Air Guard NCO Graduates From Army Course

By Air Force Tech. Sgt. Leisa Grant 
National Guard Bureau
ARLINGTON, Va., Aug. 12, 2011 - Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Chris Roper is the first Air National Guard member to graduate from the in-residence Sergeants Major Course at the U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academy at Fort Bliss, Texas.

Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Denise Jelinski-Hall, senior enlisted advisor to the chief of the National Guard Bureau, congratulates Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Chris Roper, security forces manager with the 142nd Fighter Wing of the Oregon National Guard, for graduating from the Sergeants Major Course at the U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academy in Fort Bliss, Texas, June 18, 2011. Roper is the first Air National Guard member to graduate from the 10-month course in residence. Courtesy photo

Roper, security forces manager with the Oregon National Guard's 142nd Fighter Wing, graduated June 18, one of 327 graduates.
Roper said he now has a better understanding of how senior military leaders make weighty decisions.
"Now I see the 'bigger picture' at the operational and strategic level," he said.
The bigger picture changed after the 9/11 attacks against the United States.
"Since 9/11, the necessity for the National Guard to operate in a joint environment with active duty forces has never been more important," said Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Denise Jelinski-Hall, senior enlisted advisor to the chief of the National Guard Bureau.
"The more opportunities we have to train and learn together," Jelinksi-Hall said, "the more efficient and effective we will be at home and abroad in accomplishing the mission."
The Air National Guard's leadership encourages senior enlisted leaders to attend joint professional military education courses like the Army's Sergeants Major Course. The course educates Army master sergeants and sergeants major, as well as senior enlisted members of other services and components, in full-spectrum operational and strategic operations to prepare them to be successful leaders in any environment, according to the course's mission statement.
Roper's class was the first go through an extended 10-month curriculum. The course had been nine months long since 1995.
"The Sergeants Major Course underwent a major transformation last year, with a tougher curriculum heavy on critical thinking and problem-solving, intense college-level reading and challenging writing assignments," said Army Command Sgt. Maj. David L. Yates, director of the Sergeants Major Course.
Roper said the Sergeants Major Course was the first professional military education course he has attended as a resident.
"My biggest mistake was not attending other academies in-residence," Roper said.
While other Air Guard members have completed the Sergeants Major Course as nonresidents, some senior enlisted leaders believe there are benefits to attending in-residence.
"In-residence attendance is an important element in the development of our future leaders," said Air Force Chief Master Sgt. James Hotaling, command chief of the 142nd Fighter Wing. "Although I recognize our unique citizen-airman culture does not allow everyone to participate, we must make every attempt to ensure we give our airmen a chance to attend at least one resident course in their career."
While Roper had the support of his wing, the process also involved the very top enlisted leaders of both the Air Force and the Air National Guard. His selection began with a nomination by Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Christopher Muncy, the Air National Guard's command chief.
Muncy said Roper was selected out of six other Air Force members, both active duty and Guard. The process for selections begins in the office of Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy, who believes the Sergeants Major Course benefits all airmen, regardless of their component.
"We are a nation at war," Roy said. "Our success depends on the Total Force engagement. Any education that enables our airmen -- be they active duty, Guard or Reserve -- to better perform their mission is an example of a joint service solution. Simply put, the better educated and trained we are, the better we perform. It makes sense to develop all of our airmen to the best of their abilities."
Muncy agreed.
"It's huge for force development for the Air Force and for us -- and that 'us' isn't just the Air National Guard," he said. "It's the big 'U.S.' -- the one on our uniforms that stands for the United States."
Roper said his experience at the Sergeants Major Course brought this to light.
"No matter what branch of the service," Roper said, "it's no longer [just] your branch you should be concerned with."
Understanding the Army's culture and soldier development process better prepares senior enlisted airmen for future joint operations, Roy said.
"Attending the Sergeants Major Academy provides our senior NCOs with critical operational and strategic perspectives in terms of the profession of arms," he said.
However, learning goes both ways.
"It also presents an opportunity for the active component to better understand the National Guard, and vice versa," Jelinski-Hall said.
Roper's attendance at the Army Sergeants Major Academy as an Air National Guard representative was an opportunity for him to work alongside coalition forces and to highlight the missions and ideals of the Air National Guard, said Air Force Col. Michael Stencel, commander of the 142nd Fighter Wing.
"As an Air National Guard ambassador, Senior Master Sergeant Roper returned home with a wealth of knowledge that he will be able to share with the entire Oregon National Guard," Stencel said. "In a time of tight budgets and shrinking forces, it seems that now, more than ever, these cross-cultural experiences will pay huge dividends well into the future."

Expert Witnesses Receive Death Threats after Guatemala Massacre Trial, Says Amnesty International 

Washington, D.C.: –Four staff members of a forensic anthropology team in Guatemala have received death threats after testifying at a recent high-profile trial over a 1982 army massacre that left 250 villagers dead. 
Freddy Peccerelli, the founder of the Guatemalan Forensic Anthropology Foundation, received a hand-written death threat in Guatemala City on August 8. The note also mentioned his colleagues José Samuel Suasnavar, Leonel Estuardo Paiz and Omar Bertoni, all of whom gave testimony at the trial. 

The threat came after a judge in Guatemala City sentenced four former soldiers from an elite army unit to 6,060 years in prison on August 2 for their role in a 1982 massacre in Dos Erres village in Guatemala’s northern Petén region. 

“It is unacceptable for expert witnesses to be intimidated like this, and Guatemalan authorities must order an independent, thorough and impartial investigation into these threats and bring those responsible to justice,” said Sebastian Elgueta, Amnesty International’s Central America researcher. 

