Coppola: A Pediatric Surgeon in Iraq

When life give you malt...

2012-01-19T21:15:00.000-05:00

We have been settling deep, deep into life in central Pennsylvania. It's a wonderful part of the country, with friendly neighbors, safe streets, and sheep farms. Sometimes it can be hard to come up with things to do, especially when winter comes and it just hurts the face to be outside for too long. So a couple of weeks ago, we made beer. I've cooked bread, meatballs, sausage, lasagna, and even crawfish etouffee, but this was a new recipe to me. Fortunately I had the expert help of my son R., who was willing to pitch in as long as he got to taste the result.
Brewing required a vessel big enough to handle five gallons. The only one we had that fit the bill was the aluminum pot that we use to fry turkeys.

We mixed in hops, malt, honey, bitters, and heather blossoms.

The yard and kitchen literally smelled like a brewery. After settling the sticky thick wort that resulted into a glass carboy that looked like the water bottle on top of a bubbler, we added the yeast and tucked it away to ferment. For three weeks, it bubbled away in the bottom of a closet behind the laundry.

Last weekend, we used a siphon to rack it out of this fermentation chamber, and bottle it up with a fun capping device.

So long as most of the bottles survive without exploding, we should have a tasty liquid treat to try in a couple of weeks. It may be premature to report since the beer hasn't had the proper time to mature, but the sneak sample we took while bottling had the perfume and taste of our fraternity basement.

A friend asked me yesterday if I was going to write another book. I was happy to reply that my life was comfortably quiet and safe now, and I had no need to write anything. It has been a long awaited bit of happy news to have the troops home from Iraq. Now when I speak about the hospital in Balad, I can say when we WERE at war in Iraq. Hopefully it will be the same soon with Afghanistan.

Floodwaters receeding in Central Pennsylvania

2011-09-09T21:19:00.000-04:00

It was just like old times last night: I spent the night in the hospital and it brought back plenty of memories from years and years of residency. Hospital graham crackers and peanut butter taste the same as they always did.
We have had several days of flood here in central Pennsylvania. Tropical Storm Lee sat over western Pennsylvania, spinning a continuous band of rain over the Susquehanna Valley. Wednesday school closed early because route 642 was going to be underwater soon and the buses wouldn't be able to get the children home. Our friend picked up the boys and took a detour home over Bald Top Mountain before that route closed too. Mahoning Creek rose to a wild muddy torrent and crested the railroad bridge at routes 11 and 54. State officials and townspeople gathered together to fill sandbags to block route 11 and keep the creek from flooding the center of town where the levee ends.

Here is a song and video by Van Wagner, a bluegrass musician here in Danville:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=jxtRR-8mH8M

Downtown, street after street was coned off as the low crossings filled with water. Church St., Pine St., Ferry St., and even the main route Mill St. got too deep for cars to make it through. A canal runs through Danville where goods used to be floated to the railroad when there used to be factories here. The canal had crested its banks and was tearing away at the pavement on Ferry St. by the hardware store and beer distributor.

Part of the reason I am so well nestled into town is that I only have a mile commute to the hospital. That commute does involve crossing the Susquehanna River via the Riverside bridge. Yesterday the river hit the bottom of the bridge and there were rumors it might soon be submerged. I checked in with the incident command center at the hospital and decided to stay overnight just in case my route to the hospital went down.

Fortunately, it was a quiet night, and by morning the river had crested just under 32 feet. It was a close second to the record from Hurricane Agnes in 1972 and beat the previous second place from 1904. But the bridge was still open, so when my partner made it to the hospital, I headed back home for a shower. It was so sad to see all the houses along the river with water lapping at their first story windows. We were fortunate to only have a few inches in the basement which we kept at bay with a sump pump. It was a warm sunny day and it seemed the whole town was out, walking, pumping water, and dragging soggy belongings out of basements. I hope our neighbors displaced by the flood are back in their homes soon.

Requesting help for a Hatian doctor

2011-06-23T01:01:00.000-04:00

Last October, I visited Haiti for a two week medical mission. We were able to see over a thousand patient and performed over fifty operations. I got to meet Dr. Yvens Cassamajor, a Hatian doctor in training who was completing a rotating internship througout the country. Yvens contacted me to tell me about a project he is starting for people living with HIV in the city of Cap-Hatien. He is in need of funds to support his research. Please consider assisting him in this venture. Donations can be made on this site:

http://www.giveforward.com/oihaiti

Thank you for any help you can give, and please consider passing this post along to others.

Chris Coppola

I will be on CSPAN2 Book TV this weekend 7, 8 MAY

2011-05-03T15:12:00.000-04:00

This weekend on CSPAN2 Book TV, a segment taped at the Colby Military Writer's Symposium will air 8pm on SAT 7 MAY and 7pm on SUN 8 MAY. More info: http://www.booktv.org/Program/12370/16th+Annual+Colby+Military+Writers+Symposium+Panel+on+the+Afghanistan+War.aspx

Check the can! (See, I'm not the only one)

2011-03-19T23:18:00.000-04:00

As see the parade of cars flowing in and out of Wal*Mart, I sometimes feel like I'm the only one who makes a stink about buying American. So when I received this (Thanks, Clark!) I had to reprint it. Does it mean I'm not crazy since I found at least one other person who feels this way?

