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Thank You For Serving!
Welcome to this special page for our Veterans,
and, for family and friends of Veterans!
In addition to my weekday afternoon, “Red, White and Blue Minute,” at 5:30, we will be posting a lot of information, including audio and video on this page.
This is the place where we will be putting Veterans’ organization activities, events, fundraisers, etc. Here is the place we can also say, “God-speed” to those troops heading out, as well as, “Welcome home,” to those returning.
This is all part of 94.5 KOOL-FM’s “Thank You for Serving” program. For us, everyday is Veteran’s Day!
The links below will take you to other parts of this page, or to other web sites.
So, please get involved! Send me your information so that we can put it up on this page. Email me at, camelbackjack@koolradio.com
Tell others to go to www.koolradio.com and click on the American flag to get to this page!
And, once again, to all our Veterans, from the bottom of my heart, “Thank you for serving our country!”
-Camelback Jack
Jack's Video Suggestions:
1. This video clearly demonstrates the heart behind our Thank You For Serving Page. It is by 15 year old Lizzie Palmer and I am told that it has been viewed over 3 million times. It is called, "Remember Me."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ervaMPt4Ha0
2. Click this link to see and hear Jordin Sparks singing our National Anthem at Super Bowl 42
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tGQfHIfSWK0
2. Click this link for Lee Greenwood's God Bless the USA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RssIN3ustUw&feature=related
3. Ever wonder how to say thank you when you see a military person in uniform? Watch this video to see a simple way to do it from across a room or as you are passing by.
http://www.gratitudecampaign.org/fullmovie.php
4. Here's a great video that really says it all! "If I Die Before You Wake"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGhzOvhDGp0
5. Have you ever been at a game when there was a fly over? This a greeat video. Thanks to Phil for sending it to me.
http://www.nfl.com/videos?videoId=09000d5d80924c91
6. Several people have sent me thiws video 6 & 8 year olds singing our national anthem!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z5zR0Up7YAs
7. Veteran's Day 2005 live broadcast - Kyle Nakashiki sings, I tell my story, and Lee Greenwood's song with a slide show. This is my favorite video on this site!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0mE1Je7XpC0&feature=user
Click the links below to get to other places on this page, or to other sites.
August 20th
At the next meeting of the East Valley Chapter (# 1011) of the Vietnam Veterans of America, Congressman Harry Mitchell will be the guest speaker. The Congressman will discuss the new G.I. Bill recently passed by Congress.
The meeting is on Wednesday evening, August 20th @ 6:30 pm sharp. The VVA Chapter will meet at the Community Room (westside of building) at the Mesa Fire Station at 360 E. 1st St in Mesa at the corner of 1st St and Mesa Dr. All vets are welcome to attend with their spouses...especially the Iraq and Afghanistan vets...this one's for you!!!
August 22-28
90th Annual National American Legion Convention held at Phoenix Convention Center. A National Story Leads to Arizona (Written by Cherokee Mangus).
Phoenix Convention Center estimates 12,000 visitors to the city on August 22, for the 90th Annual National American Legion Convention week. This is an event that is certain to generate a revenue boost for counties surrounding Phoenix, AZ as well with the added activities and travel to many tourist attractions statewide. Arizonans can be proud to have been the selected city as we welcome those who served in the United States Armed Forces and their families that have made the sacrifices for the freedom that we enjoy today.
The annual National Convention is the governing body of The American Legion. Each of The American Legion's 55 departments (one in each state, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, France, Mexico and the Philippines) is entitled to a minimum of five delegates to the National Convention, plus one delegate for each 1,000 members or major fraction thereof, as of 30 days before the convention The National Commander, members of the National Executive Committee, all living Past National Commanders, and the five National Vice Commanders are also delegates to the National Convention.
The American Legion Legacy Run which is but one of many programs supported by the American Legion[s] nationwide to help families, now in its 3rd year, is the motorcycle run that departs Indainapolis, Indiana August 17 and thunders across seven states to kick off the 90th Annual National American Legion Convention. The riders are veterans of wartime themselves providing the children of our military personnel left behind (after the 9/11 war on terror) with scholarships: The American Legion Legacy Scholarship.
National Commander, Marty Conatser will lead the motorcycle run out of Indianapolis from the American Legion Post 64 into Phoenix raising an estimated $350,000. Conatser said, Its our civic duty to provide for the children of our military and its a powerful way to show our thanks.
