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.”