Navy SEALs to parachute into Washington-Grizzly, hope to raise $50K for wounded Montana colleague
The Missoulian
By Martin Kidston
August 29, 2013
Attending a University of Montana football game was the last thing on Bo Reichenbach’s mind last July when he was critically injured by an improvised explosive device while on patrol in Afghanistan.
More than a year later, the 24-year old Navy SEAL and Billings native continues to recover at Walter Reed Memorial Hospital, learning to use his prosthetic legs while fighting off infections.
While the battle toward recovery has been slow, Reichenbach is winning the fight, and this weekend, at least, he’ll get his chance to attend Montana’s season opener against Appalachian State University on Saturday night.
“He’s a Griz fan, and he’s very excited to come out,” said Reichenbach’s father, Don. “I never thought I’d be doing what I am with him. All things considered, it’s all pretty amazing.”
Reichenbach’s road to Washington-Grizzly Stadium and the season opener was a long one.
read more here
Community comes together for Navy SEAL critically wounded in Afghanistan
Showing posts with label Walter Reed Hospital. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Walter Reed Hospital. Show all posts
Friday, August 30, 2013
Thursday, August 29, 2013
Community comes together for Navy SEAL critically wounded in Afghanistan
Billings Navy SEAL critically wounded in Afghanistan
Billings Gazette
By CINDY UKEN
August 15, 2012
BILLINGS – A 24-year-old Navy SEAL from Billings is recuperating at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Md., after being critically wounded in Afghanistan by a makeshift bomb.
Bo Reichenbach was injured by an improvised explosive device in July, said U.S. Navy Lt. Dave Lloyd, public affairs officer for Naval Special Warfare Group 2. He would not disclose the extent of Reichenbach’s injuries.
Lloyd also would not disclose the nature of Reichenbach’s mission, other than to say it was part of the U.S. forces’ “ongoing operations in Afghanistan.”
Reichenbach, the father of a 4-year-old son, Landon, grew up in the Lockwood area. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in March 2008 and became a SEAL in May 2010.
SEALs take their name from the environments in which they are trained to operate: sea, air and land. Their small, highly trained teams usually conduct some of the nation’s most critical missions.
read more here
Billings Gazette
By CINDY UKEN
August 15, 2012
Navy SEAL Bo Reichenbach, of Billings, is recovering from critical injuries suffered in Afghanistan.Navy SEALs to parachute into Washington-Grizzly, hope to raise $50K for wounded Montana colleague
How to help
A benefit fund has been set up to assist Bo Reichenbach in his recovery. Donations may be made to First Interstate Bank’s Billings Heights branch, 730 Main St., Suite 100, Billings, MT 59105. Donations also may be mailed to Dana and Jenn Brumwell, 2105 Concord Drive, Billings, MT 59102. Checks should be made to the Bo Reichenbach Benefit Fund.
BILLINGS – A 24-year-old Navy SEAL from Billings is recuperating at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Md., after being critically wounded in Afghanistan by a makeshift bomb.
Bo Reichenbach was injured by an improvised explosive device in July, said U.S. Navy Lt. Dave Lloyd, public affairs officer for Naval Special Warfare Group 2. He would not disclose the extent of Reichenbach’s injuries.
Lloyd also would not disclose the nature of Reichenbach’s mission, other than to say it was part of the U.S. forces’ “ongoing operations in Afghanistan.”
Reichenbach, the father of a 4-year-old son, Landon, grew up in the Lockwood area. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in March 2008 and became a SEAL in May 2010.
SEALs take their name from the environments in which they are trained to operate: sea, air and land. Their small, highly trained teams usually conduct some of the nation’s most critical missions.
read more here
Sunday, August 18, 2013
Massachusetts Combat Wounded National Guards Sgt. gets hero's welcome home
Eagan: Wounded soldier gets surprise escort home after 3-year recovery
August 18, 2013
After three years and multiple surgeries, National Guard Sgt. Breinne Travers Sullivan finally came home for good yesterday from Walter Reed Army Medical Center. But she never expected to see on the highway, in front and behind her husband Joe’s Nissan, a police and military escort that began shortly after the couple left the hospital and grew into a caravan of more than a hundred as the Sullivans crossed the Massachusetts border. The escort grew even bigger as the Sullivans neared their pretty Cape house in Marshfield: police cars, sheriff’s cars, military vehicles and Humvees, and waving flags and a sea of motorcycles from the Massachusetts Fallen Heroes Memorial Riders.
Also welcoming her yesterday: soldiers from the National Guard 379th Engineering Company with whom she served in Afghanistan, including soldiers beside her that horrific night in Logar Province when enemy fighters ambushed and sent a rocket-propelled grenade into the 18-ton vehicle she was driving. Shrapnel tore into her face, eye, shoulder and jaw.
