Combined Force Captures al-Qaida Operative

From an International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Release KABUL, Afghanistan, June 2, 2011 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force captured an al-Qaida facilitator and two associates in the Nahr-e Shahi district of Afghanistan's Balkh province yesterday, military officials reported. The Pakistan-based attack planner is a close associate of senior al-Qaida insurgents, officials said, and is believed to have been with Osama bin Laden in Afghanistan in 2001. In other operations in Afghanistan yesterday: -- Based on intelligence tips, a combined force detained numerous suspected insurgents in the city of Mazar-e Sharif in Balkh province while searching for a Taliban leader who coordinates and conducts bombing attacks against Afghan government officials and security forces. -- A combined force acting on intelligence information captured a Taliban leader who directs about 45 enemy fighters and one of his associates in Kandahar province's Panjwai district. -- An International Security Assistance Force patrol found and destroyed 99 pounds of marijuana in Kandahar's Panjwai district. -- In Khost province's Sabari district, a combined force captured a Haqqani terrorist network facilitator and two of his associates. The facilitator is responsible for transport of homemade bombs targeting Afghan and coalition forces. The security force found and confiscated an assault rifle with ammunition and a chest rack. -- In Logar province's Baraki Barak district, an Afghan-led combined force detained two suspected insurgents while searching for a Taliban leader responsible for planning attacks targeting Afghan forces and moving weapons and ammunition to other insurgents. -- An Afghan-led combined force in Ghazni province's Gelan district detained numerous suspected insurgents while searching for a Taliban leader who plans bombing attacks targeting Afghan and coalition forces along Highway 1 in Zabul province's Shah Joy district. -- A combined force in Nuristan province's Do Ab district found and confiscated six rocket-propelled grenade rounds, 200 7.62 mm machine-gun rounds, an 82 mm mortar base plate and an assault rifle magazine.

Related Sites: NATO International Security Assistance Force

Labor Department Grants to Provide Veterans Job Training

By Donna Miles American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, June 1, 2011 - As part of an interagency effort to support America's veterans, the Labor Department today announced $37 million in grants to provide job training for about 21,000 veterans, many of them homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. Labor Secretary Hilda L. Solis announced the grants today, awarded to continue successful programs into their second and third years. Twenty-two grants totaling more than $9 million will provide job training to about 4,000 veterans to help them succeed in civilian careers, Labor Department officials said. Those funds, provided through the Veterans Workforce Investment Program, emphasize training in "green" jobs related to energy efficiency and renewable energy, modern electric power development and clean vehicles. "Our veterans sacrifice so much for our country, so it is important that we provide assistance to them when they return home from active duty," Solis said. "These grants will help veterans access the resources they need to find good jobs and build a bright future for themselves and their families." Solis also announced 122 grants totaling more than $28 million to provide job training to about 17,000 veterans who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. These grants, awarded under the Labor Department's Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program, include $4.3 million for the Homeless Female Veterans and Veterans with Families Program and $3.9 million for the Incarcerated Veterans Transition Program that helps veterans who have served time in justice facilities, officials said. Homeless veterans may receive occupational, classroom and on-the-job training, as well as job-search and placement assistance and follow-up services, through the programs. "The Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program is recognized as an extraordinarily efficient and effective program, and is the only federal program that focuses exclusively on employment of veterans who are homeless," Solis said. "I am pleased that the department can assist these veterans and their families." The Labor Department grants are awarded to state and local agencies, boards and nonprofit organizations that have demonstrated through first-year funding their ability to administer effective programs to veterans within their geographic areas, officials said. More information on the Labor Department's unemployment and re-employment programs is posted athttp://www.dol.gov/vets. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Navy Adm. Mike Mullen has been a staunch advocate of programs to support veterans who have transitioned from military service. "They bring home a potential that is unimaginable for the future of our country," he said May 11 at Arizona State University's Phoenix campus. "This is an exceptional group, and they will make a difference for a long time to come." Mullen recognized the Post-9/11 GI Bill as a big step in helping tens of thousands of veterans get the training and education many seek. But he also called communities a key part of helping combat veterans make a smooth transition following wartime service. "If we can just open up our lens to be inclusive of them as they return home, with that little boost, I really believe they will take off and make a huge difference for the future," he said. Meanwhile, Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric K. Shinseki is leading President Barack Obama's effort to eliminate homelessness among veterans by 2015. "As the president has said, 'We're not going to be satisfied until every veteran who has fought for America has a home in America,'" Shinseki told the Marine Corps League in February. "If you wonder what I will be working on for the next several years, this is it. We will end veteran homelessness in 2014." Biographies:  Navy Adm. Mike Mullen Related Sites:  Labor Department

A new life to Mohinder Kaur by Dr. H. S.Bedi

Mohinder Kaur of Dharamshala was admitted to the Christian Medical College & Hospital Ludhiana in a critical condition. She was seen by Dr Mary John – Head of Medicine. 

She had severe stenosis of her valve which had earlier been operated upon 20 years back. Due to the valve disease her lungs were full of water and were not able to exchange oxygen. Consultation with Dr Harinder Singh Bedi–Head of Cardio Vascular & Thoracic Surgery – was done and a high risk emergency operation planned. A redo ie 2^nd time surgery was required. Dr Bedi told that redo surgeries carry a slightly higher risk than first time ones but the risk was compounded by the fact that the patient was so unwell. Surgery could not be delayed as this would have worsened the lungs. The CTVS department of CMC has a large experience of such cases. A marathon surgery was conducted. Dr Bedi said that the valve was grossly calcified and stuck with only a small pinhole opening for the flow of blood. The valve was excised and replaced with the latest generation tissue valve as this gives the best results in such ill patients.

Mrs Mohinder Kaur made a remarkable recovery and celebrated her 30^th wedding anniversary the next day with her son, husband and the whole team (pic) with a special cake.

The other members of the team are Dr A Joseph, Dr A Gupta, Dr V Abraham, Dr Amit, Dr Anuj and Dr Richa,     Dr Mary John and Dr Bedi said that Mrs Mohinder Kaur should now have a normal life. As her new valve is a special one – she will not have to take lifelong medications as with the other metallic valves.

Dr Abraham G Thomas – Director of CMC & H – said that the CMC was committed to give the best care to patients of this region with the availability of superspecialists round the clock. 

Photo: Mrs Mohinder Kaur with her family and Dr Mary John and Dr Harinder Singh Bedi a day after her major open heart surgery. --Shalu Arora and Rector Kathuria