 | Vice President Joe Biden greets a participant at the opening ceremonies for the 25th National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic in Snowmass Village, Colo., March 27, 2011. VA photo by Robert Turtil |
 | Vice President Joe Biden addresses more than 350 disabled veterans, as well as family members, staff and volunteers, at opening ceremonies for the 25th National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic in Snowmass Village, Colo., March 27, 2011. VA photo by Jeff Bowen |
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Joe Biden greets participants of Winter Sports
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Disabled Veterans Sports Clinic Opens in Colorado
By Donna Miles American Forces Press Service SNOWMASS VILLAGE, Colo., March 28, 2011 - Deputy Veterans Affairs Secretary W. Scott Gould called on more than 350 disabled veterans last night to strive for new heights as they participate here this week in the 25th National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic.
"Those of you who have been here before know why," he told this year's participants, many of whom have served in Iraq and Afghanistan. "Those of you who are new to the clinic will soon know. There is something here for everyone." The clinic, jointly sponsored by the Veterans Affairs Department and DAV, uses recreation as a rehabilitative tool for veterans with disabilities ranging from spinal cord injuries and orthopedic amputations to visual impairment and neurological conditions. As they learn adaptive alpine and Nordic skiing and get introduced to rock climbing, scuba diving, trapshooting, curling, snowmobiling and sled hockey during a five-day program, the veterans' eyes get opened to a whole new world of opportunity. "It is all about redefining possibilities in the life of a seriously wounded veteran," Gould told American Forces Press Service. "This set of events here is all about creating that moment where a veteran looks up at the hill and feels in the pit of their stomach, 'I don't know if I can do this," whether because it's a whole new experience or a first return to the mountain with a disability. "It is all about the camaraderie and the teamwork and the coaxing and the safety and the training and coaching that leads that person to get in the chairlift for the first time and go to the top of the hill," Gould said. "And that moment is very important. It is an experiential kind of learning," he added. "And it moves the veteran from a clinic environment ... to one in which they are guiding their own recovery." Those lessons, he said, will remain with the participants long after they leave Snowmass Mountain and the National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic. "They figure out what they can do next -- the next move, the next challenge," Gould said. "And maybe they take a look at Aspen and say, 'Life has some beautiful qualities to it. My life is changed, but not over.'" Tyson relayed his own experience participating in the clinic and its power in helping disabled veterans focus on their abilities rather than their disabilities. "You will face challenges," he told the group, warning that they're likely to come away from the experience tired, sore, and perhaps even with a few bruises. "But you will come out of it stronger in every possible way," Tyson said. Biden made a surprise appearance at last night's opening ceremony. The previous day he'd thanked the hundreds of volunteers and staff members that work to make the sports clinic a success. Snowmass Village rolled out the red carpet to the participants, hosting the annual "Taste of Aspen" as the event kicked off. | ||
| Biographies: W. Scott Gould Related Sites: National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic Department of Veterans Affairs Disabled American Veterans | ||
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Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Talks with Miss America 2011
(DoD photo by Airman 1st Class Racheal Watson, U.S. Air Force/Released)
Assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion
Monday, March 28, 2011
Annual Convocation of CMC & Hospital
Ludhiana: Annual Convocation of Christian Medical College, Christian Dental College, College of Nursing and College of Physiotherapy, Ludhiana was held on 28.03.2011 with traditional grandeur today in the College Campus, Shri Tikshan Sud, Hon’ble Minister Parliamentary Affairs, Medical Education & Research, Forest and Labour, Govt. of Punjab was the Chief Guest. He said, “At the outset, let me thank the Institute for inviting me here to participate in this memorable occasion and to distribute the Convocation credentials to merit holders. Your profession is prestigious, with ample scope for growth. You are part of the educated class that society looks up to, for guidance and awareness. On this convocation day, I wish all the young Doctors the very best in life and a wonderful future with achievements and I wish they should also treat the poor people.
It is always a pleasure to visit CMC & Hospital and I am delighted to be here with the younger generation of doctors and nurses today. Christian Medical College has a long tradition of pursuing excellence in teaching and research in science. He also appreciated the Christian Medical College & Hospital for its exceptional services in the field of Medical. Your profession is prestigious, with ample scope for growth. You are part of the educated class that society looks up to, for guidance and awareness. On this convocation day, I wish all the young Doctors the very best in life and a wonderful future with achievements.