Marty Conatser said, the American Legion Scholarship Program is one way for all Americans to show their deep appreciation for those who paid the ultimate price for freedom. Through these programs the children of our heroes who died on active duty are entitled to receive some money towards a college education. We are raising funds to ensure that higher education will be a reality for these families.
Arizonans will be in good company during the week of Aug. 22-28, and can be proud that Phoenix was the selected city honored to be recognized by this distinguished group of twelve thousand.
Donations to the American Legion Legacy Scholarship Fund can be made at any American Legion nationwide. Among the American Legion Post[s] hosting the convention is the historic American Legion/Post 41 located downtown at 715 2nd Avenue in Phoenix.
September 13
The American Legion Post 129 of Queen Creek AZ is sponsoring a fundraiser golf tournament for one of our Golf War Veterans who has contracted MS. We are still taking hole sponsors for a contribution of $100, and of course we need golfers for the day. Deadline for registration is 9/8/08.
Benefiting: Jeff (Patch) & Michele Harbison,
September 13, 6:00 a.m registration - 7:00 a.m shot gun start
Where: Queen Valley Golf Course,
Prizes, Raffle, 50/50
(2) Closest to the pin (1) Longest drive (2) Putting contest
Entry Fee: $65.00 per player
Includes green fees, cart, and lunch and (1) raffle ticket.
All American Legion Family and Friends are Welcome
Contact: William Tuttle
Phone: 520-709-1357
Special Thanks to the Queen Valley Golf Course for their generous donation for this Event.
The Queen Valley Golf Course owners and their employees proudly support our Military, Veterans and all those belonging to The American Legion Family.
(Back to the top)
If you know of someone who is returning home to the Valley, please email the info so we can post it here.
I work with Jason’s mom Marilyn Tucker. She is such a proud mom and I am also of Jason. Jason will be headed to Ft. Drum at the end of August, where he will be receiving training to go to Afghanistan. Please, Please, Please send thanks and honor to Jason for his service and to the Tucker family for their sacrifice. Also, please thank and honor all of our Blue, Silver & Gold Star Families for their sacrifice.
My name is Laurie Walker and I have 3 children over in Iraq right now. One is our youngest daughter Britteney, the second is her fiance Jonathan, they are getting married as soon as they get home and the third is our son in law Mike. If you can put this on your page I would appreciate it. We are SO PROUD of our children and ALL the other troops serving and ALL Veterans. My husband and I are both Gulf War Veterans, and now are children are there. We Pray each day for an end to this and ALL the troops to come home safely. God Bless Them All and God Bless The U.S.A. Thank you very much.
My Son MSgt Michael Bocconcelli is in the U.S. Air Force and is currently stationed in Afghanistan
Thank you Paul Bocconcelli
Hi Jack....Just wanted to let you know our daughter is 17 and in the USAF. She will be going to Iraq sometime within the next 18 months. She is in Security Forces. She has been picked for the Personnel Reliability Program (PRP). All I understand about that is she will be working around nuclear weapons and/or bombs. I am attatching a photo of her. Feel free to post it if you do that. Thanks for supporting our troops...God Bless America...
Jack and Ginger Porr
He is a Marine Corp reservist and was deployed in December 2007 just shy of graduating from ASU but he was stationed here in Arizona until January 6th when he went to North Carolina. He was home a couple of weekends ago before he heads overseas – we have many AZ Marines going to Iraq, Afghanistan, and Africa that are heading overseas this week. While we wait for our young soldiers to come home we celebrate those that are ending their tours and being reunited with their loved ones.
Thank you for giving us a daily reminder of our Liberties and what has been and continues to be the sacrifice of these fine young men and women as they serve their country and protect our liberties. I am proud of my son for his decision and dedication to this country.
A proud and loving mother --- Semper Fi my son Thomas…..
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Please pray for Bravo Company – 1st Btn / 6th Marine Division, stationed out of Camp LeJeune, NC. They deployed March 13th to Kandahar, Afghanistan, and will be there for 7 – 9 mos. They will be assisting NATO forces who have asked for help in fighting the ever increasing Taliban & Al-Qaeda insurgents in the Hellman- Province.
My son- LCPL, Joaquin Martinez is a Gunner for his company, and he’s a fine young man. He and his fellow Marines deserve the best and well wishes from all of us here in AZ.
