Douglas Karr, Petty Officer Second Class, United States Navy Veteran
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Veterans Blog - 2009
Alleged 9/11 terrorists to be tried in NYC
Five men who have spent the last few years as prisoners at Guantanamo Bay will be sent to New York City for trial in NYC’s Southern District U.S. Court, which happens to be just a short distance from Ground Zero. The transfer of these five men – Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, Ramzi Bin al-Shibh, Ali Abdul Aziz Ali, Walid bin Attach, and Mustafa Ahmed al-Hawsawi – was announced by Attorney General Eric Holder on November 13th.
Attorney General Holder said that all give would be tried together, and that he expects prosecutors to seek the death penalty. The public will be able to attend and watch the trial, he said, although certain parts of the trial may be privatized to prevent the leak of classified information.
Despite concerns about trying the men in the very city that they terrorized eight years ago, Attorney General Holder said that he is confident that an impartial jury will be selected, and that the five men will receive “a fair trial in New York.”
In addition to these five men, who are believed to have played a role in planning the 9/11 attacks, another five Guantanamo detainees will be receiving military trials. These men were identified as Omar Khadr, Ibrahim al Qosi, Mohammed Kamin, Abd al-Rahim al-Nashiri and Noor Uthman Muhammed. In 2002, Omar Khadr allegedly murdered a U.S. military officer in Afghanistan. Khadr is a Canadian citizen and was just fifteen years old when he was apprehended.
Abd al-Rahim al-Nashiri is charged with the bombing of the USS Cole in 2000. Following an investigation, the CIA revealed that they used waterboarding tactics to get a confession out of al-Nashiri. The USS Cole bombing killed seventeen U.S. sailors.
Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, who will undergo trial in NYC, was also waterboarded at least 183 separate times since 2003, according to a memo from the Justice Department. He only confessed after being waterboarded, according to reports, which leads some to believe that his confession may be questioned during his trial.
President Obama has called waterboarding “torture,” and does not condone this tactic.
Mohammed confessed to being the “mastermind” behind the attacks on America on 9/11, and claims to have organized the entire plan. He has been called “the most wanted terrorist in the world.”
Many Americans are concerned about the security issues that could result from a terrorist trial in NYC.
“Some would say that New York would now be a target by allowing Mohammed’s trial to take place in New York,” said Kristin Breitweiser, who lost her husband on 9/11. “I disagree. It would give many of us access to attend the hearings…this will be our opportunity to see justice served and have our day in court.”
The attacks on 9/11 were perhaps the most devastating act of terrorism to date. Not only did close to 3,000 people perish that day, but the health effects associated with the collapse of the World Trade Center buildings are ongoing. Countless individuals were exposed to asbestos dust when the towers fell, on 9/11 and in the months that followed. Asbestos exposure – even in small amounts – can lead to the eventual development of asbestos mesothelioma cancer, a fatal disease that has no known cure. Since 2001, many New Yorker’s have developed asbestos-related illnesses, including pleural mesothelioma and asbestosis. The number of individuals who develop an asbestos disease as a result of asbestos exposure following the 9/11 incident are expected to rise in the next several years, as mesothelioma cancer has a latency period of between twenty and fifty years. This means that people may not experience any mesothelioma symptoms for several more years, long after their initial asbestos exposure.
Those who were present in NYC after 9/11 are not the only individuals prone to developing mesothelioma. Veterans who served during World War II are especially at risk of receiving a diagnosis of mesothelioma. In addition, the men and women currently serving our country in Iraq also face asbestos exposure and the related health issues, as asbestos is still exported to Iraq.
While many worry about holding a terrorist trial in the great city of New York, others say that they will feel a certain sense of justice and closure once the trial has concluded. And, of course, security will be heightened during the trial to protect the city and all who live and work there. For those in the military community, it may provide a sense of validation for the years spent defending our country in Afghanistan and Iraq.
One thing is for sure – these five men will receive a fair trial under the laws of our great nation, and justice will be served.
Veterans Day 2009
Today is Veterans Day, and while many people may think of a day off from work or school and great sales at the mall, this day means far more than that. Online publication Hawaii247.org put out a great post today entitled “Veterans Day 2009: Nov. 11, by the numbers,” and I wanted to share excerpts of this post with you.