“She’s probably going to cry, no doubt about that. And I’ll be honest, I’ll probably be crying too,” Joe Sullivan said, when asked before the ride how he expected his wife to react once she realized that this massive outpouring, a surprise, was for her. “God Bless America,” said Joe, also a National Guardsman who served in Afghanistan. “Only in America could you do something like this, send out an email saying she’s coming home and next thing you know, within a week, your friends come out and do something like this.”
read more here
August 18, 2013
After three years and multiple surgeries, National Guard Sgt. Breinne Travers Sullivan finally came home for good yesterday from Walter Reed Army Medical Center. But she never expected to see on the highway, in front and behind her husband Joe’s Nissan, a police and military escort that began shortly after the couple left the hospital and grew into a caravan of more than a hundred as the Sullivans crossed the Massachusetts border. The escort grew even bigger as the Sullivans neared their pretty Cape house in Marshfield: police cars, sheriff’s cars, military vehicles and Humvees, and waving flags and a sea of motorcycles from the Massachusetts Fallen Heroes Memorial Riders.
Also welcoming her yesterday: soldiers from the National Guard 379th Engineering Company with whom she served in Afghanistan, including soldiers beside her that horrific night in Logar Province when enemy fighters ambushed and sent a rocket-propelled grenade into the 18-ton vehicle she was driving. Shrapnel tore into her face, eye, shoulder and jaw.
“She’s probably going to cry, no doubt about that. And I’ll be honest, I’ll probably be crying too,” Joe Sullivan said, when asked before the ride how he expected his wife to react once she realized that this massive outpouring, a surprise, was for her. “God Bless America,” said Joe, also a National Guardsman who served in Afghanistan. “Only in America could you do something like this, send out an email saying she’s coming home and next thing you know, within a week, your friends come out and do something like this.”
read more here
Friday, August 16, 2013
DOD cuts meal tickets for combat wounded at Walter Reed Hospital
Wounded warriors have meal tickets cut — at Walter Reed
The Washington Times
By Douglas Ernst
Thursday, August 15, 2013
The U.S. military has reportedly invalidated meal tickets at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center for soldiers housed inside the campus’ building where the most severely wounded recuperate.
Fox News reported Thursday that cutbacks at the Warrior Cafe — the sole dining hall in building 62 — went into effect earlier this month. Additionally, the hall, which was previously closed on weekends, will also be stopping service two hours earlier during the weekend.
The decision forces amputees and troops receiving long-term care to trek nearly a half-mile across the Walter Reed campus to a temporary “food trailer,” instead of the facility down the hall from their rooms, Fox reported.
read more here
The Washington Times
By Douglas Ernst
Thursday, August 15, 2013
The U.S. military has reportedly invalidated meal tickets at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center for soldiers housed inside the campus’ building where the most severely wounded recuperate.
Fox News reported Thursday that cutbacks at the Warrior Cafe — the sole dining hall in building 62 — went into effect earlier this month. Additionally, the hall, which was previously closed on weekends, will also be stopping service two hours earlier during the weekend.
The decision forces amputees and troops receiving long-term care to trek nearly a half-mile across the Walter Reed campus to a temporary “food trailer,” instead of the facility down the hall from their rooms, Fox reported.
read more here
Monday, August 5, 2013
South Carolina community welcomes home soldier wounded in Afghanistan
Rock Hill welcomes home soldier wounded in Afghanistan
Herald Online.com
By Jie Jenny Zou
Published: August 4, 2013
The road along Bonnybrook Circle in Rock Hill was studded with little American flags staked into lawns and mailboxes adorned with yellow ribbons. Star-shaped balloons wavered in the light breeze on a balmy Sunday afternoon.
Then came the sounds of a fire engine, followed by the rumbling of hundreds of motorcycles and a cheering crowd.
Army Spc. Michael Millwood had returned home.
More than 100 friends, family and community members waited anxiously for the arrival of Millwood, who was returning home for the first time since an injury in Afghanistan shattered the femur bone in his leg earlier this year.
“He’s a lucky boy,” said his grandfather, Mike Bailey, 69. Bailey and his wife welcomed their grandson, along with his wife and kids, into the yard of Baileys’ home, which had been set up with lawn chairs and tents.
Dressed in a collared shirt and slacks, the 24-year-old Millwood was escorted by an array of military groups and local emergency personnel, including the recently returned Rock Hill-based Army National Guard 178th Engineer battalion, Patriot Guard Riders of South Carolina, Rolling Thunder of York County and Fire and Iron of York County.
read more here
Herald Online.com
By Jie Jenny Zou
Published: August 4, 2013
Aliyah hangs onto the arm of her dad, Army Spc. Michael Millwood, as members of the community welcome him home from Walter Reed hospital Sunday.
STEPHANIE MARKS MARTELL — Special to the Herald
The road along Bonnybrook Circle in Rock Hill was studded with little American flags staked into lawns and mailboxes adorned with yellow ribbons. Star-shaped balloons wavered in the light breeze on a balmy Sunday afternoon.
Then came the sounds of a fire engine, followed by the rumbling of hundreds of motorcycles and a cheering crowd.
Army Spc. Michael Millwood had returned home.
More than 100 friends, family and community members waited anxiously for the arrival of Millwood, who was returning home for the first time since an injury in Afghanistan shattered the femur bone in his leg earlier this year.
“He’s a lucky boy,” said his grandfather, Mike Bailey, 69. Bailey and his wife welcomed their grandson, along with his wife and kids, into the yard of Baileys’ home, which had been set up with lawn chairs and tents.