(*** begin quote ***)

> Check The Can
> Did you all see that Diane Sawyer has a special report coming up this week on this very subject. They removed ALL items from a typical, middleclass family's home, that were not made in the USA . There was hardly anything left besides the kitchen sink. Literally. During the special they are going to show truckloads of items - USA made - being brought in to replace everything. And will be talking about how to find these items and the difference in price etc.

> It was interesting that Diane said that if every American spent just $64 (more than normal) on USA made items this year, it would create something like 200,000 new jobs.

> Made ME think!

> Check the Can

> I WAS BUYING FOOD THE OTHER DAY AT WALMART.

> ON THE LABEL OF SOME PRODUCTS IT SAID 'FROM CHINA '.

> FOR EXAMPLE THE "OUR FAMILY" BRAND OF THE MANDARIN ORANGES SAYS RIGHT ON THE CAN 'FROM CHINA '.
> I WAS SHOCKED!! SO FOR A FEW MORE CENTS I BOUGHT THE LIBERTY GOLD BRAND OR THE DOLE SINCE IT'S FROM CALIF.
> TAKES FOREVER JUST TO BUY FOOD AND DO LABEL READING ! !
> Are we Americans as dumb as we appear --- or --- is it that we just do not think? While the Chinese, knowingly and intentionally, export inferior and even toxic products and dangerous toys and goods to be sold in American markets.
> Yet 70% of Americans believe that the trading privileges afforded to the Chinese should be suspended.
> Well, duh..why do you need the government to suspend trading privileges?
> SIMPLY DO IT YOURSELF, AMERICA !!

> Simply look on the bottom of every product you buy, and if it says 'Made in China ' or 'PRC' (and that now includes Hong Kong ), simply choose another product, or none at all. You will be amazed at how dependent you are on Chinese products, and you will be equally amazed at what you can do without.

> Who needs plastic eggs to celebrate Easter? If you must have eggs, use real ones and benefit some American farmer. Easter is just an example, the point is do not wait for the government to act. Just go ahead and assume control on your own.
> THINK ABOUT THIS: If 200 million Americans refuse to buy just $20 each of Chinese goods, that's a billion dollar trade imbalance resolved in our favor...fast!!

> The downside? Some American businesses will feel a temporary pinch from having foreign stockpiles of inventory. Wahhhhhhhhhhhh!!!

> The solution? Let's give them fair warning and send our own message. Most of the people who have been reading about this matter are planning on implementing this on March. 4th and continue it until April. 4th That is only one month of trading losses, but it will hit the Chinese for 1/12th of the total, or 8%, of their American exports. Then they will at least have to ask themselves if the benefits of their arrogance and lawlessness were worth it.

> Remember, March. 4th to April. 4th
> START NOW.

> Send this to everybody you know. Let's show them that we are Americans and NOBODY can take us for granted.
> If we can't live without cheap Chinese goods for one month out of our lives, WE DESERVE WHAT WE GET!

> Pass it on, America .

(*** end quote ***)

my favorite part? Waaaaaaaah!

By the way, there is no reason to stop buying American when 4 APR rolls around. I'm keeping it up!

Also, let's keep in mind the US and allied forces involved in the Libya strikes and whatever is to come next.

Keeping perspective

2011-03-10T19:47:00.000-05:00

Passing along this Facebook post I read on milblogging.com

"Charlie Sheen is all over the news because he`s a celebrity drug addict," it said, "while Andrew Wilfahrt 31, Brian Tabada 21, Rudolph Hizon 22, Chauncy Mays 25, are soldiers who gave their lives this week with no media mention. Please honor them by posting this as your status for a little while."

Read more ---->

"Cpl. Andrew Wilfahrt, a gay Minnesota man who went back in the closet to join the military, died Sunday while on patrol in Afghanistan when an IED exploded during an attack on his unit. He was 31. And his mother loved him very, very much."

From Queerty at http://www.queerty.com/cpl-andrew-wilfahrt-died-in-afghanistan-a-semi-closeted-gay-soldier-nobody-cares-about-sexuality-20110305/#ixzz1GF6fuZ4M

"The Army says 21-year-old Spc. Brian Tabada of Las Vegas died Feb. 27 in the Kunar province. The Army says Tabada suffered fatal injuries when his unit came under fire from small arms and a rocket propelled grenade."

From Army Times at http://militarytimes.com/valor/army-spc-brian-tabada/5837150/

Rudolph Hizon, 21 was know as Ryan to his friends and loved ones: "Hizon died Feb. 28, in Logar province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit using an improvised explosive device. He had deployed to Afghanistan with his unit in October, according to officials at Ft. Polk where he was based."

From LA Times: http://projects.latimes.com/wardead/name/rudolph-r-hizon/

"Chauncy's 3-year-old daughter waved an American flag as her father's coffin, draped in red, white, and blue was lifted from the plane. Katherine watched as her husband's body was prepared for its final journey home.

'He made sure to tell me at least once a day that he loved me and for me to tell the kids that he loved them and to give them kisses,' Katherine recalled."

from KLTV: http://www.kltv.com/Global/story.asp?S=14221539

SSGT Mays actually died alongside another soldier when their unit in Afghanistan was attacked with an IED. Also Killed was SPC Christopher Stark. "Stark’s “strong sense of loyalty and devotion to his team made him a very reliable technician,” said U.S. Army Sgt. Chandara Hak of Santa Rosa, Calif., and 705th EOD member. “You could always count on Spc. Stark to have your back in any situation.”

