Credit Card Debt Survey
John S Kiernan, WalletHub Managing Editor
WalletHub analyzed Federal Reserve data that was just released and found that even though credit card debt hit a new record high of $1.32 trillion in November 2024, it’s actually $118 billion below the record from 2007 when you adjust for inflation. Despite the average credit card APR decreasing due to the Fed's recent rate cuts, WalletHub projects that credit card debt increased by $90 billion during 2024.
5 Tips for Dealing With Credit Card Debt
• Separate your everyday expenses from your debt. When you carry a credit card balance from billing period to billing period, you lose your grace period for new purchases. That means interest starts applying to new purchases right away. But if you use one card for ongoing debt and another for everyday purchases that you can pay off by the due date, the everyday purchases should never accrue interest charges.
• Use a balance transfer deal to lower the cost of existing debt. The best balance transfer credit cards can give you a break from interest charges for as long as 21 months, and attractive offers are accessible to individuals with fair credit or better. A prolonged 0% introductory period can yield significant savings on interest, helping you get out of debt faster.
• Use a rewards card for everyday spending. You can save 1% to 2%+ on every purchase with the right rewards card. You might also save a couple hundred dollars with an initial bonus. And if you plan to pay the bill in full monthly, the interest rate won’t matter.
• Improve your budgeting and saving efforts. There are several good budgeting tools available to consumers for free or a low cost. For example, WalletHub’s free budgeting tools can help you get organized, set up your budget, and analyze your performance. Taking ownership of your budget can help you free up some room for emergency fund contributions and debt payments so you can get out of debt and stay there.
• Work to improve your credit score. People with higher credit scores tend to pay lower interest rates. For example, the average APR among credit cards for people with fair credit is 26.79%, while the average for people with excellent credit is 17.9%, according to WalletHub’s database of 1,500+ credit card offers. Having good or excellent credit also makes it easier to get credit cards with a 0% introductory APR.
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Medal of Honor: Navy Cmdr. George F. Davis
By KATIE LANGE
Department of Defense News
Navy Cmdr. George Fleming Davis worked his way up the ranks to become one of the youngest destroyer commanders in U.S. history. During World War II, his leadership and fearlessness during a Japanese kamikaze raid kept his ship from being destroyed, even though it cost him his life. For that sacrifice, Davis earned a posthumous Medal of Honor.
Davis was born on March 23, 1911, in the Philippine capital of Manila, where his father, John, worked as a civilian master shipfitter at Naval Base Subic Bay. After a few years, the family moved to Hawaii so his father could continue his work at Pearl Harbor.
Davis was privately educated at Punahou School before graduating from McKinley High School in Honolulu. In 1930, he received an appointment to attend the Naval Academy, where he excelled in several sports. Davis graduated in May 1934 and commissioned into the Navy, serving his first tour of duty on the heavy cruiser USS Tuscaloosa as an aircraft gunnery observer.
By mid-1941, Davis had worked his way up to the rank of lieutenant and was assigned to the battleship USS Oklahoma, which was sunk by the Japanese during the Pearl Harbor attacks on Dec. 7, 1941.
Davis survived the attack and was transferred to duty on the light cruiser USS Honolulu. During his tenure on that ship, he took part in operations on the Aleutian Islands before being involved in hard-fought battles in Guadalcanal, the Central Solomon Islands and the campaign to recover Guam.
By the time Davis left the USS Honolulu in mid-1944, he'd been promoted to commander. He spent a few months training in advanced surface warfare techniques before being put in command of the destroyer USS Walke in late November 1944. At 32, he was one of the youngest destroyer commanders in U.S. naval history.
At some point, Davis married a woman named Shelagh, and they had two boys, George Rupert and Patrick, who lived in Berkeley, California, during the war.
In mid-December 1944, Davis returned to the Philippines as the USS Walke was stationed off Manila's shores. By early January, the destroyer got underway for Lingayen Gulf as part of the invasion of Luzon, joining several U.S. minesweepers to provide cover fire and antiaircraft defense.
On Jan. 6, 1945, the Walke was operating without gun support from other surface ships when four Japanese suicide planes were spotted flying low overland, on a clear mission to attack. Preparing for an onslaught, Davis took his position on the bridge's exposed wing and directed the ship to open fire on the lead plane, which crashed into the water. The ship's guns then hit the second aircraft as it passed closely over the bridge, plunging it into the sea off the portside.
Davis stayed steadfast in his position even as the third aircraft quickly dove toward the ship, crashing into the after end of the bridge. The collision seriously wounded the commander and drenched him in gasoline as flames erupted. But Davis continued to direct the steering of the ship. According to his Medal of Honor citation, Davis "rallied his command to heroic efforts; he exhorted his officers and men to save the ship and, still on his feet, saw the barrage from his guns destroy the fourth suicide bomber."
Davis refused to accept medical attention below deck until the fires were under control and the 350 members of his crew were counted as safe. Sadly, Davis died hours later. According to a 1945 San Francisco Examiner article, the Walke's surgeon said that the commander might have survived his burns had he not "overtaxed himself in saving the ship."
Davis's fearlessness and valor inspired the men around him to complete their vital mission. His bravery and self-sacrifice earned him the nation's highest honor for valor. Davis's widow received the Medal of Honor on his behalf on Nov. 16, 1945, during a ceremony in Washington, D.C.
Davis was buried at sea in the Philippines, not far from the place where he was born. His name is listed on the Manila American Cemetery's Wall of the Missing.
The USS Davis, a destroyer commissioned in 1957, was named in his honor and served with distinction during the Vietnam War. In the Naval Academy room where Davis once resided, a bronze plaque bears his citation for all future sailors to see.
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Healthy mindsets lead to healthy resolutions
If eating better or exercising more is one of your resolutions for the new year, you are not alone—around 60 percent of people set New Year’s Resolutions around healthy eating and movement.
TOPS Club, Inc. (Take Off Pounds Sensibly SM), the nonprofit weight-loss support organization with a “Real People. Real Weight Loss.®” philosophy, teaches the importance of eating right and exercising when it comes to weight loss. It recognizes that — just like when losing weight — there will be peaks and valleys when resolving to keep New Year’s resolutions of exercise and eating well. The most important part is to keep moving forward every day.
While healthy eating and exercising are the most broken resolutions, the following are healthy thoughts and tactics to stay on track:
General Ideas
Many of us don’t keep our resolutions past January because our bar is set too high, and we become overwhelmed with the plan we’ve set for ourselves.
While we think about what we’d like to accomplish in 2025, we need to recognize our “why.” Why do we want to eat better or exercise more? Is it to lower our cholesterol? Is it to have more energy to enjoy time with family? When we know our motivations, it is easier to keep reaching our goals even when we feel discouraged.
Our resolutions should never focus on the outcome; they should instead focus on the journey to get there. When many of us are focused on losing weight, we often say we want to lose a certain amount of pounds. Instead, our goal should be adding one additional serving of vegetables a day or exercising four times a week instead of three.
If you find yourself thinking too much about the result, think about your resolution on a scale from 0 to 10. How confident are you that you will reach your resolution, with zero meaning you are not confident and 10 meaning you are extremely confident? If your answer is anything lower than a seven, consider readjusting your goal to raise the number. Set a resolution that allows you to answer a nine or 10. Once you feel confident and achieve success, set a new goal.
Food Tips
Food-related goals are often about eating well. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins should be your main focus. MyPlate is a great resource to help you balance these food groups.
It’s hard to rewire our thinking to choosing healthy options versus junk or easy-to-prepare meals. Instead of thinking about the foods you’re avoiding, think about it as replacing the food you used to eat. For example, while you’re not eating chocolate cake, you still get to have dessert that consists of yogurt and berries.
In addition, learn to listen to your body. Eating because you are hungry around a normal mealtime is one thing, but mindlessly eating chips in front of the TV because you are bored is another. Once you feel full, stop and put the easy-to-grab food out of sight.
Fitness Tips
Start the new year off right by visiting your primary physician. Have him or her check your numbers (blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol). Your resolution could be focused on the number that needs the most attention.
When starting to exercise more often, don’t choose a fitness regimen that you think you should do, pick an activity you want to do. Exercising should not be something you have to do instead, you get to do it.
If you don’t like running on a treadmill, don’t plan to do it. Try something new, like dance or martial arts. There may be some trial or error, but eventually, you will find an activity you enjoy. YouTube is a great place to go — there are videos on every type of fitness activity you can think of.
Remember to start slow. Most experts recommend starting with 30 minutes every day. If time is an issue, move for 10-minute increments three times a day. If going to the gym for an hour isn’t feasible, just try to avoid being sedentary. Even 10-15 minutes a day counts — and activities like playing with kids, parking farther away in the parking lot at the store, taking the stairs, and doing yard work or housework are exercises!
Whether your resolution is centered around food or exercise, surrounding yourself with support and positivity is an important part of working toward your goals. Having a buddy to meal plan or exercise with makes the work more enjoyable and easier. A support system also holds you accountable for your intentions. Finding a TOPS chapter close to you is an easy solution.
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Snow Thrower Safety Tips: Keep best practices in mind this winter
Clearing snow and ice from driveways, sidewalks and parking lots is no small job. You rely on your outdoor power equipment to do the heavy lifting, and it’s important to keep safety in mind. The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) reminds home and business owners to use snow throwers, often referred to as snow blowers, safely and offers tips to help.
“Weather today is unpredictable. You need to have your snow thrower serviced and ready to power up,” says OPEI President and CEO Kris Kiser. “Review your owner’s manual so you can use your equipment safely.” Kiser says preparation is key and that home and business owners should consider the following:
Review the owner’s manual. Check the owner’s manual for safe handling procedures. If the manual cannot be found, look it up online, and store a copy on your computer so it’s available to reference in the future. Review how to operate controls. Be able to shut off equipment quickly.
Check equipment. The snow thrower should be powered off when being checked over. Adjust any cables and check the auger.
Charge batteries. Locate the batteries for your snow thrower and charge them fully before it snows.
Purchase fuel. Be sure to use the correct fuel recommended by the equipment's manufacturer. For most gasoline-powered snow throwers, that is E10 or less. Often fuel stations are closed after a storm so buy gasoline in advance of storms. Fuel that is more than 30 days old can phase separate and cause operating problems. For more information on fueling properly see www.opei.org/programs/ethanolwarning
Store and use fuel properly. Place gasoline in a proper fuel container and label it with the date purchased and the ethanol content. Store fuel safely and out of the reach of children. Fill the fuel tank outside before starting the engine and while the engine is cold. Never add fuel to a running or hot engine.
Clear the area. Snow can sometimes hide objects. Doormats, hoses, balls, toys, boards, wires, and other debris should be removed from areas you intend to clear. When run over by a snow thrower, these objects may harm the machine or people.
Dress for winter weather. Locate safety gear now, and place it in an accessible closet or location. Wear safety glasses, gloves and footwear that can handle cold and slippery surfaces when operating the snow thrower.
KEY SAFETY TIP: Never put your hands inside the auger or chute. Use a clean out tool to unclog snow or debris from the snow thrower. Your hands should never go inside the auger or chute.
Turn OFF the snow thrower if you need to clear a clog. If you need to remove debris or unclog snow, always turn off the snow thrower. Wait for all moving parts to come to a complete stop before clearing any clogs or debris.
Operate in visible conditions. Never operate the snow thrower without good visibility or light.
Aim with care. Never throw snow toward people or cars. Keep children or pets inside and away from your snow thrower when it is operating.
Use extreme caution on slopes and hills. Use caution when changing directions on slopes. Do not attempt to clear steep slopes.
Know where the cord is. If using an electric powered snow thrower, be aware of where the power cord is at all times. Avoid tripping.
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Be Ready for Winter Driving — Safe Cars Save Lives
Winter brings unique challenges for vehicles and drivers. To ensure motorists stay safe this season, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Region 7, which includes Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska, reminds drivers that Safe Cars Save Lives with vehicle preparation and safe driving.
“We see so many crashes and stranded vehicles every time we get winter weather,” said NHTSA Regional Administrator Susan DeCourcy. “Most of these unfortunate incidents could have been avoided with just a little vehicle preparation and slowing down.”
While there are many reasons your vehicle may or may not be ready to be driven in winter weather, the driver’s decisions can have just as large an impact on whether they reach their destination safely. Here are some tips for vehicle preparation and driving safely:
Winter Vehicle Preparation
Tires: The age, tread, and pressure of your tires are crucial for winter driving. Check your tires at least once a month and make sure to check the pressure when they’re cold.
Windshield Wipers: Safe winter driving depends on achieving and maintaining the best visibility possible, so make sure your windshield wipers work and replace worn blades. It’s also recommended to completely fill your vehicle’s windshield washer fluid reservoir before the first snow hits.
Car Seats: In cold weather, parents often dress their children in bulky winter clothes. These garments can interfere with the car seat harnesses, rendering them less effective in a crash. It’s recommended to harness children first and then place blankets or coats over them.
Floor Mats: Improperly installed floor mats in your vehicle may interfere with the operation of the accelerator or brake pedal, increasing the risk of a crash. The ice and snow create further opportunity for interference. Be sure that your floor mats are the correct size and fit for your vehicle, and that they are installed properly.
Batteries: Motor vehicles require more power to start in winter, and electric/hybrid vehicles will have reduced driving range. It’s recommended to have a mechanic check your battery, charging system, and belts for any repairs or replacements needed. Electric/hybrid drivers should also plan for a lower driving range on long trips.
Winter Driving Safety
Slow Down: During winter precipitation, the most important thing to do is slow down. Since 2022, an estimated 153,620 vehicle crashes have occurred in snow and sleet conditions. This number doesn’t include the total number of car crashes where a police report wasn’t generated.
Buckle Up: Always remember to wear your seatbelt. It’s been proven to save lives, and in most states, it’s the law.
Stay Sober and Alert: Driving distracted, fatigued, or while intoxicated is especially dangerous on hazardous roads.
Move Over for Emergency Vehicles: All 50 states have "Move Over" laws to protect law enforcement officers and other first responders stopped on roadways, but one-third of Americans are not aware of these laws. When a vehicle with flashing lights is stopped on or next to a roadway, drivers approaching the vehicle should change into a lane not immediately adjacent to the vehicle, or slow down to a reasonable speed if unable to safely make a lane change.
Avoid Snowplows: A driving technique commonly used by motorists in the winter is to travel behind a snowplow. This is dangerous, as snowplows travel slowly, make wide turns, stop often, overlap lanes, and exit the road frequently. If you find yourself behind a snowplow, maintain a safe distance and only pass when it is safe.
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20 Air Fryer Cooking Tips & Tricks
With throngs turning to their air fryer to knock out easy, healthy and delicious meals, there are some key mistakes to avoid. Below, Cathy Yoder, the “Queen of Air Fryers” with nearly 730,000 followers and 35,000 copies of her air fryer cookbook, “Easy Air Fryer Recipe Book: Best Airfryer Cookbook Recipes for Beginners to Advanced” sold, notes that, “The air fryer is a kitchen marvel that has taken the culinary world by storm. With its innovative technology, you can enjoy crispy, delicious meals with significantly less oil than frying and bake faster than in the oven."
Even so, there are nuances to be mindful of when cooking with this appliance, so below Yoder offers a variety of tips and tricks to ensure your air fryer feast is a success.
BEFORE YOU AIR FRY
Make sure the air fryer is clean and empty. Need I say more?
Never preheat the air fryer with parchment paper inside. It will blow up into the heating element and start to burn. When you do use parchment paper (I like to use it for those times I’m cooking extra messy foods). Just be sure the food holds the parchment paper down so it doesn’t fly up into the burner. You can also set a small wire rack on top of the food (see AirFryerTools.com for links to items like this).
Line underneath the air fryer basket with foil for quick and easy clean up.
Parboil root vegetables before cooking them in the air fryer. Then use the air fryer to finish roasting the vegetables to save time.
Get creative with your seasonings on your proteins. Wet marinades and dry rubs work great in the air fryer!
WHILE YOU ARE AIR FRYING
Start small. Start testing out your air fryer by cooking less expensive foods. If you mess up a batch, you don’t break the bank! A few of my favorite foods to start with are frozen hamburger patties, chicken wings, and frozen broccoli.
Open the air fryer. The air fryer is small and compact, which makes checking on the progress of your food a lot easier. Open your air fryer, check on your food, and make adjustments as needed. Most air fryers will pause when you open them. If not, look for a pause button.
Use an instant read food thermometer. Sometimes it will be enough to look at your food and know if it is done or not. However, for most foods, you will need to use an instant read food thermometer to gauge whether your food has finished cooking or not. See the temperature guide at the back of this book and you’ll always know what the internal temp of meats and baked goods should be! Get my favorite instant read meat thermometer at AirFryerTools.com.
Never ever set your air fryer on the stove. If your stove accidentally gets turned and your air fryer is also on your stove, not only is your air fryer toast, but so is your stove! Just don’t do it!
Use a reusable oil sprayer. Most commercial oil sprays you buy at the store are full of propellants and chemicals that will ruin your basket. Instead, use a spray bottle and fill it with your own healthy oil that has a high smoke point! In the long run, it saves money! I always use avocado oil and you’ll find my favorite oil sprayer at AirFryerTools.com.
Use water or bread to keep the air fryer from smoking. If you’re cooking fatty foods such as bacon or sausage in the air fryer, put either a ¼ cup of water or a slice of bread in the base of the air fryer to absorb grease.
Use a wire rack to keep foods from flying around in the air fryer basket (see AirFryerTools. com).
Let cheese melt in a hot air fryer. Viewer Sandy shared this great tip for adding melted cheese to a burger: when the burger is done cooking, add the cheese, then close the air fryer door. Let it sit for about a minute or so and not only does it melt perfectly, but it never slides off too!
Make a foil sling for foods that are hard to take out of the air fryer basket. Just make sure you leave room along the sides for air flow! Simply make a large rectangle with
handles that you set delicate foods on. That way you can just lift the foil (and the food) out of the air fryer with ease.
Reheat leftovers in the air fryer. Revive leftovers such as fries, pizza, breaded foods, tortilla chips AND things like steak and chicken. For best results, let the food sit out, covered, for 15ish minutes. Then, preheat the air fryer at 400°F/200°C for 5 minutes. Next, place the food inside and air fry at 370°F/185°C in 3 minute increments. Rotate and cook longer as needed.
AFTER USING YOUR AIR FRYER
Clean your air fryer after each meal. Wipe down the top and bottom of the air fryer and clean the air fryer basket. NEVER use abrasives to clean your air fryer. That will wear your air fryer basket down quickly.
Use Dawn Powerwash to clean the air fryer basket. Once the air fryer has cooled down and you’ve wiped out the majority of grease and food chunks, spray the basket with Dawn Powerwash don’t add water, and let it sit for 10 minutes or so. Wipe it out, then wash it with hot water.
Wipe down the cooled heating element with a damp paper towel. This will help prevent build up of food splatters and grease.
Use the air fryer to dry the air fryer basket. Pop the wet air fryer basket into the air fryer and run it for a few minutes to dry the basket. Let the air fryer cool completely before putting it away.
Contact your air fryer manufacturer before buying a new air fryer. If you feel like your air fryer basket has passed the point of no return, rather than buying a whole new unit, see if your manufacturer sells just the basket replacement!
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Medal of Honor: Army Col. Robert L. Howard
By KATIE LANGE
Department of Defense News
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Army Col. Robert Lewis Howard was a legend for his service in the Special Forces during the Vietnam War. Having deployed there five times, he's the most decorated soldier to have served in the conflict and is the only soldier to have been nominated three times for the Medal of Honor.
A man in a uniform poses for a photo.
Howard was born July 11, 1939, in Opelika, Alabama, to Charles and Martha Howard. His father was drafted into World War II when he was very young, and his mother worked in a textile mill to aid in the war effort, so he and his sister were largely raised by their grandmother for the first several years of his life.
Howard's father and one of his uncles were paratroopers in the famed 101st Airborne Division, so he grew up hearing their stories, which inspired him to serve. On July 20, 1956, the 17-year-old enlisted in the Army a month after graduating high school.
For several years, Howard worked his way up the ranks and even earned an associate degree in business administration from the University of Maryland in 1962.
Howard was sent on his first deployment to Vietnam with the 101st, his father's former unit, in 1965. After being injured in battle, he was recruited to the Special Forces, which he did missions for until his yearlong deployment was finished, and he returned home for Special Forces training. Howard earned the Ranger tab and eventually become a Green Beret.
Howard returned to Vietnam four more times, mostly doing Special Forces work with the top-secret Military Assistance Command, Vietnam, Studies and Observations Group, which ran cross-border operations in Laos, Cambodia and North Vietnam.
On Dec. 30, 1968, Howard, then a sergeant first class, was in charge of a platoon made up of Americans and Vietnamese soldiers who were on a mission to rescue another team of soldiers who were missing in enemy-controlled territory in Laos.
Once a helicopter inserted the platoon at its specified landing zone, the team moved out, only to quickly be attacked by a much larger enemy force. During the initial firefight, Howard was wounded and his weapon was destroyed.
"My hands were all blown up and burned," Howard said in a 2003 Library of Congress Veterans History Project interview. "And I couldn't stand up."
Howard couldn't walk, but when he saw his platoon leader, 1st Lt. James Jerson, lying seriously wounded in an exposed area, he didn't hesitate to crawl through a hail of gunfire to get him. As he was trying to help Jerson, an enemy bullet hit one of Howard's pouches, which detonated several magazines of ammunition and blew him several feet away.
After a few minutes, Howard realized he wasn't too injured, so, with the help of a fellow sergeant, he continued his mission to drag Jerson back toward the platoon, which was in disarray because of the attack. Howard then rallied the remaining men into a more organized defense.
"I said, ‘We're going to establish a perimeter right here, and we're going to fight or die,'" Howard said of what he told the men who remained.
He said he had the platoon put out strobe lights to identify where they were and call in air support, which arrived to help suppress the enemy around them so the team could make it through the night.
"There was a tributary running off a creek …. and so [the enemy] had to come across that little tributary to get to our position and fight," Howard said, explaining that the waterway helped them to better defend their hastily made position.
For the next few hours, Howard ignored his own wounds and crawled from position to position, helping the wounded and encouraging the other members of the platoon to keep fighting. With the help of air support, they successfully repulsed several enemy attacks and were finally in sufficient control enough to allow a quick landing of rescue helicopters before sunrise.
Howard personally made sure all the men, dead and alive, were loaded onto the helicopters before he got into one himself to leave the bullet-swept landing zone. Sadly, Jerson, who Howard fought hard to save, died on the ride to safety.
"That hurt me worse than being shot up, seeing that lieutenant die," Howard told the Veterans History Project.
According to Army Special Operations Command, only six of the 37 platoon members survived the battle. If it weren't for Howard's bravery, it's likely no one would have come home.
Howard was evacuated to a field hospital for recovery. He said that's where he learned that he'd been recommended for the Medal of Honor.
"In a way, I felt bad because I didn't feel that I was worthy of the Medal of Honor for that action because I was not successful in doing what the colonel had directed me to do, and that was to find the team that had been surrounded and captured or killed by the enemy," Howard told the Veterans History Project. He said he later learned some of those men survived and were taken as prisoners of war.
Howard remained in Vietnam and, in December 1969, commissioned as an officer after receiving a direct appointment from the rank of master sergeant to first lieutenant. He'd reached the rank of captain by February 1971 when he learned he was finally being sent home from Vietnam to receive the Medal of Honor.
In late February 1971, Howard was flown to Washington, D.C., where his wife, Tina, and two daughters, Melissa and Denicia, joined him. On March 2, President Richard M. Nixon presented him with the nation's highest honor for valor during a White House ceremony.
"When I received that honor, I felt that I was sharing it with members of my family that had sacrificed their lives in the Second World War," Howard said, referring to three of his uncles who died in the conflict. "I try to always maintain the dignity and the honor of having it bestowed upon me."
Howard's five tours in Vietnam totaled 55 months in combat, which led to him being wounded 14 times. Between 1968 and 1969, during a 13-month period, Howard was recommended for the Medal of Honor two other times. Those recommendations, however, were downgraded. Instead, he received the Distinguished Service Cross and the Silver Star — the second- and third-highest military awards, respectively. Howard earned eight Purple Hearts during his career, along with numerous other honors. According to Army Special Operations Command, he is the most decorated soldier to have served in Vietnam.
Over the next two decades, Howard continued with his impressive career. He received a bachelor's degree from Texas Christian University in 1973 before earning two master's degrees from Central Michigan University in the early 1980s.
His years of airborne expertise were also put to good use when he took part in two John Wayne movies, making a parachute jump in the 1962 film "The Longest Day," and as an airborne instructor in 1968's "The Green Berets," according to his Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs biography.
Howard eventually divorced, got remarried and had two more children, Roslyn and Robert Jr., the latter of whom went on to serve in the Army.
Howard retired on Sept. 30, 1992, after 36 years of service. For 14 years after that, he worked for the Department of Veterans Affairs. He also often spoke with students and troops about the importance of service and the fight for freedom. In the 2000s, he was inducted into the Ranger Hall of Fame and the Army Aviation Association of America Hall of Fame.
Howard spent his last few years living in San Antonio. He died on Dec. 23, 2009, at a hospice in Waco, Texas, after suffering from pancreatic cancer. Howard is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.
Howard's name is remembered in various ways throughout the Special Forces community. In 2013, the 5th Special Forces Group headquarters building at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, was named Howard Hall in his honor, and a plaque dedicating the Special Operations Command Korea campus to him was unveiled at Camp Humphreys, South Korea, in 2021.
An overpass along I-85 near Auburn University in Alabama was also named for Howard. In December 2024, a book about his life, "Beyond the Call of Duty: The Life of Colonel Robert Howard," was published.
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2025 is the year of the Monstera
By MELINDA MYERS
Kick-off 2025 with the addition of a monstera plant to your indoor garden. You’ll join other gardeners observing 2025 as the Year of the Monstera. Each year, the National Garden Bureau (NGB) selects and celebrates one plant in each of the following categories: annual, perennial, bulb, edible, and shrub. The plants are chosen for their popularity, easy-care nature, adaptability, diversity, and versatility.
Monstera certainly meets the criteria and as NGB declared it is “the world’s most iconic indoor plant.” The large, glossy heart-shaped leaves have distinct perforations called fenestrations. Scientists speculate these holes allow tropical downpours to pass through, minimizing plant damage.
There are several different monsteras, ranging in size and leaf shape including some with variegated leaves. Some are easy to grow while others are a bit fussier. Always check the plant label for specifics on caring for the monstera you select.
One of the most popular and readily available is the Monstera deliciosa, commonly called split-leaf philodendron, even though it is not a philodendron. It’s known for its large heart-shaped perforated leaves on thick stems. In its native habitat, it can grow 66 feet tall but typically grows up to 7 or 8 feet indoors. The flowers that seldom appear indoors are like a peace lily with a cone-shaped structure (spadix) surrounded by a cupped white sheath (spathe). The flowers may be followed by an edible fruit that tastes like a combination of pineapple, banana, and mango. This flavorful combination inspired its nickname, fruit salad plant, and the botanical name that translates to delicious monstrosity.
In general, these tropical beauties prefer growing conditions like that of their native habitat. They prefer bright, filtered indirect sunlight. Avoid direct sunlight that can scorch or cause leaves to turn yellow. Grow monsteras in a quality well-drained potting mix in a container with drainage holes. Water them thoroughly when the top two inches of soil are dry. Pour off excess water or place the pot on pebbles in a saucer. The pebbles elevate the pot above any water that collects in the saucer to avoid root rot. As this water evaporates, humidity increases around the plant.
Further boost the humidity by placing your monstera with other plants. As one plant loses moisture or transpires, the neighboring plants will benefit.
Only apply houseplant fertilizer when the plants are actively growing, usually March through October. Let the plant and your garden goals be your fertilization guide. Fertilizers provide needed nutrients to plants in need of a nutrient boost or when you want to stimulate more growth.
Support the plant with a moss pole or trellis as it starts to climb. The large aerial roots attach to nearby surfaces to help them climb. In nature, these roots help monsteras to climb trees and have been used to make rope in Peru and baskets in Mexico.
Use these beauties to create an indoor tropical paradise or to provide some green relief. No matter your indoor décor, this unique plant will make a welcome addition.
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Take a Break in Nature
By MELINDA MYERS
Holidays are filled with lots of food, presents, and busy schedules. A walk in nature is a great way to burn calories, combat stress, and improve your health and well-being.
Getting everyone excited about going outside and moving can be a challenge. Adding some activities to the walk is a way to encourage the whole family to get outside and enjoy the beauty of the season.
Grab some paper and crayons and create bark rubbings of your favorite trees. Select a variety of trees with smooth, rough, or peeling bark. Use these as a backdrop for a favorite photo or homemade thank-you notes.
Bingo hiking is a fun way to help everyone enjoy the outdoors. Have each person draw a picture of something they think they’ll find on the hike. Draw one picture per square just like bingo. The first one to fill a row up and down, across, or diagonally wins a warm beverage.
You have probably played “Eye Spy” while on long road trips. The next game is a variation of the latter and uses a camera and closeup images of items found along the trail. Send someone ahead of the group to capture a closeup of a leaf, rock, log, mushroom, or other item. It should be super close so the others will have difficulty identifying it. Once the group reaches the photographer, have them identify the area where the item can be found. It will keep people involved and encourage everyone to take a closer look at the beauty of their surroundings. Plus, you might just end up with some beautiful pictures to share or frame.
Consider sending everyone on a search for certain items. Perhaps it’s various items of a certain color. Or use the alphabet as a guide. First, have them find something that starts with an A, then a B, and so on. See if you can repeat all the items from A to Z once you find all 26. It’s a great way to help youngsters learn the alphabet and an excellent memory exercise for any age.
Create a little winter outdoor art. Use sidewalk chalk to dress up your snow-free walks and drives. Add a few drops of food coloring to a bottle of water and paint the snow. You’ll enjoy the changes in your artwork as the rain and snow morph the design over time.
Learn more about the trees in your community. Have one person call out the name and a description of a tree to find. Once they provide this information the others need to locate a specimen and if possible, give it a hug. You will be amazed at the impact felt when embracing a tree. This might be a fun way to find trees to use for your bark rubs or create a list of all the trees and clues learned along the way.
You might find everyone is more willing to venture on a walk outside when adding these and other activities. After becoming more aware of their surroundings they may even opt for a quiet walk in the woods.
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TOPS Club offers suggestions to curb evening cravings
We may be afraid of the dark, but what we eat in the dark might be scarier when it comes to our physical and mental health.
Millions of people report they often binge eat in the middle of the night. Binge eating is described as out-of-control consumption, and emotions of shame and guilt often follow it.
TOPS Club, Inc. (Take Off Pounds Sensibly SM), the nonprofit weight-loss support organization with a “Real People. Real Weight Loss.®” philosophy, doesn’t want binge eating to destroy people’s good intentions to lose weight and adopt healthy lifestyles. It recommends techniques to control binge eating and, in conjunction, help others lose weight.
The two common root causes of nighttime binge eating are practicing unhealthy eating routines and being unable to manage stress properly.
Unhealthy Eating Habits
We may overeat at night to compensate for the lack of food consumed during the day. It is imperative to have enough to eat throughout the day, including three meals during normal eating times.
Meals should be full of fiber and protein, as fiber slows digestion, and protein helps release the “fullness” hormone. Meat, fish, eggs, cheeses, fruits, veggies, and whole grains should play a major role in our diet. Data suggests that high-protein meals during the day can cut the urge to binge at night in half.
Snacking in the middle of the afternoon is acceptable, as long as it’s in moderation. The trouble occurs when we mindlessly open a bag of our favorite snacks and start munching away. Buy single-serving bags of snacks or portion out of the large bag so the food is easy to grab and go.
If you find yourself reaching for more to eat after having three meals and a snack, try drinking a glass of water, coffee, or green tea. It’s easy to mistake hunger for thirst. Grabbing a healthy drink first will not only keep your desires at bay, but it may also help you be more mindful of your choices in the kitchen.
Inability to Manage Stress
Stress and binge eating often go together. Instead of reaching for that bag of chips or cookies after a long day, try calling a friend, walking or running outside, playing your favorite music, or journaling.
If work is one of your main stressors, try turning off your email notifications at night. If something like the evening news causes you negativity, opt to watch something else.
Another solution is to change your nightly routine. If you’re used to snacking in between dinner and bed, or to avoid doing the dishes, try substituting another activity, like light yoga or reading in bed.
If you get up in the middle of the night and stop in the kitchen, don’t be too hard on yourself. Tomorrow is a new day and a new chance to try to curb your cravings once again!
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Four tips for smooth holiday travel
LITTLE ROCK – Holiday travel season is in full swing, which can mean last-minute hiccups, canceled trips and other delays. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has tips to make traveling to see family for the holidays or jetting off on vacation safe and smooth this winter.
1. Stay updated on vaccinations and be aware of local health risks.
Respiratory illnesses like the flu, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are in season during the winter, and vaccines often lessen their impact. The CDC recommends that all individuals aged six months and older receive an annual flu shot, while higher-risk groups should receive updated COVID-19 vaccines. The CDC also advises adults over 60 to discuss RSV vaccination with their healthcare provider. Before traveling, check wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel for information on destination-specific health concerns and outbreaks, along with recommended vaccines and other essential travel health information.
2. Prepare for weather conditions and pack a travel health kit.
Winter weather can be unpredictable, so monitor the forecast at your destination for at least a week before arriving. Plan travel routes and transportation around any predicted ice, snow or thunderstorms, and prepare to face delays by charging your phone, packing extra snacks and water and an emergency kit. You should also pack a travel health kit, which includes any prescription or over-the-counter medications, first-aid items, insurance information and other essential health items. It might also be a good idea to wear masks in crowded areas to avoid contracting respiratory illnesses.
3. Practice good hand hygiene and avoid contact with sick individuals.
Handwashing is a simple way to prevent the spread of germs while traveling, and the CDC recommends frequently washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds at a time. Washing your hands before meals and after touching high-use surfaces is especially important. For flights and long road trips, carry a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol to effectively fight off germs. Keep your distance if you see a person who is frequently coughing or sneezing or looks fatigued or flushed, and avoid crowded, high-traffic areas as often as possible. Masking up and handwashing are good preventive measures to take if you think you were exposed to a sick person and want to limit the spread of germs.
4. Stay hydrated and monitor health before, during and after travel.
Dehydration can weaken the immune system, so make sure you consume plenty of water and hydrating foods while traveling. Bringing a refillable water bottle can help curb dehydration and ensure you drink enough water. Eating healthy meals before and during travel can also give your immune system a boost. While traveling, be aware of any respiratory illness symptoms you may have, including coughing, fatigue, fever and a sore throat. If you feel unwell, it’s wise to get tested for the flu or COVID-19 and limit contact with others. A positive test result means it is time to isolate and medicate to prevent spreading any illness you have, especially to high-risk family members or friends. Notify anyone you have recently been in contact with so they can be tested, too.
Traveling during such a busy season may not always be perfect, but following the CDC’s recommendations can help prevent delays and address health concerns for travelers. Visit cdc.gov/travel for more travelers’ health information to keep things running smoothly during holiday travel.
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Social Security Matters
By RUSSELL GLOOR
Association of Mature American Citizens
Ask Rusty – Have I Saved Social Security Money by Claiming at 62?
Dear Rusty: I had to start collecting Social Security at 62, and I am 75 now. I believe that in the last 13 years I have saved Social Security money, so I do not know why I cannot draw my full benefits now.
If I had started drawing at 65 at $1,200 per month, then I would have drawn $16,400 per year. Instead, I got $680 per month from 62 to 75, or $8,160 per year, or about $106,000 over 13 years. Compare that to the age 65 amount of $14,400 per year for 10 years, which is $144,000. So, by claiming at 62, at age 75 I have saved the government over $38,000. It would make seniors lives so much easier if they could draw full Social Security at 75 years old, after getting only part of their SS. Signed: Second-guessing
Dear Second-guessing: The difference between benefits claimed at various ages causes many to reflect, as you have done, about what might have been had you waited longer to claim. But there is an error in your calculations. If your age 62 monthly benefit is $680, your age 65 monthly benefit would have been about $845, not $1,200. Thus, at 75 you would have collected about $101,400 by claiming at 65, vs. the $106,000 you have received by claiming at age 62. In other words, you still would not have broken even had you claimed at age 65.
Social Security says that it doesn’t matter when you claim – they say that if you claim early your payments will be less, but you’ll get more of them. Where SSA’s argument falls apart is when life expectancy is longer. Our experience is that if you wait until your full retirement age (FRA) to claim (which is age 66 in your case), vs. claiming at age 62, you will collect the same amount of total money at about age 78. In other words, the “breakeven age” for waiting until FRA to claim is about 78. So, you will reach your personal “breakeven age” in about 2 ½ years (at age 78). And this is precisely why we encourage everyone to understand their life expectancy when deciding when to claim Social Security – those who expect to live longer will, indeed, get more SS money if they delay claiming.
Your benefit is determined by your age when you claim, and if you claim before your FRA your monthly amount is permanently reduced. If you claimed at age 62 and your monthly amount was $680, then in the four years until you reached age 66 (your FRA) you would have received about $32,640. If you had, instead, waited until your FRA to claim, your benefit at age 66 would have been about $906/month. Collecting $906/month (at 66) vs. $680/month (at 62) would make your breakeven age about 78. If you claimed at age 65 instead of 62, your breakeven age would have been about a year earlier (77).
So, have you saved Social Security money? Up to this point, you have not. Since you claimed at age 62, you have collected about $680/month for 13 years until you were 75 (or about $106,000). If you had waited until age 65 to claim you would have, instead, collected about $101,400 – in other words you have received more, so far, by claiming at age 62. But that will change when you reach 77 (your breakeven age, had you claimed at 65). Starting at age 77, you will have received less in cumulative lifetime benefits because you claimed at age 62. Which, again, is why – at the AMAC Foundation’s Social Security Advisory Service – we encourage everyone to consider life expectancy when deciding when to take Social Security. Of course there are other factors too, not the least of which is financial need, but life expectancy is key. And since the benefit you get when you claim is permanent (except for annual Cost of Living Adjustments), deciding when to claim Social Security is a decision which affects a lifetime.
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Medal of Honor: Army Col. Charles P. Murray Jr.
By KATIE LANGE
Department of Defense News
Army Col. Charles Patrick Murray Jr. spent three decades serving his country, but his most notable contribution came toward the beginning of his career. During the waning days of World War II in Europe, Murray took out dozens of enemy soldiers while trying to establish a position for his platoon along a French valley. He received the Medal of Honor for his fearless actions and leadership.
Murray was born Sept. 26, 1921, in Baltimore, Maryland, to Charles and Florence Murray. He had two younger brothers, William and Donald, and he went by the nickname Chuck.
When Murray was still a baby, his parents moved to Wilmington, North Carolina. He was a member of the Boy Scouts as a child and achieved the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout in 1934.
After Murray graduated from Wilmington's New Hanover High School in 1938, he spent three years studying at the University of North Carolina before being drafted into the Army in September 1942. After a few months of training, he was sent to officer candidate school and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1943.
In August 1944, Murray was deployed to England to join the 3rd Infantry Division's 1st Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment. A few weeks after D-Day, the division landed in France and started their push east.
By December, Murray's unit, Company C, had been tasked with securing a hill in Kaysersberg, France. During several days of fighting, the company was able to secure the hill, but several company officers were killed, allowing Murray to move up in the ranks to become company commander.
On Dec. 16, 1944, then-1st Lt. Murray accompanied one of his three platoons on a special mission into enemy territory to keep the Germans from getting in and out of a valley near the hill. In order to do so, they had to descend into the valley along a narrow trail.
During their descent, Murray saw about 200 Germans who were pouring deadly mortar, bazooka and machine gun fire into an American battalion on the crest of a ridge. The men on the ridge couldn't see the enemy, which was hiding in a position on a sunken road, but Murray could see the enemy's flank. He didn't want to risk the lives of his small platoon against such a large force, so instead of engaging, he told his platoon to take cover.
Murray then crawled ahead of his troops to a small vantage point where he could see the enemy before radioing for artillery to bombard them, he said in a Library of Congress Veterans History Project interview. However, his coordinates were a bit off, and the artillery missed. When he went to adjust the range, his radio went dead.
Needing to adjust his options, Murray went back to where his platoon was waiting and grabbed some grenades and a launcher. He returned to where he could see the enemy and fired. The first few shots disclosed his position, so enemy troops aimed all their fire at him as he continued pummeling them with grenades until he ran out of ammunition.
Murray then went back to his platoon's makeshift outpost, this time grabbing an automatic rifle and ammunition. He once more moved to his exposed position, firing burst after burst at the enemy. One account of the fight said that Murray fired about 2,000 rounds, with the help of two other soldiers who continued to toss him ammunition. He was also able to take out a truck that he later learned was carrying three German mortars.
Murray's effort killed 20 enemy soldiers and wounded several others. When a U.S. mortar was brought in to help, he directed that fire, leading to about 50 more enemy casualties. The bombardment led to chaos in the enemy's ranks, and they began to withdraw via a creek.
Calling on his platoon to follow, Murray raced down the small trail into the valley so he could take control of a bridge there and construct a roadblock. Along the way, Murray captured 10 Germans in foxholes. An eleventh pretended to surrender, but threw a grenade when Murray looked away for a second. Murray and several others were injured in the blast.
Instead of allowing his troops to fire on that enemy soldier, Murray took the man hostage. Bleeding profusely by then, Murray kept moving forward until he'd found the right spot for his men to set up the roadblock. Finally, he turned command of the company over to this executive officer before walking back up the steep hill to an aid station. His single-handed attack stopped the enemy in its tracks and enabled his unit to take the valley despite formidable odds.
Murray was hospitalized until after Christmas, when he grew anxious to get back to his troops.
"I found that the wounded troops recovering were being sent to units up north to replace soldiers that had been wounded or captured in the Bulge area," he told the VHP. "I didn't want to go to some unit up north. I wanted to go back to my division."
So, Murray found a uniform that fit him and hitched a ride on an ambulance to where the 3rd ID was based. He then caught a ride on a ration truck to the 30th Infantry's aid station before walking toward the hill where he'd last left his men.
"I was a little concerned because there were Germans in the area and I had no pistol," Murray said. After a while, a Jeep came by and gave him a ride to the battalion command post. He then made his way back to his company's position, which they held until replacements took over on New Year's Day 1945.
Murray continued to command Company C for the rest of the war. They became the first Allied unit to enter Munich on April 30, 1945, and continued to push on into Salzburg, Austria, on May 5, two days before fighting ended in Europe.
Murray said he'd learned that February that he had been recommended for the Medal of Honor, but he didn't think it was going to happen because he was never sent to the rear of his division, which was tradition for Medal of Honor nominees during the war to keep them safe. The young lieutenant said he didn't know the award was actually going to happen until his wife, Anne, sent him a newspaper clipping that mentioned the medal in June.
During a ceremony at the Salzburg airport on July 5, 1945, Murray received the nation's highest honor for valor from Army Lt. Gen. Geoffrey Keyes, II Corps' commanding general.
When Murray returned home after the war, he took some time to finishing his studies at UNC, earning a bachelor's degree in June of 1946. That September, he returned to active duty. At some point, he also received a master's degree in international affairs from George Washington University. He and his wife went on to have three children, Charles III, Brian and Cynthia.
Murray made a career out of the Army, serving in various command posts over the following decades, including during the Vietnam War — a war in which both of his sons also served. He retired as a colonel in 1973 after 30 years of service.
His family settled down in Columbia, South Carolina, where Murray then worked for a decade as a senior planner for the state's Corrections Department. He was known as a humble man who, in his later years, worked tirelessly to promote veterans' issues and educate students about service to their country.
Murray died peacefully at his home on Aug. 12, 2011, after suffering from congestive heart failure, his family said. He was weeks away from his 90th birthday. The retired colonel is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.
In Murray's honor, two schools were named for him — a middle school in Wilmington and an elementary school at Fort Stewart, Georgia.
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Social Security Matters
By RUSSELL GLOOR
National Social Security Adviser at the AMAC Foundation
Ask Rusty - Was Your IRMAA Article Incorrect?
Dear Rusty: In a recent article about Medicare’s “Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount” (IRMAA) and how IRMAA affects Social Security taxes, you described which income gets included in the IRMAA calculation. You said it is "your combined income from all sources, including 50 % of the SS benefits you receive." That 50% number might be true in some cases, but I think a more accurate, general answer is that “your taxable SS benefit is what gets added to IRMAA.” For example, we have enough income every year that we are always taxed at 85% of our SS benefit, so 85% of our SS values get added to our IRMAA. The way your answer reads, a reader of the article might think everyone has 50% of their SS benefit added to IRMAA. Signed: IRMAA Victim
Dear IRMAA Victim: I think you may have confused two terms I used when describing Medicare’s “Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount” or “IRMAA.” I also used the term “MAGI” (Modified Adjusted Gross Income), and it’s important to distinguish between those two terms.
· MAGI is what determines if the IRMAA provision applies, and IRMAA will affect how much your Medicare premium is. But MAGI is also used for another purpose - to see if your SS benefits are taxable. Your MAGI consists of your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) from your income tax return, plus any non-taxable interest you may have had, plus 50% of the SS benefits you received during the tax year
·IRMAA is a factor which will increase your monthly Medicare premium if your MAGI is over certain thresholds for your tax filing status. MAGI is used to determine if a higher Medicare premium applies, and it is also used to see if your SS benefits are subject to income tax.
Your MAGI does, indeed, always use only 50% of the SS benefits you received during the tax year (not 85% in some cases). That’s because the SS contributions included in MAGI relate to SS contributions your employer paid on your behalf. Only half of your received SS benefits are used to determine MAGI because that’s the amount of your SS benefits attributable to your employer’s contributions. Said another way, the SS payroll tax you personally paid while working was from your taxable income, so it is not included in MAGI. But the amount your employer contributed was not taxable by the IRS and, thus, is included in MAGI. So, it’s the portion of your SS benefits attributable to your employer which is included in MAGI. Thus, the terminology that MAGI is “your combined income from all sources, including 50% of the SS benefits you received during the tax year” is correct. MAGI is what determines how much of your SS benefits are taxable, but your MAGI also determines if IRMAA applies to your Medicare premiums.
Your benefits are taxable if, as a married couple filing jointly, your total MAGI exceeds $32,000. If your MAGI is over the first threshold but less than the 2nd threshold ($44,000 for married filers) then 50% of the SS benefits you received during the tax year are included as part of your income taxable by the IRS. But if your MAGI goes over the 2nd threshold ($44,000 for married filers) then up to 85% of the SS benefits you received during the tax year will be included as part of your income taxable by the IRS.
In short, MAGI determines how much of your income is subject to taxation. But MAGI is also used to determine if IRMAA applies. And how much your MAGI exceeds the separate IRMAA thresholds determines what your Medicare premium will be.
So, the article correctly states that IRMAA only counts 50% of the SS benefits received because that is what is included in MAGI (which is what determines if IRMAA applies). But the amount of SS which may be taxable income by the IRS could be up to 85% of benefits received during the tax year if your MAGI is high enough.
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Unique holiday plants
By MELINDA MYERS
Add colorful flair to your holiday décor and gift-giving by including a few unique holiday plants. You and your gift recipients will appreciate their uniqueness and beauty throughout the holidays and beyond.
Poinsettias are a favorite and now you can find unique colors from Pure White to Hot Pink, and others with variegated leaves or flowers, which are actually modified leaves called bracts, like Sparkling Rouge.
Include some other unique holiday plants available from your favorite garden center. You’ll find a variety of cyclamen plants with plain or ruffled white, pink, rose, lavender or bicolor flowers that look like shooting stars. The blooms hover over heart-shaped leaves with silvery highlights. These plants prefer cool, bright, draft-free locations. Water when the soil is dry just below the surface.
Use miniature cyclamen and poinsettias as a place card holder at your next gathering or to brighten any small space. Dress up the dinner table, mantle, or side table with one of the larger varieties. Large or small, any holiday plant makes wonderful party favors and hostess gifts. Place the plants in a decorative container, basket, or colorful tin for a more impressive display. Be sure to include care directions.
Add a bit of lemon fragrance with the chartreuse foliage of Lemon Cypress (Hesperocyparis macrocarpa formerly Cupressus macrocarpa). Its narrow upright growth habit makes it an excellent holiday plant. Grow it in a sunny window with six to eight hours of sunlight a day. Water thoroughly when the top inch or two of the soil is dry. Group it with other plants or set the pot on a gravel tray. The pebbles elevate the pot above the water in the saucer, avoiding root rot while increasing humidity around the plant. Those gardening in zones 7 and warmer can grow this as a landscape plant. Those in colder climates can move it outdoors for summer and back inside in the fall.
Frosty Fern (Selaginella) with white-tipped, scalelike leaves has become a recent holiday favorite. It is a spike moss, not a true fern, and thrives in moist soil with good drainage. Use distilled or rainwater for the best results and check soil moisture several times a week. This is a perfect plant for those that tend to overwater. Grow frosty fern with other houseplants, on a gravel tray or under a glass enclosure like a terrarium or Wardian case as it requires high humidity to survive. Place this plant in a bright location out of direct sunlight. Don’t be alarmed as the white tips will fade as spring approaches but the texture continues to add interest to any indoor plant collection.
Whether giving, receiving, or buying some for yourself, living gifts like these will brighten anyone’s mood and indoor décor.
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Medal of Honory: Navy Lt. Cmdr. Jackson Pharris
By KATIE LANGE
Department Defense News
Navy Lt. Cmdr. Jackson Charles Pharris saved a lot of lives when the Japanese bombed his battleship during the Pearl Harbor attacks that thrust the U.S. into World War II. With his quick thinking, he managed to drag several of his shipmates from flooding compartments while directing fire on the enemy. Pharris received the Medal of Honor for his leadership and valor.
Pharris was born on June 26, 1912, in Columbus, Georgia, to Charles and Eula Pharris. He had four brothers and a sister.
According to the National World War II Museum, Pharris joined the Navy in April 1933 when he was 20 years old and spent several years serving on the battleship USS Mississippi. By January 1941, he was promoted and transferred to another battleship, the USS California, to serve as a gunner. In early November 1941, the California docked itself along Battleship Row on Ford Island at Pearl Harbor in Oahu, Hawaii.
About a month later, on Dec. 7, 1941, the Japanese launched a surprise attack on the island's many troops. Pharris was in charge of the California's ordnance repair party on the ship's third deck when a Japanese torpedo struck almost directly under his station. He was hurled to the ship's overhead, then back to its deck by the explosion.
Despite being concussed and seriously injured, Pharris recovered quickly. He jumped into action to get his shipmates to pass ammunition down a line for use by the ship's antiaircraft guns.
The torpedo explosion tore the port bulkhead from the deck, causing water and oil to rush in and quickly incapacitate several crew members. The ship lost power and, after a second torpedo hit, started to list heavily portside.