I just wanted to let you know that my 20 year-old Marine, Lance Corporal Scott Cianfarano has just deployed to Falluja, Iraq. He left Saturday with his unit, 1st Intel BN, UNIT 42502 stationed at Camp Pendleton, CA. We send our prayers to Scott and his comrades-in-arms. May God keep them safe and allow them all to return home healthy and happy after their 7 month tour. It is difficult for a parent to send their sons and daughters off to a war-torn country. Our hearts and prayers also go out to all parents of servicemen and women who have had to say goodbye to their children.
Thank you for taking a role in honoring our brave soldiers. We make it a point to listen at 5:30 every day so that we can turn on our lights and pay honor to them with you.
God Bless,
Dr. Sam & Linda Cianfarano - Proud Marine parents of LCPL Scott
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Welcome Home
If you know of someone who is returning home to the Valley, please email the info so we can post it here.
My son, David, is due back from the Kuwait-Iraq border about April 15th. Wish him luck. Thank you for your continued support. No matter your feelings about the war, still supporting the troops is an American constant and hopefully will stay that way. Love the show, Paula
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Nearly 30 Airmen from Luke's 56th Security Forces Squadron return to Phoenix Thursday, March 13th, after more than six months in Southwest Asia. The deployed Airmen will be greeted at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport by family, friends and fellow Airmen. Their plane is scheduled to arrive at 6:45 p.m.
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E 6 Joel P. Arvizu will be returning from Afghanistan around the 23rd of March 08. He is in the Army. Please welcome him home
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Rob and Laurie Trygg are so happy to welcome home Laurie's son, Sean Case, PFC E3, returning home from Camp Bucca, Iraq.
Announcements/Releases
Veterans Cemetery Seeks Your Assistance In Preventing Vandalism at VA's National Memorial Cemetery
Recently, several acts of vandalism have occurred at VA's National Memorial Cemetery in Phoenix located at 23029 N. Cave Creek Road.
This cemetery, which serves the greater Phoenix metropolitan area, consists of 225 acres and 11,200 columbarium niches and as such is one of the larger national VA cemeteries on the West Coast. It is the ninth busiest cemetery operated by VA's National Cemetery Administration.
In the past few months the cemetery has been intermittently defaced by graffiti, columbaria niche covers shattered, grave markers stolen, rest rooms trashed and signage indiscriminately ripped off walls.
Although the cemetery is responding with contract security and the installation of security cameras, Director Wayne Ellis is also asking the public for assistance. "It is difficult to imagine why individuals would target one of our national shrines with criminal acts that deface these hallowed grounds," said Ellis.
Private Citizens are encouraged to notify the local authorities if they notice any suspicious activities while visiting the cemetery.
"The last thing we want to do is restrict visiting hours at the cemetery by having to close our gates. We're hoping our increased security and help from the public can allow our veteran's cemetery to be safe and ever vigilant resting place for our veterans," Ellis added.
The VA National Cemetery of Arizona was dedicated in 1988 and is the home to more than 51,500 deceased veterans and their dependents. The VA Cemetery currently provides up to 25 burials per day and has the capacity for at least 60,000 more in years to come.
VA Physician and Nurse Honored by Medical Residents
Both Clinicians Repeat at Residents' Choice of Best Practitioners
PHOENIX - Medical students and residents honing their skills as physicians honored two clinicians of the Carl T. VA Medical Center recently as Teacher of the Year and Nurse of the Year. Both have been chosen multiple years by the new doctors training through the Internal Medicine Residency Program operated jointly by the VA Medical Center (VAMC) and Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center as the top practitioners, teachers and mentors.
Dr. Michael Garrett was named Teacher of the Year. Dr. Garrett, who has been with the VA since 1980, including as Associate Program Director and Faculty of the Internal Medicine Residency Program, was honored for his long and dedicated service to residents and students. "You have set a standard for excellence as a teacher, mentor and colleague for residents, students and faculty," notes his award.
"I was incredibly touched by the support of the house staff," says Dr. Garrett. "Being honored as Teacher of the Year is the highest honor one can obtain, in my little universe. It is a memory I shall cherish." Dr. Garrett resides in Paradise Valley.
Susan Wyatt, RN, who is co-charge nurse of the oncology unit at the VA Medical Center, was recognized as "the nurse who most closely fulfills the house staff's expectations of competence, knowledge, accessibility and overall medical ability."
She credits the great team of nurses with whom she works at the VAMC for her success. "I was out of nursing for 14 years and re-entered when coming to our VA in 2001. This hospital is a wonderful place to grow," she says, adding that, "When you work with such a great team, anything is possible!" She lives in north Glendale.