From War on Terror News at http://waronterrornews.typepad.com/home/2011/03/rip-ssg-chauncy-r-mays-spc-christopher-g-stark.html

Also killed in the same time period:

Sgt. Kristopher J. Gould, 25 of Saginaw Michigan, on his third deployment, in Ghazni Province when his unit was attacked with an IED.

PFC David R. Fahey, a 23 year old from Norwalk, CT, in Kandahar when his unit was attacked with and IED.

Killed since these deaths were reported:

SRA Nicholas J Alden, 25, of Williamston, SC, and A1C Zachary R. Cuddeback of VA., both of a shooting at Frankfurt Airport, Germany. “German officials say a 21-year-old temporary letter sorter has admitted targeting Americans when he opened fire with a handgun on a busload of U.S. airmen at Frankfurt's airport on Wednesday, killing two and wounding two others. The airmen were on their way to deployment in Afghanistan.”

From The Associated Press, as reported in The Canadian Press: http://www.google.com/hostednews/canadianpress/article/ALeqM5ggs7kjNrFRDxHHINEV1E1ZD-4RtA?docId=6135932

SPC Jason M. Weaver, killed in an IED attack in Khandahar. SPC Weaver enlisted in the Army as an MP.

CPL Jordan Stanton, of Rancho Santa Margarita, CA, 20, died while conducting combat operations in Helmand. “He was a wonderful young man and doing everything for his country,” said June Romine, an aunt of Stanton’s. “We’re all very proud of Jordan and all that he has accomplished.”

From Patch: http://ranchosantamargarita.patch.com/articles/jordan-stanton-rsm-resident-killed-in-afghanistan

SSGT Mark C Wells, 31, of San Jose, CA, who died of wounds suffered in an IED attack in Helmand. Before deploying to Afghanistan in August, he had served 14 months in Iraq.

PFC Kalin C. Johnson, 19, of Lexington, SC, died in Afghanistan of non-combat injuries. No further details have been released from the DOD. “It’s just heartbreaking. It’s horrible. He had a small child,” Christina Chandler of Lexington told the Post and Courier of Charleston, S.C.

From Stars and Stripes: http://www.stripes.com/news/vilseck-based-soldier-dies-in-afghanistan-1.137243#

SPC Andrew P Wade, 22, Antioch, IL died 9 MAR of a non combat related incident in Kunduz. "He's not only like a best friend to me, he's like a brother, someone you can't replace in life. And the memories we're all going to remember, we're going to take that with us and always remember what a great person he was," said Steve McNutt, friend.

As a member of the Antioch High School soccer team, Wade played sweeper, a crucial position that anchors the defense. It was a perfect role for him.

From ABC: http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/local&id=8005718

CPL Loren M. Buffalo, 20, of Mountain Pine, AK, also died yesterday when attacked with an IED.

I had heard nothing about these troops until I started looking, but I have seen Charlie Sheen on the news every day for the past week. We need to remember that we are at war and our fellow citizens are in danger. Their families are at home worried about them.

We owe them more thanks then we could ever give.

RJ Julia bookstore teams up with Give A Bike

2011-03-09T22:11:00.000-05:00

Passing along an announcement from my Mother:

Hi Everyone,

This Saturday, March 12th, RJ Julia Bookstore in Madison will donate 15% of your purchase to Adam and Christy's charity, Give A Bike, when you mention Give A Bike at the time of your purchase!

Adam and Christy are biking through all 50 states in order to raise money for two charities: World Bicycle Relief and Achilles International which through Wounded Warriers provides hand powered bicycles to returning veterans with amputations. Their goal is to raise $25,000 for their cause. They begin their journey in January in San Diego and they are presently in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Please assist them in their goal by purchasing books and/or gift items at RJ Julia's this Saturday.
There are three ways to make a purchase.

1) The bookstore is located at 768 Boston Post Road, Madison. It is open Saturday from 10 AM til 8 PM.

2) Online at www.rjjulia.com. Write in the comment section that you designate Give A Bike as the charity you would like direct their donation towards.

3) Call the store at 203.245.3959 or 1.800.74READS and mention Give A Bike when making a purchase.

RJ Julia is a wonderful independent bookstore and you are in for a real treat if you haven't been there. Don't forget upcoming birthdays, Mother's day, Father's day, Easter books, bookgroup books, gardening and craft books. The staff is amazing and will gladly assist you with your selection.

Thank you so very much for your continued support of Adam and Christy's charity tour and thanks to RJ Julia Booksellers for donating 15% of their sales. You can learn more about Adam's and Christy's charity bike ride and follow them as they make their way across the U.S. at
www.giveabike.com
www.giveabike.blogspot.com
www.facebook.com/giveabike
www.twitter.com/giveabike

Please pass this email on to your family and friends.

Thank you!
Eileen

Hoffer Book Award

2011-03-08T23:31:00.000-05:00

I am very proud to announce that Coppola: A Pediatric Surgeon in Iraq is under consideration for the Hoffer Award.

http://www.hofferaward.com/home.html

The award honors small publishers and new writing of interest.

We will find out in April if we were selected, but it is an honor just to be considered!

Important Made in America report!

2011-03-05T01:47:00.001-05:00

Take a moment to check out this ABC story on the Usry family in Dallas. They let ABC news empty their house of any item not made in America. The result, a nearly empty home. Just about the only thing left was their kitchen sink. Even the girls "American Girl" dolls were made in China!

