Aspiring Writers
Red Cross Solicits Donations for Walter Reed Patients
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Sept. 3, 2003 – The American Red Cross office at Walter Reed
Army Medical Center here is seeking donations for patients being treated at
the facility for injuries received during Operations Iraqi Freedom, Enduring
Freedom and Noble Eagle.
The three operations represent U.S. military action in Iraq and Afghanistan,
as well as homeland defense and civil support activities in the United States
in support of the war against terrorism.
Barbara Green, Red Cross station manager at Walter Reed, said the 123
such patients who are hospitalized or undergoing outpatient treatment at the
facility have the basics they need, but could use a few things to make their
hospital stays more comfortable.
"We're especially in need of items like telephone cards so they're able to call
home, luggage that rolls on wheels, and comfortable clothing that they can
wear to make them as comfortable as possible when they're undergoing
physical therapy and other treatment," she said.
The most-needed clothing items, Green said, are new men's and women's
clothing in all sizes, particularly T-shirts, shorts, sweatpants, sweatshirts,
athletic socks, men's briefs and boxer underwear, and women's sports bras.
Also on the Red Cross wish list are shower shoes and boxes of note cards
with stamps. No food goods are requested.
Green said patients are "ecstatic" when they receive the gifts, presented by
Red Cross volunteers in a gift kit that includes a phone card, prepackaged
snacks, letters sent from the public, and personal hygiene items donated by
the Red Cross. "Our volunteers make it clear that the donations are from the
American public -- a way of saying 'thank you' for their service," she said.
To participate in the drive, mail donations to: American Red Cross,
Walter Reed Army Medical Center, 6900 Georgia Avenue NW,
Washington, DC 20307.
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Sept. 3, 2003 – The American Red Cross office at Walter Reed
Army Medical Center here is seeking donations for patients being treated at
the facility for injuries received during Operations Iraqi Freedom, Enduring
Freedom and Noble Eagle.
The three operations represent U.S. military action in Iraq and Afghanistan,
as well as homeland defense and civil support activities in the United States
in support of the war against terrorism.
Barbara Green, Red Cross station manager at Walter Reed, said the 123
such patients who are hospitalized or undergoing outpatient treatment at the
facility have the basics they need, but could use a few things to make their
hospital stays more comfortable.
"We're especially in need of items like telephone cards so they're able to call
home, luggage that rolls on wheels, and comfortable clothing that they can
wear to make them as comfortable as possible when they're undergoing
physical therapy and other treatment," she said.
The most-needed clothing items, Green said, are new men's and women's
clothing in all sizes, particularly T-shirts, shorts, sweatpants, sweatshirts,
athletic socks, men's briefs and boxer underwear, and women's sports bras.
Also on the Red Cross wish list are shower shoes and boxes of note cards
with stamps. No food goods are requested.
Green said patients are "ecstatic" when they receive the gifts, presented by
Red Cross volunteers in a gift kit that includes a phone card, prepackaged
snacks, letters sent from the public, and personal hygiene items donated by
the Red Cross. "Our volunteers make it clear that the donations are from the
American public -- a way of saying 'thank you' for their service," she said.
To participate in the drive, mail donations to: American Red Cross,
Walter Reed Army Medical Center, 6900 Georgia Avenue NW,
Washington, DC 20307.
DoD Approves use of Ceremonial Bugle
The Department of Defense announced today it has approved the
use of the ceremonial bugle as an alternative to the recorded version
of Taps played on stereo at military funerals. The decision was
made by the Principal Deputy Under Secretary of Defense Charles
S. Abell based on positive survey results from a six-month test of
the bugle.
The ceremonial bugle consists of a small cone-shaped device inserted
deep into the bell of a bugle that plays an exceptionally high-quality
rendition of Taps that is virtually indistinguishable from a live
bugler. The department worked with private industry to invent the
bugle.
Missouri was selected to test the bugle because of its well-
established state-run military funeral honors program. The test was
conducted from Nov. 2002 to May 2003. Fifty prototype bugles
were distributed to military units and other authorized providers of
funeral honors, such as veterans’ service organizations. During the
test, family members and honor guard members were surveyed to
gauge the dependability and acceptability of the ceremonial bugle.
The resulting data indicated that the system is reliable and endorsed
by over 96 percent of the families surveyed.
The ceremonial bugle will be offered to families as an alternative to
the pre-recorded Taps played on a stereo, but will not be used as a
substitute for a live bugler when one is available. Live buglers will
continue to play at veterans’ funerals whenever available.
The Department of Defense provides military funeral honors free of
charge to thousands of veterans’ families each year. The ceremonial
bugle is intended to enhance the dignity of military funeral honors.
