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Tuesday, May 30, 2006

Helicopter Crash at Ol' Soldiers' Home!!!

Greetings and Salutations to All my Kith and Kin and All the Ships in Outer Space:

For those of you who reside in the Washington, D.C. area, you probably are already watching the still breaking news report on your television sets.

But, for those of you who do not reside in this area, this e-mail is my personal account, plus you can read the (current) official news report, and watch the televised video on your computer monitor.

The station is WUSA-TV Channel 9.

Here is the text of that printed report:

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Written By 9 News
Last Updated: 5/30/2006 7:02:06 PM
A medical helicopter crashed Tuesday on its way to Washington Hospital Center with four people on board.

At a press conference Tuesday evening, officials at the hospital said the chopper was transporting a critically ill patient when it crashed in on North Capitol Street in Northwest Washington.

That patient was undergoing surgery Tuesday night and was considered in critical condition, the hospital said.

The chopper's pilot, one of the most experienced in the nation, was in serious but stable condition.
So was a flight nurse and a paramedic who had been aboard.

Rescue crews had to free the pilot from the wreckage, and three passengers from the MedStar helicopter also were being treated for serious injuries, officials said.
It wasn't immediately clear what caused the crash less than a mile from the hospital.
It was a sunny day.

It did not appear the helicopter struck any buildings or injured anyone on the ground, FAA officials said.

The chopper crashed on a hilly area of a golf course at the U.S. Soldiers and Airmens Home in the 3700 block of North Capitol Street in northwest Washington.

One witness said he saw the helicopter flying low and heard it hit a tree about 500 yards from the golf course clubhouse.

"It was lumbering," said Billy Bartlett, who works at the golf course.
"You knew something wasn't right."

Bartlett said the helicopter went down on the 8th hole to the right of the fairway.

There were golfers on the course at the time.
Everyone was sent away, and the course was closed.

The crash was reported just after 4:30 p.m.

Washington Hospital Center has had a medevac program since 1983 and its choppers have flown more than 40,000 medical flights without a single accident.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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Now here is MY version of what I saw and heard:

It was around suppertime, and I was sitting at this computer when I first noticed fire trucks going by, heading down the hill towards our hospital, which is called "King Health Center".

My first impression was that it was probably just another false alarm, i.e., somebody burning popcorn in a microwave.

But, then more and more fire apparatus began arriving, and I knew something MUST be happening, for Fire trucks, ambulances, and police cars just kept screaming by, one right after another, so this, whatever it was, WAS serious.

Then I saw the big yellow truck go by, and I knew it was an aircraft crash.

I used to be a firefighter, and part of my training was aircraft crash rescue.

Anyway, I signed off the computer and started walking down the hill, and then up the hill, to the statue of General Winfield Scott, which overlooks the whole city.

Yep, I could plainly see the helicopter lying on its side, with a cockpit door standing open.

It was under a tree, on our Soldiers'Home golf course, right next to our Soldiers'Home hospital.

Firefighters were covering the blue helicopter with white foam, as I observed several other firefighters carrying a patient in a Stokes basket litter up the hillside into our hospital area.

Next to the crash was another helicopter, with its engine reving up, and it took off, possibly medevacing someone.

Other helicopters circled VERY low overhead, possibly supervisors and investigators.

As I walked back to the mess hall, I met some of my buddies coming towards me, and I explained what I was able to see.

Naturally, there was an element of comedy when one of the residents shouted, "Oh no - - - not the GOLF course!!!

After supper, I watched the local news on three different channels, trying to learn what happened.

The press conference at the hospital said the patient who was being evacuated was very critical and was in surgery.

The pilot, flight nurse, and flight paramedic were all injured, listed in serious, but stable condition, and all were consious and able to communicate.

A little while ago, I wandered down towards the crash site, just to see how close I could get before being turned back.

I didn't get very close, maybe half a block from the crash.

So, I hiked back up to the General Winfield Scott statue, where I could plainly observe everything, as massive portable spotlights were set up, and police cars kept their red and blue lights flashing.