Dr. Abraham G. Thomas, Director welcomed the gathering, Dr. S. M. Bhatti, Principal administered the Hippocratic Oath to the Graduates and Postgraduates. Fourty Six Medical Graduates were awarded the degrees. Students excelling in various academic activities were awarded Prizes and Medals by the Chief Guest. Alisha Sharma, Midhila Baby, Nina Philip, Sebastian Marker, Geetika Gera, Devki Verma Amrit Kaur, Samson Charan, Jenni Mariam George were the prominent prize winners. Jensi Achamma George won the gold medal for being the best intern while Chepsy C Philip was awarded Jaswant Kaur Memorial award for best Medical Resident. Faculty Award for the best outgoing Orthopaedics Resident went to Dr. Suhash Masilamani. Overview of faculty achievements was presented by Principal, Dr. S.M. Bhatti.
64 B.Sc. Nursing graduates and 24 M.Sc. Nursing post-graduates awarded the degree. Damanpreet Kaur B.Sc. Nursing 1st year, Harpreet Kaur B.Sc. Nursing 2nd year, Gigi M. George B.Sc. Nursing 3rd year, Harpreet Kaur B.Sc. Nursing 4th year secured 1st position in the college. Sarabjit Kaur secured first position in B.Sc. Nursing Aggregate. Poonam Sharma M.Sc.Nursing 1st year and Mamta M.Sc.Nursing 2nd year stood first in the University. Preety Alagh ranked first in M.Sc. Nursing Aggregate. Special prizes were awarded to Sanchi Gureja for Best Community Health Nurse, Jaspreet Kaur H.S. for Best Bed Side nurse and Renny Grace Paul awarded Anna Vohra memorial award for the All Round Best Student Nurse.
Dr. Abi M. Thomas, Principal, Christian Dental College presented the college report. There were 40 BDS and 4 MDS graduates to receive their degrees. 8 students received gold medals. In the report he highlighted the achievements of the faculty and students in the last year. Ms. Navraj was topper in the final Professional BDS examination. The overall percentage of students in BDS examination was 95%. 4 students got distinctions. As part of the goal oriented education, all our students are committed to serve an area of need after their graduation. At present 55 graduates of Christian Dental College are working in different parts of the country and one at Liberia, West Africa. The dental students council actively supported the administration in coordinating different programmes. The Principal highlighted that there were 12 scientific paper presentations, 11 poster presentation and 10 scientific publications in National and International journals. The Association of Medical Alumni awarded Life Time Achievement award to Dr. Sybil Singh. Dr. V. K. Satija Award for best Clinical Teacher went to Dr. Shekhar Upadhyay while batch of 1976 Excellence in Teaching Award went to Mrs. Madhumita Mukerjee. Ajay Alex Varughese and Simi Samuel were awarded Alumni Prize for best alrounder.
Dr.Kim MamMrs. Triza Jiwan, Principal, College Nursing proposed the vote of thanks.
Obama: Coalition Mission Succeeding in Libya
By Terri Moon Cronk American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON : The military mission in Libya is succeeding and preventing further atrocities against the Libyan people by Moammar Gadhafi and his forces, President Barack Obama said today in his weekly radio address.
Obama said that "because we acted quickly, a humanitarian catastrophe has been avoided and the lives of countless civilians -- innocent men, women and children -- have been saved." The commander in chief credited the part played by U.S. troops in "Operation Odyssey Dawn," which was launched March 19 by coalition forces to enforce a U.N. Security Council resolution to protect the Libyan people from Gadhafi's forces. "Thanks to our brave men and women in uniform, we've made important progress," Obama said, noting that he faces "no greater decision" than sending U.S. forces into harm's way. He also said the U.S. "should not -- and cannot -- intervene every time there's a crisis somewhere in the world." Gadhafi's brutality against innocent Libyan people, however, made the military action necessary, he said. "When someone like Gadhafi threatens a bloodbath that could destabilize an entire region, and when the international community is prepared to come together to save many thousands of lives, then it's in our national interest to act. It's our responsibility," he said. "This is one of those times." Over the past week, Obama said that U.S. and coalition forces took out Gadhafi's air defenses and stopped his forces' advancement across the country. Libyan forces also were pushed back in Benghazi, a city of about 700,000 people, where Gadhafi threatened to show "no mercy" to the country's opposition. "Our message is clear and unwavering," he said. "Gadhafi's attacks against civilians must stop. His forces must pull back. Humanitarian assistance must be allowed to reach those in need. Those responsible for violence must be held accountable." The president said that "Moammar Gadhafi has lost the confidence of his people and the legitimacy to rule, and the aspirations of the Libyan people must be realized." Obama explained that the role of American forces has been limited, and the U.S. is acting in concert with a multinational coalition. "We are not putting any ground forces into Libya. Our military has provided unique capabilities at the beginning, but this is now a broad, international effort," he said. "Our allies and partners are enforcing the no-fly zone over Libya and the arms embargo at sea." The president noted that "key Arab partners," such as Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, have contributed aircraft to the effort. Obama said this is "how the international community should work, with more nations, not just the United States, bearing the responsibility and cost of upholding peace and security. "This military effort is part of our larger strategy to support the Libyan people and hold the Gadhafi regime accountable," he said. "Together with the international community, we?re delivering urgent humanitarian assistance. We?re offering support to the Libyan opposition." By freezing tens of billions of dollars of Gadhafi's assets, the needs and aspirations of the Libyan people can be better met, he said, "and every day, the pressure on Gadhafi and his regime is increasing." Obama said that Libyans have begun expressing their gratitude for the mission. "Every American can be proud of the lives we've saved in Libya and of the service of our men and women in uniform who once again have stood up for our interests and our ideals," he said. "And people in Libya and around the world are seeing that the United States of America stands with those who hope for a future where they can determine their own destiny." (Issued on : March 26, 2011) | ||
| Related Sites: Special Report: Operation Odyssey Dawn President's Weekly Address |
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Face of Defense: Corpsman Boosts Afghan Forces
By Donna Miles American Forces Press Service HAMPTON, Va., March 25, 2011 - Ensuring that Afghanistan's security forces are trained and equipped to assume increased security responsibility is a keystone of the U.S. and coalition strategy there.