“Guatemalans have waited nearly three decades for justice in the case of the Dos Erres massacre and hundreds of other grave human rights violations, and the failure to stop such death threats would cast a pall over the judicial process.” 

The soldiers sentenced in the recent trial were part of an elite “kaibil” unit that entered Dos Erres on December 5, 1982, where they tortured and killed some 250 men, women and children over the course of three days before razing the village. Many of the women and girls were raped, and numerous villagers, including children, were thrown into the village well. 

Guatemala’s Public Prosecutor’s office had called on the forensic experts to testify at the trial based on their work to exhume and analyze the victims of the massacre. 

Pecerelli told Amnesty International that he received a hand-written note in red ink that said, “Sons of a bitch. You will pay us slowly, for each of the 6050 years that our people are going to suffer because of you, now we won’t simply watch you we will leave you battered like the rest.” 

The note went on to say that, “when you least expect it you will die. Revolutionaries your DNA will be of no use. Your families will pay, you will follow suit.” 

“Guatemala has an appalling track record of impunity, and allowing these latest threats to go unpunished will simply entrench that further,” said Elgueta. “The authorities should consult with staff members of the Guatemalan Forensic Anthropology Foundation to ensure that full and appropriate protection is provided for them and their families, and must ensure that expert witnesses are not put at risk in future.” 

Amnesty International is a Nobel Peace Prize-winning grassroots activist organization with more than 3 million supporters, activists and volunteers in more than 150 countries campaigning for human rights worldwide. The organization investigates and exposes abuses, educates and mobilizes the public, and works to protect people wherever justice, freedom, truth and dignity are denied. 

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Breast Milk – The Elixir of life

Ludhiana, 11^th August, 2011:  Breast feeding week has recently been celebrated with great enthusiasm all over the country.  The Department of Pediatrics Christian Medical College & Hospital too organized various talks, keeping in mind the theme for this year which was ‘Talk to me….’  Dr Inderpreet Sohi, Professor of Pediatrics and Secretary National Neonatology Forum, Punjab conducted an interactive session on breast feeding for the staff nurses.  She emphasized the advantages of breast milk which is specifically meant for the optimum growth and development of the human infant. Babies who are exclusively breast fed have been found to have higher IQ and are better in intellectual activities later in life.  Breast milk is also protective against major illnesses like sepsis and necrotizing enterocolitis in the newborn period 

and diarrhea, respiratory infections and ear infections later on.  It is also protective against allergic disorders like asthma, eczema and cardiovascular disorders, obesity, diabetes and even cancer in later life. It is recommended that an infant be exclusively breast fed upto 6 months of age after which appropriate complementary feeds need to be started to maintain optimum growth.

 Dr Shaveta  Kundra , Assistant Professor, Department of Pediatrics delivered a talk on breast feeding to student nurses.  She emphasized the advantages of breast feeding to the mother and the factors which help in enhancing the milk flow in mothers.  A relaxed and happy state of mind of the mother, along with sight and sound of the baby enhance milk flow.  Mothers are also advised to take a balanced nutritious diet and plenty of fluids while breast feeding.  Young mothers also need to be taught the proper technique of breast feeding so that they avoid the problems like sore or cracked nipples and breast engorgement and can continue to breast feed their babies effectively. 

 Keeping in mind the theme for this year’s breast feeding week a session on breast feeding was also taken By Dr Noorul Ain, Resident Department of Pediatrics, for the expectant mothers attending the antenatal OPD. They were taught the technique of proper breast feeding and also how to tackle any problems that may arise and were motivated to exclusively breast feed their babies till 6 months of age.

Controversies of Obstetrics and Gynecology

Ludhiana, 7^th August, 2011: The department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Christian Medical College and Hospital, Ludhiana, conducted  CME on “Controversies of Obstetrics and Gynecology” on the Seventh of August in the Guy Constable Auditorium. This Quarterly meet of Northern Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology of India was held under the able guidance of Prof and Head, Dr Kumkum Avasthi with constant encouragement and support by Director of the institute Dr Abraham G Thomas. The conference was duly accredited 4 CME hours by Punjab Medical Council.

A wide array of debatable issues in obstetrics and gynaecology were discussed and was attended by nearly 200 local practitioners as well as medical fraternity from nearby medical colleges.The gathering was addressed by chief guest Dr Abraham G Thomas who welcomed the delegates congratulated the dept for organizing the conference. Dr Lakhbir Dhaliwal, President of NOGSI complimented CMC for organizing the quarterly meet and emphasized upon role of FOGSI in women’s health. The occasion was also graced by Dr G.S.Grewal, member of Punjab Medical Council  

The conference covered debatable issues in obstetrics ranging from changing trends in breech and instrumental delivery to recurrent pregnancy loss and IUGR management .Burning issues in Gynecology providing insight to infertility, HPV vaccination and misuse of emergency contraception were also covered. Eminent speakers from all over North India deliberated on the same.

The conference ended on a successful note managing to clear a lot of misconceptions on the controversial issues on the subject. 