Knowing the severity of the situation, Pharris ordered the shipfitters aboard to perform a damage control technique known as counterflooding, in which compartments are flooded to counter the ship's listing. As that was happening, Pharris twice fell unconscious due to his injuries and the noxious oil fumes. But each time he woke back up, he continued his effort to speed up the supply of ammunition to the antiaircraft guns.
He also repeatedly risked his life to go into the flooding compartments and drag out several unconscious shipmates who were gradually being submerged in oil. Pharris was credited with saving the lives of 17 men. His valiant efforts and leadership were largely responsible for keeping the battleship in action during the attack.
According to the Defense Prisoner of War/Missing in Action Accounting Agency, 103 men from the California died that day and 20 sailors still remain unaccounted for. Aside from the two torpedoes, the battleship was also hit by a bomb and barely missed being struck by a second. The California slowly sank and, days after the initial attack, settled on the bottom of the harbor. It was eventually raised, repaired and sent back into service.
Pharris was hospitalized for his injuries until March 1942, when he returned to duty. Four months later, he was commissioned as an ensign, officially becoming an officer.
In November 1942, Pharris met Elizabeth Potter during a command social event while the ship was docked in Bremerton, Washington. Less than a year later, they were married. The pair had four children, one of whom later became a lieutenant colonel in the Marine Corps.
Prior to the wedding, Pharris was hospitalized again due to oil that was still in his lungs from the Pearl Harbor attack. He eventually returned to service aboard the heavy cruiser USS Saint Paul as it was bombarding the Japanese mainland toward the end of the war.
Pharris was injured yet again in a kamikaze attack five days after the Japanese signed the surrender proclamation in September 1945. According to researcher Duane Vachon, as the plane was coming for the ship, Pharris ordered the crew to take cover and directed the ship's guns to shoot the aircraft down. The impact of the guns broke Pharris' back.
Pharris was hospitalized from that incident until April 1946. He was then temporarily assigned to duty at Long Beach Naval Shipyard in California. About two years later, he was medically retired at the rank of lieutenant commander.
According to the National World War II Museum, Pharris initially received the Navy Cross for his bravery in Pearl Harbor; however, his actions were reviewed in 1948, and the award was upgraded to the Medal of Honor. He received the nation's highest honor for valor on June 25, 1948, from President Harry S. Truman during a White House ceremony.
Pharris was the first World War II veteran to be recommended for the Medal of Honor. Three of his fellow shipmates on the California also received the award posthumously: Ensign Herbert C. Jones, Warrant Officer Thomas J. Reeves and Petty Officer 1st Class Robert R. Scott.
Pharris and his family decided to remain in California after his retirement, settling in the Rolling Hills Estates area of Los Angeles. Pharris went back to school, first attending Long Beach City College before transferring to the University of Southern California, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in June 1956.
In 1959, Pharris was again credited for his life-saving skills during an industrial accident in which a gas explosion in Long Beach filled a pipeline ditch with fire. Newspaper accounts at the time say Pharris helped pull a construction worker from the ditch, likely saving his life.
Pharris often attended events involving Medal of Honor recipients. Sadly, on Oct. 16, 1966, he was attending one of those events at the Beverly Hilton Hotel when he collapsed from a heart attack. He died the following day at a veterans' hospital.
Pharris is buried in Arlington National Cemetery. In 1972, the destroyer escort USS Pharris was named in his honor.
In the early 2000s, Pharris' medals were lost for a few years. According to various newspaper accounts, his wife and one of his daughters had placed them in a safety deposit box, but both died in short succession, so the contents of the box were taken by the state as unclaimed property. When Pharris' remaining family learned the medals were missing and discovered what happened to them, they petitioned to get the valuables back.
Pharris' medals were finally returned to his family in 2007 during a ceremony in Los Angeles.
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Holiday creations from indoor and garden plants
By MELINDA MYERS
Don’t let winter stop you from bringing a bit of the outdoors inside. Take a break from the holiday rush for a bit of gardening and crafting relief. Grab a pruner and basket then wander through your landscape gathering a few evergreen branches, berry-laden stems, and cones to create a holiday centerpiece or décor.
No landscape, no problem. Ask a gardening friend if you can collect a few items from their gardens. Invite them to join in the fun and create their own arrangements.
Gather a variety of greens to create a foundation of texture and backdrop for the other additions. The fan-like sprays of arborvitae, blue-green sprigs of juniper, and stems of other evergreens like yews, boxwoods, pines, and spruces provide all the greenery you need.
Now explore mixed borders and hedges for items with interesting colors or shapes. Red and yellow twig dogwoods, curly willow, contorted filbert, and fantail willow provide interesting color and form.
Collect a few cones, berries, and fruit such as rose hips, blue berry-like cones of junipers, sweet gum seedpods, and alder’s cone-like fruit. These are great substitutes for flowers often used in summer arrangements.
Make a stop at your flower gardens for seedheads of coneflowers, alliums, penstemon, milkweeds, balloon plants, and more. Collect fluffy seed heads of non-invasive ornamental and native grasses for filler. All these add beautiful natural elements to any centerpiece or can be painted or glittered for added glitz. And don’t be afraid to add a few shiny ornaments for a bit of holiday flair.
Then dress up your indoor plants for the holidays. Add glittery holiday picks, silk flowers, faux berry-laden branches, and decorative ornaments for more color and sparkle. Add these to small potted plants to create a centerpiece and larger plants to provide more seasonal color to your holiday décor.
Stop by your favorite florist or garden center and purchase a few water picks and cut flowers. Place the cut flowers in the picks and sink them into the pots of your favorite houseplants. This adds some color and seasonal interest to any green plant.
Make them shine year-round with a few seasonal updates. Plant several compatible indoor plants in a large container. Sink a small empty pot in the space where you want to create a seasonal focal point. Set a small potted flowering plant like a miniature poinsettia, azalea, hydrangea, African violet, or cyclamen inside this empty one. Replace the flowering plant occasionally to freshen up the container garden or create a seasonal display.
Make it even easier to change the display by filling a large basket with a collection of individually potted green and flowering plants. Switch flowers as they fade and foliage plants as the holidays, your mood or the décor changes.
Consider creating a few extras as gifts to share throughout the holidays. You and the recipient will enjoy the festive creation.
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Social Security Matters
By RUSSELL GLOOR, National Social Security Advisor at the AMAC Foundation
Ask Rusty - Am I entitled to more Social Security from my Ex-husbands?
Dear Rusty: I am 76 years old and a retired high school counselor/teacher. I was married to my first husband from 1968 until 1981. He is still living, and he remarried two more times and, I believe, he is currently divorced. He is 77 years old. His income was always much higher than mine. I was married to my second husband from May 1989 until we divorced in April 2017. My second husband died in June 2023. What I wonder is if I am entitled to receive Social Security benefits based upon the income of either of my ex-husbands? Signed: Twice Divorced Spouse
Dear Twice Divorced: Divorced spouses are entitled to the same benefits as a current spouse if their marriage lasted at least 10 years which, in both cases, yours did. The other caveat is whether your own SS retirement benefit is less than you are entitled to from either of your ex-husbands. If your own SS retirement benefit is less, then you will get an incremental amount on top of your own SS retirement to bring your total monthly benefit up to your spousal (or surviving spouse) entitlement.
Since your first husband is still living, it is likely that your best financial option is to claim a surviving ex-spouse benefit from your deceased 2nd husband. The reason is that survivor benefits from husband #2 are based on his actual benefit at his death, whereas benefits from a living ex-spouse (husband #1) are based upon his full retirement amount. In other words, it is likely that 100% of deceased husband #2’s benefit at his death is more than 50% of living husband #1’s current benefit at his full retirement age (FRA).
It is, of course, possible that 50% of your first husband’s FRA entitlement is more than 100% of your second husband’s benefit at death, in which case your ex-spouse benefit from your first husband could be more. The only way to sort this out is to contact Social Security (1.800-772-1213) to make an appointment to apply for surviving ex-spouse benefits from your deceased second husband. Explain that your first ex-husband is still living, and that you are unsure of what your benefits are as your first husband's ex-spouse. Social Security will be able to determine from their records which one provides you with a higher benefit amount (provide each husband’s Social Security number when you call). As I said, your best financial option will likely be to take your survivor benefit from your deceased second ex-husband (note, however, if your first ex-husband also dies before you, you can subsequently file for a survivor benefit from him, if that is more than you are getting from your second husband’s record).
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Selection and care of living holiday trees
By MELINDA MYERS
Dress up a potted dwarf spruce, Norfolk Island pine, lemon cypress or topiary Rosemary or lavender plant for the holidays and enjoy its beauty all year. Add a bit of garland and a few small ornaments for a festive effect.
Norfolk Island pines have long been decked out and displayed for the holidays. Smaller specimens can be placed on a tabletop, and larger ones can be used as indoor floor plants when space allows. Grow Norfolk Island pines in a cool well-lit location free of hot and cold drafts. Occasionally, turn plants growing in front of windows to ensure even growth.
Avoid low humidity and dry soil, often resulting in dry brown needles and branches. Use a gravel tray to reduce your workload and increase your growing success. Place pebbles in the plant saucer and set the container on the pebbles so it rests above any excess water that collects in the saucer. Water thoroughly and often enough to keep the soil slightly moist. The excess water that collects in the saucer increases humidity around the plant.
Tabletop lemon cypress (Cupressus macrocarpa ‘Goldcrest Wilma’) trees have filled the benches at garden centers and florists for the past few holiday seasons. Their fragrant chartreuse needles and upright conical shape make them a cheery addition to your winter décor. Grow them in a brightly lit location near a draft-free window and water thoroughly when the top few inches are dry to the touch. Those who garden in zones seven to ten can move them into their landscape or add them to their outdoor containers after the danger of frost has passed. This dwarf variety can eventually reach six feet tall and three to four feet wide.
Enjoy the beauty, fragrance, and flavor of a topiary Rosemary tree. Grow it in a brightly lit location and water thoroughly when the top few inches of soil begin to dry. Regularly trim the branches to maintain the upright tree shape. Use clippings to season your favorite holiday dishes.
Consider growing a tree-shaped lavender plant this holiday season for its attractive foliage and calming fragrance. Grow your lavender in a south-facing or other sunny window. Find a cool spot in your home away from hot and cold air drafts. The cooler air helps increase your indoor growing success. Water it thoroughly when the top inch of soil is dry to the touch. Pour off any excess water that collects in the saucer.
If you want a tree that can be moved outdoors into the landscape or a container in hardiness zones two to six, consider growing a tabletop dwarf Alberta spruce tree (Picea glauca ‘Conica’). Grow it in a very cool bright location indoors. Water thoroughly as needed pouring off any excess water that collects in the saucer.
If the buds break and new growth appears, wait until the danger of frost has passed to move it outdoors. Just change out the seasonal decorations and enjoy it on Valentine’s Day, Easter, and any spring holiday celebrations. Grow it outside in a sunny location protected from winter wind and sun to prevent the needles from drying. Watch for spider mites which are a common pest on this landscape plant.
These plants also make great gifts for the holidays and for the host or hostess. You and your gift recipients will enjoy the beauty of these plants throughout the holidays and beyond.
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House Call
Dr. Daniel Knight, professor in the Department of Family and Preventive Medicine in the College of Medicine at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Q: What precautions should I take during colder weather? A: As winter approaches, it advisable to prepare for changes in the weather. Cold has an effect even on those of us in Arkansas, where temperatures at or near freezing can be considered extreme. Being aware of how your body reacts during this time of year can help you make plans to stay safe. Frostbite and hypothermia are two of the most common cold weather-related conditions. Frostbite can occur when the skin is exposed to freezing temperatures. Hypothermia is when the body’s core temperature drops below 95 degrees Fahrenheit. Both require immediate medical attention. Symptoms of frostbite include numbness or pain in the exposed area of the body. Hypothermia symptoms include confusion and shivering. Steps to take for these and other cold-related issues include wearing warm clothing in loose layers, keeping dry (the body loses heat more quickly when wet), covering your head and limiting the time spent outdoors. Older people, newborns and those with chronic illnesses are among those at most risk in colder weather. Do not ignore symptoms of temperature-related conditions, particularly shivering, which is a sign that the body is losing heat. Contact your health care provider if you have questions about how to get ready for colder temperatures. Q: What is aphasia? A: Aphasia is a disorder which affects communication. It’s normally the result of damage to the portion of the brain that controls language. Those affected have difficulty speaking and writing, as well as trouble understanding spoken and written language. The National Aphasia Association estimates that 2 million Americans have the condition. Common causes of aphasia include a brain infection or tumor, stroke, traumatic brain injury, or conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. Aphasia can affect anyone but mostly occurs in older people. The condition may come about suddenly if caused by a brain injury or stroke, or it can develop slowly if it’s from a brain tumor or another progressive disease. Symptoms of someone affected with aphasia include being unable to find the right words to speak or write or saying single words instead of complete sentences. The person may also speak words which are unrecognizable, have trouble following a conversation or be unable to understand what they’ve read. Treatment for aphasia depends upon the extent of damage to the brain. In mild cases, the affected person may recover language skills on their own. Speech therapy may be required for more severe cases. Contact your health care provider for a treatment plan.
Q: What causes myasthenia gravis? A: Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune neuromuscular disorder that affects communication between the nerves and the voluntary muscles. Voluntary muscles include those in the diaphragm, face and throat, as well as muscles that connect to bones. The condition causes those muscles to become weak and tire more easily. Myasthenia gravis is rare — the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America estimates that 70,000 people in the United States have the condition. A breakdown in how nerves and muscles interact causes myasthenia gravis. A malfunctioning immune system creates antibodies that block receptors from receiving signals, resulting in muscle weakness. Myasthenia gravis is more common in women around the age of 40 and among men around the age of 60, but it can occur at any age. Symptoms include shortness of breath, drooping of one or both eyelids, changes in facial expressions, problems swallowing, and weakness in the arms, legs and neck. These symptoms may come about suddenly but get better with rest. Myasthenia gravis cannot be cured, but treatment can effectively manage symptoms. Medications such as corticosteroids or immunosuppressants may be prescribed. Infusions of antibodies to suppress the immune system may also be an option. Contact your health care provider if you have questions. Q: Does stress really cause physical problems? A: Stress is how your body reacts to challenges, changes or tension. The body is designed to respond to stress, and stress is something that everyone has or will experience. Stress can have a short-term positive effect on the body such as keeping you more alert and motivated; however, being under stress for extended periods of time can have negative impacts on health. The body’s autonomic nervous systems controls processes such as breathing, heart rate and vision — things that occur without you thinking about them. These processes are activated when under stress, such as more rapid breathing, faster heart rate and changes in vision. This can be harmful to the body if they occur over an extended period. Physical signs of stress are often mistaken for other illnesses, so the actual cause can be difficult to diagnose. Symptoms of stress include chest pains, fatigue, headaches, high blood pressure and muscle tension. There are various methods of dealing with stress. While stress cannot be avoided in many instances, how it is managed can help you work through it. Talk to your health care provider if you are experiencing physical symptoms and your efforts to relieve them are not effective.
Email your health questions to housecall@uams.edu.
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Medal of Honor: Army Pfc. Noah Knight
By KATIE LANGE
Department of Defense News
When Army Pfc. Noah Odell Knight saw three enemy soldiers carrying explosives that could have annihilated several members of his company, he didn't think twice about trying to stop them. Knight lost his life in that endeavor, but his heroics led to a posthumous Medal of Honor.
Knight was born on Oct. 29, 1929, in Chesterfield County, South Carolina. He was one of eight children raised by Jarvis and Sophronia Knight. Few other details about his youth have been published.
Knight enlisted in the Army in October 1948. After training in the U.S., he was sent to Korea in August 1951 to serve with the 7th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division.
In November 1951, Knight was with Company F, which was occupying a key position along a defensive perimeter set up near Kowang-San — an area also known as Hill 355, which United Nations troops had taken from the enemy nearly two months prior.
On the afternoon of Nov. 23, a large Chinese force tried to take the hill back, sending waves of enemy troops toward Company F's position. Enemy artillery scored two direct hits on Knight's bunker, demolishing it and wounding him with shrapnel.
Knight quickly positioned himself in a shallow depression to get a better vantage point for firing his weapon. When that proved to be ineffective, he left that shelter and pushed his way through heavy fire. In full view of the enemy, he fired into the enemy's ranks, inflicting enough casualties to momentarily stem the tide of the attack.
Later, when Knight saw another enemy squad infiltrating U.S. defenses, he jumped into action, killing or wounding the entire group.
Just as Knight ran out of ammunition, he noticed three enemy soldiers with demolition charges breaching a friendly position. Knight knew they were going to try to blow the explosives and kill his comrades, so, disregarding his own safety, he rushed forward and knocked out two of the enemy soldiers with the butt of his rifle. He tried to get to the third man, but before he could do so, that man exploded one of the devices. All three enemy soldiers were killed, and Knight was mortally wounded.
For his fearlessness and valor, Knight received a posthumous Medal of Honor. His widow, Bechey Knight, who he married shortly before deploying to Korea, received the award on his behalf during a Pentagon ceremony on Jan. 7, 1953. His father and at least one of his brothers were in attendance.
Knight is buried at Union Hill Baptist Church in Pageland, South Carolina.
Knight's Medal of Honor is on display at the U.S. Army Basic Combat Training Museum at Fort Jackson, South Carolina.
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Healthy living made simple: Habits for everyday wellness and protection
By SHELDON RIKLON, M.D.
Germs and bacteria can spread quickly between people and through shared surfaces. Practicing these healthy habits can help stop the spread of germs and prevent illness.
Stay home if sick and avoid close contact.
If you are sick, stay home from work or school. Avoiding close contact with others helps prevent the spread of illness.
Cover your mouth and nose.
Respiratory illnesses like the flu, COVID-19 and RSV are spread by coughing, sneezing or unclean hands. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow when you cough or sneeze to keep others healthy.
Wash your hands.
Washing your hands is one of the best ways to stay healthy and prevent the spread of germs. Make handwashing a regular habit, especially:
Before and after preparing or eating food
After using the bathroom
After blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing
After taking out the trash
Washing your hands is quick and simple. Remember these five steps for healthy hands:
Wet your hands with clean, running water.
Lather them with soap, including the backs of your hands, between your fingers and under your nails.
Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds.
Rinse under clean, running water.
Dry with a clean towel or air dryer.
If soap and water aren’t available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.
Germs can live on surfaces like doorknobs, light switches and countertops. Clean and disinfect these high-touch areas regularly to remove viruses, bacteria or other germs.
Get vaccinated.
Vaccines are one of the best ways to prevent illness. Flu and COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective, helping your body to defend itself. Then, if you are exposed to a virus later, your body will know how to fight it.
Most insurance plans cover yearly flu and COVID-19 vaccines. You can get yours at your doctor’s office, local pharmacy or health department.
Practicing these habits every day will help keep you and your family healthy all year long. If you want more tips on how to stay healthy, a community health worker can help. Visit communityhealth.uams.edu to connect with one today.
Sheldon Riklon, M.D., is an associate professor in the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) Department of Family and Preventive Medicine and a co-investigator with the UAMS Institute for Community Health Innovation.
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Growing Moth Orchids for Months of Beauty
By MELINDA MYERS
Add exotic long-lasting orchid blossoms to your indoor garden. These living bouquets provide months of beauty with minimal care. Just provide the proper growing conditions and success is sure to follow.
The moth or phalaenopsis orchid is the one best adapted to your home environment, making it the easiest to grow. It thrives in the same temperatures as people with night temperatures in the 60s and 70 to 80 degrees during the day. However, avoid hot and cold air drafts that can stress the plants and cause bud and flower drop.
Moth orchids are epiphytes, growing on but not parasitizing trees and other plants. They obtain water and nutrients from the air, rainwater, and plant debris that accumulate in their environment. They can be mounted on a board but usually are grown in an orchid mix made of peat, fir bark, and perlite. This or a similar combination retains water while providing needed drainage.
Place your plant in a bright location near an east-, west- or slightly shaded south-facing window. Your orchid will do best when it receives 12 to 14 hours of sunlight daily. Enlist the help of artificial lights if your orchids are struggling when natural light, especially during winter, is insufficient. Newer full-spectrum LED lights are more affordable, require less energy, and are longer lasting than the grow lights of the past.
Give your orchid a good watering about once a week with room temperature water just as the planting mix starts to dry. Pour off any excess water that collects in the saucer. Don’t allow orchids to sit in water and don’t water too often as this can lead to root rot and death of your plant.
Fertilize actively growing and flowering plants every third or fourth watering. Use an orchid plant fertilizer according to label directions. Skip winter fertilization if temperatures are cooler, sunlight is limited, and the plants are not putting on new growth.
Improve the environment even more by increasing the humidity around the plant. Group them with other orchids and indoor plants. As one plant loses moisture, or “transpires,” the others will benefit from the increase in humidity. Plus, you’ll create a beautiful display while improving the growing conditions.
Or increase the humidity around your plants with humidity or gravel trays. Place pebbles in the saucer and set the pot on top of the pebbles. Allow excess water to collect in the pebbles below the pot. As the water evaporates it increases the humidity around your plant. It also eliminates the need to pour off the excess water that collects in the saucer.
You won’t need to repot your orchid for quite a while. Wait to repot it until it is done blooming, the potting mix has broken down or the plant becomes pot bound. This is usually about every 18 to 24 months.
Enjoy a second flush of flowers with cool nights and proper post-flowering care. Leave the flower stem intact and the plant may produce a second flush of smaller blooms at the tip of the stem. Or you can cut the flower stem back between the second and third node from the bottom. For the best rebloom and to allow the plant to replenish energy spent on flowering, prune the flower stem back to about one-half inch above the leaves and enjoy a second flush of flowers in about a year.
And if reblooming your orchid is too much work, treat it like a long-lasting bouquet. And if you can’t stand to toss or compost it, give it to an avid gardener. There’s always someone willing to adopt and try to rebloom your plant.
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Medal of Honor: Army Sgt. 1st Class Sammy Lee Davis
By KATIE LANGE
Department of Defense News
When a huge wave of Viet Cong troops threatened to overwhelm Army Sgt. 1st Class Sammy Lee Davis' battalion at a small fire base in Vietnam, he jumped into action to fight back. Despite suffering several injuries, Davis traversed a river to save three of his comrades and did what he could to stop the onslaught. He received the Medal of Honor for his efforts.
Davis was born on Nov. 1, 1946, in Dayton, Ohio, to Robert and Bonnie Davis. Due to his father's job, his family moved around a lot, and he was raised mostly outside of Stockton, California.
Davis went to Manteca High School in Manteca, California, where he played football and was on the diving team, according to a 2010 article in the town's local newspaper, the Manteca Bulletin. When his family moved to Indiana in his senior year, he decided to enlist in the military. So, in September 1966, after graduating from Mooresville High School, he joined the Army just as the war in Vietnam was escalating.
At the time, Davis said he felt like he needed to do his part because everyone else in his family had. His father served in World War II and his grandfather served in the Spanish-American War. One of his three brothers, Buddy, served in Korea, while another brother, Darrell, was already serving in Vietnam, he told the Manteca Bulletin.
Davis became a cannoneer and was assigned to Battery C of the 2nd Battalion, 4th Artillery, 9th Infantry Division. In March of 1967, his unit was sent to Vietnam.
By November 1967, the enemy had extended the Ho Chi Minh Trail south from North Vietnam through Cambodia and Laos so they could attempt to enter far South Vietnam along the Mekong Delta, an area known for its vast maze of rivers, swamps and islands surrounded by rice paddies.
On Nov. 18, Davis was in that area at a remote support base, Firebase Cudgel, located among a reed-filled plain with little islands toward its middle. His battalion had been charged with trying to find enemy units hiding in the area.
Around 2 a.m., the base came under heavy mortar attack. About 30 minutes later, a Viet Cong battalion of about 1,500 troops launched a fierce ground assault. They managed to push in close enough, with only a small river about 35 meters wide separating the enemy from the fire support base.
According to Davis' Medal of Honor citation, Davis grabbed a machine gun and blasted it at the enemy to cover for his artillery crew as they tried to fire their howitzer. In the middle of that attempt, an enemy recoilless rifle round landed a direct hit on the howitzer, causing a blast that blew the gun crew away from the weapon and tossed Davis into a foxhole about 8-10 meters away.
The blast caused dozens of injuries to Davis' back and legs and it knocked him out. He woke up when other U.S. soldiers fired a beehive round, which contains thousands of smaller projectiles that look like small arrows that expand outward when fired. The round was meant for the enemy, but it struck Davis, too, because his fellow soldiers didn't realize he was still alive.
Davis struggled to his feet and went back to the damaged, burning howitzer from which he had been blown away. Despite taking on continued enemy fire, he rammed a beehive shell into the gun and fired. The artillery piece rolled backward and knocked Davis to the ground again, breaking his third lumbar vertebra, according to his first-person interview with the Indianapolis Star in 1988.
Davis got back up and returned to the weapon, firing again just as an enemy mortar exploded within 20 meters of him. Davis suffered more painful injuries, but he kept going. He loaded and fired the howitzer four more times.
Soon after, Davis noticed a U.S. soldier across the river waving his arms and asking for help for himself and others. Davis knew his injuries left him unable to swim, but he disregarded that thought and looked around to find something to help him across. When he found an air mattress, he struck out across the river to rescue his wounded comrades.
As enemy troops aimed at Davis, he hopped into the water and held onto the air mattress until he got to the wounded men. Davis told the Indianapolis Star that he threw the most seriously injured man over his back and carried the other two in his arms as he started to wade back across the river. He said as the enemy fired at them, he had to continually stop his progress to take his gun and shoot at them before he could try to move forward again with the three men.
Finally, they made it back to the fire support base side of the river. Davis handed off the men he helped, but instead of getting medical attention himself, he tried to aide a fellow soldier with a massive chest wound before joining another howitzer crew. That team continued to fire at the Viet Cong forces until the enemy finally fled around daybreak.
Davis told the Indianapolis Star that he helped load all of the injured and fallen men into helicopters to be evacuated. It wasn't until someone pointed out his awful leg injuries that he, too, realized he needed help.
"It was horrible looking, and I passed out," he told the Star. "I woke up in the hospital."
Davis was one of 42 soldiers at the base when the fight began. Four hours later, only 12 were left alive.
Davis was sent to Japan to recuperate from his wounds. The Army had planned to send him home, but he specifically requested to return to his unit. In December 1967, he did just that. David remained with his unit as a cook for another three months before he was finally sent back to the U.S.
Davis said he later learned that all of the men who survived the fight with him recommended him for the Medal of Honor. He received the nation's highest honor for valor from President Lyndon B. Johnson during a White House ceremony on Nov. 19, 1968. Four other soldiers received the high honor that day: Spc. 5th Class Dwight H. Johnson, Capt. Charles Liteky, Spc. 4th Class Gary Wetzel and Capt. James A. Taylor.
Anyone who sees footage of the Medal of Honor ceremony might recognize it as a scene from "Forrest Gump." That portion of the ceremony was used in the Academy Award-winning movie, having replaced Davis' head with that of actor Tom Hanks.
In December 1968, Davis married Peggy Jo Martin, whom he met while home on leave from Vietnam. They settled down in Illinois, her home state, and had three children.
In the decades since receiving the Medal of Honor, Davis has been an advocate for Vietnam veterans, fighting to gain compensation and medical assistance for those affected by Agent Orange. He also organized and participated in welcome home parades for Vietnam veterans years after the war ended to give them the happy homecoming they never received. Davis attends speaking engagements with troops and various other groups to talk about his experiences.
In 2004, Davis' wife died of cancer. The following year, he married a woman named Dixie. She was the widow of a Vietnam veteran who had also died of cancer.
In 2016, Davis wrote a book called "You Don't Lose 'Til You Quit Trying: Lessons on Adversity and Victory from a Vietnam Veteran and Medal of Honor Recipient."
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Lower stress, boost mental health, power up your memory by getting outside
ALEXANDRIA, Va. — Winter blues got you down? Spending time outside can help boost your mood and both your physical and mental health.
“Getting outside in the wintertime can really help your state of mind,” says Kris Kiser, President of the TurfMutt Foundation, an organization that has spent the last 15 years advocating for outdoor living and the care and stewardship of our yards, parks, and other green spaces, for the benefit of all.
He adds, “Just twenty minutes outside can make a big difference for your mood and mental health. It might take a little more preparation and planning but it’s doable with the right outdoor wear.”
The TurfMutt Foundation offers a few reasons why getting outside in the wintertime is good for you:
Outdoor time elevates mood. Exposure to natural light – even in the shorter days of winter – raises levels of serotonin, the body’s “happy chemical.” Sunlight is also a good way to get a natural dose of vitamin D, which is good for bones and the immune system.
A little goes a long way. Recent research suggests that spending just a few minutes walking outside may enhance mood, memory, and the ability to absorb new information. Just five minutes can improve your mood, according to research.
More calories are burned when it’s cold. Being outside in colder temperatures requires your body to work harder to keep you warm. Consequently, more calories are burned. Engage in a friendly snowball fight with the kids or take a walk with Fido to rev up metabolism and have a little fun.
Activity boosts immunity. According to MedlinePlus, exercise helps decrease risk for heart disease, maintains bone health and can help flush bacteria out of the lungs and airways.
Nature’s benefits can relieve stress - fast. A study from the University of Michigan concluded that spending just 20 minutes in a natural setting reduces the level of cortisol, the stress hormone.
Memory improves. Researchers at the University of Michigan conducted a study that revealed walking in a natural setting versus an urban one improved recall ability by nearly 20 percent.
You don’t have to go far. Yard work is a good way to log time outside, maintain your property, and prepare your yard for spring. Just remember if you’re using a snow thrower, chainsaw or other outdoor power equipment, read the owner’s manual first and follow all manufacturer’s instructions, and never disable safety features.
There’s less daylight in winter, so it’s important to pay attention to your surroundings. You may want to wear a head lamp, reflective clothing, or bring along a flashlight, so you can see and be seen. Never exercise outside when the temperature or windchill is below -10 degrees Fahrenheit due to the risk of frostbite.
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Frequently asked questions about Medicare
From a news release distributed through the Arkansas Press Association
LITTLE ROCK – As people reach and pass retirement age, it can become more difficult for them to receive the care they need. Medicare is meant to help older Americans living on fixed incomes afford medical care. The current Open Enrollment period for Medicare ends on Dec. 7, so here are some frequently asked questions and answers for anyone who wants to learn more about Medicare.
Q: What is Medicare?
A: Medicare is a program funded by the U.S. government that offers health insurance to people aged 65 and older. People with disabilities, End Stage Renal Disease or ALS can also qualify to receive Medicare benefits. Most individuals become eligible to sign up for Medicare three months before turning 65. More about Medicare eligibility is available at medicare.gov/basics/get-started-with-medicare.
Q: How do I sign up for Medicare?
A: Some people receive Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance) automatically because they have applied for retirement or disability benefits from Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board. Answer questions to determine if you need to enroll in Medicare or if you will automatically receive it at medicare.gov/basics/get-started-with-medicare/sign-up/how-do-i-sign-up-for-medicare.
Q: How do I decide which plan or coverage option is best for me?
A: Decide what parts of your current health insurance plan work, and visit medicare.gov/plan-compare to compare Medicare plans. There are four main types of Medicare plan options, so choose the ones that cover most or all of your needs and wants.
· Part A helps cover hospital insurance, including inpatient, nursing facility, hospice and home health care.
· Part B helps cover medical insurance, including services from healthcare providers, outpatient care, medical equipment like wheelchairs and walkers and preventive services.
· Part C is usually a bundled plan that combines parts of the coverage that Plans A, B and D provide.
· Part D helps cover medicines, including the cost of prescription drugs and recommended shots and vaccines.
Medicare breaks down all available plan and coverage options in more depth at medicare.gov/health-drug-plans/health-plans.
Q: What if the coverage Medicare offers is not enough?
A: Health insurance companies like QualChoice often have Medicare supplement insurance plans that stand in the gap and cover expenses that Medicare does not. Ask your current insurance provider about their Medicare supplement plans or do some research on your own to find a Medicare supplement plan to help cover extra expenses.
There is no fully comprehensive guide to Medicare, but there are different resources to help people learn more about this program. Visit medicare.gov or hhs.gov/answers/medicare-and-medicaid/index.html to learn more and get the answers to more common questions about Medicare.
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Students say GPA alone does not accurately assess academic performance, college preparedness
A survey finds students who accurately assessed their academic preparedness for college were more likely to use multiple sources of evidence. High school students view their GPAs as only one piece of their overall academic performance, and they use multiple factors to decide whether they are ready for college courses, according to two studies conducted in 2024 by ACT.
These findings have important implications for the college admission process. Colleges should consider the variability of grading standards and nonacademic factors influencing GPA as part of the admission process. Additionally, high schools can play an important role in helping students learn about different metrics to evaluate their academic readiness, as well as the meaning and limitation of each metric.
“The findings underscore how colleges should continue to use a holistic approach to admission, encompassing a broader range of academic achievements, rather than placing too much of an emphasis on GPA — especially as research is showing widespread grade inflation in the aftermath of the height of the pandemic,” ACT CEO Janet Godwin said. “This research is also important to identifying ways that high schools can better support students in achieving a more accurate and comprehensive assessment of their readiness for higher education.”
The research surveyed high school students about how they would evaluate their own academic preparedness for college and whether they felt their grades accurately reflect how well they have mastered course content. Researchers compared the students’ responses with their ACT test results and found that students who accurately evaluated their academic preparedness were more likely to use multiple sources of evidence in addition to their GPA — such as difficulty of high school courses, grades in college credit-bearing courses taken in high school, and standardized test scores.
Additionally, students with A averages were more likely than students with B averages to strongly agree that their grades reflected their content mastery. This indicates differing interpretations of high school GPA and shows how students may not have a clear understanding about how high school GPA is calculated.
The research reinforces the need for a more equitable approach to college admission, particularly regarding high school GPAs. The research indicates that while students perceive their GPAs as fair when comparing peers from the same school, concerns about fairness emerge when comparing students from different educational contexts.
“By encouraging students to showcase their capabilities through various metrics, colleges can better assess readiness for higher education,” said Dr. Edgar I. Sanchez, a principal research scientist at ACT who co-authored both studies. “Additionally, these studies highlight the need to educate students about different measures of academic preparedness, so they can advocate for themselves effectively.”
Based on these findings, there are several actions high schools can take to better help students prepare academically. Schools can guide students to utilize various academic measures, encourage enrollment in college credit-bearing courses, and focus on developing strong study skills. By implementing these strategies, schools can better support students in achieving a more accurate and comprehensive assessment of their readiness for higher education.
The research is based on two new studies in ACT’s Student Voice Survey Series. The first surveyed students on their perspectives of how their GPA reflects their mastery of a subject. The second study surveyed students on what academic preparedness means to them and what evidence they use to evaluate their academic preparedness. The studies included a sample of nearly 2,000 students nationwide who were surveyed between September and November 2023.
Key findings:
High School Students’ Perceptions of High School GPA, by Edgar I Sanchez, Ph.D., Joyce Z. Schnieders, Ph.D., Becky L. Bobek, Ph.D.
High school GPA was the most common metric students used by students to evaluate academic readiness.
Nearly one-quarter (22%) of students with an A-level high school GPA strongly agreed that their grades reflected their content mastery, while only 5% of students with a B-level GPA expressed the same confidence.
83% of students used two or more metrics in their assessment of academic readiness.
36% of respondents utilized all four metrics examined: high school GPA, standardized test scores, difficulty level of high school courses, and grades in college credit-bearing courses taken in high school.
Among students using two metrics, the most common combination was high school GPA and standardized test scores (35%). The second most common combination was the difficulty level of high school courses and grades in college credit-bearing courses (20%).
High School Students’ Perspectives on Academic Preparedness for College, by Joyce Z. Schnieders, Ph.D., Becky L. Bobek, Ph.D., & Edgar I Sanchez, Ph.D.
When describing academic preparedness for college, many students highlighted that it meant being ready for the rigor and pace of college courses, along with adjusting to the teaching styles in college courses.
A majority of students self-rated themselves as academically prepared for first-year college courses (believing they had at least a 50% chance of earning a B or higher). ACT compared students’ self-rated academic preparedness in first-year college courses with whether they met the ACT College Readiness Benchmarks using their ACT subject scores.
For English, 97% of students rated themselves as academically prepared; of those students, 82% met ACT benchmark, but 15% did not.
For math, 89% of students self-rated academic preparedness; of those students, 61% met ACT benchmark, but 28% did not.
For reading, 95% of students self-rated academic preparedness; of those students, 64% met ACT benchmark, but 31% did not.
For science, 87% of students self-rated academic preparedness; of those students, 55% met ACT benchmark, but 32% did not.
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Medal of Honor: Army Pfc. Foster J. Sayers
By KATIE LANGE
Department of Defense News
When a hillside full of Germans threatened to annihilate Army Pfc. Foster Joseph Sayers' exposed company in France during World War II, he took action and singlehandedly killed about a dozen enemy soldiers to help his comrades survive. Sayers lost his life in the chaos, but his heroics led him to receive the Medal of Honor.
Sayers was born to a single mother, Alice Sayers, on April 27, 1924, in Marsh Creek, Pennsylvania. According to a 1995 Centre Daily Times biographical article, he was taken from his mother at age 6 and placed in various foster homes in the area.
"He had an awful rough life," Sayers' son, Foster Sayers, Jr., told the Centre Daily Times, a State College, Pennsylvania, newspaper. "He got shipped from one farm to another in the Blanchard area. He got treated poorly."
The younger Sayers said his father was made to work on his foster family's farm while the family's sons had breakfast, and he always ended up wearing oversized hand-me-downs.
Eventually, however, a nice woman took Sayers in, and his life got better. Folks who grew up with Sayers told the newspaper that he was a nice, quiet, strong young man who wasn't afraid of much.
By the time Sayers was drafted into the Army in March 1943, he'd been working at Piper Aircraft Corporation in Loch Haven, Pennsylvania. It was at that job that he met Ellen Gardner, who he got engaged to before being shipped to Camp Polk, Louisiana, to train with the 357th Infantry, 90th Infantry Division.
In the fall of that year, when Sayers returned home on furlough, he married Gardner, according to the Loch Haven newspaper The Express.
Months later, in the spring of 1944, Sayers was sent to France. When he left, no one was aware that his wife was pregnant, according to the Centre Daily Times.
By the time winter rolled around, Sayers and the soldiers of Company L were taking part in the Rhine winter offensive near Thionville, France, by the Luxembourg border.
On Nov. 12, 1944, the company was crossing a creek-sized body of water when they were attacked by a well-entrenched group of Germans on a hill. The enemy's position made it easy for them to quickly take out Allied soldiers who didn't have any cover.
If something wasn't done quickly, the company would be destroyed, so Sayers fearlessly stepped up. He ran toward the steep approach that housed the enemy and set up his machine gun about 20 yards from German soldiers. But, realizing that he needed his enemies' full attention for his comrades to survive, he jumped back up and, with his machine gun, charged through a hail of gunfire to the edge of the emplacement, taking out 12 German soldiers at close range.
Sayers then hid behind a log and continued firing at the enemy. He did his best to distract the Germans while his fellow soldiers made it to their objective at the crest of the hill. Unfortunately, he was killed by the heavy concentration of fire that was aimed at him during that effort.
Sayers' fearless assault allowed his company to sweep its way up the hill with minimal casualties and kill or capture every enemy soldier that remained.
"Everyone talked about what [Sayers] did. He saved most of our lives," George Zonge, who was in a unit accompanying Sayers, told the Centre Daily Times.
Zonge said Sayers didn't die immediately; they were able to evacuate him, but he died on the way to a hospital.
Sadly, while Sayers was fighting in France, his wife gave birth to their son, Foster Jr. The boy was 3 months old when his father died. News of his birth never reached Sayers. According to The Express newspaper, letters and pictures of the boy were returned unopened after his death.
On Nov. 7, 1945, Ellen Sayers received the Medal of Honor on her husband's behalf during a ceremony at Fort Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania.
Sayers was initially buried in France, but his remains were repatriated in 1949 and buried in Schenck Cemetery in Howard, Pennsylvania, near where he grew up. His body had to be moved to a new Schenck Cemetery in 1967, however, due to the building of a dam that flooded the area. That dam and accompanying reservoir were named in Sayers' honor.
In 1995, Sayers' Medal of Honor and other wartime artifacts were donated by his family to the Pennsylvania Military Museum in Boalsburg, Pennsylvania.
Foster Sayers, Jr., followed in his father's footsteps by serving in the Army for three years during the Vietnam War. Thanks to his dad's achievement, he wasn't required to serve in a combat zone, the Centre Daily Times said.
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Social Security Matters
By RUSSELL GLOOR
National Social Security Advisor at the AMAC Foundation, the non-profit arm of the Association of Mature American Citizens
Ask Rusty -- Older Veteran Asks about Special Social Security Credit for Military Service
Dear Rusty: I served in the U S Army from January 1958 to Feb 1961. What increase should I receive for those years and who do I call and at what phone number? Signed: Proud Veteran
Dear Proud Veteran: First, thank you for your military service! I expect you are referring to the “special extra credits for military service” which are available to some who served in the US Military in earlier years. It is important to note that these “extra credits” take the form of an adjustment to your military pay record while serving and are not an incremental amount added to your monthly Social Security benefit because you served.
Military pay has been subject to deductions for Social Security since 1957. Thus, while serving between 1958 and 1961 you paid SS tax on your military earnings. But, for purposes of determining your Social Security benefit, your military earnings record would be increased by $300 for each quarter you served on active duty, up to a maximum of $1,200 increase per year of service. That means for 1958 - 1960, when calculating your SS benefit, $1,200 would be added to your military earnings record for each year you served. FYI, for those who served after 1967, this adjustment was automatically made by Social Security. But for service years prior to 1967 (as in your case) you would need to inform Social Security of your service when you claimed SS and provide a copy of your military form DD-214 (your discharge papers). SS would then make the appropriate adjustment to your military earnings record prior to calculating your benefit amount. And, for clarity, additional credits for military service are not available to those who served after 2001.
A key point to understand is that this adjustment to your military pay may – or may not – affect the amount of your Social Security benefit. Social Security determines your benefit amount based on your highest earning 35 years over your entire lifetime (adjusted for inflation). If, after you served in the military, you had at least 35 years of civilian employment where you earned more than your military pay, it is probable that your military pay is not included when calculating your Social Security benefit. If that is the case, it is likely that the “special extra credits for military service” would have no effect on your Social Security payment. If, however, your military pay (including those special extra credits) for any year is more than you earned in civilian life, then you can contact Social Security (1.800.772.1213), provide them with a copy of your DD-214, and ask that they recalculate your Social Security benefit to include the extra credits for your years of military service.
Again, thank you for your service to our country, and please do not hesitate to contact us again if you have any further questions. FYI, you may also find the “For Veterans” section of our AMAC Foundation website interesting (www.amacfoundation.org)
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Holiday cacti add weeks of color and enjoyment
By MELINDA MYERS
Add weeks of colorful flowers and decades of enjoyment to your indoor plant collection with holiday cacti. Dress one up with a decorative basket, container, or foil wrap and give it to a favorite gardener or holiday hostess. You’ll find a variety for sale at your local garden center or florist.
The plant sold as a Christmas cactus may in fact be a Thanksgiving cactus. The true Christmas cactus blooms later and has small segments with rounded edges. The Thanksgiving cactus, though often sold as the Christmas cactus, has toothed or jagged segments and typically blooms earlier. To add to the confusion, there are hybrids of the two that bloom in between these.
Fortunately, their growing requirements and care are essentially the same so the plants will do fine no matter the name on the label. Keep your flowering holiday cactus in a cool bright location to extend its bloom time for as long as four to eight weeks. Avoid hot and cold air drafts, moisture stress, and other environmental changes to reduce the risk of bud and flower drop.
These holiday cacti are epiphytes that naturally grow on trees in the rainforests of Brazil. They all prefer bright indirect light, high humidity, and thorough watering when the top few inches of soil begin to dry. Don’t overwater but don’t let the soil dry completely. Water a bit more often when the plant is in bloom.
Grow them in an organic well-drained potting mix for best results. Water thoroughly and pour off any excess water that collects in the saucer to avoid root rot. Reduce maintenance and improve the growing conditions with the help of gravel trays. Place a layer of pebbles, decorative stones, or marbles in the saucer or bottom of the foil wrap or basket. The pot will be elevated above any excess water collecting in the pebbles. As this water evaporates it increases the humidity around the plant.
Fertilize with a dilute solution of flowering houseplant fertilizer once it finishes blooming and throughout spring and summer as needed. Grow your cactus in a north-facing window or back from an east- or west-facing window where it receives bright indirect light throughout the year. Too much sun turns the leaf segments dark red.
Don’t be anxious to move these plants to a bigger container. They prefer to be somewhat pot-bound and can remain in the same pot for years.
Encourage a new flush of flowers with cooler night temperatures around 55 to 60 degrees and slightly drier soil. An uninterrupted dark period will also help promote flowering.
Next fall, start the dark treatment in early October to get holiday flowers. Cover the plants or move them to a location free of artificial light, indoors or outside, each night for 14 hours and provide bright, indirect sunlight each day. Any interruption in the dark period from outdoor, street, or reading lights can delay or prevent flowering.
Make this the year you add holiday cacti to your indoor plant collection and consider purchasing a few for friends and family. These easy-care flowering beauties will brighten indoor holiday décor and everyone’s mood.
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Keep food safety in mind this Thanksgiving
WASHINGTON, November 12, 2024 – Turkey is the most popular dish during Thanksgiving celebrations, yet there are many inexperienced cooks who will be in the kitchen. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is encouraging consumers to practice food safety throughout the entire Thanksgiving process, from the grocery store to the dining table.
“On the most popular food holiday of the year, we’re reminding consumers to follow safe food handling practices starting at the grocery store and going all the way through enjoying your leftovers,” said Under Secretary for Food Safety Dr. Emilio Esteban. “Following these basic steps can help keep your family and friends safe this holiday season.”
To keep your Thanksgiving food safe, follow this guide:
Shopping
Bacteria can multiply to dangerous levels if perishables, like turkey, are left in the Danger Zone (temperatures between 40 F and 140 F) for too long. Pick up your turkey and other perishable products at the end of your grocery shopping so they stay cold as long as possible. Pack perishables in insulated bags with cold sources if the commute home is longer than an hour and place them in the refrigerator as soon as you get home. Make sure the packaging of your turkey is not torn or leaking. Juices from raw poultry can cause cross-contamination of harmful bacteria that can get you sick. Place turkey, and other raw meat products, in plastic bags and in a separate part of your shopping cart to prevent harmful bacteria from spreading.
Thawing
A frozen turkey can be safely thawed in the refrigerator or in cold water:
When thawing in a refrigerator at 40 F or below, allow roughly 24 hours for every 4 to 5 pounds. Consider putting the turkey in a container or dish to contain juices that may leak.
When thawing in cold water, allow roughly 30 minutes per pound. Submerge the wrapped turkey into the cold water and change the water every 30 minutes until the turkey is fully thawed. Once thawed, cook the turkey immediately.
Preparing
When it is time to prepare the turkey, keep in mind that turkeys may contain bacteria that cause foodborne illness. Keep the turkey and its juices separate from foods that won’t be cooked and fully clean and sanitize surfaces that come into contact with the turkey and its juices. A USDA study found that about 30% of consumers did not successfully clean and sanitize kitchen surfaces around meal preparation. Washing a turkey is risky because it can spread bacteria to your sink and other nearby surfaces. If you choose to wash it, make sure to fully clean surfaces with soap and water afterwards and then sanitize using a sanitizing solution.
Cooking
There are many ways to cook a turkey, but one thing remains consistent: the turkey needs to reach a safe minimum internal temperature of 165 F, as measured by a food thermometer, in three places — the thickest part of the breast, the innermost part of the thigh, and the innermost part of the wing. Always use a thermometer to make sure the turkey is fully cooked even if the turkey has a pop-up temperature indicator. If stuffing your turkey, the stuffing must also reach 165 F in the center of the stuffing.
Serving
When serving food to groups, remember the two-hour rule. Perishable foods that have sat out at room temperature for more than two hours are unsafe, due to bacterial growth, and must be discarded. When you are serving food, keep your hot food hot and cold food cold. This will keep it from developing harmful bacteria. Hot foods such as turkey, macaroni and cheese, stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy must be kept at or above 140 F and you can do so by serving them in warming trays, chafing dishes, slow cookers, etc.
Cold foods such as salad, cranberry relish, deviled eggs and cold dips must be kept below 40 F and you can do so by serving them in trays or bowls nestled over ice. Remember to replace the ice as it melts. You can also serve cold foods by dividing them in small portions and serving them a portion at a time, keeping the remainder in the refrigerator.
Leftovers
Leftovers are arguably one of the best parts of Thanksgiving. For leftovers to be safe to keep, they must be refrigerated within two hours of serving or have been kept hot at or above 140 F or cold below 40 F. Discard any foods that sat out for more than two hours at room temperature because bacteria that cause foodborne illness could have reached dangerous levels. If you have turkey leftovers, carve the bird into smaller pieces and place them into small, shallow containers so the meat can cool evenly and quickly.
If you have food safety questions while planning and preparing your Thanksgiving feast, call the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854), email MPHotline@usda.gov or chat live at www.ask.usda.gov 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday to reach a food safety specialist in English or Spanish. The Meat and Poultry Hotline is also open on Thanksgiving Day from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Eastern Time.
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Watch your weight during National Diabetes Awareness Month
Take charge of tomorrow.
The theme of this year’s National Diabetes Awareness Month honored every November, focuses on acting against diabetes. Dedicated to educating the public about diabetes, National Diabetes Awareness Month celebrates the progress in diabetes research and promotes healthy changes. Diabetes affects 38 million Americans and over three million Canadians. About 1.2 million people are diagnosed with diabetes every year.
TOPS Club, Inc. (Take Off Pounds Sensibly SM), the nonprofit weight-loss support organization with a “Real People. Real Weight Loss.®” philosophy, recognizes that weight and diabetes go hand in hand and echoes the National Institute of Health’s message to establish lifestyle habits that can help prevent diabetes and diabetes-related health issues down the road.
Diabetes and Weight
Obese individuals are six times more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes, which occurs when blood glucose or blood sugar is too high. The pancreas makes insulin, which moves glucose to your muscles to use right away or to your liver to store for later. In those who are overweight or obese, the body can’t move insulin to the correct locations, so the pancreas tries to compensate and wears out.
According to the National Institute of Health, losing five to seven percent of your starting weight can delay diabetes or prevent diabetes by about 50 percent. Losing weight may help individuals eliminate the need for diabetes medications or restore blood sugar to an appropriate level.
Diabetes and Your Diet
In addition to getting plenty of exercise and sleep, adopting a low-carb and low-sugar diet can help reduce your risk of diabetes and help you shave off a few pounds. The following are a few tips:
Stick to the perimeter of the grocery store. The outermost edges of most grocery stores store the healthiest items, like fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, seafood, eggs, and low-fat dairy options. One of the best ways to avoid foods high in carbs and sugar is to stay away from the aisles.