These honors demonstrate the nation’s deep gratitude to those who,
in times of war and peace, have honorable served their country. The
ceremonial paying of respect is a final tribute to their service.
For more information on the bugle, click on http://www.
ceremonialbugle.com.
The Department of Defense announced today it has approved the
use of the ceremonial bugle as an alternative to the recorded version
of Taps played on stereo at military funerals. The decision was
made by the Principal Deputy Under Secretary of Defense Charles
S. Abell based on positive survey results from a six-month test of
the bugle.
The ceremonial bugle consists of a small cone-shaped device inserted
deep into the bell of a bugle that plays an exceptionally high-quality
rendition of Taps that is virtually indistinguishable from a live
bugler. The department worked with private industry to invent the
bugle.
Missouri was selected to test the bugle because of its well-
established state-run military funeral honors program. The test was
conducted from Nov. 2002 to May 2003. Fifty prototype bugles
were distributed to military units and other authorized providers of
funeral honors, such as veterans’ service organizations. During the
test, family members and honor guard members were surveyed to
gauge the dependability and acceptability of the ceremonial bugle.
The resulting data indicated that the system is reliable and endorsed
by over 96 percent of the families surveyed.
The ceremonial bugle will be offered to families as an alternative to
the pre-recorded Taps played on a stereo, but will not be used as a
substitute for a live bugler when one is available. Live buglers will
continue to play at veterans’ funerals whenever available.
The Department of Defense provides military funeral honors free of
charge to thousands of veterans’ families each year. The ceremonial
bugle is intended to enhance the dignity of military funeral honors.
These honors demonstrate the nation’s deep gratitude to those who,
in times of war and peace, have honorable served their country. The
ceremonial paying of respect is a final tribute to their service.
For more information on the bugle, click on http://www.
ceremonialbugle.com.
Mr. Lou Dobbs of CNN (TM) reported on a young soldier on his broadcast
last night. Here is what he had to say.
'Heroes'
We introduced U.S. Army Spec. Hilario Bermanis during our "Heroes"
segment that aired September 19. Bermanis, a soldier with the 82nd Airborne
Division, lost three of his limbs during his tour of duty in Iraq. Below is
information on how you can contribute to his recovery.
Hilario Bermanis Fund
Bank of America
MD9-946-01-01
8788 Georgia Ave.
Silver Spring, Maryland 20910
Acct. # 003939798367
Intl. Routing # NABKUS33CHA
Fisher House Opens 3rd Home at Walter Reed Hospital
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, April 28, 2004 – There is no better example for the need
for Fisher Houses than Hilario Bermanez.
The young soldier was hit by small-arms fire and rocket-propelled
grenades in Iraq. He lost both legs and his left arm, and he suffered
various other wounds.
Bermanez is from the State of Pohnpei – a part of the Federated States
of Micronesia. When he was wounded, the military notified his family. His
father and mother flew to his side, first in Germany and then here at
Walter Reed Army Medical Center.
His parents have stayed at the Fisher House on the grounds of Walter Reed
for almost a year as they help him get better. They could not have stayed
by their son's side without the Fisher House facility.
The Fisher House provides a place for many families as they visit with
soldiers, sailors, Marines, airmen and Coast Guardsmen receiving treatment at
military medical facilities. The Fisher House Foundation, founded 13 years
ago by Zachary and Elizabeth Fisher, takes into account the special
circumstance of military life. Often service members must travel hundreds or
thousands of miles for medical care. These houses are homes for the families
as their loved one undergoes treatment.
There are now 32 Fisher Houses in the United States and Germany.
The foundation is dedicated "to our greatest national treasure … our military
service men and women and their loved ones."
With that need in mind, Joint Chiefs Chairman Air Force Gen. Richard B.
Myers helped open Walter Reed's third Fisher House today. "To me, being
here signifies a couple of things," the chairman said during the dedication
ceremony. "First, the generous nature of our citizens. Another is a testimony
for those who are willing to sacrifice their all for our defense and our
freedom."
Myers thanked the Avon Foundation for its generous gift that built the
house. More than 600,000 Avon sales representatives sold Yellow Ribbon
pins with all profits going to the Yellow Ribbon Fund. The fund raised more
than $3 million of which $500,000 went to build the Fisher House. "Those
who support the Fisher House with their donations of time and money are
really making a difference in the lives or our service men and women and their
families," Myers said.
"This generosity is inspiring and it is extremely important given that we're
facing a threat. … This threat of fear is the most important threat facing our
nation, perhaps ever," Myers said. "One of the ways you defeat this is you
show resolve. These houses show our resolve as the American people – our
resolve to take care of those who are willing to go forth and sacrifice.