A decisive battle against corruption has begun

 Anna Hazares message to the Nation for 15th and 16th August

My Dear Fellow Indians,
A decisive battle against corruption has begun. We are not against any political party. We want systemic reforms. We want a corruption-free India. After all, what are the people asking for – a strong anti-corruption law which provides for honest and time-bound investigations and trials that result in jail for the guilty, confiscation of embezzled money and their dismissal from service? Are we asking too much? For two months, we were talking to the government. Government seems unwilling to take even small steps against corruption. Government appears insincere. We have met all prominent political leaders. We have tried everything. What do we do now? When I announced my indefinite fast from 16th August, the government threatened that they would crush us the way they crushed Baba Ramdev's peaceful agitation. Friends, this is a historic opportunity. We can't afford to lose it. We are determined to fight to the end. If they arrest us, we will peacefully offer ourselves. If they use batons and bullets, we will happily lay down our lives but will not leave the place. We will not retaliate. It will be a completely non-violent movement. “If you fast on 16th August, you will be crushed” – this is what they are saying. “We will impose section 144 on Jantar Mantar” – this is what they are thinking. But I say that if every citizen in this country takes off from his work from 16th August, comes on the streets in front of his house, at the crossing, with a tricolor in his hands shouting “Bharat Mata ki Jai” and raising slogans against corruption, they will fall short of batons and bullets. The government may arrest one Anna Hazare but how will they arrest 120 crore Anna Hazares? They may impose section 144 at one Jantar Mantar but will they impose section 144 on the whole country? And let me tell you – the police and army is with us. At traffic signals, policemen stop us, express their support and wish us well; at Raj Ghat, the policemen donated generously for the movement! So, will you take off from your work from 16 August? Will you descend on the streets with me? This year, the country will wait for 16th rather than 15th August. In solidarity,
thanks
Anna Hazare 
(Please make copies of this pamphlet and distribute it in large nos.)
“WHY GOVERNMENT'S LOKPAL IS DANGEROUS???” Government's Lokpal is targeted against those who raise their voice against corruption rather than to punish the corrupt!
The government's Lokpal bill covers only about 0.5% of public servants, yet it brings under its ambit virtually every citizen's group and organization, registered or unregistered, meant to serve the social sector. This raises a pertinent question -- whom is the Lokpal really targeted at? There are more than 1.25 crore central and state government employees. Out of this merely 65,000 Group A Central Government employees would be covered in the government bill leaving out all the lower officers and staff. This effectively means that there is no remedy against corruption that a common person faces daily in police, roads, industry, licensing, transport, roadways, municipality, rations, health services, education, pension, provident funds, Panchayat, forest department, irrigation department, etc. On the other hand, Lokpal would have jurisdiction over ALL NGOs, trusts, societies like Resident Welfare Associations(RWAs), big or small, whether registered or unregistered, whether they receive government funding or not, up to the village level! For instance, consider a group of citizens that unearths corruption of the Sarpanch and Block Development officer (BDO) in a village. The government's Lokpal can't take any action against the Sarpanch or BDO but it CAN lock up the group of HONEST active CITIZENS. Each and every association, like Resident Welfare Associations, Market Associations, even your neighborhood committees that organize festivals like Durga Puja, Ramlila, etc. would be under the purview of Lokpal. While there is no disagreement that the rot of corruption is also afflicting many societies, associations and NGOs, there already exists a plethora of laws like the Trust Act, Societies Act, FCRA, etc. to monitor them. Lokpal was originally intended for checking corruption in public servants. Regardless, if it is being extended to all associations of civil society, then why shouldn't it also cover all companies, businesses, political parties, and media houses?

Government's Lokpal Provides Greater Protection to Corrupt! 
Provisions in the government's Lokpal Bill heavily favour corrupt public servants. Under this bill, a public servant accused of corruption is allowed to turn around and file a lawsuit against the complainant accusing him of filing a frivolous complaint. The government will provide a free advocate to the accused to help prove the citizen was wrong, while the citizen has to fend for himself. If the complaint proves to be frivolous, the minimum sentence FOR THE CITIZEN is TWO YEARS. But if the corruption charges are proved, the minimum sentence for the public servant is just SIX MONTHS!

Will then any citizen dare raise a voice against corruption? 

CMC City Center Inaugurated

Ludhiana, 1^st August, 2011 : In response to the many requests from the citizens of Ludhiana, the CMC Ludhiana City Center has been inaugurated at the Sirish Hospital, Ghumar Mandi, and it has commenced functioning from 01-August-2011. Patients and their relatives have found it difficult to reach CMC Ludhiana due to the traffic congestion at Ferozepore Road, Jagraon Bridge and Brown Road. The CMC City Center has become a convenient center for consultation with the senior consultants of CMCH.

The City Center Consultations will function from 04.30 PM to 08.00 PM on Mondays to Fridays. On Saturdays the City Center will function from 03.00 PM to 05.30 PM. All basic investigations using the latest computerized and automated equipment will be done from 08.00 AM to 08.00 PM from Mondays to Saturdays at the City Center.  

The following specialty clinics will be running at the CMC City Center: Medicine; Surgery; Pediatrics; Pediatric Surgery; Orthopedics; Obstetrics & Gynecology; Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation; Physiotherapy; Occupational Therapy; ENT; Dermatology; Dental; Ophthalmology; Neurology; Neurosurgery; Cardiology; Cardiac Surgery; Thoracic & Vascular Surgery; Nephrology; Urology; Plastic, Microvascular & Reconstructive Surgery; Endocrinology & Diabetes; Clinical Hematology & Hemato-oncology; Oncology; Chest Medicine; Medical Gastroenterology; Psychiatry, Clinical Psychology & Counseling. Senior Consultants will be available on their designated days and patients can make prior appointments by calling in at the following contact numbers: 0161-2401566; 0161-2408303; 7508899099 [Mobile].

Dr Abraham Thomas, Director, CMCH, while inaugurating the CMC City Center, highlighted that this has been a major step to get our services across to the citizens of Ludhiana at their convenience. CMCH is well known for its team of internationally reputed and experienced consultants and their services will be made available at the CMC City Center. Dr Vijay Obed, Deputy Director, CMCH, will be the co-coordinator of the City Center along with Mr AG Isaiah, GeneralSuperintendent, CMCH.

