Traversing a glacier is no small feat. Our team pushes themselves to accomplish the mission even though the river might be higher than expected, or the pain gets pretty bad. They all pushed through and made a difference for themselves and others.
The Fayetteville Observer published an article on a treatment initially used to treat pain, that is now being used to treat post-traumatic stress. Watch the video:
Or read the article…
By Drew Brooks Military editor
It’s not a cure-all or a magic bullet, but a century-old medical treatment finding new use among those fighting post-traumatic stress has given new hope to providers and patients on Fort Bragg.
Officials at Womack Army Medical Center are on the front lines of treating combat-related post-traumatic stress with a procedure known as a stellate ganglion block.
The hospital will soon host a clinical trial that officials said could lead to more mainstream use of the procedure.
Traditionally used to treat pain, a stellate ganglion block takes about 30 minutes and involves the injection of a local anesthetic into nerves in a patient’s neck.
Short term side effects include numbness, congestion or hoarseness. In the long term, a stellate ganglion block has been found to positively impact some of the symptoms most associated with post-traumatic stress.
Maj. Michael W. Bartoszek, chief of Womack Army Medical Center’s Pain Clinic, said the treatment has been found to reduce anxiety, halt nightmares and stop the hyper-vigilance associated with many post-traumatic stress sufferers.
The effects can last for several months, he said.
“Before the needle is even out, they feel better,” Bartoszek said.
Every once in a while we like to share our past challenges, since new followers might not be aware of all we have done. This is our 2011 Denali Challenge:
Our objectives were aimed at demonstrating to other combat wounded veterans, particularly those returning from the battlefields of Iraq and Afghanistan, that despite their injuries, they can overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges and obstacles and improve their prospects to return to active duty with expanded opportunities. The study was focused on two major injuries and the limitations that lie within them at elevation: (1) double-lung transplant response to high- altitude mountaineering and, (2) below the knee amputation, specifically: (Read More here…)
It takes a special breed to be part of the military. You are the 1% that heeds the call to serve our nation.
Here comes one Gunny who wants to make a difference for our veterans while supporting Combat Wounded Veteran Challenge. Roy Wesley “Wes” Brady, Jr., recently retired from the U.S. Marines after 22 years, including two tours in Iraq. With plenty of time on his hands, Brady came up with a great idea to honor those who have given the ultimate sacrifice and those who have survived injuries.
Retired Marine Gunnery Sgt. Roy Brady, Jr., is walking across America as a way to impress upon the public the needs of our military veterans and share the CWVC mission. Roy’s “Walk For Warriors” begins with a Marine Send-Off March 1, 7:30am in downtown Charlotte, North Carolina at the Marine Reserve Unit office at 6115 North Hills Circle. He’ll visit Tennessee, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico and Arizona, before ending at Camp Pendleton in California 6-8 months later.
Roy’s goal is to raise awareness for the issues facing our military veterans. While traveling, the Marine is asking for donations in support of CWVC in an effort to singlehandedly fund one of the newest CWVC programs – The Adaptive Warrior Sailing Camp for Novices in Galveston, Texas scheduled for October. The program costs $35,000. Fifteen combat wounded and injured soldiers will learn how to sail 3-man boats (Sonars) and compete in a regatta. While at the camp, the group will participate in medical case studies tied to traumatic brain injuries, post-traumatic stress and prosthetics. To make a donation in honor of Gunny Sgt. Brady, please visit this page. You can follow Gunny Brady’s trek across the USA by checking out the Walk For Warriors page on our website. It will feature the map route, link to his FB blog, show photos and other details. You can also visit the Facebook page that we will be helping Roy to keep updated on his journey.
Here’s Roy’s planned route:
CWVC thanks you Roy for doing this! If you are near the area where Roy is walking, he invites you to spend a little time walking with him.
After all, time passes quickly when amongst friends.
Keep up with Roy! Roy Brady’s Walk 4 Warriors is on Facebook and you can keep up with the walk here.
Here’s a shot of the route they have traveled. Camp Canada is at the outcropping of rocks, center of photo. Spot climbers on the right , heading up to camp 2
Yesterday (Feb. 12) was a day of rest for our Challenge Warriors after making a carry to Camp Canada, 16,667 feet above sea level. This is the first of 3 camps the team will make as they continue the ascent to the Aconcagua Summit.
The team is currently at Plaza De Mulas and will be going higher, and on climbing schedule, to Camp Canada on February 14.
Here are photos of the upper mountain and Camp Canada at 16,667′, where part of the team moved to today. The team is wishing for more snow, as it is very dry this year.
View from camp 2
All is well from a health perspective. The entire team is safe and adjusting to the higher altitudes. Just moving up to the camp at Plaza de Mulas is a big deal, and takes a lot out of everyone the first time. The good news is that the team has conducted some great medical studies and data collection while at Plaza de Mulas over the past couple of days.
Onward and upward!
Keystone Challenge Fund is donating a newly renovated, ADA compliant home (3 bedroom/2 bath) in Spring Hill, FL to a physically disabled veteran. Candidates must meet the basic requirements and represent a significant need for handicap accessible living space. Candidates must complete & return the application by Friday, February 15 (extended deadline). The submission instructions are listed on the application. Please contact Katie Blondell (863) 940-4930 with any questions or for further information.
Basic requirements:
Accompanying Documentation:
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