It took some researching and phone calls, but the team was able to re furnish their home 100% made in the USA. One of the toughest items to find? A coffee maker! The answer, a Bunnomatic.

As the report states, if every American spends just 33 dollars each year on products made in America, it will create over 100,000 new jobs!

Here is the report:

http://abcnews.go.com/Business/difficult-find-made-america-products-home/story?id=13056429

Adam and Christy: biking through KS, MO, and AR!

2011-02-23T23:32:00.001-05:00

Here's the latest from Adam and Christy's 50-state bike tour to raise money to help rehabilitate wounded veterans with specialized bikes:

GIVE A BIKE-50 State Bike-KS-MO-AR from Adam Coppola on Vimeo.

more at

www.giveabike.com

Trauma Czar in Bagram Afghanistan: Dr. Zonies

2011-02-20T00:58:00.000-05:00

Just found this great article:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/12/30/AR2010123004768.html

from DEC Washington Post about Dr. David Zonies. He's the trauma czar running the Air Force Hospital in Bagram Afghanistan. I got to work with him in San Antonio: he's an amazing surgeon. It's good to know our troops are in such capable hands!

(Picture Source: Washington Post)

Radio interview with WPSU's Patty Satalia (and way 30/365)

2011-02-18T18:29:00.001-05:00

Here is an interview I just did with Patty Satalia of WPSU broadcasting:

http://wpsu.org/radio/single_entry/LL-3481/stories#

It was a nice chance to talk about the book again, and so much time has passed since my deployment that it was a moment to reflect on how different my life is now.

M told me that deployments were becoming a distant memory, and it was harder to remember all the details. It's true for me too that I think of it less often, but when I do, it is still so vivid, and I can even smell the beef jerky and bad coffee if I concentrate! When I dream about it, it seems so real. (But with my schedule I don't dream that often!)

Every day I see how much easier it is here at Geisinger to take care of children. I'm surrounded by a wonderful support staff, I live a mile from the hospital, and all I have to worry about is giving my best for kids every day. It's also great working with two additional pediatric surgeons; I can always call on a skilled set of eyes, hands, and brains to consult when I get into tall grass.

In other exciting news...

My brother Adam and sister-in-law Christy have biked through 4 states in the past month making amazing progress in their year long 50-state bike tour, "GIVE A BIKE".

Donations to their cause help veterans: they are raising money to help buy hand-pedalled bikes for veteran amputees through Achilles International Wounded Warriors Team.

Read about it here:

http://www.giveabike.com/

Here is one of their videos:

GIVE A BIKE 50 State Tour Teaser from Adam Coppola on Vimeo.

Take a Soldier Fishing! (29/365)

2011-02-08T22:40:00.000-05:00

Just received the below newsletter from Take a soldier fishing!

http://www.takeasoldierfishing.org/

I met Mike Nashif on a Wheelers for the Wounded ride in Marble Falls Texas. He continues to be totally gung ho about helping veterans, families, and kids. His organization organizes fishing trips for troops, and for the big get togethers, he organizes fishing tournaments. In the news letter below you can check out the upcoming events: pay special attention to the battle of the branches to see which of the branches can pull the best line!

(***** Take a Soldier Fishing Newsletter Below *****)

Hello Everyone and welcome to our first newsletter of 2011. This newsletter is designed to keep you in mind and up to date with any of the changes that we have made or help promote an upcoming event. The only reason that TASF exists today is because of our many volunteers and supporters that have the same drive to support our Soldiers in a different way. We truly are helping to change lives, one fishing trip at a time. Don't pass it on to your friends or family to be the one to show support - get involved. This year you have the option to sign up as a fisherman, pleasure boater, or a PWC donor as well as a general volunteer. You can get involved and you can make a difference in a Soldiers life.

Working Warriors Tournament Series
This year we have kicked off 2011 with our new tournament series that is dedicated to our Soldiers and designed to help raise funds to offset any costs we may have to hold an event. The money raised goes to ensure that all of our events remain free for the soldiers and their families that attend. If you would like to start your own Working Warriors Tournaments to help Take a Soldier Fishing raise funds then please contact us at info@takeasoldierfishing.com
So far we have had 3 tournaments with a total of 23 teams and have raised over $400 to help soldiers. The next Tournament is going to be this weekend hosted by Media Bass on February 12, 2011. Media Bass scheduled their tournament with Jackson Hill Marina and has also decided that they will be able to have at least 5 teams that would like to participate in the Working Warriors Tournament as well. By doing this, Media Bass has become our Host Club for this tournament. It is simple and easy to do and it doesn't just have to be bass fishing. If your club likes to Crappie fish or go catfishing - your club can become a Host for Working Warriors.

Websites:

http://www.takeasoldierfishing.org/

http://www.battleofthebranches.org/

http://www.jacksonhill.us/

Please send donations to:

Take a Soldier Fishing

1705 FM 2851

Broaddus, Tx 75929

Battle of the Branches

Our first ever Battle of the Branches tournament will be held this year on beautiful Sam Rayburn in Deep East Texas. The host park is being donated by Angelina County for the event to be held at Cassels-Boykin Park to be held on Veteran's Day weekend of 2011. The actual dates of the tournament are November 12 & 13, 2011 and the entry fee is $150. The Battle of the Branches is only open to members of the Armed Forces. This means that if you have ever served our Country and have a Valid Military ID card or a DD214, you may participate. You may visit us on the web at www.battleofthebranches.org for more information, rules, and to sign up.

