A kid comes walking through the lobby of the outpatient barracks wearing shorts and a t-shirt.
CQ (Charge of Quarters, i.e., the on duty person responsible for the barracks and its patients): Are you on pass? (Civilian clothing may only be worn when on pass.)
Kid: Huh?
CQ: Are you on pass?
Kid: I don't know what that is.
CQ: Are you WTU? (Civlian clothing may be worn by patients here for the 8-week PTSD program. They are then considered WTU instead of MTD patients.)
Kid: Huh?
CQ: Are you WTU?
Kid: I don't know what that is.
CQ: Did you get the briefing?
Kid: Huh?
CQ: The patient inprocessing briefing - did you get it?
Kid: ....
The CQ thinks for a minute, then asks, "Are you a Marine?"
Kid: Yeah.
(Just kidding!! Everyone knows I love the Marines. Especially this one.)
29 June 2010
28 June 2010
Remembering Operation Redwing
Lt. Michael P. Murphy, 29, of Patchogue, New York
STG2 Matthew Axelson, 29, of Cupertino, CA
GM2 Danny Dietz 26, of Littleton, Colorado
Nightstalkers:
Staff Sgt. Shamus O. Goare, 29, of Danville, Ohio
Chief Warrant Officer Corey J. Goodnature, 35, of Clarks Grove, Minnesota.
Sgt. Kip A. Jacoby, 21, of Pompano Beach, Florida
Sgt. 1st Class Marcus V. Muralles, 33, of Shelbyville, Indiana
Master Sgt. James W. Ponder III, 36, of Franklin, Tennessee
Maj. Stephen C. Reich, 34, of Washington Depot, Connecticut.
Sgt. 1st Class Michael L. Russell, 31, of Stafford, Virginia
Chief Warrant Officer Chris J. Scherkenbach, 40, of Jacksonville, Florida
SEALs:
FCC Jacques J. Fontan, 36, of New Orleans, Louisiana
ITCS Daniel R. Healy, 36, of Exeter, New Hampshire
Lt. Cmdr. Erik S. Kristensen, 33, of San Diego, California
ET1 Jeffery A. Lucas, 33, of Corbett, Oregon
Lt. Michael M. McGreevy, Jr., 30, of Portville, New York
QM2 James E. Suh, 28, of Deerfield Beach, Florida
HM1 Jeffrey S. Taylor, 30, of Midway, West Virginia
MM2 Shane E. Patton, 22, of Boulder City, Nevada
Killed in action Kunar Province, Afghanistan June 28, 2005.
We will love you and miss you always.
The Lone Survivor:
PO2, later SO1 Marcus Luttrell
The Prince and the Marine
Geez, do you think Todd will remember us "little people" after this? :-)
Yesterday Prince Harry took part in the five-mile Achilles Hope and Possibility Race through New York's Central Park. The organization, Achilles International, formed the Achilles Freedom Team of Wounded Veterans to help recently-wounded veterans from Afghanistan and Iraq take part on races across the United States.
Prince Harry has been on a three-day tour with a strong focus on finding ways for British and American veteran support organizations to work together.
...
Prince Harry walked 1.7 miles of the course through Central Park. He was accompanied by security staff and a number of disabled veterans.
At one point, Prince Harry helped to push U.S. Marine veteran, Corporal Todd Nicely, in his wheelchair. Corporal Nicely lost all four limbs in March when he stepped on an explosive device.
Previous, read more about Todd's amazing recovery:
Marine Corporal Todd Nicely update
"They got me home"
One of our Marines could use your prayers
Australian Task Force leadership visits wounded soldiers in Germany
Defense Media Release, Monday, 28 June 2010
Middle East Commander visits wounded soldiers in Germany
The Commander and Regimental Sergeant Major of Australia’s Joint Task Force 633 have visited seven Australian commandos who continue to receive treatment for wounds they sustained in a helicopter crash on June 21.
Major General John Cantwell and Warrant Officer Class One Don Spinks made the flight into Germany over the weekend to see the soldiers in the US Army’s Landstuhl Regional Medical Center and pass on their best wishes.
Major General Cantwell said the soldiers were receiving first-class care from a team of very experienced and well-resourced medical staff at the facility.
“The latest medical assessment confirms two soldiers remain in a critical condition with very serious injuries, with the other five in a satisfactory condition,” Major General Cantwell said.
“The wounded soldiers still have a long way to go given they were involved in a very serious helicopter crash but they have received excellent care in Afghanistan and here in Germany.”
Major General Cantwell and Warrant Officer Class One Spinks also took the opportunity to speak with families of the wounded soldiers who had been moved to Germany to be with their loved ones.