Packages From Home” Sponsors FUN Patriotic Friday’s“
You Serve Our troops With Care Packages…We Will Serve You..Because our Service Men and Women Serve Us So Bravely!”
We challenge every business establishment in the Greater Phoenix Metropolitan area to show support of troops in harm’s way by wearing patriotic red, white and blue each Friday throughout the summer.Wear your red, white and blue “finery” to show support for the troops! If you have a son or daughter in the military, where the t-shirt too!
…each person in patriotic finery will also donate $5.00 to $10.00 for the privledge of wearing our country’s colors!For those business establishments who raise the most money to send care and comfort to our troop, PACKAGES FROM HOME WILL SERVE YOU A KOOL LUNCH..
Please go to the Packages From Home website for details.www.packagesfromhome.org
“Let Us Serve You…While You Serve Our Troops!”
Military Family Relief Fund Provides New Hope to Arizona Families
Arizonans seeking to support our troops can now do more than display a bumper sticker! The Arizona Military Family Relief Fund offers a way to mobilize support for local families of service members during times of crisis. The organization coordinates the distribution of funds to support families right here in Arizona.
“Everybody always asks what they can do to help, and now the opportunity is right here for them,” said Diane D’Angelo, Community Outreach Coordinator for the Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services. “It only takes a few minutes to participate but everyone has the power to make a world of difference for Arizona’s heroes and their families.”
The Arizona Military Family Relief Fund can provide up to $10,000 to families whose loved one has been injured or killed while fighting the Global War on Terror. All funds come from Arizona tax credits or direct contributions from citizens seeking to give back to those who have answered the call of duty. Contributions can be made through either the organization’s website or direct mail program.
Military Family Relief Fund recipients use the support in a variety of ways. From mothers facing financial calamity after their loved one has been killed, to parents purchasing overseas plane tickets to be by their injured son or daughter’s side in the hospital - the fund will be there when people need it most.
For more information or to schedule an interview with a representative of the Arizona Military Family Relief Fund, visit www.azmfrf.gov or call Stacey Dillon at PRfect Media 480-706-6880.
VA Diabetes Trial Researchers Find Cardiac Benefits of Tight Blood Glucose Control Not Significantly Better than Conventional Control in Older Diabetics
Study co-led by Phoenix VA underscores importance of getting control of diabetes early
PHOENIX − In the largest long-term U.S. clinical trial to study the association between intense control of blood glucose levels in people with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, Department of Veterans Affairs researchers found that patients who use conventional treatments to maintain their blood glucose at acceptable levels do not have significantly more cardiovascular events – such as heart attacks and strokes – than diabetics on more aggressive therapies to control glucose.
The study also achieved impressive levels of patient adherence to diet and lifestyle changes, along with control of high blood pressure and cholesterol, which can reduce the risk of death and complications from diabetes. The improvements in health were achieved despite the fact that study participants were mostly older, overweight or obese and had high blood pressure and poor lipid control. In fact, forty percent of participants had already had prior cardiovascular events.
The VA Diabetes Trial, which involved approximately 1,800 veterans at 20 Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Centers across the country, was co-chaired by William C. Duckworth, MD, Director of Diabetes Research at the Phoenix VA Health Care System and Professor of Clinical Medicine at the University of Arizona. He and three other principal investigators, including Peter Reaven, MD, of the Phoenix VA Health Care System, will present findings of the study at the American Diabetes Association’s 68th Scientific Sessions in San Francisco June 8.
“While we found that intensive treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes suggested some benefits from glucose control, it did not reach significance for a reduction in the primary endpoint – a composite of specified cardiovascular disease events – in this population,” said co-chair Dr. Duckworth.
VA Diabetes Trial Improves Health of High-risk Population, Compares Glucose Control
The predicted cardiovascular event total was between 650 and 700 events, whereas the actual in the standard group was 263, and the intensive group was 231 events. “Based on historical studies, we believe this was largely due to the excellent blood pressure control, lipid control, improved diet and exercise, and treatment with aspirin,” Dr. Duckworth said.
All veterans who participated in the study were at or below targets for lipids and blood pressure within the first two years and maintained them for six years. The greatest success was in blood pressure control, with median levels reaching 127/70 mm/Hg within six months and staying there throughout the trial. By the sixth year of the study, 40 percent were still exercising regularly and 60 percent were adhering to dietary advice. The percent of participants who smoked dropped from 16 percent to 10 percent by the end of the study.