A new life to Suwinder at CMC Ludhiana

Suwinder Singh; a 72 year old from Patiala was in severe pain in his right hand. He had an earlier fistula for dialysis as his kidneys had failed. He was seen at various hospitals in Chandigarh, Mohali , Delhi and Gurgaon . However his hand continued to become blue and he could not sleep because of the pain. He then came to Dr Harinder Singh Bedi - Head of Cardio Vascular Endovascular & Thoracic Surgery at the Christian Medical College & Hospital in Ludhiana. Dr Bedi realized that the hand was rapidly turning gangrenous and would have to be cut if nothing was done. The reason for the low flow of blood to the hand was the fact that the shunt for dialysis was stealing blood from the hand. The option of narrowing the shunt had already been tried but had failed and the pain was terrible. If the shunt was dismantled it left the problem of how to get the dialysis done.

Dr Bedi has had extensive experience during his work in Australia and he is credited with having a Limca World Record in vascular surgery to his name. He has also extensive experience with endovascular surgery (in fact the first hybrid redo endovascular operation was done by him in Punjab and was awarded the first prize at an International Conference). A high risk surgery was planned. The shunt was taken down and without any additional cut an endovascular procedure was done and a stent put in the narrowed artery. The hand colour improved dramatically and the pain disappeared. Now the issue was how to put in a new shunt so that the life saving dialysis could continue. There were no sites available on the hands which are the usual sites for a shunt. So a innovative method of putting a graft in the leg was used. A special imported tube was grafted between the artery and vein of the leg. It started functioning immediately – a hand shunt takes about 3-4 weeks to ‘mature’.

The patient and his family are very happy that they came to CMC. Mr Suwinder Singh is now totally pain free. The other members of the team are Dr A Joseph, Dr Arun Gupta, Dr Neharika and Dr Arjin.

 Dr Abraham G Thomas – Director of CMC & H – said that Dr Bedi and his team had a good experience with the creation of dialysis shunts and this helped them to devise this innovative method.

4 SSPs 13 SPs and 16 DSPs transferred

Chandigarh, July 28:  The Punjab government has today issued the transfer orders of 4 SSPs and 13 SPs and 16 DSPs  with immediate effect. 

According to a spokesman of Punjab government Mr. Balkar Singh Sidhu, PPS and Mr. Rajinder Kumar Shardha, PPS have been posted as SSPs of newly created districts Pathankot and Fazilka respectively. Mr. Manminder Singh, PPS has been posted as SSP Tarntaran and Mr. Surinder Kumar Kalia as SSP Gurdaspur.

          Besides this Mr.Gurmit Singh, PPS has been posted as SP (H) Ferozepur, Mr. Gurpreet Singh, PPS  as SP(D) Fatehgarh Sahib, Mr. Gagan Ajit Singh , PPS as additional DCP-II Jalandhar, Mr. Manmohan Singh PPS as SP (H), Tarntaran, Mr. Ranbir Singh, PPS as SP (Traffic) Tarntaran, Mr. Naresh Kumar, PPS as additional DCP-II Amritsar, Mr. Gursharan Singh Bedi, PPS as Zonal SP /Crime Bathinda, Mr. Jai Pal Singh, PPS as Zonal SP/Crime, Patiala, Mr. Harmohan Singh PPS as SP(H)/SBS Nagar , Mr. Satinder Singh, PPS as SP/Intelligence, Mr. Manjit Singh, PPS as additional DCP-I, Ludhiana, Mr. Ravinder Kumar Bakshi as Assistant Commandant, 2^nd IRB /Ladda Kothi, Sangrur and Mr. Bhupinderjit Singh, PPS as  Assistant Commandant Ist/IRB Patiala.

The spokesman further said that Mrs. Gurmeet Kaur, PPS has been posted as  DSP/Jaito, Mr. Bikramjit Singh PPS as DSP/City Bathinda, Mr. Kesar Singh PPS as  DSP/City-I, Patiala, Mr. Surinderpal Singh, PPS as DSP/SD/Sardulgarh with additional charge of DSP/SD/Budhlada, Mr. Harjit Singh, PPS as DSP/SD/Fatehgarh Churian, Mr. Balwinder Singh PPS as DSP/Vigilance Bureau, Punjab, Mr. Narinder Singh, PPS  as ACP/Hqrs. Amritsar, Mr. Ranjit Singh, PPS as DSP/D, Batala, Mr. Kehar Singh, PPS as ACP/Focal Point, Ludhiana, Mr. Jaswant Singh, PPS as ACP/Traffic, Amritsar, Mr. Cheta Singh, PPS as DSP/Hqrs. Patiala and Mr. Gurpreet Singh, PPS as DSP/D, Tarntaran. Besides this, five DSPs namely Mr. Paramjit Singh, PPS, Mr. Tilak Raj, PPS, Mr. Nahar Singh, PPS, Mr. Ranjit Singh, PPS, Mr. Mohinder Singh, PPS and  Mr. Gurdarshan Singh, PPS have been posted  as DSPs in Chief Minister Security, Pb., Chandigarh.