Dressed in a collared shirt and slacks, the 24-year-old Millwood was escorted by an array of military groups and local emergency personnel, including the recently returned Rock Hill-based Army National Guard 178th Engineer battalion, Patriot Guard Riders of South Carolina, Rolling Thunder of York County and Fire and Iron of York County.
read more here
Not expected to live, his buddy carried him to safety
When all the political chatter about the worth of a war this is what it all comes down to. "Not expected to live, his buddy carried him to safety, frantically trying to control the bleeding." They risk their lives for each other. Plain, simple and astonishing. Once you understand how much love that requires then maybe you can understand how they can grieve so much.
Ocean City Hair Salon, Studio 6, hosts fundraiser for Maryland Wounded Warrior Lance Cpl. Mark Fidler
For the County Times
Updated August 3, 2013
Mark Fidler is greeted by Prince Henry of Wales, better known as Prince Harry, during his visit to Walter Reed. (Photo/Facebook)
OCEAN CITY — During his first combat mission in Afghanistan, Lance Cpl. Mark Fidler’s life would take an unexpected and tragic turn. While on foot patrol in Sangin, Afghanistan on October 3, 2011, he stepped on an IED (improvised explosive device.) With a belt of live grenades strapped to his waist, the blast was so severe that it blew off both of his legs, and most of the rear of his body.
Not expected to live, his buddy carried him to safety, frantically trying to control the bleeding. When he arrived in the hospital in Landstuhl, Germany, surgeons removed what was left of his legs at the hip, using the tissue and muscle to repair what was left of his backside.
Following a lengthy in-patient stay at Walter Reed National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, he is now rehabilitating at their out-patient facility known as Building 62.
read more here
Saturday, August 3, 2013
Thanks to congress wounded do without at military hospitals
House GOP voted to repeal Obamacare for 40th time this week. Now they are threatening to shut down the government if they do not get their own way. Didn't matter to them the people of this country voted for what the majority wanted since the majority of the whole nation votes for President and districts vote for their Senators and Representatives in the House. While they are wasting time on ending health insurance reform they are avoiding doing the right thing for the sake of the wounded they created by sending troops into Iraq and Afghanistan. Nothing matters to these people anymore if it does not hit them where they live.
Case in point is when the air traffic controllers and the TSA were holding up flights they had to take. It was a matter of a couple of days before they ended that trouble. When it comes to the troops wounded in our name, they stick two fingers in their ears and hold the middle on straight up in the air.
PS or BS, Congress gets tax payer funded health insurance!
Case in point is when the air traffic controllers and the TSA were holding up flights they had to take. It was a matter of a couple of days before they ended that trouble. When it comes to the troops wounded in our name, they stick two fingers in their ears and hold the middle on straight up in the air.
Military hospitals shrinking services to meet spending cuts
USA TODAY
Gregg Zoroya
August 3, 2013
Because of staff furloughs, patients are asked to practice more patience in getting health care needs met.
Patients at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and other premier military hospitals are being sent to private doctors and having surgery and other treatment delayed because of furloughs to medical personnel, according to interviews and internal documents.
"Please show (patients) the utmost understanding and care while we are asking them to accept longer wait times and in some cases, curtailed or limited services," Rear Adm. Alton Stocks, hospital commander, told staff in a July 12 message.
A "colleagues" memo issued in recent days says inpatient beds are in "critically short supply" because of furloughs of civilian staff triggered by federal spending cuts known as sequestration.
The memo encourages "dispositions/discharges as soon as possible." Hospital spokesperson Sandy Dean explained this direction, saying, "We are are encouraging health care providers to be more efficient when handling their paperwork instead of writing discharge orders later in the day ... no patient has been or will be discharged before it is medically appropriate."
With cases of post-traumatic stress disorder and other mental health problems at an all-time high, Dean says civilian caregivers in the hospital's in-patient mental health section are furloughed, reducing beds there from 28 to 22.
read more here
PS or BS, Congress gets tax payer funded health insurance!
Saturday, July 6, 2013
All-terrain wheelchairs restore mobility and fun for amputees
Nonprofits help veterans who lost multiple limbs, buying them all-terrain wheelchairs
FoxNews.com
By Jennifer Griffin
Published July 05, 2013
A collective of nonprofits is teaming up to give a little independence to some of the roughly 1,700 recent war veterans who have lost multiple limbs – purchasing all-terrain wheelchairs and letting the wounded warriors test drive them while recovering at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, in suburban Washington.
On any given weekend, Scott Mallary and his wife open up their Maryland farm, about 45 minutes from Walter Reed, to a half-dozen of the amputees so they can practice on the powered Track Chairs while they endure what can be an excruciating year of recovery that can include dozens of surgeries.
“I live on a 10-acre plot of property and have a horse, and when I go home I can't get around,” says Staff Sgt. Thomas McRae, whose job in Afghanistan was to detect explosives and mines.
read more here
FoxNews.com
By Jennifer Griffin
Published July 05, 2013
A collective of nonprofits is teaming up to give a little independence to some of the roughly 1,700 recent war veterans who have lost multiple limbs – purchasing all-terrain wheelchairs and letting the wounded warriors test drive them while recovering at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, in suburban Washington.