Schedule of Events for 2011
February

Feb. - 5 - Working Warriors

Feb. - 18 - 20 - TASF Sam Rayburn - 40 Single Soldiers

Feb. - 26 - Working Warriors

March

Mar. - 5 - Working Warriors - Hosted by Media Bass

Mar. - 12 - Working Warriors

Mar. - 26 - Working Warriors

April

Apr. - 23 - Working Warriors

May

May - 8 - 13 - TASF In Harm's Way Sitka AK - 20 Wounded Soldiers DFW Airport

May - 15 - 20 - TASF In Harm's Way Sitka, AK - 20 Wounded Soldiers Ft. Lewis, WA

May - 14 - TASF Lake Barkley, KY - 50 Soldiers - Ft. Campbell, Ky

May - 20 - 22 - Warriors Weekend - 100 Wounded Soldiers (Ft. Hood/Ft. Polk) - Port O'Connor, TX

May - 28 - 29 - Working Warriors Family Tournament

June

June - 3 - 5 - TASF Sam Rayburn Texas - 20 Families - Jackson Hill Marina

June - 4 - 6 - TASF Henry Hagg Lake, Oregon - 40 Soldiers

June - 11 - Working Warriors - Hosted by Media Bass

June - 10 - 12 - TASF Lake Fork Texas - 30 Single Soldiers/15 Families - Mustang Resort

July

July - 2 - Working Warriors

July - 15 - 17 - TASF Lake Ray Roberts, Texas - Family Camping - Isle DuBois State Park

July - 23 - Working Warriors

August

August - 6 - Working Warriors

September

Sept. - 10 - Working Warriors

Sept. - 16 - 18 - TASF Naples, Florida - 50 Soldiers

Sept. - 23 - 25 - TASF Sam Rayburn, Texas - 40 Single Soldiers - Jackson Hill Marina

October

Oct. - 8 - TASF Montauk, New York - 40 Soldiers

Oct. - 29 - 30 - Working Warriors - Championship Tournament

November

Nov. - 12 - 13 - Battle Of The Branches - Military Bass Tournament - $150 entry - Cassells Boykin County Park

Nov. - 16 - 18 - TASF Texoma, Texas - 50 single Soldiers - Tanglewood Resort

Nov. - 16 - 18 - Single Families Turkey Dinner - 22 Families from Ft. Polk, LA - Jackson Hill Marina

Schedule may change without notice for any reason. Please check our website for the latest changes or additions to our schedule.

All with all non profits we are always in need of money, time, products, services or just about any other kind of donation you can think of. This year make a difference in a soldiers life by donating your time and be a volunteer boater. Just think, you could be the person in a soldiers life that could be the deciding factor to keep that soldier from committing suicide. A kind heart and an empty boat seat is all it takes. Even if you don't catch any fish, you just made a friend for life and a new memory. You can make a difference, just like we do, one fishing trip at a time. So please donate what you can to help us change lives. If you don't fish but have a pleasure boat, you too can get involved. Sign up as a volunteer and let us know how you want to help.

Help my brother Adam to help veterans!

2011-01-11T23:45:00.000-05:00

I want to tell you about the amazing mission on which my brother Adam and sister-in-law Christy have just embarked.

http://www.giveabike.com/

They will spend the next year biking through all 50 states to raise money for two important causes: helping injured veterans rehabilitate and helping families in Africa without transportation. They started in San Diego on Saturday and have made it as far as Cleveland National Forest.

They are raising money to purchase hand-powered bicycles for use by veterans who have had leg amputations after combat injuries. They are working with the Freedom Team of Wounded Veterans of Achilles International. Achiles International has been helping injured veterans rehabilitate and even complete marathons. They work with veterans treated at Walter Reed, Brooke Army Medical Center, and Balboa Medical Center.

http://www.achillesinternational.org/programs/freedom-team/overview

They will also be raising money to donate bikes to families in Africa for whom a bike can mean the chance to get to a job, move good to and from market, and the ability to achieve access to health care through World Bicycle Relief

http://www.worldbicyclerelief.org/

You can donate to their mission here:

http://www.giveforward.com/giveabike

and check their website for opportunities to sponsor a specific day, a state, or a region of the country:

http://www.giveabike.com/Sponsor-Give-a-Bike.html

You can follow Adam and Christy's progress on

facebook: http://www.facebook.com/giveabike

twitter: http://twitter.com/giveabike

and their blog: http://www.giveabike.blogspot.com/

Surgeons Overseas

2010-12-29T18:49:00.000-05:00

My friends at Surgeons Overseas have just released our end of year newsletter for the Society of International Humanitarian Surgeons.

The newsletter includes a short report I wrote on my visit to Haiti this year, and I was happily surprised to find a great description of life running the Air Force hospital in Bagram, Afghanistan by my USAF colleague, trauma surgeon David Zonies.

you can find the newsletter here:

http://www.humanitariansurgery.org/sites/www.humanitariansurgery.org/files/SOS%20Newsletter%20Dec%202010.pdf

and learn about SOS here:

http://www.humanitariansurgery.org/

A Christmas Classic and a Classic American

2010-12-12T21:56:00.003-05:00

Last night, Meredith and I watched “It’s a Wonderful Life”, like so many families do every Christmas. As usual I was blown away by the kiss between Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed. I knew it was the first on screen kiss that Jimmy Stewart filmed since returning from his duty in World War II, but I was unfamiliar with the extensive nature of his service. His military career is impressive and inspiring, and like Frank Capra’s movie is worth celebrating every year.