Veterans Day was initially called “Armistice Day” and was first recognized on November 11, 1919, also known as the first anniversary of the conclusion of World War I. It was not until 1926, however, that Congress decided that Armistice Day would be observed annually. In 1938, it became a federal holiday, and sixteen years later, President Eisenhower signed legislation that changed the name from Armistice Day to Veterans Day – the idea was to honor all veterans, and not just those who served in WWI.
By the numbers
According to the 2008 census, there were 23.2 million military veterans living in the United States. Pretty amazing, isn’t it? 1.8 of these veterans were female; 2.3 million were African American, and 1.1 million were Hispanic. 276,000 of these vets were of Asian descent, and another 160,000 were American Indian or natives of Alaska. 27,000 vets hailed from Hawaii or the Pacific Islands, and 18.3 million identified themselves as Caucasian. What a diverse military we have!
The 2008 census also reports that 9.2 million veterans were age 65 or older – many of these individuals served in World War II [2.6 million, to be exact]. Almost 8 million Vietnam-era vets were reported, which indicates that 33% of all living veterans served between 1964 and 1975. Another 5 million served in the Gulf War. 2.8 million served in the Korean War [1950-53] and 6 million veterans served both overseas and at home during peacetime.
I found it particularly interesting to learn that 50,000 living vets served during both the Vietnam War and the Gulf War. 92,000 living vets served during WWII, the Korean War and the Gulf War. Talk about dedication to our great country!
In five states – New York, California, Texas, Florida, and Pennsylvania – there were more than 1 million living veterans. California reported the highest number of veteran citizens. There were 10.4 million veterans that reported that they had a full-time job in 2008. However, almost 6 million reported that they were disabled, and 3.4 of these vets claimed that their disability was related to their military service. Just about 15% of business owners in the United States are veterans – support vet-owned businesses! – and almost 70% of these business owners were older than 55. Our veterans are certainly contributing to our economy.
In the 2008 presidential election, almost 16 million of our vets went out and voted – 71% of all veterans living in the United States voted, compared to about 60% of non-veterans. I think that says quite a bit about the involvement of our veterans in public affairs and politics.
When it comes to veteran benefits, about 3 million have received compensation following a service-related disability or injury. The total cost of veteran compensation was approximately $36 billion in 2008. The federal government spent almost $85 billion on veteran-related programs last year, with the majority going towards compensation and VA benefits. The rest went towards general veteran medical programs and vocational training/education.
The numbers don’t lie: veterans have an undeniable presence here in the United States. Today is a day to thank veterans for their service. Unfortunately, it is also a day to consider the shortcomings of veteran care here in our country.
One of these shortcomings involves veteran healthcare. Many of our vets are facing health problems as a result of exposures during their active military service. Veterans who were exposed to asbestos on board naval ships, for example, are at a heightened risk of developing mesothelioma cancer, a fatal disease that lies dormant for up to fifty years and typically strikes vets between the ages of 55 and 75. WWII vets and those who served during the Korean War are among the most at risk of developing asbestos mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma can manifest within the lining of the lungs [the pleura], the lining of the abdomen [the peritoneum] and in few cases, the lining of the heart [the pericardium]. Mesothelioma symptoms are similar to those of the flu; many individuals mistake these symptoms, including cough, fatigue and trouble breathing, with something other than mesothelioma. Once diagnosed, veterans have few options when it comes to mesothelioma treatment. Oncologists typically recommend chemotherapy, radiation, and in some instances, surgery. There is no known mesothelioma cure.
Veterans generally receive care from the best mesothelioma doctors at a non-VA hospital or cancer center. Unfortunately, the majority of mesothelioma patients lose their battle with this disease in less than 24 months following diagnosis.
While those who were exposed to asbestos several years ago may not be able to prevent the development of mesothelioma, we can all make an effort to educate ourselves and others about the consequences of asbestos exposure. In many cases, early mesothelioma detection can prolong a patient’s life by several months or even years.