On any given weekend, Scott Mallary and his wife open up their Maryland farm, about 45 minutes from Walter Reed, to a half-dozen of the amputees so they can practice on the powered Track Chairs while they endure what can be an excruciating year of recovery that can include dozens of surgeries.
“I live on a 10-acre plot of property and have a horse, and when I go home I can't get around,” says Staff Sgt. Thomas McRae, whose job in Afghanistan was to detect explosives and mines.
read more here
Young woman seeking advice writes about walking away from PTSD veteran
While I am not thrilled with the advice given on this, the letter from the young woman tells a side of what PTSD does to more than just the veteran. Reading it is heartbreaking but some may pass it off as just any other story about a youthful love. The letter is about a 22 year old veteran. Around the same age I was when I met my husband. While my life involves Vietnam, today's generation has two different wars to work out but the most heartbreaking thing of all is that not much has changed in all these years and all the money spent. One of the comments on this article is from another veteran writing about the medications they are given. It should make everyone wonder if all this "research" is about healing or is it more about making money.
PTSD sufferers may be too hurt to give fully in relationship
Ellie advises an ex of an American wounded warrior to seek help from therapists and support groups so she is not alone with her emotional pain.
Toronto Star
By: Ellie Advice
Published on Sat Jul 06 2013
Q: I was with an American wounded warrior for a year. He’s 22 now, missing his right leg below the knee, with extensive damage on his left leg. His right arm, wrist, and fingers were also seriously injured, but he regained lots of use from physical and occupational therapy at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, MD.
I met him while he was still at the hospital and spent months with him during his rehabilitation. I did much of his physical therapy. We became inseparable.
I helped him transition to the civilian world where his parents’ basement was being made wheelchair accessible. Until then, he needed considerable help. I bathed him, helped him get dressed, even changed his prosthetic leg.
I gave up what little I had, and what goals I had, to be there and take care of him. He really loved me, too.
After three months of constant togetherness, he changed. He went back on narcotics, about 40 milligrams per day. All he wanted to do was play video games — 20 hours straight.
He had no sex drive whatsoever. I understood that it was from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), but he refused to admit or address it.
He was very inconsistent with what he liked, and with his decisions. He changed his college major three times in the first semester he started.
But, I had much hope and faith that he’d get past it. I’d even play video games with him.
read more here
Friday, July 5, 2013
Combat wounded veterans humbled by honor
‘The sacrifice he made’: Hartswick, honorees humbled by recognition in State College
Centre Daily Times
MATT CARROLL
July 4, 2013
STATE COLLEGE — No one predicted Adam Hartswick’s homecoming could have come so soon.
It was just in May that the 22-year-old Army medic lost both of his legs to an improvised explosive device in Afghanistan.
He’s spent the past weeks away from his Pine Grove Mills home and State College family and friends, recovering and beginning the arduous rehabilitation process at Walter Reed Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Md.
And while he woke up at the hospital like any other day early Thursday, by 2 p.m. Hartswick was receiving standing ovations from the throngs who lined South Allen Street, East College Avenue and the rest of the 4th Fest Parade of Heroes route.
“I’m nervous, honestly,” a candid Hartswick said moments before the second annual parade was set to begin.
This year, the Parade of Heroes honored 14 local individuals, including Hartswick and Sgt. Vincent Reynolds, a 2006 Bellefonte graduate who also lost a leg to an IED in Afghanistan, who were selected for their service to the community and the country.
read more here
Centre Daily Times
MATT CARROLL
July 4, 2013
STATE COLLEGE — No one predicted Adam Hartswick’s homecoming could have come so soon.
It was just in May that the 22-year-old Army medic lost both of his legs to an improvised explosive device in Afghanistan.
He’s spent the past weeks away from his Pine Grove Mills home and State College family and friends, recovering and beginning the arduous rehabilitation process at Walter Reed Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Md.
And while he woke up at the hospital like any other day early Thursday, by 2 p.m. Hartswick was receiving standing ovations from the throngs who lined South Allen Street, East College Avenue and the rest of the 4th Fest Parade of Heroes route.
“I’m nervous, honestly,” a candid Hartswick said moments before the second annual parade was set to begin.
This year, the Parade of Heroes honored 14 local individuals, including Hartswick and Sgt. Vincent Reynolds, a 2006 Bellefonte graduate who also lost a leg to an IED in Afghanistan, who were selected for their service to the community and the country.
read more here
Saturday, June 29, 2013
Army combat medic, now double amputee, fights to heal
Pa. soldier is in the fight of his life
By CHRIS ROSENBLUM
The (State College, Pa.)
Centre Daily Times/AP
Published: June 29, 2013
STATE COLLEGE, Pa. — Sgt. Adam Hartswick grimaces. His upper-arm muscles swell as sweat beads on his forehead.
This exercise, he's pressing a lot of weight — his own.
Having inched out of his wheelchair and across a therapy table, he pushes himself up onto a small perch of twin yoga cushions, and straightens his torso.
He's ready for another workout drawing him closer to new legs, ready to squeeze some more strength from his 22-year-old heart.
"There you go, buddy, yeah," his father, Sean Hartwsick, says.