Watch out for labels. Sugar has many names. When purchasing an item, pay attention to its label. Watch for ingredients like sucrose, glucose, fructose, high fructose corn syrup, maltose/hydrolyzed starch, fruit juice, honey, and agave nectar. The fewer of these that appear on the label, the better the food is for you.
Use your kitchen. While processed food is easier to prepare, it is high in sugar and carbs. Try to cook from scratch as often as possible. This doesn’t mean you have to spend hours in the kitchen; even marinating meats and roasting vegetables will benefit you.
Snack smart. Salty, savory snacks like granola bars or chips will leave you feeling hungry. Eating snacks high in protein and fiber, like cheese, eggs, or nuts, will fill you up and help you watch your sugar and carb intake.
Substitute sweets. We all love our soda, cookies, and ice cream. Exchange soda with seltzer or herbal tea and your desserts with Greek yogurt and fruit. If you must bake, cut the sugar used in the recipe by half or by a third — you won’t even notice. And if you need to sweeten your meals, use Stevia, cinnamon, vanilla, or nutmeg. You’ll enjoy your food just as much without adding unnecessary sugar.
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The Ruby Slippers
The so-called movie buff thief who stole Judy Garland’s “Wizard of Oz” slippers 20 years ago apparently believed that the shoes were bejeweled with real rubies, according to the Associated Press. In 2005 the thief shattered the display case in the Judy Garland Museum in Grand Rapids, Minnesota and stole the iconic footwear. The shoes “were recovered in a sting operation after a man approached the shoes’ insurer and said he could help get them back.” The slippers are now up for bidding by Heritage Auctions in Dallas, TX they expect to select a buyer by December 7.
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They left the door open
The town of Yemassee, SC, with its population of slightly more than 1,000 residents, has quite a population of monkeys—some 3,500 rhesus monkeys housed at the Alpha Genesis research facility. And so, it created quite a stir when 43 of the chimps escaped and the Yemassee Police Department issued a warning “strongly" advising residents “to keep doors and windows secured to prevent these animals from entering homes." CBS News reported that someone “failed to secure a door at the enclosure, allowing the monkeys to roam free.” Authorities have been successful in slowly recovering the monkeys.
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The critter hopped away
The kangaroo was seeking to escape from a bear when it hopped its way from its home in Volusia, FL several weeks ago. Finally, investigators from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission spotted it. "The FWC investigator and the kangaroo's owner responded to the location, where the kangaroo was successfully captured and returned to its home," according to the Commission’s spokesperson Kristen Turner.
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Social Security Matters
By RUSSELL GLOOR, National Social Security Advisor at the AMAC Foundation, the non-profit arm of the Association of Mature American Citizens
Ask Rusty – Working Septuagenarian Asks About Disability Benefits
Dear Rusty: I retired at my full retirement age, am now 79 and will be 80 in December. I have been working consistently since. I get a meager Social Security benefit, only about $800 due to my federal retirement offset. Most jobs I have held since filing and collecting SS have involved very labor-intensive work, to include my current position. This has taken a toll.
My question: is there any provision in Social Security that permits re-evaluation of Social Security benefits for disability after one has collected and paid into the system for some 15 years? I suspect not but thought I would ask, since at my not so tender age, I am faced with having to cease employment that generates needed income. Signed: Working Still at 79
Dear Still Working: I’m afraid that Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits are no longer available once you reach your SS “full retirement age,” or “FRA,” which for you was age 66. Indeed, anyone collecting SSDI at full retirement age is automatically converted to their regular SS retirement benefits at the same amount they were previously receiving on SSDI. That’s because SSDI benefits are intended to sustain workers up to their SS full retirement age, but SSDI goes away once FRA is attained.
Thus, the provision to apply for SS disability allows only those who have not yet reached their full retirement age to seek disability benefits. Once FRA is reached, SSDI benefits are no longer available. Simply for your awareness, there would be no financial advantage for you to receive SS disability benefits anyway, because the most you can get on SSDI is your full retirement age amount. Thus, since you retired and claimed SS at your full retirement age, no additional disability amount would be available anyway.
FYI, I admire, at your “tender age,” that you are still actively working, but I’m afraid you cannot claim more now on Social Security disability because you’ve already reached your FRA. However, from what you’ve written, your SS retirement benefit has been affected by the so-called Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) which affects those with a separate pension earned without contributing to Social Security.
If you’ve been separately working (and contributing to Social Security) since you left government service, and you now have more than 20 years contributing to SS from other non-government “substantial earnings,” it’s possible that you can request a reevaluation of your WEP penalty. WEP provides relief for those who have more than 20 years contributing to Social Security. So, if you have more than that over your lifetime, you could ask that your WEP reduction be reevaluated to consider your additional years contributing to Social Security. If that is the case, your monthly amount would be increased to consider those additional years contributing to SS since you first claimed.
I suggest, if you now have more than 20 years of contributions to Social Security from your non-government work over your lifetime, that you call Social Security to request reevaluation of your WEP retirement amount. FYI, you can see exactly how many years of SS-covered work you have by requesting an “Earnings Statement” from Social Security. You can get this Statement by calling 1.800.772.1213, or you can also get it at your personal “my Social Security” online account at www.ssa.gov/myaccount (Social Security will also be able to tell you this directly when you call). In any case, I wish you good fortune, and hope that reevaluating the WEP reduction to your SS benefit may offer some small financial relief as you go forward.
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Holiday gift ideas for gardeners
By MELINDA MYERS
It’s time to begin tackling that gift list for the holidays. Consider gifting your favorite gardener something practical and attractive to enjoy for months and even years. No matter your budget, you can find the perfect gift to generate a smile immediately and throughout the garden season.
Stuff a stocking, pot, or decorative tin with small but essential items that are handy for any gardener. A can of twine that prevents tangling yet keeps it convenient is useful for securing plants, marking gardens, and much more. Include garden clips that secure plants, hold row covers in place, or serve as a third hand when tackling garden tasks. Every gardener needs a snip for deadheading and grooming flowers.
Encourage your gift recipient to stay healthy when gardening. Gift a water bottle so they are more likely to stay hydrated. This is more important than ever with the increase in extreme summer temperatures. Consider gifts that protect eyes and skin from the sun’s intense rays. Add a container of sunscreen or a wide-brimmed hat. Include a pair of tinted safety glasses that provide UV protection to help protect their eyes from dirt, pollen, sticks, and branches when gardening.
Keep them gardening longer with items that protect their joints and muscles. Protect knees with kneelers or kneeling pads. The Burgon & Ball® Kneelo® Garden Kneelers and Kneeling Pads (coronatools.com) come in various colors that are easy to find in the garden or shed. Filled with a shock-absorbing foam sandwiched between two layers of memory foam, they will allow your gift recipient to garden longer. If they walk a lot in the garden, gifting kneepads with equally good cushioning and comfortable straps may be the better choice.
Encourage your gift recipient to protect and support their hands with gloves that fit, provide support, and are fashionable. Burgon & Ball® Love the Glove™ garden gloves come in various designs and more importantly, are durable and comfortable. The padded palm provides extra protection, and the two-way stretch keeps hands cool while improving dexterity. They are machine washable and don’t get stiff after getting wet in the garden.
Add a hand pruner, a snip like the Burgon & Ball® RHS® British Meadow Fruit & Flower Snip, and a weeding tool to the gloves and set them inside a small bucket to place near the front or back door. You’ll save them time looking for tools and allow them to take advantage of small blocks of time to weed, deadhead, or pick a flower bouquet to enjoy.
You’ll also find many options for the indoor gardeners on your list. Look for a quality houseplant pruner designed for isolating the leaf or stem to be removed. An attractive indoor plant mister from Burgon & Ball® is available in stainless steel, charcoal, or stone. It fits any décor and the spritz to their plants will wash off dust, discourage insect pests, and boost humidity.
And the gift of time is always welcome. Offer to help with garden cleanup, planting, or weeding. Together you’ll create new memories while accomplishing items on their gardening to-do list.
Gifting items that last will remind the recipient of your friendship every time they put it to work. And you’ll be happy knowing you made it easier and more enjoyable for them to continue gardening.
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It wasn’t a pussy cat
It turns out that the cute little kitten in the Bergheim, Germany animal shelter is not an abandoned pussy cat, after all. It was found by a concerned resident on a country road near town who took it for a somewhat aggressive orphaned kitty-cat. Experts at the Bergheim Animal Shelter identified it as a European wildcat and said it will be taken care of until it is old enough to be returned to the wild.
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The bird flew the coop
Tweedy, a cockatiel belonging to Safiya Hashimi in Buena Park, California, flew the coop and got stuck in a tree. Safiya’s brother didn’t hesitate to climb the tree to rescue the lost bird but he found himself stuck in the tree along with the bird. An Orange County Fire Authority team was called in and firefighter Shane Allan wasted no time in climbing his ladder to reach the boy and the bird. As the Fire Authority put it, Allan “proved that saving two birds with one ladder isn't just a figure of speech."
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He got his ring back
Eighty-two-year-old David Lorenzo, a1964 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, lost his Class Ring while playing golf 54 years ago at the Uniontown Country Club, near Pittsburgh. As he put it to reporters, the ring "survived combat, but it couldn't survive my golf game." Along came 70-year-old Michael Zenert. Nearly five and a half decades later he was playing golf at the Uniontown club and found the ring on the fourth green. Zenert searched and found that it was Lorenzo’s ring and traveled to Florida to return it to him. The two of them met at the National Naval Aviation Museum at Naval Air Station Pensacola return the ring to Lorenzo. As Zenert put it, "I just knew I couldn't send this in the mail. I knew it had to be personally delivered."
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Medal of Honor : Marine Corps Sgt. James Poynter
By KATIE LANGE
Department of Defense News
As Marine Corps Sgt. James Irsley Poynter's platoon was being surrounded by enemy troops in Korea, he refused to let his men become overwhelmed. Poynter managed to break his trapped comrades out of the chaos through heroics that took his life. For that valor, he posthumously received the Medal of Honor.
Poynter was born Dec. 1, 1916, in Bloomington, Illinois, to Eugene and Molly Poynter. In February 1942, when he was 25, he enlisted in the Marine Corps and served in the Pacific during World War II, taking part in campaigns that included Guadalcanal, Saipan and Okinawa. He was discharged in February 1946 after the war ended.
At some point, Poynter moved to Downey, California. He was married twice and had four children.
When the Korean War broke out in the summer of 1950, Poynter felt he needed to return to service, so he reenlisted in the Marine Corps. At age 33, he was assigned to the 1st Battalion of the 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division.
According to Marine Corps University, he was sent to Korea in time to aid in the recapture of Seoul after the Inchon landing. During a campaign in late September and early October, he earned the Bronze Star.
By November 1950, after hearing that Chinese troops had entered the conflict and attacked South Korean units, the 7th Marines were directed to march into North Korea toward the Chosin Reservoir.
On Nov. 4, 1950, Poynter was the squad leader for a rifle platoon in Company A near Sudong, Korea, when they were attacked by a much larger force. His platoon hastily tried to defend its position, Hill 532, and Poynter led the charge, directing fire toward the oncoming enemy.
The hostile force quickly gained momentum, surrounding the Marines' position. Several members of Poynter's platoon had fallen, and he had also been critically injured, but he refused to give up. He grabbed a bayonet and jumped into bitter hand-to-hand combat as the fight continued.
When Poynter noticed three machine guns closing in from about 25 yards out, he grabbed hand grenades from fallen Marines and charged the emplacements. In rapid succession, he killed the crews of two of the nests and put the third out of action before he collapsed from his injuries and died.
Poynter's sacrifice inspired the men around him to push harder to repel the enemy. Eventually, they were able to break through the encirclement and find a better tactical position to defend themselves.
For Poynter's heroic actions, his widow, Kathern, posthumously received the Medal of Honor on his behalf during a Pentagon ceremony on Sept. 4, 1952.
Poynter is buried in Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego.
His son, Byron, was born after Poynter went to Korea. Byron Poynter followed in his father's footsteps by enlisting in the Marine Corps in 1967.
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Code Talkers helped U.S. win World Wars I and II
By DAVID VERGUN
When the topic of military code talkers comes up, many think of the Navajo code talkers of World War II who operated as Marines in the Pacific Theater. This association was bolstered following the 2002 release of the film "Windtalkers," starring Nicholas Cage.
While the Navajo Nation contributed immensely to the war effort, other Native American tribes also had their own code talkers who served in both world wars.
Code talkers were useful because their languages weren't understood by enemy forces and the code talkers could transmit secret messages to and from the battlefield without being deciphered.
World War I code talkers included the Choctaw, Cherokee, Comanche, Osage, Lakota and Cheyenne Nations.
Army Pfc. Joseph Oklahombi, a Choctaw code talker, earned a Silver Star Medal, one of the highest awards for valor. On Oct. 8, 1918, at Saint-Etienne, France, his 36th Infantry Division unit came under attack.
Oklahombi and others in his company captured 171 Germans and killed about 79 more. He was also awarded the Croix de Guerre by France. It's the French equivalent of the U.S. Medal of Honor, the highest award for valor.
During World War II, code talkers from the Comanche, Lakota, Muscogee, Mohawk, Meskwaki, Tlingit, Hopi, Cree, Crow and Choctaw Nations were among those who served in the European Theater with the Army, while Navajo code talkers served in the Pacific Theater with the Marine Corps.
Native Americans had to get creative with military terms that were not native to their language. For instance, the Navajo language didn't have a word for submarine, so they used the term iron fish in World War II.
Also in World War II, the Navajo used their word for shark to denote a destroyer and they used buzzard for bomber.
During World War I, people from the Choctaw Tribe substituted these terms: one grain of corn meant first battalion, two grains of corn meant second battalion and so on. The phrase "little gun shoot fast" was their code for machine gun; "many scouts" for patrol; "scalps" for casualties; and "bad air" for a gas attack.
The public didn't even know that the code talker program existed until 1968, when it was declassified.
The Code Talker Recognition Act, House of Representatives Resolution 4544 of 2008, was signed into law by President George W. Bush. It recognizes about 50 Native American tribes who served as code talkers in both world wars.
About National Native American Heritage Month
In 1976, as part of the nation's bicentennial commemoration, President Gerald Ford proclaimed Oct. 10-16, 1976, as "Native American Awareness Week."
In 1986, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed Nov. 23-30, American Indian Week.
On Nov. 14, 1990, President George H.W. Bush declared the month of November as National American Indian Heritage Month to honor the hundreds of Native Americans throughout the United States, including Alaska but not Hawaii.
Native Hawaiians and those in U.S. territories in the Pacific are honored in Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month each May.
Bush's proclamation reads in part: "During the National American Indian Heritage Month, as we celebrate the fascinating history and time-honored traditions of Native Americans, we also look to the future. Our Constitution affirms a special relationship between the federal government and Indian tribes and — despite a number of conflicts, inequities, and changes over the years — our unique government-to-government relationship has endured. In recent years, we have strengthened and renewed this relationship."
In 2009, President Barack Obama proclaimed November as National Native American Heritage Month.
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House Calls
DR. BALA SIMON
Associate professor in the Department of Family and Preventive Medicine in the College of Medicine at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.
Q: What is plantar fasciitis? A: Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue which runs from the heel to the ball of the foot to the toes. The plantar fascia connects the bones of the foot and forms the arch in the bottom of the foot. Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common foot ailments. The plantar fascia stretches, supports the arch and absorbs shock when walking. Plantar fasciitis normally arises from overuse. The condition is most common in those between the ages of 40 and 60 but can occur at any age. Activities such as basketball, dancing and running can cause plantar fasciitis. People who spend a lot of time on their feet may also be at increased risk of developing the condition. Symptoms of plantar fasciitis include heel pain, a stabbing pain in the bottom of the foot, stiffness, and swelling around the heel. In many cases, plantar fasciitis can be treated at home. Over-the-counter medicines can relieve pain and swelling. Resting or decreasing activities that cause pain may be recommended. Icing the arch or the use of orthotics such as a cushioned shoe insert may also help. See your health care provider if you experience symptoms.
Q: What is rheumatic fever? A: Rheumatic fever is an autoimmune condition, which can affect the brain, heart, joints and skin. Also referred to as acute rheumatic fever, it develops when either scarlet fever or strep throat goes untreated, and the immune system overreacts. Rheumatic fever can be life-threatening without proper care. Both scarlet fever and strep throat are bacterial infections. If these conditions are not treated, the immune system may attack the body’s tissues and cause swelling and inflammation. Rheumatic fever is a rare condition since scarlet fever and strep throat normally receive treatment. It mostly affects children between the ages of 5 and 15. Those with weakened immune systems or who have a family history of rheumatic fever are also more at risk. The condition is not contagious, although scarlet fever and strep throat are. Symptoms of rheumatic fever include chest pain, fatigue, fever, rash, and swollen and painful joints. Headaches, muscle aches and small bumps under the skin may also be present. Antibiotics for the bacterial infection is normally the first step in treating rheumatic fever. Anti-inflammatory medications are used to reduce pain and swelling. Contact your health care provider if you experience symptoms, particularly if you’ve recently had scarlet fever or strep throat.
Q: Is there a way to prevent shingles? A: Shingles is a viral infection in which the main symptom is a painful rash. It is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. Even after a person recovers from chickenpox, the virus remains in the body. The reactivation of the virus results in shingles. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 1 million people in the U.S. get shingles each year. Pain in an area on the skin may be felt a few days before the rash appears. Shingles normally presents on one side of the body and starts as a group of small bumps. In three to four days, they turn into blisters filled with fluid. The blisters dry out and crust over in within 10 days in many instances. Postherpetic neuralgia is the condition in which pain is felt after blisters have cleared. In addition to previously having chickenpox, those at risk for shingles are people over the age of 50 and those with weakened immune systems. Some people experience fatigue, fever and headaches as well as the rash. Adults 50 and over, as well as adults 19 and older with weakened immune systems, are recommended to get the shingles vaccine to prevent the illness. Contact your health care provider if you have symptoms and to determine the best method of treatment.
Q: What is Addison’s disease? A: Addison’s disease is a type of adrenal insufficiency. The adrenal glands of people affected do not produce enough of two hormones — aldosterone and cortisol. Aldosterone aids the kidneys in regulating salt and potassium in the body. Cortisol helps the body respond to stress, as well as controlling the use of carbohydrates, fat and protein. Addison’s disease can be managed, but it is a life-threatening condition. Many who get Addison’s disease do not have specific factors that put them at higher risk. It affects men and women of any age, although the disease most often occurs in those between the ages of 30 and 50. Those who have autoimmune diseases such as Type 1 diabetes or Graves’ disease may be more at risk. Symptoms often occur slowly and may not be noticeable before being exacerbated by injury or another illness. These symptoms include low blood pressure, areas of darkened skin, changes in mood and behavior, muscle pain, and nausea and vomiting. Hormone replacement therapy is used to supplement the lack of aldosterone and cortisol. This treatment is generally highly effective and allows people affected with Addison’s disease to live normal lives. Contact your health care provider to establish a care plan.
Email your health questions to housecall@uams.edu.
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Social Security Matters
By RUSSELL GLOOR, National Social Security Advisor at the AMAC Foundation
Ask Rusty – Why Does the Government Raid Social Security?
Dear Rusty: The Social Security program is funded by employees and their employers. The federal government does not contribute to the program, right? So why does the federal government feel they have the right to raid the fund? All the money sent to Ukraine and other unnecessary programs could have been used to pay back what they owe to Social Security. Signed: Disgruntled Senior
Dear Disgruntled Senior: You are correct that the Social Security program is mainly funded by payroll taxes on employee earnings and by employers who match those employee contributions. FYI, some additional SS revenue is received from income tax on Social Security benefits, as well as from interest on the special issue government bonds held in the Social Security Trust Fund. But the assertion that the Federal Government used (raided) the Social Security Trust Fund for any other purpose is a myth. All Social Security revenue received since the program began in 1937 has been accounted for, and all excess funds are contained in a special Trust Fund in the form of interest-bearing government bonds, reserved to pay future benefits. FYI, the interest on those bonds contributed about $67 billion to the Trust Fund reserves in 2023.
Social Security revenue, today, is not adequate to pay all benefit obligations, and the extra money needed to pay full SS benefits for everyone is obtained by redeeming Trust Fund reserves. Redemption of those Trust Fund bonds is how the federal government “pays back” the cash loaned to it by Social Security. The excess SS money received from contributions was loaned to the Federal Treasury by the SS Trust Funds, interest-bearing bonds were issued by the government in return for the cash received, and the bonds issued are redeemable as needed by Social Security to pay benefits. FYI, the average interest on the 2023 bonds in the Trust Funds was about 4.125%, whereas the average rate of return on all bonds held in reserve was about 2.387%. This transaction is the same as for any other investment vehicle, except the bonds in the Trust Funds are redeemable at any time without penalty. Said another way, all excess money ever received by Social Security is/was invested in special-issue government bonds, and resides in reserve to pay future benefits, as needed.
“Paying back” the money represented by bonds held in the Trust Funds would not be a wise financial move because it would eliminate all future interest earned by those bonds (again, that interest was about $67 billion in 2023). Federal money spent for other purposes (e.g., Ukraine) is from the general U.S. Treasury and not from the Social Security Trust Fund, which is held totally separate from the U.S. Treasury. Since inception, all money ever contributed to Social Security has been (and is) used for one purpose (and one purpose only) – to pay Social Security benefits to those eligible (which, by the way, does not include “illegal aliens” or anyone else who is not a legal resident of the United States).
For clarity, Social Security does have a future financial issue because annual benefit obligations are now greater than annual Social Security revenue, and money from the SS Trust Fund is now used to make up the difference. Unless the program is reformed soon, the Trust Fund reserves (about $2.8 trillion as of 2023) will be depleted and benefits for all Social Security recipients will be cut by about 23% starting in 2033 or 2034 (according to the Trustees of Social Security and the Congressional Budget Office).
Congress needs to act soon to enact Social Security reform to restore the program to fiscal solvency. The Association of Mature American Citizens (AMAC) is steadfastly lobbying Congress to enact the needed Social Security reform as soon as possible.
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Smoking and COPD: Tips for breathing easier
By SHELDON RIKLON, M.D.
Cigarette smoking harms nearly every part of your body and is the leading cause of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Arkansas has one of the highest rates of COPD in the U.S., and people living in rural areas often have worse outcomes. While COPD doesn’t have a cure yet, there are ways to manage it and feel better.
What is COPD?
COPD is a lung disease that makes it hard to breathe and usually gets worse over time. Smoking and vaping are common causes, but air pollution, exposure to chemicals, and genetics can also cause it.
There are two main types of COPD:
Emphysema damages the air sacs in your lungs, making it harder for your body to get oxygen.
Chronic bronchitis swells the tubes in your lungs that move air, causing mucus to build up and making it harder for you to breathe.
How to Lower Your Chances of Developing COPD
Quit smoking. This is the most important step. When you quit smoking, your body starts healing right away.
After 20 minutes, your heart rate and blood pressure go down.
After one to two days, carbon monoxide in your body returns to normal.
After three days, your lungs start to heal, and nicotine leaves your body.
After one month, your lungs begin to work better, and you will cough and feel shortness of breath less often.
After one year, your risk of heart attack drops.
Use protective equipment if you work with chemicals.
Stay up to date with vaccines. Getting the flu, COVID-19 and other vaccines helps protect your lungs from respiratory illnesses that can make COPD worse.
Be active. Regular activity helps you feel better and breathe easier.
Take your medicine. If you have COPD, take your medicine as your doctor tells you. This can help keep your symptoms from getting worse.
Living with COPD can be hard, but these steps can help you feel better. If you need help finding a doctor, a community health worker can help. Visit communityhealth.uams.edu to connect with one today.
Sheldon Riklon, M.D., is an associate professor in the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) Department of Family and Preventive Medicine and a co-investigator with the UAMS Institute for Community Health Innovation.
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Grow healthier gardens with the help of a soil test
By MELINDA MYERS
Soil is the foundation of a healthy garden, but let’s be honest, most gardeners don’t like spending time, energy, and money on it. It’s more fun to show off pretty flowers or share tasty vegetables. But creating a healthy soil foundation will increase your growing success which means more beautiful flowers, larger harvests, and a healthier landscape to enjoy.
When creating a new lawn, landscape, or garden bed, begin with a soil test. Use soil testing to evaluate your fertilization practices and diagnose problems in existing lawns and gardens. Prioritize and spread out the cost by starting with new and struggling gardens or lawn areas. Then implement an ongoing testing schedule that tests one or two existing gardens each year. Testing lawns and gardens every few years can help improve their health while helping you avoid improper and overfertilization that can negatively impact your landscape and the environment.
A soil test report tells you what if any fertilizer is needed and what fertilizer is best to use for the plants you are growing. It also evaluates the soil pH, acidity, and alkalinity, advising you of any needed adjustments. Testing this before fertilizing or adjusting the soil pH can help avoid years of problems caused by applying too much or the wrong fertilizer, lime, sulfur, or other products.
You can take a soil sample for testing whenever the soil is not frozen, and you have not recently applied fertilizer. Fall is an excellent time as it allows you to implement the soil test results before the next growing season.
Contact your local or state University Extension Service to locate a qualified soil testing lab near you. Many have a state lab that provides this service for a fee while others provide lists of soil-testing labs in your area.
Take separate samples for each type of planting, garden bed, and if needed, lawn area. As you may have discovered, the soil can vary greatly from one place to another. Fill may have been added when the house was built, topsoil used to create planting beds, and other soil amendments incorporated that can impact your growing success. Taking a sample from individual planting beds, mixed borders, and the lawn provides better information on the existing conditions and what is needed for growing those types of plants.
Use a clean trowel and bucket to gather the soil sample. If needed, slide away mulch and remove a narrow slice of soil, four to six inches deep, where many plant roots grow.
Take several samples from the garden or lawn area you want to test. Collect samples from each edge and several throughout the middle of the bed or lawn area. Mix the samples together, place about a cup in a plastic bag, and send it to the soil testing lab. Allow several weeks for the test to be completed and the results returned.
Consider adding soil testing to your garden preparation and ongoing care. This investment will help you grow healthier, more productive, and more beautiful gardens and landscapes.
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How big is your gourd
Colossal! It’s the only way to describe Travis Gienger’s 2,471 pound Halloween pumpkin. For the fourth year in a row the Anoka, Minnesota horticulture teacher came in first at the annual pumpkin-weighing contest in Half Moon, CA. But this year his gourd won the prize by a mere 6 pounds. As he explained it, “we had really, really tough weather.” Nonetheless, he sent his giant squash to a team of professional carvers in time to prepare it for this year’s Allhallows Eve celebration.
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Twins in synchrony
Fourteen-year-old Swiss twins, Naemi and Alena Stump, earned not one, but two Guinness World Records recently. They set new records for the most synchronized tricks on inline skates in 30 seconds and the most synchronized tricks on inline skates in one minute. How did they do it? They say “you should know each other so well that you know what the other person is doing without having to communicate. The one who is better at the trick adapts to the other.”
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It’s about the flittermouse
It’s Bat Week and the Bureau of Land Management is posting photos of the critters and asking the public to vote for the cutest one. Among the contestants is a big-eared bat by the name of Sir Flaps-A-Lot and a grayish white bat known as Hoary Potter. Bureau wildlife technician Emma Busk notes that “there’s a lot of fear and misconceptions around bats.” She says people have a tendency of associating them with rabies. But, in fact, she says: less than 1% of all bat populations actually carry rabies, and the bat-to-human disease transmission is actually really low.” By the way, in the old world a bat was known as a “flittermouse.”
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Medal of Honor: Army Staff Sgt. Lucian Adams
By KATIE LANGE
Department of Defense News
Army Staff Sgt. Lucian Adams was one of few men to receive the Medal of Honor in Germany as the Nazi regime crumbled in the last days of World War II. Just months before, Adams singlehandedly took out three machine gun nests and several enemy soldiers while working to reopen supply lines in France. His actions earned him the nation's highest honor for valor and a front-row seat to the war's end.
Adams was born on Oct. 26, 1922, in Port Arthur, Texas, to Lucian and Rosa Adams. He was one of 12 siblings — three girls and nine boys. Adams said that all but one of his brothers served in the military and, thankfully, they all returned home.
Adams attended Port Arthur Junior High School before dropping out to support his family. During a 2001 Library of Congress Veterans History Project interview, Adams said he worked in construction before working for nearly two years as a cook in the Civilian Conservation Corps, a New Deal program to help lift the U.S out of the Great Depression. Adams was working at a shipyard when World War II began and continued that work until he was drafted into the Army in February 1943.
According to a 1945 article in a newspaper out of Mansfield, Texas, Adams had never left his home state until he was sent to North Carolina for basic training. He served as a rifleman before being placed with the 3rd Battalion of the 30th Infantry, 3rd Infantry Division. In autumn 1943, his unit was deployed to Europe.
In February 1944, Adams' first combat experience occurred while in Italy during the Battle of Anzio. Later that year, he earned the Bronze Star as the division pushed to Rome. Adams said he contracted malaria while there and spent time in a hospital before being sent to southern France to take part in Operation Dragoon in August 1944.
That October, Adams' regiment was called upon to reestablish contact with two companies that had been cut off by the Germans while traversing a supply route in the Mortagne Forest in northeast France. Adams said his commander chose him to put together a patrol to determine how much resistance there was. That patrol discovered the enemy's blockade included three machine gun nests and a tank.
On Oct. 28, 1944 — two days after Adams' 22nd birthday — his company pushed forward to attempt to reopen the supply line when they were attacked. Three of his company's soldiers died and six others were wounded before they'd made it 10 yards further, but Adams pushed aside any fear and charged forward, using trees for cover as he shot a borrowed automatic rifle at the enemy.
"You do things so automatically because of the training that you had in the states that you don't take time to think how serious the predicaments you get into ," Adams said in his Veterans History Project interview. "Before you know it, you're in it, and you just have to fight your way out."
The enemy soon directed heavy machine gun fire at him, along with rifle grenades that struck the trees above his head and showered him in broken branches. But Adams was still able to get within 10 yards of the closest machine gun nest and killed its gunner with a hand grenade.
When one enemy soldier within about 10 yards of his location threw hand grenades at him, Adams quickly killed the man with his rifle. He then charged into the vortex of enemy fire, killing another machine gunner and forcing two other enemy soldiers to surrender.
By then, the rest of the enemy's firepower had been turned on Adams. But he continued to push on, making his way through the woods and killing five more enemy soldiers before taking out the last machine gunner with his rifle.
According to his obituary in the Los Angeles Times, the entire ordeal took about 10 minutes.
Aside from taking out the three machine gun nests, Adams was credited with killing nine enemy soldiers. His extraordinary actions sent any remaining Germans fleeing, which allowed his unit to reopen the severed supply lines and reunite the cutoff companies with his battalion.
Adams received the Medal of Honor on April 23, 1945, from Army Lt. Gen. Alexander Patch, the 7th Army commander, during a ceremony in Nuremberg, Germany, about two weeks before Germany surrendered. Four other soldiers also received the high honor that day: Keith Ware, John Tominac, Russel Dunham and Wilburn Ross.
The ceremony was held inside the famous Zepman Stadium — now known as Zeppelin Field — where Adolf Hitler held rallies as the Nazis gained power in the late 1930s.
"It was a stadium that had a big swastika in the background. The engineers set it up where they draped the American flag over the swastika," Adams remembered in 2001. "After we were decorated, the five of us, it wasn't two minutes before the engineers had exploded that swastika. It just blew that swastika to pieces. … It was a big thrill and a big satisfaction."
Born of Mexican heritage, Adams is one of 59 Hispanic Americans to have received the Medal of Honor.
After Adams was discharged from the Army, he took a job as a benefits counselor for the Department of Veterans Affairs in San Antonio. He remained there for 40 years before briefly taking a position as a consultant for U.S. Rep. Frank Tejeda.
Adams retired in the late 1980s. In his later years, he enjoyed spending time with his three children and grandchildren, as well as planting pecan trees and working in his backyard.
Adams died March 31, 2003, in San Antonio, after suffering from diabetes and heart problems, the L.A. Times said. He is buried at the Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.
Adams' name is hard to forget in Texas. A park and a street in his hometown of Port Arthur were named after him in the 1970s and 1980s, and he's a prominent figure at the town's Museum of the Gulf Coast. In 1994, a stretch of Interstate 37 in San Antonio was named the Lucian Adams Freeway. In 2011, the Port Arthur school district lauded its hometown hero by naming a local elementary school in his honor.
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A winter season of colorful amaryllis blooms
By MELINDA MYERS
This winter, brighten your mood and surroundings by planting and growing a few amaryllis. Your thoughts may turn to red when considering this plant but now you can find a variety of colors and flower shapes. Select the color that best suits your mood and indoor décor.
Fill your home with these beauties for the holidays. Then keep the blossoms coming all winter long. Plant several different types of amaryllis bulbs, from the southern and northern hemispheres, and you’ll get a long-lasting, colorful display.
Most amaryllis bulbs grown in the U.S. are imported from Holland, and their natural bloom time is January through March. Exactly when the flowers will open is impossible to predict. The best strategy is to choose several different varieties and plant them three to four weeks apart during November, December, and January so you’ll always have flowers coming into bloom.
Kick off the holiday season with amaryllis bulbs imported from growers in the southern hemisphere. As we enter autumn, it’s springtime in South America, and these bulbs are eager to begin to bloom. Pot them up before early November for flowers in December.
Brighten the holiday season with the pure white, fully double flowers of Alaska amaryllis (longfield-gardens.com). The white blossoms with lime green throat combine nicely with winter greens. Plant the bulbs in the fall and enjoy the blossoms throughout the holiday season.
Keep the flowers coming with an early bloomer such as Evergreen, which is always quick to break out of dormancy. Its flowers have narrow, lime/chartreuse petals on 20-inch plants adding a freshness to any room. Enjoy the impressive display as each bulb produces two to three stems with four to six blooms each.
Add a bit of fun and flare with the eight-inch flowers of Dancing Queen. You’ll enjoy the showy layers of ruffled snow-white petals highlighted with brush strokes of red.
If you are a fan of the popular color pink, there is an amaryllis for you. Pink Surprise Amaryllis has enormous hot pink flowers with a silky sheen and a touch of white at the tip. It is a standout and perfect as a centerpiece on the dining room table or as a colorful welcome when displayed on a table by your front entrance.
For those who prefer something a bit more subtle, check out Terra Cotta Star. The soft watercolor hues of salmon, rose, buttercream and pistachio along with its dark veins add an artistic flare to each blossom.
Showcase and enjoy your colorful amaryllis by displaying it on a mantle, kitchen counter, or entryway table. Then watch the amazing show as the first sprout appears, followed by buds and finally, its spectacular trumpet-shaped blooms. Or cut a few flowers to enjoy as long-lasting cut flowers.
Order these and other amaryllis varieties early for the greatest selection. Selecting an assortment of colors, flower shapes and bloom times provides months of beauty and enjoyment.
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Baby Nibi
They found baby Nibi on the side of a road, but her rescuers couldn’t find her parents and so they wanted to keep her and raise as their own. It took a while but finally, Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey intervened and ruled that the Newhouse Wildlife Rescues could take charge of the two-year-old baby beaver, noting that “Nibi has captured the hearts of many of our residents, mine included and we’re excited to share that we have issued a permit for Nibi to remain in Newhouse’s care, continuing to educate the public about this important species.”
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They carried their wives
The North American Wife Carrying Championship took place recently in Newry, Maine, attracting 30 men who carried 30 women in a race splashing through water, leaping over logs and trudging through mud. It appears that everyone is a winner in this race, said one husband participating with his wife, “we come each year for the fun. There is really a low chance of us winning. Pretty much everybody cheers everybody on and it’s a blast.”
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It’s not a house cat
It’s not often you find yourself face to face with a wild caracal cat on the loose in the US; these critters are usually found in Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia. But there it was, loose in the Chicago suburb of Hoffman Estates and it appears that no one knows how it got there. When the police caught it and dropped it in a cage it went crazy and so they shot it with a tranquilizer gun, “but the drug they used wasn't potent enough to knock it out. It didn't get really groggy until it was in the cage for about 7-8 minutes," according to a neighbor who saw the hunt.
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A scary story
It took her 35 years but an unidentified woman in Washington state recently found out that "feeding raccoons may create undesirable situations,” according to the Department of Fish and Wildlife. Some 100 of the critters recently surrounded her home demanding food and scaring her, she said. As the experts put it, "feeding raccoons may create undesirable situations and often lose their fear of humans and may become aggressive when not fed as expected."
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A gourd garden
It’s pumpkin time and British farmer Ian Nelson is celebrating with a new “pumpkin mosaic” consisting of 10,000 pumpkins and squashes. His farm, located in Sunnyfields Farm, near Totton, Hampshire in the UK, won the 2023 Guinness World Record and he’s hoping to do it again this year. According to Nelson, "All of the pumpkins in the mosaic are naturally colored, a lot of them are edible and they're the same pumpkins we've got around the fields that visitors can pick up, put in their wheelbarrow and buy to take home," he said.
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They’re super spiders
It’s mating season for tarantulas in Colorado and the town of La Junta has its share of the spiders – enough to draw tourists from all over the country. In fact, in recent years the town has created a tarantula festival to celebrate the annual event when the arachnids seek their mates. It may sound creepy, but these super spiders aren’t as scary as you might think and, in fact, they are an important part of the ecosystem, according to Cara Shillington, a biology professor at Eastern Michigan University. “When you encounter them, they’re more afraid of you. Tarantulas only bite out of fear,” she said.
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Disposing of problem plant debris
By MELINDA MYERS
You’ve probably read you should remove and dispose of insect pest-infected and diseased plant material to reduce these problems in next season’s garden. This is not as easy as it seems. Most compost piles do not heat up and maintain hot enough temperatures to kill weeds, weed seeds, disease organisms, and insect pests. In many locations burning is not allowed and it negatively impacts air quality. So, what’s a gardener to do?
Start by calling your local municipality and asking about disposal options. Many communities allow you to dispose of invasive plants in the garbage after placing them in a clear plastic bag labeled invasive.
Solarization is an option for managing weeds. Place small amounts of plant debris in clear plastic bags. Then place the bags in a warm sunny location before composting. For larger quantities, set the problem plant debris on a sheet of plastic and securely cover it with a 2- to 6-mil clear plastic tarp. The plastic helps create a greenhouse effect, trapping heat while blocking access to water. The seeds will sprout and then seedlings and other plants are killed by the high temperatures and lack of water. It is most effective when the days are long and hot.
This may be effective if the temperatures are hot enough to kill plant insect pests and diseases. Most plant pathogens are killed when moist soil remains at 145°F for 30 minutes, 160°F for bacteria, and 180°F for weed seeds.
If battling jumping worms, the University of Maryland has found creating a solarization package is effective for managing them in soil, compost, and mulch. Spread a sheet of clear plastic on the ground. Place a 6 to 8” layer of mulch, compost, or soil on the plastic tarp, leaving enough excess to wrap and completely and securely cover the enclosed material. On a sunny day, the material inside can reach 150°F. Research varies on the number of days needed to kill the jumping worms. Several University sources recommend 3 or more days of at least 104°F or 105°F to kill the eggs, cocoons, and adult jumping worms.
You may want to enlist this strategy when harvesting your compost before applying it to the soil. This extra step may help reduce the risk of introducing problems back into the garden.
Burying diseased material can help reduce the source of future infection of some diseases. Dig a hole, fill it with plant debris, mix it with soil, and then cover it with an inch or two of disease-free soil. Speed up the decomposition of buried material by shredding it before burying it. Avoid growing plants susceptible to the disease in that location the following season.
Remember to disinfect your pots, stakes, and tools that may have housed or touched diseased plants. Disease-causing organisms can survive on these items, increasing disease risk in next year’s garden. Soak pots for 30 minutes in a 10% bleach solution, rinse with clear water and air dry. Store in a clean location. This is much more effective with clay and ceramic pots than plastic. Consider rotating plantings as you would in the garden and changing display areas when using plastic containers if you do not want to dispose of them.
Disinfect garden tools by dipping them in a 70% alcohol solution using rubbing alcohol or something similar for at least 30 seconds. Or you can spray your tools with a disinfectant spray containing about 70% alcohol.
Investing time in prevention will result in fewer problems and better results in next year’s garden.
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Medal of Honor: Navy Boatswain's Mate 1st Class George Cholister
By KATIE LANGE
Department of Defense News
One-hundred years ago, an accidental explosion onboard a Navy cruiser killed several men. Navy Boatswain's Mate 1st Class George Robert Cholister witnessed the blast and tried to stop the situation from getting worse. He lost his life in the attempt; and he later received the Medal of Honor for his heroics.
Cholister was born on Dec. 18, 1898, in Camden, New Jersey, to Harold and Hannah Cholister. He had a sister and three brothers, two of whom also served in the Navy. One of them, Walter, was killed during World War I.
George Cholister went to Ellisburg School in Delaware Township, New Jersey, before enlisting in the Navy in April 1916, according to American Legion Post 372.
During World War I, he served on a submarine in the North Sea before transferring to the USS Fanning, a destroyer that was credited with sinking three German U-boats. Members of American Legion Post 372 said he also served for a few years in China and Japan.
Cholister was on his third enlistment when tragedy occurred.
On Oct. 20, 1924, Cholister was serving on the USS Trenton, a new light cruiser that was about 40 miles off the coast of Norfolk, Virginia. The Trenton was doing gunnery drills, preparing to fire trial installation shots from two 6-inch guns on the ship's forward twin mount.
During that preparation, two charges of powder ignited and exploded trapping 20 crew members in the twin mount. According to the Naval History and Heritage Command, "the explosion erupted with such force that it thrust open the rear steel door and blew five men overboard," one of whom drowned.
As it was happening, Cholister saw that the charge of powder from the left gun had ignited. Without any concern for himself, he jumped at it and tried to put it in the ship's immersion tank. However, the charge burst into flames on the way, igniting the second charge from the right gun before he could get there.
Cholister was overcome by the smoke and fell unconscious. He died the next day, his Medal of Honor citation said.
According to a 1932 article in the Camden, New Jersey, Courier Post newspaper, a naval inquiry determined the explosion was caused by friction resulting from contact between the gun and hoisting apparatus.
Four members of the gun crew died immediately from the explosion. Ten others later succumbed to smoke inhalation and other wounds, while six more were severely injured.
Eight years later, officials announced they would bestow Cholister with the Medal of Honor for his attempt to save other USS Trenton sailors. On Feb. 3, 1933, his father, Harry, received the medal on his behalf. Cholister also received the Navy Cross.
Ensign Henry Clay Drexler, a shipmate who served along Cholister on the USS Trenton, also lost his life in an effort to extinguish the fire. He, too, posthumously received the Medal of Honor.
Cholister is buried in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, at Colestown Cemetery, where his father spent years working as the superintendent.
VFW Post 3247 in Cherry Hill was named for Cholister after his death. His name is also inscribed on a bronze scroll at a memorial for Camden County veterans in Pennsauken, New Jersey.
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Social Security Matters
By RUSSELL GLOOR
National Social Security Adviser at the AMAC Foundation
Ask Rusty – About Signing up for Social Security and Medicare Part B at 70
Dear Rusty: I just turned 69 years old in August 2024 and am still working full time. I signed up for Medicare Part A but, it is my secondary insurance because I have great health insurance through where I work. My wife is retired and has Medicare Part A but, is on my insurance also, and she is taking Social Security. Our plan is for me to work until August 2026 when I’ll be 71. I’ll file for Social Security when I turn 70, and bank all of it for a year until I retire. That is money we plan to use for travel and fun things. I have three questions: when should I file for my Social Security so it starts in September; when do my wife and I file for Medicare Part B (with a supplement) so it starts in September; and are there negative tax implications to this plan that I haven’t thought of? Signed: Needing Info
Dear Needing Info: Sounds like you have a great strategy planned for your personal Social Security benefits and your Medicare Part B enrollment for both of you. To your questions:
If you will be 70 in August 2025, you can apply for Social Security about 3 months prior (e.g., in May 2025). Just be sure to specify that you wish your SS benefits to start effective with the month of your 70th birthday. Signing up a few months early is perfectly okay – you will indicate your desired benefit start date on your application, and that is when SS will start your benefits. Remember, SS pays benefits in the month following the month earned, so your first payment will be received in September 2025 (on the 2nd Wednesday if you were born before the 11th of the month).
As for Medicare Part B coverage for you and your wife, both of you can enroll in Medicare Part B a couple of months prior to you leaving work, but request that Medicare Part B coverage starts in the month your work coverage ends. In other words, you can enroll in Medicare before you retire from work but request that your Part B coverage starts in the first month your employer coverage ends (to avoid any gap in healthcare coverage). Obviously, you should begin your private supplemental healthcare coverage to coincide with the start of your Medicare Part B coverage.
Regarding the tax implications, just be aware that a portion of your received Social Security benefits become taxable income if your Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) as a married couple exceeds certain thresholds. FYI, “MAGI” is your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) on your tax return, plus 50% of your received SS benefits, plus any non-taxable interest you may have had. If you file your taxes as “married/jointly” and your MAGI is more than $32,000, then 50% of the SS benefits you receive during the tax year becomes taxable income, or if your MAGI as a married couple is over $44,000 then up to 85% of the SS benefits received during the tax year becomes taxable income (at your normal IRS tax rate). Income tax on SS benefits occurs when your MAGI is over the thresholds for your tax filing status, so you should plan accordingly. If your MAGI will be consistently over these thresholds after you retire from working, you may choose to have income tax withheld from your SS benefits, which is easy to do by submitting IRS FORM W-4V to your local Social Security office.
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Medal of Honor : Army Staff Sgt. Clint Romesha
By KATIE LANGE
Department of Defense News
When Army Staff Sgt. Clinton Lavor Romesha woke up on a remote outpost in Afghanistan in 2009, he likely didn't realize he would spend the rest of the day fighting for his life. But as an overwhelming number of Taliban insurgents tried to take over the small encampment, Romesha refused to give up, battling through injury to save as many men as he could. His heroic efforts led to his receiving the Medal of Honor.
Romesha was born on Aug. 17, 1981, in tiny Lake City in northwestern California to parents Gary Romesha and Martishia Rogers. He has an older sister and a younger brother. He has two older brothers who also served in the military.
Romesha is a third-generation veteran. His father served in Vietnam, and his grandfather, who he spent a lot of time with growing up, served during World War II. Both men's service inspired Romesha to want to join the military, too; however, he also considered following in his father's footsteps as a local leader in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Romesha said he attended seminary in the mornings before high school and wanted to do mission work for the church. But missionaries were required to be 21, so he signed up for the military instead.
After graduating from Surprise Valley High School in nearby Cedarville, California, in 1999, a 17-year-old Romesha asked his dad to sign his paperwork to join the Army. But his dad was skeptical, so he had to wait until the day after his 18th birthday to officially enlist.
Romesha was trained as an M1 armor crewman. Shortly after finishing basic training, he married his high school girlfriend, Tammy.
Romesha first served as a tank gunner in Germany and deployed to Kosovo while there. His next stint was in Korea before doing his first combat tour in Iraq in 2004.
When he returned, Romesha said he was reclassified from an armor crewman to a cavalry scout and was placed with the 61st Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division at Fort Carson, Colorado. While there, he completed reconnaissance and air assault training, as well as an advanced leadership course.
Romesha did another tour of Iraq before being deployed to Afghanistan in the summer of 2009. He and his unit were sent to Combat Outpost Keating, one of the most austere and vulnerable outposts in the country. Near the Pakistani border, Keating was small and sat at the bottom of a valley surrounded by mountains, which — investigators learned later — was ideal for insurgents to lay low until they were ready to attack. The base was later determined to be "tactically indefensible."
Romesha said he and his fellow soldiers knew it was a bad place to be. "We made the best of a really crappy situation," he said in a 2014 Library of Congress Veterans History Project interview.
Around 6 a.m. on Oct. 9, 2009, Romesha was serving as the section leader of Bravo Troop, 3rd Squadron and was still asleep when Keating was attacked by about 300 Taliban fighters. The insurgents occupied the high ground on all four sides of the small complex and launched rocket-propelled grenades, anti-aircraft machine guns, mortars and other debilitating fire at the awakening troops — about 53 men in total.
"As soon as you heard those rounds come in — we'd gotten attacked on a pretty regular basis, and you kind of got used to incoming [fire] normally around that time in the morning — but this time you just knew it was a whole different ballgame," Romesha explained, saying the insurgents were well trained and singularly focused.
Romesha quickly moved with no cover through the intense fire to do some recon and get a machine gun from the barracks. He grabbed an assistant gunner, Army Spc. Justin Gregory, and the pair dove into the fight. Romesha took cover behind a generator and took out an enemy machine gun team. He set his sights on taking another out when the generator was hit by a rocket-propelled grenade, embedding shrapnel into his hip, arm and neck.
Romesha kept fighting. When another soldier turned up to help, he rushed back through the barrage to the barracks to gather up more soldiers.
When he learned that Taliban fighters had breached the outpost's perimeter and were within the wire, Romesha grabbed a sniper rifle and mobilized a five-man team to head back into the fight to retake the camp. He continually exposed himself to enemy fire and moved confidently through the outpost, destroying enemy targets and taking out three enemy fighters who had made it inside the wire.
When Romesha got to the tactical operations center, he let them know the enemy had, in fact, breached the perimeter. But he was determined to take the post back. Romesha orchestrated a plan to secure and reinforce key points of the outpost, including recapturing the ammunition supply post and the entry control point to keep more enemy fighters from getting inside.
After those two points were secured, the enemy attacked with even greater ferocity. But Romesha had finally identified a village and a nearby checkpoint as where the attack was originating from, so he used radio communications to call in air support to destroy those areas. The counterattack took out more than 30 enemy fighters and was vital to allowing his men to hold the entry control point.
Soon after, Romesha began receiving reports that seriously injured soldiers were trapped at another position, so he and his team provided cover fire that allowed three of those trapped soldiers to escape and safely reach the aid station. The team then pushed through overwhelming fire — despite a lack of cover — to recover the bodies of two soldiers, Sgt. Justin T. Gallegos and Sgt. Vernon W. Martin, before they could be taken by insurgents.
Throughout the 12-hour ordeal, Romesha's actions were critical in suppressing an enemy that vastly outnumbered them. The Army said he was personally responsible for taking out 10 enemy fighters with small-arms fire, as well as calling in the close-air support that took out 30 more.
By the end of the fight, which was later dubbed the Battle of Kamdesh, eight men had died: Gallegos, Martin, Pfc. Kevin Thomson, Sgt. Michael Scusa, Sgt. Joshua Kirk, Sgt. Christopher Griffin, Sgt. Joshua Hardt and Spc. Stephan Mace.
But thanks to Romesha, his unit was able to regroup and counterattack long enough to resecure the outpost.
Romesha came home from that deployment and separated from the Army in April 2011.
About two years later, he learned he would be receiving the Medal of Honor for his actions at Keating. According to the White House, he responded by downplaying his actions and instead lauded the rest of the team with him that day.
