help to show you God’s bigger picture. Friends, this is not the first letter that we have received that was full of gratitude for a letter or a package. Image that…. they are thankful to us!

So now I will ask you….

Do you think we make a DIFFERENCE?

PFC Joshua Nickel
Josh was a 1994 graduate of
Athol High School. He went
on to become an electrician
for M.C.Dean Inc.of Chantilly, Va.
Just before 9-11-01, Josh had completed
designing and installing a high
security conduit system
at the Pentagon, in Washington, D.C.
After 9-11 Josh felt the need to help
defend our country. He joined
the Army in April 2003. He
attended basic training at
Fort Knox, Ky. and specialized
Air Defense Artillery training
at Fort Bliss, Tx. After graduating
top of his class, and becoming
platoon leader, Josh was stationed in
Korea on the Hardship Tour.
He has been at Camp Casey, Korea since
September as is now awaiting word of
a possible deployment to Iraq in March.

By Peggy Baker
Mother of a Soldier


I recently went with my family to visit some of our wounded Soldiers at Walter Reed Medical Center. From the moment you enter the front gate of the hospital you realize you are not at an ordinary hospital. The presence of the Military is every where.
The Main Lobby had more hustle and bustle than I had ever seen in a hospital before
and the presence of that camouflage green uniform, that is sure to get an aahhh out of any Army Mom, was everywhere.
As we were walking down the halls, any one could have seen, how nervous we were but as we approached the nurse’s station all of our concerns disappeared. These nurses were wonderful; each was soft spoken and extremely helpful. I feel confident that our Soldiers are in the care of experienced and compassionate hands.
Then there are the wives of our Heroes. I had the pleasure of speaking with Kesha Yberg, the wife of SPC Bryan Yberg. Bryan received extensive damage in his neck, back, legs, and arms after his vehicle hit a landmine while serving with the 2-5 in Iraq on November 15th.
When we entered Bryan’s room, we found Kesha by his bedside. She was fixing his pillows and trying to make him more comfortable, it was evident to me that she had been dutifully doing this for the past month. She has spent most of her waking hours by her husband’s side and sleeping at The Monroe House, which is located adjacent to the hospital for Military families.
We had a wonderful visit with this couple, Bryan seemed in good spirits considering his discomfort. They are anxiously awaiting a transfer this week to a hospital closer to home. Bryan was genuinely touched to know that there are Americans that are proud of him. He was concerned that there are so many that are negative about the war. We assured him that there are not as many as he might be hearing. There are more of us that realize how important this is and are behind our Troops all the way! I think what touched me most about Bryan was that during our conversation we spoke about our own son’s tour of duty in Korea and possible deployment in February. The heart of this young man’s was so big that he had concern for our soldier. So often this is the case for them, their concerns are for their fellow comrades before themselves.
The bravery of our great soldiers could be felt through out the halls of this great hospital. Each roomed filled with its own story. Each story one of sacrifice.
So I ask you to join me in remembering these heroes each time we exercise our freedoms.
Even the small ones that we don’t even think about but our soldiers put their lives on the line for.
Reach out to a Soldier or their families or our wounded. Let them know that their sacrifices are appreciated and this great Country they defend is behind them.
Walk among heroes with me!

By Peggy Baker
Mother of a Soldier

As the mother of a soldier, I often flip through the news channels searching for good news from Iraq. I have to tell you, such news is hard to find. If you are looking for negativity however, that abounds. If you have a soldier fighting over there right now then you probably already feel this, but if you don’t, then imagine how it feels to hear nothing but bad about a cause your child is fighting for. Wouldn’t you want to hear about something positive coming from the bad? If your soldier was one of our thousands of wounded, wouldn’t it help to know that your sacrifices were for a good reason? I have decided through many conversations and letters with soldiers and their families that I must go out and find those good things that are happening. In my search I have found a very interesting story that I would like to share with you.

The 4th Infantry Division Headquarters is located in one of Saddam’s former palaces. On arrival of the 4th ID, there were two statues of Saddam on horseback at the entrance of this palace. These original statues were removed by explosives in early July of 2003. The statues were cut up into pieces by members of the 555th Engineer Group and taken to a local Iraqi artist named Kalat. Interestingly, he was one of the same artists who were forced to create the original statues. Kalat reshaped the bronze into the likeness of an American soldier being comforted by a small Iraqi girl, as he mourns a fallen comrade.

1st Sgt. Glen Simpson was the soldier who knelt for the picture, which has been immortalized forever in bronze. The sculpture is a scene witnessed by many in Iraq, a soldier before a memorial of boots, rifle and helmet, his head resting in the hollow of his hand. The presence of the little Iraqi girl helps to remind us all of the reason for these sacrifices.

The Memorial will be brought back to Fort Hood, where it will take its place of honor among the other items at the 4th Infantry Division Museum.
The cost of this statue was paid for through small donations from the 4th ID.
Imagine that our soldiers, who have already given so much, have so little, and yet care so deeply.

So Americans, I ask you…is this news worthy?

Wouldn’t it help to know that these types of things are happening too?

If you agree and know of a special soldier or soldiers that have a uplifting story to tell, please contact me. Together we can help pass the word about these special heroes.

A big Hooah for all those at the 4th ID!

allmom@direcway.com

by Peggy Baker, mother of a Soldier

In a day and age where there is no draft, how do we accomplish having the mightiest military force in the world? When you think about the fact that each American Soldier has elected to enlist, you have to wonder what kind of person is willing to sacrifice their life for our freedom. Where do they come from?
Let me tell you about one of these Americn Heros.
On November 6, 2003, America lost SPC. James A. Chance III, age 25, after his vehicle struck a landmine in Iraq, near the Syrian border. He was laid to rest in his home town of Kokomo, Mississippi.
After speaking to Mr. Chance about his son, it is not hard to understand where James would have gotten his courage and heroism. He was proud to tell me that his family has served in the military for several generations, as far back as his grandfather. Mr. Chance served his Country in the Vietnam War and he has lived his life in a wheel chair due to the injuries he sustained while there. What sacrifices this man and his family have given for the right of each American!
His son James, gave up most of his teenage life caring for his father. James had already known the sacrifices and horror that war can bring to a family. Yet he thought it his duty to serve his Country. James was already a hero before he joined! Now he has given the ultimate sacrifice...He has given his life for all of us.
These days have been extremely hard for the Chance Family, but Mr. Chance assured me that they would get through this, that God works in mysterious ways.
He is so very proud of his son. Proud that his son loved his Country enough to stand up for her, proud that his son wanted to follow in his footsteps as he did in his father's.
Although the Chance family has given more than most of us can even imagine, they still believe in the Red, White,and Blue. They understand that our freedoms can not exist without these sacrifices. They believe in One Nation Under God, Indivisible...
Many people have expressed to Mr. Chance, that because of his sacrifices, he should be against this war on terrorism. He tells them that it is quite the opposite. He and his family, want all to know, that we have to "stay the course" and persevere. We have to win this war on terrorism. It is the only way, we as a Country, can truely pay our respects, and honor those that have given the ultimate sacrifice....Our Heros!
So this is where we get them from....
Families, that for generations are willing to fight for you and I.
Families, that after losing a part of themselves, one of their children, are STILL willing to salute our Red, White, and Blue!
Each Soldier overseas right now has the right to know that America stands behind them.
I'll leave you now with these famous words from Mark Twain...
"It is a worthy thing to fight for one's freedom,
it is another sight finer to fight for another man's!"
God bless the "American Soldier"