Auto Group Drives Support for Troops

By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service

May 10, 2007 – The Chrysler Group is driving home its support for the nation's military and the United Service Organizations this month with a sweepstakes designed to help servicemembers keep in touch with their families. In celebration of Mother's Day and Memorial Day, the contest, "Our Troops Are Calling On You," will continue throughout May. Based on the number of entries received for the giveaway of five new Chrysler, Jeep or Dodge vehicles, the Chrysler Group will donate up to $50,000 to USO's Operation Phone Home.

Operation Phone Home distributes free prepaid international and domestic phone cards to servicemembers.

USO is a member of America Supports You, the Defense Department program connecting citizens and corporations with members of the military and their families at home and abroad.

"This promotion will help the USO continue to make a difference in the lives of servicemembers and their families around the world," Edward A. Powell, president and chief executive officer of USO said in a news release. "The USO thanks the Chrysler Group for their support of the USO and our men and women in uniform."

A Virginia-based USO representative echoed the sentiment, calling the Chrysler program "outstanding."

"We are honored that Chrysler is doing this because it helps me and, I'm sure, the other USO that are involved in this ... accomplish our mission," Jonathan Thompson, president and chief executive officer of USO of Hampton Roads, Va., said. "Part of our (mission) is to provide a touch of home; how much more appropriate than being able to hand a young servicemember ... a calling card they can use overseas or here?"

The program's benefits aren't limited to the USO, though, he said.

It obviously benefits the USO, and the military personnel who will receive the prepaid calling cards. It's also a win for the civilian community, or at least the five lucky winners of the new vehicles. "I don't think you can get more layers of 'win' out of this," Thompson said.

Entries for a chance to win one of the new vehicles are being fielded from participating dealerships in select markets in areas with large military communities, including: Atlanta; Los Angeles; San Diego; Oahu, Hawaii; San Antonio; and Norfolk, Va.

"This gift from the Chrysler Group is saying, 'Thank You' to our U.S. servicemen and women," Tom LaSorda, the Chrysler Group's CEO, said in a news release. "It's just one more way the Chrysler family, including its dealership network, is giving back to local communities."

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Mother of Fallen Marine Pours Out Support

By Sgt. Jessica Kent, USMC
Special to American Forces Press Service

May 10, 2007 – "I have a lot of trust and faith in the Marines I'm with. They will take care of me as much as I'll take care of them. But please try to not worry so much! I love you too much not to come home to see you." Marine Sgt. Michael Marzano wrote those words in a letter to his mother 30 days before his dream of coming home was cut short. It was the only letter she received before the 28-year-old infantryman was killed in action in Fallujah, Iraq, May 7, 2005.

The Greenville, Pa., native wrote that he truly loved his country and loved being a Marine. Two years after Marzano died beside his brothers-in-arms, Marine Staff Sgt. Ryan Kohrig, a personal security officer with Multinational Force Iraq, flew a flag over Baghdad in honor of Marzano's sacrifice.

The flag, which will be presented to Marzano's mom in person, also was flown in honor of Margy Marzano. The proud Marine mother picked up the fight after her son was killed and continued to take care of Marines by supporting "Operation Taking Care of Our Own."

"Since last year we have exchanged e-mails, not to mention the hundreds of care packages and donations that she and her organization have sent," Kohrig said.

Kohrig organized Operation Taking Care of our Own to rush supplies and comfort items to wounded troops and civilians at the 28th Combat Support Hospital in Baghdad's International Zone. Many of these wounded Americans and Iraqis have no clothes to wear during recovery.

After Margy spread word that troops were in need, Kohrig's team of Marines saw a surge of donated flip-flops, towels, T-shirts and pajama bottoms for the wounded.

Marine Staff Sgt. Michael Mendoza, a scout sniper wounded in action and transported to the hospital, said he wouldn't be wearing the clothes that he's wearing right now if it weren't for these people.

"I am very appreciative of everyone involved in this," he said. "It makes me feel at home and more comfortable."

While Kohrig said he appreciates the surge of supplies for wounded heroes, he added he has more reasons for proudly flying a flag in honor of the Marzanos. Margy also is president of the Arizona Chapter of Operation Homefront, an organization that supports deployed troops and their families at home.

"This war is not just (in Iraq); it is (in the States) as well," she said. "We have your back over here while you have our back over there. Some of these families are financially struggling; some are (struggling) emotionally. If I can help a family here, then I know that I am helping someone over there."

