Marine Surprises Mom During Chemotherapy by Posing as a Doctor: 'I Haven't Seen You for Almost Two Years!'
PEOPLE
Lindsay Kimble
April 1, 2016
While facing her first round of chemotherapy treatment after her breast cancer diagnosis, Mary Glasure was understandably nervous. The 59-year-old woman's family helped ease her fears, however, with an incredible surprise.
In an emotional video, Mary is seen meeting with doctors at the Tony Teramana Cancer Center in Steubenville, Ohio, when she encounters a very rude "doctor."
"I have a lunch appointment I need to get to so let's hurry up," the faux-physician in blue scrubs demands of Mary, which elicits a surprised response.
When Mary turns around to face the now-unmasked man, however, she quickly realizes it is actually her son, Corey Hoffmaster, a U.S. Marine.
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Saturday, April 2, 2016
Wounded Warrior and Lone Sailor 5K and 10k
Wounded warriors win with $38,000 raised in charity race
Orlando Sentinel
Caitlin Doornbos
April 2, 2016
With his wife on one arm and a cane in the other, veteran Corey Lehman crossed the finish line at the seventh annual Wounded Warrior and Lone Sailor 5K and 10k.
Lehman of Deltona injured his lower spine during a 2008 tour in Iraq. It affected his ability to walk, so completing a 2-mile stretch of the course Saturday was a milestone in his recovery, said his wife, Heather Lehman.
He had finished just one other race, in 2010, but since then his family has pushed him around the track in his wheelchair.
"It's an amazing feeling [to see him complete the walk]," Heather Lehman said. "It shows how far he has progressed."
The Lehmans were two of about 1,300 people participating in the fundraising event benefiting the Camaraderie Foundation, an Orlando-based veterans'-services organization, event organizer and retired naval Cmdr. Chris Townsend said.
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Orlando Sentinel
Caitlin Doornbos
April 2, 2016
Lehman of Deltona injured his lower spine during a 2008 tour in Iraq. It affected his ability to walk, so completing a 2-mile stretch of the course Saturday was a milestone in his recovery, said his wife, Heather Lehman.
He had finished just one other race, in 2010, but since then his family has pushed him around the track in his wheelchair.
"It's an amazing feeling [to see him complete the walk]," Heather Lehman said. "It shows how far he has progressed."
The Lehmans were two of about 1,300 people participating in the fundraising event benefiting the Camaraderie Foundation, an Orlando-based veterans'-services organization, event organizer and retired naval Cmdr. Chris Townsend said.
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Vietnam Veteran and Wife Finally Say "I'm Home" After 37 Years
With the help of local leaders, one Vietnam veteran finally has a place to call home
KGET News
Published 04/01 2016
BAKERSFIELD, Calif.
One local Vietnam veteran finally has a place to call home. After the Veterans Affairs gave Curtis Fitts the run around, House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy and other local supporters, stepped up to make sure this hero has a roof over his head.
"I feel home, I feel the love," Fitts said.
After being homeless and living in RV's he wanted somewhere to feel safe, something he hasn't felt since before the war.
"Its what we have been looking for all this time," Fitts said.
He and his wife Carol have waited 37 years for a place to call home.
Mr. Fitts has health issues and serious trauma after being shot down three times in Vietnam.
"The war stays with you, you never really forget it," Fitts said.
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KGET News
Published 04/01 2016
One local Vietnam veteran finally has a place to call home. After the Veterans Affairs gave Curtis Fitts the run around, House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy and other local supporters, stepped up to make sure this hero has a roof over his head.
"I feel home, I feel the love," Fitts said.
After being homeless and living in RV's he wanted somewhere to feel safe, something he hasn't felt since before the war.
"Its what we have been looking for all this time," Fitts said.
He and his wife Carol have waited 37 years for a place to call home.
Mr. Fitts has health issues and serious trauma after being shot down three times in Vietnam.
"The war stays with you, you never really forget it," Fitts said.
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Suicide Hits Minnesota National Guard Hard
Suicide hits hard among the ranks of Minnesota National Guard
A father's despair over his son's death in Iraq drives home a suicide crisis for Minnesota National Guard.
Star Tribune
By Mark Brunswick
APRIL 1, 2016
Kim Schmit knew her husband was in trouble, that much was clear.
