A Man is Shot by a Sniper and Survives

I have a full post today. It will be long, but I think you will find lots of interesting information.

+If you like what you see, please subscribe at the top of this page where it says, “subscribe.” When you do all future posts will come directly to your inbox. Also, if you know some else who could benefit for the site, please let them know about it. You may be saving a life. Your comments will not be seen by other people, just me, and I will connect with you to see if you are OK to share it.

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This story is about a soldier who was shot by a sniper. It is an amazing story of survival.

On January 18, 2008, a bullet pierced Russell “Russ” Kaufmann’s neck while he was on patrol in Iraq. It was the only place on this body not covered by a helmet or armor.

“I wasn’t scared. I was thinking, ‘This is it, I’m going to die.’”

While the bullet tore his flesh, it was the massive blood loss that did the most damage. It caused two strokes. Russ credits his survival to the excellent care he received in Germany and the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. He also credits his determination to live. But his life changed forever.

After multiple surgeries and strokes, he is a man unable to talk and has several physical limitations. Those limitations include aphasia, weakness on the right side of his body and difficulty with his vision. Aphasia is an impairment of language, affecting the production or comprehension of speech and the ability to read and write.

Suddenly, Russ became a man who can see and understand the world, but no longer fully engage with it.

Finding alternative ways of communicating

Russ receives treatment at the James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital Speech Language clinic in Tampa. Russ is working with a VHA speech language pathologist to restore as much speech and language as possible. He also is finding alternative ways to communicate.

“Oh… he’s amazing for sure. He has a memory like a steel trap. He also has knowledge for days and phenomenal mental flexibility and use of communication strategies,” said Karyn Pingel, his speech pathologist.

“If I don’t understand what he’s trying to convey, he immediately uses his smart phone to communicate through pictures or draws his own picture,” Pingel said. “Russ will also gesture or pantomime to get his message across. I have been blessed with his presence in Tampa. I love every opportunity to work with him.” Learning and using different nonverbal ways to communicate has enabled Russ to continue his path to recovery. He now lives independently and volunteers

What an amazing hero!

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White House, VA launch REACH — a call to action to engage the nation in preventing suicide

WASHINGTON – The White House and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) today launched the REACH national public health campaign aimed at empowering all Americans to play a critical role in preventing suicide. 

The goal of REACH, which was established by the President’s Roadmap to Empower Veterans and End a National Tragedy of Suicide (PREVENTS), is to change the conversation around suicide by urging people to recognize their own risk and protective factors — as well as the risk and protective factors of their loved ones. 

“REACH will empower our nation’s Veterans to seek and receive help and it will encourage them to reach out to their brothers and sisters in need who may be vulnerable,” said VA Secretary Robert Wilkie. “The power of this campaign will change how we talk about mental health and suicide in our nation. It will ensure that those in need, especially the men and women who have served our great nation, will receive the care and support they deserve.” 

“The REACH campaign will inspire and educate all Americans — encouraging them to share their own struggles and to reach out to those who are hurting. It will engage our Veterans to help lead the way as we change how we think about, talk about and address suicide,” said PREVENTS Executive Director Dr. Barbara Van Dahlen. “I urge everyone to go to wearewithinreach.net and take the PREVENTS Pledge to REACH and be part of the solution. Together, we will prevent suicide.” 

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I am now switching gears to share some endorsements for my new upcoming book called, Signs of Hope for the Military: In and Out of the Trenches of Life.

These aren’t friends or family endorsements. These are from powerful military leaders who have looked at the book:

Although ‘Signs of Hope for the Military: In and Out of the Trenches of Life wasn’t written for men only, it brings honesty and openness to veterans, and military personnel about feeling ok to express fears and emotional challenges in a difficult world.  US Army Retired Veteran, Mr. Douglas Bolton brings his personal stories to life in a way we all can relate to and gives a big “you’re ok” for revealing our shortcomings and encourages us to open up and talk.  A must read for those seeking healing and forgiveness from ourselves and those wanting a fresh look on life. 

Steve Durgin, Founder & CEO with Victory For Veterans Foundation. 

Huntington, Beach California

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Most of us are fortunate not to have experienced the stress of combat.  Words cannot adequately define the grinding daily pressure of knowing that every time you step outside the gate the enemy will try to kill you and your buddies.  You are constantly alert, on point; but how can you protect your team from the instantaneous blast of the IED?  You are part of a highly-trained team poised to execute, but what has prepared you for the mental toll of being on edge every moment.  The skills that helped you survive….have taken a toll and are now working against you when you return home.  What do you do now; where do you turn?  Whether you are dealing with PTSD, TBI, depression, homelessness, or recovering from wounds; Doug Bolton has answers…..this book has answers!

Jim Jaeger

Brigadier General, USAF, ret

San Antonio, TX

Member of the Board, Victory for Veterans

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+If you like what you see, please subscribe at the top of this page where it says, “subscribe.” When you do all future posts will come directly to your inbox. Also, if you know some else who could benefit for the site, please let them know about it. You may be saving a life. Your comments will not be seen by other people, just me, and I will connect with you to see if you are OK to share it.