Behind this scene was an excellent view of the United States Capitol, all illuminated.

It was very scenic, and too bad the news reporters weren't smart enough to figure out where the best places were for them to be taking pictures.

The best spot was right where I was standing, right by the statue of General Winfield Scott.

That's where I like to go on nice summer nights (and days) to sit on the grass and play my guitar and sing.

I enjoy the squirrels and birdies keeping me company, and it's a good view of the city, especially the Capitol and the Washington Monument.

Anyway, that's my story.

I reckon I'll conclude with how they taught me to traditionally conclude a news report when I was studying journalism at Westminster College, and that is:

Thirty.

John Robert Mallernee, KB3KWS
Official Bard of Clan Henderson
Armed Forces Retirement Home
Washington, D.C. 20011-8400

"My unpopular and controversial personal opinions are independent of my Scottish clan."

Bragging About My Sister!!!














Greetings and Salutations to All my Kith and Kin and All the Ships in Outer Space:

My sister, Ellen Suzanne Mallernee, married to Mike Serig, a mother and grandmother, has just published her FIRST book!!!

She and her husband both recently retired from careers as high school teachers, and they live in Smithfield, Virginia.

Written for children, the book is called "THROUGH THE SMALL DOOR", is in paperback, and costs eleven dollars and ninety-nine cents ($11.99).

Now, is that something to brag about, or what?

My sister, the AUTHOR!!!

She's about a year younger than I am, maybe two.

In fact, TODAY is her birthday!

I reckon I better send her a card, huh?

Gosh, gee whillikers, this has made my day!

Thank you.

John Robert Mallernee, KB3KWS
Official Bard of Clan Henderson
Armed Forces Retirement Home
Washington, D.C. 20011-8400

"My unpopular and controversial personal opinions are independent of my Scottish clan."

Monday, May 29, 2006

Hit Your "PANIC!!!" Button - - - Oops - - - Too Late!

Brethren and Cistern:

Those of you who know me are aware of how I enjoy toying with words, so I don't need to explain to you why I used the greeting, "Brethren and Cistern".

But, one time, I actually got an outraged response from someone anonymous (I suspect a close relative) who thought I was being serious.

Congratulations to Bishop Ross Davidson of the Washington, D.C. Fourth Ward who the missionaries tell me is going to Mexico in a couple of months, to preside over a mission there.

Yesterday, I had a very pleasant visit with FOUR (04) full-time LDS missionaries who came over and sang to ME!!!

First, they administered the sacrament, and then they requested I sing them some songs, including a couple of which I had composed.

They especially wanted to hear the Irish-American ballad, "KILKELLY", which I enjoy using as an example of why we are admonished to be diligent in researching our genealogy.

The lyrics to "KILKELLY" only got written because an American was cleaning his basement and accidentally discovered a series of old letters in a trunk.

They also wanted to hear two (02) songs from the Broadway production, "MAN OF LA MANCHA".

So, I sang "MAN OF LA MANCHA" and "THE QUEST" (which most folks incorrectly call, "THE IMPOSSIBLE DREAM").

They also wanted to hear, "THE CITY OF NEW ORLEANS".

I performed two (02) original songs that I had composed, the hymn, "COME ONE AND ALL", and the song, "RIDE THE LAUGHING WIND", written about the mysterious Anasazi people (i.e., "the ancient ones") who preceeded the current American Indian tribes now living in the "Outlaw Trail" area of Utah, Wyoming, and Colorado.

Because of my depression (which comes and goes, and varies in severity), I haven't been practicing, so I didn't perform as well as I wished I could have.

We had a very enjoyable conversation about the Da Vinci code and the Knights Templar, and the opportunities that topic can present for missionary work.

Then, they sang for me, "LET THE LOWER LIGHTS BE BURNING", with an excellent job of harmonizing.

Now, I come to the REAL purpose of this missive - - - , and I fear it is NOT good news.

For some time now, there have been drastic reductions in funding, staff, programs, and benefits here at the Ol' Soldiers' Home.