It's Thursday afternoon in the Military Advanced Training Center gym within the vast Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. Everyone who is here, grunting and yelling over the pop and country music in the background, was robbed while in uniform. Their limbs, their past lives, are long gone.
Now, with the help of ace physical therapists and state-of-the-art equipment, they're fighting to regain what explosions and bullets took.
Each person on a mat or machine has a story. Hartswick's began five weeks ago and thousands of miles from his Pine Grove Mills and State College homes.
An Army combat medic, Hartswick lost his legs above the knees and his right index finger to an improvised explosive device on May 14 in Afghanistan. He either stepped on the IED or it was detonated as he and other soldiers came to the aid of an ambushed foot patrol.
read more here
By CHRIS ROSENBLUM
The (State College, Pa.)
Centre Daily Times/AP
Published: June 29, 2013
Morgen Hummel helps her son, Sgt. Adam Hartswick, lay on a table during a physical therapy session at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Md. on Thursday, June 20, 2013.
CHRISTOPHER WEDDLE, CENTRE DAILY TIMES/AP
STATE COLLEGE, Pa. — Sgt. Adam Hartswick grimaces. His upper-arm muscles swell as sweat beads on his forehead.
This exercise, he's pressing a lot of weight — his own.
Having inched out of his wheelchair and across a therapy table, he pushes himself up onto a small perch of twin yoga cushions, and straightens his torso.
He's ready for another workout drawing him closer to new legs, ready to squeeze some more strength from his 22-year-old heart.
"There you go, buddy, yeah," his father, Sean Hartwsick, says.
It's Thursday afternoon in the Military Advanced Training Center gym within the vast Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. Everyone who is here, grunting and yelling over the pop and country music in the background, was robbed while in uniform. Their limbs, their past lives, are long gone.
Now, with the help of ace physical therapists and state-of-the-art equipment, they're fighting to regain what explosions and bullets took.
Each person on a mat or machine has a story. Hartswick's began five weeks ago and thousands of miles from his Pine Grove Mills and State College homes.
An Army combat medic, Hartswick lost his legs above the knees and his right index finger to an improvised explosive device on May 14 in Afghanistan. He either stepped on the IED or it was detonated as he and other soldiers came to the aid of an ambushed foot patrol.
read more here
Friday, June 21, 2013
Mom wants answers after wounded son found dead at Walter Reed
Soldier's Mom Still Waiting for Answers in Son's Death
Parsippany's Derek McConnell was found dead in his bed at a Maryland military hospital.
Parsippany Patch
By Ariana Cohn-Sheehan
June 20, 2013
The mother of a 23-year-old soldier from Parsippany who was found dead in his hospital bed in March is still waiting for answers from the U.S. Army on how he died and growing frustrated, according to NJ.com.
U.S. Army Specialist Derek McConnell's body was discovered by his fiancee at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Md. The soldier had lost both of his legs in July 2011 after being wounded by an Improvised Explosive Device while serving in Afghanistan.
read more here
Parsippany's Derek McConnell was found dead in his bed at a Maryland military hospital.
Parsippany Patch
By Ariana Cohn-Sheehan
June 20, 2013
The mother of a 23-year-old soldier from Parsippany who was found dead in his hospital bed in March is still waiting for answers from the U.S. Army on how he died and growing frustrated, according to NJ.com.
U.S. Army Specialist Derek McConnell's body was discovered by his fiancee at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Md. The soldier had lost both of his legs in July 2011 after being wounded by an Improvised Explosive Device while serving in Afghanistan.
read more here
Sunday, June 16, 2013
Iraq Double Amputee Artist Pete Damon has message on Fathers Day
Disabled Iraq veteran finds being a dad helped him learn to cope
Offers message of hope to marathon bombing victims
By Maria Papadopoulos
Enterprise Staff Writer
Posted Jun 16, 2013
MIDDLEBORO
Disabled Iraq veteran Peter Damon has one message for the amputee victims of the Boston Marathon bombings: This will bring out the best in you.
“This will be a defining moment in your life and you will find a strength and resilience you never knew you had,” Damon, 40, said during a recent interview at his Middleboro home.
On Oct. 21, 2003, Damon lost his right arm and left hand while serving in the National Guard in Iraq, in a Black Hawk helicopter accident that killed a friend. A tire Damon was changing on the helicopter exploded.
Damon later underwent surgery at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C. and was fitted with prosthetic devices.
Now, nearly 10 years later, Damon spoke of the days and weeks after he lost his limbs – and how he moved forward.
As his wife, Jennifer, sat by his side in the living room of their home, Damon spoke about the anxiety and uncertainty he felt at first, along with the excruciating physical pain.
read more here
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Offers message of hope to marathon bombing victims
By Maria Papadopoulos
Enterprise Staff Writer
Posted Jun 16, 2013
MIDDLEBORO
Disabled Iraq veteran Peter Damon has one message for the amputee victims of the Boston Marathon bombings: This will bring out the best in you.
“This will be a defining moment in your life and you will find a strength and resilience you never knew you had,” Damon, 40, said during a recent interview at his Middleboro home.
On Oct. 21, 2003, Damon lost his right arm and left hand while serving in the National Guard in Iraq, in a Black Hawk helicopter accident that killed a friend. A tire Damon was changing on the helicopter exploded.
