Carter addresses

U.S. Deputy Defense Secretary Ashton B. Carter addresses officers and crew members of the USS Blue Ridge in Yokosuka, Japan, July 21, 2012. Japan is Carter's third stop during a 10-day Asia Pacific trip to meet with partners in Hawaii, Guam, Thailand, India and South Korea.

Saluting Sailors

U.S. Deputy Defense Secretary Ashton B. Carter departs the USS Blue Ridge after meeting with leaders and conducting an all-hands call in Yokosuka, Japan, July 21, 2012. Japan is Carter's third stop during a 10-day Asia Pacific trip to meet with partners in Hawaii, Guam, Thailand, India and South Korea.

A new success by Dr. H S Bedi at CMC Ludhiana

Rare major open heart surgery saves  a new life
Ludhiana, 16th July, 2012 (Shalu Arora and Rector Kathuria)

Mr Vikas Masih – a   35 year old teacher – was in a very serious condition. He had developed a large blood clot in his lungs – a condition called massive pulmonary embolism – due to which he was not able to breathe. He was referred to Dr Harinder Singh Bedi – Head of Cardio Vascular Endovascular & Thoracic Surgery at the Christian Medical College & Hospital, Ludhiana. On examination and investigation Dr Bedi realized that Mr Vikas was in imminent danger of death as his oxygen levels were dangerously low. This was damaging his brain and kidneys.
He had already been put on maximal medical therapy including the latest blood thinners at another hospital – but they did not work. The only option to save his life now was a major and rare open heart surgery called pulmonary thrombo-endarterectomy. Dr Bedi said that the surgery is done on a heart lung machine but additionally for a short period of time the circulation even through the heart lung machine has to be stopped. This is called circulatory arrest and is like totally stopping the heart and the lungs - both the natural and artificial ones.
Dr Bedi explained that this is because otherwise the blockage in the lungs cannot be seen clearly. During the tense 10 minutes while the patient was ‘clinically dead’ - on no circulation at all – his lungs were totally cleared of all the deadly clot. Dr Bedi is a pioneer in this field and in fact has trained in this rare surgery at the St Vincents Hospital in Sydney. However this was a very challenging case as Vikas is very young and this extent of disease was unexpected.
The other members of the Heart team are Dr A Joseph, Dr Sheetal Garg, Dr Melchi, Dr Paul, Dr Reenus ,  Dr Dinesh, Dr Pratap, Dr William, Dr Pearl,  Dr Savan, Dr Meenu, DR Nina and Dr Ashwin  . The heart lung machine was manned by Mr Jairus and Mr William – who are the senior most perfusionists of Punjab – along with Mr Mathew.
Dr Abraham G Thomas – Director of CMC & H – said that the CMC was committed to bringing the latest technology to Punjab so that the people of this area were given the best possible therapy.  

Dempsey Welcomes USA Basketball Teams

By Army Sgt. 1st Class Tyrone C. Marshall Jr. American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, July 15, 2012 - The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff yesterday welcomed the men and women representing USA Basketball as they held an open practice here for service members, their families and fans from the metropolitan area. Two teenagers from military families watch the U.S. Women's National Basketball team hold a basketball clinic as part of the "Hoops for Troops" outreach program at the District of Columbia National Guard Armory in Washington, D.C., July 14, 2012. DOD photo by U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Tyrone C. Marshall Jr. Speaking to the audience at the District of Columbia National Guard Armory, Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey welcomed both teams and introduced their head coaches as the players treated fans to activities during the 'Hoops for Troops' program and continued training camp in preparation for the London Olympics. The "Hoops for Troops" program, launched in 2006, provides support for the U.S. military and their families through programs, events, and partnerships, according to the USA Basketball website. "We're happy to have USA Basketball here, both [the] women's and men's teams," Dempsey said. "We're awful proud of you, [and] we've got great expectations. I know you know that." Dempsey introduced the coach of the Men's National Team "on behalf of the 2.4 million men and women serving and their families," and described the former Army officer as a "great friend" and "one of the finest leaders of our time in any profession." "It's an honor for me to be here," said Coach Mike Krzyzewski, noting his family had accompanied him. "We belong to the Army. It's a tremendous honor for me to coach our nation's team." Krzyzewski noted he'd graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y., in 1969. "I was an Army captain when I got out of the military to become a coach," he said. Krzyzewski expressed his gratitude in being able to give back to the nation and said it's an honor to entertain troops and their families. "The thing that we, as a group -- USA Basketball, is [most] proud of is that at some point we can give back something to our country ... during this Olympic period," the coach said. "We want to thank all of you for a lifetime of service to our country." "And it's our goal, today, to honor you and to thank you for that great service," Krzyzewski added. Dempsey also introduced Coach Geno Auriemma, who manages the USA Basketball women's national team.
Biographies: Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey Related Sites: USA Basketball
	Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey,, center, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, his wife, Deanie Dempsey, left, and Navy Adm. James "Sandy" A. Winnefeld Jr., vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, sit courtside and watch the U.S. Men's National basketball team during an open practice for troops and their families at the District of Columbia National Guard Armory in Washington, D.C., July 14, 2012. DOD photo by U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Tyrone C. Marshall Jr.

Enter in the Diversity Video Competition

Accepting Entries For The 2012 Diversity Video Competition

Are you interested in filmmaking?

Are you tired of being looked at suspiciously because you are Sikh?

 Enter in the Sikh Coalition’s Diversity Video Competition to make a difference, and have your voice heard.
The Sikh Coalition invites you to create a video for this year’s Diversity Video Competition! The first place winner will receive a $1,500 cash prize and have his/her film premiered at the Sikh Arts and Film Festival in New York City in November! The deadline for entry is September 30, 2012.
Once entries are submitted, the public will be given an opportunity to view the top films, and vote for their favorites. Then, a panel of expert judges will select the 1st and 2nd place winners.

Competition Topic

My Crown - My Faith
How does it feel to be a Sikh? Why don’t you try! Walk a mile in our shoes!
Film-makers are encouraged to create a 5 minute video (or less) which depicts a non-Sikh adorning/wearing a Sikh turban for a day, and presenting himself/herself as a Sikh. The turban is a Sikh article of faith, and should always be treated with respect. The film should capture the reactions of passersby, friends, and family members. Pre and post interviews with main characters are encouraged.
The application, rules, and submission instructions are available by clicking here.

Eligibility

• Contestants of all ages may submit to the competition.
• Prior film experience is not necessary.
• All entries will be considered without regard to race, sex, national or ethnic origin, citizenship, religious affiliation, or disability

Awards

• First Place: $1,500 cash prize and your film will be premiered at the Sikh Art and Film Festival.
• Second Place: $750

Submission Deadline

All entries must be submitted online no later than September 30, 2012. To download an instruction and application form, please click here. All information, details, and contact information for inquires may be found at http://www.sikhcoalition.org/our-programs/education/diversity-video-competition.