First Lady, Soldiers Welcome Extreme Home Makeover

By Stephenie Tatum  Fort Bragg Public Affairs FAYETTEVILLE, N.C., July 21, 2011 - A former sailor who houses homeless female veterans here received the surprise of her life today when hundreds of workers and well-wishers – including First Lady Michelle Obama – were on hand as she became the latest winner on the Extreme Makeover: Home Edition show. Eleanor B. Raines, a former Steps N Stages Jubilee House resident, hugs Barbara Summey Marshall, a Navy veteran and women veteran's shelter director who was selected to receive a new home from the Extreme Makeover: Home Edition television show. U.S. Army photo by Stephenie Tatum  The ABC-TV reality show's host Ty Pennington, as well as design crew, workers and volunteers have been at the home at 120 Langdon St. for 24 hours each day for the past seven days, working to finish the house on time. Between scorching temperatures and a grueling schedule, workers were put to the test. Barbara Summey Marshall, a 15-year Navy veteran, bought the house with the hopes of providing shelter, support and services such as mentoring and life coaching to homeless female veterans. Just a week ago, Marshall was struggling to house the women in the modest, 1,600- square-foot ranch house that was in need of major renovations. But when the Extreme Makeover crew showed up at her house on July 14, Marshall knew that some very special volunteers would donate their time to help build her a new home. Today, those volunteers turned out en masse with none other than Obama at the front of those congratulating Marshall and wishing her well. "The fact that [Obama] came to Fayetteville to take part in this phenomenal project confirms how passionate she is about people, women and veterans," said Master Sgt. Jennifer Loredo, Comprehensive Soldier Fitness noncommissioned officer in charge, 18th Airborne Corps at Fort Bragg, N.C. In the end, the builder met its deadline and Pennington and crew, along with hundreds of volunteers and local residents, revealed the new and extremely improved Steps N Stages Jubilee House today with the show's shout out, "Bus driver, move that bus!" Marshall's new house now includes enough space for her to move in with her son, and space for additional residents to live comfortably. It includes a gym, garden, greenhouse, resource center and more than Marshall ever dreamed of. Staff Sgt. Ebony Dublin, a Smithfield, N.C. native and supply sergeant at Fort Bragg's Advanced Airborne School volunteered during the week and attended the reveal. "I was more than happy to volunteer my time because that could be me one day. I think it is great that Barbara spends her time helping people, so now that someone is taking the time to help her – it's awesome," Dublin said. In addition to her stop in Fayetteville, Obama will continue to promote "Joining Forces," a national initiative that mobilizes all sectors of American society to support service members and their families. Her next stop will be July 24 at a New Hampshire event for National Guard and Reserve families. "This campaign is about all of us -- all of us joining together as Americans to give back to the extraordinary military families who serve and sacrifice so much every day so we can live in freedom and security," Obama said during an event earlier this year. The first lady and Dr. Jill Biden, wife of Vice President Joe Biden, have made numerous appearances to further the program's reach. Obama's last visit to the Fort Bragg area was in March 2009 for her first tour outside the White House after becoming first lady. "I had the distinct honor and pleasure of, not only, meeting Mrs. Obama today but also shooting a few scenes with her for Extreme Makeover Home Edition, Loredo said. "She was very genuine and expressed her gratitude for my family's sacrifice, as I am a Gold Star wife. I am extremely grateful for this opportunity and will never forget it." The Extreme Makeover: Home Edition show featuring the Jubilee House is scheduled to air in October.

Related Sites: Fort Bragg

Extreme Makeover: Home Edition cast member Paul DiMeo speaks with a Fort Bragg parachute demonstration team member at the home of Barbara Marshall, a Navy veteran and women veteran's shelter director, July 14, 2011, Fayetteville, N.C. Marshall was selected to receive a new home on the show for her Steps N Stages Jubilee House. U.S. Army photo by Stephenie Tatum Download screen-resolution Download high-resolution  ABC television Extreme Makeover: Home Edition star Ty Pennington lead cast members, Fort Bragg soldiers and community volunteers to the home of Barbara Marshall, July 14, 2011 in Fayetteville, N.C. Marshall, a 15-year Navy veteran, runs a women veteran's shelter in Fayetteville Download screen-resolution Download high-resolution

Punjab has started to see a rise in cancer cases.

University of Wisconsin – Madison, Christian Medical College team up for a two-month project on cancer awareness

The University of Wisconsin - Madison, USA and the Christian Medical College have developed a collaboration designing a two-month project examining the effectiveness of direct education programs on cancer awareness and prevention in university students and school children in Punjab, India. 

Kevin King a student from the University of Wisconsin, has come to the Christian Medical College along with his mentor Dr. Gurwattan Singh Miranpuri, an alumni of Punjab Agricultural University, to work with Dr. Neeta Kang at the Betty Cowan Research and Innovation Center on spreading cancer awareness in Punjab.  Working with a team of CMC medical doctors, the group will be delivering direct educational health sessions designed to increase cancer awareness in university students in Ludhiana and school children in a rural village of Bathinda district.

Once known as the breadbasket of India, Punjab has started to see a rise in cancer cases.  The fundamental level of cancer knowledge of the population is as important in controlling cancer as new methodologies to prevention, early diagnosis and treatment, and screening tools.

This is the first attempt at direct education on cancer awareness for children with the hopes that they will return to their families to spread the information learned during the sessions. 