With his family by his side, Romesha received the nation's highest honor from President Barack Obama during a White House ceremony on Feb. 11, 2013.
"Throughout history, the question has often been asked, why? Why do those in uniform take such extraordinary risks? And what compels them to such courage?" Obama said during the ceremony. "You ask Clint and any of these soldiers who are here today, and they'll tell you. Yes, they fight for their country, and they fight for our freedom. Yes, they fight to come home to their families. But most of all, they fight for each other, to keep each other safe and to have each other's backs."
A second Medal of Honor for actions taken during the Battle of Kamdesh was later bestowed upon Army Staff Sgt. Ty Carter, who also survived the ordeal.
Romesha and his wife eventually settled in Minot, North Dakota, where he works in the oil industry. They have three children.
Romesha's eventually wrote his story down and published it in 2016 in a book called, "Red Platoon: A True Story of American Valor." He was also featured in the Netflix documentary series "Medal of Honor."
In the years since the Battle of Kamdesh, Romesha has attended conferences and events as a guest speaker to share his experiences — something he says veterans owe to their countrymen and women.
In 2019, Romesha spoke to the Minot Daily News in North Dakota about what it means to wear the Medal of Honor.
"It's not mine," he said. "It not only represents those eight guys that gave up more than was ever required of them, but it represents every American, all of our service men and women — past, present and future. The ones that sacrificed, the ones that are currently sacrificing and, unfortunately, the ones that are going to have to do it in the future to sacrifice. That's what I wear it for now. That's why I carry it with me."
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Social Security Matters
By RUSSELL GLOOR
National Social Security Adviser at the AMAC Foundation
Ask Rusty – About Retroactive Social Security Benefits
Dear Rusty: Both my wife and I are 67 1/2, i.e., past our full retirement age of 66 years and 6 months. Neither of us have yet filed for SS retirement benefits. My wife is entitled to about $1,000/month based on her work history, and I plan to wait until age 70 to file. I was entitled to $3,700 at my full retirement age date and am eligible to receive $4,800 at age 70. Thus, my wife’s spousal benefit, which she can get when I start taking my SS, is another $850 (a total of $1,850), which is 50% of my full retirement age amount. We just recently became aware that my wife should have claimed her own smaller benefit earlier and taken her higher spousal benefit later when I claim. But has she lost Social Security benefits because she waited until now to claim? Signed: Trying Hard to Understand
Dear Trying: Yes, I am afraid your wife has lost some of her SS retirement benefit by waiting too long to claim. In your specific circumstances (where your wife is eligible for a higher monthly amount as your spouse) it is important to know that her spousal benefit amount reached maximum when she attained her full retirement age (FRA) of age 66 and 6 months. Even though she cannot collect as your spouse until you later claim, her eventual spousal amount does not increase because she is now past her FRA. Thus, waiting the extra year after her FRA did not enhance her spousal benefit amount, meaning she could have been collecting her own smaller SS retirement benefit starting at her FRA. The good news, however, is not all those past benefits are lost.
Once someone has passed their full retirement age, it is possible to claim up to six months of retroactive benefits. Full retirement age is the cutoff point because your wife cannot get retroactive benefits before her FRA but, since she is about a year past, she can claim her full six months of retroactive benefits. Thus, she will lose only about six months of her SS retirement benefit by claiming her benefits to start at age 67 (vs. now at 67 1/2), which at least mitigates the loss. And instead of her FRA amount of $1000, her initial SS retirement benefit will be about 3% higher because she is claiming past her FRA. But, nevertheless, your wife’s eventual spousal amount (when you claim) will still be limited to 50% of your full retirement age entitlement.
The important thing to keep in mind is that retroactive benefits can only be claimed after someone has reached their full retirement age, and only up to six months of retroactive benefits can normally be claimed. So, in your wife’s case, her eventual spousal benefit from you will still be limited to 50% of your FRA amount even though she waited for a year past her own FRA to claim. But she can claim six months of retroactive SS retirement benefits now to soften the financial blow.
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Assess your financial outlook before a new year begins
Settling into fall, it’s an ideal time for individuals and families to assess their personal finances. This extra attention will ensure an annual check-in gets the attention it deserves ahead of the holiday rush.
“Examining spending habits, budgeting practices and where money can be saved can help people set new, achievable goals for next year,” said Amy Robbins, associate director of operations with Take Charge America, a nonprofit credit counseling and debt management agency. “It’s never too late to make changes — even small adjustments — that will help set you up for future financial success.”
Robbins encourages asking these questions to help evaluate year-end finances:
Are you following a budget? Comparing your actual spending against a budget serves as a useful year-end spot check. Haven’t created a budget? Start with tools like a budgeting worksheet or mobile app to track expenses. The key is to ensure your budget reflects realistic goals for both daily living expenses — such as groceries and gas — and lifestyle and entertainment costs.
Have you reviewed monthly bills and subscriptions to identify overspending? Unused subscriptions can easily fly by the radar, as nearly 30% of Americans have subscriptions not being utilized. Reducing subscriptions and their frequency can significantly reduce spending. Evaluate digital subscriptions and negotiate rates on services like cable, cell phone and insurance to ensure you’re not paying more than necessary.
Are you on track with paying off credit card debt? There are several ways to pay off credit card debt. You can do it yourself with the snowball or avalanche methods. Or, you can sign up for a free and confidential credit counseling session to learn which debt-payoff strategy is best for your financial situation.
Have you stocked your emergency fund? Treat monthly contributions to an emergency fund like any other bill. Start with small contributions and use unexpected money, like tax refunds, to boost your fund. More ways to save include asking family and friends for cash gifts instead of material gifts, selling unused or lightly used items and or becoming a gig worker on your own schedule. Simple habits, like packing a lunch or seeking out free activities, can also help grow your emergency fund steadily.
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Tongue in cheek
When 37-year-old Ambra Collina, who hails from Bologna, Italy, sticks her tongue out at you you’re bound to make a double take. It’s bigger than a ping pong ball. In fact, it’s so big that the Guinness judges have declared it to be a world record breaker. Her tongue’s circumference is 5.44 inches in size. According to Guinness, until now, “her tongue inflating was simply a fun party trick to impress her friends. And after doing some research, she realized she could very well hold the female record.
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Hibernating bears
Sleepy season for bears is late November to mid-April and, apparently, at least one bear in Monrovia, California, was checking out bedrooms recently. Homeowners there heard noises coming from their home’s crawlspace. Mark Chou told reporters "we were like, OK, something is under there. We kind of tiptoed towards it a little bit and then I could hear a little more scratching and we ran back inside the house." It turned out that it was a big bear that was stuck in a crawlspace doing the scratching. It was so big that he could barely fit through the crawlspace door [and so] he kind of pawed his way out."
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My blue lobster
It took a pair of young brothers to note that one of the residents in a Clifton Park, New Jersey supermarket’s lobster tank was a rarity; it was blue in color. Parker, age 4, and Zachary, age 3, told their mom, Danielle Morales, that they wanted to visit the lobster tank. As Danielle told it, "we went up to the tank and Parker goes, 'Hey! That one is blue!' And I thought, wow. That's weird. And I took a picture of it." She wasted no time in sending a text message to Via Aquarium in Schenectady, New York. Nor did the Aquarium waste time taking charge of the blue lobster.
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Get the most out of your pumpkin
By MELINDA MYERS
It’s pumpkin season and time to select and decorate pumpkins for your fall display. Keep pumpkins and Jack-o’-lanterns looking their best longer with proper selection and care.
Harvest or purchase pumpkins free of holes, cuts, and soft spots for decorating. Damaged fruit tends to rot faster, ruining your fall display. And always carry the fruit cradled in your arms, not by the stem. Once the stem breaks away from the fruit, the pumpkin is more susceptible to rot and its beauty fades.
Store carving pumpkins in a cool location until you are ready to start cutting. Extend the beauty of carved pumpkins by washing them with warm water and letting them dry before making the first cut. Try leaving the top intact and scooping the insides out through a hole in the back. This limits water entering the carved cavity and helps extend the life of your Jack-o’-lantern.
Coat the cuts with petroleum jelly or vegetable oil to seal in the moisture and prolong your display. Take it one step further and use a commercial preservative or peppermint oil to keep your Jack-o’-lantern looking its best for as long as possible.
Don’t give up when your Jack-o’-lantern begins shriveling. Instead, give it a cold bath to freshen up its appearance.
Or put away the knives and break out the paint, beads, decorations, crayons, and your imagination to further extend your pumpkin’s beauty. Turn your pumpkin into a creature, movie character, pet, or fun object. You’ll find lots of creative inspiration in magazines and online.
Don’t worry if you have limited artistic ability. Create a multicolored crayon-dripped pumpkin. Wipe the pumpkin’s surface clean and allow it to dry before you start decorating. Remove the labels from the crayons and break them in half if needed.
Glue the crayons to the top of the pumpkin to prevent them from rolling off while you work. Place one end of the crayon against the stem and the other end pointed away from the center of the pumpkin.
Cover your work surface and use your hair dryer to melt the crayons so they drip down the sides of the pumpkin, creating a colorful waxy covering. A high heat setting will speed up the process but may make a bigger mess by splashing the melted wax all over the table.
To further dress up your landscape consider converting a few pumpkins into fall planters. Remove the top. Cut a hole large enough to accommodate the pot you’ll be inserting. Remove the seeds and flesh, cut a few drainage holes in the bottom, and then set a pot of pansies, asters, mums, or ornamental peppers inside.
Or plant the flowers directly in the pumpkin planter filled with potting soil. When your pumpkins start to rot, move them, plants and all, to the compost pile. They will break down into a wonderful soil amendment for next year’s garden.
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Medal of Honor: Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Lewis G. Watkins
By KATIE LANGE
Department of Defense News
Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Lewis George Watkins served his country in the Navy during World War II, but when the Korean War began, he felt he still needed to do more. After rejoining the military as a Marine, he gave his life to save others during battle in 1952. For his leadership and self-sacrifice, the Medal of Honor was posthumously bestowed upon him.
Watkins was born June 6, 1925, in Seneca, South Carolina, to Pauline and Fred Watkins, a World War I veteran. Lewis had eight siblings, and they all grew up on a farm.
Watkins, whose nickname was Slim, dropped out of high school to join the Navy during World War II, according to the Anderson Independent-Mail, an Anderson, South Carolina, newspaper. He survived the war, but his brother, Frank, did not. Frank Watkins died of tuberculosis after coming home from a prisoner-of-war camp.
After Lewis Watkins returned home, there weren't many jobs available to him, so he decided to get his General Education Diploma. Watkins earned it through Greenville High School in 1949 before joining the Greenville Police Department. However, in September 1950, shortly after the Korean War broke out, he took a leave of absence to join the Marine Corps. Watkins told his family he wanted to do his part.
"We did not try to stop him, but we did not understand why he wanted to go [to Korea]," his sister, Lois Green, told the Anderson Independent-Mail in 2001. "We thought he did his part for four years in the Navy."
After basic training, Watkins served at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, and Camp Pendleton, California, before his unit — the 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division — was sent to Korea.
In early October 1952, the 1st Marine Division took part in what was known as the First Battle of the Hook, which was fought over several frontline outposts. In the early-morning hours of Oct. 7, Watkins was serving as the guide of a rifle platoon for Company I, which was tasked with retaking an outpost that had been overrun by the enemy earlier in the night.
Watkins skillfully led his platoon up the designated hill, but at its crest, a well-entrenched enemy force attacked using small-arms fire and grenades. Watkins suffered serious injuries, but he continued to lead his men despite the pain. At one point, he grabbed an automatic rifle from another wounded man to help pin down an enemy machine gun that was holding up the assault.
When the team tried to move through a trench, an enemy grenade landed among them. Watkins didn't hesitate. He pushed his fellow Marines aside to shield them from the explosive device, then picked it up to try to throw it away.
Time ran out before he could. The grenade exploded in Watkins' hand, mortally wounding him. His selflessness, however, saved the lives of several of his comrades and contributed to the success of the mission.
That heroism led Watkins to posthumously receive the Medal of Honor. Vice President Richard M. Nixon bestowed the high honor upon his parents on Sept. 9, 1953, during a ceremony at Marine Corps Barracks in Washington, D.C.
"Lewis Watkins is the epitome of a patriot," Jerry Dyar, an Oconee County Department of Veterans Affairs officer, told the Anderson Independence-Mail in 2001. "I don't know anyone who would have gone through the rigors of World War II, fulfilled their obligation to their country and still answered the call again. You don't see uncommon valor and service like that."
Watkins' parents donated his medal to the Oconee Military Museum in Walhalla, South Carolina.
Watkins' remains were not recovered. He is listed on the Wall of the Missing at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu.
His name is remembered in the places where he lived and served. At Camp Lejeune in August 1977, housing known as Watkins Village was dedicated in his honor. A memorial plaque honoring him hangs in the Greenville Police Department's headquarters, while a post office in Watkins' hometown was renamed for him in 2007.
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It’s bear season
It’s not quite the time of year when bears go into hibernation. That won’t start to happen until December. In the meantime, according to the National Park Service, “as the summer season ends ... bears become more active.” For example, Alex Gold of British Columbia was unloading groceries in the front of his garage recently when along came a mother bear and her cub. "I came back to my car and I bumped into the [mother] bear.” Alex didn’t panic; he confronted the intruders and it was all caught on camera.
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Baby aardvarks are cute
According to the National Geographic, a “baby aardvark stays in the burrow for two weeks and then begins to venture out to forage at night with its mom.” A newborn aardvark – the first at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park – is doing just that. According to the zoo, the species have “famously long, sticky tongues for eating ants and termites” – as much as 50,000 insects in a single evening. Aardvarks may not be on any “threatened species” list yet, but they are at risk due to hunters and the loss of habitats.
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The car was in the way
It was a sight that slowed down traffic: a perfectly useful SUV in a dumpster in Fort Myers, FL. Scott Greenberg got a glimpse of it and told reporters that he did “a double take” when he saw the vehicle in the dumpster along with a load of trash. It turned out that the car was in the way of construction workers on the job of building a new apartment complex and so they carefully used a forklift to remove it onto the dumpster. It was eventually moved from the dumpster and carefully relocated to a parking space.
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Medal of Honor: Army 1st Lt. George S. Robb
By KATIE LANGE
Department of Defense News |
Army 1st Lt. George Seanor Robb commanded several soldiers in a famed military unit fighting in the trenches during the brutal last days of World War I. Robb took his duties to heart and refused to back down, even after several injuries. His bravery and fortitude led him to receive the Medal of Honor.
Robb was born on May 18, 1887, in the small farming community of Assaria, Kansas, to Thomas and Charlotte Robb. He had two older siblings, Francis and Susie.
After high school, Robb went to Park College (now Park University) outside of Kansas City before attending Columbia University in New York, where he graduated in 1915 with a master's degree in American history.
For the next four years, Robb worked as a history teacher. In the spring of 1917, he was selected to be the principal of Great Bend High School in Great Bend, Kansas. However, as World War I was raging in Europe, he resigned from that position in the fall to join the Army.
Robb trained to be an officer for three months before he was assigned to help lead the 369th Infantry, 93rd Division — an all-Black unit made up of New York National Guardsmen who became better known as the Harlem Hellfighters. The unit was sent to France by steamer ship in January 1918 to join the 4th French Army as part of the American Expeditionary Forces.
That summer, Robb took part in the Champagne-Marne and Aisne-Marne campaigns. His biggest show of valor, however, came during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive, the largest fought by AEF troops and the war's most deadly battlefield. The offensive began in late September 1918, around the same time Robb was promoted to first lieutenant.
On Sept. 29, Robb was leading his platoon in an assault near Sechault, France, when he was severely wounded by machine gun fire. Instead of moving to the rear to get treatment, though, he stayed with his men until he was ordered to the aide station by his commanding officer.
About 45 minutes later, he returned to the front lines and stayed on duty all night, inspecting his platoon's lines and setting up outposts. He was wounded again the next morning, but again, he refused to seek medical attention.
Later in the day, Robb was wounded twice more by a bursting shell, which also killed his commanding officer and two other company officers. Robb quickly assumed command of the entire company in their stead, organizing its position in the trenches. He ended up being the only officer in his battalion to advance beyond Sechault, clearing machine gun nests and sniping posts as they went and even capturing a key railroad unit.
Robb's leadership was a large part of why the battalion was able to hold its objective. His courage, despite his many wounds, set a wonderful example for the enlisted men he commanded. However, the win came at a high cost. The 369th suffered some of the worst casualties of the war by any American regiment. About one-third of the unit was either wounded or killed.
The Meuse-Argonne Offensive was the last major battle of World War I. It knocked out Germany's last manpower reserves, helping to break the stalemate in the trenches and force the Germans out of France. The war ended on Nov. 11, 1918.
Robb's courage and tenacity were honored on April 16, 1919, when Army Brig. Gen. William H. Sage — a Medal of Honor recipient himself — bestowed the nation's highest honor upon the first lieutenant. The ceremony was held at an amphitheater in Salina, Kansas, about 20 minutes from where Robb grew up. Hundreds attended the special event, newspapers at the time reported.
After the war, Robb returned to Kansas and to civilian life. He married Winona McLatchey, and they had two daughters. The former soldier served as the postmaster in Salina for about 12 years before being appointed as the state auditor in 1935, a position he held for more than 20 years.
Robb died on May 14, 1972 — four days before his 85th birthday. He is buried in Gypsum Hill Cemetery in Salina.
His memory lives on at the George S. Robb Centre for the Study of the Great War, which was established in 2005 at his alma mater, Park University. The center is home to the Valor Medals Review Project, which began in 2019 after a bipartisan congressional effort called for a review of the records of Black and minority World War I service members who may have been denied certain honors due to racism of the time. In 2024, that review is ongoing.
The Valor Medals Review Project is the first to focus on service member records from World War I. Records for minorities who served in World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War have also received reviews over the past few decades.
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UAMS House Call
Dr. Daniel Knight is a professor in the Department of Family and Preventive Medicine in the College of Medicine at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.
Q: Are there any treatments for alopecia areata? A: Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder that leads to scarring or non-scarring of the affected areas. The immune system attacks hair follicles, causing hair loss. It is a common condition — the National Alopecia Areata Foundation estimates nearly 7 million people in the U.S. have or have had the disease. Alopecia areata presents itself in three main ways. With patchy alopecia areata, the most common form, hair loss is in coin-sized patches. Those with alopecia totalis lose all or most of the hair on their scalp. Alopecia universalis is the loss of all or most hair on the face, scalp and the rest of the body. It is unknown what causes this condition. Alopecia areata affects people of all ages, genders, and racial and ethnic groups. While it can occur at any time, many develop the condition before the age of 40 and signs often appear before the age of 20. It cannot be spread to others. There is no cure for alopecia areata. Treatments depend upon the form and severity of hair loss. Corticosteroids and immunosuppressants may be prescribed to promote hair growth. Contact your health care provider if you experience symptoms. A referral to a dermatologist may be required.
Q: What is a concussion? A: A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury that happens when the brain bounces around or twists inside the skull. Concussions are often the result of a blow to the head or a hit to the body that causes the head to move violently back and forth. A concussion is considered a mild traumatic brain injury, and the World Health Organization reports about 56 million of them occur each year. Concussions are often associated with contact sports such as boxing, football or soccer. Automobile accidents and falls are also common causes of concussions. They are not normally considered life-threatening, and one concussion usually does not result in permanent brain damage. However, multiple concussions can adversely affect brain function and may lead to serious health complications. Symptoms of a concussion include headache, nausea, neck pain, ringing in the ears, or blurred or double vision. The injury may also have effects on the body such as confusion, a dazed appearance, trouble concentrating, sensitivity to light and noise, or changes in smell and taste. Contact a health care provider for an examination if you experience a head injury. Seek immediate care if you have a head injury and concussion symptoms present themselves.
Q: How serious is encephalitis? A: Encephalitis is an inflammation of the brain. It is caused by bacterial or viral infections, or by an abnormal reaction of the immune system. Encephalitis is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate treatment as it can occur suddenly and progress at a rapid rate. Viral encephalitis is the most common form and can be developed after having certain infectious diseases or viruses. Arbovirus encephalitis comes from fleas, mosquitoes or ticks. Bacterial encephalitis, which is the least common type, is the result of bacterial or fungal infections. Autoimmune encephalitis is the immune system attacking the brain. Encephalitis can affect anyone. Young children and older adults are more at risk, along with those with weakened immune systems or those who live in areas where insect-borne viruses are more common. Symptoms include balance issues, confusion, fatigue, muscle weakness or changes in vision. Treatments include antiviral medications, breathing assistance, corticosteroids, immunotherapy (for autoimmune encephalitis) and intravenous fluids. Mild incidents of the condition often result in full recovery, but severe cases can result in permanent issues such as blindness, brain and nerve damage and memory loss. Contact your health care provider immediately if you have symptoms, especially if you have been exposed to bacterial encephalitis.
Q: What is Guillain-Barré syndrome? A: Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is a rare disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks the peripheral nervous system. GBS damages nerves and prevents them from sending signals between the brain and muscles. GBS is a serious but rare condition — the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates between 3,000 and 6,000 people are affected yearly in the United States. People between the ages of 30 and 50 are mostly affected by GBS, but it can occur at any age. GBS is more common in males. It often develops after illnesses such as respiratory or gastrointestinal infections or viral infections. GBS is not contagious and is not an inherited condition. GBS begins suddenly and often increases in intensity over hours, days or weeks. Symptoms include chest muscle weakness, double vision or an inability to move the eyes, rapid heart rate, sensation changes and weakness in the legs that spreads to the upper body. Chances of a complete recovery from GBS increases the sooner treatment begins. It can be hard to diagnose as indicators are similar to other conditions. Hospitalization is normally required as muscle weakness causes problems with breathing and heart rate. Contact your health care provider immediately if you experience symptoms.
Email your health questions to housecall@uams.edu.
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Social Security Matters
By RUSSELL GLOOR
National Social Security Advisor at the AMAC Foundation
Ask Rusty – Veteran Asks About Special Credits for Military Service
Dear Rusty: I just learned that if I served in the military during an active-duty period, i could get extra earnings for Social Security and that these benefits would be automatically added to my record, but I was never asked by the SS employee who calculated my benefits if I was in the military. I took benefits at age 62 (2013) due to health reasons. Should I ask for a recalculation or is it too late? Signed: Proud Veteran
Dear Proud Veteran: Thank you for your service to our country, for which you have every right to be proud. You likely heard about “Special Extra Credits for military service,” which applies to those who served in the military during certain periods earlier than the year 2001. This rule can add up to $1,200 per year to your Social Security earnings record for the years you served and, since your SS benefit is based on your lifetime earnings record, your military earnings may have been included when calculating your Social Security benefit. But the rules for getting that “extra earnings credit” are a bit complex, and how much extra earnings credit you receive depends entirely on which years you served. Here’s a quick summary:
• SS taxes have been withheld from military pay since 1957, so your actual military earnings are already included as part of your lifetime SS earnings record.
• If you served between 1957 and 1977, an extra $300 for each quarter of active-duty service would be added to your military pay, up to $1,200 per year maximum.
• If you served between 1978 and 2001, an extra $100 would be added to your military pay for each $300 of active duty pay received, up to a maximum of $1,200 per year. FYI, no additional earnings are added to your military pay for service years after 2001.
• Those who served on active duty before 1967 should inform SS when applying for benefits about their military service (e.g., provide a copy of DD-214). For those who served after 1967, the “special extra credits” were automatically added to their military earnings record when they applied for SS benefits.
It’s important to note that the “extra credits” are additional earnings added to your military pay record – not an additional benefit amount added to your Social Security payment because of your military service. If, however, your military pay was included in the 35 years used to compute your Social Security benefit when you claimed, then your military pay affected your SS payment amount.
In any case, if you served in the military after 1967, the special extra earnings credits were automatically included in your military pay record and, thus, were automatically included when calculating your Social Security benefit when you applied. If your non-military working career consisted of over 35 years during which you earned more than you did while serving, your years in the military wouldn’t be included when computing your Social Security benefit anyway (only your highest earning 35 years of earnings are included when calculating your SS benefit).
Although it’s never “too late” to request a recalculation, if you served after 1967 your military pay during your service years was automatically increased by SS to account for your military service. If you served before 1967, you could contact Social Security to ensure that the extra credits were included when calculating your SS benefit. FYI, here’s a copy of the Social Security rules on this topic: www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10017.pdf.
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Consider fall leaves a gift from nature
By MELINDA MYERS
Put fall leaves to work in your landscape. This valuable resource makes a great mulch in planting beds, adds organic matter and nutrients to the soil, provides habitat for many beneficial insects, and is insulation for ground-dwelling queen bumblebees, toads, and more.
Leave any disease-free leaves in garden beds but pull them away from the trunks of trees and stems of shrubs. Mulch piles against trunks or stems create a moist environment that is more subject to rot and disease. It also provides a hiding place next to these plants for voles that feed on bark over winter.
Avoid thick layers of leaves, six or more inches deep, in garden beds. They can block sunlight and smother the plants below. Pull leaves off the crowns of perennials and move the excess leaves to gardens with little or no mulch.
Use your mower to recycle fall leaves that land on the lawn. As you mow the grass you’ll shred the leaves into smaller pieces. If they are the size of a quarter or smaller your lawn will be fine. As these leaf pieces decompose, they add organic matter and nutrients to the soil.
When the lawn is overwhelmed with leaves burn a few extra calories and rake them into nearby planting beds. Whole leaves provide the best habitat for overwintering insects. Spread the leaves over the soil surface to help insulate the roots, conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and improve the soil as it breaks down.
If your garden beds are already filled with leaves or this is not practical, attach the bagger to the mower to shred and collect the excess leaves on the lawn. Only use grass clippings collected from lawns and leaves not treated with a weed killer this fall.
Dig extra shredded leaves into vacant annual flower and vegetable gardens or incorporate them into the soil as you prepare new planting beds. They will break down over winter, improving the drainage in heavy clay soils and increasing the water-holding ability in fast-draining soils.
Bag shredded leaves you want to save for next season. Tuck them out of sight for winter under trees or around the foundation of your house for added insulation.
Create compost with fall leaves, plant-based kitchen scraps, and other landscape trimmings. Do not use meat, bones or dairy that can attract rodents, charcoal ash, and human, pet or bird droppings that may contain disease organisms. Avoid diseased and insect-infested plant debris, perennial weeds, and weeds gone to seed. These can survive in compost piles that don’t produce sufficient heat to kill them and end up back in the garden in the compost.
Oak and large maple leaves make great mulches and additions to the compost pile but break down slowly. Shred them with your mower or leaf shredder first for quicker results.
You can compost black walnut, laurel, and eucalyptus leaves that contain chemicals toxic to other plants. Shred them first to speed decomposition and when they are fully decomposed the compost is safe to use in the garden.
As you begin putting the fall leaves to work in your landscape you will start considering them a gift, not a curse, from nature.
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This bird wins again
The hoiho, also known as the “noise shouter,” has done it again. The bird is a yellow-eyed penguin and, for a second time, it has been named New Zealand's Bird of the Year. Nicola Toki, chief executive of the Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society, says it is a welcome selection noting that the "hoiho are being hammered from all angles. They suffer from horrible diseases like diphtheria and get attacked by dogs. Tiny, vulnerable chicks are threatened by introduced predators like cats, stoats and ferrets that can wipe out an entire breeding site in a single season."
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The world’s watching
From the day she was born at the Khao Kheow Open Zoo in the capital city of Bangkok, Moo Deng, a name that means “bouncy pork,” became Thailand’s “adorable baby hippo.” As one visitor at the zoo described her, “she’s such a little lump. I want to ball her up and swallow her whole!” In fact, Moo Deng has attracted a worldwide following and the Associated Press reports that “for fans who can’t make the journey [to Thailand] the zoo set up cameras and plan to start a 24-hour live feed of the baby hippo.”
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The world’s oldest resident
This year’s Respect for the Aged Day in Japan honored 116 year old Tomiko Itooka who at the age pf 116 years is the world’s oldest resident. She also ranks twenty-third on the Guinness World Records historical list of the world’s oldest humans. Tomiko was going on Buddhist pilgrimages to temples well into her latter years and, it is reported, she didn’t use a walking stick when visiting a shrine until well after her 100th birthday.
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7 fall tips for readying your outdoor power equipment for winter
prep equipment for season changes, save time and future headaches
ALEXANDRIA, Va. - After your lawn gets its last cut before winter, it will be time to put away spring and summer outdoor power equipment, like lawn mowers, leaf blowers, and trimmers. It’s also important to ready snow throwers, generators and other small engine equipment for winter use. How and when you prepare your equipment for seasonal changes can save you time and money later, says the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI).
“Readying your equipment for winter needs is important as the weather changes,” says Kris Kiser, President and CEO of OPEI. “It’s also important to put your fall equipment away correctly. What you do now when you put away your equipment, sets you up for an easier start in the spring.”
Here are seven tips from OPEI to ensure snow throwers will be ready when the flakes fly and chainsaws, generators and other equipment are ready for winter storms. Also, your lawn mower and other spring equipment will be available and ready for use when warmer temperatures return.
#1 - Review owner’s manuals. Re-familiarize yourself with how to handle equipment safely. Lost manuals can be found online. Save a copy on your computer if possible, so it can be consulted when needed. Be familiar with your equipment, and all its features, including how to turn it off quickly and safely.
#2 - Service all equipment. Before storing spring and summer equipment, clean and service it or take it to a small engine repair shop. Change engine oil and safely dispose of the old oil. Service the air filter, and do other maintenance as directed by the owner’s manual. Check winter equipment and see if any maintenance and repairs are required.
#3 - Handle fuel properly. Unused fuel left in gas tanks over the winter can go stale and even damage equipment. Before storing equipment, add fuel stabilizer to the gas tank, then run the equipment to distribute it. Turn the engine off, allow the machine to cool, then restart and run until the gas tank is empty. For winter equipment, buy the recommended type of fuel no more than 30 days before use. Use fuel with no more than 10% ethanol in outdoor power equipment. Use a fuel stabilizer if recommended by the manufacturer. Get more information on safe fueling for outdoor power equipment at LookBeforeYouPump.com.
#4 - Charge batteries. Remove and fully charge batteries before storing. Don’t store batteries on metal shelves or allow them to touch metal objects. Store them on a plastic or wood shelf in a climate-controlled structure.
#5 - Shelter equipment from winter weather. Store spring and summer equipment in a clean and dry place such as a garage, barn or shed. Winter equipment should be kept away from the elements, but be easily available for use.
#6 - Prepare, prepare, prepare. Make space in the garage or basement before the weather changes, so there is room to store larger yard items. Remove sticks, debris, dog and kid’s toys and other items from your yard that can damage or destroy equipment. Clear the paths used regularly, especially during the winter when snow can “hide” things.
#7 - Have the right weather appropriate extension cord for your generator. Keep heavy duty outdoor-rated extension cords on hand. Ensure the cord is the right length to operate the generator a safe distance from the building. Never operate a generator indoors, in a garage, breezeway or under an open window or near any air intake for a building.
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British team sets new record for world’s highest bike ride
With a Brompton bicycle strapped to his back, Sussex-based adventurer Neil Laughton has set a new Guinness World Record for the highest altitude bike ride
A British team of adventures has set a new Guinness World Record after cycling down a Himalayan mountain slope.
On Wednesday, September 18th, British expedition leader Neil Laughton and Nepali Sirdar Nima Kanchha Sherpa reached the summit of Putha Huinchuli, a 7,246m peak in northwest Nepal, and set a new Guinness World Record for the highest altitude bike ride.
The pair rode their bikes at the summit, breaking the previous record of 7,211m set in 2009. The new record is awaiting verification by Guinness World Records.
Laughton from Henfield, Sussex, said: "It was a tough challenge, but we’ve had an incredible adventure.
“Climbing Putha Huinchuli without oxygen is categorically more difficult than climbing Mount Everest with oxygen."
During the journey, the team visited the Tenzing Norgay School in the remote village of Karakot, where the adventurers are fundraising to improve the school's internet access and IT systems as well as providing improved insulation, heating and furniture.
Prior to the ascent, Laughton said: "This is just the sort of adventure I enjoy. A big physical and mental challenge, travelling to a beautiful and remote location with close friends and also raising money for a very good cause.
"The people of Nepal have always treated us with incredible kindness. So when I saw the condition of its dilapidated school where 70 children were trying to learn in a freezing cold building with no insulation, proper flooring and very little furniture, I was appalled and felt moved to do something about it."
According to Laughton, training for the event was intense. “All members of the team have been working hard to prepare for this demanding expedition by hiking up the hills of the South Downs with our bikes and riding down again. We also all underwent an intensive programme of pre-altitude training in The Altitude Centre in London.
“The training involved 20 hours on an inclined treadmill, carrying the bike and wearing a mask that simulates high altitude by taking the oxygen levels down from 21 per cent to 9 per cent.”
Laughton, 60, rode a Brompton folding bike while Nima, 45, used a traditional Cube mountain bike. They were accompanied to the summit by Da Rinzi Sherpa, who was part of the support team. The team carried their bikes from Dunai village, located at 2,000m, to the top of the mountain over several days of challenging terrain and conditions.
The 2024 British Highest Bike Ride team included Tim Maw, Craig Wiltshire, Meriel Davis, Paul Clarke, and Giles Fairmann. They all made it to 6,200m before Maw and Clarke reached a high point of 6,438m, but conditions forced them to turn back. Laughton and Nima Sherpa continued to the summit, carrying their bikes on their backs for the final push.
The expedition team was supported by six Sherpas, a chef, and 11 local porters. The ascent involved navigating unstable glacial moraine, steep snow slopes, and rock and ice avalanches. According to Laughton, the reduced oxygen levels at high altitude made the climb particularly difficult. During the climb, Laughton and Maw marked another milestone by playing a game of chess, adding another Guinness World Record to the expedition’s list.
The summit party left camp at 2:30am on 18th September, navigating snowy conditions with the aid of head torches. After a 12.5-hour ascent, the group reached the summit and completed their record-breaking ride.
Nima Sherpas said: “I put together a strong team of support climbers for this special project and I am very grateful to Neil for giving me the opportunity of another Guinness World Record.”
Mr Visnu, Headmaster of the Tenzing Norgay School in Kagkot said: “I am very grateful to Mr Laughton for his commitment to support the needs of our school, for the IT support (from ITHQ & Struto) and for all the fundraising from team members that will improve the learning conditions in our classrooms, provide lunches for our pupils and a caterer to make them.”
The team returns to the UK on 25th September and continues to raise funds for the Tenzing Norgay School. Donations can be made via JustGiving at justgiving.com/crowdfunding/tim-maw
Laughton already holds four Guinness World Records, one for the World’s Highest Dinner Party on Mount Everest as well as three involving record-breaking penny farthing rides. His bestselling book detailing his these adventures and more: Adventureholic: Extraordinary Journeys on Seven Continents by Land, Sea and Air is now available to buy on Amazon.
MORE ABOUT NEIL LAUGHTON
Neil Laughton is a successful business entrepreneur, multiple Guinness World Record breaking adventurer and a former Royal Marine Commando, helicopter pilot and Special Forces Officer.
He is the CEO of Laughton & Co Ltd, Director of Floating Developments Ltd, Founder of the Penny Farthing Club and Vice-President of the charity Scientific Exploration Society.
Neil has a passion for travel, sport and adventure. He has organised and led more than 50 expeditions on 7 continents – by land, sea and air. He summited Mount Everest with Bear Grylls, circumnavigated the UK & Ireland on a jet ski and he piloted the world’s first road legal flying car on a 10,000 km journey from London to Timbuktu and across the Sahara Desert.
Neil’s new book ‘Adventureholic – Extraordinary journeys on seven continents by land, sea and air’ was published on 12th October 2023 and became an Amazon No. 1 Bestseller.
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Medal of Honor: Navy Chief Petty Officer Fred McGuire
By KATIE LANGE
Department of Defense News
Navy Chief Petty Officer Fred Henry McGuire's medical training was desperately needed when an inland patrol he was on in the Philippines was attacked in 1911. McGuire was credited with saving the lives of two fellow service members. For his selflessness, he was bestowed with the Medal of Honor.
McGuire was born Nov. 7, 1890, in Gordonville in southeast Missouri. His parents were Frank and Virginia McGuire, and he had three younger brothers: Bern, Billy and Bruce.
McGuire joined the Navy in 1909 and was sent to train as a hospital apprentice, the predecessor to a current-day hospital corpsman. He was eventually sent to serve in the Philippines on the USS Pampanga, a patrol gunboat.
U.S. forces had served throughout the island chain since 1898, when the Spanish-American War ended, and control of the Philippines was turned over to the U.S. However, many revolutionaries in the country weren't pleased with having a new foreign power controlling them, so rebellion broke out again soon after the power transfer. It was quelled in 1902, but small resistance groups continued to crop up more than a decade later.
On Sept. 24, 1911, McGuire was part of an eight-man attachment sent to support Army troops engaged in putting down some of those rebellions. With him were four other enlisted sailors, Navy Ensign Charles Hovey, a local guide and Jose Nisperos, a member of the Philippine scout force. The group was sent to the island of Basilan to help free the village of Mundang from insurgents.
As they were walking along a trail, they came upon a group of shacks, known locally as nipa huts. McGuire and two of his fellow sailors were ordered to stand guard about 100 yards from the shacks while Hovey, Nisperos, the local guide and the last two sailors searched the surrounding deep grasses.
When that group moved into an open area in front of the huts, enemy insurgents immediately opened fire, and 20 other combatants inside the huts and in other concealed positions charged them. The local guide was killed while Nisperos, Hovey and Ordinary Seaman John H. Catherwood were seriously injured.
McGuire heard their calls for help and quickly ran to the scene. He emptied his rifle into the attackers, then used the weapon as a club against the remaining insurgents until his fellow sailors made it to the scene to help. He then did his best to aid Hovey, who died from his injuries shortly after telling McGuire to take care of the other wounded men.
McGuire was also injured during the melee, but he ignored his own wounds to "tirelessly and efficiently" help Nisperos and Catherwood, according to his Medal of Honor citation. Without his aid, both men may have died from their wounds.
After the fight ended, another scouting party came to their rescue and helped them return to safety.
McGuire was bestowed with the Medal of Honor in January 1912. The other enlisted sailors on the mission also received the award: Catherwood, Petty Officer 3rd Class Jacob Volz, Seaman Bolden R. Harrison and Petty Officer 2nd Class George F. Henrechon. Nisperos, who lost his right arm after being shot and speared through the body, also earned the Medal of Honor for his valor.
In 1913, McGuire married Florence Reed. Two years later, they had a daughter, Geraldine. The family settled in Mountain Grove, Missouri, around 1933, but McGuire remained in the Navy until retirement in 1939. He was recalled to active duty during World War II and served in the Hospital Corps Division at the Bureau of Medicine in Washington. He was put back on the retired list in October 1945, after the war ended.
McGuire was a member of the America Legion and Kiwanis Club, as well as the Army and Navy Legion of Valor.
McGuire died on Feb. 4, 1958, in the town of Mountain Grove. He is buried in Springfield National Cemetery in Springfield, Missouri.
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Social Security Matters
By RUSSELL GLOOR
National Social Security Advisor at the AMAC Foundation
Ask Rusty – Should my Husband File and then Suspend His Benefits?
Dear Rusty: My financial advisor used a computer program which told my husband to take his SS at age 68, then suspend it after a few months. What I understood was if my husband started and then stopped taking distributions, he would earn delayed retirement credits and thus get more at age 70. I know waiting increases SS amounts, by 8% a year, but does purposely starting and then stopping SS increase distributions even more? Signed: Confused
Dear Confused: Suspending receipt of one’s SS benefits after their FRA (as in your husband’s case) does result in him earning Delayed Retirement Credits (DRCs), but the DRCs earned accumulate at the same rate as if he simply waited longer to claim his SS benefit in the first place. DRCs are earned up to 70 years of age, at which point your husband’s maximum SS benefit is attained (FYI, DRCs earn .667% of additional benefit for each month benefits are delayed or suspended, or 8% per year). But I see no advantage to your husband starting his benefits now (at 68) and then suspending them several months later to earn DRCs – the number of DRCs earned are the same in either case, so he could simply wait to apply for his Social Security benefits until he is 70 to get his maximum amount.
The only rationale I can think of to claim and then suspend after doing so is to get a few months of his benefit payments before suspending. But the few months he received benefits before suspending will be considered when he later unsuspends his benefit, so that his total payment amount will be a bit less at 70 than it would otherwise be if he simply waits longer to claim SS. And, just for information, he can’t “file and suspend” his benefits so that you can receive a spousal benefit from him. That option (to file and suspend, enabling a spouse to receive benefits) was eliminated by the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015 - while your husband’s benefits are suspended, you cannot receive a spousal benefit from him.
So, frankly, I see no advantage to your husband claiming his benefit now and then suspending them a few months later. If his goal is to maximize his SS benefit, then the best way to do that is simply wait longer to claim.
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Strategies for adding native plants to your landscape
By MELINDA MYERS
More and more gardeners are adding native plants to their landscapes. These plants provide more than beautiful flowers for us to enjoy. They also support pollinators and other beneficial insects, and provide food and shelter for songbirds, toads, and other wildlife.
In addition, these plants help protect and improve our soil and manage stormwater. The plants slow stormwater runoff and help direct it into the soil through pathways created by their deep roots to the groundwater below. These deep roots also help break up compacted clay soils. Legumes like blue false indigo (Baptisia australis) that are hardy in zones 3 to 10 help add nitrogen to the soil while supporting a variety of pollinators.
Look to woodland native plants if you are gardening in the shade. Tall black cohosh (Actaea racemosa) grows 4 to 6 feet tall, has white flowers in summer, and is a host plant for the Appalachian azure butterfly. The spring-blooming native columbine’s (Aquilegia canadensis) red and yellow flowers provide food for hummingbirds and long-tongued insects. Wild ginger (Asarum canadense) makes an excellent groundcover that can hold its ground against garlic mustard and other invasive plants.
Perhaps you or members of your household have been reluctant to add these plants to your landscape. Some people worry that these plants won’t fit in with their current landscape design or be accepted by their neighbors. One option is to start including native plants in your landscape one plant or garden at a time.
As always, make sure the plants you select are suited to the growing conditions, your garden design, and the available space. Some native plants are aggressive and work best when given a lot of room to grow and spread. Others grow in clumps and slowly increase in size making them easier to include in smaller yards.
Common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) is a wonderful but very aggressive native plant that’s a favorite of the monarch caterpillar. It spreads by seeds and deep rhizomes making it challenging to contain. Consider growing other native milkweeds that will support the monarch but are less aggressive when space is limited. Butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa) hardy in zones 3 to 10 is a great option for those with sunny well-drained locations. Red milkweed also known as swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata) also grows best in full sun, but this milkweed tolerates moist soils.
Think about substitutions when starting to add native plants to the garden. When one plant dies look for a native plant to fill the void. Consider one with a similar growth habit, texture, and bloom time. Prairie dropseed (Sporobolus heterolepsis) is a North American native grass with a growth habit similar to ornamental fountain grass (Pennisetum) and it provides many more benefits. Hardy in zones 3 to 8, it has uniquely fragrant flowers in late summer, golden fall color, and seeds that look like gems when covered with ice in the winter. It is also a host plant for six different moths and butterflies. This elegant grass is at home in just about any style garden.
As you get to know the native plants of your region and gain experience adding them to your gardens you may decide to create gardens of all native plants. Look to nature for some winning combinations. Combine plants that look good together, have the same growing conditions, and are equally assertive. When aggressive plants are mixed in with timid plants, you end up with a garden of just one or two overly assertive plants.
As always, do your research first. Visit nearby nature centers and talk to others growing native plants to gather information and inspiration. As you gain success and confidence, you are sure to find creative ways to add these beauties to your landscape.
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A humorous Nobel Prize
There’s the Nobel Prize and then there is the Ig Nobel Prize. The Nobel Prize honors “discoveries that have conferred the greatest benefit to humankind.” The Ig Nobel Prize was created in 1991 by Marc Abrahams, editor and co-founder of the Annals of Improbable Research, to make “people laugh and then think.” Among this year’s prize winners was a Japanese research team that discovered mammals can breathe through their butts. This year’s Ig Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to the late Harvard psychologist, B.F. Skinner, for his research into whether pigeons in missiles were able to guide their flights.
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Autumn Art?
Margaret Zeitouny went for a walk with her dog on a trail in Waltham's Cedarwood Park in Massachusetts and stumbled upon a formation of pinecones “in a circle pattern with a repetitive design. Making them is a meditative thing. I don't know if the artist is coming up and checking on it, but I am. I want to take a picture a day until it's not there anymore. I am not on board with aliens, and definitely not on board with satanic ritual. I appreciate that someone spent a significant amount of time putting it together and put it together on the edge of the trail."
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A first daredevil
According to the Encyclopedia Britannica, bungee jumping is a sport in which the jumper falls from a high place connected to a large elastic cord. Stunt driver Laurent Lasko took bungee jumping to a new level recently when he attached his car to eight bungee cords and dropped no less than 213 feet, three inches, becoming the first daredevil to win the Guinness World Records title for “the highest car bungee jump.” The event took place in the Paris Business District, organized by the Nissan motor company.
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Medal of Honor: Navy Cmdr. Arthur M. Preston
By DAVID UMORU JR.
Department of Defense News
During World War II, Navy Cmdr. Arthur Murray Preston risked his life to save a pilot while navigating his own seaborne vessels through heavy gunfire. This remarkable display of courage in the Pacific Theater led him to receive the Medal of Honor.
Preston was born on Nov. 1, 1913, in Washington, D.C., to Ord and Carolyn Preston. He had a younger brother, also named Ord.
Preston graduated from Yale University and the University of Virginia before going on to practice law in his hometown. However, in September 1940, he chose to enlist in the Navy's V-7 training program, which accelerated the expansion of the service's officer corps.
After completing his training at Northwestern University's Naval Reserve Midshipmen's School, Preston was commissioned as an ensign in March 1941. His early naval career included service with Motor Boat Submarine Chaser Squadron One, followed by advanced training at the U.S. Naval Torpedo School and the Packard Marine Engine School. He was assigned to Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron One in Hawaii by August 1941 and he was there when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941, a turning point that propelled the United States into World War II.
Preston's service continued to evolve, and he was promoted to lieutenant by the end of 1942. After a stateside stint as an instructor at Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron 4 in Newport, Rhode Island, he took command of Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron 33 in October 1943. Under his command, the squadron was deployed to the South Pacific.
On Sept. 16, 1944, while operating in the hazardous waters near Wasile Bay off Halmahera Island, Preston embarked on a rescue mission. A Navy pilot, Ensign Harold A. Thompson, had been shot down near the Japanese-held coast.
Leading two patrol torpedo boats, Preston navigated through 60 miles of heavily mined waters. Facing intense enemy fire that forced his team to retreat twice, they successfully rescued Thompson and returned to safety at high speed. For his "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity" during the mission, Preston was bestowed the Medal of Honor.
Later in 1944, Preston's squadron played a crucial role in preparing for the landings during the Battle of Leyte Gulf and the Battle of Surigao Strait. By December, he had become senior squadron commander for motor torpedo boats in the Philippine Islands and operations officer for all PT boats in the Leyte area. He continued to participate in significant operations throughout the region, including landings in the Southern Visayas region during the winter and spring of 1945.
Preston received the Medal of Honor from President Harry S. Truman on Dec. 19, 1947, during a White House ceremony. Preston's wife, Elizabeth, whom he married in 1941, celebrated with him. The pair went on to have two sons.
After the war, Preston returned to the U.S. and served as aide and flag secretary to the commandant of the Fifth Naval District at Norfolk, Virginia. In July 1945, he was promoted to lieutenant commander, and later that year, he was released from active duty.
Preston resumed his law practice in Washington, D.C., but remained connected to the Navy in the inactive reserves. In recognition of his wartime service, he was promoted to commander upon his retirement in 1953.
Preston passed away on Jan. 7, 1968, and was laid to rest with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery.
His Medal of Honor can be found on display at the Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina.
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Social Security Matters
By RUSSELL GLOOR
National Social Security Advisor at the AMAC Foundation
Ask Rusty – About Widow’s Benefits vs. Benefits from my Ex-spouse
Dear Rusty: In November I will be 60 and eligible for widow’s benefits. My late husband’s Social Security was approximately $2,300 when he passed around 7 years ago. FYI, my ex-husband is still working and will probably receive the highest SS when he retires in about 5 years (we were married for more than 10 years). Either of these is more than my own Social Security will be, so how does this work? Will this turn into my Social Security? Can I start on one and switch to the other later? Signed: Wondering Widow
Dear Wondering Widow: Provided you have not remarried before age 60, you have a choice which benefit to receive – either your deceased husband’s benefit as his surviving spouse, or your ex-spouse benefit from your ex-husband while he is still living. Taking your survivor benefit from your deceased husband will likely be best because it is based on 100% of his SS amount when he died, whereas your ex-spouse benefit from your living ex-husband is based on 50% of his FRA entitlement. To get an ex-spouse benefit from your ex-husband (which you can’t get until you are 62), your own SS retirement benefit would need to be less than 50% of your ex’s FRA entitlement.
As you know, you will be eligible for survivor (widow’s) benefits from your deceased husband when you are 60 but be aware that by taking your survivor benefit at 60, it will be reduced for early claiming. Rather than 100% of your husband’s SS benefit, at age 60 you will get about 71.5%. Your surviving spouse benefit reaches maximum at your full retirement age (FRA) of 67 and will grow to that point but will be reduced if taken prior to that.
Also, if you are working, Social Security’s “earnings test” will apply until you reach your full retirement age, so your plans for working may influence your decision on when to claim your widow’s benefit. If you exceed the earnings limit ($22,320 for 2024; it changes annually), Social Security will take away $1 in benefits for every $2 you are over the limit. They “take away” by withholding future benefits until the penalty is satisfied, which means you would go some number of months without benefits. And, if you substantially exceed the earnings limit you may even be temporarily ineligible for any SS benefits (until you earn less or reach your FRA - the earnings test goes away at your FRA).
If you claim your surviving spouse benefits from your deceased husband first, and your ex-husband later dies, you do have the option to switch to the higher survivor benefit from your ex-husband. In effect, if both husbands are deceased, you have a choice which benefit to take (and, obviously, you’d chose the higher of the two).
None of this, however, happens automatically. To claim your surviving spouse benefit you will need to contact Social Security directly at 1.800.772.1213 (or call your local SS office) to make an appointment to apply for widow’s benefits.
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A very big cell phone
The benefit of an iPhone is that it fits conveniently in your pocket. The cell phone built by techies Arun Maini and Matthew Perks is so big -- 6.74 feet tall and 441 pounds -- that you’d have a hard time carrying it around in a truck. In fact, it takes a team to use it. Nonetheless, this super-size iPhone 15 Pro Max really works; it comes complete with a touch screen, a camera – all the features of a pocket size phone. It’s so big and operational that it won a Guinness World Record.
