Re: Veteran's Day -- Comments from Iraq
From: Meenan, Anna (annam@uic.edu)
Fri Nov 10 21:09:44 2006
Just finished reading all 3 of the "Greatest Generation" books by Tom
Brokaw and then watching "Flags of our Fathers". Powerful stuff. A
huge hug to all veterans.
Anna Meenan, MD
>I just got home from a Veteran's Day program at my GrandDaughters's
>school. (Avon Middle School 7th & 8th Grades. One granddaughter
>plays clarinet in band and other is in choir. It was a stirring
>performance. A young woman who is a graduate of that school and is
>back home from Iraq for about 8 months spoke. Her husband just
>deployed to Iraq. It was stirring and emotional. Then as I got home,
>I found the following in an e-mail from one of my former residents.
>Dennis is about 60 yrs. old if I remember correctly. I think he is
>in the Guard. I know that he has also spent time in Afghanistan. How
>does his day sound for an 80 hour work week? His program should be
>put on probation.
>
>Hi, everybody. Rumor has it that there will be a show called
>"Combat Hospital" on CNN at 8 and 11pm eastern, Sat and Sun nights.
>There are several CSH's in and around Baghdad and we don't know
>where this one is filmed. Some have better equipment than we do and
>others are about the same. Some are busier than we are, but we all
>see the same types of cases. Obviously, I haven't seen the show,
>and won't see it this weekend, but I'm guessing you'll see what we
>do on your screen.
>
>Others here and I have volunteered to trade places with physicians
>in Baghdad who want to slow the pace for 4-6 weeks and then trade
>back. It is not that I am bored here but Baghdad is, after all, the
>eye of the storm. It would be a shame not to live it.
>
>We have had some changes here and I am now on 24/off 24 for the
>surgical trauma team. This is for taking patients from the ER into
>the OR for surgical care. We are all on call 24/7 for situations
>where multiple simultaneous casualties come in. Unfortunately, this
>does occur. We also work full days in the hospital 6 days a week
>doing clinics and seeing referrals, plus consulting with primary
>care folks from other hospitals. 1 day a week we don't schedule
>things, but come in in the morning to do our rounds and take care of
>business, and then leave when we're done. Time goes very quickly
>here. A week goes as fast as an afternoon at some unnamed places I
>might or might not have worked sometime in the distant or not so
>distant past.
>
>It is still fascinating and there is still no other place I would
>rather be. As I told one of you in a mail today, my work here is
>definitely not done and I am in no hurry to have it over with. Soon
>enough this will all be only a memory and I'm nowhere near ready to
>have it end. I'm very greatful to be a part of this.
>
>I have to tell you that I just typed a bunch of words and deleted
>them. My age is showing. There is time enough to discuss a lot of
>things that are happening in our country and the world when I get
>home and see you all. I can only hope that all of you are as
>healthy and happy as I am.
>
>On the occassion of this National Holiday I'd like to say to all
>you veterans (from Korea on through the recent opportunity), thank
>you for your service to our country. I'm proud to know ya and
>prouder to join ya.
>
>Life is good, enjoy yours, God save the Republic and God Bless America.
>DVC
>
>--
>
>I hope you all feel this was worthwhile.
>Dan
>
>R. Daniel Braun
>
> "The way to health is an aromatic bath and scented massage everyday".
> Hippocrates
|
|
