Commentary: War Stories from Ward 7-D

6 Responses to “Commentary: War Stories from Ward 7-D”

1. Stephen Wurfel says:
   July 12th, 2006 at 7:53 pm

   I would like to thank you for your presentation on TBI. I am a family friend of SSG Eric Cagle and appreciate the way you brought this situation into everyone’s home.
   Since Eric was wounded, we have followed him through every turn, good or bad. First it simply was hoping to keep him alive. Your report was so correct in noting how we took hope in Eric being able to do things you and I take for granted. Eric has never regretted serving, nor has he felt bitter about his wounds.
   Your piece, expressing their views and lives without bringing a political spin, pro or con, was outstanding.

   Thank you again for a world-class production,

   Stephen S. Wurfel
   Major, US Army, Retired

2. Kenneth Reich says:
   October 29th, 2006 at 6:22 pm

   Very much appreciated your story. We are a non-profit program ( SOFAR) focusing on providing pro bono mental health to families of soldiers who are the invisible casualties of war.
   The program while begining in Massachusetts is in the process of becoming a national program.
   We will be in Cailifornia on Dec. 1st traing volunteers in LA and San Francisco.
   Dr. Kenneth Reich

3. Dora Camp says:
   November 10th, 2006 at 10:23 pm

   I have heard many stories about TBI because I founded and facilitate a brain injury support group, BRAINSTORMERS. I have held one of these helmets in my hand and quickly realized they needed to have better padding inside the helmet. I know there is an organization trying to upgrade each helmet, at the cost of $100.

   Although my husband survived Viet Nam he did not survive brain injury after his heart attack. He too had to relearn how to eat, walk, talk, drive, golf, etc.

   Because there is very little information for the families once they leave the hospital, I decided to write and publish, BRAINSTORMING-Life After Acquired Brain Injury.(www.brainstormingbook.com)which can be purchased on the internet through Borders or Barnes and Noble.

   BRAINSTORMERS members struggle each day to get their life back and they are doing a fantastic job. We really need more support groups for our heros returning from this war. My plans are to contact the VA Hospital too see how we can help.

4. Jenny Houston says:
   November 12th, 2006 at 1:26 am

   Just saw your California Connection on TBI forwarded to me by, Bill Reynolds, our TBI consultant to the California Department of Mental Health. Unfortunately my son, Mark, and I did not get a chance to see the program on Friday, but these web sites did a very great job of telling these poignant stories.

   Mark was 19, a young musician — drummer — planning to unseat everyone else in the rough and tough world of music. He might have made it, he was, well let’s just call it — spirited. Unhappily, a drunk driver, another 19 year old, hit the car Mark and two other band members were riding in as he ran from the police. They were on their way to a club in San Francisco where their band, SASS, was set to play. Mark and the engine were tossed out of the car on impact and Mark sustained a serious TBI. This was July, 1973.

   Before 1972/73 90% of those with a TBI simply died; sophisticated medical care now saves a large percent of those lives. 33 years later only a few of those civilian survivors have ever received approriate rehabilitation; Mark among them. There are approximately 400-450,000 civilian TBI survivors in California. 64% of them are being cared for at home by their family because there is no place else for them to be. I care for Mark at home. 66% of those family caregivers are women alone, like myself. Services are scant for most of us who don’t have very extensive insurance or personal funds. It is hard to see loved sons and daughters, husbands and wives, who had such promise, have such limited lives when we can see they could be better if funds were available. Mark needs a bigger life, but I just haven’t figured out how to help him get it. Sadly, the injured soldiers will undoubtedly be helpful in getting attention and services for their civilian brothers.

   Would The California Connection be interested in a story about those civilians already living with a TBI, about two-thirds of whom were injured between the ages of 16-24. Mark and I live in Fairfax in Marin County.

   Thanks for your excellent story, and thanks for your kind attention. Jenny, TBI Mom

5. M. Rappaport says:
   November 12th, 2006 at 9:14 pm

   I am seeking a text transcript of this broadcast for use by the 501-c-3 not for profit organization that I founded, serve as the Chairman of, and serve as the Executive Director of at this time. Is such available? More later; thank you.

   Mitchell

6. Bob Page says:
   November 13th, 2006 at 11:57 pm

   Thank you for your educational and sensitive program on the challenges facing brain-injured Iraqi vets and the help they receive at the Palo Alto VA hospital. The stories of the individual vets are sobering and illuminating; they graphically and sensitively portray some of the challenges and experiences in living with TBI– whatever its cause.

   The public has precious little knowledge and understanding of the experience of living with TBI. This is so despite the fact that 2-percent of the population is estimated to be living with long-term or permanent impairment from TBI.

   Thanks for your fine production’
   Bob Page