It had been seven years since the Willmar couple’s 26-year-old son, Josh, had been killed by a roadside bomb in Iraq while serving in the Army. Greg Schmit, an 18-year member of the Minnesota National Guard, had found it particularly hard to adjust.
Out of guilt and grief, his life had dissolved into a series of unproductive counseling sessions at the VA. A medley of medications for anxiety, depression and sleeplessness now frequently left him either lethargic or irritable. Contributing to his despair, he contended that the Guard had been unsupportive after Josh’s death and that a few commanders had conspired to ruin his career and have him fired.
Late on a July night last year, Kim would later tell authorities, she was awakened by her husband struggling for breath next to her. She spotted the prescription bottles. All were empty. Within minutes, Greg Schmit, the by-the-book supply sergeant, was rushed to the hospital in a futile attempt to save his life.
A father's despair over his son's death in Iraq drives home a suicide crisis for Minnesota National Guard.
Star Tribune
By Mark Brunswick
APRIL 1, 2016
Few organizations have felt the crisis in military suicides more than the Minnesota National Guard. In the past five years, more of its members have died by suicide than all but one state Guard in the country.
It had been seven years since the Willmar couple’s 26-year-old son, Josh, had been killed by a roadside bomb in Iraq while serving in the Army. Greg Schmit, an 18-year member of the Minnesota National Guard, had found it particularly hard to adjust.
Out of guilt and grief, his life had dissolved into a series of unproductive counseling sessions at the VA. A medley of medications for anxiety, depression and sleeplessness now frequently left him either lethargic or irritable. Contributing to his despair, he contended that the Guard had been unsupportive after Josh’s death and that a few commanders had conspired to ruin his career and have him fired.
Late on a July night last year, Kim would later tell authorities, she was awakened by her husband struggling for breath next to her. She spotted the prescription bottles. All were empty. Within minutes, Greg Schmit, the by-the-book supply sergeant, was rushed to the hospital in a futile attempt to save his life.
Few organizations have felt the crisis in military suicides more than the Minnesota National Guard. In the past five years, more of its members have died by suicide than all but one state Guard in the country. Minnesota’s Guard is the 10th largest state Guard by size. But when it comes to suicide, its 27 deaths rank second only to Pennsylvania’s 30.read more here
Desert Storm Veteran and Dog Healed By Community
Veteran's beloved service dog breaks leg, community steps in to help
5-month-old puppy hurt playing outside needs surgery
WLWT News
By Tammy Mutasa
Published Apr 01, 2016
CLERMONT COUNTY, Ohio —A service dog which has been helping a local veteran suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder is the one that needs help now.
Five-month-old Apollo has changed veteran Jim's life forever; he has never left Jim's side since they've been together for the last three months.
“He's my best friend, there ain't no doubt about it,” veteran Jim said.
Jim is an Army 82nd Airborne Division Veteran from Desert Storm battling PTSD.
“He's everything, I don't really have no friends. I don't hang out with nobody. I'm a homebody. It's just me and him,” Jim said. “He's just there for me, you know what I mean, no matter. If I've had super bad day or if I feel bad, just don't feel like talking, seeing, opening my blinds, he's here for me.”
“In the past few months we've seen him with Apollo, we've just seen Apollo change his life,” said family friend Curt Edwards.
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5-month-old puppy hurt playing outside needs surgery
WLWT News
By Tammy Mutasa
Published Apr 01, 2016
“I don’t look at it as trying to help Jim or help a veteran. They don’t need our help. To me, it’s repay the debt that’s never going to able to be repaid.” Curt Edwards
Five-month-old Apollo has changed veteran Jim's life forever; he has never left Jim's side since they've been together for the last three months.
“He's my best friend, there ain't no doubt about it,” veteran Jim said.
Jim is an Army 82nd Airborne Division Veteran from Desert Storm battling PTSD.
“He's everything, I don't really have no friends. I don't hang out with nobody. I'm a homebody. It's just me and him,” Jim said. “He's just there for me, you know what I mean, no matter. If I've had super bad day or if I feel bad, just don't feel like talking, seeing, opening my blinds, he's here for me.”
“In the past few months we've seen him with Apollo, we've just seen Apollo change his life,” said family friend Curt Edwards.
The community said it’s coming together to help heal a dog who healed a friend who has sacrificed so much.