A Veterans Day tribute
As we honor vets today, think about the following quotes. Share them with the veteran in your life; pass them along in an email to friends and family – and make sure to take a moment today to reflect on how the sacrifices of our veterans have impacted your life.
“In war, there are no unwounded soldiers” – Jose Narosky
“This nation will remain the land of the free only so long it is the home of the brave” – Elmer Davis
“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them” – John Fitzgerald Kennedy
Readjusting following a deployment
I spent some time on the Veterans’ Families United Foundation website this weekend, and wanted to share some information with my fellow vets and their families. This website has a section focused on Veteran Readjustment Problems, and includes content on PTSD and tips for families who are welcoming back a loved one after a deployment.
There are three aspects to Veteran Readjustment Problems:
Veteran Survival Skills, or “War Zone Skills”: these are the skills that keep veterans alive during war. During their deployment, vets were immersed in extremely intense and stressful situations, and they relied on these survival skills, which, for most vets, became instinctual.
Veteran Readjustment Behaviors: these are the skills/actions that were necessary for a veteran in a place of war, but will cause problems once they return to civilian life following their deployment.
Impact to Family and Friends: a vet’s family and friends have to readjust, too, once the vet returns to civilian life. The impact of the vet’s readjustment behaviors often determines whether or not pre-deployment relationships will survive or fall apart.
James Munroe, a Social Worker at a Boston VA facility, created an informational booklet for veterans and their loved ones. Published in 2006, the booklet outlines specific survival skills, the readjustment behaviors that a veteran may demonstrate, and how this impacts a vet’s family and friends. Below are some excerpts from Munroe’s “Transitioning War Zone Skills: Information for Veterans and Those Who Care” booklet:
Coming home from a war zone is great, and it should be a happy time for all. However, it is not always easy to make the transition home. Many things may have changed during deployment for both veterans and those at home. It is important to realize that some things won’t just go back to the way they were.
Most veterans handle even difficult stress and make successful readjustments. The most likely problems with readjustment will be in transitioning the war zone skills into home skills to build good relationships. The VA and Vet Centers are there to provide information, support, and professional help if needed.
The transition from a war zone is not easy for either the veteran or those at home. Often those at home notice that the veteran is not the same. Something is changed about him or her. It is not always easy to identify what these changes are, but it is likely they are related to the different skills necessary for survival. For the veteran, it is not easy to identify these changes because they have become deeply ingrained in his or her everyday life. What has become normal behavior for him or her may seem quite strange to those at home. What is crucially important is to realize that the rules of the war zone do not automatically change when veterans come home. A successful transition to home requires an understanding of how war zone skills and beliefs are influencing the home environment.
I recommend this booklet to all vets and families who are transitioning after a deployment. The booklet can be downloaded at http://www.veteransfamiliesunited.org/behaviors_of_veteran_readjustment_problems.html.
Veterans’ Day 2009
Tomorrow, November 11th, is Veterans’ Day. I wanted to share a poem with my fellow veterans today. Perhaps this poem will put you into the right frame of mind for Veterans’ Day, and help you to put the sacrifice of our country’s vets into perspective:
They Did Their Share
On Veteran’s Day we honor Soldiers who protect our nation. For their service as our warriors, They deserve our admiration.
Some of them were drafted; Some were volunteers; For some it was just yesterday; For some it’s been many years;
In the jungle or the desert, On land or on the sea, They did whatever was assigned To produce a victory.
Some came back; some didn’t. They defended us everywhere. Some saw combat; some rode a desk; All of them did their share.
No matter what the duty, For low pay and little glory, These soldiers gave up normal lives, For duties mundane and gory.
Let every veteran be honored; Don’t let politics get in the way. Without them, freedom would have died; What they did, we can’t repay.
We owe so much to them, Who kept us safe from terror, So when we see a uniform, Let’s say "thank you" to every wearer.
By Joanna Fuchs
Poem courtesy of www.poemsource.com
Memorial service planned for Fort Hood
A memorial service will be held at Sadowski Field on Fort Hood tomorrow, Tuesday November 10th – the day before Veterans’ Day.