It's my perception that the few staff remaining are demoralized and overwhelmed by the sheer volume of residents who are admitted to this Home in a completely helpless state, with ongoing violation of all rules regarding health and safety.

I, and others, have tried in vain to warn of what we knew would happen.

This has resulted in some real horror stories of bedridden patients lying in their own filth, ignored by staff who don't speak English, plus serious injuries and at least one fatality from residents using wheelchairs in buildings not designed for wheelchairs.

But something else occurs to me - - - which has motivated me to write to you.

The Armed Forces Retirement Home in Washington, D.C. is only ONE federal agency, and the administration here is acting under the personal direction of Donald Rumsfeld, the Secretary of Defense.

So, if this is happening in ONE federal agency, due to an extreme dearth of fiscal resources, how many other federal agencies are simultaneously experiencing similar financial emergencies, along with their accompanying repercussions?

By the way, and this is a side issue, part of the problem is due to the innumerable illegal immigrants making health care so expensive and unavailable.

So, do you have your TWO (02) years supply of food, water, fuel, medical supplies, with radio, weapons and ammunition?

It may well be that we are seeing the beginning of the end, that the symptoms of an approaching total collapse of our economy, with a nonfunctional government are staring us right in the face.

We may already be out of time.

Along with your emergency survival storage, remember to stock the necessary agricultural items for starting up a new crop and a new economy.

Expensive, huh?

Can't do it, huh?

Neither can I.

But, we have to do the best we can with what we have.

We've been warned over and over again.

I remember one of our prophets, two or three prophets ago (was it Hugh Brown?) saying at that time that if you didn't have your food storage, "it may already be too late."

So, think about these things and do what you can do.

Let's hope I'm wrong about my suspicions.

Thank you.

John Robert Mallernee, KB3KWS
Official Bard of Clan Henderson
Armed Forces Retirement Home
Washington, D.C. 20011-8400

"My unpopular and controversial personal opinions are independent of my Scottish clan."

Sunday, May 28, 2006

Scottish - American Memorial Day












Greetings and Salutations to All my Kith and Kin and All the Ships in Outer Space:

Here is a very touching news report, which I found posted at THE BLOOD IS STRONG discussion forum.

Tomorrow, we observe Memorial Day in the United States of America, and guess what - - - ?

They will also have the SAME solemn Memorial Day observance in Scotland, for they have a statue of a young Scottish soldier, donated by Americans of Scottish descent!

Ain't that neat?

Here is the report:

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AMERICA'S TOUCHING TRIBUTE TO SCOTLAND'S WAR DEAD

WILL SPRINGER

NEARLY eighty years ago, on a bright Edinburgh day, hundreds of people joined in the unveiling of a new war memorial on the west end of Princes Street Gardens.

Like most monuments and plaques that dot the city's landscape, this particular one has carried additional significance ever since.

The Scottish-American War Memorial is a moving expression of beauty and dignity and captures the essence of the strong bond between the two lands.

At its centre the memorial known as The Call features a young, kilted soldier representing the First World War fighting spirit of Scotland.

At the unveiling ceremonies on 7 September 1927, Alanson B. Houghton, the United States Ambassador to Britain, said of the seated bronze infantryman gazing toward Castle Rock:

"Today we commemorate the Great War with the figure of a common soldier one youth separated from the thronging files of recruits pressing on from behind one youth within sound of the pipes and drums and within sight of the old Castle on the hill one son of Scotland from a mansion or a manse or a mine, from a farm or a factory, from a Glasgow close or an Edinburgh lane, it matters not.

For he came from all of these.

He kept lonely company with his own soul in a tank or in a trench, on the sea or in the sky.

And he went to his death alone."

Monday marks Memorial Day in America, a time to reflect on the men and women from all United States wars who went to their "death alone".

Five years after the dedication of the Scottish-American memorial, it was decided to hold an annual remembrance service on the United States holiday.

This year marks the Seventy-Second Memorial Day service in Edinburgh, one of the few European cities that sustains the tradition.