Damon later underwent surgery at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C. and was fitted with prosthetic devices.
Now, nearly 10 years later, Damon spoke of the days and weeks after he lost his limbs – and how he moved forward.
As his wife, Jennifer, sat by his side in the living room of their home, Damon spoke about the anxiety and uncertainty he felt at first, along with the excruciating physical pain.
read more here
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Wounded Soldier's First Father's Day in Walter Reed with President Obama
Rock Hill soldier visited by President Obama in hospital
WSOC News
June 15, 2013
ROCK HILL, S.C. — A Rock Hill soldier who will spend Father's Day recovering in the hospital got a surprise visit from President Barack Obama.
Army Spc. Michael Milwood has a shattered leg after his unit was attacked in Afghanistan.
read more here
WSOC News
June 15, 2013
Army Spc. Michael Milwood has a shattered leg after his unit was attacked in Afghanistan.
read more here
Saturday, June 15, 2013
Operation Cookie Drop gets Girl Scout treats to Walter Reed
Three Dog Logistics Delivers for Operation Cookie Drop
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
Press release
Baltimore, MD - For Three Dog Logistics, deliveries usually involve thousands of pieces of direct mail delivered to postal facilities around the world. This week, though, some of their shipments took a sweeter approach when trucks filled with cases of Girl Scout Cookies pulled up to Walter Reed Military Medical Center, destined for soldiers being hospitalized there.
Three Dog Logistics is proud to be a part of Operation Cookie Drop, a program that put 70,000 donated packages of Girl Scout Cookies into the hands of military personnel at home and abroad.
Through their partnership with Girl Scouts Heart of the Hudson, Three Dog Logistics picked up crates filled with cookies in New York, and delivered them to service members --- and their families --- receiving care in military facilities in the Washington, D.C. area.
read more here
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
Press release
Baltimore, MD - For Three Dog Logistics, deliveries usually involve thousands of pieces of direct mail delivered to postal facilities around the world. This week, though, some of their shipments took a sweeter approach when trucks filled with cases of Girl Scout Cookies pulled up to Walter Reed Military Medical Center, destined for soldiers being hospitalized there.
Three Dog Logistics is proud to be a part of Operation Cookie Drop, a program that put 70,000 donated packages of Girl Scout Cookies into the hands of military personnel at home and abroad.
Through their partnership with Girl Scouts Heart of the Hudson, Three Dog Logistics picked up crates filled with cookies in New York, and delivered them to service members --- and their families --- receiving care in military facilities in the Washington, D.C. area.
read more here
Thursday, June 13, 2013
Combat wounded inspire Boston Marathon amputee
Wounded Warriors Inspire Boston Marathon Amputee
American Forces Press Service
By Terri Moon Cronk
BETHESDA, Md., June 12, 2013 – Wounded warrior amputees at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center here got a chance today to share the wisdom and experience they’ve gained through tough rehabilitation and prosthetic fittings with a man who lost a leg during the April 15 Boston Marathon bombings.
J.P. Norden and his brother, Paul, were cheering on a friend at the finish line of the marathon when they were injured in the second bomb blast. Each brother lost a leg.
The brothers’ surgeon -- Dr. E.J. Caterson, chief of plastic and reconstructive surgery at Harvard Medical School’s Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston -- recently accepted an invitation from Walter Reed officials to visit and learn about the latest medical and surgical advances in similar blast injuries seen in wounded warriors.
“This is an incredible place,” Caterson said of the Military Advanced Training Center -- essentially, a rehabilitation center and gym.
Caterson brought other hospital staff members and J.P. Norden to learn about blast injury amputations and prosthetics from the wounded warriors and their doctors. Paul Norden also was scheduled to attend, but was unable to do so for medical reasons, his brother said. “I wanted J.P. to see his peers around him who have gone through the same thing as he did, and I want him to see the incredible energy this place has, the incredible expertise and the motivation to say, ‘Let’s get better,’” Caterson said.
“Walter Reed has the most experience with amputees,” he added. “[The doctors] shared with us their expertise, because there are some difficult decisions we’re making” in fitting patients with prosthetics and providing rehabilitation programs.
read more here
American Forces Press Service
By Terri Moon Cronk
J.P. Norden and his brother, Paul, were cheering on a friend at the finish line of the marathon when they were injured in the second bomb blast. Each brother lost a leg.
The brothers’ surgeon -- Dr. E.J. Caterson, chief of plastic and reconstructive surgery at Harvard Medical School’s Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston -- recently accepted an invitation from Walter Reed officials to visit and learn about the latest medical and surgical advances in similar blast injuries seen in wounded warriors.
“This is an incredible place,” Caterson said of the Military Advanced Training Center -- essentially, a rehabilitation center and gym.
Caterson brought other hospital staff members and J.P. Norden to learn about blast injury amputations and prosthetics from the wounded warriors and their doctors. Paul Norden also was scheduled to attend, but was unable to do so for medical reasons, his brother said. “I wanted J.P. to see his peers around him who have gone through the same thing as he did, and I want him to see the incredible energy this place has, the incredible expertise and the motivation to say, ‘Let’s get better,’” Caterson said.
