Healing the Hidden Wounds

I read with shock and gratitude at the Washington Post's special report "The Cost of War: Traumatic Brain Injury,"

I had known Lt Col Tim Maxwell.  He was a patient at the National Naval Medical Center when I had the honor to work as the Public Affairs Officer from 2003 to 2005.

Maxwell is an amazing man who continued to look after the Marines, even after his traumatic injury -- Maxwell Hall in Camp LeJeune was named in his honor; and I will always be amazed by his incredible work ethic.

TBI is a horrific injury that in many ways is unlike a limb injury that can be more easily identified, treated and rehabilitated.  Worst, since its hidden, people may not be aware and discriminate against TBI patients who may come across as being rude, inconsiderate or forgetful.  And the effects of TBI can change over time.

Vice Admiral Adam Robinson, the Surgeon General of the Navy believes that nobody returns home from combat without at least some degree of post-traumatic stress. 

"If you are involved in combat and combat operations, you have post-traumatic stress," he said. 

Even those not physically involved in combat, but operating within the combat theater, are at risk, he said. "If you are exposed to the tension and to the stress of a deployment, you are a candidate to develop post-traumatic stress." 

"I did not say you have a disorder," Admiral Robinson emphasized. "So when I talk about PTS, I don't add the 'D' for 'disorder.' Because we know that if we treat it and treat it effectively, we can actually obviate the disorder. If we can stave off the 'D,' we are ahead of the game." 

Let's hope we can truly stave off the "D" and continue to make advances in TBI diagnosis and treatment for all victims of brain injury.

Kudos once again to Christian Davenport and the Washington Post for such a great piece of journalism -- telling the incredible stories of the home front and warfront and giving the rest of us a closer perspective to what these brave men and women have experienced and sacrificed so that we can continue to live in peace.

From TBI to Triathlon: Journey of a Combat Injured Athlete

Tribute to the Troops

Reflecting


Marathons is a time to reflect and to remember. While running through Miami Beach, I was presented with a pleasant surprise.


Understanding


As I ran by 2800 grave sites, I was taken back that each one of these tombs marked a young American who gave their lives so that I could have the freedom to live and run.


Inspiring


I was really touched by the Tribute to the Troops gravesite in Miami Beach. Many of the graves marked young men and women, some who were only half of my age. As I ran past them, I felt spirited and touched by their sacrifice.


Navigating


During the latter part of the run, I was given a round of applause by some very nice people who were outside with friends and family, dining and supporting the runners.  I was deeply thankful and pleasantly surprised.  But the real applause should go to the brave men and women who gave their all to our country.  That is what I am celebrating today.

In Honor of a Compassionate Provider and a Selfless War Hero: LT Florence Choe

Today I received very sad news -- I lost a friend and fellow shipmate to enemy fire in Afghanistan.

I had the privilege to work with Flo at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda. Florence was a Medical Service Corps officer who was very giving, charismatic and someone who I deeply admired and respected.

Florence was taking an afternoon job on March 27 along a well-worn path on the outskirts of Forward Operating Base Shaheen in Afghanistan with a fellow Sailor, a Seabee, LTJG Francis "Frankie" Toner.

This is when an Afghan soldier turned insurgent raised his weapon and shot the two Sailors.

And Florence had given the greatest gift of her life.  In Bethesda, she worked with the Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) contingencies team helping returning casualties from Iraq and Afghanistan as they arrive in Andrews Air Force Base transfer to Bethesda.

In Afghanistan, Florence had volunteered for a humanitarian mission in Afghanistan, even though it meant a year away from her husband, a urology resident at Naval Medical Center San Diego, and their three-year old daughter.

Florence had given her time and service to the casualties and to our Freedom many times over.

I will never forget her sweet smile and compassionate heart.

My deepest condolences to Florence's family. Flo, you will be deeply missed. I will never forget you and the ultimate sacrifice you made to make this world a better place for all. 

I will never taken life for granted.  Neither will I take running for granted.  Even on a hot, sweltering summer afternoon or on a cold, blustery winter morning, being able to run in freedom and without the threat of being shot at is a gift.  

Especially on those long, hard runs -- I will remember and honor Florence's ultimate sacrifice.

Thank you your service Florence and God Bless you and your family.