Margy's dedication to supporting the troops started when her son joined the Marine Corps in 1999. Though she was afraid to see him join the Corps at first, Margy said, his pride was contagious and she couldn't have been any prouder.

But when he deployed to Iraq, she knew deep down that it would be a one-way deployment, she said. Five years after enlisting, Michael died beside his Marine brothers, doing what he loved most.

"He was a Marine. I know a lot of people say that, but he truly lived and breathed the Corps," Margy said. "He was not happy being a civilian and not wearing the uniform. Being a Marine was who he was, even though he was my boy. He was funny, big-hearted and loved animals and kids. He was a history buff. He wanted to be a veterinarian. He would have made a great father someday. He was awesome."

One of Margy's greatest fears now is that her son could be forgotten. While Michael is a hero who gave the ultimate sacrifice, she said, Marines like Kohrig also are heroes. She strives to continue her son's legacy by helping them.

"She loved her son with all her heart and supported his decision when he felt a calling to serve the Corps," Kohrig said. "To this very day she works to take care of wounded servicemembers, ensuring their needs are met in their deepest time of need."

As Margy struggles with the loss of her son on Mother's Day, Kohrig has a message for her.

"Michael Marzano is not forgotten," he said. "Know that Michael is very proud and watching over you on this Mother's Day."

(Marine Corps Sgt. Jessica Kent is assigned to the Public Affairs Office of Multinational Corps Iraq.)

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Information Key in Stemming Potential Pandemic Flu Outbreak

By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service

May 9, 2007 – Servicemembers and their families should be aware of Defense Department efforts to prepare the force and assist the nation in a possible outbreak of pandemic influenza, a senior official said. "You can never be ready enough. We have a plan in place," Ellen P. Embrey, deputy assistant secretary of defense for force health protection and readiness, said during a joint Pentagon Channel and American Forces Press Service interview.

The Defense Department is in the process of rolling out its Pandemic Influenza Implementation plan, which is part of the president's initiative to prepare the nation for a potential mass outbreak of deadly flu virus.

"It's important to know that (the plan) is there, to get information about it, and to know your role in it," Embrey said.

Military and civilian leaders, in particular, need to emphasize to rank-and-file employees the important role that good public hygiene, including the regular washing of hands, plays in preventing influenza or limiting its scope, Embrey said.

Pandemic flu is a fast-spreading human flu that causes a global outbreak, or pandemic, of serious illness that could sicken or kill hundreds of thousands, perhaps millions, of people, according to the U.S. government's pandemic flu Web site. For example, the 1918 flu epidemic killed millions of Americans.

It could take six to eight months to develop a vaccine for pandemic flu after it strikes, Embrey pointed out.

As a rule of thumb, sick people should stay at home if they have the flu or any other malady, Embrey said. This practice helps to prevent passing illnesses to others and speeds patients' recovery times, she added.

"Don't come to work when you have the 'sniffles,' especially during the flu season," Embrey emphasized.

Currently there's no pandemic flu. However, medical experts have been closely observing cases of avian, or bird, flu across Asia and parts of the Middle East. One bird-flu virus in particular, known as H5N1, is especially deadly to fowl. It can be spread to humans, who have no natural immunity to it.

There's currently no vaccine for avian flu, and more than 170 people worldwide have died from it, according to the World Health Organization.

Servicemembers and their families, along with other young adults, could be especially susceptible to a pandemic flu outbreak, Embrey noted.

"If we go based on history when (flu) pandemics occurred, they actually attack the young, healthy adults and young children," Embrey said. "Those are not usually the ones you see getting the regular, seasonal flu."

The seasonal flu is a respiratory illness that, like deadlier forms of the virus, can be spread by human-to-human contact. Seasonal flu particularly affects the very young and older adults. However, most people have some immunity to seasonal flu, and a vaccine is available.

Embrey reiterated the importance of informing young servicemembers and their families about how to confront a potential outbreak of pandemic flu.

"We want to make sure that people in our (military) population, which is mostly a young, healthy population, understand that they are vulnerable and do take appropriate precautions, particularly before a pandemic-specific vaccine is available," Embrey said.

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Mom Sends Troops Boxes 'Packed With Pride'

By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service

May 9, 2007 – When Becky Mizener sends a care package to one of the more than 1,000 servicemembers on her list, they can be sure that it's "packed with pride." Mizener's soldier son, Jesse, was killed Jan. 7, 2004, just outside of Baghdad. Before his death, he regularly received care packages from his mom. After a while, he asked her to send them to some of his buddies. Soon, she was shipping to 17 soldiers in her son's unit and the whole platoon on holidays.