The public is encouraged to attend. Gates will open at 10 am Central Time, and while all are welcome, it is recommended that you arrive early. All individuals will be required to pass through a security check; the following items will be prohibited: bags, strollers, umbrellas, signs, liquids, and sharp objects. Cameras are allowed.
In addition to the service, a Town Hall meeting will be held this evening, Monday November 9th, from 7 pm until 8 pm Central Time. Speaking will be Lt. Gen. Robert Cone, the Fort Hood Commander; CSM Arthur Coleman, Jr., COL Bill Hill and COL Steve Braverman. The Town Hall will be broadcast on the Fort Hood television channel this evening for those who cannot attend.
The memorial service tomorrow will honor those who lost their lives last week at Fort Hood. The following individuals will be honored:
Lt. Col. Juanita L. Warman, 55; assigned to the 1908th Medical Company out of Missouri.
Maj. Libardo Caraveo, 52; assigned to the 467th Medical Detachment out of Wisconsin.
Capt. John P. Gaffaney, 54; assigned to the 1908th Medical Company.
Capt. Russell Seager, 51; assigned to the 467th Medical Detachment.
Staff Sgt. Justin DeCrow, 32; assigned to the 16th Signal Company out of Fort Hood.
Sgt. Amy Krueger, 29; assigned to the 467th Medical Company.
Spc. Jason Hunt, 22; assigned to the 1st Brigade out of Fort Hood.
Pfc. Frederick Greene, 29; assigned to the 16th Signal Company.
Pfc. Aaron Nemelka, 19; assigned to the 510th Engineer Company, 20th Engineer Battalion out of Fort Hood.
Pfc. Michael Pearson, 22; assigned to the 510th Engineer Company, 20th Engineer Battalion.
Pfc. Kham Xiong, 23; assigned to the 510th Engineer Company, 20th Engineer Battalion.
Chief Warrant Office Michael Cahill; Civilian employee on Fort Hood.
Fort Hood has also issued information for those seeking counseling. Counselors and Chaplains will be available at the Resiliency Campus on the corner of 33rd Street and Battalion Avenue. In addition, a hotline has been set up for the families and friends of those killed. The number is 866-836-2751. A number of other resources are available for military families in the wake of a tragedy. These resources include:
Army Family Readiness Groups, or ArmyFRG: each unit within the Army has an FRG; contact the FRG Leader or FRG Assistant for more information.
Military OneSource: this resource has a 24/7 telephone line and serves military members, their families and reserve members. Their hotline number is 1-800-342-9647.
Military Homefront: this is a DoD website that provides up-to-date information for military members and the public.
TAPS: a toll-free crisis line for family members of fallen military members. The number is 1-800-959-TAPS.
All members of the military and their families are encouraged to seek out assistance from the Army following a tragic event, like the shooting on November 5th.
I recommend seeking out information via Twitter as well. Our Twitter account, www.twitter.com/veteransblog, follows 218 amazing veteran and military-focused organizations, all of which have been “Tweeting” with breaking news and support resources since the Fort Hood incident.
I also wanted to pass along information about an exciting free offer for all veterans, mil members and civilians. Amazon.com has a free MP3 album entitled “Veterans Day Honor” available for download on their website. The album includes twelve recordings, including “To The Colors,” “Star Spangled Banner” and “Here’s To America.” Music is performed by the US Navy, Marine, Army, Air Force and Coast Guard Bands, as well as performances by the Navy and Sea Chanters Chorus. This is an excellent gift for the veteran in your life. What better way to honor our veterans than by listening to patriotic music performed by our talented servicemen and women. Please visit our Twitter page for more information.
And, of course, keep all connected to Fort Hood in your thoughts as Veterans’ Day approaches.
Army Major in custody following tragic shooting at Fort Hood
In the wake of the horrific shooting at Fort Hood in Texas yesterday, the military and civilian community has been left to wonder why a member of our armed forces would commit such a crime – especially with Veterans Day just a few days away.
The official website of the U.S. Army, www.army.mil, reported today that Army Major Hasan Nidal Malik is responsible for the shootings on base yesterday, and that he acted alone, despite initial suspicions about multiple gunmen. Maj. Malik began shooting into the Soldiers Readiness Processing Center at about 1:30 pm yesterday, leaving 13 individuals dead and 27 wounded.
