Welcome to #MissionAccomplishedMondays… Week 3! Calling all dentists in California, especially SF/ Sacramento/San Jose areas: Our combat veterans are in need of your assistance! Dr. Cheryl Goldasich of Torrence, CA heard about E4V and was happy to give back to Iraq War veteran, Eribiel. She gave her the gift of comprehensive dental care including a bridge for her front teeth and a beautiful smile! Eribiel served in the army as a 88M Truck Driver and her job was to assist in getting everyone out of Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Returning stateside has been challenging due to back injuries and needing lots of treatment. She sometimes needs to use a walker. Her husband is her caregiver and also takes care of their 3 year old twins, while Eribiel’s mom helps with all of the cooking. Eribiel is unemployed at this time and Rogelio had to change to working part-time to help Eribiel.
Be like Dr. Goldasich and be the change in the life of a combat veteran!
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Time for #MissionAccomplishedMondays... Week 2! We are so grateful to have the support of the Dean, college of dentistry, University of Iowa, Dr. David Johnsen, in honoring veterans who’ve returned from combat areas and needing dental care. What a great message for the dental students to learn about giving back to veterans who were in harm's way for the country. University of Iowa dental student, Craig Kozeluh, was happy to have the opportunity to give back to Vietnam War veteran and Purple Heart recipient, Jerry Schindler. Jerry deployed to Vietnam and was there for 2 years as an Advanced Medical Specialist and Flight Medic. He carried wounded soldiers, dealt with amputations and gunshot wounds including suturing, basically being the “doctor” in the field. He even delivered babies. During a rescue mission by helicopter, they took a rocket to the side of their helicopter. His body armor took a 2 inch piece of metal and for his injuries was presented the Purple Heart while in his hospital bed in 1968. Returning stateside, he was “traumatized” and suffered from severe PTSD.
He feels more blessed than some. He married within 2 weeks of returning, went to the University of Michigan and trained as a Respiratory Therapist. He worked in that field for about 7 years. Then, he got a Bachelors Degree in Theology and was in the Ministry for 25 years as an Assistant Pastor. Jerry retired in Jan 2017 to a very modest income and checks in with his psychologist when he hits some rough patches. Jerry, we thank you for your service! Be like Dr. Johnsen and Craig and be the change in the life of a combat veteran! We are kicking off a new series called #MissionAccomplishedMondays! This series will celebrate the wonderful dentists all around the nation that have helped a combat veteran in their area. We are always looking for more dentists -- please message us for more details! Bellevue Periodontist, Dr. C.R. Anderegg, has been an amazing supporter of combat veterans and his involvement with E4V. He honored Vietnam Veteran, Steve Pike, with the gift of multiple extractions, bone grafts and dental implants to help restore his smile!
Of course, the staff is a huge part in helping the veteran feel comfortable coming into the dental office. Steve was deployed to Vietnam for a year and was an Infantry Point Man (the leading soldier in a unit advancing through hostile or unsecured territory) in the jungle for almost 6 months. Returning stateside, he was not received well by the U.S., but was fortunate to have great family support. He has challenges with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), but handles it. He was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2015, but has had chemo and things are looking good. This dental treatment was just what he needed to heighten his spirits! Thank you Dr. Anderegg, Pat, Midge, Selena, and Marla (not shown)! Be like Dr. Anderegg and be the change in the life of a combat veteran! |
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