When Jesse was killed, Mizener realized she couldn't stop supporting the soldiers who'd grown accustomed to her boxes of goodies, she said. And "Packed with Pride" was born.

"Packed with Pride got its name because I pack each box with the pride of a soldier's mom," Mizener said.

Packed with Pride is a member of America Support You, a Defense Department program connecting corporations and citizens with members of the military and their families at home and abroad.

"After we lost Jesse, I felt I had to do something to continue to show our support for our troops," Mizener said. "I wanted the world to know how proud we were of him and all those who serve this country."

To do that, the group aims to ship one box to each servicemember on its list each month, she said. "Our goal is simply to make their deployment a little easier," Mizener said. "We try to get them items they don't have available or items that remind them of home, for example calendars and post cards, letters and snacks they can't get overseas."

Thanks to the group's America Supports You membership, Packed with Pride's list of troops requesting care packages continues to grow.

"We were invited to meet with the president at the White House, which in itself was an amazing adventure," Mizener said, adding that the opportunity to speak to the media afterward paid great dividends. "We were interviewed by the (Pentagon Channel), which made a commercial for Packed with Pride. From that, we're still getting new names for our list."

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Case Managers Navigate 'Medical Maze' for Patients

By Elaine Wilson
Special to American Forces Press Service

May 9, 2007 – When servicemembers injured in war first arrive at Brooke Army Medical Center here, they not only have to face the daunting task of recovery, but also must navigate a medical maze of treatment plans, appointments and paperwork. But they don't have to do it alone. The medical center's staff includes 15 outpatient case managers whose sole purpose is to guide servicemembers injured in operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom along their road to recovery.

"We coordinate medical care for servicemembers from when they first get here to when they either return to duty or separate," said Army Lt. Col. Donna Rojas, the hospital's chief of case management. "We serve as a link between the doctors and patients so the patients can focus on getting well."

It is the case managers' job to take on the mire of challenging administrative and sometimes personal details for patients, from setting up medical appointments to making lodging reservations for incoming family members and everything in between.

"Each case is unique," Rojas said. "We've had servicemembers with family in other countries, such as Bulgaria, and helped them with their travel to the U.S. We have come across a variety of issues, many related to family, and help in any way we can.

"The key is to be resourceful and flexible," she added.

Brooke Army Medical Center employs 18 inpatient and outpatient case managers for patients from Iraq and Afghanistan, each with an average of less than 35 patients assigned at one time. Three case managers are dedicated to burn patients and three to amputees. All are experienced case managers with either a social work or nursing background. The prior knowledge is put to good use on a daily basis as they guide patients through the health care process.

"Nurses can help with the medical side, and the social workers are a great asset when it comes to assisting them with access to community resources, individual and family counseling, group and grief counseling, along with helping to adjust with changes in body image," Rojas said. "We work together well as a team to coordinate all of the needs of the servicemembers."

A case manager's myriad duties start at the first case manager-patient meeting, which is typically the next duty day after the patient arrives at the hospital.

"We talk to the patients and do a general assessment of all their needs: medical, family, pay. ... If we don't have an answer, we go to the people who do," Rojas said.

"We plan for discharge from day one; we lay out timelines, a plan of care," she said. "We let patients know what to expect, what they need to do during their recovery."

Case managers then team with their case manager assistants to set up medical appointments and take care of early concerns, which can relate to military-specific issues or family member concerns.

To complicate matters further, "Patients rarely have just one medical issue," Rojas said. "Someone may come in with a burn, but also need orthopedic care or mental health appointments. It takes a lot of coordination."

Once the health care ball is rolling, the case manager then meets with the patient once a week to track progress, gauge recovery and head off problems early on. Since most of the case managers are nurses, meeting times can also be used to help clarify complicated medical terminology for patients.

"I look at the doctor's notes and listen to the patients and try to clarify if there is confusion," Rojas said. "Sometimes the doctor needs to meet with the patient again; whatever it takes so the patient has an understanding of their progress."

At times, the doctor is the one who needs assistance. "If a doctor wants to get a soldier assigned here because he is diagnosed with cancer and needs to be closer to a major medical facility, then I can help," Rojas said. "What may take him months, we can get done in a day. We know who and where to call."

Along with doctors, case managers also serve as liaisons between servicemembers and their military units, and meet with commanders, first sergeants and platoon sergeants on a weekly basis.