"It's appropriately sombre," says Cécile Shea, Consul General to the United States Consulate in Edinburgh.

"It reminds me of the important foundations that have developed over the years between the United States and Scotland."

The service includes a wreath-laying ceremony at the statue by American and Scottish dignitaries, the playing of both national anthems and the skirl of a Scottish piper a stirring moment that traditionally attracts the attention of curious tourists and passers-by.

"It's very moving," says Shea.

"It's very symbolic and shows the important values that we share both now and on the battlefield."

One of the most poignant war memorials in Britain, The Call was designed by R. Tait McKenzie, a Canadian-born physician and artist of Scottish descent who was at the time a distinguished educator at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia.

The memorial, which cost £10,000 (or about £400,000 today), was a gift from American Scots as a tribute to the bravery of Scottish troops during the 1914 - 1918 conflict.

Directly behind the statue, a long bronze relief panel features men from all walks of life joining the call to arms, marching from left to right, with a pipe band leading the way.

The Craigleith sandstone backdrop was designed by architect Reginald Fairlie.

Along the base of the panel, a carved inscription reads:

"If it be life that waits I shall live forever unconquered; if death I shall die at last strong in my pride and free."

High atop the frieze, and worn from the years exposed to Scotland's notorious weather, are two intertwined wreaths.

Featuring two shields one bearing the Stars and Stripes, and the other the Saltire Cross, they best symbolise the long-standing links these two nations share to this day.


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This year's Scottish-American Memorial Day service will take place on Monday at noon at The Call statue, Princes Street Gardens West, Edinburgh.

A United States Air Force Honor Guard based in England will be present, as will the Royal Marine Band.

Americans and non-Americans alike are welcome to attend.

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I'm particularly grateful to Daibhidh MacCoinneach, the creator and moderator of THE BLOOD IS STRONG discussion forum for posting this information, and to the SCOTSMAN web site for furnishing this report and the three (03) photographs.

Slainte mhath!

John Robert Mallernee, KB3KWS
Official Bard of Clan Henderson
Armed Forces Retirement Home
Washington, D.C. 20011-8400

"My unpopular and controversial personal opinions are independent of my Scottish clan."

Monday, May 22, 2006

THIEVES STEAL PERSONAL DATA OF 26.5 MILLION VETERANS!!!

Comrades-in-Arms:

Here is a breaking news report you'll all be interested in, as it probably impacts many of us directly.

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THIEVES STEAL PERSONAL DATA OF 26.5 MILLION VETERANS

By HOPE YEN, Associated Press Writer

Thieves took sensitive personal information on 26.5 million U.S. veterans, including Social Security numbers and birth dates, after a Veterans Affairs employee improperly brought the material home, the government said Monday.


The information involved mainly those veterans who served and have been discharged since 1975, said VA Secretary Jim Nicholson.

Data of veterans discharged before 1975 who submitted claims to the agency may have been included.

Nicholson said there was no evidence the thieves had used the data for identity theft, and an investigation was continuing.

"It's highly probable that they do not know what they have," he said in a briefing with reporters.

"We have decided that we must exercise an abundance of caution and make sure our veterans are aware of this incident."

Veterans advocates expressed alarm.

"This was a very serious breach of security for American veterans and their families," said Bob Wallace, executive director of Veterans of Foreign Wars.

"We want the VA to show leadership, management and accountability for this breach."

Ramona Joyce, spokeswoman for the American Legion, agreed that the theft was a concern.

"In the information age, we're constantly told to protect our information.

We would ask no less of the VA," she said.

Nicholson declined to comment on the specifics of the incident, which involved a midlevel data analyst who had taken the information home to suburban Maryland on a laptop to work on a department project.

The residential community had been a target of a series of burglaries when the employee was victimized earlier this month, according to the FBI in Baltimore.

Local law enforcement and the VA inspector general were also investigating.

"I want to emphasize there was no medical records of any veteran and no financial information of any veteran that's been compromised," Nicholson said, although he added later that some information on the veterans' disabilities may have been taken.