“It has been a really tough week for the families and I assured them that the thoughts of the entire ADF family are with them. I know they are confident we are doing everything we can to assist the soldiers,” Major General Cantwell said.
“As the Commander I consider the care and welfare of these families part of my responsibility and I’m doing everything I can to ensure that they are being looked after as well.”
You may remember MG Cantwell from this recent post about the Australian SOTG's offensive in Shah Wali Kot, which included the video below. I knew he looked familiar but (as usual!) couldn't place him until afterwards. The nurses say he spent a good amount of time with each patient and his family, which is as it should be. We wish the soldiers all the best for a speedy recovery and a safe flight home. Proud to stand with you, Australia!
27 June 2010
Kandahar MEDEVAC
Justin Sullivan continues to provide excellent photography during his long embed with TF Shadow MEDEVAC. The series above is from the medical evacuation of the same badly wounded Soldier. Much more of Sullivan's work can be found on Getty's site.
24 June 2010
The Long Salute
The Long Salute
The bullets of morality fire more true than our lead’: Lone Marine honors veterans on Memorial Day
By Cpl. Scott Schmidt
WASHINGTON – Now and again a person may stumble across events that will impact their life with the force of a wrecking ball. For Staff Sgt. Tim Chambers, he found himself overwhelmed with indecision tearing his mind in every direction.
His quandary: how to reach each and every veteran’s emotions and heal their pain with respect and compassion.
Chambers’ spontaneous march into the middle of the street seven years ago to render honors to the thousands of veterans riding in Rolling Thunder was his answer. A salute was his method.
During the ride that takes place Memorial Day weekend every year, Chambers stands with his hand on his makeshift memorial at 23rd and Constitution Avenue and the lone Marine addresses the crowd.
“This is for my brothers and sisters and your fellow patriots. It stands here in honor of those in Iraq and Afghanistan. This is their memorial,” he said.
Boots, a rifle, flack jacket and Kevlar were displayed proudly at his feet. Families of fallen service members donated personal effects of their loved ones to symbolize their body and spirit.
“The bullets of morality fire more true than our lead,” continued Chambers. “I stand here to show respect and welcome these veterans home who returned at a time filled with negative sentiment for their service. We have not forgotten.”
The rolling thunder from thousands of motorcycles emerged from Memorial Bridge and Chambers’ heels slammed together, his fist lined his trouser seam and his right hand snapped to a stern salute perfectly aligned with his brow.
By noon, sunshine engulfed the morning mist and echoes of encouragement joined with the roar of engines in a symphony of compassion as the Rolling Thunder procession made their way through the district.
As veterans rode passed Chambers, shouts of “Semper Fi” and “Ooh-rah” emerged through the rumble of exhausts.
“Semper Fi, thank you for your service,” Chambers replied while looking directly into their eyes.
Chambers later said that it look as if many of the veterans’ eyes who rode by still had remnants of the thousand yard stare acquired in combat. However, Chambers’ eyes held the thousand yard stare of sincerity.
“I haven’t been deployed so I have to do everything, everything I can to make a difference on the home front. I can’t grasp what these and current combat veterans have gone through but I can keep giving what I do,” he explained.
Occasionally veterans, some wearing jean jackets weighed down with patches, medals and patriotic pins, would stop his bike and march to Chambers’ position to show his gratitude by returning a salute.
“I consider it my homecoming,” said Robert L. Seltz, who served as a corporal from October 1970 to April 1972 in Vietnam. “Seeing staff sergeant up there gives me pride. I want to stick my chest out, walk taller and hold my head high.”
Seltz explained that over the years, seeing Chambers’ strength standing for hours has given some veterans, including himself, the courage to finally confront the pain they kept inside for so long.
After an hour of holding his salute, discomfort began to set in. Salt rings grew around his collar and his face turned dark red, but he did not falter as there were still thousands of veterans left to honor.
“I do this for the pain,” he explained. “It’s all about the pain. A lot of these guys still hurt and if I can relieve their pain through mine just for one brief moment, then I’ve done my job.”
After three hours and seven minutes, the statuesque Marine stumbled back and dropped to his knees as the last motorcycle passed. He stood slowly regaining his strength and balance and placed his hand on the memorial then closed his eyes and prayed.
Throughout the day hundreds of emotional veterans thanked him for his efforts and shook his hand. Each time Chambers said, “No, it was my pleasure. Thank you.”
Before the ride began, veterans threw and placed flowers at Chambers’ feet in a salute to him, but the flowers took on an unintended and more profound symbolism for one girl. As he stumbled back from exhaustion, a young red-headed girl walked up to Chambers wearing emotions on her face.
“Thank you so much, my name is McKenzie,” she told him. “I lost my father in Iraq five days ago…” she buried her face into Chambers’ shoulder.