In addition, all participants were at – or better than – goal for cholesterol levels, including low-density lipoprotein (LDL), the so-called “bad cholesterol” and high-density lipoprotein, or “good cholesterol.” Median LDL declined from 106 mg/dL at entry to 78 mg/dL, HDL rose from 34 mg dL at the outset to 40 mg/dL in the standard group and 39 mg/dL in the intensive group, and triglycerides fell from 157 mg/dL at the outset to 135 mg/dL in the standard group and 128 mg/dL in the intensive group.
The average glycated hemoglobin value (also known as Hb A1c), a measure of blood glucose over the prior two to three months, was 9.5 percent upon entry into the trial; the standard group reached 8.4 percent and the intensive group reached 6.9 percent within six months. These levels were maintained throughout the trial.
The findings shed light on treatment approaches for physicians, who must weigh various options and combinations of therapies for older patients with established diagnoses of type 2 diabetes. For some patients, intense glucose control can lead to hypoglycemia, in which blood-sugar levels become dangerously low.
Many studies across various populations have shown a direct relationship between glucose levels and cardiovascular disease, but prior clinical studies have failed to demonstrate a significant cardiovascular event reduction from good glycemic control, notes study co-chair Carlos Abraira, MD, Professor of Medicine at the VA Medical Center, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. This study was designed to compare good control (Hb A1c less than 9 percent) with excellent control (Hb A1c less than 6.9 percent) in an older veteran population.
“This was a complicated study in which all of the patients had multiple health problems, including 40% with prior cardiovascular events. Our first goal was to reduce all other cardiovascular risk factors in order to then compare outcomes between standard and intensive blood glucose treatment groups – and we achieved that goal superbly,” said Carlos Abraira, MD, Professor of Medicine at the Miami VA Medical Center, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, and co-chair of the VA Diabetes Trial.
The VA Diabetes Trial was supported by the Cooperative Studies Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs Research and Development Service, and also by the American Diabetes Association, National Eye Institute, GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals, Novo Nordisk Pharmaceuticals, Aventis Pharmaceuticals, Roche Diagnostic Pharmaceuticals, and KOS Pharmaceuticals.
VA Medical Center Celebrates VA Research Week By Opening Research Lab to Media;Cutting Edge Technology on Display
PHOENIX - Cardiologist David Simper, MD, is carefully growing stem cells in his laboratory at the Carl T. Hayden Veterans Affairs Medical Center, watching over them like a protective parent in the hopes that they will help unlock the secret to repairing or preventing deadly complications suffered by people with diabetes.Dr. Simper is relying on adult stem cells, taken from blood samples provided by healthy adults and those with type 1 diabetes, to reveal differences in their ability to form new blood vessels. Using the most current form of technology called flow cytometry, he is trying to identify how the cells work and how they might ultimately be used to repair damaged blood vessels in diabetic patients or construct new vessels.This is just one of the many clinical research studies being conducted at the VA Medical Center, which is opening its research laboratory to the media this week.Dr. Simper and other researchers at the VA Medical Center are using a bench-top flow cytometry system that represents the latest version of this technology. To use the flow cytometer, a beam of laser light is aimed at cells treated with fluorescent dyes as they flow through the equipment, suspended in fluid. The laser excites the cells into emitting and scattering light, which is picked up, amplified and analyzed for fluctuations in brightness. Researchers can extrapolate various types of information about the physical and chemical structure of each cell, based on the individual surface markers of the cell, as well as distinguish, sort and count certain types of cells. While flow cytometry takes measurements on one cell at a time, it can process thousands of cells in a few seconds.Other VA research week activities include poster presentations, tours and a special barbecue.
Media Note: To arrange for a tour of the research laboratory, contact Paula Pedene APR, Public Affairs Officer, at (602) 200-6279 or via e-mail at paula.pedene@va.gov.
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I had an email tonight from the OEF/OIF Community Outreach Social Worker at the Carl J Hayden VA Hospital. She asked me for help and I in turn am turning to you wonderful Arizona Angels. Below is a list of things that are needed by this hospital to take care and help our Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans. If you can send any of these things they would be GREATLY appreciated. She said the need is great and they are seeing more everyday. Please take a few minutes and look at this list and see if you can send just one thing on it. Just imagine if each of you send one thing from this list that is one Iraq/Afghanistan Veteran that will be helped.