Soldier Takes Citizenship Oath in Iraq

By Army Spc. Kandi Huggins U.S. Division North CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE WARRIOR, Iraq, July 7, 2011 - Swearing the oath to support, defend and serve the United States while serving in the Army was not quite enough for one soldier deployed to Iraq with 1st Infantry Division's 1st Advise and Assist Task Force. Army Spc. Angie Schaefer accepts a U.S. flag from U.S. Ambassador to Iraq James Jeffrey during a naturalization ceremony at Victory Base Camp, Iraq, July 4, 2011. Schaefer, a Colombia native, took her oath to become an American citizen at the ceremony. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Daniel Stoutamire  Standing before a host of soldiers July 4, Army Spc. Angie Schaefer, a petroleum supply specialist with the task force's Company A, 101st Brigade Support Battalion, now had the opportunity to raise her hand and swear another oath she has wanted to take since high school: the oath that would make her an American citizen. Schaefer said she came from a very close-knit, traditional family and attended private school in her native Colombia. "It was definitely a different experience after I came to the states," she said. Schaefer said she was 7 when her grandparents moved to Miami, where she was able to get a free education. She said she had wanted to join the Army since participating in Junior ROTC in high school. She was able to enlist based on her permanent resident status in the United States. Two years later, Schaefer found herself in Iraq with U.S. Division North, supporting Operation New Dawn. "She's always working with a smile on her face," said Army 1st Lt. Jesse Dean Swanzy, a quartermaster officer and Schaefer's platoon leader. "Specialist Schaefer constantly contributes by volunteering to go on missions to supply our outlying forward operating bases. She leaves her mark on [Operation New Dawn] by helping her country through literally supplying the advise, train, assist mission." As a member of the 1st Platoon "Road Warriors," Schaefer drives supply trucks to bases around Contingency Operating Site Warrior. Fellow soldiers helped to prepare Schaefer for the naturalization test required to become a U.S. citizen, Swanzy said, adding that the unit really supports soldiers. During the ceremony, Schaefer smiled as she shook hands with Army Gen. Lloyd J. Austin III, commander of U.S. Forces Iraq, who congratulated and welcomed her as a citizen of the nation she serves. "I'm excited," Schaefer said. "Becoming a citizen makes me feel accomplished, because I will be the first one in my family to become a citizen – not just a permanent resident – and I will have more stability in everything I am doing and plan to do." After the citizenship ceremony, Schaefer said she wants to attain her security clearance and go to college through Green to Gold, an Army program that allows soldiers to go to college and become officers through ROTC. "I know it will be a challenge," she said, "but I know I can do it, and I welcome whatever the future holds for me."

Related Sites: U.S. Forces Iraq

Deployed Marine Stays Involved in Family Fundraising

By Marine Corps Cpl. Katherine Keleher 
American Forces Press Service

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan, July 6, 2011 - After losing three family members to cancer, Marine Corps Capt. Elizabeth Hagner last year decided enough was enough. She committed to taking an active role in helping cancer research.

Capt. Elizabeth Hagner, shown here June, 28, 2011, is the officer in charge of the Female Engagement Team, Regional Command Southwest in Helmand province, Afghanistan. She volunteers her time to participate in the Relay for Life with her family every spring. This year, Hagner, of Freeland, Md., was deployed during her hometowns Relay for Life event. Hagner took it upon herself to help raise money for the cause, which donates funds to fight and research cancer, and to use video chat with her family over the computer during the event, June 17.

The Freeland, Md., native talked to her friends and family and decided the most effective way for them to all get involved in not only remembering their passed loved ones, but also helping to find a cure for cancer, was through Relay for Life, the American Cancer Society's signature annual fundraising event in which volunteers raise money based on the miles they walked.

"It's a great way to get the family together for a good cause," Hagner said. "It's an [exercise] event, it raises money for an excellent cause and we're helping to promote awareness."

The Hagner family got together in 2010 and raised over $700 for Relay for Life. Hagner, who then was based at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., as one of fewer than a dozen female Cobra helicopter pilots in the Marine Corps, did as much as she could to help her family in Maryland raise money. When time came for the event itself, Hagner took leave to participate.

"It's kind of like a memorial for my family members who have died," she said. "Instead of just talking about it, we did something about it."

This year, Hagner transferred to II Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, and deployed to Helmand province, Afghanistan. She now works as the commander of the group's Female Engagement Team, overseeing a team of nearly 40 servicewomen tasked with interacting with Afghan women and children to assist in implementing community development programs.

In April, barely a month into her deployment, Hagner suffered another loss when her uncle died from stomach cancer. He was the fourth family member she had lost to cancer.

"That was rough," she said. "I lost my grandma on my dad's side to breast cancer, my grandma on my mom's side to lung cancer, my aunt to lung cancer and my uncle to stomach cancer," she explained.

After her uncle's passing, Hagner and her family made it a goal to raise over $1,000 for this year's Relay for Life event at Goucher College in Baltimore on June 17. There was just one problem: Hagner, serving in Afghanistan, could not be present.

Hagner's family and friends decided they still were going to participate, and their team raised $1,700 for cancer research.

Hagner even found a way to attend, if only in virtual form, by video chatting with her family over a computer for a few minutes in between one of their laps. Her cousins, aunts and uncles took turns hopping in front of the laptop, excited to catch a glimpse of their deployed Marine. As they walked, they even showed off a Marine Corps flag and a Team Hagner poster filled with pictures of her.

"It just wasn't the same without her, she's the life of the party," Hagner's parents, Ron and Elaine, said by e-mail.

"We couldn't be more proud," said Ron Hagner, a retired lieutenant colonel in the Air National Guard. "She just keeps doing things like Relay for Life that makes us even more proud. Liz has always been a thoughtful and caring person. She always looks for the best in people."

With Hagner's deployment ending in the early fall, she looks forward to seeing her family and participating in next year's Relay for Life.

"Next year, I should be able to take [vacation] again, so I can actually go participate with the rest of my family," she said.

Appeal for 10 year old boy Gulshan

Ludhiana: Gulshan S/o.Vishvanath (our hospital no.C7322437) a 10 year old boy admitted in CMC & Hospital from 19/06/2011. He has undergone surgery for traumatic perforation of small intestine cause due to fall from height. His general condition is serious and as he is septic and he is on the ventilator. His treatment can cost anywhere upto 1 lac rupees or more. 

The boy belongs to a very poor family and is financially handicapped and is in desperate need for help. His father is a daily wage migrant laborer earning upto Rs. 150- 160 a day. He is unable to meet the cost of his treatment and further surgery.