A female civilian police officer named Kimberly Munley allegedly shot Maj. Hasan four times, preventing him from firing any more rounds. Munley herself was wounded. She was one of the first civilian law enforcement officers to arrive on Fort Hood and respond to the shooting, according to the Army.
Lt. Gen. Bob Cone, the Commanding General at Fort Hood, called Munley’s efforts “amazing.”
The shooting occurred during a graduation for almost 140 soldiers who were to receive their college diplomas. The soldiers secured the theater and no one inside was hurt. A great example of how our soldiers are trained to act in a second’s notice in an emergency situation. No doubt that these individuals saved many lives yesterday.
Today, Lt. Gen. Cone told the media that the Army’s number one concern is caring for those wounded. The victims, both deceased and injured, were largely military members. He also confirmed that Maj. Hasan had survived being shot four times by Kimberly Munley, despite reports that he had been killed yesterday.
“I would say his death is not imminent,” stated Lt. Gen. Cone. As of this afternoon, Maj. Hasan had yet to speak to investigators from the Army or the FBI.
Maj. Hasan was a highly-trained psychiatrist who worked on Fort Hood and was scheduled to deploy at the end of the month. Maj. Hasan had apparently told some of his family members that he was unhappy about being deployed. He allegedly used two handguns to shoot at people on base – even though Lt. Gen. Cone told media that “as a matter of practice, we do not carry weapons on Fort Hood.”
“This is our home,” Lt. Gen. Cone said.
Not long after the incident, President Obama telephoned Lt. Gen. Cone to express his support to the Fort Hood community. A moment of silence was observed on base and around the nation this afternoon at 1:34 pm, but otherwise, the Fort Hood community tried to go back to their “normal” lives today, reopening schools and reporting to work.
For all members of the military and for all veterans, the shooting is especially sad, as we must mourn the lost lives of our military brothers and sisters. We commend the soldiers who protected the almost 600 individuals inside the Howze Theater building on base, and we salute Kimberly Munley, who risked her own life to prevent Maj. Hasan from inflicting additional harm.
This Wednesday, November 11th is Veterans Day. Across the nation, people will be at Veterans Day parades and other events during the days leading up to the 11th, and I hope that we all pause and remember the sacrifice made by our military men and women – not only our veterans, but those who currently serve both here and overseas.
USS New York returns "home" today
The glorious USS New York, an amphibious transport/assault vessel, arrived in New York Harbor today, floating quietly in the water near Ground Zero for a moment to honor those lost on September 11, 2001. Following the moment of silence, a 21-gun salute was fired from the ship’s fantail.
The USS New York is 684 feet long and was built using 7.5 tons of salvaged steel, which was placed inside her bow. The steel, once an integral structural component of the Twin Towers, was taken from Ground Zero. The ship cost about $1.2 billion dollars to build, and will be commissioned on November 7th.
The crowd on shore included NYPD, NYFD, tourists, public officials and other New Yorkers who wanted to pay respect to those who died on September 11th. On board, the president of the September 11th Families’ Association, Lee Ielpi, was remembering his son, a 29-year old firefighter named Jonathan. Jonathan was killed on September 11th, leaving behind a wife and two children.
Despite his sadness, Lee Ielpi said that he and many other people on board the USS New York were happy to be there, calling today a “good day.”
“We’re smiling through our tears,” Ielpi said.
The USS New York was escorted into New York Harbor by NYPD helicopters, and when she reached the Verrazano Bridge off of Staten Island, she was greeted by NYDF boats shooting red, white and blue water into the air off of Governors Island. The USS New York will dock at Pier 88, next to the USS Intrepid until she makes her way up the Hudson to the George Washington Bridge.
The USS New York is one of only four ships of its class currently ready for service in the U.S. Naval fleet. Two new ships are being constructed and will also be named in honor of September 11th – the USS Arlington will be named for the attacks at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. and the USS Somerset is to be named for the crash of United Airlines Flight 93 in a Pennsylvania field.
Commander Curt Jones, who rode in to the harbor today aboard the New York, said that today truly was “fantastic.”