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Love that cat
Sumatran tigers found on the Indonesian island of Sumatra are Critically Endangered; it’s estimated that less than 600 of them can be found in the wild. Thus, the birth of a baby Sumatran tiger cub at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park is big news. Park officials say, “the birth adds incredibly important genes into the pool of the population, furthering the genetic diversity and health of the Sumatran tiger species." The zoo says the baby and its Mom are doing well, providing hope for the future of these threatened felines.
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It took a big effort
David Rush of Boise, Idaho holds the most Guinness World Records in the world. Among his 180 records is the one he set for spitting out 43 ping-pong balls in 30 seconds. But, recently, he upped the ante by spitting out no less than 47 ping-pong balls in half a minute. "Sure, it's not the most flattering record,” he said, “but I'm proud of the effort that it took and the hundreds of failures I was able to overcome to capture this Guinness World Records title."
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Fall planting provides months of continuous spring color
By MELINDA MYERS
Welcome spring and create continuous color for several months with a collection of spring-flowering bulbs. After planting in the fall, you’ll enjoy an array of flower colors that combine nicely with other spring-flowering trees, shrubs, and flowers.
Start the season with early blooming snowdrops. As winter fades watch for the dangling white flowers on six- to ten-inch-tall plants. Include these small flowers in rock gardens, mixed borders, and informal landscapes in sunny and part-shade locations.
Include a tapestry of colors with white, purple, lavender, and yellow crocus. Large Flowering Pickwick crocus offers unique blooms of white flowers with purple pinstripes. Its striped petals surround the red-orange stamens making this a standout in any planting. Crocus are a favorite of critters as well as gardeners so consider protecting them with a repellent as the leaves emerge in spring.
Look to early, mid, and late spring blooming tulips and daffodil varieties to maximize the color in your landscape throughout the spring. Check catalog descriptions and package labels to help you select an array of bloom times. Longfield Gardens’ Bloom Times Guide to Spring and Summer Bulbs (Longfield-Gardens.com) can also help you plan for three months of color in your landscape.
Look to Emperor, Kaufmanniana, and Greigii tulips for a bit of early spring color. Add some fragrance and showy, peony-like flowers with Double Early Foxtrot. This award-winning tulip has sturdy, weatherproof stems that support its loosely cupped flowers. Its petals contain a range of pink shades from white to deep rose.
Plant some Darwin Hybrid and Triumph tulips for mid-spring color in the garden. The two-toned flowers on Apricot Impression seem to glow and as a Darwin hybrid, they will have a long-lasting presence in your garden. Finish the spring season with fancy ruffled parrot tulips, fringed and lily tulips, and more single and double late bloomers. You’ll enjoy the extended show and late spring flowers to enjoy in arrangements.
Don’t overlook daffodils. You’ll find a variety of flowers with long, short, large, and split trumpets. Daffodil flowers may be one color, or the trumpet may be a different color than the color of the surrounding petals. Double varieties add a unique look to any garden. The early- to mid-spring blooming Cyclamineus Tete-a-Tete daffodil may be small in stature at seven inches but the bright yellow flowers and three blossoms per stem make it visible from a distance.
Combine some Armenian grape hyacinths with mid-spring blooming tulips, daffodils, and perennials. Their small, cobalt-blue, fragrant flowers last weeks and look good wherever they are planted.
Bridge spring and summer flower seasons in your garden with Purple Sensation allium. This late spring blooming bulb has four-inch round purple flowers high atop 24 to 30” stems. These reliable bloomers are critter-resistant like daffodils and grape hyacinths. Enjoy them in your garden, fresh bouquets, and dried flower arrangements.
Make this the year you select and do some fall planting of various early, mid, and late spring flowering bulbs. You’ll be rewarded with a burst of early spring color and sustained beauty from a mix of spring flowering bulbs.
Medal of Honor: Marine Corps Sgt. Dakota Meyer
By KATIE LANGE
Department of Defense News
In 2009, during the war in Afghanistan, Marine Corps Sgt. Dakota Louis Meyer spent hours traversing an active combat zone to rescue dozens of trapped men and recover the bodies of four U.S. service members. Despite disobeying orders to do so, Meyer's actions led him the Medal of Honor.
Meyer was born June 26, 1988, in Columbia, Kentucky, to Felicia Gilliam and Mike Meyer. He grew up on his father's farm and enjoyed hunting and playing football.
After Meyer graduated from Green County High School in 2006, he decided to follow in his grandfather's footstep and become a Marine. He trained as an infantryman and sniper and deployed to Iraq in 2007. In 2009, Meyer volunteered to go to Afghanistan to be an advisor to the Afghan army, working as a turret gunner attached to Embedded Training Team 2-8, Regional Corps Advisory Command 3-7.
Shortly before dawn on Sept. 8, 2009, the 21-year-old Meyer was working security at a patrol rally point in Kunar Province while other unit members and two platoons of Afghan soldiers walked into the village of Ganjgal for an early-morning meeting with its elders.
It was a trap. As the unit moved in, the village's lights suddenly went out, and the patrol was ambushed. More than 50 Taliban fighters broke the morning silence by firing machine guns, rocket-propelled grenades and mortars from houses and other fortified positions on the slopes above the town.
Meyer and Staff Sgt. Juan Rodriguez-Chavez were about a mile away when the chaos was broadcast over the radio. When they heard that four U.S. team members — Meyer's friends — were surrounded, he asked for permission four times to go in and help. Each time, he was told no — it was too dangerous.
Meyer chose to go in anyway. He hopped into a nearby Humvee and, with Rodriguez-Chavez driving, took the gunner's position as they drove through steeply terraced terrain into the fight.
"They were defying orders, but they were doing what they thought was right," President Barack Obama later said during Meyer's Medal of Honor ceremony.
Suddenly, the intense insurgent fire was focused on them. Even though Meyer's entire upper body was exposed, he ignored the intense fire around him. Using mounted machine guns and a rifle, he took out several insurgents, including some at point-blank range. Meyer and Rodriguez-Chavez made several trips like this into the ambush area.
During the first two trips, the pair were able to evacuate two-dozen Afghan soldiers, many of whom were wounded. According to Meyer's Medal of Honor citation, when one of his Humvee's machine guns stopped working, he directed Rodriguez-Chavez to go back to the rally point to exchange vehicles.
On their third trip into the ambush area, Meyer used his fire power to help more trapped men fight their way out. By then, their vehicle was riddled with bullets and shrapnel.
"Those who were there called it the most intense combat they'd ever seen," Obama later said. "Dakota and Juan would have been forgiven for not going back in. But as Dakota says, you don't leave anyone behind."
Meyer had suffered a shrapnel wound to his arm, but he disregarded the pain and made two more trips into the ambush area to recover more Afghan soldiers, this time with support from other friendly vehicles.
By their fifth trip into the ambush area, cover fire from a UH-60 Black Hawk had finally arrived to offer air support, according to a 2011 Associated Press article. The helicopter reported that it could see what appeared to be four bodies, so Meyer went to that area to search for his missing team members.
"He kept going until he came upon those four Americans, laying where they fell, together as one team," Obama said. "Dakota and the others who had joined him knelt down, picked up their comrades and — through all those bullets, all the smoke, all the chaos — carried them out, one by one. Because, as Dakota says, 'That's what you do for a brother.'"
For his commitment and courage during those harrowing six hours, Meyer received the Medal of Honor on Sept. 15, 2011, during a White House ceremony hosted by Obama, with whom the Marine shared a beer earlier in the week.
"Because of your honor, 36 men are alive today," Obama said at the ceremony. "Because of your courage, four fallen American heroes came home, and in the words of James Layton's mom, could lay their sons to rest with dignity."
Meyer told the president he accepted the award to honor the men who died in the Ganjgal firefight: Marine Corps 1st Lt. Michael Johnson, Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Edwin Johnson, Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Aaron Kenefick, Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class James Layton, a medic; and Army Sgt. 1st Class Kenneth Westbrook, who was wounded in the ambush and later died.
Meyer was the first living Marine to be awarded the Medal of Honor for actions in Iraq or Afghanistan. Only two other Marines from those conflicts were bestowed the high honor: Cpl. Kyle Carpenter, who received the award in 2014 for actions in Afghanistan in 2010; and Cpl. Jason Dunham, who died in Iraq in 2004 and received a posthumous Medal of Honor in 2007.
Rodriguez-Chavez, who fought with Meyer in Ganjgal, received the Navy Cross for his valor.
Meyer left the active duty Marine Corps in June 2010. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, he took a job at a construction site and worked for the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation. He's also spent time as a firefighter and first responder.
Meyer has co-written two books: "Into the Fire," about the Battle of Ganjgal; and "The Way Forward," which focuses on life lessons after war. He continues to work with service members, visiting various military installations and taking part in the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Hiring Our Heroes initiative. He's also a vocal advocate for post-traumatic stress disorder awareness, something which he suffers from and has sought treatment.
Meyer continues to be honored by his community. In 2011, he earned an honorary doctorate degree from Lindsey Wilson College in his hometown. A portion of Highway 61 in Columbia was also named for him.
Meyer has two daughters and is an active church member.
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5 simple ways to enhance healthy aging
Fredericksburg Fitness Studio, a private personal training studio, shares things that should not be skipped for healthy aging
FREDERICKSBURG, Virginia – September is Healthy Aging Month, making it an excellent time to remind ourselves of what it takes to age in a healthy manner. While some of how we age is determined by genetics, there are many things we can do to help enhance our aging and increase longevity. While it's often difficult for people to remove things from their lives, simple things can be added to help improve aging.
"If you choose just a few things to add to your life, you will help when it comes to aging," explains Jennifer Scherer, a registered dietitian nutritionist, medical exercise specialist, certified personal trainer, and owner of Fredericksburg Fitness Studio. “There are many things people can do to be healthier, but don't feel overwhelmed by them all. Pick a couple to get started with, and you can always add and modify later."
By adopting even one more healthy habit, people can increase longevity. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), a study found that if people maintained five cornerstones of living healthy, they could improve their longevity by a decade. However, each of the main five healthy lifestyle habits would add years to the person's life. The five habits include eating healthier, not smoking, exercising regularly, limiting alcohol, and maintaining an average weight.
Most people are used to hearing about those same five lifestyle habits as a way to be healthier, so they are often looking for something a little simpler that they can do. The good news is that there are plenty of small things that people can do that will add up to big results for their health as they age. These things play an important role not only in one's longevity but also in the quality of life they have in their years.
Here are five simple things that everyone can do to enhance their healthy aging:
Maintain muscle. Being independent and maintaining mobility as one age is dependent upon muscle strength. Yet, according to Harvard Health, the human body tends to lose 3-5% of muscle mass per decade after the age of 30. Less muscle mass leads to weakness and increases the risks of falls and fractures. To maintain muscle mass, consume enough protein each day and do workouts that include weight training or bearing exercises each week.
Get social. Loneliness is something many people experience as they age. According to the NIH, loneliness in older adults is a public health risk, and it's putting people at risk for dementia and other serious medical conditions. Loneliness is associated with an increased risk for depression, anxiety, suicide, dementia, heart failure, and other issues. Make a point to be socially involved each week, whether by joining a book club, playing card games with the neighbors, or walking the dog and stopping to talk to neighbors.
Engage the brain. Healthy aging includes keeping the brain active and sharp. Make a point to do things that will engage the brain, such as reading, doing puzzles, learning something new, using the opposite hand to do routine tasks, etc. Brain health impacts cognitive health, motor function, emotional function, tactile function, and sensory function, making it well worth the effort to keep the brain engaged.
Be optimistic. Looking at the bright side of things is good for one's health. The National Institute on Aging reports that optimism is linked to longevity and well-being. They found that being optimistic is linked to a longer lifespan in women, leading to better emotional health in older men. They report that several studies show optimism is linked to living longer, and it is something people can choose to do. One can train themselves to become more optimistic by practicing mindfulness, meditation, exercising, journaling, practicing gratitude, etc.
Practice Pilates. While many people are not familiar with this form of exercise, there are plenty of benefits to doing it, and getting started it easier than one may realize. The results of a research study were published in the European Journal of Health, Psychology and Education that looked at the benefits of those over 60 doing Pilates. They found that there were improvements in balance, lower limb strength, pulmonary function, and that it helped those with short-term memory deficits, and improved overall quality of life. Researchers concluded that Pilates contributes to a healthier and more active aging.
“Start small if you need to, but just get started on something,” added Scherer. “Every positive change you make is worth the time and effort. We are happy to help you get started, keep you motivated, and help you reach new goals.”
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TOPS Club offers ways to boost brain health during World Alzheimer’s Month
Milwaukee, WI – It’s time to act on Alzheimer’s.
This is the 2024 theme for World Alzheimer’s Month, which occurs annually in September. World Alzheimer’s Month is dedicated to raising public awareness around Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, reducing the stigma attached to them, and highlighting the steps organizations take to develop a more dementia-friendly society.
TOPS Club, Inc. (Take Off Pounds Sensibly SM), the nonprofit weight-loss support organization, with a “Real People. Real Weight Loss.®” philosophy, recognizes World Alzheimer’s Month and the need for education around cognitive decline. It also emphasizes that making healthy lifestyle changes can lower an individual’s risk of developing dementia or Alzheimer’s.
Factors like obesity, heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes can increase the risk of dementia, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. The following are a few actions for individuals to help slow — and potentially avoid altogether — the effects of cognitive decline:
Increase Blood Flow to Your Brain
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), regular cardiovascular activity increases blood flow to your brain and can reduce dementia risk factors.
Exercise can do everything from increasing the hippocampus, or the part of the brain associated with memory and learning, to promoting healthy synapses, the space between neurons that send messages from your brain to your body. The oxygen and glucose fed to the brain during movement can also help make the brain more efficient.
TOPS encourages individuals to find a physical activity they enjoy or can seamlessly integrate into their lives. Suggestions include taking the stairs instead of the elevator, parking the car farther from the store entrance, taking a dance class, or going with friends for morning walks or a round of golf.
Feed Your Brain
Eating right nourishes the brain, assisting in critical thinking, attentiveness, and memory.
According to Harvard Health, while no single food, beverage, vitamin, or supplement is proven to cure or prevent Alzheimer’s or dementia, certain foods are more brain-friendly, like:
Leafy greens, such as kale, spinach, and broccoli, have been shown to slow cognitive decline.
Fish like salmon, cod, and pollack contain low levels of beta-amyloids that cause unhealthy build-up in the brains of those with Alzheimer’s.
Berries, such as strawberries and blueberries, contain a flavonoid that gives the berries their color and helps individuals with memory.
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Social Security Matters
By RUSSELL GLOOR
National Social Security Adviser at the AMAC Foundation
Ask Rusty – Husband Upset about HIs Wife’s Survivor Benefit
Dear Rusty: This is a matter that I find particularly irksome. My wife – a retired teacher – was told that, should I pre-decease her, she is not eligible to get survivor benefits from my Social Security payments. I’m sure there is some arcane, bureaucratic justification for this, but I think it unconscionable. Is this true and if so, what sort of major miracle would be required to alter that? Signed: Disgruntled in Texas
Dear Disgruntled: If your wife was a teacher in a school district (which includes all Texas school districts) that exempted her from paying into Social Security, then any Social Security surviving spouse benefit she becomes entitled to from you will be affected by a provision called the Government Pension Offset (GPO). The GPO will reduce her Social Security survivor benefit by two-thirds (67%) of the amount of her (non-covered) teacher’s pension, which can (and often does) eliminate her surviving spouse benefit. The GPO affects teachers in about 15 states who have opted not to participate in Social Security.
For information, this is similar to what happens to a spouse who has also earned a Social Security retirement benefit – their survivor benefit is offset by their Social Security retirement benefit, and only the excess (if any) is paid. The GPO is actually a bit more generous, in that your wife’s survivor benefit is only offset by 2/3rds of her non-covered teacher’s pension, whereas the offset is 100% for other surviving spouses who have earned SS retirement benefits as well. This is a provision that has been law since 1977, affecting all those who have a pension earned without contributing to Social Security. Its premise was to better equalize the way SS benefits are paid to everyone.
How can that be altered? Well, the only way is by Congress changing Social Security law. There have been numerous attempts to change the GPO law over the years, none of which have been successful. Indeed, there is a proposed law – H.R. 82 – The Social Security Fairness Act – which was introduced in Congress last year. That proposal, to eliminate the GPO (and a sister provision called the Windfall Elimination Provision), has essentially made little Congressional progress, short of a few committee hearings, and the outlook for passage at this point is about zero.
I’m afraid I can’t be optimistic that the GPO will be repealed, as Congress is more keenly focused on resolving Social Security’s looming solvency issue, set to come to a head in less than a decade.
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7 fall tips for readying your outdoor power equipment for winter
Prep equipment for season changes, save time and future headaches
After your lawn gets its last cut before winter, it will be time to put away spring and summer outdoor power equipment, like lawn mowers, leaf blowers, and trimmers. It’s also important to ready snow throwers, generators and other small engine equipment for winter use. How and when you prepare your equipment for seasonal changes can save you time and money later, says the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI).
“Readying your equipment for winter needs is important as the weather changes,” says Kris Kiser, President and CEO of OPEI. “It’s also important to put your fall equipment away correctly. What you do now when you put away your equipment, sets you up for an easier start in the spring.”
Here are seven tips from OPEI to ensure snow throwers will be ready when the flakes fly and chainsaws, generators and other equipment are ready for winter storms. Also, your lawn mower and other spring equipment will be available and ready for use when warmer temperatures return.
#1 - Review owner’s manuals. Re-familiarize yourself with how to handle equipment safely. Lost manuals can be found online. Save a copy on your computer if possible, so it can be consulted when needed. Be familiar with your equipment, and all its features, including how to turn it off quickly and safely.
#2 - Service all equipment. Before storing spring and summer equipment, clean and service it or take it to a small engine repair shop. Change engine oil and safely dispose of the old oil. Service the air filter, and do other maintenance as directed by the owner’s manual. Check winter equipment and see if any maintenance and repairs are required.
#3 - Handle fuel properly. Unused fuel left in gas tanks over the winter can go stale and even damage equipment. Before storing equipment, add fuel stabilizer to the gas tank, then run the equipment to distribute it. Turn the engine off, allow the machine to cool, then restart and run until the gas tank is empty. For winter equipment, buy the recommended type of fuel no more than 30 days before use. Use fuel with no more than 10% ethanol in outdoor power equipment. Use a fuel stabilizer if recommended by the manufacturer. Get more information on safe fueling for outdoor power equipment at LookBeforeYouPump.com.
#4 - Charge batteries. Remove and fully charge batteries before storing. Don’t store batteries on metal shelves or allow them to touch metal objects. Store them on a plastic or wood shelf in a climate-controlled structure.
#5 - Shelter equipment from winter weather. Store spring and summer equipment in a clean and dry place such as a garage, barn or shed. Winter equipment should be kept away from the elements, but be easily available for use.
#6 - Prepare, prepare, prepare. Make space in the garage or basement before the weather changes, so there is room to store larger yard items. Remove sticks, debris, dog and kid’s toys and other items from your yard that can damage or destroy equipment. Clear the paths used regularly, especially during the winter when snow can “hide” things.
#7 - Have the right weather appropriate extension cord for your generator. Keep heavy duty outdoor-rated extension cords on hand. Ensure the cord is the right length to operate the generator a safe distance from the building. Never operate a generator indoors, in a garage, breezeway or under an open window or near any air intake for a building.
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Tips for preventing vole damage in your landscape
By MELINDA MYERS
Matted down, grassy trails in the lawn and missing bark on trees and shrubs in late winter and early spring might be when you first become aware of voles in your landscape. Fall is an important time to protect plants from damage.
Voles are herbivores actively feeding on plants, seeds, bulbs, and the trunks and roots of various trees and ornamental plants year-round. Soon after planting you may discover voles have devoured young plants and dug up newly planted seeds and bulbs.
Moles are often blamed for the damage caused by voles. Unlike voles, moles feed on earthworms and some soil-dwelling insects. They travel in interconnected tunnels 3 to 12” below ground whereas voles typically use above-ground surface runways.
Although short-lived, voles are very productive, and their populations tend to peak every three to five years. You’ll often see a rise in the number of voles and damage they cause when winters are mild and there is a consistent cover.
The damage to lawns is irritating but usually only cosmetic and can be repaired. Allow the surrounding grass to fill in narrow trails or overseed the trails and damaged areas in spring.
Reduce the risk of damage to your plants by pulling mulch away from the trunk of trees and stems of shrubs. Enclose susceptible plants, typically new plantings and young trees, with a cylinder of hardware cloth. Sink the wire several inches into the ground to keep the voles out.
Keep the grass surrounding flower beds mowed to reduce the risk of voles moving into the garden. Cut tall grasses shorter in the fall so they do not fall over and create homes for these pests. The same is true for branches lying on the ground. Trimming these off the soil surface also helps eliminate vole habitats.
Boost your success by including Plantskydd (plantskydd.com) in your efforts to prevent vole damage. This organic odor-based repellent is snow and rain-resistant. Apply a liberal amount of the granular Plantskydd over the soil surface around your plantings. Apply it in the fall to protect your plants over winter and early in the growing season to protect new plantings. As always, read and follow label directions for the greatest success.
Some gardeners choose to use a snap trap to manage these rodents. When populations are high there can be hundreds of them, limiting the success of this option. If you opt to use a rat trap baited with peanut butter and oats and placed on one of their trails, set it inside a pipe. The pipe or a similar cover prevents birds from feeding on the oats and being killed by the trap.
A variety of animals including hawks, owls, and foxes feast on voles, helping to manage their populations. Avoid using rodent poison that puts them as well as cats and dogs at risk when feeding on a poisoned vole.
Working with nature and adapting your landscape management strategies can help you reduce vole damage while growing a beautiful landscape.
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It’s au naturel
What a way to promote ways to save fuel: create a parade of “all forms of human-powered transportation” such as bare-back bicycling. In Philadelphia they’ve been celebrating an annual Philly Naked Bike Ride for 15 years. It attracts hundreds of bike riders each year, most of whom are “as bare as you dare.” A great number of the hundreds of bikers, skateboarders and boys and girls who prefer scooters paint their bodies for the event. Most of them ride their way through town in the nude.
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Scary snakes
More than 600 people showed up for this year’s decade-old Florida Python Hunt in August. According to Florida Today, Pythons swallow any critters in their path that look like lunch and “they spread deadly parasitic diseases to our native snakes.” Thus the need for the hunt, which engages the state’s citizens to join in the annual Everglades conservation. The annual event gives citizen hunters an opportunity to win as much as $10,000 in prizes and to “increase awareness about invasive species in the state and the threats they pose to Florida’s ecology.”
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The danger of small batteries
Lithium-ion batteries can store large amounts of power in small cells and are quick and easy to recharge. They also can catch fire or explode. The Tulsa [OK] Fire Department recently posted a video showing just how easy and dangerous a lithium-ion battery can be. The fire department explained that when its energy “is released uncontrollably, it can generate heat, produce flammable and toxic gasses and even lead to explosions.”
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Medal of Honor: Army Bugler John Cook
By KATIE LANGE
Department of Defense News
Civil War Union Army bugler John Cook is one of the youngest Medal of Honor recipients in American history. When he was just a teen, he marched into battle with his counterparts several times, including during the bloody Battle of Antietam, where he took over as a cannoneer to help fend off a Confederate advance.
Cook was born on Aug. 16, 1847, in Cincinnati, to Thomas and Lydia Cook. Months after the Civil War broke out, the young man, who was already working as a laborer, wanted to do his part to help, so — at age 14 and standing at a mere 4 feet 9 inches, according to historians — he enlisted in the Union Army.
Cook served with Battery B of the 4th U.S. Artillery as a bugler, but the role was like a messenger, of sorts. The bugle's high-pitched sound could reach further than human voices, so it was used to pass on officers' orders, via a system of calls and signals, to units across a battlefield.
On Sept. 17, 1862, Cook's unit was among a detachment under the command of Maj. Gen. Joseph Hooker during the Battle of Antietam, Maryland. As daylight broke that morning, the battery was marching south on Hagerstown Pike when it came under heavy fire from Confederate infantrymen.
During the early part of the melee, the unit's leader, Capt. Joseph B. Campbell, was injured by musket fire as he dismounted a horse. Cook, who was nearby, helped him to safety behind some haystacks before being ordered by Campbell to let Lt. James Stewart know he would have to take command of the battery.
Cook returned to the battery to pass that message on. After he completed the mission, however, he noticed that the attack had killed most of his unit's cannoneers.
Without thinking twice, the young man began loading cannons by himself until Gen. John Gibbon, who happened to be riding by, saw him doing the work alone. Gibbon — still dressed in a general's uniform — hopped off his horse and began to help. While the Confederates came dangerously close to completely taking over, Gibbon and Cook were able to successfully man the cannons and push the enemy back.
The Battle of Antietam was considered the bloodiest of the Civil War. According to a 1961 Cincinnati Enquirer newspaper article, 40 of Battery B's 100 men were either killed or injured during the fight.
Cook's heroics weren't only during the Battle of Antietam. In 1863, during the Battle of Gettysburg, he worked fervently to carry messages across a half mile of open terrain as enemy fire flew around him. He also helped destroy a damaged caisson to keep it from falling into enemy hands.
Cook received an honorable discharge from the Army in June 1864; however, he wasn't quite finished serving his country. In September 1864, Cook briefly joined the Union Navy. According to Arlington Historical Magazine, he served on the Union gunboat Peosta until June 1865, shortly after the war ended.
After his second stint at service, Cook moved back to Cincinnati, where he worked in his father's shoe shop. In 1870, he married Isabella MacBryde. They had three children, John, Rebecca and Margarette.
According to the Cincinnati Enquirer, Cook eventually got bored working in the shoe shop, so he joined the Cincinnati police before taking a job as a county recorder.
In 1887, Cook moved his family to Washington, D.C., where he worked for many years as a guard for the U.S. Government Printing Office.
On June 30, 1894 — nearly 32 years after his valiant actions during the Battle of Antietam — Cook received the Medal of Honor for his bravery during that fight.
Cook died on Aug. 3, 1915, at age 67. He is buried in Arlington National Cemetery beside his wife, who died a year after he did.
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UAMS Housecall
By Dr. Bala Simon, associate professor in the Department of Family and Preventive Medicine in the College of Medicine at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Q: What is pulmonary fibrosis?
A: Pulmonary fibrosis is a disease in which the tissues surrounding the air sacs in the lungs become stiff and thick. This causes a buildup of scar tissue and makes it harder to breathe. The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute estimates that 100,000 Americans have the condition.
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is the most common form of the condition and is when the specific cause of the problem cannot be determined. Pulmonary fibrosis is a progressive disease, although the rate of progression varies by individual. No cure exists, and the damage to the lungs cannot be reversed.
Risk factors for pulmonary fibrosis include cigarette smoking, being between the ages of 50 and 70, working around dust or fumes, or having radiation treatments to your chest. The condition affects men more than women. Symptoms include dry cough, extreme fatigue, shortness of breath or unexplained weight loss.
Treatment generally centers on easing symptoms. Certain medicines may be prescribed to preserve lung function. Oxygen therapy can make breathing easier and lessen complications from low blood oxygen levels. A lung transplant could be recommended if the patient is a candidate. Contact your health care provider for an examination if you experience symptoms.
Q: What does a physical therapist do?
A: A physical therapist is a health care provider who helps patients affected by disease or injury improve how they perform physical movements. Physical therapists also work with patients who require assistance regaining mobility or managing pain and chronic conditions due to age or other factors.
Physical therapists are not medical doctors or doctors of osteopathy, therefore they cannot diagnose health conditions or prescribe medicine. A Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from a program approved by the Commission of Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education is required to practice, along with passing a state licensing examination. The length of a DPT program is typically three years, and includes content such as anatomy, biology, kinesiology, pathology and physiology.
A physical therapist may work in a patient’s home. Physical therapists may also be found in clinics, hospitals, nursing homes, physicians’ offices and sports and fitness facilities.
Working with a physical therapist is often a key component of a patient’s recovery from injury or surgery, or as part of a program to improve quality of life. If you’re impacted by pain or stiffness, contact your primary care provider for assistance. A physical therapist may be part of a customized treatment to manage your condition.
Q: What is cardiomyopathy? Email your health questions to housecall@uams.edu. A: Cardiomyopathy is a collection of conditions affecting the heart muscle. It causes the muscle to enlarge, become rigid, thicken or thin out. In some instances, muscle tissue is replaced with scar tissue. Cardiomyopathy can either be acquired because of another health condition or inherited. The main types of cardiomyopathy include arrhythmogenic, dilated, hypertrophic and restrictive. Arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy causes irregular heartbeats, is often inherited and is more common in males. Dilated cardiomyopathy means one of the heart ventricles is enlarged. This type is more common in males and is the most common form of cardiomyopathy found in children. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is when the muscle is thickened and often occurs in childhood or early adulthood. Restrictive cardiomyopathy occurs when the muscle is stiff or scarred and is mostly seen in older adults. Symptoms of cardiomyopathy include chest pain, dizziness, fatigue even after resting, heart palpitations or shortness of breath. Risk factors include connective tissue disorders, long-term alcohol or drug use, uncontrolled blood pressure, infections of the heart muscle or obesity. Cardiomyopathy is a serious condition that cannot be cured, but symptoms can be managed, and its progression may be slowed. Contact your health care provider if you have questions, particularly if you have a family history of heart disease.
Q: How do you treat Crohn’s disease? Email your health questions to housecall@uams.edu. A: Crohn’s disease is one of several inflammatory bowel diseases that cause chronic inflammation and swelling in the digestive tract, most commonly in parts of the small and large intestines. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases estimates that more than 500,000 people in the U.S. have the autoimmune condition. It is unknown what causes Crohn’s disease, but a malfunction of the immune system is a factor. Ileocolitis, inflammation in the lower small intestine and part of the large intestine, is the most common type of Crohn’s disease. Many are diagnosed with Crohn’s disease in their late teens through their early 30s, but the condition can occur at any age. Risk factors include cigarette smoking and family history. Symptoms include a lack of appetite, abdominal pain and cramping, diarrhea and weight loss. Crohn’s disease can cause complications such as anemia, bowel obstructions, malnutrition and ulcers. It may also increase the risk of blood clots and colon cancer. Crohn’s disease cannot be cured, but medications such as antibiotics and corticosteroids can help manage symptoms. Contact your health care provider for a treatment plan.Email your health questions to housecall@uams.edu.
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It’s under her skin
No, Esperance Lumineska Fuerzina of Bridgeport, CT was not inspired by the Frank Sinatra’s song, I’ve Got You Under My Skin. Nonetheless she’s made a name for herself by covering nearly 100% of her skin with tattoos, according to the judges at the Guinness World Records. To be precise, the tattoos cover only 99.98% of her body. But that’s not all of the story; she has 89 body modifications as well.
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The vulture vomit theory
It happened in March of 1876 when chunks of red meat rained down from the sky in Bath County, KY. It’s known as the Kentucky Meat Shower and Professor Kurt Gohde of Transylvania University in Lexington says the school has preserved a piece of the meat that rained down that day. He says a good guess is that it’s all about “a weather pattern where winds will pick up small fish and frogs, I think it's called an up-spout, and then they lay them down in another place. For me, the vulture vomit theory is the only one that feels possible." That piece of meat is currently part of an exhibit at The Bath County History Museum exhibit dedicated to most mysterious historical events.
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Better late than never
A postcard addressed to Lydia Davis of Swansea, Wales was never delivered to her when she lived at 11-12 Cradock Street 121 years ago. The Davis home is now a bank but, according to the Royal Mail service, they deliver the mail better late than never because “when an item is in our system, we are under obligation to deliver it to the correct address." The bank’s spokesman, Henry Darby, said “it's wild, actually. A little bit spooky. The stamp features King Edward who was King from 1901 until 1910.”
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Don’t let frost end your garden season
By MELINDA MYERS
No matter where you garden there never seems to be enough time to grow and enjoy all your favorite vegetables. Start preparing now to extend your growing season and continue enjoying garden fresh vegetables even after the first frost.
Some vegetables like cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, kale and Brussels sprouts tolerate frost and even taste better after a slight chill. Most of these can tolerate temperatures as low as 24 to 28 ˚F.
Leeks are another vegetable that thrives in cooler temperature. Many tolerate temperatures as low as 20˚ F. Just mound some protective mulch around the plants and continue harvesting.
Take advantage of the chilly winter temperatures to store some of your carrots, turnips and parsnips in the ground for winter. Just cover the soil with straw or evergreen boughs after it lightly freezes. Dig as needed or during a winter thaw. You will enjoy their wonderfully sweet flavor.
Those first few fall frosts are often followed by a week or more of mild temperatures. Protecting frost sensitive plants from the first few fall frosts is one way of extending your season. Cover the plants with old bed sheets, mattress pads, or similar items in late afternoon and remove them as soon as the temperatures climb above freezing. Keep these handy and be ready to cover whenever frost is in the forecast.
Make it easier by using floating row covers. The spun material allows air, light and water through while protecting the plants from frost. You will find different weights of row covers that provide different levels of temperature protection. Just loosely cover the plants and anchor the edges with stones, boards or garden pins. You only need to remove the fabric to harvest ripe vegetables. Otherwise, it can stay in place until the vegetables stop producing or you decide it is time to end the season.
Create a high tunnel over garden beds filled with large plants. Use hoops and row cover to allow easy access for harvesting while protecting the plants.
Cloches have long been used to jump start the season or extend it beyond the first fall frost. You’ll find a variety of shapes and sizes available. Select one large enough to cover your plants and protect them as needed. Look for those with vents to prevent plants from overheating and those that allow water through while trapping in the heat.
Don’t let unripe tomatoes go to waste if you are unable or unwilling to protect them from frost. Harvest any that are starting to show color before the killing frost and finish ripening them indoors. The bottom of the tomato should be greenish white or starting to color up. Store your green tomatoes in a cool (60 to 65 degrees) location to extend their storage life.
Spread out the tomatoes on heavy paper or wrap them individually in newspaper so the fruit do not touch each other. They’ll ripen over the next few weeks. Speed up the process by moving a few tomatoes to a warm bright location a few days before they're needed. Enjoy green tomatoes fried, in relish, salsa, pies or many other ways.
And when your season ends, begin planning for next year. Enlist some of these strategies to jump start the season for an earlier harvest.
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Social Security Matters
By RUSSELL GLOOR
National Social Security Adviser at the AMAC Foundation
Ask Rusty – For Advice on When to Claim Social Security
Dear Rusty: I could use some advice on whether or not I should start collecting my Social Security benefits now. I am 67 and 3 months old, and plan to continue working for at least for the next year or two. Signed: Seeking Answers
Dear Seeking: Deciding when to claim Social Security is, indeed, an important decision, as it will affect you for the rest of your life. Mainly, deciding when to claim your SS retirement benefit should consider your financial needs, but your life expectancy and marital status are equally important.
At your current age (past your full retirement age of 66 years & six months) you are already earning Delayed Retirement Credits (DRCs) at the rate of .677% higher benefit for each month you continue to delay. That adds up to an additional 8% benefit for each full year you wait beyond your FRA to claim, and that growth will continue until you are 70 years old. At that point, your benefit will be 28% higher than it would have been at your full retirement age (FRA). If you expect to achieve about “average” life expectancy (about 84 for a man your current age), then waiting until 70 to claim will get you both a higher monthly amount and the most you can get in cumulative lifetime benefits. Waiting, however, only makes sense if you expect at least average longevity. If your health is poor and you have reason to believe you won’t live to the “average,” then claiming earlier makes more sense. FYI, you may find this tool helpful to determine your potential life expectancy: https://socialsecurityreport.org/tools/life-expectancy-calculator/.
You can, of course, simply delay claiming for as long as you are still working, and then file for benefits at that time. When your paychecks stop is frequently the best time to start your SS benefits (to supplement the lost work income). And, if you are married and your wife will be entitled to a survivor benefit from you, then waiting longer to claim enhances the benefit your surviving spouse receives at your death (your surviving spouse would get your benefit amount, instead of her own smaller amount). If that is a consideration, then waiting – at least until you stop working (or age 70 if feasible) is often a prudent choice.
So, the choice is yours to make, considering your financial needs, life expectancy, and marital status. You no longer need to worry about Social Security’s annual earnings test (for those collecting benefits before their FRA) but, if it is financially feasible, waiting still longer will mean a higher monthly benefit for the rest of your life.
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Medal of Honor: Army 1st Sgt. Nicky D. Bacon
By DAVID UMORU JR.
While serving in the Vietnam War, Army 1st Sgt. Nicky Daniel Bacon put his life on the line to lead multiple platoons to safety under threat of heavy enemy fire. For these selfless actions, he received the Medal of Honor. He continued to serve in the military for more than 20 years.
Bacon was born on Nov. 25, 1945, in Caraway, Arkansas. His parents, who were cotton sharecroppers, decided to move the family to Arizona in 1951, where Bacon's father's parents operated their own cotton farm. After his father became sick with polio, Bacon dropped out of Peoria High School in his freshman year to work on the farm full time.
In 1963, inspired by his uncle's stories of World War II, Bacon decided to join the Army. Although he was only 17, he managed to bypass the age requirement by forging his mother's signature. After a stint with the Arizona National Guard, he went on active duty and served with the 8th Infantry Division in Worms, Germany. Although he first volunteered for a Vietnam tour in 1964, it wasn't until 1966 that he received orders to serve in the war.
During his first tour of duty from 1966 to 1967, Bacon endured a number of hardships, including suffering three injuries in battle and being one of two survivors of a freak helicopter accident. Despite this, Bacon volunteered and served a second Vietnam tour in 1968. He was placed with the 4th Battalion of the 21st Infantry, 11th Infantry Brigade, Americal Division.
On Aug. 26, 1968, Bacon, now a staff sergeant, was leading a squad from 1st Platoon, Company B to their base in Tam Ky when they were suddenly attacked by an enemy bunker line. Jumping into action, Bacon mobilized his men and destroyed the North Vietnamese bunker with grenades.
Several fellow soldiers, including the 1st Platoon leader, were wounded by an enemy machine gun nest during the fight. Bacon quickly assumed command, assaulted the enemy position and single-handedly killed its crew.
Soon after, the 3rd Platoon leader was killed while moving to Bacon's location. Without hesitation, Bacon took command of the 3rd Platoon, too, and advanced further on the enemy. He managed to climb onto a tank — which gave him a better vantage point — and directed his forces against the North Vietnamese soldiers. He killed four enemy soldiers and destroyed an antitank weapon.
In the end, under the leadership of Bacon, the combined platoons were able to eliminate the enemy soldiers, as well as rescue men trapped at the front of the line and evacuate wounded men.
He was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross several weeks after the events of Tam Ky. A year later, on Nov. 24, 1969, he was awarded the Medal of Honor by President Richard M. Nixon during a ceremony at the White House.
Afterward, he requested a third Vietnam tour of duty, which was denied. He went on to serve as a non-commissioned reenlistment officer at Fort Hood (now Fort Cavazos), Texas; was stationed in Germany, and then worked at Fort McClellan at the training command. During this time, Bacon attained the rank of first sergeant.
After receiving orders to go to Korea, Bacon chose to retire from the military in 1984. At the time, he was newly married with a young son, and he did not want to start the process of trying to raise a family while halfway around the world.
Upon his military retirement, Bacon moved back to Arizona with his wife, Tamera Ann, and started working at the regional office of the Department of Veterans Affairs. In 1990, he moved to Arkansas and became the director of the Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs. While in that position, he helped create the Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery and the Arkansas Veterans Coalition.
Bacon died on July 17, 2010, after battling cancer for several years. He was buried in Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery with full military honors. He had six children: Kristy, Kim, William, James, Wyatt and Britt.
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Social Security Matters
By RUSSELL GLOOR
National Social Security Adviser at the AMAC Foundation
Ask Rusty – Does Some of my Social Security Payment Include Repayment of my Contributions?
Dear Rusty: I have a question about my Social Security benefits. Would I be correct to assume that part of the monthly Social Security income I get is a repayment of what I contributed to the fund while I was working? If so, how much of my monthly benefit payment is my own money coming back to me? Signed: Curious Beneficiary
Dear Curious: I’m afraid that is not how Social Security works. The money you contribute to Social Security during your working years does not go into a special account to be repaid to you. Rather, the Social Security taxes you pay while working are used to pay benefits to all those currently receiving Social Security benefits. The system is, in effect, a “pay as you go” program where all those currently contributing help pay benefits for all those now receiving. What your contributions do, however, is earn you “quarter credits” and, when you have enough credits, you become eligible for Social Security retirement benefits for life. Generally, someone must have about 40 quarters (about 10 years) contributing to Social Security to be eligible for SS retirement benefits.
How much you receive monthly is determined not by how much you contributed but, rather, by how much your work earnings were over your lifetime. You will get a percentage of your average pre-retirement work income as your monthly Social Security payment, but that is also affected by your age when you claim benefits. It is your average lifetime earnings (adjusted for inflation) which determines your “Primary Insurance Amount” (or “PIA”). Your PIA is what you get at your Social Security full retirement age (FRA), but your age when you claim benefits determines if you get more or less than your PIA. Claiming SS before your FRA means a smaller monthly benefit, while waiting longer than your FRA means a benefit higher than your PIA. (SS benefits reach maximum at age 70). FYI, each person’s FRA is different based on the year they were born, but full retirement age today is between age 66 and 67. When you claim benefits relative to your FRA determines how much of your PIA you will receive each month.
So, your contributions to Social Security aren’t used to determine your monthly benefit amount, but your average lifetime work earnings and age when you claim are. Nevertheless, you may be interested to know that most people get back everything they have personally contributed to Social Security within about 3 to 5 years of collecting their benefits. In that sense, Social Security is an exceptionally good deal, since most Americans now collect benefits for about two decades. And therein lies much of Social Security’s financial dilemma – people are now collecting benefits for many more years than the current program is designed to support. And that is what Congress needs to fix as soon as possible. The Social Security trust funds (which now provide supplemental money to pay benefits) are projected to be depleted around 2033, which will mean a cut in everyone’s monthly Social Security payment, unless Congress acts soon to reform the program and restore it to fiscal solvency.
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Planting a garden in the shade
By MELINDA MYERS
It is possible to brighten up those shady spots in your landscape. It is all about proper plant selection, planting, and care.
Start by evaluating the sun and shade patterns in your gardens. Monitor the amount of sunlight different areas receive throughout the day and at various times of the year. You may be surprised the space gets more sunlight than you thought.
Make a list of plants you have successfully grown and those that failed in the shady location you are landscaping. Use this information to help you select other plants with similar light requirements.
As always, select plants that thrive in your climate and tolerate the amount of sunlight, moisture, and soil in the proposed garden location. Look for plants that provide attractive foliage all season long and flowers at various times.
When planting under or near trees be careful not to kill the tree when creating your shade garden. Plant a foot or more away from the tree trunk and don’t cut or remove surface roots that create entryways for insects and diseases. Dig as small as possible planting holes to avoid disturbing the roots and for easy planting. Avoid adding soil over the tree roots and against the trunk as this can lead to tree decline and even death. Skip deep cultivation that damages the roots, the majority of which grow within the top 18 inches of soil with 50% of them in the top six inches.
Add seasonal color and vertical interest with shade-tolerant annuals like impatiens, begonias, and coleus. Avoid damaging the tree roots by planting these in containers and setting the pots on the soil surface amongst perennial shade-tolerant groundcovers or on mulched beds under the trees.
Once you’ve planted your garden, adjust the care to compensate for the limited light conditions. Plants growing under large trees or overhangs must be watered more often, especially during the first year or two until the plants become established. The dense canopy of many trees and impervious overhangs prevent rainfall from reaching the ground below. Plus, the extensive root systems of trees and shrubs absorb much of the rainfall that does make it through, so check soil moisture several times a week and water thoroughly as needed.
Spread a layer of organic mulch over the soil surface and away from the tree trunk and crowns of the plants. Organic mulches help conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and improve the soil as they decompose.
Tree and shrub roots also compete with plantings for nutrients. Use a low-nitrogen, slow-release fertilizer that promotes balanced above- and below-ground growth. Apply it at planting and early each spring as needed.
Avoid high nitrogen, quick-release fertilizer that promotes lush succulent growth that is more susceptible to insects and diseases. Plus, limited light is a potential plant stressor that can further increase the risk of problems.
Sometimes there is just too much shade to grow even shade-loving plants. Consider mulching the area to suppress weeds, support the tree’s health and protect the soil. Then relax and enjoy the shade on hot sunny days.
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Monkey Business
What can be more fun than a barrel of monkeys, as the saying goes. Take the newborn pair of patas monkeys at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo in Syracuse, New York -- Sisu and Mushu. They smile a lot and, in turn, visitors find themselves grinning a lot. But the zoo’s Executive Director Ted Fox told reporters that "since the babies are so significant, our primate specialists took action to protect these little patas babies and safeguard their health so we can reach our ultimate goal of having them eventually join the rest of our patas troop."
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This bird has a brain
Victoria and Dalton Mason have a 4-year-old gray African parrot by the name of Apollo who is a social media phenomenon with a following of nearly four million fans and a Guinness World Record for his ability to identify and call out the names of objects without hesitation. Apollo won his Guinness record for identifying 12 objects in three minutes time. The Masons say their mission is "to spread awareness of the natural intelligence found in animals.” In particular, they said, “we hope that our title can change the meaning behind the phrase bird brain."
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To poop or not to poop
Rumors that beachgoers were defecating on the sands of Wasaga Beach in Ontario, Canada this summer caused Premier Doug Ford to warn that it will not be allowed. He admitted that he has “no proof that people are pooping in the park per se, but it's pretty bad if they are." The mayor of Wasaga Beach, Brian Smith, took offense at Ford’s remarks, declaring that there is “no evidence -- from residents, visitors or the Ontario government -- to verify that any undesirable, unsanitary behavior has occurred on the beach areas that make up Wasaga Beach Provincial Park." The whole thing appears to have been triggered by a Tik Tok user who posted that beach goers have long been using small tents as toilets on the sand.
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Medal of Honor: Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Roy M. Wheat
By KATIE LANGE
Department of Defense News
Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Roy Mitchell Wheat had only been in charge of a security team in Vietnam for two short months when he lost his life. His selfless actions, which involved throwing himself onto a landmine to keep his fellow Marines from being injured, led to a posthumous Medal of Honor.
Wheat was born on July 24, 1947, in Moselle, Mississippi. He was the first of four sons for J.C. and Stella Wheat, who worked as a heavy equipment operator and a seamstress, respectively.
The area in which Wheat grew up was rural, so he learned how to shoot guns early in his life and enjoyed hunting. He attended schools in Ellisville, Mississippi, but left high school after his sophomore year in 1965. He moved in with his aunt in Hattiesburg to work at a Winn-Dixie supermarket to earn money before enlisting in the Marine Corps in September 1966, as the Vietnam War was ramping up.
Wheat trained as an infantryman. About six months after he enlisted, he arrived in Vietnam and was assigned to duty as a rifleman with Company K of the 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division.
During his first five months in-country, Wheat's unit took part in numerous combat operations. He suffered a head wound from mortar shrapnel in April 1967 and had to be sent to recover on a hospital ship for a few days. That May, he suffered from a bout of dizziness from that same injury and briefly considered requesting a medical discharge, according to historical documents in a collection at the University of Southern Mississippi. However, Wheat quickly pushed that idea aside.
By June 1967, Wheat had been promoted to lance corporal and was chosen to lead a security team tasked with checking for booby traps ahead of other troops. Wheat was injured a second time on July 30 by a hand grenade that exploded near him, lodging shrapnel into his right thigh that doctors weren't able to remove.
Wheat returned to his unit on Aug. 8. Three days later, he made the ultimate sacrifice for his fellow Marines.
On Aug. 11, 1967 — two weeks after Wheat turned 20 — he and two other Marines, Lance Cpl. Bernard Cannon and Pfc. Vernon Sorenson, were providing security for a Navy construction battalion crane and its crew along a road in the Dien Ban district of Quang Nam Province.
After the trio set up their security positions in a treeline adjacent to the work site, Wheat scouted the area behind them to check for possible insurgents. Upon his return, he got within 10 feet of the security position when he unintentionally stepped on a concealed landmine. It was the type of explosive that fired a grenade-like mine into the air before exploding and showering deadly shrapnel over a large distance, historians said.
According to Wheat's Medal of Honor citation, all three Marines immediately heard a hissing sound indicative of a burning time fuse. Wheat quickly shouted a warning to Cannon and Sorenson before throwing himself on top of the mine, absorbing the explosion with his body.
Within just a few seconds, Wheat showed extraordinary valor by giving his life to save his fellow Marines from injury or death. For that selflessness, he was bestowed a posthumous Medal of Honor, which his family received during a ceremony at Marine Barracks Washington, D.C., on Sept. 23, 1968. Cannon and Sorenson, whose lives Wheat saved, attended the ceremony and met with Wheat's family.
"Roy's death was hard on my parents," the fallen Marine's brother, Dale Wheat, told the Hattiesburg American newspaper in 2002. "They never got over it. I don't think any of us ever got over it."
Wheat is buried in Eastabuchie Baptist Church Cemetery in Eastabuchie, Mississippi. A memorial was established there in 1974 to honor him.
According to the University of Southern Mississippi, Wheat was the only person from Mississippi to receive the Medal of Honor for actions during the Vietnam War.
He has certainly not been forgotten. A street was named for Wheat on Marine Corps Air Station Yuma in 1979, as was a dining facility at Meridian Naval Air Station in Mississippi in 1985. Wheat's medals, including the Medal of Honor, are on display in a memorial at that location. In 1994, a Hattiesburg post office was renamed in his honor.
Finally, the cargo ship USNS LCPL Roy M. Wheat — originally built in the Soviet Union and bought by the Navy in 1997 — was put into service in October 2003 and used by the Military Sealift Command. It remained in service until 2021.
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Answering common questions about credit card interest rates
National nonprofit credit counseling agency Take Charge America educates consumers on APRs, how rates are determined and how to negotiate better rates
PHOENIX – Credit card interest rates can vary widely and change frequently. Being aware of what determines interest rates and how they can be managed helps ensure costs don’t climb out of control and credit scores don’t suffer.
“Knowing interest basics helps people make informed choices about their finances,” said Amy Robbins, associate director of operations with Take Charge America, a nonprofit credit counseling and debt management agency. “Credit card interest rates aren’t etched in stone, and under the right circumstances can be negotiated.”
Robbins answers some of the most common questions about interest rates:
What are credit card interest rates?
Interest rates are the cost credit card holders pay for borrowing money using their credit card. This fee is typically tied to an “annual percentage rate” (APR) charged on your outstanding balance. Credit scores, history, on-time payments and credit utilization factor into your APR. This is a major reason why credit card interest rates vary from card to card and person to person.
Is there a “good” or “bad” interest rate?