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Remember:

You are never alone.

You are never forsaken.

You are never unloved.

And above all….never, ever, give up!

Rioters Beat Policeman With a Bat

+If you like what you see, please subscribe at the top of this page where it says, “subscribe.” When you do all future posts will come directly to your inbox. Also, if you know some else who could benefit for the site, please let them know about it. You may be saving a life. Your comments will not be seen by other people, just me, and I will connect with you to see if you are OK to share it.

Hot very hot!! It is in the 90’s here now. Time for a cold one, and turning the air conditioner up!

War Zones in our own country.

We are having a war in the streets of our own country. Now the rioters have pipes and bats. This morning a police officer in NYC, was blindsided with bat. He was bleeding a lot and was knock unconscious. One reporter saw a man pull four bats out of his trunk.

The mayor of New York city is a nothing. He won’t do any the help the police. He even pulled many off of the street. Crime has sky rocketed since doing that. He also is cutting the budget for the police down by 5 Billion dollars. Yes, that is Billions!

Is this man insane? Does he have a motive for doing this?

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Now that got my rants out of the way, I have some military news for you.

  1. Veterans of Foreign Wars pushes Congress to pass Agent Orange Conditions Bill.

Some 35 senators introduced a bill that would add new conditions to the Agent Orange conditions list. They are:

  • Bladder infections
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Parkinson-like-symptoms-or Parkinsonism Hypertension

2. GI-Bill to continue through COVID-19 pandemic.

Student veterans using the GI Bill don’t have to worry about housing pay through the uncertainly brought by the COVID-19 virus.

3. VA repeals Service Officer review period.

VA is changing a long-standing policy that could affect the accuracy of disability ratings for veterans.

Start April 30th, VA eliminated the 48 hour disability rating review period for veterans service officers, a period VFW believes is vital to ensure to accuracy of VA decisions.

4. Air Force Tech Sergeant sets record for weight lifting.

Tech Sergeant Kenneth Cook lifted 551 pounds to set a record for the 198-220 weight class, on September 19th, 2019 at Travis Air Force Base. He placed first in the U.S. Pro Powerlifting Competition.

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Checking in on you my friend. How are you doing? There is so much madness in our country right now. It can tear down the best of us.

Do you have depression chasing you around. Do you want to hide in the basement because the PTSD is nipping at your heels? Do you shake with anxiety when it is the fourth of July?

There are many just like you my friend. Just to let you know there are 8,556 fellow veterans that follow this site and many have been where you have been. If want to share your feelings in the comments section below they can share with you how they have survived.

I will not share you comments if you don’t want me to. I make sure you are OK with it before I publish it.

I also highly urge you to seek help if your are overwhelmed with what is going on in your life. I have a toll free number to call that is 24/7.

1-800273-8255

Call it now if you feel you need it!!

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+If you like what you see, please subscribe at the top of this page where it says, “subscribe.” When you do all future posts will come directly to your inbox. Also, if you know some else who could benefit for the site, please let them know about it. You may be saving a life. Your comments will not be seen by other people, just me, and I will connect with you to see if you are OK to share it.

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Remember:

You are never alone.

You are never forsaken.

You are never unloved.

And above all…never, ever, give up!

Joe Biden Calls the Military the Enemy

+If you like what you see, please subscribe at the top of this page where it says, “subscribe.” When you do all future posts will come directly to your inbox. Also, if you know some else who could benefit for the site, please let them know about it. You may be saving a life. Your comment will not be seen by other people, just me, and I will connect with you to see if you are OK to share it.

Since I last posted three days ago we have increased by 60 new subscribers. WELCOME!!

We now have 8,486 subscribers. AMAZING

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I listened to a very disturbing interview with Joe Biden. I actually like the guy, but he went too far, and I will not be voting for him in November.

In his interview he stated that it would be wrong to call up the military to help in the rioting. He said they would be called the enemy.

This is a man who wants to be the president of our country? He just lost many veterans and current military.

What he said was not one of his senile slips like he has become famous for. He was very clear and to the point.

I AM NOT THE ENEMY!!

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I have a social network I would like to recommend to you.

www.rallypoint.com is a social network just for veterans, current military, and their families.

I love this network. It gives me hope and it gives me a chance to share with people I understand. You can share your hurts, and your joys. You can be a buddy for someone who is struggling. There are 1.8 million members. Please check it out.

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How you YOU doing. Has all the crap that is going down starting to get to you? Are you fighting depression because of it? Are you also struggling with PTSD, TBI, or anxiety.

You are not alone my friend. There are thousands of fellow veterans and military personnel here with you. Just make a comment below to share and we will all be with you. Your comment will not be seen by other people, just me, and I will connect with you to see if you are OK to share it.

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+If you like what you see, please subscribe at the top of this page where it says, “subscribe.” When you do all future posts will come directly to your inbox. Also, if you know some else who could benefit for the site, please let them know about it. You may be saving a life.

________________________________________

Remember:

You are never alone.

You are never forsaken.

You are never unloved.

And above all…never, ever, give up!