Here is the List:Gas Cards Shell or Chevron ($10 or $15)
Gift Cards to Target and/or Walmart (Any Amount)Courage After Fire Books. They use these for family support and helping those Veterans who have returned with PTSD. Many of our VA's use these and I have heard some really great comments. This book can be purchased through Amazon here http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/search-handle-url?%5Fencoding
=UTF8&search-type=ss&index=books&field-author=Keith%20ArmstrongPlease include a note with your gift that includes your name, address and Soldiers' Angels. Mail to:Brenda Gust, LMSW
OEF/OIF Community Outreach Social Worker
Phoenix VA Health Care System
650 E. Indian School Road
Phoenix, AZ 85012Thanks for helping our youngest Veterans.
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Phoenix VA Health Care System Announces Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Globe VA Health Care Clinic
The Phoenix VA Health Care System comprised of the Carl T. Hayden VA Medical Center in Phoenix and six community clinics, is announcing the ribbon cutting ceremony for the official opening of the Globe VA Health Care Clinic.
The ribbon cutting will take place on Wednesday, May 14, 2008 at 11 a.m. at the new clinic located at 5680 South Hospital Drive, Suite 111 in Globe.
Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) 18 Director Susan Bowers and Phoenix VA Health Care System Director Donald Moore will cut the ribbon along with other invited guests.
The clinic will serve veterans in the Globe-Miami area.
"This opening allows us to serve these veterans in a wonderful new setting that truly enhances our environment of care," said Phoenix VA Health Care System Center Director Donald Moore.
"VA Health Care has been rated as some of the best health care in the country," said VISN 18 Network Director Susan Bowers. "We are grateful that this new clinic will allow us to better serve smaller communities, like Globe and Miami, with improved access to that care," she added.
Bowers has VA medical center jurisdiction over seven different VA facilities in three states and multiple counties.
Moore is the director of the Phoenix VA Health Care System which encompasses all of Maricopa County, which has the largest penetration of veterans in the state of Arizona.
VA will share some medical services, via contract with Cobre Valley Community Hospital.
The Globe VA Health Care Clinic currently has 424 patients at the new clinic. There are 1,031 registered for VA health care in the Globe-Miami area.
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Legally Blind Vietnam Veteran Earns VA Volunteer of the Year Honors
PHOENIX - You can count on Barney Albert to be at the Carl T. Hayden Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center at least four days a week, making coffee for veterans, buying them donuts or muffins out of his own pocket, and just talking with them to help answer questions or pass the time as they wait for their medical appointments.
After all, having served in the Army during the Vietnam era, he is one of them. While serving with the Army in Germany, an explosion took the sight in his right eye. He is legally blind and, although he doesn't live far away, he has to ride a bus two to three hours a day to volunteer at the VA Medical Center.
On many days, he talks with veterans who are losing or have recently lost their sight about how VA can help them lead normal lives by using assistive devices and rehabilitation training to help improve their confidence. He also calls veterans who have been in VA's rehabilitation program for awhile to find out if there is anything they need. Sometimes he just spends time with veterans, visually impaired or not, letting them know that he's there to help.
"I like helping people, and it works out really well," says Albert. "I've seen a lot of hurt people (in the clinics); sometimes they don't have anybody, so you just sit down with them and talk."
Lauren Stivison, his supervisor who nominated him for the VA Volunteer of the Year honor, says the trust that other veterans and employees have for Albert is amazing.
"Veterans trust Barney because he has first-hand knowledge about blindness and the benefits of certain procedures and programs," says Stivison. "He has always shown the utmost respect for veterans and employees."
Albert is one of about 1,000 people who volunteer their time to the Phoenix VA Health Care System, logging nearly 150,000 hours each year.
"We could not do what we do without each and every one of them," says Sheila Beran-Parker, Voluntary Service Specialist. "I believe in angels, and I count our volunteers as angels."
Besides spending his own money to help make veterans as comfortable as possible while at the VA Medical Center, he shares his experience as a blind veteran who has benefited from top-notch VA health care and rehabilitation programs offered by the facility. He had a cornea transplant about a year ago, which has given him back some of his sight. He also received rehab services through the VA Southwestern Blind Rehabilitation Center, a Tucson-based, world-class VA inpatient program for visually impaired veterans. He also receives VA outpatient treatment and rehabilitation services.
In earning this honor, Barney Albert was recognized at the annual VA Volunteer Awards Luncheon and was presented with a lovely plaque and additional recognition.
