Archive | DoD News

National Park Week – Explore America the Beautiful

Filed under DoD News by jtozer on April 24, 2012 at 7:49 am {no comments}

Looking for something fun, free, and fantastic to do with family and friends? Head out to America’s national parks where millions of stars light up the dark night sky, deer and antelope (and a few other critters!) play on the wide open range, and history is an unbelievable experience.

During National Park Week, April 21-29, ALL 397 of your national parks offer free admission, all week long!

The National Park Service is proud to once again join with the National Park Foundation, the official charity of America’s national parks, to present National Park Week.

You can plan your visit by what you want to do, or where you want to go, or you can browse our event calendar and check out the special programs offered that week.

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Michael Kacer Warrior Games Participant

Filed under DoD News by jtozer on April 24, 2012 at 7:32 am {no comments}

By Natasha Schleper
From Joint Hometown News

Michael Kacer was wounded in 2010, while serving in Afghanistan. His injuries resulted in the loss of his left arm. His recovery is on-going, his method for healing is training for and competing in a unique sporting event – The Olympic -sanctioned Warrior Games. We introduced you to Michael, a local veteran as he trains, meets other wounded service members and heals.

The Angels of Bataan

Filed under DoD News by jtozer on April 24, 2012 at 7:02 am {no comments}

Story as told by Elizabeth M. Collins, Soldiers Magazine

Army nurses board evacuated trucks, February 12, 1945, after they were liberated from a civilian internment camp at Santo Tomas University in Manila, Philippines, where they had been imprisoned by the Japanese for almost three years. (Photo courtesy of the U.S. Army Center of Military History)

They called themselves the Battling Belles of Bataan, but to the GIs fighting a desperate and doomed battle for the Philippines in 1941 and 1942, and later to their fellow civilian internees, they were, simply, angels.

The Angels of Bataan and Corregidor, as they’re best known, were a group of 88 Army nurses and 12 Navy nurses stationed in the Philippines in early December 1941. “They were trailblazers for women in the military, for the Army Nurse Corps,” said nurse and ANC historian Lt. Col. Nancy Cantrell. “They set the example for the rest of the services. Their story told the world … that women are tough, they can serve in combat and they can survive.”

The nurses hadn’t received any military or survival training and only held relative rank. Most were the equivalent of second lieutenants, albeit with far lower pay, and were universally addressed as “Miss.”

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The Doctor Is In – Medication Take Back Day

Filed under DoD News, Medical Monday by jtozer on April 23, 2012 at 10:31 am {no comments}

Brigadier General W. Bryan Gamble, M.D. Deputy Director TRICARE Management Activity

Prescription drug misuse is one of the leading causes of accidental death in the U.S. but that can be changed by proper disposal of unwanted, unused or expired medications. On April 28th, the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) is sponsoring National Medication Take Back Day to provide a safe venue to get rid of these medications.

According to the DEA, excess medications left at home are highly susceptible to accidental ingestion, misuse and abuse. The Partnership for a Drug Free America reports that approximately 2,500 teens use prescription drugs to get high for the first time every day. Studies show a majority of prescription drug abusers obtain these drugs from family and friends and the home medicine cabinet. Improper disposal, such as throwing medication in the garbage, can also lead to environmental contamination and unsafe drinking water.

The DEA take back program addresses this vital public safety and health issue. During the last DEA sponsored take back day in October 2011, Americans turned in almost 200 tons of unwanted or expired medications at more than 5,000 sites across the country.

To locate a collection site near you, visit this site and click on the “Collection Site Locator” link. In addition, many military installations are participating in the event, such as Fort Hood, Texas; Fort Carson, Colorado; the Naval Medical Center, San Diego; and Fort Benning, Georgia.

Prescription and over-the-counter solid dosage medications, like tablets and capsules are accepted although intravenous solutions, injectables and needles are not. Illicit substances such as marijuana or methamphetamine are not a part of this program.

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Army Reserve Chief Visits Soldiers in Afghanistan

Filed under DoD News by jtozer on April 23, 2012 at 7:56 am {no comments}

How about a visit from your commanding general to make the day more interesting? Lt. General Jack C. Stultz, chief of the Army Reserve, speaks to troops during a town hall meeting at Kandahar’s fest tent. He’s there to hear what’s on the minds of reserve soldiers, and to bring back first-hand knowledge of their efforts to Congress.

“When I testify before Congress, when I speak to the Chief of Staff of the Army or the Chairmen of the Joint Chiefs, [I want to know] what are the issues that I need to understand that they need me to address for them?” said Lt. Gen. Stultz of his troops. “So it’s a two-way street. I come in and say things to them, but then let them tell me what they need.”

Having a commanding general like Lt. Gen. Stultz interested in what you have to say? Well that isn’t bad at all.

By Sgt. Crystal Madriz, AFN Afghanistan