“It really does feel like we’re coming home,” Cmdr. Jones said.
A number of important guests and several 9/11 first responders were flown out to the ship on Marine helicopters. The VIP list included Ferg Foley, a senior officer for the Army National Guard and response coordinator at Ground Zero during the first days following the attacks. Chaplain Laura Bender of New York was also on board today. “The ship for me is a symbol of how life always comes from death and strength comes from adversity. I really feel we are sailing the World Trade Center home.”
She also believes that the USS New York will help many New Yorkers heal and move forward from the tragedy.
“There will be a lot of healing just by moving past Ground Zero and saluting the site and receiving a salute back from the fire department.”
The “homecoming” of the USS New York began this morning, at 4 am, with a recording of Old Blue Eyes’ version of New York, New York” blaring from the ship’s speakers. An appropriate tribute to the ship, and to the city that welcomed her home today.
One of the men on board, Fred Tiedmann, has served in our Navy for 26 years. Tiedmann is the USS New York’s boatswain, and is responsible for all deck equipment. In his years with the Navy, he has served on about twelve ships.
But for Tiedmann, the USS New York is extra-special. Tiedmann, a native New Yorker, knew several people who lost their lives on September 11th.
“It’s going to be pretty special,” he said when asked about the return of World Trade Center steel to the city. “It means a lot to the crew” to be a part of the experience, according to Tiedmann.
Ferg Foley summed up the feelings of those on board perfectly.
“It’s amazing,” Foley said. “Just knowing that some of that steel from Ground Zero” has been incorporated into the ship’s construction gives New Yorkers and all Americans a sense of pride.
“It represents the fighting spirit of the United States,” Foley stated.
As a Navy veteran myself, this story truly touches me and reminds me of why I joined the Navy. Please share this with friends and family today!
DoD, VA plan to streamline veteran healthcare process
After Robert Gates, Department of Defense Secretary, finished his unprecedented speech on Monday, it was clear that change was going to happen for the better. His plans focused on alleviating “frustrating, adversarial and unnecessarily complex” paperwork that injured or traumatized veterans undergo throughout their treatment protocol.
It is clear that adequate and accessible support for veterans is much needed. Gates especially urged the support for those retired or discharged who have endured physical wounds or developed mental disorders. He supported this by shedding light on the large backlog of patient requests as well as the high case rate of post-traumatic stress disorder. It has been estimated that 1 in 20 men and women returning from active duty suffer from PTSD.
Joining Gates at the first-ever Department of Defense/VA Mental Health Summit was Eric Shinseski, U.S. Department of Veterans Affair Secretary. Since taking over office in January, Shinseski has set veteran health on the top of his to-do list. In April, Shinseski, Gates and President Barack Obama announced the launch of a new system to streamline veteran health records. This would marry the documentation between the DoD and the Veterans Health Administration, so those transitioning from active duty would not be delayed when enrolling for veteran health benefits.
Shinseki has also established binding promises with the White House and Congress to inform the VA a year in advance about the agency’s budget. This will make long-term planning achievable and resource allocation much simpler. He has also successfully expanded the criteria for collecting Agent Orange disability benefits.
The advances that the Veteran Health Association has made in this short period of time will simplify and organize veteran’s health procedures. The frequency of health problems post duty requires adequate care and a strong support system. Ranging from mental illnesses like PTSD to physical illnesses like cancer, veterans deserve a smooth process in getting the treatment and care they require.
Mesothelioma, the form of cancer caused by asbestos contact, is prevalent among military veterans. Veterans as a whole represent the highest rate of this type of cancer. Since mesothelioma is often diagnosed in its later stages, the treatment regime is often aggressive and excessive.
Veterans and their families deserve an efficient treatment process which must be backed by the VHA. Recognition of the countless health issues plaguing is imperative for solving and simplifying protocol.
Shinseki urged that there is still much work to be done as far as health components go. He had stated at a “State of the VA” presentation on Oct. 14, that “We must work short-term and long-term strategies to reduce the backlog of disability claims, even as they increase in number and complexity. In July, we closed out a VA-record [of] 92,000 claims in a single month--and received another 91,200 new ones."
