Summer 2012 update

I rarely have the opportunity to write about anything lately now that I am working again. I had a good Memorial Day. I thought quite a bit about SGT Dale Hardiman and those we lost in Iraq. I've prayed quite a bit for SFC Raymond (Chris) Moreno who is currently serving in Afghanistan. I believe Santana Bushnell is also going there or is there.
Combat in my mind never ends. I've been fortunate lately with great care from the Wilmington, DE Vet Center and the doctors of the Wilmington VAMC.
Anyone wishing to get in touch with me, please leave me a message on my web site:
www.serviceandsacrifice.net

God Bless and take care,
Sam

Blog article from the Defense Centers for Excellence

Please take a few minutes to read about the circumstances of the discovery of my Traumatic Brain Injury and how other Veterans may learn from what was a lack of information and understanding at the time.

http://www.dcoe.health.mil/blog/article.aspx?id=1&postid=351

Thank you for sharing this as necessary with friends, family and our Veterans that need the info!

Sam

Task Force Dragoon - MUC Award Ceremony on 3/11/12 at 1 PM

Please attend if possible. The best of the best Combat Engineers will be there to accept their honor for service in Iraq during 2004-2005.

The TF Dragoon story on Wiki:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/28th_Infantry_Division_%28United_States%29

Historic Fort Mifflin http://fortmifflin.us/planning-your-trip/

WHYY 91FM Interview with Dr. Dan Gottlieb available by podcast

Please visit the WHYY website to download a copy of the MP3 sound file or Listen on the site to the hour-long interview that really made my year.

Thank you Dan!

"Voices in the Family" can be heard each Monday from Noon to 1 PM

Here is a link to the broadcast: Scroll down to the 12/12/2011 interview
http://www.whyy.org/91FM/voices201112.html

Theater of War coming to the Philadelphia area

Please take a look and pass along information to all Veterans about the upcoming presentation of Theater of War in the Philadelphia area. I'll be on the panel and have been to three of these events already. It is a fascinating opportunity to talk about our experiences in a town-hall style discussion.
http://peopleslight.org/content/theater-war

Contact me if you need additional information at my web site: Service and Sacrifice

Philadelphia News Radio KYW1060 interview with LT Sam Console on TBI

Thank you Pat Loeb for taking the time to come to my home and capture a key piece of the story of my life. The men of Charlie Company, 103rd Engineers, PA National Guard would be proud to know their work in Iraq is being spotlighted in this fine article. Visit the KYW web site for more information about TBI; Post Traumatic Stress; Joblessness; and Homelessness.

Click here for the full story

Click here to learn more about Sam's Iraq War book

More information to follow.

Sam

Samuel J Console
1LT, Engineers
Former PA Army National Guard

Philadelphia area Family Readiness Group to host PTSD event

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Presentation
Coordinated by Blackfoot Angels (Family Readiness Group of Bravo Co, 1-111th INF), Coatesville VA Medical Center, The Vet Center, and VFW Post 845
Sunday, June 12th at 2:00 p.m. at VFW Post 845 4601 Lincoln Highway, Downingtown, PA
Please register by sending an e-mail with name and number attending to ptsd2011@blackfootangels.org
You will receive a confirmation e-mail once your registration is accepted.
***Topics discussed: signs of PTSD and how to recognize it, how family members can cope with a loved one with PTSD, and a PTSD Question and Answer Session***
Some Symptoms of PTSD
•    Recurring painful thoughts and memories
•    Nightmares and sleep problems
•    Painful feelings when confronted with reminders
•    Feeling alienated from and distrustful of others
•    Difficulty with intimacy and feeling love
•    Irritability or outbursts of anger
•    Painful guilt and grief feelings
•    Depression or hopelessness

Refreshments will be served. Childcare is also available. (Please indicate your childcare needs in the e-mail, i.e., names and ages of children and any special concerns.)
Please use the e-mail address above or call 610-360-6666 if you have any questions at all about this event.


I'm proud to post this information for our local military families! God Bless the work of Wendy Wright and the Bravo Company FRG Blackfootangels!

Sam

Samuel J Console
1LT, EN (DAV)
Former PA National Guard Engineer Officer
Operation Iraqi Freedom III