After a long embrace, he walked with her to where the flowers were thrown and whispered, “These were thrown down here for your father. You may never hear this but he was a hero. He preserved freedom and left behind a legacy of leadership that will continue to save lives.”
Chambers said he never found out her full name or who her father was, but he will remember the moment for the rest of his life.
Chambers said coming to Washington for the past seven years has been quite a journey. This year, he accompanied Carry the Flame, a non-profit organization raising awareness about the needs of veterans, through every state across Interstate 40 and participated in the name readings of the fallen from Iraq and Afghanistan, rendering a salute at each location. The journey also lead him to console and break bread with more than 200 ‘Gold Star’ families.
“When you meet a gold star mom, time stops,” explained Chamber’s wife Juls. “They have given so much and have made the biggest sacrifice of their son’s and daughters to America. It is just as important to honor the families as it is to honor the fallen.”
Chambers said his determination to thank each and every veteran is what drove him to this street seven years ago and is what keeps him going today.
Chambers said the events on Sept. 11, 2001, helped instill the conviction to stand on the corner of 23rd and Constitution Avenue for so many hours.
“I’ll be here for the rest of my life. The only thing that can take me away would be a deployment,” Chambers said.
Chambers has ambitious goals for next year’s Memorial Day and hopes he can reach out to even more veterans than ever before.
“I want to line the side of the street with children saluting the veterans as they pass,” explained Chambers. “The median spanning the whole street will be filled with dedications from ‘Gold Star’ families of their loved ones and perhaps one day these items will grace a memorial dedicated to the heroism of the generation fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan.”
H/t Shelle Michaels and Carrie Costantini
Marine Corporal Todd Nicely update
Love you Todd, Crystal, Julie, and family!!
The Depatment of Defense covers expenses for Todd's immediate family in Washington, D.C. but they will suffer a loss of income during their stay. Many other members of this large and loving family face repeated trips from their homes to the D.C. area to spend time with Todd as he recovers.
Donations are being accepted to support Todd and his family.
Bank wire transfer:
Navy Federal Credit Union
Routing # 2560-7497-4
AC # 3021742329
Checks may be made out to:
Todd A. Nicely Donations
Send to:
Todd A. Nicely
6900 Georgia Ave, NW
Abrams Hall Box 4207
Washington DC 20307
Previous:
"They got me home"
One of our Marines could use your prayers
23 June 2010
Band of Brothers: The General is a Soldier
A message from Patti Patton-Bader, Soldiers' Angels Founder.
Thank you for your service, Sir.
Our thoughts and prayers go out for General McChrystal, the brave leader of our troops in Afghanistan who probably needs some friends right now. He has served his country during a very difficult time, with an unimaginable weight of responsibility for lives both civilian and military resting on his shoulders.
Like his great predecessor with whom I share a name, he has found that the intersection of war and politics has its own challenges.
The Soldiers' Angels spirit is to have the backs of all our soldiers, from the lowliest private right up through the generals. We don’t take a stand on politics/policy or on conflicts up or down the chain of command, but we always remember that these are real people fighting a really hard war.
The General has done what he believed needed to be done in leading that war and we support him for that. Our support is not about politics. It’s about a Soldier who has served to the best of his abilities and who has our appreciation and love for having done so.
I can only Imagine what General Patton would be saying during these times, and how many times he would be called to the Big Office himself.
Thank you for your service, Sir.
21 June 2010
California DUSTOFF Guardsmen honored with Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross
California Guardsmen honored with Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross
By Brandon Honig, California National Guard
SACRAMENTO, Calif., (6/15/10) -- Hovering 70 feet over a battle zone, about to be lowered to the ground on a cable dangling from his helicopter, medic Staff Sgt. Emmett Spraktes drummed up the necessary courage by picturing the parents of the injured Soldiers below.
“We’re up there, and we know we can’t land and there’s a risk, but I imagine looking into the eyes of a [Soldier’s] parent and saying, ‘I can’t do this,’” Spraktes recalled. "How could I talk to the mother or father of one these boys and say, 'I was just too afraid to go’?"
Moments later, when the cable stopped moving only partway to the ground — making Spraktes a sitting target above the battlefield — it was his own children who came to mind.
“When I was hanging, I thought I would never get out of there. I was convinced this would be the end of me,” he said. “'This is all my children are going to know of me — everything we've had up to this time.’”
He called up to Crew Chief Staff Sgt. Thomas A. Gifford: “Tell my children I love them.”
“You love me?” came the confused response.
“Not you, you idiot!” Spraktes yelled. “My kids!” The men shared a momentary laugh amid the gunfire, and then the cable started moving again.
Spraktes reached the ground intact with explosions and gun bursts echoing all around him and went to work on the three injured patients as his UH-60 Black Hawk crew flew to safety. This was only the beginning.