Female soldier survives breast cancer, has "new lease on life"
I wanted to share the story of Army Staff Sergeant Elizabeth Cowie. Sgt. Cowie, a noncommissioned officer with the California Army National Guard, was diagnosed with stage 0 breast cancer, which, according to her physician, is quite rare.
Stage 0 indicates that the cancer has been detected “very, very early,” stated Sgt. Cowie.
Her cancer was discovered during training in Indiana. An inconsistency on her mammogram prompted her doctor to recommend a biopsy. Sgt. Cowie utilized the services of the military-provided Tricare health plan and located a specialist nearby Camp Atterbury, where she was participating in training. The specialist told her that breast cancer is generally discovered when it is already in stage 2 or 3.
Sgt. Cowie’s first priority was learning about her options. After speaking with an oncologist [a physician specializing in the treatment of cancer] and a surgeon, they determined that she was a good candidate for a new treatment known as MammoSite. MammoSite is a “targeted radiation therapy” that administers radiation daily for five days. Because her unit was scheduled to be deployed in just 30 days following her diagnosis, Sgt. Cowie decided to begin MammoSite immediately.
“It was not an option for me personally to back out and say ‘Hey, I have to go home,’” she said. “I was really committed to my deployment.”
Her treatment consisted of about 20 minutes of radiation therapy during a five-day period. “It was pretty aggressive,” Sgt. Cowie admitted.
While her diagnosis and treatment was emotionally and physically difficult, Sgt. Cowie considers herself to be “pretty lucky.”
“I am a perfect example of early detection. I thanked my lucky stars that someone looked close enough at the mammogram.”
Of course, Sgt. Cowie received support from her military family. It was difficult at first, of course, because her commanders were male, but she recalls how “great” her unit was throughout her ordeal.
“They were a big, big help to me,” she said.
Following treatment, Sgt. Cowie was declared cancer-free, and deployed with her unit as planned. Her experience has given her a new appreciation for life in general, as well as a greater appreciation for the constant breakthroughs in cancer treatment research.
Like Sgt. Cowie, many other veterans and members of the military community find themselves diagnosed with cancer. An unfortunate number of Navy vets, for example, have suffered from mesothelioma cancer, a fatal disease that is caused by previous exposure to asbestos [which was not unusual on board naval ships]. Unlike breast cancer, mesothelioma has a grim survival rate – 99% of sufferers lose their battle in less than two years.
October, as you know, is breast cancer awareness month. It’s important to remember the women [and men] who serve our country and have also battled this – and other – diseases during the month of October.
VA health facilities struggling to care for female veterans
During a month when the focus of the country has turned to breast cancer awareness and women’s health care in general, a report released by the Government Accountability Office admits that the state of health care for female vets at veteran’s facilities throughout the country is less than adequate.
While the study reports that most Department of Veterans Administration (VA) facilities offer basic services for veterans of the female persuasion, such as gynecological exams, many lack a number of other fundamental elements, such as private check-in areas for women, exam rooms that provide an appropriate degree of privacy, and even rest rooms with sanitary napkin dispensers. As a matter of fact, only about one-third of all VA treatment centers offer a separate space for women to receive gynecological, mental health and social work services, according to Patricia Hayes of the Women's Veterans Health Strategic Healthcare Group.
There are currently 1.8 million female veterans in the United States with an average age of about 47. A large portion of these women consistently seek health care services from Veterans Administration facilities but are often disappointed when their expectations aren’t met.
Historically, this isn’t the only area in which VA hospitals and other government healthcare facilities have fallen short. The VA has failed to meet the needs of veterans in the past as well, including those who were injured by Agent Orange during the Vietnam War and those who worked in asbestos-laden World War II shipyards and later developed mesothelioma. Mesothelioma navy veterans often needed to fight for their rights for benefits as victims of this disease, which was acquired during their service to the country, and were often disappointed in the VA’s response to their dilemma.
As Veteran’s Day approaches, physicians like Dr. Harvey Pass of the New York University Division of Thoracic Surgery continue to treat veterans who suffer from mesothelioma developed due to exposure during military service. Dr. Pass, founder of the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation, concentrates on early detection research, which will allow veterans who were exposed to asbestos to receive a diagnosis before it’s too late to treat the disease successfully.