We encourage you to come forward and help this child by contributing as much as you can. The parents would be eternally grateful for such help.

The Department of Paediatric Surgery at the Christian Medical College & Hospital appeals to all well-meaning people to contribute towards this child’s treatment.

Donations will be taken in cash / cheque / bank draft. Cheques/bank drafts should be made in favour of ‘Christian Medical College & Hospital, Ludhiana, Society’ with “Gulshan, C7322437” written at the back of all cheques and drafts.  All donations to this cause will have income tax exemption. For all cash donations please contact Dr. William Bhatti (+91 9876609924) or Dr. Dhruv Ghosh (+91 9915198894), Dr. Nandini K. Bedi (+91 9914360480) from the department of Paediatric Surgery. --Shalu Arora // Rector kathuria

All India Christian Council Welcomes Judgement

New Delhi July 6, 2011: The Civil Society fact-finding team on threat of displacement of Naga River Colony, Imphal welcomes Supreme Court’s judgment on star hotel on Noida-Greater Noida Expressway to pay triple price. Fact-finding team along with the public of Naga River colony, Imphal also welcomes Supreme Court’s observation on state governments misusing land acquisition Act 1894 to oust poor from their land.

The judgment came on Tuesday when the Supreme Court upheld allotment of land to construct star hotel on Noida-Greater Noida Expressway. Otherwise, Supreme Court orders ITC Ltd, Indian Hotel Company Ltd to pay triple of the existing price.

In another judgment, the Supreme Court slams the Greater Noida Authority’s argument on Tuesday that state governments are using colonial land acquisition law to oust poor from their land.

A Bench of Justice G S Singhvi and A K Ganguly said, “Taking advantage of the colonial Land Acquisition Act, 1894, the state is driving poor people to the wall. This is a sinister anti-people campaign started by many states including UP."

A Civil Society fact-finding team led by Dr. John Dayal – member of National Integration Council found that Okram Ibobi Singh’s Government has used colonial Land acquisition Act 1894 to oustNaga river villagers. Naga River colony is 100 years old with a population of 500 in 32 houses consists of all major religions including Hindus, Muslims and Christians who are in a majority. Ethnically, they represent as wide a diversity including Meiteis, Nepalese and various tribes of Nagas and Kukis. There are three churches, one temple and several graves.

 “Manipur Government’s haste move to land assessment conducted by deploying security forces on June 20, 2011, notification to surrender original patta by Superintendent of Police/Vigilant dated June 28, 2011 and land acquisition policy without any rehabilitation program is clear sign of threat to displace the poor citizen of the colony,” says Dr. John Dayal.

 Joint Action Committee of Naga River colony has approached High Court at Imphal seeking a stay order against Manipur Government land acquisition notification dated December 17, 2010. The case is likely to come sometime this week.

Madhu Chandra, Public Relation Office of All India Christian Council and Spokesperson of North East Support Centre & Helpline appeals Manipur Government to re-consider its decision to acquire Naga River for making way to Five-Star Hotel and existing 4.5 acres land acquired by Imphal Hotel, which is much bigger compare to many Five-Star Hotels in many cities across the nation.

“If Manipur Government fails to listen to the voice of the Naga River colony, Joint Action Committee will approach Supreme Court of India in the light of its recent slam on Noida land acquisition,” says Madhu Chandra.

 The fact-finding report is submitted to Indian National Congress President Smt. Sonia Gandhi to intervene Manipur Government’s decision to acquire Naga River colony. The report reveals the hidden agenda of state government to acquire the land and lease out to wealthy individual. Report is available athttp://nehelpline.net/?p=568.

The Civil Society fact-finding team led by Dr John Dayal, Member of the National Integration Council, Government of India, and Secretary General of the All India Christian Council, Rev Madhu Chandra of the North East Centre and Helpline, New Delhi, Manipur State Minorities Commission member and Ms Anam Pamei, Social Activist. In the village well-known Manipur social activist Advocate Babloo Loitongbam joined them. Rev Prim Vaiphei, President, All Manipur Christian Organisation was also present. The team was in Manipur from 25 to 28 June 2011.

 The All India Christian Council (www.christiancouncil.in), birthed in 1998, exists to protect and serve the Christian community, minorities, and the oppressed castes. The aicc is a coalition of thousands of Indian denominations, organizations, and lay leaders. Several aicc member organisations partner with the Dalit Freedom Network which has chapters in several countries and is focused on making slavery history by ending Dalit trafficking in India.

Save Dhani--a 2 ½ year old boy admitted in CMC

This is to state that patient Dhani S/o  Ram Kumar (our hospital no. C7257304) a 2 ½ year old boy admitted in CMC & Hospital from 27/05/2011. He has undergone surgery for Intestinal tuberculosis with intestinal obstruction and perforation. His general condition is serious and he requires prolonged care, good nutrition and management, antituburcular drugs and further surgery. His prolonged treatment will cost anywhere upto a lac of rupees. The parents of this child are very poor. The father is the only earning member of the family and is a daily wage laborer earning upto Rs. 100 per day. He will not be able to meet the cost of surgery.

The Department of Paediatric Surgery at the Christian Medical College & Hospital appeals to all well-meaning people to contribute towards this child’s treatment as he is in desperate need.

Donations will be taken in cash / cheque / bank draft. Cheques/bank drafts should be made in favour of ‘Christian Medical College & Hospital, Ludhiana, Society’ with“Dhani, C7257304” written at the back of all cheques and drafts.  All donations to this cause will have income tax exemption. For all cash donations please contact Dr. William Bhatti (+91 9876609924) or Dr. Dhruv Ghosh (+91 9915198894), Dr. Nandini K. Bedi (+91 9914360480) from the department of Paediatric Surgery. 