Here are a few details of his military contribution:

-Stewart family members served in the Civil War, The Spanish-American War, and World War I
-Stewart enlisted as a private in the Army Air Corps in March 1941 nearly a year before Pearl Harbor was attacked, but had to bulk up in pounds and be measured twice to make the weight requirement.

-He was an accomplished private pilot before joining the military, and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1942, then began publicity performance duties and later pilot training.

-In 1943 he was finally granted his long-standing request for a combat assignment and became commander of the 703rd Bombardment Squadron as a Captain.

-He was promoted to Major after flying combat missions with the 445th Bombardment Group over Germany from the base in Norfolk, England.

-When Stewart became group operations officer to the 453rd Bombardment Group he flew the lead B-24 in order to command his troops from the front.
-His official total of missions is listed as 20, but the actual count is higher because he ordered that his missions with the 453rd go uncounted.

-He flew the 1943 mission to Schweinfurt, Germany known as “Black Thursday” where 60 of 291 aircraft were lost since the mission was beyond the range of the protecting escort aircraft.

-He is one of very few Americans who rose from the rank of Private to Colonel in four years.

-His decorations include:
+Distinguished Service Medal

+Distinguished Flying Cross with Oak Leaf Cluster

+Air Medal with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters+Army Commendation Medal

+American Defense Service Medal

+European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with 3 Service Stars

+World War II Victory Medal

+Armed Forces Reserve Medal+French Croix de Guerre with Palm

+Presidential Medal of Freedom
- In 1966 Stewart flew a combat mission in Vietnam marked by an in-flight refueling and a flap malfunction on landing.
-Stewart remained active in the reserves and was promoted to Brigadier General. Later after his retirement he was promoted to Major General by Ronald Reagan.

-There is a museum honoring Jimmy Stewart and his military career at his birthplace in Indiana, PA.
(Jimmy Stewart Museum: http://www.jimmy.org/ )

Sources for information and photographs:
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000071/bio
http://www.danielsww2.com/JimmyStewart.html
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art7539.asp
http://www.ww2f.com/roll-honor-memories-wwii-obituaries/25193-jimmy-stewarts-military-career.html
http://www.militaryhub.com/military-people.cfm?id=44
http://www.445bg.org/
http://www.historynet.com/mr-stewart-goes-to-vietnam.htm http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jimmy_Stewart

My brother and sister-in-law's 50 state bike tour

2010-12-10T23:27:00.003-05:00

My brother Adam and my sister-in-law Christy are about to embark on a 50-state bike tour. Isn't that an incredible task? I've made it to about 12 states, and it took planes, trains, and automobiles to get there!

Here is a great interview with them on Patch:

http://madison-ct.patch.com/articles/adam-and-christy-coppola-set-to-embark-on-give-a-bike-50-state-tour

And you can follow them on their tour (starting in March) at their site

http://www.giveabike.com/

They will be raising money to donate bikes to communities that need them for basic transportation and commers, and also donatin to Achilles international for specialized bikes for blind and amputee veteran bikers.

You can help medical teams get to patients in Haiti

2010-11-18T23:56:00.004-05:00

A friend in Haiti, Lowell Adams, sent me an appeal this week, and it is a very worthy project.

Lowell is an OR nurse who used to run the recovery room at Geisinger, and now he and his family have pledged 4 years of service to Hatians on La Gonave Island through Wesleyan Church. In the picture below, Lowell is pointing out the seed pods of the Meringa tree, which can provide a renewable source of protein to a family and has the side benefit of helping defend against parasites.

I had the great opportunity to work with Lowell caring for patients at Wesleyan Hospital last month. The roads on La Gonave are horrible (or if you take the attitude of an off road enthusiast, GREAT!) and it is very difficult to get to villages in the mountain passes. Lowell is using a beat up old Toyota Land Cruiser, and I can tell you from experience that it is hanging on through bailing wire and duct tape, and it is very hard on the seat of a skinny guy like me!

As you will read below, There is a chance for Lowell's mission to buy a decommissioned British military Land Rover Defender (110 in. wheel base) That would help them reliably get medical teams to villages in the mountains, like La Fontina, where I got to visit the wonderful people myself. (Land Rover Defender example below: it may not be a Wrangler, but sure to get the job done.)

As of this post, Lowell has $7000 of the $24,400 they need for the vehicle. Consider helping them make the push in this worthy cause!

Site to donate:

https://secure.wesleyan.org/ops/items/?_opsid=GP&_opsauth=4D6F3EE7E880AA3576A1B3C3D39E1B30&_fundid=WM06-1351&_name=Community+Health+Vehicle

List of Wesleyan's Haiti Projects: (truck is listed as "community health vehicle")

http://www.wesleyan.org/gp/projects

See Lowell and his family here:

http://www.wesleyan.org/gp/msupport2/WM04-0336

And below is the email I got from Lowell with all the nitty gritty details:

Dear Friends,

We just received news tonight of a great opportunity to purchase a new Land Rover for the La Gonave Wesleyan Hospital and Community Health Evangelism project. Our friend Justin Dowd from Scotland came across this vehicle. Below is a portion of Justin's letter.