According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the average APR on credit cards nearly doubled from 12.9% in late 2013 to 22.8% in 2023 — the highest level recorded since the Federal Reserve began collecting this data in 1994. So “good” and “bad” can be subjective. In general, below 20% is considered “good.”
What’s the difference between a “fixed” and “variable” interest rate?
When an interest rate remains the same, it’s called a fixed rate. Variable rates change over time depending on general market conditions and the overall economy. Some cards come with an introductory fixed rate that transitions to a variable rate, so it’s important to read the fine print.
How can I get a better interest rate?
Your interest rate is tied to your credit score. So, if you pay bills on time and pay more than the minimum balance due (or pay off your balance altogether) each month, you have your best shot at a better rate. You can also call your creditor to negotiate for a better rate.They will take your credit history and utilization into account. If you are in serious debt and struggling to meet minimum payments, you can consider a debt management plan in which a credit counseling agency negotiates concessions, such as lower interest rates, on your behalf.
About Take Charge America, Inc.
Founded in 1987, Take Charge America, Inc. is a nonprofit agency offering financial education and counseling services including credit counseling, debt management, housing counseling and bankruptcy counseling. It has helped more than 2 million consumers nationwide manage their personal finances and debts. To learn more, visit takechargeamerica.org or call (888) 822-9193.
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Social Security Matters
By RUSSELL GLOOR
National Social Security Advisor at the AMAC Foundation
Ask Rusty – Will My Wife Get a Spousal Benefit from Me?
Dear Rusty: I will be turning 70 (yikes) this coming November. I will begin taking my Social Security benefit at that time. My age 70 SS benefit will be approximately $4,500 per month. My spouse (who is currently 74) began receiving her SS benefits about 10 years ago - before her FRA. She receives approximately $1,900 per month.
My question is, based on my expected SS monthly benefit of approximately $4,500, would my spouse be eligible for an increase in her monthly SS benefit? I've read some articles about this topic, but none of them seem to be on point - so I thought I'd reach out to you. Signed: Seeking Answers
Dear Seeking: Congratulations on choosing a claiming strategy which will maximize your Social Security. Waiting until age 70 to claim guarantees you will get the most you can personally receive for the rest of your life, along with annual Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA). But the spouse benefits available to your wife when you claim are not based on your age 70 amount. Rather, spouse benefits are calculated using full retirement age (FRA) amounts. Here’s what that means:
If your age 70 benefit will be about $4,500 then your FRA amount was likely around $3,450. If your wife claimed at, say, 64, then her FRA entitlement would probably have been around $2,200. Your wife will only get a spousal boost if 50% of your FRA amount (not your age 70 amount) is more than her own FRA entitlement. From what you’ve shared, 50% of your FRA amount would be about $1,750, which is less than your wife’s FRA entitlement (and her current age 64 amount), which means that she would not be eligible for a spousal boost to her own amount from you.
Spouse benefits can be tricky, because they’re based on FRA entitlements, regardless of the age at which benefits are actually claimed. That is not so, however, for surviving spouse benefits. If you were to predecease your wife, her benefit would be your entire $4,500 amount, instead of her own smaller current amount. Surviving spouse benefits are based on the amount each of you are currently receiving, not on your amounts at your full retirement age.
I hope this answers your question, but we’re always here if you need any further assistance.
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The benefit of balance in healthy living
All work and no play might make Jack a dull boy, but when we do not achieve a work-life balance, we risk damaging our health.
TOPS Club, Inc. (Take Off Pounds SensiblySM), the nonprofit weight-loss support organization, with a “Real People. Real Weight Loss.®” philosophy, recognizes that health is often the first area of our lives we overlook when our work-life balance is out of sorts. Incorporating healthy habits into everyday living can help individuals with the balancing act.
When Work-Life Balance is Poor
When people lean heavily into the working aspect of their lives, the risk of developing health problems should be a cause for concern. Research suggests that those who overwork are more likely to develop heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Studies have shown that if someone works more than 55 hours a week, he or she has a 23% increased risk of heart disease, a 13% greater risk of a heart attack, and is 33% more likely to suffer a stroke.
High-stress levels, unhealthy eating habits, and sedentary lifestyles—common behaviors when working too much—can further an individual’s struggle with weight gain.
When experiencing stress, the hormone cortisol increases, which can heighten blood pressure among other health concerns. Stress can disturb sleep, and a lack of sleep can make people more susceptible to illness. In addition, we often focus on ourselves when we are stressed, neglecting relationships which studies show can help prevent illnesses like obesity.
Busyness during the workday can also lead to skipping meals or skimping on breakfast or lunch, causing overeating at night. In addition, if we are anxious to return to work, we may be more inclined to buy take-out food, which is often higher in fat, sodium, and other unhealthy ingredients.
Finally, it is dangerous if schedules do not set aside time for exercise. It is recommended that individuals perform 150 minutes of moderate activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity a week. Meeting this requirement has a host of health benefits, including combating heart disease, strokes, and other conditions that are at risk when overworking.
How to Achieve Work-Life Balance with Healthy Habits
Establish a Sleep Routine. Sleep is key. Schedule a time to go to bed and a time to wake up. Stick to it, even on the weekends. Your REM cycle will improve if you remove screens from your bedroom at least an hour before sleep.
Set boundaries. Society can be obsessed with getting more done, and we often overschedule ourselves without even realizing it. Maintain a space for work and a space for other life happenings. When you finish your workday, leave work at work and be fully present with your family or in other activities. Your schedule should reflect a variety of pursuits.
Plan. To avoid unhealthy eating, prepare your lunches and dinners for the week on Sunday. This can be anything from cooking a big batch of soup to making veggie-heavy dishes. Be sure to pack plenty of water for the day. Staying hydrated is an important part of wellness.
Integrate Physical Activity into Your Routine. While it’s great to get to the gym before or after work, this might not be ideal every day. Make time for physical activity during the day by biking to work in warm weather, taking the stairs when possible, getting up to talk to your coworkers, or going for a walk during your lunch break.
Join a TOPS chapter. Need inspiration or encouragement to achieve a healthy balance? Find a TOPS meeting in your area to learn more about the effects of work-life balance on weight loss and maintenance.
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Plant, grow, and harvest radishes this fall
By MELINDA MYERS
Prepare some space in the garden or a container for a fall harvest of radishes. They’ll grow and taste best when harvested during cooler weather and some are ready to harvest in just 25 days.
There are a variety of radishes suited to everyone’s taste. Most of us have tried the peppery flavored, round, and red ones but you’ll find mild to pungent flavored radishes in various colors and shapes.
If you or your family don’t like the pungent flavor, you can help tame the intensity with proper selection, care, and preparation.
The pungent flavor in radishes is due to isothiocyanates. The more of these healthful sulfur-containing compounds in a radish, the hotter the flavor.
Some varieties, like French breakfast and white icicle, have a milder flavor while the black radish is almost as pungent as horseradish. They typically have black skin with a white center.
Radishes grown in cooler temperatures with consistently moist soil tend to be less pungent. Provide sufficient water throughout the growing season and harvest when mature. Radishes left in the garden for a few extra weeks develop more isothiocyanates, making them more pungent.
Salad radishes are quick maturing and easy to grow. Slice into the slightly sweet watermelon radish to find the unique color that inspired its name. French breakfast radish is red, elongated, and ready to harvest in 25 to 30 days. Or change things up with Helios, a small, plump, yellow radish with a sweet flavor.
Plant Asian radishes midsummer into early fall. These typically have a long white cylindrical root and are an important ingredient in Asian cuisine. Their long roots and adaptability to a wide range of soil make them a useful winter-killed cover crop. The large taproots break through the top eight or more inches of soil, die in winter, and quickly decompose in spring to improve the soil.
Increase success with proper soil preparation. Improve heavy clay soils by working several inches of organic matter into the top 8 to 12 inches of soil. Then create a slightly raised planting bed with the existing soil and plant. Or plant in a container filled with a quality well-drained potting mix. Creating a proper soil foundation will increase the plant’s ability to develop full-sized roots.
Thin out young plantings leaving enough room between the remaining plants for the roots to grow to full size. Use the seedlings removed to spice up salads and soups or top a sandwich.
Cooking and roasting can also help tame the pungent flavor of radishes. And try peeling spicy varieties before serving them fresh for a less intense flavor.
With so many options, you will be looking for more ways to grow and use a variety of radishes.
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He did it
Imagine how hard it can be to tow a not-so-light airplane by yourself. Think about how much more difficult it can be to tow three aircraft at once. Not only did Matteo Pavone tow three planes on one line down a runway at Asti, Italy, he did it walking on his hands despite the fact that he has a bad back and his doctors told him that he couldn’t and shouldn’t do it. He did it and it earned him a Guinness World Record.
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Dragonfly-mania
Sand Fleas, Sand Flies and Horse Flies can disturb your day on the beach. In August and September, it’s not unusual to encounter Dragonflies, as well. Despite their names, Dragonflies are harmless. But they can ruin a day at the beach when they gather en masse like they did recently on Misquamicut Beach in Westerly, Rhode Island where hundreds of thousands of them gathered in swarms all at once. It was like a scene from a horror movie, according to one reporter.
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Titles galore
It’s not every day that the King of England bestows a royal title on a British resident. Earlier this year he conferred the title of Royal Companion of The Order of the Companions of Honour on his daughter-in-law, Princess Kate. He also declared his son, Prince William, Kate’s husband, with the title of Great Master of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath. Meanwhile, most recently King Charles III traveled to Saint Peter Port, Guernsey to confer the special title of Royal Golden Guernsey Goat on a rare golden goat breed.
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Medal of Honor: Army Pfc. William H. Thompson
By KATIE LANGE
Department of Defense News
Illustration of a Medal of Honor medal with text reading "Medal of Honor Monday: Highlighting recipients of the nation's highest medal for valor."
During the Korean War, the regiment Army Pfc. William Henry Thompson served on was scrutinized for a perceived lack of courage. Thompson, however, proved that incorrect when he gave his life to allow his fellow soldiers a chance to escape from an enemy onslaught. Thompson posthumously received the Medal of Honor for his selfless valor.
Thompson was born on Aug. 16, 1927, in New York City to a single mother, Mary Thompson. Not much is known about his childhood, but according to a National Park Service biography, Thompson dropped out of high school as a teen and spent time on the streets of Brooklyn and the Bronx before enlisting in the Army in October 1945.
After basic training, Thompson was stationed on the far western tip of the Aleutian Islands in Adak, Alaska. After about a year and a half, he reenlisted with the 6th Infantry Division, which was stationed in South Korea on post-World War II occupation duty.
When the 6th ID returned to the U.S., Thompson did not. He transferred to the 24th Infantry Regiment of the 25th ID, an all-Black unit that was serving in Japan as part of the post-war occupation.
When the Korean War began on June 25, 1950, the U.S. joined under the auspices of the United Nations to help South Korea fend of its North Korean invaders. Thompson and his unit were quickly sent to the peninsula to take part in the fight.
According to NPS, Thompson first saw combat on July 22, 1950, at the Battle of Sangju; however, the unit's unorganized withdrawal led many high-ranking officers to make claims that the 24th was a cowardly unit. After years of study, however, historians today believe that concern was based on racism of the time and that the unit's quick defeat had more to do with its lackluster training.
On Aug. 6, 1950, Thompson was part of a platoon attached to Company M that had just cleared the small village of Haman, South Korea. As they attempted to reorganize in the darkness, they were attacked by an overwhelming force of North Koreans who hurled hand grenades and unleashed deadly automatic weapons fire.
Thompson was in charge of one of the platoon's two machine guns, so he quickly worked to set it up. During that time, another gunner working with him was killed.
Once Thompson's gun was set up in the path of the onslaught, he swept the enemy with it, temporarily pinning them down long enough for the rest of his platoon to move to a more viable position.
Throughout the fight, Thompson was repeatedly hit by grenade fragments and small-arms fire. But when his platoon was ordered to retreat, he resisted all efforts to move toward safety. According to NPS, his final words to his lieutenant were, “Get out of here! I'll cover you.”
As his platoon members moved to higher ground to find a better defensive position, Thompson remained in place, firing his machine gun into the enemy. His fellow soldiers said they continued to hear his gun until several grenades exploded, and the sound of the machine gun stopped.
According to NPS, days after the battle, soldiers from Thompson's company found his body surrounded by enemy soldiers he'd killed before he died.
For his courage and self-sacrifice, Thompson was posthumously bestowed with the Medal of Honor on June 21, 1951. His mother received it on his behalf from famed Army Gen. Omar Bradley during a Pentagon ceremony. The honor made Thompson the first Black man to receive the Medal of Honor for actions in Korea.
Thompson is buried in Long Island National Cemetery in Farmingdale, New York. In his honor, the Charlton-Thompson Garden in the Bronx was named for him and another Korean Medal of Honor recipient, Army Sgt. Cornelius H. Charlton.
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They donned their undies
The first edition of the Guinness Book of World Records was published 69 years ago, in 1955. Among the records it described were the biggest baby who weighed in at 20 pounds, two ounces and the guy with a 12 foot beard, the longest in the world. It’s come a long way since then. Most recently, Nick Manning sought to best his own record for donning the most pairs of underpants in 30 seconds. He didn’t set a new record, but his audience on the America's Got Talent TV show did when 1,026 spectators donned underwear on their heads.
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She’s as brave as they come
Thirty-one year old Kanya Sesser earned a Guinness World Record by skateboarding for 19.65 seconds in a handstand position. She called it, "one of the life-changing career moments that have happened to me." Kanya had no choice when it comes to skateboarding; she was born without legs. As she put it, "no legs, no limits ... it's so incredible to me to make history for others to see. I have made an impact on others for the next generations to come."
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A whale of a tale
Don’t blame the whale; breaching is what they do and sometimes humans get in their way. Take the whale that flipped over a boat on the waters off the coast of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, tossing – but not injuring – two fishermen. Colin and Wyatt Yeager caught the whole thing on tape and helped rescue the sailors. "I was actually shocked by their reaction," said Wyatt. "They were doing fine. They were smiling. They were like, 'Wow, this is crazy.' They were just happy that they were OK, the whale was OK."
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UAMS House Call
Dr. Daniel Knight is a professor in the Department of Family and Preventive Medicine in the College of Medicine at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.
Q: I see these commercials about tardive dyskinesia. What is it? A: Tardive dyskinesia (TD) is one of a group of nervous system conditions that result in involuntary muscle movements. “Tardive” means late or delayed, while “dyskinesia” is the reference to involuntary movements. Mental Health America estimates that 500,000 people in the U.S. are affected by the condition. TD is a side effect of taking certain medications that treat issues such as mental illness, neurological disorders or stomach problems. These medicines block dopamine, a brain chemical that helps muscle movement. However, the condition may not present itself immediately. In some instances, symptoms of TD may not appear until after a year or more of taking the medications. Symptoms of TD include rapid eye blinking, wiggling of fingers, frowning, lip smacking or tapping of feet. Less common issues related to TD are problems breathing, difficulty swallowing or irreversible facial changes such as drooping eyelids. TD is more common in women or older adults, although anyone taking these medications could develop the condition. Lowering medication dosage or changing the medication for the specific issue is one method of treating TD. Medications also may be prescribed to help relieve TD symptoms. Physical or speech therapy may be another option. Contact your health care provider to develop a treatment plan.
Q: How is atrial fibrillation treated? A: Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is a type of heart arrythmia. An arrythmia occurs when the heart beats too fast, too slowly or in an irregular manner. AFib is when the upper chambers of the heart are not in sync with the lower chambers, which causes chaotic heart rhythm and affects the movement of blood between the chambers. AFib is the most common type of heart arrythmia. The three main types of AFib are paroxysmal (lasts less than a week), persistent (lasts more than a week) and long-standing (lasts more than a year). In some instances, AFib is permanent. Structural issues in the heart are the most common cause of AFib. However, the risk of AFib increases with age, and those with high blood pressure, diabetes and who are obese also are more at risk. Symptoms of AFib include chest pain, dizziness, fatigue, palpitations and shortness of breath. Many who have the condition have no symptoms and are unaware they have AFib. Blood clots, which can lead to a stroke, are a complication of AFib. Treatments include beta blockers to slow the heart rate and blood thinners to prevent blood clots. If you experience persistent symptoms, contact your health care provider for an examination.
Q: What is spinal muscular atrophy? A: Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a form of muscular dystrophy. SMA is an inherited, progressive condition that affects motor nerve cells in the spinal cord and causes muscles to weaken to the point where they can no longer be used. SMA is most common in children but can also affect adults. SMA is caused by a mutation in the survival motor neuron gene, which produces a protein critical to motor neurons. About 60% of people with SMA have Type 1 (severe), with symptoms generally appearing at birth or within the first six months. Type 2 SMA (intermediate) may occur between six and 18 months of age. Type 3 SMA (mild) appears after 18 months. Type 4 SMA (adult) may not present itself until after age 30. Progressive muscle weakness is the main symptom of SMA. Other symptoms include difficulty rising from a lying or sitting position and frequent falls. There is no cure for SMA or any other type of muscular dystrophy. Current treatments include corticosteroids to aid muscle strength and delay the progression of the condition. Range of motion and stretching exercises, along with aids such as braces or walkers also may be recommended.
Q: What causes thyroid eye disease? A: Thyroid eye disease (TED) is an autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation in connective tissue, fatty tissue and muscles around the eye. Those affected with TED often have Graves’ disease, an autoimmune disorder affecting the eyes, skin and thyroid. The American Thyroid Association estimates that about one-third of people with Graves’ disease will also develop TED. TED normally occurs in two phases — active and stable. The active phase, in which inflammation is more noticeable and prominent, can last for several months or as long as three years. The stable phase is when inflammation stops. TED affects women more than men, as women are more likely to be affected by thyroid problems. Symptoms of TED include bulging eyes, difficulty fully closing the eyes, double vision, puffy eyelids or redness in the eyes. TED symptoms normally occur in both eyes, but it is possible for only one eye to be affected. TED is not contagious. An eye exam is required to diagnose TED. Non-medical treatments for the condition include wearing sunglasses, using eyedrops or raising your head while lying down to relieve pressure on the eyes. Corticosteroids may be prescribed to reduce swelling. Contact your health care provider if you have questions.
Email your health questions to housecall@uams.edu.
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Social Security Matters
By RUSSELL GLOOR
National Social Security Adviser at the AMAC Foundation, the non-profit arm of the Association of Mature American Citizens
Ask Rusty – Does Congress pay into Social Security?
Dear Rusty: I’ve been told that members of Congress do not have Social Security deducted from their pay; Additionally, that their retirement dollars come from the Social Security Administration purse even if they only serve as a member of Congress for a short number of terms. Also, if this is true, are there other individuals that enjoy these advantages?
Thank you in advance for your service as a Social Security Adviser.
Signed: Concerned Senior
Dear Concerned Senior: I’m afraid this is one of those “urban legend” kind of rumors that just seems to keep popping up, especially when the issues surrounding Social Security’s financial problems come up. In addition to being untrue, it often is used to display the public’s animosity toward elected officials and the feeling that Congress —and other elected officials — are above the fray, so to speak, and therefore not affected by the implications of Social Security’s looming insolvency problem.
Here’s the reality. Since Jan. 1, 1984, all members of Congress, the president and vice president, federal judges, and most political appointees, are covered under the Social Security program. The rumor that these elected officials do not pay Social Security tax most likely is attributable to the fact that from 1920 to 1983, they were participants in the Civil Service Retirement System – CSRS – the federal retirement plan federal workers used even before the Social Security Act was passed. CSRS provided a pension for federal employees, so they were exempted from contributing to or collecting from the new Social Security program.
In 1987, then, the federal government officially changed over to FERS – the Federal Employee Retirement System – and all employees hired from that point forward are now covered under FERS. There are multiple parts to FERS, and one of them is mandatory FICA contributions. So, all federal employees—including members of Congress—are subject to the 6.2% FICA tax, are eligible for Social Security retirement benefits, and are governed by the multitude of rules and regulations associated with Social Security. But other than standard SS benefits which they may normally be entitled, no Social Security funds are used to supplement Congressional retirement.
In other words, the rumor that Congress didn’t pay into Social Security was actually true prior to 1984, but today it is a misstatement of fact. And the federal employee retirement plans (both the prior CSRS plan and the current FERS plan) are totally independent of Social Security and do not negatively affect program solvency.
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Expand your garden beds without chemicals
By MELINDA MYERS
There never seems to be enough room for all the plants you want to grow. If space allows, create new garden beds to expand your planting space and increase the beauty of your landscape.
Start by evaluating your current landscape design and plantings. Perhaps, expanding an existing garden bed or connecting two smaller beds is a better option than creating a whole new garden.
No matter the option selected, start by laying out the planned expansion or new bed. Always start by calling 811 or filing online at https://call811.com/811-In-Your-State at least three business days before you begin digging with any equipment or tool, including hand tools, that disturb the soil. This is a free service that helps protect people from injury and repair costs that may occur if they strike or damage a buried utility line.
To help us all remember, August 11th has been declared 811 Day. If this is old news, please share this important information with others. We want everyone to create beautiful gardens safely.
Begin your project by using a rope or hose to outline the area. Avoid tight corners or creating narrow grass borders that will be difficult to mow or require hand trimming. Adjust your garden layout to avoid underground utilities whenever possible. If not, only use hand tools when digging within 18” of any underground utility.
Once satisfied with the layout, take a soil test to find out how much and what type of fertilizer you will need for the plants you are growing. Testing now means you’ll have the information before it’s time to fertilize in spring.
Next, edge the bed. Use a shovel to dig a V-shaped trench around the garden’s border. Or rent or borrow a power edger to make larger jobs easier.
Once the edging is complete, remove healthy grass with a sod cutter and use it to fill bare spots in the lawn. Otherwise, create a planting berm or add it to the compost pile. Place the green side down and wait for it to decompose.
Another method is to edge the garden, cut the grass as short as possible, and then cover the area with cardboard or several layers of newspaper. Top this with several inches of organic mulch and wait for the grass and cardboard to decompose and plant in the spring. Or for immediate planting, push back the mulch and cut through the cardboard or newspaper.
Covering the new planting area with black plastic for at least four to six weeks and clear plastic for four to six of the hottest and sunniest weeks are also effective methods. Both should kill the existing grass and weeds.
If you killed or removed the grass, now is the time to improve the soil if needed. Add two to four inches of organic matter like aged manure or compost to the top 8 to 12 inches of soil. These materials improve the drainage in heavy clay soil and increase the water-holding ability in fast-draining sandy or rocky soils.
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Medal of Honor : Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Wayne Caron
By KATIE LANGE
Department of Defense News
As a hospital corpsman, Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Wayne Maurice Caron took his duty to care for the men around him so seriously that, during a firefight in his first month in Vietnam, he ignored his own wounds to tend to everyone else. Caron never returned home from that mission, but his valor and selflessness led him to receive a posthumous Medal of Honor.
Caron was born Nov. 2, 1946, in Middleboro, Massachusetts, to Lorraine and Aime Caron, the latter of whom was a retired Army chief warrant officer. Wayne Caron had a sister named Janet.
Caron was known to be kind, caring and a go-getter. At Memorial High School, he was president of his sophomore and junior class, as well as the president of the student council his senior year. He ran track and cross-country and participated in gymnastics. He was also chosen to be part of a society that recognized him for his dependability, honesty, fairness, cooperation and other admirable qualities. By the time he graduated high school, he'd earned the superlatives "most artistic," "did the most for class" and "best all-around."
In July 1966, Caron enlisted in the Navy. According to a 1992 article in the Carlisle, Pennsylvania, newspaper The Sentinel, his father suggested the service because his son wanted to be an eye doctor, and he thought the Navy corpsman training program would be a good fit.
After recruit training, Caron served at Naval Hospital Great Lakes until April 1968. During his stint there, he married his girlfriend, Teresa Haid, who was pregnant when Caron deployed to Vietnam in July 1968.
Just a month into his deployment, Caron gave his life to save others.
On July 28, 1968, Caron was serving as a platoon corpsman with Company K of the 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division. While on a sweep through an open rice field in Quang Nam Province, enemy soldiers began firing on his unit.
Two Marines fell, so Caron rushed to them, only to discover they were dead. Soon, the enemy fire became much more intense and more Marines were injured.
As Caron moved toward them, he was shot in the arm and knocked to the ground, but he got back up. When he made it to a terribly wounded Marine, Caron had to perform a tracheotomy on the man so he could continue breathing — undoubtedly saving the man's life, according to the Navy History and Heritage Command.
As Caron ran toward a second Marine, he was again hit by enemy fire, this time in the leg. He was no longer able to walk, dragging himself the rest of the way to the second injured Marine to render aid.
As Caron tried to make his way to a third injured Marine, he was hit a third time by enemy fire. He had run out of supplies by this time, so he crawled toward the rear of his platoon to restock. According to the Naval History and Heritage Command, while he was there, another corpsman tried to give him aid, but Caron waved him off. Soon after, he was hit and killed by an enemy rocket round.
"They said there were 28 bullet holes in Wayne," his mother told The Sentinel newspaper in 1992. "When he got the first one, he gave himself a shot of morphine, but he didn't even worry about all the other bullet holes. … We know all this happened because two of the Marines who were with him came to see us."
Caron's determination and dedication led to his posthumous Medal of Honor. His family — including Caron's young son, Scott, who was born four months after his death — accepted the award from Vice President Spiro Agnew during a White House ceremony on April 20, 1970. Fifteen other men also received the honor that day.
Caron is buried in Arlington National Cemetery. In his honor, the Navy commissioned a destroyer called the USS Caron in 1977. It served until 2001, when it was decommissioned.
Caron has been remembered in many other ways. An auditorium at his alma mater and a park outside the hospital in Great Lakes both bear his name. There's also a medical clinic at Camp Lejeune named for him.
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Poll reveals Razorback Stadium as Arkansans' top choice for ashes spreading
Respondents were hypothetically asked where they would have their ashes spread (if there were no restrictions).
2nd and 3rd choices were Buffalo National River and Mount Magazine State Park.
Infographic included.
When it comes to final wishes, being buried in a cemetery or having one’s ashes spread in a private garden is often the standard procedure. However, this is not always possible due to full cemeteries and legal restrictions on where ashes can be spread. But what if there were no restrictions? What if you could choose the ultimate resting place for your ashes?
Choice Mutual, an insurance agency specializing in final expense life insurance, sought to answer this question by surveying 3,000 people, asking them hypothetically where they would have their ashes spread if there were no restrictions. The results were fascinating, revealing the top choices for each state, which Choice Mutual displayed in a comprehensive ranking:
Arkansans' top 3 choices were as follows:
#1 Razorback Stadium
Arkansans would choose Razorback Stadium as their preferred location for spreading ashes because of the deep-rooted connection to the University of Arkansas and its passionate football culture. The stadium, home to the Razorbacks, represents the excitement, pride, and unity that comes with cheering for their team. For dedicated fans and alumni, Razorback Stadium symbolizes countless cherished memories of thrilling games, camaraderie, and school spirit, making it a meaningful and sentimental final resting place that celebrates their love for Razorback football.
#2 Buffalo National River
Buffalo National River with its clear waters, towering bluffs, and lush landscapes, embodies the tranquility and majesty of the Arkansas wilderness. For those who cherish the great outdoors and have a deep appreciation for the state's natural treasures, Buffalo National River offers a peaceful and picturesque setting that reflects their love for nature and provides a fitting and beautiful final resting place.
#3 Mount Magazine State Park
Mount Magazine State Park offers breathtaking vistas and a serene natural environment. As the highest point in Arkansas, Mount Magazine offers stunning panoramic views, diverse wildlife, and a sense of tranquility that resonates with outdoor enthusiasts. For those who have a profound connection to the beauty and grandeur of Arkansas's landscapes, Mount Magazine State Park provides a majestic and peaceful setting, making it a fitting and awe-inspiring final resting place that honors their spirit and love for nature.
The survey revealed other notable choices across the states…
Natural Beauty:
Several states opted for places of outstanding natural beauty for their final resting places. Californians overwhelmingly chose Joshua Tree National Park. Known for its unique desert landscape, iconic Joshua trees, and stunning starry nights, Joshua Tree holds a special place in the hearts of many Californians. The park's picturesque environment provides a tranquil and beautiful setting, making it a popular choice for those wanting to return to nature.
Sports Arenas:
The influence of die-hard sports fans was evident in several states. In Indiana, Hoosiers named the Indianapolis Motor Speedway as their ultimate resting place. The speedway, known for the legendary Indianapolis 500, is not just a racetrack but a symbol of the state’s rich motorsport heritage.
Urban and Historical Landmarks:
A significant number of states selected important urban or historical landmarks for their final resting place. Texans opted for the Alamo, a symbol of their state’s independence and resilience. The Alamo stands as a testament to the bravery and sacrifice of those who fought for Texas’s freedom, making it a revered site for many residents.
"These survey results are a fascinating glimpse into the personal and cultural significance we attach to our ultimate resting places," says Anthony Martin, CEO & Founder of Choice Mutual. "It’s clear that people are choosing locations that resonate deeply with their experiences and identities. Whether it’s a beloved sports venue, a place of natural beauty, or a historic landmark, each choice tells a story about what matters most to us in life -and in death."
*Campaign ranking is based on hypothetical circumstances, and anyone wishing to scatter ashes in any of the locations mentioned are advised to first check laws, regulations and permit permissions before doing so.
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Poor flowering and fruiting in the vegetable garden
By MELINDA MYERS
Another summer of above-normal summer temperatures in much of the country may be taking its toll on your vegetable gardens. Temperature extremes can interfere with flowering and fruit set, resulting in poor flowering, blossom drop, and a lack of or misshapen fruit on tomatoes, peppers, squash, and more.
The impact of temperature on plants depends on the stage of the plant’s development. Plants ready to flower or developing fruit during times of optimum temperatures will be fine but plants that are ready to flower or develop fruit during more extreme temperatures experience problems.
Tomatoes thrive in warm, sunny conditions but when daytime temperatures rise above 90°F and night temperatures remain above 70°F blossom drop and poor fruit development may occur. This combined with low humidity and the pollen is not viable. In hot and humid conditions, the pollen is too sticky and doesn’t move from the male to the female part of the flower. Without pollination, the flowers won’t be fertilized, and fruit will not develop.
On the other hand, when night temperatures are below the optimum of 59° to 68°F, less viable pollen is produced so fewer fruit will form. Cooler temperatures below 55°F can result in misshapen fruit and cat-facing. Fortunately, this malformed fruit is still tasty and safe to eat.
Temperature extremes also impact pepper productivity. When temperatures climb to 95°F or higher, the pollen is sterile and flowers may drop. Small fruit may also fall from the plant during such hot spells. Pepper plants also experience poor fruit set when night temperatures drop below 60°F or rise above 75°F.
Flowering in squash and cucumber plants is also influenced by temperature and other environmental factors. These plants typically produce separate male and female flowers. The male flowers usually appear first, and it is not until both the male and female flowers are present that pollination, fertilization, and fruit production can occur.
The research found cool temperatures, bright sunlight, and shorter days encourage female flower production while male flowers are more prolific during warmer temperatures, less sunlight, and close spacing. Flowering on squash and cucumbers is also impacted by nitrogen fertilization. Too much can prevent female flower formation while insufficient amounts can reduce the number of male flowers.
In addition, rainy weather or improperly applied pesticides that prevent bee activity and pollination can also result in malformed cucumbers.
These aren’t the only vegetables impacted by temperature extremes. Eggplants, a close relative of tomatoes and peppers, do not set fruit until night temperatures are above 55°F. Beans stop flowering or the flowers die when temperatures rise above 85°F.
The simplest solution is to wait for optimum temperatures and proper humidity levels to return. Once this happens, the plants will begin producing fruit. Be sure to harvest regularly to keep the plants producing.
If poor productivity caused by weather is a yearly problem, consider planting varieties better suited to these extremes, adjust the planting times, and if needed, find a more suitable growing location.
When the harvest is delayed, extend the season with the help of row covers. These fabrics allow sunlight, air, and water through while trapping heat around the plants. Loosely cover the plants and anchor the edges with stones, boards, or landscape staples when frost is forecasted. You can leave the fabric in place for the remainder of the year. Just lift it to harvest and secure the fabric when done.
If this summer’s weather leaves you disappointed with the harvest, remember there is always next year.
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Who is ‘Anybody Else’
In about three months Americans will be voting for the next president of the U.S.A. So far, Republicans are backing former President Donald Trump. Joe Biden has decided to let his Vice President, Kamala Harris, run for the presidency for the Democrats. And Literally Anybody Else is challenging the two of them. In fact, Mr. Else, formerly known as Dustin Ebey, says he is running a write-in campaign in Texas and has garnered enough votes to get him on the Tennessee ballot come November. "It's not necessarily about drawing attention to my grievances, but about giving a place for anyone who shares these grievances to come together to a focal point," he says.
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World UFO Day
“If you ask me, do I believe there’s life in a universe that is so vast that it’s hard for me to comprehend how big it is? My personal answer is yes,” NASA Administrator Bill Nelson told reporters at a news conference not so long ago. Meanwhile, in a recent World UFO Day interview, Journalist and UFO Investigator, Nick Pope, told CGTN-TV America’s reporter Sean Callebs that “the subject has gone from fringe to mainstream in recent years. It used to be if you talked about [extraterrestrials] people thought you had tinfoil on your head but nowadays the United States government has come out and opened a lot of files and now you find out that fighter pilots, naval officers and astronauts have made sworn statements that they saw and are convinced that there are UFO's and extraterrestrials out there.”
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Call it a Birth Day
SeaWorld San Antonio has been busy dealing with a Baby Boom recently. So far this year they’ve had a newborn spotted harbor seal, a California sea lion and an endangered radiated tortoise [named for the yellow lined patterns on their shells]. Most recently, a 36-year-old white-sided dolphin gave birth to a 20 pound calf and a 24-year-old Beluga Whale gave birth to a 130-pound, four-foot-long calf.
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Medal of Honor: Navy Capt. Willis W. Bradley Jr.
By KATIE LANGE
Department of Defense News
During World War I, Navy Capt. Willis Winter Bradley Jr. saved his fellow shipmates by making sure an explosion in the ship's gun emplacement didn't cause any further damage or threaten more lives. Bradley received the Medal of Honor for his brave actions and continued to serve for nearly 30 more years.
Bradley was born on June 28, 1884, in Ransomville, New York, to Sarah and Willis Bradley Sr. He had a brother named Harold who went on to serve in the Army.
Shortly after Bradley was born, his family moved to Milnor, North Dakota, then to the nearby town of Forman in 1891. Bradley attended public schools and went to Hamlin University in St. Paul, Minnesota, before venturing into public service as deputy registrant of deeds for the county where he grew up.
Bradley began his Navy career when he was appointed to the Naval Academy, graduating at the top of his class in 1906. About a year later, he married his girlfriend, Sue Worthington.
Bradley spent the first several years of his naval service on various ships before taking command of the USS Biddle and the Reserve Torpedo Group at Annapolis, Maryland, in 1912. By July 1913, he'd completed an ordnance course at the Naval Postgraduate School and received a Master of Science degree from George Washington University in Washington, D.C.
When the U.S. joined World War I, Bradley received orders to serve aboard the USS Pittsburgh II, an armored cruiser.
On July 23, 1917, he was on the ship when some saluting cartridge cases that were being reloaded into the ship's aft casemate — its rear gun emplacement — accidentally exploded.
Bradley, a lieutenant at the time, was entering that space when he was blown backward by the explosion and briefly knocked unconscious. When he regained some of his senses, he crawled into the casemate to put out the fire, despite the considerable amount of powder surrounding him that could have detonated at any time. His heroic effort prevented further explosions.
In the months following the incident, Bradley was temporarily promoted to lieutenant commander, then commander. The promotion became permanent in the spring of 1922. Over the next several years, he served in various positions across the U.S., including as an ordnance inspector.
Roughly a decade after his onboard heroics, on May 1, 1928, Bradley received the Medal of Honor from President Calvin Coolidge during a White House ceremony that his father, wife and three of his four daughters were able to attend. One of those daughters, Sue Bradley, later married Navy Rear Adm. Bruce McCandless, a future World War II Medal of Honor recipient.
In June 1929, Bradley was selected to serve as the naval governor of Guam. One of his many accomplishments in that position was recommending that U.S. citizenship be granted by federal legislation to all native residents. Bradley was so well liked that, according to National Park Service history, Guam residents asked the secretary of the Navy to allow Bradley to represent them in the U.S. after his term as governor ended in May 1931.
When Bradley returned to the U.S., he was promoted and served a stint as the captain of the Pearl Harbor Navy Yard. He continued to serve through World War II, mostly as the commander of the Naval Inspection and Survey Board in Long Beach, California, where his family set up a permanent home for his retirement, which was announced in August 1946.
Bradley continued serving his country, this time through public service. In 1947, he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives from California. He served one term before losing his re-election campaign. He next served as the assistant to the president of the Pacific Coast Steamship Company from January 1949 until he was elected to the California Legislature in 1952.
According to Bradley's obituary in The Bismarck (North Dakota) Tribune, the retired captain suffered two heart attacks in 1953 but continued to work until he suffered a third that he didn't survive on Aug. 27, 1954. Congressional records show he suffered cardiac arrest during a legislative committee meeting in Santa Barbara, California, and died hours later.
Bradley is buried in Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego. In his honor, the USS Bradley, a destroyer escort, was commissioned in 1965 and served the Navy through 1988.
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Make the honor roll in food safety and allergen awareness
WASHINGTON — Parents and caregivers will soon begin the familiar routine of preparing and packing school lunches for their children. Parents and caregivers play a crucial role in safeguarding their children’s health by ensuring these lunches are safe from foodborne illness and allergens for those with food allergies. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service encourages you to follow these food safety tips and be allergen aware for a wholesome, worry-free return to the classroom.
“Children are particularly vulnerable to foodborne illness as their immune systems are still developing and they have limited ability to combat infections. This susceptibility is made worse by the increasing prevalence of food allergies that affect one in 13 children, or about two students per classroom,” said Under Secretary for Food Safety Dr. Emilio Esteban. “It is vital that parents and caregivers practice the four safe food handling steps when preparing and packing school lunches, as well as understanding how to identify food allergens.”
Food Safety Honor Roll Tips
Safe and wholesome school lunches begin with four simple safe food handling practices that everyone should always follow to avoid foodborne illness and minimize the risk of cross-contact with food allergens.
Cleanliness is key. Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before, during and after handling food. Clean countertops with hot, soapy water, then sanitize with a commercial or homemade solution. An easy homemade sanitizer can be made by mixing one tablespoon of unscented, liquid chlorine bleach in one gallon of water. Let the solution stand on the surfaces for a few minutes; then air dry or pat dry with clean paper towels. This will ensure that harmful bacteria don’t cross-contaminate other foods and that food allergens are not transferred to a food meant to be allergen free.
Separate foods. Keep raw meat, poultry and foods with allergens separate from ready-to-eat foods like fruits and vegetables by using different cutting boards and utensils. If possible, prepare items without allergens first to prevent cross-contact.
Cook meats to a safe minimum internal temperature as measured with a food thermometer. Cooking to safe minimum internal temperatures is the only way to ensure the food is safe to consume. Never rely just on the color.
Refrigerate foods promptly. Bacteria grow most rapidly in the range of temperatures between 40 F and 140 F, doubling in number in as little as 20 minutes. This range of temperatures is often called the Danger Zone. When packing your child’s school lunch in an insulated soft-sided lunch bag, it is important that you keep cold foods cold (at 40 F or less) by adding two frozen gel packs (not smaller than 5x3 inches each) or combine a frozen gel pack with a frozen juice box or frozen bottle of water. If you will be packing hot lunches, use an insulated container to keep food like soup, chili and stew hot. Keep the insulated container closed until lunchtime to keep the food hot — 140 F or above.
To learn more about how to properly pack a school lunch, visit Keeping Bag Lunches Safe.
The “Big 9” Food Allergens
The nine leading causes of food allergies identified in the U.S. are milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soybeans and sesame. These allergens are required to be listed on a food label when present.
The best prevention of an allergic reaction is the strict avoidance of food allergens. Consider these tips for managing foods with potential allergens:
Always read ingredient label statements thoroughly, even if you are familiar with the product or have bought it before. If a food product does not have an ingredient label, it is safest to avoid consuming it.
Prepare items without allergens first to prevent cross-contamination.
If your child has food allergies, teach them which foods they should avoid and what they look like.
Educate your child about the importance of washing their hands before eating, not sharing food with friends and the rules of allergen-safe zones if their school has one.
Clearly label your child’s lunchbox, food items, or containers with their name and allergen information to alert others of their dietary restrictions.
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Social Security Matters
By RUSSELL GLOOR
National Social Security Advisor at the AMAC Foundation
Ask Rusty – Should I Retire at 65 or 67? And What About Earnings & Taxes?
Dear Rusty: I'm just trying to figure out how to determine whether to retire at 65 or 67 and, if I retire, approximately how much could I make outside of my Social Security without being overly taxed. Signed: Thinking About Retiring
Dear Thinking: Deciding when to retire is serious business, because it affects your future and what your retirement income will be going forward. Thus, it’s good you are taking the time to fully understand your options, and we’re happy to assist you with that. Here are some things which should help you decide whether to retire at 65 or 67:
Social Security benefits are subject to income tax (by the IRS) if your combined income from all sources (which includes your Adjusted Gross Income on your tax return, plus half of the SS benefits you received during the tax year) exceeds certain thresholds for your income tax filing status. If you file your income tax as “married/jointly” and your combined income from all sources is more than $32,000, then 50% of your received SS benefits are subject to income tax (at your normal IRS tax rate). But if your combined income as a married couple is more than $44,000, then 85% of the SS benefits you received during the tax year becomes part of your taxable income. FYI, the taxation thresholds are lower for those who file taxes as an individual ($25,000 and $34,000 respectively).
Born in 1960 or later, your full retirement age (FRA) for Social Security’s purposes is 67. If you claim SS benefits before your FRA, not only will your monthly amount be permanently reduced but you’ll also be subject to Social Security’s “earnings test” which limits how much you can earn before they take away some of your benefits. The earnings limit changes annually, but for 2024 it is $22,320 (future year’s limits will be a bit higher each year). If your work earnings exceed the annual limit, Social Security will take away $1 in benefits for every $2 you are over the limit. They take away by withholding future benefits for as many months as necessary for them to recover what you owe for exceeding the annual limit. FYI, the limit goes up during the year you attain FRA, and the earnings test no longer applies after you reach your full retirement age.
If you claim SS before your FRA, your monthly amount will be permanently reduced. If you claim at age 65, you will get about 87% of the amount you would get by waiting until age 67 to claim. If you claim at age 66, your monthly amount would be about 93% of your FRA entitlement and, by claiming at 67 you’ll get 100% of the benefit you’ve earned from a lifetime of working. The reductions for early claiming are permanent reductions, except for the annual cost of living adjustments (COLA). Note that you can also delay longer than your FRA to get an even larger benefit amount (you can delay up to age 70 when your maximum benefit is reached). Just remember, the earnings test (as described above) will apply if you claim SS before your FRA and you are still working.
If your plan is to continue to work full time, be aware that if you claim early SS and significantly exceed the annual earnings limit, you may even be temporarily ineligible to collect SS benefits. If your work income is high enough that the penalty for exceeding the earnings limit is more than SS can recover through withheld benefits in one year, they will tell you that you’re unable to collect benefits at this time (until you either earn less or reach your FRA).
So, deciding whether to claim Social Security at 65 or 67 is your personal choice and, hopefully, the above provides the information you need to make an informed decision.
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Harvest and enjoy garden-fresh cucumbers
By MELINDA MYERS
Low in calories and versatile, cucumbers can flavor beverages, perk up a salad, served as a snack, or made into pickles. This popular vegetable is a good source of fiber, potassium, and vitamin K. Plus, they have a high water content, making them a mild diuretic to help in weight loss and reduce blood pressure. To ensure the best flavor and greatest nutritional value, grow your own or purchase cucumbers fresh from the farmer’s market.
Harvest cucumbers or purchase them based on the variety and intended use. Pick the fruit when it is 1½ to 2½ inches long if you plan on making sweet pickles. If dill pickles are on the menu, allow the cucumbers to grow bigger to about three to four inches.
Wait to harvest those you plan on using fresh in salads, beverages, or for snacking. Harvest slicing cucumbers when the skin is firm, bright green, and the fruit is six to nine inches long. You can leave burpless-type cucumbers on the vine a bit longer. They have been bred to maintain their mild flavor when harvested at 10 to 12 inches in length.
Go big and impress your family with the crisp, mild flavor of the long Japanese cucumber. Pick these when they are 12 to 18” long. Their flavor remains mild and the skin is easy to digest despite the longer size.
Misshapen and bitter-flavored cucumbers are usually the result of drought, improper fertilization, and large fluctuations in temperature. These are safe to eat but may not have the best flavor.
The bitter flavor in cucumbers is caused by the cucurbitacin B and C in the plant moving from the leaves, stems, and roots into the fruit when the plants are under stress. Remove about an inch of the stem end and peel where these compounds concentrate to improve the flavor. Consider growing varieties that are typically less bitter like Sweet Slice, Sweet Success, and Marketmore 76.
Compost poor quality fruit that are not suitable for eating. Then adjust your care to ensure better quality cucumbers for the remainder of the season.
Consider making a second planting if space and time allow. Many cucumbers reach maturity in 60 days or less. Calculate the days remaining until the first fall frost to determine if you have enough time to plant, grow, and harvest a second cucumber crop.
Grow the All-America Selections winner Green Light, ready to harvest in as few as 37 to 42 days. Train the long vines on a pole or trellis to save space and for easier picking. Harvest the fruit when three to four inches long for great taste without peeling.
Try growing Patio Snacker cucumber if space is limited. This compact plant produces an abundance of six- to seven-inch fruit in about 50 days.
Extend the season indoors with the new Kitchen miniâ Quick Snack cucumbers. These small plants will grow indoors in a sunny window, with no pollination needed, and produce fruit that tastes best when picked at 2½ inches long.
No matter how you plan to enjoy this multi-purpose vegetable, harvest it at just the right time for the best flavor and intended use.
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Don’t let foodborne illness hog your next pig roast
BY KENNETH KING
public affairs specialist, Food Safety Education staff
Who doesn’t love a party with friends, family, and tasty food? Summer is perfect for outdoor gatherings and some people host pig roasts in their backyard. But pig roasts have been a source of foodborne illness outbreaks so it’s important to take time to plan and prepare properly. Here are some tips from USDA to keep you food safe.
When purchasing a pig:
You can purchase a live pig and have it processed by an inspected facility or custom operator. Live pigs can be purchased from local farmers or arranged with the help of an inspected or custom operator. Whole pig carcasses can be purchased from inspected facilities or retail meat markets and grocery stores that offer them for sale. You may need to ask and allow for sufficient time for them to make arrangements.
Have the supplier wrap the pig in food-grade plastic to protect the pig from the environment (dust, dirt, etc.) and prevent the juices from spreading harmful bacteria.
Many whole pigs are too large to fit in a refrigerator. If it won’t fit, pick up the pig the day of the roasting right before the event.
Keep the pig cold by placing it in the refrigerator or nestled under ice in a large cooler or container. This will keep the meat from entering the Danger Zone, where harmful bacteria multiply rapidly and could get you sick.
How to thaw a pig safely:
Frozen pigs, depending on their size, will need several days to thaw before cooking.
A whole pig can be thawed in a refrigerator or nestled under ice in a large cooler or container. Check to confirm the ice cubes do not melt – this means it is below a safe temperature below 40 degrees F. Replenish ice as needed. Clean and sanitize the cooler or container before and after thawing.
If you don’t have a safe way to thaw the pig, plan to pick up a thawed pig right before the event or have the place of purchase store it until ready for pickup.
FSIS reminds cooks to follow the four food safety steps:
Clean: Anything that comes into contact with the whole pig should be washed with hot soapy water afterward (hands, utensils and surfaces).
Separate: Juices from the raw pig contain harmful bacteria that can make you sick. Keep the raw pig separate from your ready-to-eat food to avoid cross-contamination.
Cook: FSIS recommends that pork products be cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 145 degrees F with a 3-minute rest time. Check the internal temperature with a food thermometer in several places. Serve the meat you carve within 1-2 hours.
Chill: Once cooked, remove remaining portions from the cooked pig, pack them into shallow containers, and refrigerate within 2 hours or 1 hour if the temperature is above 90 degrees F.
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She’s old and sassy
What are the odds that you’ll celebrate your 100th Birthday? The Census Bureau reports that about 101,000 Americans will celebrate their 100th birthdays in 2024 and that the numbers of centenarians in the U.S. will grow steadily in the coming years. More importantly, the National Council on Aging reports that America’s seniors “are healthier overall and living independently for longer.” Take Helen Denmark in Birmingham, Alabama. She turned 108 years of age recently and says that she stays young by “drinking wine, eating dessert, and flirting with men with mustaches.”
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She saved the bunny
An unidentified heroine attending the Fourth of July celebration in Providence, Rhoad Island, dived into the Providence River to save the life of a rabbit. She managed to rescue the bunny, but when Christine Maino, captain of a WaterFire boat, approached to rescue her, she refused to let go of the critter. As Maino put it, "we threw the life ring out, we have a ladder, we put that on the side of the boat so we could get her up but she would not let go of the rabbit, she was bound and determined the rabbit was coming with her."
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A pyre of a fire
The experts tell us that a bonfire “quiets your thoughts and engages your senses.” If that’s the case the bonfire in the town of Craigyhill was surely big enough to calm the nerves of the whole of Northern Ireland, and then some. The pyre was 205 feet and a few inches tall, big enough to make it into the Guinness Book of World Records. The big blaze was part of a traditional celebration known as The Eleventh Night. But before the fire was lit a bold parachutist threw himself off the top of the flaring tower.
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Medal of Honor: Army Staff Sgt. Kazuo Otani
By KATIE LANGE
Department of Defense News
Illustration of a Medal of Honor medal with text reading "Medal of Honor Monday: Highlighting recipients of the nation's highest medal for valor."
Friends of Army Staff Sgt. Kazuo Otani knew that he would do anything to help others and prove his allegiance to the United States. So, it was no surprise to many that Otani gave his life during World War II to protect fellow soldiers who were pinned down by enemy fire. His efforts garnered accolades then, but it wasn't until decades later that his heroics were truly recognized as he was bestowed with the Medal of Honor.
Otani was born on June 2, 1918, in Sanger, California, to parents Yoichi and Shizuo Otani, who had emigrated from Japan in the early part of the century. He had two brothers, Ted and Tom.
The family eventually moved about an hour south to Visalia, where the boys grew up. Otani graduated from Visalia Union High School in 1937. He was working on a citrus farm when the Pearl Harbor attacks happened and the U.S. joined World War II, according to a Fresno Bee newspaper article.
Since the Japanese were behind the Pearl Harbor attacks, suspicion and fear regarding Japanese Americans, known as Nisei, became pervasive in the U.S., growing to the point where Nisei were considered enemy aliens and barred from military service. Hundreds of thousands of Japanese American civilians were also relocated into internment camps out of distrust. Otani's family was forced to move to the Gila River War Relocation Center in Arizona.
