At times he is coherent.

When the 24hr Report was added to my duties at the 24th I was required to gather a sheet from all the wards that listed discharges, deaths, patient moves, reason for admission, type of injury, type of amputation, DOA, etc. Once I gathered that information I had to compile it into a report and call it in right around midnight. That in itself was a huge challenge as I barely made it through high school and my math skills were non-existent. I struggled trying to put that report together and during the first few weeks held up the personal putting together the report for all hospitals. I felt so stupid and dumb. Luckily I was finally able to master this report. Some time ago I was attending at church and was hit with the vivid memory of the worst wound I remember from Ward 5. It was the last ward to gather this information was Ward 5 for GI's with Head and Maxofacial injuries. It was when I first started gathering the reports. As I picked up the report and walked through that Ward I saw and stopped by a young GI's bed. He had bandages wrapped around his upper head. At the area of where his forehead was, or would appear to be, were two metal posts coming out of that area. Attached to them were wires that then went down to where his cheeks would have been and attached to that area. He had no face and just slits as to where his eyes and nose would have been and I believe one for his mouth area as well. Above him was a sign which said "Do not say anything about how he looks. At times he is coherent". From what I remember, this young GI was hit in the face with a rocket propelled grenade. Years later in the 90's People magazine ran an issue regarding the war, Vietnam and people who served. My mom sent me this issue as I lived in Denver and has not seen it. In this issue was pictures and a story of a young GI at the 24th who had been hit in the face with a Rocket Propelled grenade and had his story as well as one of the nurses who took care of him. I have wondered if this was the young man I saw or it was different GI. I think of that young man I saw and wonder what happened to him. Sometimes I want to know so much about those that crossed my path but know I never will. Perhaps it is better that way, I don't know but I do remember them and my thoughts have always been with them.

Promises for Veterans by Presidential Candidates

Well, it is getting close to the time that we will be choosing a new President. I believe all of them who have thrown their hat into the ring is bringing up their support for Veterans. I find that rather odd as many of them who are currently in office or have been office have not been supportive of veterans. One only needs to take a look at their voting record. Have they voted for or against bills favoring veterans? Have their actions in office actually hurt veterans, veteran care, veteran families, etc. I find it a shame that one expects, or tries, to get their support by their promises to veterans yet they have proven failure in supporting veterans. I guess this issues is like other issues / promises they will be making. Regardless, they will be the Head of this Country when elected and hopefully they will truly support current service men, veterans and their families. Without them we would not be the free and great Country we are.