Nearby at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, doctors there continue to look for new ways to treat the disease. The Sloan Kettering mesothelioma program is one of the best in the country and an excellent place for veterans to turn to learn more about clinical trials and treatment options for this aggressive disease.
Military mom finds comfort in her son's final moments
In a small close-knit town in northern Virginia, family, friends, coaches and teachers, line the streets to say ‘Thank you’ to a young community member who lost his life on October 3rd in a Taliban attack on a remote outpost in eastern Afghanistan.
Stephan Mace, 21, of Purcellville, Virginia, was in involved in the deadliest battle for U.S. troops in Afghanistan since July 2008. Mace, along with seven others, battled Taliban insurgents for a total of 12 hours, with the most vicious fighting lasting seven of those twelve. All eight soldiers involved were assigned to the 3rd Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, and 4th Infantry Division, based at Fort Carson, Colorado.
Just three days after the deadly battle, Vanessa Mace attended the Dignified Transfer of her 21 year old son to be with him on the last leg of his trip home from Dover Air Force Base in Delaware. “I brought him into this world, and he was my baby,” she said. “I thought it was my responsibility as a mother to bring him home.” She sat beside her son’s flag-draped coffin to be with Stephan as they made their journey back to Purcellville, Virginia.
Mace was first deployed in May to Afghanistan, fulfilling his childhood dream of joining the Army. His service to our country would not stop there. He had aspirations of continuing his career by joining the Department of Homeland Security or the CIA. Sadly, these dreams were dissolved upon his burial in Arlington National Cemetery.
Section 60 of Arlington Cemetery holds those who lost their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan. Alongside a military escort, Stephan’s mother met the procession as pallbearers gently placed the casket graveside. Condolences were delivered by high-ranking officials along with friends and family who gathered in remembrance of Spc. Mace.
The ceremony continued as flags were prepared and presented by U.S. Army Brig. Gen Reuben Jones, to his mother Vanessa, father Larry Mace and his grandparents, John and Mary Kay Petro. Stephan’s three brothers, Matthew, Bradley and Christopher stood by their parents as the seven-member firing party launched three volleys. Following a bugler’s “Taps”, a bagpiper played “Amazing Grace.”
Mace’s hometown friends, classmates and teammates mourn his loss, speaking of him as a ‘courageous’ and ‘determined’ young man. Childhood friend and football buddy, Sam Chapman comments, “If more people in this country had the passion and the determination and the courage that Stephan had, it would without a doubt be a better place. He was just a great guy."
Among the 6 medals awarded to him by the Army, including a Purple Heart and Bronze Star, his most precious was the one his mother had given him when he was just fifteen: the medal of St. Christopher, the patron saint of travelers.
These brave individuals that sacrifice their life for our country are among the most respected. Although at first glance, serving our country is extremely heroic and courageous, there is a history of tragedy and long line of casualties as a result. Whether it is in warfare or experienced after your service has commenced, our country’s soldiers are at constant risk.
Yes, warfare is the evident killer of thousands of U.S. soldiers, but there is also the danger of a hidden cause of death. Asbestos contact is one of the leading hazards service members come into contact with while serving our country. This dangerous material was used in every branch of the Armed Forces as insulation, brake and pipe lining, as well as an ingredient in cement, to name a few.
An extremely aggressive form of cancer called mesothelioma is particularly caused by the inhalation of asbestos material. Veterans make up the largest group of individuals who are diagnosed with this form of cancer, mainly due to their high exposure levels while serving the country.
The dangerous, unknowing environment of warfare can be detrimental to not only a person’s health but their life. Losing your life in battle is truly devastating to a soldier’s family, friends and community.
Adelson, a friend of Mace’s who survived the attack was able to give closure to the Mace family. In the last moments of Stephan’s life he reached for the St. Christopher medal his mother had given him and passed it on to his fellow soldiers. "I'm glad Stephan didn't die right away because he was allowed to give that one gift to his unit and give them the St. Christopher and that he also was able to feel God come to him and take him away," Stephan’s mother says, comforted by this detail.
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