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Service Dog Charity Remembers Vietnam Veterans Have PTSD Too
SLO Vietnam War vet gets service dog from nonprofit
San Luis Obispo News
Nick Wilson
April 1, 2016
Cayucos-based Paws for a Cause has raised $40,000 and partnered with the San Luis Obispo-based nonprofit New Life K9s to provide service dogs to veterans — and, as a result, help prevent suicide, improve their relationships with those in the community, offer assistance and emotional support, and reduce homelessness.
The organization says dogs are the perfect buddies for those who have been hurt — physically or emotionally — by war because their loyalty and friendship is unconditional.
San Luis Obispo resident Bruce Hulin, a Vietnam War veteran and amputee, officially was awarded his new service dog, a yellow lab named Nichols, in an emotional ceremony at a Los Osos Rotary Club meeting Friday at La Palapa restaurant in Los Osos. Hulin is the fourth veteran to receive a service dog from Paws for a Cause.
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San Luis Obispo News
Nick Wilson
April 1, 2016
Hulin, 67, suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder and has had difficulty doing daily tasks since his right leg was amputated a year and a half ago. Hulin said doctors believe the herbicide Agent Orange, which he was exposed to in Vietnam, contributed to health complications that led to the loss of his leg.
Bruce Hulin’s dog, Nichols, comforts him and helps him pick up dropped items and open doorsThey say a dog is a man’s best friend. Dogs also can save lives, according to a local nonprofit group that connects dogs with veterans.
The San Luis Obispo-based nonprofit, Paws for a Cause, has raised $40,000 to help train dogs for war veterans
It takes one to two years of intense work to train a service dog
Cayucos-based Paws for a Cause has raised $40,000 and partnered with the San Luis Obispo-based nonprofit New Life K9s to provide service dogs to veterans — and, as a result, help prevent suicide, improve their relationships with those in the community, offer assistance and emotional support, and reduce homelessness.
The organization says dogs are the perfect buddies for those who have been hurt — physically or emotionally — by war because their loyalty and friendship is unconditional.
San Luis Obispo resident Bruce Hulin, a Vietnam War veteran and amputee, officially was awarded his new service dog, a yellow lab named Nichols, in an emotional ceremony at a Los Osos Rotary Club meeting Friday at La Palapa restaurant in Los Osos. Hulin is the fourth veteran to receive a service dog from Paws for a Cause.
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Friday, April 1, 2016
Medal of Honor Day To Remember Unknown Courage
GALLERY | Medal of Honor recipients gather for wreath-laying ceremony
Stars and Stripes
By Meredith Tibbetts
Published: April 1, 2016
The awards ceremony was held on Medal of Honor Day, a day dedicated to pay tribute to all MOH recipients, who, in turn, have set it apart to honor others.
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Stars and Stripes
By Meredith Tibbetts
Published: April 1, 2016
ARLINGTON, Va. — Medal of Honor recipients gathered in the Washington, D.C., area last Friday to honor the bravery and courage of citizens who faced down danger – or stepped up to the plate to help others.
Medal of Honor recipients watch the Changing of the Guard at theTomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery duringMedal of Honor Day, March 25, 2016.MEREDITH TIBBETTS/STARS AND STRIPES
The awards ceremony was held on Medal of Honor Day, a day dedicated to pay tribute to all MOH recipients, who, in turn, have set it apart to honor others.
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Police Officer Killed in Virginia Was Also A Veteran
Officer killed at Va. bus terminal was Marine veteran; Police ID gunman
Associated Press
By Alanna Durkin Richer and Alan Suderman
April 1, 2016
Virginia State Police spokeswoman Corinne Geller identified the shooter as James Brown III, of Aurora, Ill. Police did not give a motive for the shooting.
Brown shot Trooper Chad P. Dermyer, 37, multiple times Thursday in Richmond before he was killed by two other troopers, police said. Dermyer had been participating with about a dozen other troopers in a training exercise at the bus station when a brief encounter with the gunman quickly turned violent, police said.
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Associated Press
By Alanna Durkin Richer and Alan Suderman
April 1, 2016
Police say the slain trooper, the father of two children, was a native of Jackson, Michigan, and Marine veteran who had served on the force in Jackson and Newport News, Virginia.
Chad Dermyer stands beside his bride Michelle Dermyer in November 2000. The Marine veteran was fatally shot Thursday, March 31, 2016, at a bus terminal in Virginia. FACEBOOKRICHMOND, Va. — A 34-year-old Illinois man fatally shot a Virginia state trooper at a busy bus terminal before the gunman was killed by other troopers, authorities said Friday.