Nicholson said he does not know how many of the department's 235,000 employees go through background investigations.

He said employees who have access to large volumes of personal data should be required to undergo such checks, but he does not believe the VA employee was involved in the theft.

"We do not suspect at all any ulterior motive," he said.

The department has come under criticism for shoddy accounting practices and for falling short on the needs of veterans.

Last year, more than 260,000 veterans could not sign up for services because of cost-cutting.

Audits also have shown the agency used misleading accounting methods and lacked documentation to prove its claimed savings.

"It is a mystifying and gravely serious concern that a VA data analyst would be permitted to just walk out the VA door with such information," Illinois Rep. Lane Evans, the top Democrat on the Veterans Affairs Committee, said in a statement signed by other Democrats on the panel.

Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., who is a Vietnam veteran, said he would introduce legislation to require the VA to provide credit reports to the veterans affected by the theft.

"This is no way to treat those who have worn the uniform of our country," Kerry said.


"Someone needs to be fired."

The VA said it was notifying members of Congress and the individual veterans about the burglary.

It has set up a call center at:


1-800-FED-INFO

and a web site at:

http://www.firstgov.gov

for veterans who believe their information has been misused.

It also is stepping up its review of procedures on the use of personal data for many of its employees who telecommute as well as others who must sign disclosure forms showing they are aware of federal privacy laws and the consequences if they're violated.


Deborah Platt Majoras, chair of the Federal Trade Commission, said her task force has reached out to the three major credit bureaus to be alert to possible misuse.


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I was discharged in 1976, so I reckon this affects me.

Thank you.

John Robert Mallernee, KB3KWS

Official Bard of Clan Henderson
Armed Forces Retirement Home
Washington, D.C. 20011-8400

"My unpopular and controversial personal opinions are independent of my Scottish clan."

Thursday, May 04, 2006

Pictures of the Year















Greetings and Salutations to All my Kith and Kin and All the Ships in Outer Space:

I received this from a friend, and I deem it well worth sharing.

I will post the text of this message in the Internet discussion forums I participate in, but because some of those forums don't accept attachments, I'll post the photographs separately in the forum's "PHOTOS" album.

Here is the text that accompanies the photographs:


*******************

Here are two (02) photographs that were awarded FIRST and SECOND place at the PICTURE OF THE YEAR INTERNATIONAL this year.

Perspective is a very powerful thing.


FIRST PLACE

Todd Heisler, THE ROCKY MOUNTAIN NEWS




When Second Lieutenant James Cathey's body arrived at the Reno Airport, Marines climbed into the cargo hold of the plane and draped the flag over his casket as passengers watched the family gather on the tarmac.

During the arrival of another Marine's casket last year at Denver International Airport, Major Steve Beck described the scene as one of the most powerful in the process: "

See the people in the windows?

They'll sit right there in the plane, watching those Marines.

You gotta wonder what's going through their minds, knowing that they're on the plane that brought him home," he said.

"They're going to remember being on that plane for the rest of their lives.

They're going to remember bringing that Marine home.

And they should."


SECOND PLACE


Todd Heisler, THE ROCKY MOUNTAIN NEWS


The night before the burial of her husband's body, Katherine Cathey refused to leave the casket, asking to sleep next to his body for the last time.

The Marines made a bed for her, tucking in the sheets below the flag.

Before she fell asleep, she opened her laptop computer and played songs that reminded her of "Cat," and one of the Marines asked if she wanted them to continue standing watch as she slept.

"I think it would be kind of nice if you kept doing it," she said.

"I think that's what he would have done - - - "


BUMPER STICKER OF THE YEAR:

"If you can read this,
Thank a teacher - - -
and, since it's in English,
Thank a soldier."

*******************

Thank you.

John Robert Mallernee, KB3KWS
Official Bard of Clan Henderson
Armed Forces Retirement Home
Washington, D.C. 20011-8400

"My unpopular and controversial personal opinions are independent of my Scottish clan."