Cost of New Landrover is $64,000USD in country plus extra for seats 6/7
Cost of New LandCruiser is $57,000USD and there is a 4.5 month weight

I have managed to get a deal with the British Miltary for one of their excess vehicle Land Rovers which for licensing must go outside of Europe.

They have two varieties available and they are brand new diesel engine with air conditioning and armour plated steering rod protection. The vehicles are unused and have vinly seats inside.

The price of the vehicles is as follows

Land Rover 110 with seven forward facing seats in three rows all with seat belts is $27,255USD, left hand drive
Land Rover 110 with two seats in the front and then two benches in the back so vehicle capacity is 10 is $24,400USD and is right hand drive.

Now I have finance for the 7 seat vehicle for Lagonave with a large steel rack on top with ladder to the back and armour plated diff lock protection also. I also have the finance to ship the vehicle and this is where it gets interesting. I have to pay for the whole container and yet it is possible to get two vehicles in the one container. If you guys were thinking anytime soon of another vehicle or know someone who is then this is an incredible chance to get another vehicle brand new Land Rover for $24,400USD. I may be able to cover the $4400USD to be honest so this is a chance that someone could benefit by getting a vehicle that costs $64,000USD in Haiti for around $20,000USD. Dont know if this is pie in the sky but I wanted to let you know. These are the only two types of vehicles available and there is 35 of each in stock.
I have shipping dates and they would both arrive in the container 24th December in Port Au Prince which amazingly is just 5 weeks away but we would need to move quick on the decision as the shipping day is 26th and I need to pay for them to allow them to be moved to shipping port.

At this point I have $7000 toward this vehicle. If anyone would like to help with this purchase please let us know as soon as possible because of the time factor. We appreciate each of you, for your concern for the work here and we want to thank in advance those who can give at this time.

Blessings,

Lowell and Robin Adams

Global PartnersMissionaries to Haiti

http://www.wesleyan.org/gp/msupport2/WM04-0336

Happy Veteran's Day

2010-11-11T20:38:00.002-05:00

Thank you Uncle Louis, Cousin Dom, Uncle Ralph, Mandy, Mr. D, Mr. J, (and millions more).

I sit here in my house with my family, safe, secure, and free because of you.

USA!

My book is now available as an e-book.

2010-11-11T20:21:00.003-05:00

After many arrangements, technical details and anticipation, there is an e-book version of Coppola, A Pediatric Surgeon in Iraq.

Here is a blurb and plug from friends at our publisher, NTI Upstream:

http://www.ntiupstream.com/

Coppola: A Pediatric Surgeon in Iraq, the fierce, true-life account of Dr. Chris Coppola's two deployments in Operation Iraqi Freedom as an Air Force pediatric surgeon, is now available on the Amazon Kindle, Sony Reader, and Barnes & Noble Nook e-book readers.With powerfully shocking closeness, Coppola: A Pediatric Surgeon in Iraq pulls readers inside a military combat support hospital to experience not only an essential historical portrait of the war's effect on U.S. soldiers and children, but also a redemptive, life-affirming story of one doctor's struggle to make a difference.

Buy now for Amazon Kindle

http://www.amazon.com/Coppola-ebook/dp/B0046ZRTYK/ref=tmm_kin_title_0?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2&qid=1288885753&sr=1-1

Buy now for Sony Reader

http://ebookstore.sony.com/ebook/chris-coppola/coppola/_/R-400000000000000294080

Buy now for Barnes & Noble Nook

http://productsearch.barnesandnoble.com/search/results.aspx?store=EBOOK&WRD=Coppola%3A+A+Pediatric+Surgeon+in+Iraq

A portion of sales benefits Fisher House.

http://www.fisherhouse.org

Consider enjoying it with your favorite MRE!

A colleague with a passion for helping Haiti

2010-11-07T21:48:00.003-05:00

Here is a great article about my colleague, Dr. Sidney Coupet. I accompanied him on a trip to operate in Haiti last month. The article details his dedicated efforts to improve healthcare in Haiti.

http://www.do-online.org/TheDO/?p=3001

Dr. Coupet has founded Doctors United for Haiti with broad reaching goals to improve healthcare, living conditions, and health education in Haiti.

http://www.dufh.org/

Here is Sidney, unflappable and smiling as he stands by the mast on the way to La Gonave Island.

Hope you voted!

2010-11-02T21:18:00.002-04:00

Election day today, and hope you all voted! It's one of the ways in which we all count equally across the nation, military or civilian, urban or rural. And it happens to be a great way to honor and appreciate veterans who have earned it for us.

Life is good in PA. I've had a busy week after getting back from a mission to Haiti. I'll have more to say about that later.

