In Honor of Corpsman and Medics: That Others May Live; Veterans Jobs Bill Signed; Spotlight On Resources; RIP Police Officer James Capoot; Images of Heroic Firefighters

I am with you---
whispered the corpsman to another fallen hero.

I am with you---
he repeated as he wiped the crimson tears streaming down the young Marine's face.

The Marine's eyes opened slowly as his lips struggled to smile.
He knew Taps would not sound.
He knew his Flag would remain at full mast.
For he knew---he was saved by a Battlefield Angel.

As his pain faded and his eyelids grew heavy, once again the young Marine heard the soft whisper of the Battlefield Angel---

I am with you.
(Battlefield Angels by Jerry Komar, USAF Medic, 1970)

"That Others May Live."

Perhaps it's fitting that the Air Force Pararescueman's Creed is "That Others May Live."

Airman First Class Bill Pitsenbarger upheld the Pararescueman's creed in April of 1966 in Vietnam. As the Army's First Infantry Division were being attacked by a large force of Vietcong, Airman Pitsenberger, already a veteran of over 300 rescue missions at the young age of 21, volunteered to take part in yet another rescue mission. As his HH-43 Husky hovered over the battlefield, Airman Pitsenberger hoisted himself down and began treating the wounded in the middle of a raging firefight. After many successful evacuations, Pitsenberger ignored standard procedures and remained on the ground and continued treating and evacuating the wounded while returning fire at the enemy. It is estimated he saved at least 50 lives. Later that evening, Airman Pitsenberger died from multiple gunshot wounds. When he was found the next day, he was still holding his medical kit in one hand and his rifle in the other.

Medics and Corpsman have been the recipients of more Medals of Honor, Silver Stars, Bronze Stars and Purple Hearts than all other branches of service combined.

Recommended Reading

"Doc: Heroic Stories of Medics, Corpsmen and Surgeons in Combat" by Mark Littleton. "Doc" covers heroic actions by our medical corps from WWII through the War on Terror.

"Corpsman Up" by Mark Baviello is the true account of Marine Corps corpsmen during the Vietnam War.

"Yes, I Can. An Army Nurses Story Before, During and After Desert Storm in Saudi Arabia" by Loretta Scott. Scott delivers an interesting and entertaining account of a nurse who transitions from civilian life to an Army nurse. She delivers her account in day-to-day riveting accounts as a nurse in Desert Storm.

President Obama Signs Veterans Jobs Bill

Earlier today, President Obama signed the veteran's jobs bill that gives business tax breaks for hiring veterans. The VOW to Hire Heroes Act of 2011 was advocated hard by the American Legion. Veterans can access key provisions of the legislation by going to http://legion.org/.

Spotlight On Helpful Resources

• Patriot Outreach provides confidential access to simple and effective resources to those suffering from PTSD. Dedicated to Heroes has linked up to Patriot Outreach.
• The Marine Corps Wounded Warrior Regiment Provides and facilitates non-medical care to combat and non-combat wounded, ill and injured WWII Marines and Sailors attached to or in direct support of Marine units and their family members. They can be reached at http://www.woundedwarriorregiment.org/
• Spouse Buzz is Military.com's blog for military spouses. This blog is a virtual destination connect and share their experiences. They provide information on reintegration, careers, education and much more. The blog can be accessed at http://spousebuzz.com/.
• Healing Heroes provides financial assistance for medical treatment to the men and women of the armed forces injured in the line of duty in Afghanistan and/or Iraq on or after 9/11. They can be reached at http://healingheroes.org/.
• Women Veterans of America provides information on health issues, balancing motherhood and Service obligations and assisting in making veterans benefits understandable. Their website is: http://www.womenveteransofamerica.com/

You are reminded this web site also provides many resources.


RIP Vallejo Police Officer James Capoot

Officer James Capoot was shot and killed during a foot pursuit of a bank robber suspect following a high-speed chase on Nov. 17, 2011. After disabling the suspect's vehicle, he pursued the suspect into a back yard where Capoot was shot several times. He later died at the hospital. The suspect was arrested near the scene. Officer Capoot, a 19 year veteran of the department and a Marine veteran, is survived by his wife and three daughters.


Images Of What Heroic Firefighters Do On A Daily Basis