"Terrorists want to replace that resolve with their terror and their fear," he
continued. "But you're not going to let them do that. This has huge meaning
in terms of what this country thinks is important."
The Fisher House is more than just a hotel. Kenneth Fisher, the foundation's
chairman of the board of trustees, said it is a place where people can come to
share with other people in need. Fisher House 3 already has family members
living there. And they watch out for each other.
The families baby-sit for each other and share triumph and tragedy together.
The houses are "homes" where families can go for respite, said one woman
from California visiting her son.
The houses fill a large need for families visiting service members. For
example, at Walter Reed – the Army's pre-eminent medical care facility –
there are currently 260 individuals receiving outpatient care and 70 receiving
inpatient care due to wounds or accidents suffered while serving in operations
Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. This is in addition to service members
suffering from other life-threatening illnesses, training accidents or vehicle
accidents.
last night. Here is what he had to say.
'Heroes'
We introduced U.S. Army Spec. Hilario Bermanis during our "Heroes"
segment that aired September 19. Bermanis, a soldier with the 82nd Airborne
Division, lost three of his limbs during his tour of duty in Iraq. Below is
information on how you can contribute to his recovery.
Hilario Bermanis Fund
Bank of America
MD9-946-01-01
8788 Georgia Ave.
Silver Spring, Maryland 20910
Acct. # 003939798367
Intl. Routing # NABKUS33CHA
Fisher House Opens 3rd Home at Walter Reed Hospital
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, April 28, 2004 – There is no better example for the need
for Fisher Houses than Hilario Bermanez.
The young soldier was hit by small-arms fire and rocket-propelled
grenades in Iraq. He lost both legs and his left arm, and he suffered
various other wounds.
Bermanez is from the State of Pohnpei – a part of the Federated States
of Micronesia. When he was wounded, the military notified his family. His
father and mother flew to his side, first in Germany and then here at
Walter Reed Army Medical Center.
His parents have stayed at the Fisher House on the grounds of Walter Reed
for almost a year as they help him get better. They could not have stayed
by their son's side without the Fisher House facility.
The Fisher House provides a place for many families as they visit with
soldiers, sailors, Marines, airmen and Coast Guardsmen receiving treatment at
military medical facilities. The Fisher House Foundation, founded 13 years
ago by Zachary and Elizabeth Fisher, takes into account the special
circumstance of military life. Often service members must travel hundreds or
thousands of miles for medical care. These houses are homes for the families
as their loved one undergoes treatment.
There are now 32 Fisher Houses in the United States and Germany.
The foundation is dedicated "to our greatest national treasure … our military
service men and women and their loved ones."
With that need in mind, Joint Chiefs Chairman Air Force Gen. Richard B.
Myers helped open Walter Reed's third Fisher House today. "To me, being
here signifies a couple of things," the chairman said during the dedication
ceremony. "First, the generous nature of our citizens. Another is a testimony
for those who are willing to sacrifice their all for our defense and our
freedom."
Myers thanked the Avon Foundation for its generous gift that built the
house. More than 600,000 Avon sales representatives sold Yellow Ribbon
pins with all profits going to the Yellow Ribbon Fund. The fund raised more
than $3 million of which $500,000 went to build the Fisher House. "Those
who support the Fisher House with their donations of time and money are
really making a difference in the lives or our service men and women and their
families," Myers said.
"This generosity is inspiring and it is extremely important given that we're
facing a threat. … This threat of fear is the most important threat facing our
nation, perhaps ever," Myers said. "One of the ways you defeat this is you
show resolve. These houses show our resolve as the American people – our
resolve to take care of those who are willing to go forth and sacrifice.
"Terrorists want to replace that resolve with their terror and their fear," he
continued. "But you're not going to let them do that. This has huge meaning
in terms of what this country thinks is important."
The Fisher House is more than just a hotel. Kenneth Fisher, the foundation's
chairman of the board of trustees, said it is a place where people can come to
share with other people in need. Fisher House 3 already has family members
living there. And they watch out for each other.
The families baby-sit for each other and share triumph and tragedy together.
The houses are "homes" where families can go for respite, said one woman
from California visiting her son.
The houses fill a large need for families visiting service members. For
example, at Walter Reed – the Army's pre-eminent medical care facility –
there are currently 260 individuals receiving outpatient care and 70 receiving
inpatient care due to wounds or accidents suffered while serving in operations
Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. This is in addition to service members
suffering from other life-threatening illnesses, training accidents or vehicle
accidents.
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