"We've had situations where a soldier didn't keep an appointment," Rojas said. "We can address these issues with his leadership and also talk about if the soldier is having personal problems that may be conflicting with his appointments. We take our regular meetings with command and the servicemembers very seriously. We have a good relationship with the commands so we can resolve problems quickly."

Case managers also heavily coordinate with agencies such as the Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Personnel Management, and the Army Wounded Warrior Program. All have representatives at Brooke Army Medical Center, which is a much-appreciated convenience, Rojas said.

"We had a soldier from Fort Carson (Colo.) who was on the priority list for on-post housing but a house wasn't due to open up for a month," Rojas said. "Opal Rieras (of the Army Wounded Warrior Program) had obtained a free apartment for the family. Having the services in the hospital made the coordination much easier."

Rojas pointed out that the Army is also quick to assist. The Army flies three family members of wounded warriors in the very seriously ill or seriously ill category here free of charge and also picks up the bill for lodging and per diem. "There are other criteria as well, and we assist in sorting this out," Rojas said. "We have terrific support from the Casualty Notification Branch."

The case managers' extensive efforts don't go unnoticed. "This place is organized," said Lt. Col. Fred Harmon, who was injured while supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. "It's obvious people here care and want people to get the best treatment possible in a timely manner."

The help is "above and beyond what I expected," he said.

With cases as unique and varied as the servicemembers, case managers never have a dull moment, Rojas said. "It's a high work tempo, but we love what we do. It's a rewarding job because, bottom line, we're helping servicemembers and their families."

Retired Army Lt. Col Leandry Lourdes said the job holds a special meaning for her. "When I was deployed to Iraq, I saw soldiers wounded and broken," said the former BAMC operating room head nurse. "Now, I can help them get the best treatment and see them heal. That's closure for me."

(Elaine Wilson works in the Fort Sam Houston Public Information Office.)

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Gates Hopes to Get Better Armored Vehicles to Troops Faster

By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service

May 10, 2007 – Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates is exploring ways to speed up the timetable for getting more Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicles to troops in Iraq. Gates told reporters during yesterday's Pentagon news conference that he's impressed by what he's read about the MRAPs and the improved troop protection they offer over up-armored Humvees.

He cited an article that noted that no Marines had been killed during 300 incidents in which their MRAPs were involved in improvised-explosive-device attacks. "That certainly got my attention," he said.

The MRAP's raised, V-shaped underbelly deflects the force of IEDs and other blasts from below.

Sixty-five MRAPs in use in Iraq are saving Marines' lives, Lt. Gen. Emerson Garner, the Marine Corps' deputy commandant for programs and resources, told a congressional committee earlier this year.

"Our experience is that Marines in these vehicles have been four or five times safer than a Marine in an armored Humvee," Garner told members of the House and Senate Sea Power and Expeditionary Forces subcommittees. "Based on this experience, we recently decided to replace our armored Humvees in theater on a one-for-one basis with MRAPs."

Gates said he supports that effort and hopes to get the Army to speed up its procurement timetable for the vehicles, too. "My understanding ... is that the Army has been recalibrating its interest and has substantially increased the number of these vehicles they think they can use," he said.

The services have ordered about 7,700 of the vehicles, at a cost of about $8 billion. Gates plan to meet with Army and Marine Corps officials tomorrow to discuss their MRAP procurement plans and explore ways to accelerate them.

Up-armored Humvees offered the best protection available when they were fielded, but Gates said MRAPs provide even more. "Now we have something better, and we're going to get that to the field as best we can," he said.

Marine Gen. Peter Pace, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, called MRAPs an example of how industry has stepped up to the plate to come up with solutions to military needs. "I think what you have is a natural evolution of technology and very sharp people in business and industry looking at the problem and devising different ways to defeat the problem," he said.

While acknowledging the benefit of the MRAPs, Pace cautioned that they don't represent an end-all to the dangers of IEDs.

"There's no solution out there that's going to protect everybody from everything all the time," he said. "What you try to do is ... provide the best protection you can that still allows a soldier (or) Marine to be able to go out and do the job they need to do."

Giving every deployed troop a private M-1 Abrams tank would probably be the best protection, but even tanks are vulnerable to some weapons, Pace said.

He added that most jobs required in the combat zone can't be accomplished while rumbling around the city inside a tank.

"So you've got to find the right balance between force protection and the mission that needs to be done," he said.

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