Mangham spent a year in Afghanistan helping to stand up preventive medicine programs he said will have a long-term impact, not just on the Afghan National Army and Afghan National Police, but also on the country's civilian population. For his efforts, Mangham became the first enlisted U.S. service member to receive the prestigious Hunter-Strickland Excellence Award for Deployment Preventive Medicine. This year's award, presented yesterday at the Armed Forces Public Health Conference here, is named for Army Col. George W. Hunter III and Army Capt. G. Strickland, pioneers in advancing tropical disease prevention during the 1940s. Mangham was singled out this year as the service member who best exemplified their work in a deployed setting -– in his case, as assistant chief of preventive medicine for the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force training mission in Afghanistan from February 2009 to February 2010. Currently assigned to the Naval Medical Center in San Diego, Mangham knew he could serve as a corpsman supporting U.S. Marines fighting enemy forces alongside their Afghan counterparts. But instead, he volunteered to help the Afghan security forces confront a less-recognized but equally insidious enemy: illness and disease spread through poor hygiene, improper food storage and handling, and unsanitary living and sleeping arrangements. "I volunteered for this," Mangham said of his first deployment with the Afghan army. "I wanted to go and assist at the ground level in rebuilding Afghanistan as a nation." Once on the ground in the Afghan capital of Kabul, Mangham said, he began building on groundwork already laid as a mentor to the Afghan National Army's surgeon general's public health chief. He led teams that inspected the way the Afghans were shipping, storing, preparing and handling food for the army and police forces. Two of the big gaps he found were lack of refrigeration and specific guidelines regarding food. So, working through the U.S. Agency for International Development and other organizations, Mangham helped to secure funding needed to buy refrigerators and food-storage units. He also initiated training for food-service personnel. Mangham also began looking into living conditions for Afghan security forces. One problem, he said, was that Afghan troops often shared the same bunk –- an accepted cultural norm in Afghanistan, but one Mangham said makes it too easy for illness and disease to spread. He helped to introduce a new ban on bunk-sharing, instituting a rule that bunks must be three feet apart, with troops positioned in alternating head-to-toe arrangements. "That way, if one soldier sneezed, the germs wouldn't immediately go to the next soldier," he said. "That decreases the passing of viral diseases." Those efforts resulted in a 40-percent decrease in disease transmission among the Afghan forces, he said. Operating in the southern Kandahar and Helmand provinces, Mangham also served as senior noncommissioned officer of a six-person team that initiated medical screening and vaccination programs at Afghan National Police recruiting stations. In addition to providing personal hygiene training, the team members isolated police candidates with contagious illnesses, treating them before allowing them to rejoin the ranks. Other initiatives Mangham helped to introduce are just now starting to bear fruit. He helped in standing up an Afghan public health officer program, and its first class graduated three weeks ago. "It was a very, very successful mission," he said of his deployment. "We got a lot accomplished in the year I was there and left a lot of initiatives in place. The mission is successful and thriving. I think we are going to see the state of public health in Afghanistan thrive in the next two to three years." Mangham called these efforts an important contribution toward a more independent Afghanistan with a military more capable of providing security. The impact, he said, will remain long after the U.S. and coalition mission in Afghanistan ends. "This goes way beyond the military," he said, noting that the preventive medicine lessons being learned will extend to Afghanistan's civilian population. "I can train an Afghan doctor in public-health issues," he added, "but he's the one who is going to be most effective in getting that message across to the Afghan people." Mangham said he is honored to receive this year's Hunter-Strickland Excellence Award for Deployment Preventive Medicine. "But this is not something I did as an individual," he said. "There were a lot of key players in this effort. I am just one of them." | ||
| Related Sites: NATO International Security Assistance Force | ||
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