After tending to the most severely injured patient, Spraktes called for the Black Hawk to return to his location to pick up the injured Soldier and fly him to a nearby base.
The Black Hawk delivered the patient then returned and picked up two more injured Soldiers — again leaving Spraktes behind to care for and defend the Soldiers on the ground.
"By the grace of God, we were not hit," said co-pilot Chief Warrant Officer Scott St. Aubin. "I have no idea how you miss a giant Black Hawk helicopter. It was really surreal."
After dropping off patients for the second time, the Black Hawk returned to find that Spraktes was treating two Soldiers for dehydration. He again deferred his place on the aircraft to the injured Soldiers and sent the Black Hawk on its way, this time telling the crew he would stay on the ground and return to base on foot.
Spraktes’ crew would hear nothing of it, though, and returned to the dangerous location for a sixth time to perform yet another combat hoist extraction, finally bringing Spraktes to safety.
“I told the pilots I wasn’t leaving him,” Gifford said. “I was just doing my job and trying to get our guys out. [Medical evacuation] is a very dangerous job — there’s always somebody trying to shoot you down and stop you from what you’re trying to do.”
What a story. Much more about these heroes at the link.
20 June 2010
"They got me home"
From the the spouse of an American Hero:
My name is Crystal Nicely, and my husband Marine Cpl Todd Nicely was severely wounded during his tour in Afghanistan this past March 2010. Todd stepped on an IED (improvised explosive device) which was embedded in to the ground. When he placed his foot on the device it triggered, doing a lot of damage. Now I do thank the Lord for the fellow Marines who utilized their abilities to save his life, for if it were not for them he would not have made it.
The explosion resulted in amputation of portions of all four of his limbs. His jaw was broken in two places.
Crystal continues:
Now, I know it's a lot to take in... at first your mind takes you to the worst place... but I can say that when I saw him for the first time all I saw was the man whom I fell in love with, my best friend, and the man I'm going to grow old with. Todd is not only a wonderful husband, but a son who I'm almost certain was a handful...
After regaining consciousness at Maryland's Bethesda Naval Medical Center, one of the first things Todd requested was a beer. The doctors allowed him a few sips.
Todd's swift progress is an amazing testimony to his strength, determination, and courage. He began using arm prosthetics mere weeks after the explosion that nearly took his life and just last week stood up on his "stubbies", the first step to full-length leg prosthetics. Most of Todd's time is spent as an outpatient. Recently, he flew to North Carolina to welcome the Marines from his unit back home.
Todd and his family are still at the very beginning of a long journey that will involve a year or more at Walter Reed Army Medical Center as he heals and learns to use his prosthetics. During this time he will draw on the strength of his loved ones. His wife, parents and siblings are committed to being there for him. His brother Ricky, who had planned to enlist in the Army, now plans to remain with Todd as long as needed.
The Depatment of Defense covers expenses for Todd's immediate family in Washington, D.C. but they will suffer a loss of income during their stay. Many other members of this large and loving family face repeated trips from their homes to the D.C. area to spend time with Todd as he recovers.
This is where you come in, as written by veteran David Bellavia just after hearing of Todd's injury.
I pray that Todd never has to live a day where he is not reminded of his greatness. I pray that someone is there to hold him and thank him for his sacrifice, before Todd can thank them for their aid. I pray that Todd will have a job that pays him what he is worth to all of us.
And that he never has to question his worth in this world.
Todd Nicely is what makes America great. While his peers prepared to better themselves in college, he bettered his nation with his service. And that love for his nation led him into combat that has forever broken his body.
It is the responsibility for the survivors, for those he bled protecting, to make sure that his spirit never suffers the same fate.
Donations are being accepted to support Todd and his family.
Bank wire transfer:
Navy Federal Credit Union
Routing # 2560-7497-4
AC # 3021742329
Checks may be made out to:
Todd A. Nicely Donations
Send to:
Todd A. Nicely
6900 Georgia Ave, NW
Abrams Hall Box 4207
Washington DC 20307
Todd has given almost everything to protect America, and it’s time for America to give back. In the middle of this war, he stepped up and led with his actions. Please step up and show Todd your gratitude, appreciation, and faith in his future by supporting him and his family during the long journey ahead.
From Todd via his wife Crystal:
"Thank you so much. I second everything my wife has stated on my behalf. And for the people who keep telling me that "they don't know what to say to me"... well, I can't find the words to express how much your caring and understanding means to me... so I'll just say 'thank you.'"
Shortly after arriving at Bethesda Naval Medical Center, Todd was asked if he had a message for his fellow Marines back in Afghanistan. "Tell them... ", he said, "Tell them they got me home."
Previous:
One of our Marines could use your prayers
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