Saturday, July 14, 2018

WWII veteran with PTSD feels the love from community on 94th birthday

Community has birthday surprise for vet, 94
The Chronicle
By Jennifer Bolton
July 13, 2018
"He is 100 percent disabled from his war injuries," Summer Camp said. "The doctors at the VA hospital said dad has the worst case of (post-traumatic stress disorder) that they've ever seen."
A Dickinson woman who wanted her World War II veteran dad to have a special 94th birthday turned to a place some might think of as a risky platform for help — social media.

Summer Camp asked people on Facebook and Next Door to send messages to her father, Bob Camp to celebrate his birthday on July 8.

She was surprised at what happened. Despite rain and gloomy weather, scores of people showed up to cheer the frail but excited veteran.

A key participant was League City resident John Dawson, who decided that he and the surrounding community could do a little more than send notes.
Serving in the Army under Gen. George S. Patton, Bob Camp fought at the Battle of the Bulge. He earned two Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star.
read more here

Firefighters save homeowner after heart attack and from HOA fines!

Firefighters save man having a heart attack and then finish his garden work
The Independent
Alina Polianskaya
3 days ago
Firefighters in Florida finished off laying the grass for a man who suffered a heart attack ( Melissa Ann Work/Facebook )

Firefighters in Florida helped save the life of a man who was having a heart attack – and then finished laying down grass sod in his garden so he did not get into trouble.

Gene Work had been installing the grass palettes in his garden, anxious to get it done quickly for fear of a fine from the homeowners association, when his heart attack began, according to his wife who shared the story on Facebook.
“Before he knows it, seven firefighters and EMT's jumped out, put on gloves and said they came back because they knew Gene was in serious trouble and they wanted to lay the new sod so it didn't die. They knew he wouldn't be able to do any work for weeks so they came back.”
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Florida Firefighter Recovering After Falling Out of Truck

Florida firefighter falls out of truck on way to call
By Associated Press
July 12, 2018

Steven Dowd, 46, airlifted to hospital
TAMPA, Fla. - A Florida firefighter is recovering from serious injuries after falling out of a fire truck on the way to a call.

Hillsborough sheriff's officials said Steven Dowd, 46, was riding in the passenger seat of the truck as it left the station Tuesday.
read more here

Friday, July 13, 2018

VA Homeless Shelter Employees Charged With Stealing Money

2 VA Employees Charged With Stealing Gov. Money for Spending Spree
NBC 7 News San Diego
By Bridget Naso
Jul 11, 2018
"VASDHS leadership has been cooperating with the Office of Inspector General on this investigation since 2013. Now that the investigation is complete, we are pursuing appropriate personnel actions.

Two San Diego Veterans Administration employees have been charged in federal court for using government money to buy luxury items for themselves, others and to sell online.
The spending spree started in 2013, according to court documents. Some of the items included large screen televisions, home theater systems, computers and sporting goods.

Nicholas Pilchak, assistant U.S. attorney said, “The indictment alleges over $23,000 in specific property that Mr. Soleimani misappropriated.”

Shawn Soleimani worked as a Social Service Assistant at the VA's Aspire Center. The Aspire Center is run by the San Diego VA Medical Center. It is a shelter with services for homeless veterans who served in Afghanistan and Iraq.
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Days before wedding, Camp Pendleton Marine killed in car crash

Sergeant Galvan dies three days before wedding
23 ABC News Bakersfield
Emma Lockhart
Jul 12, 2018
His death happened just three days before his wedding. He leaves behind his fianceé and unborn child.
BAKERSFIELD, CA - It was a day of honor at Hillcrest Memorial Park, where Sergeant George Daniel Galvan was laid to rest Thursday morning.

Friends, family and community members celebrated the life of the 23-year-old Marine from Bakersfield. Galvan died from a car crash on June 30th, 2018 near Camp Pendleton where he was stationed.
read more here and see video report