“Walter Reed has the most experience with amputees,” he added. “[The doctors] shared with us their expertise, because there are some difficult decisions we’re making” in fitting patients with prosthetics and providing rehabilitation programs.
read more here
Saturday, June 8, 2013
Severely wounded soldier from Olympia faces 'long road ahead'
Severely wounded soldier from Olympia faces 'long road ahead'
The Olympian
ADAM ASHTON
Staff writer
Published June 07, 2013
Sgt. Luke Cifka left for Afghanistan this past spring determined to return home to his wife and infant son.
He’s back in the states with family, but not in the way he wanted.
The 26-year-old soldier from Olympia suffered critical injuries during a patrol in Logar province on May 31. He’s at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Maryland at the beginning of what his wife describes as a “long road ahead.”
“We’re very, super, super lucky that as serious as his injuries are, he’s still alive,” said Kait Cifka, 23. The family did not want to describe publicly at this time the extent of his wounds nor how they were inflicted.
Sgt. Cifka reached Walter Reed on Tuesday in a sedated state. He’s doing better now. His wife described him as alert during times when he’s not recovering from or preparing for surgeries. He even had his family members laughing Thursday night.
“He’s doing surprisingly well,” she said.
Read more here
The Olympian
ADAM ASHTON
Staff writer
Published June 07, 2013
Sgt. Luke Cifka left for Afghanistan this past spring determined to return home to his wife and infant son.
He’s back in the states with family, but not in the way he wanted.
The 26-year-old soldier from Olympia suffered critical injuries during a patrol in Logar province on May 31. He’s at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Maryland at the beginning of what his wife describes as a “long road ahead.”
“We’re very, super, super lucky that as serious as his injuries are, he’s still alive,” said Kait Cifka, 23. The family did not want to describe publicly at this time the extent of his wounds nor how they were inflicted.
Sgt. Cifka reached Walter Reed on Tuesday in a sedated state. He’s doing better now. His wife described him as alert during times when he’s not recovering from or preparing for surgeries. He even had his family members laughing Thursday night.
“He’s doing surprisingly well,” she said.
Read more here
Saturday, June 1, 2013
Speaker of the House silent on cuts at Military Hospitals
Speaker of the House silent on cuts at Military Hospitals
by Kathie Costos
Wounded Times Blog
June 1, 2013
When John Boehner said "I got 98 percent of what I wanted." with sequestration no one asked him how he dared be so happy when it meant so much harm to the American people. Congress hadn't managed to pass a budge that had a chance of passing for the simple reason it helped the wealthy but harmed the rest of the American people. We're used to it. We're used to people like him always shooting his mouth off about what he thinks the people want when he doesn't seem to care about what we need.
As most of us were reading how Meals on Wheels would no longer be able to deliver hot meals to thousands of elderly people and the disabled, he was whining about the Air Traffic Controllers and how cutting their hours made it hard on members of congress to have to wait in line with the rest of us. They acted fast to fix that problem.
Bridges and roads fall apart but instead of putting thousands to work fixing them, he approved of so many public workers losing their jobs.
Cops and firefighters lost jobs after most of these jobs are done by veterans coming home from combat and still wanting to serve their communities.
When he pushed and pushed to blame someone over what happened in Benghazi, he didn't seem too interested that Congress cut the budget for security. Boehner doesn't seem too interested in the outcome of the 98% of what he wanted would do unless it directly affected members of Congress.
We've heard speech after speech and hearing after hearing on the backlog of claims at the VA but what we didn't hear was that there has been a history of congressional ambivalence to what disabled veterans face when they come home. The VA claims were higher during other administrations simply because Congress never really got their act together on making sure veterans didn't have to wait in long lines to be treated and compensated for what their service did to them. Reporters failed to inform the American people that when troops were sent to fight in two wars there were less people working on taking care of them than after the Gulf War. That is how we ended up in the mess in 2009 when the backlogs hit 915,000.
Now it seems we have the ultimate betrayal. Workers at Military Hospitals are being cut. Yes, that is the truth but it is doubtful Boehner will do a damn thing about it.
by Kathie Costos
Wounded Times Blog
June 1, 2013
When John Boehner said "I got 98 percent of what I wanted." with sequestration no one asked him how he dared be so happy when it meant so much harm to the American people. Congress hadn't managed to pass a budge that had a chance of passing for the simple reason it helped the wealthy but harmed the rest of the American people. We're used to it. We're used to people like him always shooting his mouth off about what he thinks the people want when he doesn't seem to care about what we need.
As most of us were reading how Meals on Wheels would no longer be able to deliver hot meals to thousands of elderly people and the disabled, he was whining about the Air Traffic Controllers and how cutting their hours made it hard on members of congress to have to wait in line with the rest of us. They acted fast to fix that problem.
Bridges and roads fall apart but instead of putting thousands to work fixing them, he approved of so many public workers losing their jobs.
Cops and firefighters lost jobs after most of these jobs are done by veterans coming home from combat and still wanting to serve their communities.
When he pushed and pushed to blame someone over what happened in Benghazi, he didn't seem too interested that Congress cut the budget for security. Boehner doesn't seem too interested in the outcome of the 98% of what he wanted would do unless it directly affected members of Congress.