About a year later, the Army activated the 442nd Regimental Combat Team and the 100th Infantry Battalion, segregated units that were created so Japanese Americans who wanted to prove their allegiance to the U.S. could fight in the European theater of war. Otani volunteered to join the 442nd and trained at Fort Shelby, Mississippi, before deploying to Italy in June 1944. Before he left, he was able to visit his family at the internment camp in Arizona, according to a 2000 Fresno Bee article.
"He was glad to go [to war], in fact. He figured he'd fight for his country," his brother, Ted, said in the article. "He couldn't visit us, not until two weeks before he went overseas. That was the last time we saw him."
When Otani arrived in Italy, the 442nd joined with the 100th in fierce fighting that earned the units several accolades. Over the next two months, soldiers in the 100th received three Distinguished Service Crosses while soldiers in the 442nd received nine — including one for Otani.
On July 15, 1944, Otani was with the 442nd's 2nd Battalion, Company G, near Pieve di Santa Luce when his platoon was pinned down in a wheat field by enemy sniper and machine gun fire. Realizing the danger they were in, Otani left his cover so he could shoot and kill a sniper that was wreaking havoc on the platoon.
He then dashed across the open field toward the foot of a cliff, despite being followed by a hail of machine gun fire. Once he arrived at the cliff, he directed his men to crawl to it for cover. When their movement drew more enemy fire, Otani ran alongside the cliff, exposing himself to draw the fire away from his men, which helped many of them reach cover.
After organizing the men who made it to the cliff to guard against a possible counterattack, Otani again made his way across the open field, shouting instructions to the rest of the stranded platoon as he continued to draw enemy fire.
When Otani got to the rear of the platoon's position, he took partial cover in a shallow ditch and directed cover fire for the remaining men who had begun to move toward the cliff.
During that moment, one of the men became seriously injured and was trapped out in the open in full view of the enemy. Otani ordered the rest of the men to take cover, then crawled to the wounded soldier and dragged him to a shallow ditch, where he began first aid. Otani was shot by machine gun fire as he was doing so and died.
Otani's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were honored with the Distinguished Service Cross, which his parents received while still at their detention center in March 1945. The family wasn't released from the camp until about five months later.
When Otani's remains were repatriated to the U.S., he was buried in the Veterans Liberty Cemetery in Fresno, California.
The 442nd Regimental Combat Team was one of the most decorated units in U.S. military history, but very few of the men who served in it initially received Medals of Honor for their actions. In 1996, legislators called for a review of the service records of Asian-American service members from World War II who had received the Distinguished Service Cross. They wanted to determine if any of those men had been passed over for the Medal of Honor due to discrimination of the time.
The investigation revealed prejudice did play a role in the awards selection process. To rectify that injustice, 22 Nisei soldiers were upgraded to the Medal of Honor during a ceremony at the White House on June 21, 2000.
Fifteen of the 22 medals presented were done so posthumously. For those who were no longer living, their families received the nation's highest honor for valor on their behalf, including Otani. His brother, Ted, received the medal from former President Bill Clinton.
A few months after the ceremony, a new grave marker was dedicated at Otani's burial site.
"He would do anything for anybody," said Ken Miyamoto, a friend of Otani's who went through basic training with him and attended the grave dedication. "If anybody needed help, or something to be done, he would do it."
Otani's family eventually donated his medal to the Veterans Memorial Museum in Fresno.
In December 2011, more than 450 Japanese American soldiers from World War II were honored with the Congressional Gold Medal for their heroic actions and loyalty in the face of ethnic discrimination. The medal is the highest award for service that the U.S. can bestow on a civilian.
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Four tips for improving social wellness
LITTLE ROCK – July is Social Wellness Month, and good social health can play a part in improving mental health. However, forming and maintaining relationships can be challenging for those with who struggle with social anxiety and mental illnesses like depression.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) underscores the importance of having deep, genuine friendships, stating “positive social habits can help you build support systems and stay healthier mentally and physically.” Use these four tips to work on improving your social wellness this month.
1. Make connections and build healthy relationships.
Actively look for ways to connect with others, and focus time spent with others on activities or hobbies you collectively enjoy, like participating in a yoga class or going to a sporting event. For relationships that are well-established, look for ways to deepen those connections. Sharing feelings honestly, learning how to disagree respectfully and being caring and empathetic will help strengthen your bonds with friends, family members, romantic partners and other loved ones.
2. Get active together.
It may be a struggle to work out or be active consistently, but having a social support group can make it a bit less difficult. Gather some friends and play pickleball or set aside time to play outside with your kids after work. Go on a walk with coworkers during your lunch break or form a recreational sports team with your office. Social support groups can provide motivation to help achieve fitness goals and improve overall social well-being.
3. Take care of yourself.
Caregivers can often experience burnout if they do not adequately care for themselves, which negatively impacts social wellness. Everyone handles self-care differently, and not all self-care methods work for everyone. Find the best ways to care for yourself and stick with them. Make sure you eat healthy, balanced meals and take breaks as you need them. Exercise as often as possible, and get seven to nine hours of sleep each night. Reach out to others for help or join a support group. If you need more serious support, you can call the Arkansas Crisis Center’s hotline by dialing 988 to find mental health resources in your area.
4. Create a healthy atmosphere at home.
Parents are responsible for their own social wellness, as well as their kids’, so it’s important to make your home a safe space for your family. Make requests and give instructions in a positive, kind tone of voice, and incorporate positive, loving interactions with kids and other family members throughout the day. Limiting screen time for the whole family can help everyone connect with each other and promote spending time together that isn’t centered around technology.
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Food safety tips for catered and DIY wedding food
By YOLANDE MITCHELL
Management Analyst, USDA FSIS
Winter, spring, summer or fall – no matter the season, one of the biggest components to a wedding celebration is the food! Weddings traditionally serve food prepared by a catering vendor or homemade by friends and family. Whichever avenue you choose, make sure that food safety is at the top of your checklist during the menu planning stage.
If you’re hiring a caterer, it’s important to select a company that has all the necessary food licensing with a staff trained in food safety, or an individual who has acquired their food safety certification. Here are some questions to ask the caterer to ensure they have food safety top of mind:
Where will the food be prepared?
What steps are taken during food preparation to avoid cross-contamination?
If the food is being prepared offsite, how will it be transported to the wedding venue?
How and where will it be stored until it is time to serve?
When will the food be served and how long will it sit?
Will food temperatures be monitored?
Can we take the leftover food? If so, how will it be packaged and stored until the end of the event?
These questions will help you confirm that the caterer has a plan to prepare, transport, keep and serve your wedding food at a food safe temperature. It is not safe for food to sit at room temperature for more than 2 hours, or 1 hour if it’s being served in an area above 90 degrees F, unless it is being kept hot above 140 degrees F or cold below 40 degrees F. Some caterers won’t allow leftovers to be taken due to temperature timeframes. If you can take leftovers, get them into the refrigerator ASAP!
To avoid allergic reactions or food sensitivities from occurring at the event, the caterer should receive a list that contains guests’ allergies prior to the event. The list can also help to provide information about other dietary preferences such as vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free.
If you plan to DIY (do it yourself) your wedding food, follow these important steps to make sure your food is safe for your guests:
Clean – Wash hands with soap and water for 20 seconds before, during and after food preparation. Start with clean surfaces, utensils, plates and cutting boards and ensure they are cleaned and sanitized after use
Separate – Keep raw meat and poultry separate from any foods that are ready to eat, such as produce and crackers, to avoid cross contamination of harmful bacteria. Use separate utensils, plates and cutting boards, and clean and sanitize before preparing ready to eat foods.
Cook – Cook all meat, poultry, and seafood to the proper internal temperature and measure with a food thermometer.
Transport – Store cold food at or below 40 degrees F. Wrap or insulate hot foods to keep them at or above 140 degrees F during transport.
Serve – Serve hot foods in chafing dishes, slow cookers or warming trays above 140 degrees F to prevent bacteria from multiplying. Serve cold foods nestled in bowls of ice or use small serving trays and replace them often. If the food is not being kept hot above 140 degrees F or cold below 40 degrees F, it should only be out at room temperature for 2 hours (or 1 hour if being served outside in temperatures over 90 degrees F).
Reheat – Food that has been cooked ahead of time should be reheated to at least 165 degrees F. Reheat sauce, soup, and gravy to boiling.
If you plan to keep leftovers from DIY wedding food, the timing is just as important as walking down the aisle. Any leftover foods that have been left out for more than 2 hours at room temperature (1 hour when the temperature is above 90 degrees F) are not safe and should be discarded. If food has been kept hot above 140 degrees F or cold below 40 degrees F, it can be stored in shallow containers and put into the refrigerator. Leftovers should be eaten or frozen within 4 days.
Improper handling of wedding food can quickly turn a joyful occasion into one that will not be forgotten, but for the wrong reasons. Keep your wedding foodborne illness free!
For more information about food safety, visit the FSIS website or contact the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854), email MPHotline@usda.gov, or chat live at ask.usda.gov from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday to reach a food safety specialist in English or Spanish.
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Prune raspberries for an abundant harvest
By MELINDA MYERS
A bit of summer pruning goes a long way to keeping your raspberries healthy and productive. So, get out the mosquito netting, long sleeves, and pruners and get busy.
The summer harvest is produced on 2-year-old canes called floricanes. Remove those that bore fruit to ground level once your harvest is complete. These canes will not produce more fruit and their presence can increase the risk of insect and disease problems. This is also a good time to remove damaged, insect-infested, or discolored canes.
Summer is also a good time to thin the remaining canes on summer-only bearing raspberries. Remove weak or damaged canes, leaving three or four of the sturdiest canes per foot of row or six or eight stems per hill when growing in the hill system. Thinning increases airflow and light penetration, resulting in healthier plants and a better harvest next season. Wait until next spring to reduce the height of the remaining canes. At that time, you can determine winter dieback, and damage, and prune accordingly.
Everbearing raspberries are often called fall raspberries and form fruit on first-year canes called primocanes. You can manage these types of raspberries for a single fall harvest only. Wait until the plants are dormant then cut the whole planting back to ground level. There will be a larger and earlier harvest when pruning everbearing raspberries this way. Although this pruning technique eliminates the summer crop, it is much easier, less time-consuming, and eliminates animal and winter damage in just one cut.
The other option is to prune everbearing raspberries for a fall and summer harvest. The new growth produces the fall crop. These canes are left to produce berries the following summer. Prune these two-year-old canes after the summer harvest as you would on a summer-only bearing raspberry.
Maximize your summer and fall harvest by planting a summer and a fall-bearing raspberry patch. You’ll enjoy summer raspberries from one planting plus a larger, earlier harvest from the fall-bearing raspberries when pruning all those canes to ground level each year during the dormant season.
Don’t let a lack of space keep you from growing delicious raspberries high in fiber and vitamin C. Plant, train, and use raspberries as a hedge in your landscape. Or grow the new compact and thornless Raspberry Shortcakeâ in a container or any sunny small space in your garden. You may not be freezing a large harvest from a single pot of raspberries, but you will enjoy fresh-from-the-garden raspberries even in your small space.
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Eye-popping tricks
Here’s a question for you: what can you do with your eyes? As one dictionary puts it, they can “work with our brains to tell us the size, shape, color, and texture of an object.” But strongman Andrew Stanton uses his “headlights” for a couple of eye-popping tricks. He won two Guinness World Records recently: one for hooking large metal hooks to his eye sockets to pull a car weighing more than 5,000 pounds and another for using the same eye socket hooks to lift his 129.63-pound assistant while at the same time swallowing a sword.
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‘See how you like it’
Keep America Beautiful reports that “90% of Americans agree litter is a problem in their community. One town, Babylon, Long Island, New York, has launched an "Operation Clean" campaign, what you might call a “see how you like it” crusade. It got started with a TV ad featuring a garbage truck dumping its load on the lawn of an alleged particularly barefaced serial litterer.
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This UFO got a pass
Oklahoma Highway Patrol trooper Ryan Vanvleck had no choice recently but to pull over a UFO on the highway because it had an “obstructed tag.” The vehicle’s two occupants got a pass when they told Trooper Vanvleck that they were on their way to the annual UFO Festival in Roswell, New Mexico. The Sherriff’s Office explained that the driver was warned “about our strict enforcement of warp speed on the interstate and to keep his phasers on stun-only while traveling.”
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Sustaining social circles supports weight loss
From Take Off Pounds Sensibly
It’s common knowledge that regular exercise, a good diet, and proper sleep are key components to losing weight. How we treat ourselves is of utmost importance.
But how we interact with others matters too. TOPS Club, Inc. (Take Off Pounds SensiblySM), the nonprofit weight-loss support organization, with a “Real People. Real Weight Loss.®” philosophy, recognizes that social connections play a major role in every individual’s weight loss journey. Research shows that the more ties one has with those around him or her, the more successful he or she is in making better, healthier choices.
In 2023, U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Hallegere Murthy issued a national advisory calling the “epidemic” of loneliness and social isolation a public health concern. “Our relationships are an untapped resource—a source of healing hiding in plain sight,” he said in the introduction of his advisory. “They can help us live healthier, more productive, and more fulfilled lives.”
Our social interactions and connections are part of who we are as individuals. We are born into relationships with others. Having healthy social connections means possessing a variety of meaningful relationships with a sense of belonging. You have others with whom you share a close bond, feel loved, and can turn to for both physical and mental help.
Having these types of relationships, along with healthy habits…
Gives you a 50 percent chance of living longer.
Prevents illnesses like heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, inflammation, elevated blood pressure, dementia, and obesity.
Leads to a quicker recovery from disease due to the release of the chemical painkiller dopamine during social interactions.
Helps regulate emotions, including anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem, due to the release of neurotransmitters during person-to-person contact.
If you feel disconnected or isolated…
Reach out to those already in your circle. Call up friends and family and invite them for coffee or a meal. Remind yourself of the people in your corner.
Volunteer. Helping those around you creates connections and gives you a sense of purpose.
Meditate, listen to music, or enjoy the outdoors to reduce stress. Stress has a way of turning the focus on us. When you feel happier, you’re more likely to seek interactions with others.
Join others in their weight loss journeys. You’ll see better results in your effort to exercise regularly and eat right when you have people to hold you accountable and join you. Stop by a TOPS chapter in your community and see how the encouragement and support of others can positively affect you.
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Medal of Honor: Marine Corps Pfc. Harold Agerholm
By KATIE LANGE
Department of Defense News
When a comrade falls in war, you do what you can to help them. That's a mantra Marine Corps Pfc. Harold Christ Agerholm took seriously during the World War II Battle of Saipan when he helped evacuate nearly two-dozen wounded men during a large enemy counterattack. Agerholm didn't survive the mission, but his selfless actions led leaders to posthumously bestow him with the Medal of Honor.
Agerholm was born on Jan. 29, 1925, in Racine, Wisconsin, one of six children born to Christ and Rose Agerholm. His father died when he was about 8, so his mother went on to raise two boys and four girls by herself.
According to one of Agerholm's sisters, he loved nature and animals and was inseparable from his Dachshund as a child. Agerholm attended public schools, then worked for about five months at a manufacturing company as a multigraph operator before joining the Marine Corps Reserve in July 1942. His mother told newspapers at the time that since he was only 17, he begged her to join, so she let him.
After attending basic training in San Diego, Agerholm was assigned to the 4th Battalion, 10th Marines, 2nd Marine Division. In November 1942, the unit deployed for overseas duty in New Zealand. While there, Agerholm was promoted to private first class and spent most of the next year training.
In November 1943, Agerholm took part in fierce fighting on Betio Island during the Battle of Tarawa. Afterward, he went with his division to Hawaii to begin preparations for the invasion of Saipan, which Allies launched on June 15, 1944. Agerholm's unit landed on the island on the fourth day of fighting.
The battle lasted about three weeks, largely because of the terrain, which made holding and taking land a slow process, according to Navy historians. Agerholm's valiant actions toward the end of the campaign led to his Medal of Honor.
On July 7, 1944, the enemy launched a massive counterattack known as a banzai charge against U.S. positions. When the horde overran a neighboring artillery battalion, Agerholm immediately volunteered to help repulse the attackers and evacuate the wounded.
Agerholm found an abandoned Jeep that had been used as an ambulance and, over the course of the next three hours, repeatedly drove through heavy mortar and rifle fire, singlehandedly loading and evacuating about 45 men into his vehicle and taking them to safety.
Despite the persistent and intense enemy fire, Agerholm ran out to aide two men who he thought were wounded Marines; however, on his way to them, he was shot by a Japanese sniper and killed.
Two days later, the Battle of Saipan ended as the Allies took over the island, which put them in a strategic position to be able to fly bombers within range of Tokyo.
However, the fight was costly. According to naval historians, there were 26,000 American casualties, including 5,000 deaths. At least 23,000 Japanese fighters were killed with thousands more civilians either killed or wounded.
Agerholm's tireless valor led to him posthumously receiving the Medal of Honor. It was bestowed upon his mother on June 25, 1945, in the living room of her home. According to the Marine Corps University, his mother didn't want a public ceremony.
Two other fallen Marines posthumously received the Medal of Honor for their actions in Saipan: Sgt. Grant F. Timmerman and Pfc. Harold G. Epperson.
Agerholm was initially buried in a cemetery in Saipan, but he was repatriated in 1947 and interred in Mound Cemetery in Racine. Several members of the community held a rededication ceremony at his grave in 2004.
Neither the Navy nor Racine have forgotten Agerholm. In December 1945, soon after the war ended, a former enemy base on the Japanese mainland was taken over by the U.S. and named Camp Agerholm. The following year, a newly commissioned Navy destroyer, the USS Agerholm, was named in his honor, too.
In Racine, an elementary school was named Jerstad-Agerholm Elementary School in honor of Agerholm and Army Maj. John Jerstad, another hometown recipient of the Medal of Honor.
According to the Congressional Medal of Honor Society, a duplicate of Agerholm's Medal of Honor is on display at the Racine Veterans Legacy Museum.
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Social Security Matters
By RUSSELL GLOOR, National Social Security Advisor at the AMAC Foundation
Will IRA Withdrawals Affect My Medicare Premiums?
Dear Rusty: I am a member of AMAC and learn so much from the Ask Rusty column. I hope you can give me some information about a question that has come up in my family. My husband is retired and has reached full retirement age. He is considering withdrawing money from an IRA to pay off our mortgage. We are wondering what, if any, penalties may be incurred on Social Security, Medicare, and income tax. Thank you for your help in this matter. Signed: Concerned Taxpayer
Dear Concerned: Thank you for contacting the AMAC Foundation Social Security Advisory Service. Regarding your question on the impact of withdrawing IRA funds, there is no impact to your husband’s gross Social Security benefit. The amount withdrawn, of course, is considered ordinary income for federal income tax purposes, and will need to be included as such on your federal income tax return and will therefore affect your federal income tax liability when you file the return.
Depending on the amount withdrawn, there could be an impact to the Medicare premium due to the Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA) provision. Assuming you file jointly, you will pay a higher Medicare Part B premium if your modified adjusted gross income is above certain thresholds (i.e., more than $103,000 for an individual and $206,000 for a married couple). Please note that Medicare’s procedures will not note this income change for two years, so if you make the withdrawal in 2024 it will not trigger the increases until your 2026 Medicare premiums. A change to your Medicare premium might also result in a change to your net Social Security payment at that time (since Medicare is automatically deducted from your Social Security payment).
Also depending on the amount withdrawn, you may have to pay an additional amount on top of your Medicare Part D premium. The Part D adjustment amount is calculated based on a percentage of the Part D national base beneficiary premium, not on a percentage of the plan premium.
The Social Security Administration mails letters to beneficiaries who currently pay a Part B Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA) and, according to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), are in a Part D plan. The letter explains the additional Part D amount, and how exactly Social Security will collect it. You can contact SSA at 1-800-772-1213 or your local SSA agency if you have any further questions about your Part D IRMAA premium.
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Double the benefit of every gardening task
By MELINDA MYERS
You can double the benefit of every gardening task while keeping your garden looking its best. You’ll reduce your workload, help your landscape flourish, and have more time to enjoy its beauty.
Don’t spend time and energy bagging and hauling landscape trimmings to the recycling center. Put it to work in your garden. Use shredded leaves, evergreen needles, herbicide-free grass clippings, or other pest- and weed-free organic material as mulch. Spread a one-to-two-inch layer of these materials over the soil around annual and perennial flowers and vegetables.
Spreading organic mulch over the soil surface helps conserve moisture, suppress weeds, moderate soil temperatures, protect the soil during heavy rains, and improve the soil as it breaks down. Besides all these benefits you’ll be burning calories and strengthening your muscles.
Convert larger tree and shrub trimmings into wattle fences, arbors, or plant supports. Or chip them into mulch to spread around trees and shrubs or as pathways throughout the landscape. You don’t need to buy a chipper but may want to team up with your neighbors to rent one. Maintain a two-to-three-inch layer of mulch around these plants. Keep the mulch away from the tree trunks and crowns of the plants.
Still more landscape trimmings? Start a compost pile if your municipality allows it. Transform plant-based kitchen scraps and landscape trimmings into a valuable soil amendment. Do not add meat, fat, or bones that can attract rodents. Avoid adding weeds gone to seed, perennial weeds like quackgrass and bindweed, and plants infected with disease or insects. Most gardeners do not compost at high enough temperatures to kill these organisms, so they get added back to the garden with the compost.
Compost is good for the environment and helps build healthy soil more equipped to retain moisture, provide nutrients, and help suppress some plant diseases and insect pests.
Continue growing lawn grass tall and mowing high as long as your grass is actively growing. Taller grass is more likely to outcompete the weeds and forms deeper roots making it more drought tolerant. Minimize the stress by removing no more than a third of the total grass height each time you mow.
Improve your lawn’s appearance, save time, and use fewer resources with sharp mower blades. You can mow faster with sharpened blades and your mower will consume up to 22% less fuel. Lawns will also use up to 30% less water. Sharp mower blades make a clean cut that is less noticeable plus the wound closes quickly, helping you grow a healthy better-looking lawn.
Leave the clippings on the lawn. They add nutrients, moisture, and organic matter to the soil. A season’s worth of clippings equals one fertilizer application so every time you mow you are fertilizing the lawn and improving the soil.
Finish every garden chore with a bit of cleanup. Sweep clippings, plant debris, and fertilizer off walks, drives, and patios, so it won’t wash into the storm sewer. Keeping plant debris out of our waterways is good for us and the environment.
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A ‘glugly’ pooch
As retired Pittsburgh Post-Gazette sports columnist Ron Cook put it, “there's no such thing as an ugly dog. Ugly people, for sure. But no ugly dogs.” The proof is an eight-year-old Pekingese dog from North Bend, Oregon, that goes by the name of Wild Thang. The pooch came in first in this year’s World's Ugliest Dog Contest at the 50-year-old Sonoma-Marin Fair in Petaluma, California. Wild Thang is a three-time runner up at the contest. According to his biography, he suffered from distemper and “he survived, but not without permanent damage. His teeth did not grow in, causing his tongue to stay out and his right front leg paddles 24/7." His illness got him the moniker "glugly," a so-called glamorous/ugly pup.
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A calcitrant cat
A cute kitten got itself stuck between the double-tires of a semi-truck on the Ohio Turnpike. It was discovered during a routine inspection. They tried to rescue the kitten but one of its claws was stuck in a tire, according to the Ohio State Patrol. But, as the saying goes,“All's Well That Ends Well.” One of the tires was removed, giving the rescuers easy access and they wasted no time turning over to the Portage Animal Protection League.
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World’s biggest bike
Netherlander Ivan Schalk built a bicycle for more than just two. It’s 180 feet and 11 inches long — big enough to handle a bunch of bikers and to win a page in the Guinness Book of World Records. It actually started out as a bicycle built for two with one biker steering up front and another peddling back in the rear. However, in order to win the Guinness prize, they added more pedals and more team members.
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UAMS House Call
Dr. Bala Simon is an associate professor in the Department of Family and Preventive Medicine in the College of Medicine at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.
Q: What are the health risks from long-term exposure to sunlight? A: Summer, particularly in Arkansas, provides plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities. Sunlight is essential for the body to make Vitamin D, which is vital for bone function and overall health. However, it is important to be wary of how ultraviolet radiation, a form of energy produced by the sun, can affect you. The most common effect that long-term exposure to sunlight has on the body is with the skin. Too much exposure damages skin cells and causes them to malfunction. This can result in cells dividing and replicating too quickly and forming tumors, which may be cancerous. Sunburn is another common condition in which the skin blisters and swells. The eyes are also susceptible to too much sunlight, as ultraviolet radiation easily penetrates eye tissue. Proteins in the lens can be modified by sunlight and can lead to cataracts, which causes blurred or less colorful vision. Age-related macular degeneration, which affects sharp, straight-ahead vision, is another possible result of overexposure. Avoiding direct exposure during peak times (normally between 10 a.m.-4 p.m.) and using sunscreen with a sun protection factor of 30 or more can reduce risk. Sunglasses can provide protection for the eyes. Contact your health care provider if you have questions.
Q: How common is juvenile arthritis? A: Juvenile arthritis (now known as juvenile idiopathic arthritis) is the most common type of arthritis in children younger than age 16. Juvenile arthritis can cause complications such as eye inflammation, growth problems and damage to joints. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that more than 220,000 people in the U.S. are affected by juvenile arthritis. As with other forms of arthritis, juvenile arthritis is an autoimmune disease in which abnormal amounts of fluid are formed in the joints, leading to pain and swelling. The specific cause of juvenile arthritis is unknown, although genetics and environmental factors could play a role. Some types of the condition are more common in girls. Juvenile arthritis symptoms include fatigue, fever, rash, stiffness in joints or swollen lymph nodes. Symptoms may come and go, and they may also be confused with other illnesses or injuries. An affected child may have difficulty performing daily activities such as dressing, playing or walking. Treatment normally focuses on increasing joint mobility and strength, reducing swelling, relieving pain and preventing further joint damage. Corticosteroids, disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are medications used to treat the condition. Work with a health care provider for a specific treatment plan.
Q: How often should I have my hearing checked? A: Hearing tests are a way for health care providers to determine the status of your hearing. These tests can evaluate how well you can hear or if there is any hearing loss. If there are any issues, a full audiological evaluation may be needed. A National Health Interview Survey administered by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention determined that about 40 million American adults experience some sort of hearing loss. Frequency of hearing tests is dependent upon each individual situation. Infants should have a hearing test within six months after birth. People who work in noisy environments may need their hearing checked once a year. Certain occupations may require periodic hearing tests as a condition of employment. Many adults may not require a hearing test until after age 50, which is when age-related hearing loss often begins. Symptoms of hearing problems include issues with balance, dizziness, hissing or ringing in the ears, having to turn up the volume on a radio or television, or being bothered by background noise. Treatments may include hearing aids, cochlear implants or removing earwax. See your health care provider if you experience sudden hearing loss. A referral to an audiologist may be required.
Q: What is involved in allergy testing? A: An allergy is overreaction of the immune system to a foreign substance referred to as an allergen. The allergen could be something eaten, inhaled, injected or touched. Allergies are incredibly common, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimating that nearly 40% of adults in America have eczema, a food allergy or a seasonal allergy. A health care provider may perform one of several allergy tests to determine the cause of allergy symptoms. A skin prick or scratch test involves pricking the skin with a potential allergy to observe the reaction. A blood test is when an allergen is added to a blood sample to measure the amount of antibodies produced. Someone with a suspected drug or food allergy may be ask to eat or swallow a small amount of a suspected allergen under medical supervision in order to monitor symptoms. Allergy symptoms are specific to each individual. Reactions to allergens in the air may include headaches or watery eyes. Food allergies could result in swelling of the face, lips or tongue. Contact your health care provider if you experience allergic symptoms, particularly if they are persistent, for a diagnosis and development of a treatment plan.
Email your health questions to housecall@uams.edu.
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Medal of Honor: Army Lt. Col. Charles E. Capehart
By KATIE LANGE
Department of Defense News
Army Lt. Col. Charles E. Capehart took command of his regiment during a crucial moment of the Civil War. Shortly after the Battle of Gettysburg, he chased down fleeing Confederate troops, leading to the capture of hundreds of prisoners and supplies. For his effort, he received the Medal of Honor.
Capehart was born in 1833 just outside of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, to John and Sophia Capehart. He had an older brother named Henry. When both boys were still young, their mother died, so their father moved the family to Pittsburgh.
By the time the Civil War broke out, Capehart was living in Du Quoin, Illinois, according to the Congressional Medal of Honor Society. He enlisted in the Army's 12th Illinois Volunteer Infantry on April 18, 1861, but he mustered out within a few months due to illness.
Six weeks later, however, he reenlisted, serving as an adjutant for the 31st Illinois Infantry. He remained in that role until May 16, 1862, when he was commissioned as a captain and assigned to the 1st Virginia Cavalry — a regiment that eventually changed its name to the 1st West Virginia Cavalry when West Virginia became a state in June of 1863. Capehart's brother, Henry, also served in the unit as a regimental surgeon.
Less than a month before the Battle of Gettysburg began, Capehart was promoted to major. On the third and final day of that campaign, he helped lead a charge against firmly entrenched Confederate troops. His regiment suffered severe casualties, including the death of their brigade commander, Army Gen. Elon Farnsworth. A colonel in command of the 1st West Virginia Cavalry took Farnsworth's place, so Capehart moved in to command the regiment.
By July 4, 1863, the Confederates had lost the Battle of Gettysburg and had begun to retreat via two paths toward the southwest, heading for Virginia.
According to historians, a civilian who saw the Southerners moving through one of those routes, an area known as Monterey Pass, tipped Union troops off to their movements. The Union Army sent about 5,000 cavalry soldiers to intercept the long train of wagons and troops retreating through the mountain pass. Capehart's regiment was one of those units.
When some of the cavalry troops reached the mountain at night and began climbing it, a Confederate cannon fired at them, causing confusion and chaos among the soldiers. A fierce battle ensued and was worsened by a raging thunderstorm with driving rain and lightning.
Capehart and his regiment arrived at the peak of the chaos, according to the Congressional Medal of Honor Society. Both sides were trying to gain control of the high ground through the darkness, only catching glimpses of light when lightning struck or when flashes from the muzzles of their guns or cannon fire went off.
"The rainstorm had blotted out any light from the moon, and smoke from the battle made it nearly impossible to see," a Congressional Medal of Honor Society historian wrote in a 2022 blog. "Fearing his men could be shot by either side in the darkness, or even by their own comrades, Capehart ordered his troopers to draw their sabers so they would be able to identify each other."
He then ordered his troops to charge, running down the mountainside at midnight during heavy rain toward the enemy's fleeing wagon train. Historians said the charge took the Confederates by surprise. Many of them began to retreat, allowing Capehart's men to gain ground.
"By the time the fighting ended, Capehart and his men had captured or destroyed 300 wagons, 15 ambulances and captured 1300 prisoners, 200 of them commissioned officers, as well as a large number of horses and mules," the Congressional Medal of Honor Society blog said.
According to Army Corps of Engineers research, the Confederates suffered 1,300 casualties during the skirmish and lost nine miles of wagons from its 50-mile-long wagon train. The Union suffered fewer than 100 casualties.
Capehart was promoted to lieutenant colonel on Aug 1, 1864. By the time the war ended, and he mustered out of the Army, Capehart had taken part in more than 100 battles, the Congressional Medal of Honor Society said.
Capehart received the Medal of Honor more than two decades later. He was bestowed the nation's highest award for valor on April 7, 1898 — three years after his brother received the same medal for saving the life of a drowning soldier in 1864.
Throughout the Medal of Honor's existence, the Capeharts are one of only seven sets of brothers to have received it.
Charles Capehart married a woman named Louise in 1901, according to various newspapers of the time. They had two sons and two daughters, according to his obituary in The Washington Herald.
Capehart died on July 11, 1911, in Washington, D.C.; he is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.
On the land where Capehart's Medal of Honor actions took place, Monterey Pass Battlefield Park and Museum now preserves the history of the battle through maps and artifacts.
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Social Security Matters
By RUSSELL GLOOR
National Social Security Advisor at the AMAC Foundation
Ask Rusty – Grieving Husband Asks About His Survivor Benefits
Dear Rusty: My wife died May 4, 2024. I notified Social Security, and they have removed the direct deposit made to my joint checking account on May 8, 2024. What are my options now for obtaining any benefits from my wife's Social Security account? Signed: Grieving Husband
Dear Grieving Husband: Please accept our sincere condolences for the loss of your wife. Rest assured that we’re here to assist with any Social Security questions you may have at this difficult time.
FYI, a person must live the entire month to be eligible for SS benefits for that month (Social Security benefits aren’t paid for the month a person dies). For this reason, and as a matter of standard protocol, Social Security instructed the bank to return any payments received for your wife after her death. This is often referred to as the “claw back” rule.
In some circumstances, however, Social Security “claws back” money which rightfully belongs to the deceased, as they did in this case. Your wife’s Social Security payment received on May 8th was her payment for the month of April, and she was fully entitled to that payment because she lived for the entire month of April. I suggest that you download, fill out, and submit Form SSA-1724 to your local Social Security office to recover that May 8th payment, which rightfully belongs to your wife’s estate. Note that the bank will automatically return any future SS payments received for your wife.
As your wife’s surviving spouse, you are also entitled to a one-time lump sum “death benefit” of $255, which you can request by calling your local SS field office (get the number at www.ssa.gov/locator), or by calling 1.800.772.1213. During that call you can also explore whether you are entitled to any additional SS benefit as a surviving spouse.
If your wife’s monthly SS retirement benefit was more than your current monthly SS benefit, you will be entitled to receive her higher monthly amount instead of your own smaller amount (FYI, if you haven’t yet reached your own full retirement age your survivor benefit will be reduced). And if you are not yet collecting your own SS benefit, you have the option to claim your survivor benefit from your wife first while allowing your personal SS retirement benefit to continue to grow, up to maximum at age 70 if you like.
Just be aware that if you haven’t yet reached your full retirement age (FRA) and you are still working, any SS benefit you take before your FRA will be subject to Social Security’s “earnings test” which limits how much can be earned before they take away some of your SS benefits. The 2024 annual earnings limit is $22,320 (changes annually) for those who claim prior to the year they attain full retirement age, and SS will take away $1 of benefits for every $2 over the annual limit. The “earnings test” no longer applies after you reach your full retirement age.
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Managing weeds in the garden
By MELINDA MYERS
No matter the weather, weeds seem to thrive and reproduce, and if left unchecked, they can overwhelm the garden and gardener. These unwanted plants find their way into your garden as seeds, roots, rhizomes, or whole plants. Seeds can be carried in by the wind, birds, and other animals, or on the soles of shoes. Roots, rhizomes, and even plants hitch a ride in the soil or with plants that we move into the garden.
Start early managing weeds in your garden. Smaller weeds are easier to pull and removing them before they flower and form seeds can prevent hundreds of weeds in next year’s landscape.
This is not always possible. Weather and busy schedules often limit gardening time, allowing these vigorous plants to overtake the garden.
It is never too late and worth investing time in managing weeds in the garden. Weeds are adaptable and vigorous, outcompeting your desirable plants for water and nutrients. Many serve as host plants for insect pests and diseases that may also attack your garden plants.
Carefully dig or pull weeds, removing the top and roots. Established weeds may have a deep tap root or extensive root system that may be difficult to remove. Depending on the weed, any part left behind has the potential to start a new plant.
Find the tool that best works for you. A Dutch or action hoe works well on small weeds where there is space between plants. Glide the cutting edge just below the soil surface to cut the roots. Many gardeners find a weed knife to be a useful tool. It allows you to dig right next to the weed and pop it out of the ground with minimal impact on surrounding plants.
If bending is an issue, you may opt for one of the standup weeders. There are several types available. Most have tines you insert into the soil surrounding the weed. A hand or foot-operated action causes the tines to tighten around the weed roots before you lever it out of the ground.
Perennial weeds are a bit more challenging. Many have extensive roots that are nearly impossible to remove entirely. Repeatedly digging up the plants can eventually manage these weeds, but it can take years. Cutting the plants back to the ground as soon as they appear can help “starve” them, prevent reseeding, and help contain and even eliminate some perennial weeds.
If the weeds begin to take over the garden, tackle those flowering or setting seeds first. Do not compost these or perennial weeds. Most compost piles don’t get hot enough to kill the seeds or perennial weeds. Contact your local municipality to find out your options for disposing of these as well as perennial and invasive weeds.
Once the weeds are out of the garden, spread a layer of organic mulch over the soil surface. The finer the mulch, the thinner the layer needed. Pull the mulch away from tree trunks, shrub stems, and the crowns of your other plants.
Mulching helps suppress weeds by reducing seed sprouting and making it easier to pull the seedlings that get through the mulch. Increase your success by placing a couple of sheets of newspaper or a piece of cardboard beneath the mulch. Mulching won’t stop existing perennial weeds like quackgrass and bindweed. Keep managing these until all the roots have been removed.
Shredded leaves, evergreen needles, and other organic mulch also conserve moisture, moderate soil temperatures, and add organic matter to the soil as it breaks down. Mulch also helps protect the soil from compaction and erosion during heavy rains. As many places experience more intense rainfall and higher-than-normal summer heat, mulching the soil becomes even more beneficial.
Consider the benefits when you head out to tackle the weeds in your garden. You will improve the health and beauty of your garden while burning between 200 and 400 calories every hour you weed.
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Here we go again
Talk about your unexplained mysteries, this one is happening in real life – yet again – and it’s eerier than the movie with the title “Monolith.” The film is about a conspiracy theory; it has a beginning, a middle and an end. No one seems to have an “ending” or an explanation for the re-appearance recently of a mysterious monolith that suddenly showed up a few miles north of Las Vegas. Back in 2020 a similarly baffling structure suddenly appeared, first in Utah and then in Romania, California, New Mexico and in downtown Las Vegas.
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Better late than never
Virginia "Ginger" Hislop got her bachelor's degree at the Stanford University School of Education but put off her graduate degree in order to get married. That was 83 years ago, in 1940 when her newly-wed husband, George Hislop, went off to World War II. As she put it, "I thought it was one of the things I could pick up along the way if I needed it and I always enjoyed studying, so that wasn't really a great concern to me -- and getting married was." Alas, the 105 year old Ginger recently received her master's degree at the Stanford Graduate School of Education.
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A good buy
Anna Lee Dozier liked the vase she saw at a Maryland thrift store and couldn’t resist buying it. It was a no-brainer as the vase was on sale for just $3.99. In an interview on WUSA-TV she said, "it looked old-ish, but I thought maybe 20, 30 years old and some kind of tourist reproduction thing so I brought it home." As it turned out, the Mexican vase dates back some 2,000 years and is likely to be worth for more than $100,000.
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Medal of Honor: Army Pfc. Emory L. Bennett
By KATIE LANGE
Department of Defense News
When Army Pfc. Emory Lawrence Bennett's company was ordered to retreat from a lopsided battle in Korea, he volunteered to slow the enemy's charge so his fellow soldiers could escape. Bennett lost his life doing so, but he saved countless others. For his sacrifice, he was posthumously presented the Medal of Honor.
Bennett was born Dec. 20, 1929, in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, to Sterling and Stella Bennett. He had three older brothers, all of whom served in and survived World War II.
When Bennett was 6, his family moved to Merritt Island before settling a year later in Cocoa, Florida, where Bennett spent the rest of his childhood. His parents ran Bennett Fish Market, and he and his brothers often helped catch fish to sell from the Indian River. The family also enjoyed duck hunting, and Bennett was known to be a good shot.
Bennett graduated from Cocoa High School in 1948. According to a 2001 Florida Today article, he attended business college in Jacksonville before enlisting in the Army on July 25, 1950, about a month after Korean War hostilities broke out.
Bennett went to basic training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, before receiving additional training as an engineer. However, he was transferred to the infantry as the conflict in Korea grew and more U.S. troops were needed. In February 1951, Bennett was sent to Korea and placed with Company B of the 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division.
On June 23, 1951, Bennett's company attacked a hill near Sobangsan and captured it from Chinese troops. They managed to hold it overnight and part of the next day. Bennett was wounded in the skirmish but refused to be evacuated, his family told the St. Lucie News Tribune in 1990.
The next day, at about 2 a.m., two enemy battalions — about 1,500 men — swarmed up the ridgeline in a ferocious human wave, known as a banzai charge, to take back the hill, Bennett's Medal of Honor citation said. The enemy also attacked with heavy artillery, mortar and weapons fire.
Bennett's company, made up of about 200 soldiers, was completely overwhelmed, but they retaliated with bravery, causing as much destruction as possible. The enemy pressed forward, however, threatening an imminent collapse of the U.S. defensive perimeter.
Fully aware of the odds against him, Bennett unhesitatingly left his foxhole and moved through the withering fire to stand within full view of the enemy. According to his Medal of Honor citation, he used his automatic rifle to pour crippling fire into the ranks of the onrushing enemy combatants, killing many and wounding several others. Although injured himself, Bennett kept up his one-man defense until the attack was briefly halted.
In that lull, Bennett's company tried to regroup for a counterattack, but there were too many enemy soldiers who soon infiltrated the position. Company B was ordered to fall back.
When the call came for volunteers to provide cover fire for the men as they retreated, Bennett stepped up. As his comrades fled, he continued to rain fire down on the enemy until he was mortally wounded. Soldiers who survived the ordeal later reported about 50 enemy soldiers piled up around Bennett when they last saw him.
Bennett's self-sacrifice saved many lives. His courage and devotion were recognized on Jan. 16, 1952, when his father received the Medal of Honor on his behalf during a Pentagon ceremony. Nine other fallen soldiers were also awarded the nation's highest honor for valor that day.
Bennett's remains were returned to the U.S. in November 1951; he was buried in Pine Crest Cemetery in Cocoa.
Bennett's home state has not forgotten him. In 1993, a veterans' nursing home in Daytona Beach, Florida, was built and named in his honor. A monument to the young soldier was erected in Riverside Park in Cocoa, and the Bennett Causeway in Brevard County was also named for him. On Merritt Island, a wing at the Brevard Veterans Memorial Center is dedicated in his honor.
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By the numbers: 5 crucial tips every dentist needs to know to grow their practice and stand out
Dr. Tyler Hales, a cosmetic dentistry specialist, has grown a successful practice that celebrities turn to
ORANGE COUNTY, Calif. – Those who will soon be graduating from dental school or recently graduated often have one thing in mind. They want to have their own dental practice someday. Some businesses come and go, and those who wish to have a successful practice need to know a few crucial tips to help them grow their practice and stand out in a crowd.
"There are dentist offices everywhere, so you have to do something to set yourself apart," explains Dr. Tyler Hales, a celebrity cosmetic dentist who founded Hales Aesthetic in Orange County, Calif. "It's not enough to just want your practice. You must dive deeply into what it takes to have a successful practice.”
According to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), the two-year survival rate for a new business is around 68%, and the five-year survival rate is around 50%. The things people do before opening their doors and throughout the journey will help determine whether or not they will be one of the businesses that thrive or simply take a dive.
First, people need to go into opening a business knowing that they need patience. Most business experts estimate that a company takes around three years to start seeing a profit. Many people who go into opening a business without considering this may need help to make ends meet and feel they can't hold on to make it to the three-year mark. Being prepared with this in mind will help set the stage for success.
The American Dental Association reports that the average dentist in the U.S. has a career span of around 42 years. Today, dentists work an average of four more years than they did in 2001. With decades ahead of newly graduated dentists, it is a good idea to ensure that they enjoy their years in the field and that those who have their own practice are successful.
Here are 5 additional crucial tips from celebrity cosmetic dentist Dr. Tyler Hales that will grow your brand and dental practice, as well as make it stand out:
Pick a niche. There are nearly 182,000 dentists in the country, so people have many choices of where they want to go. It is essential to give them a reason to choose your office. Pick a niche and commit to being the best in the industry. For example, Dr. Hales specializes in veneers, and his commitment to being the best at them has given him great success. People seek him out nationwide to have him do their veneers.
Choose a style. Pick a style that speaks to you and brings out your personality. Forget cookie-cutter business model prototypes. Make a deliberate decision about the style your practice will offer. For example, there are dentists known as the singing dentist, the bow-tie dentist, the superhero dentist, etc. This will help you stand out in a crowd.
Make a three-year plan. Having a three-year plan when you open your practice will help give you a map of where to go and what to do. You won't have to figure out everything as you go along. According to the SBA, a good business plan should include things like your company's name, mission statement, products and services offered, team members, market analysis, marketing and sales goals, funding requests, and financial projections.
Ask for help. Getting help if there are issues you are a good idea need clarification on. You can seek a mentor, such as Dr. Hales who has been in the business for years, or join a local business group to network. For some people, this may be the one difference in the business. Forget the idea that you must figure it out all on your own.
Be willing to adapt. Things change, and this goes for your ideas in your three-year plan. That's okay, but you have to be willing to adapt to changes in the market, economy, and even your vision. Having a destination in mind doesn't have to be set in stone. Being flexible and willing to see where things take you, being willing to go with the flow, is going to help increase the business's longevity.
"Many dentists have had successful practices for decades," adds Hales. "You can have one of those businesses, too. It comes down to knowing how to build your brand, and being armed with the insider tips to help you navigate the waters. Please reach out to me if you’re looking for a mentor. "
Signs of summer are already here, and temperatures are starting to climb. After experiencing record breaking heat indexes in 2023, Entergy Arkansas is providing tips on how to prepare your home for the high-heat and manage your bill this summer with our newly launched Bill Toolkit site.
Heating and cooling costs make up more than 55% of an average customer’s electric bill. This means that it is important to take steps to conserve energy to lower your electric bills when temperatures start to rise.
Entergy’s Bill Toolkit site helps customers find ways to manage energy usage and save money through energy efficiency programs including Entergy Arkansas’ Entergy Solutions. Examples of products and services, available at little to no cost, include AC tune-ups, LED bulbs, smart thermostats, duct sealing and insulation. An A/C tune-up is a great way to evaluate your equipment's energy performance and make necessary adjustments to ensure that your system is running as efficiently as possible. A/C tune-ups provide a comprehensive diagnostic check of your system to ensure that it's running smoothly and identify any potential issues. An energy-efficient A/C unit can keep you and your family cool and comfortable even during the hottest summer days.
Customers can schedule an A/C tune-up today by contacting one of our trade allies, visit entergytradeally.com to learn more. Tune-ups are available to qualifying Entergy Arkansas customers at no additional cost. To learn more about our other energy-saving programs, visit the Entergy Solutions website at entergysolutionsar.com.
Additionally, this program offers home assessments that yield energy efficiency recommendations. A Home Performance Assessment with ENERGY STAR reduces the up-front cost of installing energy efficiency upgrades.
Low to no-cost energy efficiency tips
Customers also can save money with these quick and easy energy efficiency tips:
Change air filters. Air filters on some air conditioning units require monthly cleaning or replacing.
Set your thermostat to the highest comfortable temperature. The smaller the difference between the inside and outside temperatures, the lower your energy usage and bill will be.
Buy a programmable thermostat. A programmable thermostat can help manage costs, is controllable, and can help monitor usage.
Use fans to cool off. Ceiling fans, box fans and oscillating fans use very little electricity to circulate the air. Make sure ceiling fans are rotating in the right direction – counter-clockwise during summer – to push cooler air down into the room. Be sure to turn all fans off in unused rooms.
Close blinds, shades and curtains to keep the sun out and the cool air in. Also, close air conditioning vents in rooms that are not in use.
Seal cracks and holes around doors, windows and ductwork. Weather stripping and caulk will help keep the cold air in and the hot air out.
Use the myAdvisor tool on myentergy.com. The usage and cost tool can compare usage history by month, day and hour.
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$3.7 million to UAMS to continue groundbreaking research into high blood pressure
LITTLE ROCK — In a major boost to cardiovascular research, the National Institutes of Health has awarded an additional $3.7 million to Shengyu Mu, Ph.D., and his team of researchers at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) to continue their groundbreaking study on the role of immune cells in hypertension.
Mu, an associate professor in the UAMS College of Medicine Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, was awarded an initial $1.89 million grant in 2019 to fund his laboratory’s exploration of the link between immune cells and hypertension, a widespread and serious health condition.
During that time, the team made substantial discoveries indicating that immune disorders contribute to high blood pressure, paving the way for the next phase of research.
The five-year grant renewal began with a $685,749 payment in April and is expected to fund a comprehensive series of experiments and advanced analyses over the next five years.
“We are thrilled to receive this continued support from the NIH,” said Mu, a leading expert in hypertension. “Our initial research has provided strong evidence that immune cells play a key role in the development and progression of hypertension. This new funding will allow us to delve even deeper, aiming to identify new therapeutic targets and develop novel strategies to manage hypertension.”
His team includes researchers Yunmeng Liu, Ph.D., an assistant professor in the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology; Lin-Xi-Li, Ph.D., an associate professor in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology; Lu Huang, Ph.D., an assistant professor in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology; John Imig, Ph.D., professor and chair of the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences in the College of Pharmacy; and key lab members Katherine Deck, Tonya Rafferty and Christoph Mora.
“Together, they will leverage their diverse expertise and state-of-the-art technology and methods to further investigate this important area of research,” Mu said.
He said the ongoing research has the potential to advance scientific knowledge and translate insights into clinical practice.
“By unraveling the influence of immune cells on hypertension, it could pave the way for new interventions designed to modulate the immune response, potentially offering more effective and personalized treatments for patients,” Mu said.
The NIH’s support underscores the importance of the research in addressing a critical public health crisis, Mu said.
“Hypertension remains a leading cause of illness and death worldwide,” Mu said. “Innovative research like that being done at UAMS is crucial for developing new ways to prevent and treat it.”
He hopes that the research findings will help reduce the burden of hypertension and improve cardiovascular health globally.
This research is supported by the National Heart, Lung, And Blood Institute of the National Institutes of Health under Award Number R01HL146713. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health.
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Epidemic of declining mental health begins in infancy
By SHANNAH HENDERSON
With the deluge of new information about trauma, the nervous system, and secure attachment, many of us are deeply engaged in mental health awareness. We are reevaluating ourselves and our histories and exploring how our experiences have contributed to our issues with anxiety, depression, and addiction. We are discovering new talk therapies, psychedelic assisted therapies, somatic therapies, and emotionally focused tools for healing. We are becoming aware of intergenerational trauma, how we carry our ancestors’ emotional wounds and pass them on to future generations. We’re reading The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel Van der Kolk, The Myth of Normal Gabor Mate, What Happened to You by Bruce Perry and Oprah Winfrey, and we’re doing the work.