Any help coming for his treatment would be welcome and the parents would be eternally grateful for such help. 

--Shalu Arora

President Praises Troops During Event at White House

By Cheryl Pellerin  American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, July 4, 2011 - Military service members attending the White House Independence Day celebration represent the latest in a long line of heroes who have served the United States with honor and sacrificed much to protect the freedoms all Americans enjoy, President Barack Obama said here today. President Barack Obama, accompanied by First Lady Michelle, speaks to troops and family members at an Independence Day event at the White House, July 4, 2011. DOD screen grab  "I cannot think of anybody I would rather celebrate with than all of you," the president said, "the men and women of our military and our extraordinary military families." Obama and his wife and children hosted a traditional Fourth of July celebration for members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard. About 1,200 service members and their families attended the White House event, which included a barbeque, a USO show featuring Train and Amos Lee and a viewing of the national capital fireworks. "After all that you do for our country every day, we wanted to give you a chance to get out of uniform, relax a little bit and have some fun," Obama told the troops. "But of course it's also a time for us to reflect on the meaning of America." The small band of patriots who signed the Declaration of Independence might be surprised to see their legacy, Obama said, including a nation that's led revolutions in commerce, sent people to the moon, lifted up the poor, cured the sick, fought for democracy and served as a beacon of hope around the world. "All this could only happen because of our founders' central faith that through democracy and individual rights ordinary people have it within their means to forge a nation that's more just and more equal and more free," Obama said. Every service member is heir to that legacy, the president added, introducing five heroes, one from each service. While on patrol in Iraq, Army Sgt. 1st Class Justin Gang's convoy was struck by a roadside bomb and fell under enemy fire, Obama said. "Even after being wounded by shrapnel himself, he helped secure the scene and evacuate his wounded comrades to safety and today we honor his extraordinary courage," he added. Nigeria-born Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Obi Nwagwu, a hospital corpsman, became an American citizen and volunteered to serve in the U.S. military. "As an orthopedic technician, he helps our wounded warriors regain their strength and resume their lives back home," Obama said. "Today we honor his incredible dedication." Whether it's partnering with the Iraqi army or making sure our troops have shelter in some of the toughest places on the planet, Obama said, Air Force Master Sgt. Heather Adkins "knows how to get things done and today we honor her tireless devotion." Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Robert "Keith" Kesterson rushed through enemy fire to free a fellow Marine trapped inside a burning vehicle, the president said. "After untangling the Marine's equipment, he extinguished the flames and pulled him to safety, and today we honor his unyielding loyalty," Obama added. Less than 24 hours after the devastating 2010 earthquake in Haiti, the president said, Coast Guard Chief Petty Officer Marlene Riklon was on the scene helping direct aid and save lives in the midst of chaos. Today, Obama said, "we honor her incredible dedication." These patriots and their fellow service members, the president said, are the reason why America and its armed forces "remain the greatest force for peace and security that the world has ever known." Together, he added, "you're standing with all of those throughout the world who are reaching for the same freedoms and the same liberties that we celebrate today."

Related Sites: The White House

President Barack Obama, accompanied by First Lady Michelle and Army Sgt. 1st Class Justin Gang, speaks to troops and family members at an Independence Day event at the White House, July 4, 2011. DOD screen grab  Download screen-resolution Download high-resolution

Sailor Leads Volunteer Efforts

By Navy Lt. Jennifer Cragg
Submarine Group 2 Public Affairs

GROTON, Conn., July 1, 2011 – Sailors of the Pre-Commissioned USS Mississippi have amassed 782 volunteer hours, equal to the ship’s hull number, by volunteering throughout the New England area while their ship is under construction.

Sailors assigned to the Virginia-class submarine USS Mississippi being constructed in Groton, Conn., volunteer their off-duty time to assist during one of many community service projects the submarine's command has sponsored throughout New England. Courtesy photo

Volunteer coordinator Navy Petty Officer 1st Class James Pearson has led the boat’s community service since October 2010.

“When I transferred to PCU Mississippi a couple of other sailors stationed aboard collaborated on a community service program,” Pearson recalled. “After discussing it further with our chief of the boat, the plan was approved, essentially allowing our vision to take shape.”

Pearson said that part of his plan for their command’s community service was to inform the local community about the U.S. Navy, and in particular, PCU Mississippi.

“We wanted our volunteer program to emphasize our interest in Connecticut and our desire to offer our assistance wherever necessary,” he said.

Since October, the sailors aboard PCU Mississippi have assisted with countless projects from cooking for veterans in the local area to educating students about the military at John B. Stanton Elementary School to packing boxes for deployed Connecticut service members.

The command’s community service in the New London area has impacted more than 10,000 people, Pearson said, and also has had a positive impact on the community’s impression of the local military community.

One of their more recent volunteer projects was conducted on June 24, when PCU Mississippi sailors and Electric Boat employees packed more than 400 care packages in their off time for deployed Connecticut sailors.

A PCU Mississippi sailor knows of their generosity firsthand. “When I was deployed, I was truly grateful to receive care packages from Electric Boat,” Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Randy Hall said.

Hall’s positive feedback has served as a catalyst among Electric Boat employees and PCU Mississippi sailors to continue supporting deployed service members from Connecticut.

“He volunteers more than I do and really emphasizes to the command what an impact this program has on troops stationed overseas,” Pearson said of Hall.

To date, PCU Mississippi sailors have assisted in 36 projects throughout the New England area.

“We want all of the branches of the military service to know what they do for our country matters,” Pearson said. “Their service is respected and appreciated, and our effort here in Connecticut to show them is just a small token of our appreciation.”