We've heard speech after speech and hearing after hearing on the backlog of claims at the VA but what we didn't hear was that there has been a history of congressional ambivalence to what disabled veterans face when they come home. The VA claims were higher during other administrations simply because Congress never really got their act together on making sure veterans didn't have to wait in long lines to be treated and compensated for what their service did to them. Reporters failed to inform the American people that when troops were sent to fight in two wars there were less people working on taking care of them than after the Gulf War. That is how we ended up in the mess in 2009 when the backlogs hit 915,000.
Now it seems we have the ultimate betrayal. Workers at Military Hospitals are being cut. Yes, that is the truth but it is doubtful Boehner will do a damn thing about it.
Walter Reed hospital workers receive furlough notices
May 30, 2013
ABC7 has confirmed the region’s two military hospitals are furloughing more than 3,500 civilian employees who care for the nation’s wounded warriors, nearly their entire civilian staffs.
The impacted employees are from departments across the board at both hospitals, including members of the trauma team, physical therapists and nurses. They will be forced to take 11 unpaid furlough days starting in July.
Hospital officials say the furloughs affect 2,392 caregivers at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda. That’s 94% of the civilian staff there.
Officials say 1,163 caregivers at Fort Belvoir’s hospital in Virginia are being furloughed, affecting 85% of its civilian staff.
read more here
Monday, May 27, 2013
Soldiers with PTSD make disturbing masks to express their feelings
The agonizing face of war
Soldiers with PTSD make disturbing masks to express their feelings of horror and frustration
By JESSICA MONTOYA COGGINS
26 May 2013
A unique therapy initiative for soldiers returning from war has produced a number of face masks created by veterans still coping from the stress and trauma they've witnessed.
The art program is for soldiers returning from active-duty who have been diagnosed with traumatic brain injuries or other psychological health problems.
The center of the treatment is at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center where many of the soldiers are recuperating following their tours abroad.
see more here
The soldier who created this mask wanted to show his trouble with opening up to his emotions. (Nicoe)
Soldiers with PTSD make disturbing masks to express their feelings of horror and frustration
By JESSICA MONTOYA COGGINS
26 May 2013
A unique therapy initiative for soldiers returning from war has produced a number of face masks created by veterans still coping from the stress and trauma they've witnessed.
The art program is for soldiers returning from active-duty who have been diagnosed with traumatic brain injuries or other psychological health problems.
The center of the treatment is at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center where many of the soldiers are recuperating following their tours abroad.
see more here
The soldier who created this mask wanted to show his trouble with opening up to his emotions. (Nicoe)
Thursday, May 16, 2013
Fire department receives thanks from wounded Marine
Fire department receives thanks from wounded Marine
By Fairfield
May 15, 2013
The Fairfield Fire Department received a letter of thanks on May 13 from a soldier being treated at Walter Reed Hospital for the contributions made by members of the Fairfield Fire Fighters Association IAFF Local 1426 as hosts of the Stratton Faxon Fairfield Half Marathon and 5K since its creation in 1980 by retired Captain Steve Lobdell.
The letter reads: “Dear Steve, I’m a wounded Marine currently being treated at Walter Reed/Bethesda Hospital in Maryland. This morning I was greeted by a member of your fire department and given a very generous gift card. We are a long ways from Connecticut, so I was moved by your organization’s dedication and commitment to support our nation’s veterans. I’m hoping to run one of your races in the near future. Please pass on my deep appreciation to the other members of your fire department. God bless and thank you for your service. Semper Fidelis, Major Jason Iversen, U.S. Marine Corps.”
Fairfield firefighter Frank DeAngelo has been to Maryland for several years representing the Fairfield firefighters with Operation Gift Card, according to President Robert Smith, and has had the opportunity to meet wounded warriors when they first return from Afghanistan.
In addition to this program, the race makes donations to Homes for the Brave in Bridgeport, which houses homeless vets and recently opened a home for female homeless veterans.
read more here
By Fairfield
May 15, 2013
The Fairfield Fire Department received a letter of thanks on May 13 from a soldier being treated at Walter Reed Hospital for the contributions made by members of the Fairfield Fire Fighters Association IAFF Local 1426 as hosts of the Stratton Faxon Fairfield Half Marathon and 5K since its creation in 1980 by retired Captain Steve Lobdell.
The letter reads: “Dear Steve, I’m a wounded Marine currently being treated at Walter Reed/Bethesda Hospital in Maryland. This morning I was greeted by a member of your fire department and given a very generous gift card. We are a long ways from Connecticut, so I was moved by your organization’s dedication and commitment to support our nation’s veterans. I’m hoping to run one of your races in the near future. Please pass on my deep appreciation to the other members of your fire department. God bless and thank you for your service. Semper Fidelis, Major Jason Iversen, U.S. Marine Corps.”
Fairfield firefighter Frank DeAngelo has been to Maryland for several years representing the Fairfield firefighters with Operation Gift Card, according to President Robert Smith, and has had the opportunity to meet wounded warriors when they first return from Afghanistan.
In addition to this program, the race makes donations to Homes for the Brave in Bridgeport, which houses homeless vets and recently opened a home for female homeless veterans.
read more here
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