In September when CNN reported on Marines being diagnosed with male breast cancer at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, the Marine Corps skirted the issue, taking the stance of it not being a "war wound." Even though water contaminated with toxic chemicals [benzene and the dry-cleaning solvent perchloroethylene, a...

In 2003 General Petraeus led the troops into the massive battle of "shock and awe" in Operation Iraqi Freedom. The 101st Airborne was the first to pave the way in what would become a six-year war. My sister, Army Chaplain Captain Fran E. Stuart, deployed with the 101st that cold...

From Hell's Kitchen on the morning of September 11, 2001, I watched the horrifying slow motion terrorist attack on the World Trade Center on television. An hour later, when the numbness and denial faded, an urgency to volunteer swelled within. Needing to care for the city the way she comforted...

As a young boy, from first to sixth grade, Travis Bromfield rode to school on the back of his father's motorcycle. Wedged between his Dad's back and the sissy bar, the wind caressed his innocent cheeks and his taste for the road was born. He developed a passion for not...

The black craters that have carved out the city streets have been a nuisance for drivers for decades. As you wheel down the avenues they're scattered across the pavement---like land mines---one slip in the wrong direction sends a shudder right through...

Long gone are the days when Reynolds Wrap aluminum foil could roast a turkey, and cook the airwaves to receive local broadcast stations. Black and white television was dramatic to watch, with the porcelain skin, shiny hair and led colored lips exemplified in many...

As a child, Marine Staff Sergeant Ryan J. Oyster emulated his father, a Marine. Even though his biological father was in the background of his life, the adventurous youngster who had a penchant for uniforms had his sights on the military. An outdoorsman, he...

While the country is ravaged by a crippling economy it is a lightweight problem compared to what's happening to a portion of American families---military families. They are experiencing something more severe than financial loss---emotional devastation----as their loved ones; son's, father's, husband's and...

After the inauguration, Oprah visited Walter Reed Army Medical Center. My breathing became shallow as I watched the February episode. I sat motionless while waiting for her to finally visit the Oncology Wards of soldiers stricken with cancer post Iraq. As the hour edged...

In 2003 Army SSG. Steven G. Ochs deployed from the Scholfield Barracks in Hawaii to Iraq. At the time, the 27 year-old Long Beach California native departed the States in excellent health. The Avenger Section Sergeant was an MOS --...

Over the course of nine months, my sister (pictured above), Army Captain Chaplain Fran E. Stuart 41, who was diagnosed post Iraq with a rare stage IV Dysgerminoma cancer, was as of November 2006 clinically diagnosed in remission. Her long, dark journey of 35...

As I travel down a new path, one with the Army, and one with Cancer; at the fork where they both meet, is my sister Fran -- pictured above-- a Captain Chaplain, who as the military calls her, an OIF (Operation Iraqi Freedom)....

Recently, the Chaplains at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in DC who houses 800 ill and recovering soldiers at a time, has begun weekly tributes at their mass formations for soldiers who have died at WRAMC. Honoring the fallen soldiers---they read their...

A collage hangs on the wall of the 6th floor Oncology Ward 65 at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. Proudly amongst the staff photo's is the former President Clinton beaming for the camera. When asked how often he'd visited the soldiers stricken...

On July 12, 2008, Green Party Presidential candidate, Cynthia McKinney acknowledged depleted Uranium, white phosphorus and cluster bombs in her acceptance speech. She said, "Those that delivered us into this mess can not be trusted to get us out of it."

McKinney...

In 2004, Army Sergeant First Class, Charles Frenzel was deployed to Iraq to do what all soldiers do, fight for their country. Except he's returned from his tour of duty and is still fighting....for his health. His DOE civilian job has been abolished,...

In March, 2003 my sister, Army Captain Chaplain Fran E. Stuart (pictured at left above) was deployed to Iraq with the rest of her battalion, from Ft. Campbell, Kentucky, the 101st Airborne. The uncharted desert would not only hold uncertainty for Operation Iraqi Freedom...