Virginia State Police spokeswoman Corinne Geller identified the shooter as James Brown III, of Aurora, Ill. Police did not give a motive for the shooting.
Brown shot Trooper Chad P. Dermyer, 37, multiple times Thursday in Richmond before he was killed by two other troopers, police said. Dermyer had been participating with about a dozen other troopers in a training exercise at the bus station when a brief encounter with the gunman quickly turned violent, police said.
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Red Bull Raised For Carlos Puente-Morales, Police Officer and Veteran
Red Bull raised to honor fallen Des Moines officer
The Des Moines Register
MacKenzie Elmer
April 1, 2016
Senior police officer Jason Hays wanted to do something to commemorate fellow Des Moines officer Carlos Puente-Morales' service as a soldier. The fallen officer, who died Saturday in a crash on Interstate 80, served under Hays in the military and then alongside him as his brother in blue.
Hays requested a second flag be added at half-staff to the pole outside the Des Moines police station Thursday afternoon. The Red Bull, a symbol worn by the 34th Infantry Division of the National Guard since World War I, now flies just below the American flag.
"To us, it has a lot of significance," Hays said. "We painted red bulls all over Afghanistan. It's a patch we wear on our shoulders."
Puente-Morales was deployed twice overseas to Iraq and Afghanistan for the Iowa Army National Guard. Hays was his captain, but said Puente-Morales stood out among the hundred or so soldiers under his command.
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The Des Moines Register
MacKenzie Elmer
April 1, 2016
Senior police officer Jason Hays wanted to do something to commemorate fellow Des Moines officer Carlos Puente-Morales' service as a soldier. The fallen officer, who died Saturday in a crash on Interstate 80, served under Hays in the military and then alongside him as his brother in blue.
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| Photo: Des Moines Police Department |
Hays requested a second flag be added at half-staff to the pole outside the Des Moines police station Thursday afternoon. The Red Bull, a symbol worn by the 34th Infantry Division of the National Guard since World War I, now flies just below the American flag.
"To us, it has a lot of significance," Hays said. "We painted red bulls all over Afghanistan. It's a patch we wear on our shoulders."
Puente-Morales was deployed twice overseas to Iraq and Afghanistan for the Iowa Army National Guard. Hays was his captain, but said Puente-Morales stood out among the hundred or so soldiers under his command.
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Intrepid Spirit Center at Fort Bragg Opens At Fort Bragg
Fort Bragg facility to address soldiers’ PTSD, depression, brain injuries
WNCN News
By Nate Rodgers
Published: April 1, 2016
FORT BRAGG, N.C. – Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, depression, traumatic brain injury are all among the wounds soldiers are carrying home. Fort Bragg has opened a place to tackle these demons of war.
The Intrepid Spirit Center at Fort Bragg, which expects to service nearly 1,700 soldiers annually, is the fifth of nine centers of its kind built around the country.
It’s a house for hope and healing, officials say.
The center is a one-stop shop specifically geared to help service members with traumatic brain injury, chronic pain and behavior health.
“There are psychologists, psychiatrists, therapists, something that I never took advantage of during my military career,” said Col. Paul Rounsaville, who served for more than 28 years.
Last year, Col. Rounsaville was diagnosed with traumatic brain injury. Until receiving treatment, he’d go 3-5 days without sleep. He says his brain just wouldn’t shut down.
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WNCN News
By Nate Rodgers
Published: April 1, 2016
The 25,000-square-foot facility is considered state of the art with a gymnasium, several conference rooms and various multi-purpose spaces. The 11-million dollar project was funded through the Intrepid Fallen Heroes fund.
The Intrepid Spirit Center at Fort Bragg, which expects to service nearly 1,700 soldiers annually, is the fifth of nine centers of its kind built around the country.
It’s a house for hope and healing, officials say.
The center is a one-stop shop specifically geared to help service members with traumatic brain injury, chronic pain and behavior health.
“There are psychologists, psychiatrists, therapists, something that I never took advantage of during my military career,” said Col. Paul Rounsaville, who served for more than 28 years.
Last year, Col. Rounsaville was diagnosed with traumatic brain injury. Until receiving treatment, he’d go 3-5 days without sleep. He says his brain just wouldn’t shut down.
read more here
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