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If anyone is of Polish American heritage please read below. If you knew Mary Ellen Pitotrowski please read below and help if you can.
Help honor those Polish Americans who served in the military. Please provide biographical information about your friend, Yeoman Mary Ellen Piotrowski who served in the US Navy including her education and military training. I am particularly interested in more information about her as individual, her career after leaving the military, her community involvement … some information that made her the unique individual she was. Can you help me or refer me to someo! ne who can?
With the assistance of Fred Thomas, Public Relations Office of the Polish Legion of American Veterans, I am searching for biographical information about Polish American Veterans with the goal of publishing a book honoring their service and achievements. Our objective is to include Polish American men and women veterans from all branches of service doing a wide variety of jobs.
Do you know of any other Polish American veterans who should or are interested in being included? The criteria for inclusion are:
The individual must be of polish ancestry (surname need not be Polish)
The individual must have served or is currently serving in the military.
The biographical information needed is:
1. Name, rank and branch of service
2. Year of birth/death(?)
3. Education
4. Military service - include information of their assignments especially anything unique or interesting.
5. Awards and decorations
6. Employment after discharge from military and community involvement.
7. Picture, preferably in uniform - please send me a photograph (which I will scan and return to you) or a scanned copy for inclusion in this publication.
Thank you for your assistance.
Very truly yours,
Alice H. Deck as Alicja Deck-Partyka
author of POLAND, A Unique Country & Its People
You can contact Alice at (410) 838-4234 or email: deck.partyka@lycos.com. She currently has 115 pages of her book and is looking for more.
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What is VA Doing to Provide Help to Our Returning Warriors Five Years Into the War?
March 19, 2008 marks the fifth year of the OIF invasion
Since 2003 our country has been at war, but for many of us the impact is minimal. Not so for our veterans who have seen combat on the front lines, some who have even repeated their combat tours two and three times. For them life is different.
This war and its injuries differs from previous conflicts. There is an incidence of polytrauma from Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). Additionally thanks to improvements in medical care on the battlefield or shortly thereafter, these service members are surviving wounds they might not have a couple of decades ago. But these improvements can pose challenges for the VA Health Care System, which takes care of these veterans over the long term.
Today, there are nearly 9,600 Persian Gulf, Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF-Afghanistan service) and Operation Iraqi Freedom veterans who receive their care from the Phoenix VA Health Care System. Of these 8650 are men, 950 are women and 3200 have had multiple deployments. As these "Returning Warriors" seek VA for their health care needs, we are responding with a variety of venues including:
Five Years of FREE VA Health Care: Military veterans who served in combat since Nov. 11, 1998, including veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan, are now eligible for five years of free medical care for most conditions from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
This measure increases a two-year limit that has been in effect nearly a decade. Combat veterans who were discharged between Nov. 11, 1998 and Jan. 16, 2003, and who never took advantage of VA's health care system, have until Jan. 27, 2011 to qualify for free VA health care.
The five-year window is also open to activated Reservists and members of the National Guard, if they served in a theater of combat operations after Nov. 11, 1998 and were discharged under other than dishonorable conditions. VA has several doctors who can talk to you about our nationally recognized health care.
Mental Health Therapy specifically designed for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) including Cognitive Processing Therapy a type of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy which helps patients work through their memories and maintain their accuracy. In time, people can change their memories. When they are traumatic, it is often easier to have the memories reflected in a more negative tone which isn't often accurate. To avoid depression VA tries to get the patients to keep their memories balanced. This therapy is often 13 weeks long.
VA also offers Exposure Therapy for PTSD. Exposure methods work by helping anxious patients confront their fears with the aim of reducing the fear or anxiety that can be managed. This therapy also incorporates relaxation therapy. The CTHVAMC has several PTSD experts who can help describe the processes used to help these veterans.
Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom Program Coordination: Returning veterans are triaged by the OEF/OIF program manager who determines the level of case management care required. These OEF/OIF veterans are then case managed by a Nurse Case Manager, Social Work Case Manager or both. The CTHVAMC case managers are here to assist the OEF/OIF veterans with their post deployment needs. This case management consists of oversight of medical and mental health care to ensure the veteran is getting comprehensive services that are coordinated for better outcomes.
The program is also responsible for community outreach to the military and the community at large. The goal is to educate returning service members. Sometimes they may be overwhelmed with information and efforts to "get back to no |