But for today, here is a list of establishments that give discounts and freebees to veterans for Veteran's Day:

Veterans Day Offers and Anytime Veteran Freebies
The following are for your information; please share with any active duty military or veterans that you know

Restaurant Freebies

Applebee's Restaurant - Free dinners to veterans throughout Veterans Day November 11th; selections will be from a new Veterans Day menu.
Outback Steakhouse - Free Blooming Onion and beverage.
Golden Corral- Free buffet dinner from 5-9 p.m. on Nov. 16to anyone who has ever served in the U.S. military Staff
In celebration of Veterans Day 11 Nov 2010, Subway is showing its thanks with free six inch subs to all Veterans or Active Duty members
McCormick & Schmick's restaurants will offer a free entree to military veterans for its 12th annual Veteran's Appreciation Event. Menu picks include such seafood items as parmesan crusted tilapia, roasted cedar plank salmon and almond crusted rainbow trout.
Krispy Kreme - One free doughnut of any variety
UNO Chicago Grill- Free entree or individual pizza with an entree or pizza purchase of equal or greater value.
Coushatta Casino Resort - The Louisiana casino and resort is offering a free seven-clams lunch or dinner buffet to veterans or active military.
MarketPlace Grill & Express - Veterans and active-duty military receive free entrees.
Masala Wok - The Northern Virginian restaurant is offering a free entree to veterans.
Hy-Vee supermarkets - The mid-western supermarket chain is offering a free breakfast to Veterans
Abuelo's Mexican Food Restaurants - All veterans and active-duty military receive a free entrée
Carolina Burgers & BBQ - In Matthews, NC is offering a free meal to all service members and veterans

Retail Freebies

Brides Across America - Provides free wedding gowns to qualified military brides.
Lowe's & Home Depot - Extra 10% off to active-duty military members, National Guard and reserve members, retirees, honorably discharged veterans and immediate family members.
Sam's Club - Over 25,000 Hugo canes will be given away to U.S. veterans in need of mobility assistance. Membership is not required, but supplies are limited, so check with your local store
http://amazon.com/ Free "Veterans Day Honor" MP3 album download. The album includes 12 songs by The Bands and Ensembles of the U.S. Armed Forces
Cabela's Outdoor Store - Offers their employee discount to all veterans, active-duty military and reserves, law enforcement, fire and EMS personnel Nov. 11-12. Discounts vary from 5% to 50%, depending on the item
Build-a-Bear Workshop - Members of the armed services including the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Reserve Officer Training Corps, will receive a 20% discount Nov. 11-15 on any one transaction at Build-A-Bear Workshop
Dollar General - 10% discount for all veterans, active-duty military, National Guard and reserve and their immediate families
Fashion Bug - 20% off all plus-size and misses clothing purchases with a copy of military ID or spouse's military ID

Entertainment Freebies

National parks, forests and monuments - Admission is free to everyone on Veterans Day
Knott's Berry Farm - Free park admission to U.S. armed forces personnel and a guest during Veteran's Month, November 1-26
Colonial Williamsburg - Free admission Nov. 6-11 for active-duty military, guard and reservists, retirees, veterans and their dependents
San Jacinto Museum of History - Free visits to the Observation Deck, theatre, and special exhibit for veterans, active duty military personnel, and their families
Historic Jamestown - Free admission to veterans, current Armed Forces members and their family members
Battleship Cove - Free admission and a special ceremony for veterans, active, duty and reservists
Vicksburg National Military Park - Free admission for all
Birmingham Museum of Art - Free admission to the ticketed event "Life and Liberty" on Nov. 10-11 for veterans and active military
Vulcan Park and Museum- In Birmingham, Alabama is offering discounted admission through November to the park and museum
Greenbay (WI) New Zoo - Free admission to veterans and their families
Central Florida Zoo - Free admission to the Sanford, Florida zoo with proper ID
Strategic Air & Space Museum- Free admission for veterans Nov. 11-14 to the Ashland, Neb. Museum
National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum - in Oklahoma City offers free admission to veterans and five guests from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Veterans Day
Natural Elements Spa & Salon - In Chesapeake, Virginia, will provide free services from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. to both active duty and retired military

Incredible Soldier, returns to duty in Afghanistan

2010-09-25T23:08:00.004-04:00

Dan Luckett was a LT and a platoon leader in Iraq when his Humvee was hit with a shaped charge. The slug of molten copper took off his left leg and part of his right foot. For the past two years he has been working hard to build his strength and learn how to use prosthetics. Now he is a CAPT back on duty in Afghanistan.

Read about it here:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/39356718/ns/world_news-south_and_central_asia/

Homes for our Troops / Kids for our Troops (28, 29)

2010-09-18T23:11:00.002-04:00

Found a good article in the 11 SEP issue of American Profile about:

Homes for our Troops

http://www.homesforourtroops.com/

a nonprofit started by John Gonsalves to build homes for injured troops that let them lead a normal life even with disabilities. This is especially true for young troops who have come home from the war with permanent loss of function, and need to continue their lives without letting that disability get in the way of family and fun.

Associated with the site is:

Kids for our Troops

http://www.kidsforourtroops.org/

a site dedicated to giving kids ideas on how they can show their support for troops and start projects in their own hometowns.

Civilian injuries rise in Afghanistan

2010-08-13T22:46:00.003-04:00

I was recently referred to this AP article, which I read on Huffington Post

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/08/10/afghanistan-civilian-casu_n_676596.html

The article describes how during the course of this year a greater number of civilians are being hurt and killed in the war in Afghanistan.

Troops on the ground note that insurgents are beginning to directly target groups of civilians, often with IED's. This sounds very similar to the difference I saw between my two deployments to Iraq. The second time around, in 2007, there were many more injured civilians, including women and children. They were injured in insurgent attacks designed to kill the most civilians, such as suicide bombers in busy markets, IED's in city streets, and attacks where vehicles carrying civilians were sprayed with automatic gunfire.

This targeting of civilians is a strategy of desperation. Some troops have found the restrictive rules of engagement that protect civilians frustrating, but in the long term, that respect of life is something we can be proud of.