In this process, many of us discover that our trauma is developmental trauma, or little t trauma – wounds that comes from the way we were cared for as babies, from conception to age three. It comes from our earliest relationships, the interactions we had with our parents and caregivers before we could speak or even remember. If this early experience was predominately not nurturing, our brains are at significant risk to develop to be reactive to stress and vulnerable to lifelong mental health struggles(1) -- and in this part of the world, it is likely that you were not well nurtured as an infant, even if your parents loved you and did everything “right.” That’s because our culture has praised and encouraged what I call “low nurture” parenting for generations, at least since the Industrial Revolution. These include “teaching” independence, sleep training, lack of shared sleep, dismissing stress, dismissing emotions, lack of physical closeness, lack of close feeding, lack of presence, lack of respect, and overuse of baby containers like swaddles, swings, walkers, saucers, jumpers, and floor seats.
In my own therapy, I thought my mental health issues came from later childhood, but the work I did showed me that many of my issues had already formed by age 4. This is consistent with what we know about mental health, it begins at the beginning of life. Infant mental health is lifelong mental health.
Neuroscience research mirrors these realizations. Over the past 30 years or so, leading neuroscience groups led by principal investigators including Michael Meaney, Frances Champagne, Nim Tottenham, Megan Gunnar, Regina Sullivan, Tallie Baram, Ed Tronick, Beatrice Beebe and Ruth Feldman have uncovered the importance of infant experience for lifelong mental health. Conception to age three is a sensitive period of brain development where the emotional brain is formed – including our stress systems, our neurotransmitter systems, and our gut health. These all play a fundamental role in shaping our mental health for life. (1)
Neuroscience knows this. Experts on the nervous system know this. Therapists know this. Doulas, midwives, lactation consultants, occupational therapists, osteopaths, chiropractors, and physical therapists know this. Leading neuroscience research show us exactly what the infant brain needs form 0-3 years to thrive. There is a community of us talking about this; professionals that work with families to grow a foundation of mental wellness in infancy. Countless parents coming up with creative ways to build mental health for their babies. They understand that they don’t have to pass on intergenerational trauma and actually they can create new intergenerational wellness to give to their babies and future generations. They can also heal their own infancies by nurturing their babies. In my part of the world, I call it The Nurture Revolution.
Yet this knowledge remains hidden from most parents. Preventing the wounds from infancy has not yet become part of our public discourse on parenting. In fact, the opposite is true: anyone speaking out against low nurturing practices like sleep training, excessive swaddling, or understanding a baby’s emotions and communication, are routinely lambasted as not supporting sleep-deprived, overwhelmed parents. I talk to mental health professionals who know what the research says, but they tell me they shy away from taking a stand on infant mental health because it’s too controversial – it might make working moms feel guilty, parents who sleep train their babies feel criticized, or parents who did not have nurturing infancies themselves feel triggered and overwhelmed. I get it. The relationship between babies and their parents is very tender, and the stakes are big. And there is a near total lack of social support for parents and babies. At the same time, science shows us that any amount of nurture is beneficial for the developing brain and the approach can be highly individualized.
Well, we are at a very interesting place in history right now. Many of us are reimaging our lives. We’re looking at the way things have been and we’re dreaming of better ways. We’re hoping to do better for our children’s health and the future health of the planet. So many of us are returning to nurture to create a new world for our babies. Nurture for babies and parents is a return home to self. We’ve been raised to be humans doing, not humans being. We’ve been led away from ourselves and our internal worlds and meaningful relationships. And so many of us are noticing this is not the life we want.
What if in creating a new future, we start to see infancy as a special season of life, where we can give babies and parents support to grow mental health for one another? What if we invest in infant brain development, despite how much our society wants us to see their needs for closeness and care as inconvenient and unimportant, so that these babies grow up able to think and create freely, without anxiety, fear, and aggression? What if doing so is one of the best ways we can help build a society in which nurture is supported, easy, and the norm?
Infancy is the most important place to make a difference in the future of mental health. Currently the way we treat babies influences the development of anxiety, depression, addiction, impulsivity, selfishness, self-centeredness and greed. Nurture grows regulated brains that are healthy, curious, flexible, empathetic and compassionate. I’d say it’s exactly what the world needs.
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Planning can ease concerns about what happens to wind turbines at the end of their lifespan
LYONS, NEBRASKA – Advances in technology and lower installation costs continue to contribute to the growth of wind electricity generation in the U.S., especially in rural areas.
According to a report from the U.S. Department of Energy and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, the cost of installing wind turbines has fallen more than 40% since its peak in 2010. In 2022, wind energy provided 10% of total electricity nationwide. In Iowa, more than 60% of power comes from wind energy systems. Wind energy generates more than 40% of the power in South Dakota, Kansas, and Oklahoma.
“Wind energy development continues to bring numerous benefits to nearby communities, such as increased tax revenue, new job opportunities, and lease payments to landowners,” said Cora Hoffer, policy associate with the Center for Rural Affairs. “Wind energy also provides a low-cost, reliable energy source for residents and businesses and makes a positive economic contribution by offsetting energy costs.”
However, Hoffer said the increase in development raises questions about what happens to wind turbines when they reach the end of their operational lifespan.
The Center's new “Decommissioning Wind Energy Systems Resource Guide,” written by Hoffer, outlines several management options to assist county officials, wind developers, and project owners working with the public and local government on a wind project.
Hoffer said there are several ways to address wind energy systems that have reached their operational lifespan, which is estimated between 25 and 40 years, and those no longer in active operation.
“Owners and developers may choose to fully decommission the project—which includes repurposing material, recycling, and disposing of wind turbines—or repowering the system to extend its life,” Hoffer said. “While relatively few systems are decommissioned each year, state and county governing bodies should set decommissioning standards during the planning process. Landowners and developers may consider establishing additional requirements.”
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By the numbers:
Top 3 benefits of homebuyer education courses
National nonprofit credit and housing counseling agency Take Charge America shows how on-demand courses educate, reduce mortgage costs and more for first-time homebuyers
PHOENIX – Homebuyer education courses can set first-time homebuyers up for success by teaching them how to save for a down payment, shop for lenders, maintain a home and provide all-around valuable information about the homebuying process. Yet the benefits don’t stop at education alone – such courses play a key role in reducing mortgage costs.
“For first-time homebuyers, the sheer amount of information in front of them can be overwhelming and confusing,” said Amy Robbins, associate director of operations with Take Charge America, a nonprofit credit and housing counseling agency. “Homebuyer education courses not only provide clarity on what to expect, but they provide financial benefits and set participants up for success long into the future.”
Robbins outlines three major benefits of homebuyer education courses:
Education about the homebuying process: Many people may not realize how comprehensive homebuyer education programs can be. Attendees learn how to save money for a down payment, choose a lender, budget appropriately, understand loan types, prepare for different inspections and much more. It’s a complete, end-to-end training of the homebuying process.
Down-payment assistance: There are four types of down-payment assistance programs: grants, loans, deferred loans and forgivable loans. Such programs help make the cost of homeownership more affordable by offering first-time homebuyers financial assistance with their down payments, reduced interest rates or assistance with closing costs. In order to qualify for these programs, select lenders require a certification of completion from a homebuyer education course. The Mortgage Reports website provides a directory of programs, most of which are specific to the state of residence.
Homebuyer schedule-friendly: There are two ways to take a homebuyer education course: on-demand through an online portal, or locally with a realtor or lender that offers the certification. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) provides an online search feature to find a region-specific list of nationally approved homeowner programs.
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Reeling in the bucks
A pair of New York anglers, James Kane and Barbi Agostini, don’t use hooks when they go trolling; they use magnets in hopes of reeling-in valuable items made of iron. For example, they recently landed an old safe containing an estimated $100,000 in cash. The Treasury Department told them that quite a bit of the hundred dollar bills they landed were damaged beyond recognition but they can probably replace the rest with between $50,000-$70,000 worth of the “recoverable” bills with brand-new cool cash.
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The winning dog
Kevin is one big dog, so big that he’s been recognized by the Guinness World Records as the world’s tallest dog. The Great Dane lives in Des Moines, Iowa and is 3 feet and 2 inches tall. As his owner, Tracy Wolfe, described him, "Kevin is the epitome of a gentle giant. In fact, he is scared of most things. He is terrified of the vacuum. He won't let it come within 6 feet of him! He will jump and run to get away from it."
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The ‘sky high’ bike
Nicolas Barrioz and David Peyrou were having a drink in a pub in France when they got the idea of building the world’s tallest bicycle. And so, they got busy building the bike – a bike that measures 25 feet, 5 inches high, big enough to get the attention of the Guinness World Record judges who, indeed, declared it to be the world's tallest rideable bicycle. Barrioz was move. As he told the folks at Guinness, “this experience has completely transformed my worldview. Before this, I really needed self-confidence; I was shy and had a negative self-opinion. Now I feel unstoppable; I think I can repair, build or design anything."
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Medal of Honor: Marine Corps 1st Sgt. Jimmie Howard
By KATIE LANGE
Department of Defense News
Not a lot of people have the skill and demeanor to keep their counterparts focused during an overwhelming battle. However, Marine Corps 1st Sgt. Jimmie Earl Howard was a natural leader and managed to keep the majority of his platoon alive during a lopsided hours-long firefight in Vietnam. His courage and leadership earned him the Medal of Honor.
Howard was born on July 27, 1929, in Burlington, Iowa, to Raymond and Edythe Howard. He had two brothers and a sister and enjoyed playing football while growing up, doing well enough at the sport to earn a spot on The Des Moines Register newspaper's All-State team in 1948.
After graduating from Burlington High School in 1949, Howard studied for a year at the University of Iowa before deciding to take his life in a different direction. In July 1950, he joined the Marine Corps, graduating from recruit training the following January.
Howard spent a year in San Diego as a drill instructor before completing advanced infantry training in February 1952. He was then ordered to Korea, where he served as a forward observer with the 1st Marine Division. During his deployment, he was wounded three times and earned the Silver Star.
He returned to U.S. soil in April 1953, then spent the next decade of his life serving in various capacities in the San Diego area. At some point, Howard married a woman named Theresa. They went on to have five daughters and a son.
By January 1965, Howard was a staff sergeant working as an instructor for a counterguerrilla warfare course, just as U.S. involvement in Vietnam was escalating. In April 1966, the 37-year-old was sent to the southeast Asian nation to be a platoon leader with Company C of the 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division.
On June 13, 1966, Howard's 18-man platoon was deep into enemy-controlled territory near Chu Lai, Vietnam, searching for enemy troops to call air and artillery strikes on from the top of Hill 488, which later became known as Howard's Hill. It was about 1,500 feet and dominated the terrain for miles, historians said.
There was no place to hide on Hill 488, and the enemy knew it. However, Howard's platoon still spent two days on the hill carrying out their mission without being bothered.
Shortly before midnight on June 16, that changed. A battalion-sized Vietcong force launched a vicious attack on Howard's platoon using small arms, automatic weapons and mortar fire.
Their chances of survival didn't look good, but Howard jumped into action anyway, determined to defend his men, most of whom were only about 18 years old. He quickly organized the platoon into a tight perimeter defense and calmly moved from position to position to direct the fire of his young Marines. They continued to hold their ground for hours overnight during wave after wave of assaults.
According to Howard's Medal of Honor citation, his courage and firm leadership inspired and motivated the men around him to continuously repel the furious fire, despite how seemingly hopeless the situation was. At one point, when they ran out of grenades, Howard encouraged the Marines to throw rocks at the enemy, exhibiting imagination and resourcefulness in their defense.
At another point, the fragments of an exploding enemy grenade lodge into Howard's back, wounding him severely and keeping him from moving his legs. However, he refused to be given morphine, historians said, because he knew its effects would make him drowsy and therefore ineffective.
Instead, Howard dragged himself along the defensive perimeter to distribute his ammunition to the rest of his men, all while maintaining radio contact to direct air strikes on the enemy with uncanny accuracy.
By the time dawn came around, five Marines had died and everyone else was wounded — but Howard's platoon still held Hill 488.
When evacuation helicopters made it to the area, Howard initially warned them away. He wanted to make the landing zone as secure as possible, so he first called for more air strikes, which he directed along with his platoon's own fire onto enemy positions. Only afterward did they finally evacuate.
Howard's leadership and bravery were key to preventing his entire platoon from being killed. Despite the casualties they did suffer, his men still managed to eliminate about 200 combatants during the 12-hour fight.
Howard was transferred back to the U.S. and assigned to a training unit in San Diego. On Aug. 21, 1967, shortly after being promoted to gunnery sergeant, he received the Medal of Honor from President Lyndon B. Johnson during a ceremony at the White House. His wife and six children were able to attend, as were his mother and stepfather.
Howard remained in the Marine Corps for another decade before retiring in 1977. He and his family decided to remain in San Diego, where he went to work as a civilian for the Department of Veterans Affairs. He also volunteered to coach various youth sports in the community, including as an assistant coach for the Point Loma High School football team.
Howard died in his home on Nov. 12, 1993. He is buried in Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego.
In his honor, the Arleigh-Burke class destroyer USS Howard was commissioned in October 2001. The ship currently serves in the U.S. 7th Fleet in the Indo-Pacific region.
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Grow some pain relief in gardens and containers
By MELINDA MYERS
Ease your way through the busy summer season with the help of some pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory garden produce. Add them to your garden or containers or purchase the produce at your local farmer’s market.
Refresh and rejuvenate yourself with a cup of mint-infused tea or ice water. Mint also helps relieve headaches and general aches and pain. Contain this vigorous perennial herb by growing it in a container to prevent it from overtaking your garden beds. Take advantage of these benefits year-round by starting a few plants at the end of the growing season. Root a few cuttings to plant and grow in a sunny window.
Add sage tea to your list of favorite brews. Just harvest a few leaves, add hot water, and brew a bit of sore throat relief. Sage tea has long been used to soothe scratchy and irritated throats and showed positive results in a 2006 clinical trial. Grow this herb in the garden or a container. It thrives in a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Harvest leaves as needed throughout the season. Regular harvesting encourages more growth for future harvests. Harvest as much as one-third of the plant, to preserve and enjoy the benefits year-round.
You may have used a topical pain relief cream that contained capsaicin. This is the spicy element in chili, jalapeno, habanero, and cayenne peppers and is a natural pain-fighting tool often used to help treat backaches, arthritis, and muscle pain. Hot peppers are ready to harvest when they are fully colored. Ask friends to share their harvest or purchase hot peppers at a farmer’s market if your garden lacks this plant.
Grow and use ginger to help reduce inflammation and combat migraines, muscle pain, arthritis and post-workout or post-gardening soreness. Plus, it helps fight nausea so common during a summer filled with barbeques and celebrations. Grow it in a pot outdoors or sunny window alongside your other indoor plants. Ginger is a tropical plant, but you can find plants or rhizomes, the part you eat, at many garden centers or online plant retailers. Or try rooting the rhizomes you purchase at the grocery store to start new plants.
Sour cherries are credited with managing muscle pain and inflammation. They are loaded with disease-fighting chemicals and antioxidants and help fight inflammation and relieve pain. Growing a cherry tree may not be practical or possible but purchase plenty when they are in season. Juice, dry, and preserve them to enjoy their health benefits all year. If space allows, consider planting a sour cherry tree in your backyard. Sour cherries do need a cold period with air temperatures between 34 and 45 degrees to initiate flowering for fruit development. Consult your local extension service for help selecting the best variety for your region. It takes several years for cherry plants to start producing fruit, but watching your tree grow into maturity and bear its first crop is part of the joy of gardening. Just be sure to protect the harvest from hungry birds.
When growing these you’ll soon discover it’s not just the plants that provide relief. Just the simple act of tending your garden and harvesting can elevate your mood, lower your blood pressure, and start you on the road to feeling better.
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S-s-snake
You can expect to run into a snake or two while wandering in a forest, a swamp or a desert. Perhaps the last place you might expect running into a serpent-on-the-loose is amid the hustle and bustle of the streets of New York where the city’s “finest” found themselves looking for a runaway boa constrictor on the loose recently. The NYPD round up the runaway snake in the upper West Side and turned it over to the Animal Care Centers of NYC.
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Coprolites galore
George Frandsen was cited recently by the judges of the Guinness Book of World Records for amassing the largest collection of primordial poop, better known scientifically as fossilized feces. Over the years, Frandsen has collected 8,000 pieces of historic dung, according to the Guinness judges. As he put it, “several years ago, I noticed a glaring absence of coprolite representation in mainstream sources and museum exhibits." That prompted him to create what he bills as his Poozeum -- "the world's premier dinosaur poop museum and gift shop."
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It’s not a UFO
It’s rare but "hole punch clouds" are real. It happens when an aircraft passes through a cloud and “the air around its wings and body expands and cools,” according to The National Weather Service. The NWS calls it a “fallstreak hole” and noted that it apparently occurred recently over Vermont and New York's Champlain Valley. It’s a phenomenon that can leave behind it cloud formations that used to be blamed for UFO sightings.
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Medal of Honor: Navy Capt. Richard M. McCool Jr.
By KATIE LANGE
Department of Defense News
When Japanese suicide aircraft attacked U.S. Navy ships late in World War II, Navy Capt. Richard Miles McCool Jr. calmly worked to save several sailors and keep his ship from exploding. Ironically, McCool remembered very little of the ordeal; however, first-hand accounts from others of his leadership under fire earned him the Medal of Honor.
McCool was born on Jan. 4, 1922, in Tishomingo, Oklahoma, to Betty and Richard McCool Sr. He was one of four children and the only boy in the family. His father was the president of Murray College (now Murray State College), which may explain why, in a Veterans History Project Library of Congress interview in the early 2000s, McCool said his parents were "what you'd call education freaks" who started him in school at age 4.
When McCool's father became the state's Democratic chairman in 1930, the family moved to Norman, Oklahoma. McCool did well at academics and even skipped a grade, allowing him to graduate high school at the age of 15. By the time he turned 19, he'd earned a political science degree from the University of Oklahoma.
McCool said he considered joining the foreign service after college, but he wasn't old enough to do so. Within a few months, however, the Pearl Harbor bombings happened, launching the U.S. into World War II. McCool instead was accepted into the U.S. Naval Academy to continue his education and prepare for war.
McCool said he wanted to become an aviator, but his eyesight wasn't up to par, so instead he volunteered for the amphibious force, which offered him the chance to take command of a ship right out of the academy. He graduated in June 1944; his class only had to attend three years of classes instead of four due to the war.
In December 1944, after receiving further amphibious training, McCool assumed command of USS LCS 122, a landing craft support ship that employed about 65 crew members. Shortly after the crew settled in, LCS 122 set sail for the Pacific Theater of war.
By the spring of 1945, the Battle of Okinawa had gotten underway and Allied troops were busy trying to get a foothold on the island. U.S. supply and support ships were in abundance at the island's harbor, but that made them sitting ducks for Japanese suicide bombers, known as kamikazes.
To thwart kamikaze attempts, the U.S. set up 15 radar picket stations around the island. McCool said each station included at least three destroyers that used their radar to detect upcoming attacks and four LCS ships that would guard the destroyers by shooting down enemy planes.
"Each ship had 10 rocket launchers in the bow that had 12 4.5-inch rockets in each one," McCool explained in his Library of Congress interview. He earned his Medal of Honor during one of these attacks.
On June 10, 1945, LCS 122 was on picket duty north of Okinawa when a hostile air raid began. The USS William D. Porter, a destroyer at the station, was severely damaged by a kamikaze attack. Then-Lt. McCool ordered his men to evacuate the survivors from the sinking ship.
The next evening, LCS 122 was attacked by two kamikazes. McCool immediately launched the full power of his gun batteries, which quickly shot one aircraft down.
"The first one dove at us and passed over my bow," McCool remembered. "I was afraid that the people in the No. 1 40-mm gun mount might have been hit by the wheels or something, it was so low. But it crashed into the water just on our port bow."
The second aircraft came flying in right behind the first. The LCS's gun batteries did some damage, but the aircraft still crashed into McCool's battle station in the ship's conning tower.
"It came in and hit about 8-10 feet below where I was standing," McCool remembered, saying they were lucky that the aircraft's bomb didn't explode on impact. "Instead, it or something from the plane went through the radio shack and out the side of the ship on the other side and exploded, apparently just as it was entering the water."
The crash immediately engulfed the area in flames and knocked McCool unconscious. He said when he came to, he was the only person in the conning tower.
"I shimmied over the port side of the conning tower and dropped onto the deck from there," he said.
McCool was seriously wounded by shrapnel and suffered painful burns on his right side. According to his Medal of Honor citation, he rallied his concussion-shocked crew and began vigorous measures to fight the fire raging on the deck below him. McCool said the flames were 15 to 20 feet from a room that stored the ship's rockets, so he was very concerned about the ship exploding.
"I can remember telling the chief engineer to take a crew of people and go around to the starboard side and forward, and I would have somebody else go around the other way and try to at least keep the fire from spreading," he said in his Library of Congress interview. "And the truth of the matter is I don't really remember much of what went on after that."
His Medal of Honor citation said he rescued several men trapped in a blazing compartment and even carried one of them to safety, despite the excruciating pain of his own wounds — including his right lung collapsing. But McCool said he has no memory of that.
"As far as the heroics I was credited with doing … I wondered for a long time if maybe this thing had gotten exaggerated somehow or another," McCool said in the early 2000s. "But I'm happy to say that when we started having these reunions of people who served in that type of ship, they confirmed that it was in fact people from the ship who had originated these accounts."
McCool was finally able to get his own help after aid arrived to LCS 122. Eleven men were killed and 29 were wounded in the incident, newspapers at the time reported. But thanks to McCool's leadership, many others were rescued, and his ship survived to see further service.
McCool was evacuated from the area and was sent to medical facilities in Guam, Pearl Harbor and California for treatment.
" several operations where they'd go in and remove another piece of bone fragment from me," he told the Veterans History Project. "I still have a bone fragment in my liver, which one doctor said not to ever let anybody try to take out."
McCool spent nearly a year in hospitals, including several months at one in his hometown of Norman, Oklahoma. He was there when he learned he'd be getting the Medal of Honor. Shortly thereafter, in September 1945, he married his girlfriend, Carole Elaine Larecy, who he'd met on leave prior to his deployment. They went on to have three children, two boys and a girl.
By the fall of 1945, the hospital finally allowed McCool to travel, so he and his wife went on their honeymoon, which was spent visiting friends on the East Coast. The trip included a pitstop in Washington, D.C., where McCool received the Medal of Honor from President Harry S. Truman during a White House ceremony on Dec. 18, 1945. McCool said Army Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower and Navy Adm. Chester Nimitz were present, and his family was able to attend, which he said was a special moment for him.
Years later, McCool described the award as both humbling and daunting.
"I didn't remember having done anything that I thought would justify this," he said. "But even afterward, it's hard to try to live up to the kind of respect that people have for the medal."
After the war, McCool served on several more ships, then worked as an aide to an admiral in Louisiana and also as an ROTC instructor at his alma mater, the University of Oklahoma. During the Korean War, he served on the aircraft carrier USS Leyte as a deck officer.
During the 1950s, McCool earned a master's degree in public relations from Boston University before serving in the nation's capital. He also served in Thailand as a commander's staff member and then in Japan for a time. By July 1965, he'd worked his way up in the ranks to captain.
About a year later, McCool took over as deputy commander of the Defense Information School when it was located at Fort Benjamin in Harrison, Indiana. He then worked in various public affairs posts before retiring from active duty in 1974.
As a civilian, McCool became active in local politics in the Seattle area, serving two terms as chairman of the Kitsap County Democratic Party, according to his obituary in the newspaper The Daily Oklahoman. He lived on Bainbridge Island and did a lot of volunteer work in the area, the newspaper said.
McCool died on March 5, 2008, at a hospital in Bremerton, Washington. His wife and children were at his bedside, newspapers reported.
McCool is buried at the U.S. Naval Academy Cemetery in Annapolis, Maryland. In his honor, the Navy transport dock ship USS Richard M. McCool Jr. was christened by his granddaughters in June 2022. The ship was delivered to the Navy in April of this year.
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Celebrate pollinator month by inviting a variety of pollinators to your garden
By MELINDA MYERS
June is National Pollinator Month and it’s a great time to celebrate all the pollinators that play an important role in producing food, fiber, medicine, and more that we rely on. When you think of pollinators, bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds are likely the first that come to mind. But moths, wasps, beetles, flies, bats, and some other birds also help pollinate our gardens. More than 80% of all flowering plant species, including 180,000 different species and more than 1,200 crops, rely on them for pollination.
Like honeybees and Monarch butterflies, many of these pollinators are struggling and their populations dwindling due to pesticides and loss of habitat. Gardeners can make a difference by creating pollinator gardens filled with their favorite plants.
When designing a garden select plants with different shapes, colors, and bloom times. You’ll attract a wide array of pollinators and provide them with a constant supply of nectar and pollen. Include bright white, yellow, blue, and ultraviolet-colored flowers to attract the bees. Add some tubular flowers with a spur or landing pad for the butterflies. They are especially fond of purple and red blossoms.
Don’t be in a hurry to squash those beetles you find meandering over your plants. Many do not harm the plant but rather move pollen as they travel throughout your garden. These generalists visit a variety of plants, but most often can be found pollinating large strongly scented flowers like Canadian ginger, magnolia, paw paws, and yellow pond lilies.
They can be annoying, but flies are also busy pollinating your flowers. They are generalists, like beetles, and tend to pollinate small flowers with shallow, funnel-like, or complex trap-like flowers. You’re likely to see them on annuals, bulbs, goldenrod, skunk cabbage, paw paws, and members of the carrot family.
It may be difficult to welcome the often dreaded and feared wasps and hornets to your garden. However, most are solitary, not all sting and some are predators or parasitoids that help manage garden pests.
Besides helping with mosquito control, bats pollinate over 500 species of night-blooming flowers around the world. They prefer those with a musty or rotten odor of mostly tropical and some varieties of desert plants.
Most of us enjoy watching hummingbirds visit our gardens and feeders. Hummingbirds are the primary bird pollinators in North America, carrying pollen on their beaks and feathers. They prefer brightly colored scarlet, orange, red, and white tubular flowers. Baltimore orioles are accidental pollinators spreading pollen as they feed on flower nectar while white-winged doves pollinate and spread saguaro cactus seeds.
Be sure to include milkweed, herbs, trees, shrubs, and grasses with foliage that caterpillars and others feed upon. Use native plants including trees, shrubs, flowers, and grasses whenever possible. These plants have evolved with pollinators and provide the greatest benefit. Make sure the native plants you select are suited to the growing conditions and available space.
Don’t overlook cultivated plants that also attract and support pollinators. Many have flowers or foliage that benefit a variety of pollinators. Watch for bees visiting thyme, borage, and calamint flowers; hummingbirds sipping on salvia, cuphea, and verbena blossoms; and swallowtail caterpillars munching on dill, fennel, and parsley leaves.
Once you create a pollinator-friendly environment, give them time to discover your pollinator paradise. It may take time but once the word gets out you will be enjoying lots of pollinators and the many benefits they provide.
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Social Security Matters
By RUSSELL GLOOR
National Social Security Advisor at the AMAC Foundation
Ask Rusty - About Social Security’s “guaranteed” annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA)
Dear Rusty: I’ve been reading a lot lately about speculation on what next year’s benefit increase will be, and it seems like most of the experts are suggesting a range of 2.5% to 3%. My neighbor says don’t worry about it, because there will always be some level of increase come January. It’s guaranteed, right? Signed: Retired But Questioning
Dear Retired: You’ve brought up a common belief about the annual Social Security COLA, one that we hear often. Let’s start with some background. Each year’s COLA results from comparing the third quarter average Consumer Price Index (CPI-W) each year to the same average from the preceding year. The result of dividing the current year’s average by the previous year’s average produces the COLA for the following year. For 2024’s adjustment, the 2023 third-quarter average was 301.2 and the comparable figure for 2022 was 291.9, producing the 3.2% benefit addition.
It's not always the case that the year-to-year CPI calculation produces a positive result, as was the case three times so far this century. As recently as 2016, for example, the 2015 third-quarter average was 233.3 and the comparable figure for 2014 was 234.2, producing a negative change. Fortunately for beneficiaries, Social Security law prohibits a negative COLA, so the negative result was ruled out and the COLA for 2016 was zero.
So, the rumor that there will always be a benefit increase in January is untrue, although having only three zero COLA years since the start of automated adjustments in 1974 leads folks to assume there will always be a boost in the new year. The size of the adjustment fluctuates with economic cycles and has ranged from a high of 14.3 percent in 1980 to 0.3% in 2017 (excluding, of course, the zero years). Incidentally, the historical average since automatic COLAs began is 3.8%, so the 2024 adjustment of 3.2% isn’t that far from the average.
Social Security’s rules are myriad and often confusing, but no question is too simple to be asked. The AMAC Foundation’s Social Security Advisory Service is available, at no charge, to answer all your Social Security questions, via email at SSAdvisor@amacfoundation.org or call 1.888.750.2622.
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The Manhattanhenge Effect
Dutch settlers began populating the city of New Netherland in the first two decades of 1600 creating what is known today as the island of Manhattan in the heart of the city of New York. The Big Apple planners who laid out the island, wittingly or not, plotted the streets to run east to west and the avenues to run north to south, creating what is known today as the Manhattanhenge Effect, when the sun sets and rises in alignment with the east-west street grids of the island. The summer solstice effect is happening now.
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Achoo
Most of us use our noses to breath and smell. But Guinness World Record holder, David Rush, uses his proboscis to blow up balloons. To date, Rush has earned 173 records, most recently for using his nose to inflate 28 balloons in three minutes tying fellow serial record-breaker Ashrita Furman. But Rush is determined to keep at it until he achieves his goal of earning the most Guinness record titles ever.
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Another use for your nose
You breathe through your nose, you smell with it and your nose helps to filter the air you inhale. But Vinod Kumar Chaudhary has revealed that you can also use it to type with it. In fact, Mr. Chaudhary has earned the Guinness World Record for using his nose to type the alphabet – not once, not twice but for a third time. Last year it took him 27.8 seconds to type the alphabet, but later in the year he did it in 26.73 seconds. Recently he broke the record yet again, in 25.66 seconds, using only a keyboard and his nose.
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Winning perennial plant adds color and fragrance
By MELINDA MYERS
Add long-lasting beauty and pollinator appeal to your garden with this year’s Perennial Plant of the Year, Jeana garden phlox (Phlox paniculata ‘Jeana’). Selected for its tall sturdy habit and fragrant dense flower heads it is a welcome addition to perennial, meadow, and pollinator gardens as well as mixed borders.
Grow this perennial phlox in full sun with a bit of afternoon shade in hotter climates. It is hardy in USDA zones three to eight, growing and flowering best in moist, fertile, and well-drained soil.
The Perennial Plant of the Year (PPOY) is selected by members of the Perennial Plant Association for its suitability to a wide range of climatic conditions, low maintenance, relative pest and disease resistance, availability, and multiple seasons of beauty. This program began in 1990 and you can find out more about past winners on the Perennial Plant Association website.
This cultivar of the North American native Phlox paniculata was discovered growing along the Harpeth River near Nashville, Tennessee. It was named for the woman, Jeana Prewitt, who discovered this plant. It was a standout with its mildew-resistant foliage. Jeana is the head gardener at Bedside Manor in Brentwood, Tennessee. She took cuttings of the plant and began propagating it. In time, it was declared to be a new cultivar and has been available for several years.
Mt. Cuba Center, a botanical garden in Delaware, found it to be the best-performing phlox in their trials and it attracted more butterflies than the other garden phlox in the two-year study. Fifteen volunteers from the Pollinator Watch Team conducted weekly observations of 94 different phlox over two years. Jeana had 539 butterfly visits – way more than any other phlox in the study – and is especially attractive to eastern tiger swallowtails.
Enjoy the lavender-pink flowers with wine-colored eyes that cover the plant from mid-summer to fall. Although each flower is smaller than other garden phlox, the dense cone-shaped flower head is made up of hundreds of individual petals providing a beautiful show. Removing faded flowers, also known as deadheading, promotes continued bloom and prevents the self-seeding of inferior seedlings.
Combine this three-to-five-inch-tall plant with other perennials like Amsonia, Shasta daisies (Leucanthemum x superbum), Iron Butterfly ironweed (Vernonia lettermanii ‘Iron Butterfly’), coneflowers (Echinacea), and switch grass (Panicum virgatum). Or use it as a backdrop for shorter plants like alliums and woodland sage (Salvia nemorosa).
Look for places to add this late-season bloomer to your gardens and landscapes. You’ll enjoy the flowers and butterflies that stop by for a visit.
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Medal of Honor: Marine Corps Capt. James A. Graham
By KATIE LANGE
Department of Defense News
Marine Corps Capt. James Albert Graham could have fled to safety with the rest of his company during a firefight in Vietnam. Instead, he chose to stay behind with a comrade too injured to move. Knowing he wouldn't survive, Graham gave his life so a fellow Marine wouldn't have to die alone. His leadership and bravery earned him the Medal of Honor.
Graham was born on Aug. 25, 1940, in Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania. After his parents divorced when he was still small, he moved with his father to Accokeek in southern Maryland.
As he grew up, he helped his father run their own grocery store and gas station, but he wasn't happy there and constantly fled back to his mother's family in western Pennsylvania, only to be brought back to Maryland by his father, according to a detailed profile on Graham's life from the Frostburg State University Foundation.
According to the profile, when Graham was 15, he took his father's car and drove to El Paso, Texas, where he lied about his age to enlist in the Army. His father eventually figured out where he was and went to get him, but by that point, Graham had already served nearly two years on active duty as an officer's secretary.
When Graham returned home with his father, he got his GED certificate before attending FSU in western Maryland. Graham was a member of the Sigma Tau Gamma fraternity who earned good grades, even while working a full-time job at a local supermarket. During his college career, Graham also spent two years with the District of Columbia National Guard, a year with the Army Reserve and two years with the Marine Corps Reserve, respectively.
It was during this time that Graham also met his future wife, Janice Pritchett. She introduced him to the Baptist church, which led Graham to become a born-again Christian, the FSU Foundation said. The couple married in February 1962.
About a year and a half later, Graham graduated with a bachelor's degree in mathematics. According to the FSU Foundation, he received honors as the top student in that field.
On Sept. 30, 1963, Graham accepted a regular appointment to the active-duty Marine Corps. By Nov. 1, 1963, he had earned his commission. Graham then enrolled in flight school, but his wife said he couldn't get past the airsickness, so he had to find another path forward.
By this point, the couple had two children, a boy named John and a girl named Jennifer.
In January 1965, Graham was assigned to the 2nd Marine Division based at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. That April, he was part of a team that was sent to the Dominican Republic after an uprising in the Caribbean country's capital, Santo Domingo, threatened the lives of Americans living and working there.
In December 1966, a then-Capt. Graham was sent to Vietnam with the 2nd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division. Initially he commanded Company H before switching to command Company F in January 1967.
According to the FSU Foundation, Graham was known to be a strict disciplinarian, but one whom troops respected. He often led his company in prayer and sometimes held eulogies for those killed in battle.
"He was born to lead others in war," a fellow Marine once wrote, according to the FSU Foundation.
In late May 1967, the 5th Marine Regiment launched Operation Union II, a search and destroy mission that led Graham's unit to the Quang Tin Province. On June 2, several of the regiment's units launched an attack against an enemy-occupied position.
Company F helped lead the charge. As it proceeded across an open rice paddy about 1,000 meters wide, it came under heavy mortar and small-arms fire, which killed and injured several Marines. The second platoon in Graham's company was the hardest hit, having been pinned down out in the open by two concealed machine gun nests.
Graham did what he could to help. He gathered 10 men and led a fierce assault through the pinned-down unit's position, forcing the enemy to abandon one of the machine guns. The victory relieved some of the pressure on the platoon and allowed those who were injured to be evacuated.
Graham's men were hoping to take out the second machine gun, too, so they stood their ground in the hard-won enclave they had taken over and continued to fight. According to Graham's Medal of Honor citation, he was injured twice during this time, but he also managed to kill about 15 enemy combatants.
Eventually, however, the constant and heavy fire raining down on them took its toll, and Graham had to call for his team to fall back to safety. He, however, chose to remain at their location with a critically injured lieutenant who couldn't be moved.
In his last radio transmission, Graham reported being assaulted by a force of at least two dozen enemy soldiers. He died while protecting himself and the wounded man he refused to leave behind.
Graham's efforts that day kept the company's second platoon from being annihilated. For his leadership and sacrifice, he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor on Oct. 29, 1968. His wife received it from Navy Secretary Paul R. Ignatius during a ceremony in Washington, D.C. Graham was subsequently buried in Arlington National Cemetery.
Graham's children were very young when he died, but they said their mother kept his legacy alive for them.
"We were very fortunate that our mother made him an active part of our lives," Jennifer Graham said in 2003, recalling the stories and photos that her mother shared. "So many families handled it differently, and many children grew up in homes where they didn't talk about it."
They decided to follow in their father's footsteps. John Graham joined the Marines and became a helicopter pilot. Jennifer Graham attended the Air Force Academy and rose to the rank of lieutenant colonel. In 1999, the pair went to Vietnam to find where their father had died. While there, they buried a time capsule in his memory, according to the FSU Foundation.
In the 1980s, Graham Hall at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, was named in the fallen captain's honor. A highway interchange in western Pennsylvania was also named for him in 2002.
Graham's Medal of Honor is located at the Charles H. Coolidge National Medal of Honor Heritage Center in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
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UAMS House Call
Dr. Daniel Knight is a professor in the Department of Family and Preventive Medicine in the College of Medicine at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.
Q: What is scleroderma? Email your health questions to housecall@uams.edu. A: Scleroderma is the name for a group of diseases in which excess collagen is produced, causing hardening and thickening of the skin. An autoimmune disease, scleroderma may also affect other parts of the body. The National Scleroderma Foundation estimates that more than 300,000 Americans have the condition. Scleroderma is chronic condition classified into two types. Localized scleroderma (also referred to as morphea) normally affects the skin in one part of the body. Systemic sclerosis spreads through the body and can affect the digestive and respiratory systems. Scleroderma occurs more often in women than in men. The cause of scleroderma is unknown. Having a close relative with an autoimmune disease increases the risk factor, but the disease isn’t necessarily classified as a genetic disorder. Symptoms may not present themselves in the early stages of the disease. In addition to patches of thickened skin, other symptoms may include bloating, fatigue, stiffness, difficulty swallowing and unexplained weight loss. A referral to a rheumatologist may be required in order to accurately diagnose the disease, as the symptoms can be result of other conditions. Treatments include medications to suppress the immune system or creams or moisturizers to prevent skin from drying.
Q: What does a radiation therapist do? A: A radiation therapist is a health care professional whose primary task is to administer radiation to patients, normally for health conditions such as cancer or thyroid disease. Radiation oncologists and oncology nurses specialize in radiation therapy, and the radiation therapist is a key component of the patient’s treatment plan. Radiation therapists operate the equipment that delivers radiation therapy to patients. They ensure the correct amount of radiation is applied to the proper location as determined by the radiation oncologist or oncology nurse. Radiation therapists monitor the patient for abnormal reactions during treatment and inform the physician or nurse if necessary. Radiation therapists normally work in such health care settings as doctor’s offices, hospitals and outpatient centers. An associate’s or bachelor’s degree in radiation therapy or similar field is often required. Certification by the American Registry of Radiation Technologists as well as obtaining a state license as a registered technologist are also requirements. Work as a radiation therapist can be rewarding. It requires attention to detail to ensure the treatment is being properly applied. Patients may be apprehensive about their condition, so radiation therapists also must empathize with patients. Overall, a radiation therapist plays an important role in health care.
Q: How do you treat conjunctivitis? Email your health questions to housecall@uams.edu. A: Conjunctivitis (commonly referred to as “pink eye”) is an inflammation of the clear tissue inside of the eyelid and the outer surface of the eye. The term “pink eye” references the whites of the eyes appearing reddish or pink. Conjunctivitis is a common eye infection, with approximately 6 million cases in the U.S. each year. Conjunctivitis is normally caused by allergens, bacteria or viruses. A foreign object in the eye, irritating substances or blocked tear ducts can also cause conjunctivitis. Risk factors for the condition include being exposed to an infected person, exposure to an allergen or using contact lenses that are not properly cleaned. Bacterial and viral conjunctivitis is extremely contagious. In many instances, the condition is spread before the person is aware of the infection. Conjunctivitis symptoms include blurred vision, burning eyes, swollen eyelids, a gritty feeling in one or both eyes or increasing tearing. Mild cases of bacterial or viral conjunctivitis normally go away without antibiotics. However, your health care provider may prescribe antibiotics if eye discharge is present or for persons with compromised immune systems. Prevention includes frequent hand washing, avoiding touching of the eyes and ensuring contact lenses are cleaned and replaced as necessary.
Q: I want to begin exercising. What questions should I ask my doctor? A: Exercise is one of the best things you can do to improve physical and mental health. Regular exercise can reduce anxiety, improve balance and coordination, lower the risk of disease, help with weight loss and weight management, and contribute to better sleep. However, beginning an exercise program can be intimidating and stressful. If you are not used to exercising or you are looking to get back into it following an injury or other medical issue, it is advised to contact your health care provider. Your health care provider can give an assessment of your condition and advise on how you should proceed depending upon your exercise goals. Ask your health care provider what type of exercise would work for you. Your condition may not support strength training or extensive cardio. Inquire if any current medications would affect training. You may need to verify you are current on all preventive care. Ask how much exercise would be safe when beginning a program. Keep your health care provider informed of your progress, especially in the initial stages. Consider a personal trainer or class if you’re looking at strength training exercises to make sure your form is correct and not conducive to injury.
Email your health questions to housecall@uams.edu.
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Social Security Matters
By RUSSELL GLOOR
National Social Security Advisor at the AMAC Foundation
Ask Rusty - About Social Security’s Earnings Test and Cost of Living Adjustments
Dear Rusty: Is there a limit on earnings when you're fully retired? Also, should all retirees receive COLA or is there an exception? Signed: Retired But Wondering
Dear Retired: Your questions are fairly simple but, nevertheless, often perplexing to those wishing to apply for Social Security, because the SS rules are many (over 2,700 of them) and those about to apply for their benefits may be simply unsure and want to avoid a costly mistake. I’m happy to answer your questions and, hopefully, clarify any uncertainties you have on these topics.
Social Security imposes an earnings limit on anyone who collects Social Security before reaching their full retirement age (FRA). If you haven’t yet reached your FRA (somewhere between 66 and 67, depending on the year you were born), and you continue to work, there is a limit to how much you can earn before they take away some of your benefits. So, the answer to your first question is, yes, there is an earnings limit ($22,320 for 2024) if you haven’t yet reached your full retirement age. If the annual earnings limit is exceeded, Social Security will take away some of your benefits ($1 for every $2 you are over the limit, up to the year you attain FRA when the assessment is less). However, if you have already reached your full retirement age the earnings limit no longer applies, and you can earn as much as you like without consequence. And here’s a nuance to be aware of: if you work and exceed the earnings limit, and have some benefits withheld as a result, when you reach your FRA, you will get time credit for any months you didn’t get benefits, which will result in your monthly amount being a bit higher after your FRA.
Regarding COLA (Cost of Living Adjustment), everyone, without exception, who has earned a Social Security benefit and reached eligibility age (62) receives the annual COLA increase whether they are already collecting their benefits or not. If you’re not yet collecting, the COLA is added to your “primary insurance amount” or “PIA,” on which your benefit will be based when you claim. If you are already collecting SS, COLA will be added to your gross monthly SS benefit amount. However, since there was a $9.80 increase in the 2024 Medicare Part B premium, and since the Part B premium is taken from everyone’s SS benefit payment, Social Security recipients enrolled in Medicare Part B will not see the full 3.2% COLA in their net monthly Social Security payment. Everyone will receive the COLA increase, but no one enrolled in Medicare Part B will get the full COLA increase in their net SS payment because some of the COLA increase is used to pay their increased Medicare premium.
Social Security’s rules are myriad and often confusing, but no question is too simple to be asked. The AMAC Foundation’s Social Security Advisory Service is available, at no charge, to answer all your Social Security questions - SSAdvisor@amacfoundation.org via email, or call 1.888.750.2622.
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Grow fast, fun, and easy microgreens
By MELINDA MYERS
Have fun growing some delicious and nutritious microgreens on your kitchen counter, in a sunny window, or under lights any time of the year. In as little as a week to ten days you’ll be making your first harvest to use as a garnish, snack, or add to your favorite sandwich or salad.
Simply purchase seeds of lettuce, greens, mustard, radishes, beets, peas, and even sunflowers. Buy organic seeds or those labeled for sprouting or use as microgreens to ensure they have not been treated with harmful chemicals. Or purchase a microgreen kit that contains all you need to get started.
You can grow any microgreens in soil and most hydroponically. Sunflowers, peas, buckwheat, chard, beets, and cilantro grow best in soil. Soak the seeds in cold water for 12 to 24 hours for faster and greater sprouting. Plant the seeds in a shallow container with drainage holes filled with a moist well-drained planting or seed starting mix. Gently tamp the planting mix to remove air pockets and create a flat surface for planting. Mist the soil surface and evenly sprinkle the seeds over the soil. Gently tamp the seeds or mist them to ensure good seed-to-soil contact. Planting seeds this way makes harvesting a bit less messy. Or you can lightly cover the seeds with soil.
Use a fast food container you’ve cleaned and added drainage holes to or invest in a kit like True Leaf Market’s Organic Mini Microgreens Kit to get your microgreens off to a great start. Then make additional plantings every few weeks to have a constant supply of fresh microgreens to enjoy.
Set the container on a tray to protect the surface below. Once planted, cover the container with a lid to boost humidity and reduce the need to water. Some gardeners use an opaque cover to trap humidity and keep the seeds in the dark for sprouting. Check soil moisture daily and spritz with water as needed. Remove the cover in two or three days once the sprouts break through the soil. Then move it to a bright location or under artificial lights.
Or skip the planting media and go hydroponic using a growing pad instead. This makes harvesting clean and easy and works well for broccoli, kale, arugula, cabbage, cauliflower, mustard, and radish seeds.
Cut the grow pad made of jute, bamboo, or similar material to fit the container as needed. Thoroughly moisten the grow pad fabric. Sprinkle the seeds evenly over the pad’s surface, leaving about twice the size of a seed between each. Use a spray bottle to water and firm the seeds in place.
Use an opaque cover over the top of the tray to provide the needed darkness for the seeds to sprout. Check the seeds twice a day and mist them as needed. Remove the cover in three to five days once the seeds sprout and start growing. Move the sprouts into a bright location, a sunny window, or under artificial lights, and continue to water as needed.
Your microgreens are ready to harvest when the microgreens are two to four inches tall and the first set of true leaves – those that resemble the leaves of the mature plant – are just starting to emerge. This is usually seven to ten days but may be longer depending on the seeds you grow. Use a sharp knife or scissors to cut the greens about ¼” above the soil or grow pad. Gently rinse and spin dry the greens and enjoy.
Have fun as you grow a variety of microgreens to enjoy and share with friends and family.
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They don’t call him reckless for nothing
Ben Schneider calls himself Reckless Ben and he proved just how reckless he could be when he took a tightrope walk recently between a pair of abandoned 45 story high skyscrapers in Los Angeles. Not only did he risk his life if he were to fall from that height, he risked an encounter with LAPD officers who were on the sight.
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He now shares the title
Over the years, David Rush has earned 171 Guinness World Records by covering his head with shaving cream and then catching table tennis balls in the foam. Till now he had a partner. This time he bounced the table tennis balls off a wall himself. But, alas, he didn’t outscore the current title holder; he just matched him. And so he now shares the Guinness title with a co-holder.
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Now ‘hair’ this
Helen Williams was, apparently, not content with her Guinness Record for making the world’s longest wig that measures 1,152 feet and 5 inches in length. She said, "as a professional wigmaker, I look forward to breaking many more records in the wig category." It took her a month, but she now has a new Guinness award for producing a wig measuring 11 feet, 11 inches wide.
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Medal of Honor: Navy Lt. Orson L. Crandall
By KATIE LANGE
Department of Defense News
Thanks to World War I and the advent of the submarine, U.S. naval divers mastered how to make and survive deep ocean dives. But by the 1930s, they were still trying to figure out how to successfully rescue survivors from sunken vessels.
They finally figured that out in 1939, when Navy Lt. Orson Leon Crandall and three other master divers used a new piece of equipment to rescue nearly three dozen sailors from a sub that sank during a training incident. Crandall's expertise and calmness under pressure earned him the Medal of Honor.
Crandall was born on Feb. 2, 1903, in St. Joseph, Missouri, to Marshall and Bertie Crandall. He had two brothers and a sister, all of whom were older.
Crandall enlisted in the Navy in 1922 when he was 19. For the next decade, he served on several ships before going into diver training in 1932. By March 1939, he held the rank of chief boatswain's mate and was designated a master diver, the highest level a diver can attain.
Only a few months later, a disaster off the coast of New Hampshire would require Crandall to utilize his expertise in the most harrowing of conditions.
On May 23, 1939, a diesel-electric submarine called the USS Squalus was practicing submerging at high speeds near the Isle of Shoals, an island chain off the coast of southern Maine, when it suffered a catastrophic valve failure. The sub — which carried 56 crew members and three civilian contractors — quickly filled with water and sank about 240 feet to the ocean floor.
Crandall was serving on the USS Falcon, which was tied up at New London, Connecticut, when the call for help came in. The Falcon was one of several salvage ships with divers that hurried to the scene to try to save anyone who was still alive inside the Squalus.
It took nearly a full day to prepare for the dangerous mission, but by the morning of the 24th, Crandall and about three dozen other divers were ready to get started.
"I remember that the water was rough and that the wind was pretty stiff, but after a while it calmed down some," Crandall recalled in a 1952 article in the Baltimore Evening Sun newspaper. "The descent was pretty fast — it took only about seven minutes to drop down to the 240-foot level where the submarine lay with her stern in about 12 feet of mud."
Shortly before noon, the Falcon lowered into the water a newly developed rescue device called the McCann-Erickson Rescue Chamber. Up until then, the chamber had only been used in training.
In theory, rescuers planned to lower the chamber via cables to the sub's deck, then seal it to one of the Squalus' hatches, according to Naval Institute archives. The crew would then blow the water out of the sub's chamber, open both hatches, and pull out the trapped submariners.
The process worked, but it took a long time.
"Because of the pressure, we could work for an average of only 18 minutes at a time. It took three hours to bring us to the surface," Crandall told the Baltimore Evening Sun, explaining that the slow ascent was necessary so they wouldn't get "the bends," a decompression sickness that happens when gas bubbles form in the blood stream from rapid changes in pressure.
Thanks to the skilled work of Crandall and three other master divers — Chief Petty Officer William Badders, Lt. Cmdr. John Mihalowski and Lt. James Harper McDonald — 33 men who survived the sinking were separated into four groups and rescued over the span of 13 hours.
At one point, Crandall narrowly escaped death. According to his Tampa Bay Times obituary, during one of his dives, carbon dioxide gas formed in his suit. As he lapsed into unconsciousness, he started to call out football signals — something he did as the quarterback of a shore-based Navy football squad. Thankfully, other crew members heard the strange chatter through his diving suit telephone and knew something was wrong, so they pulled him to the surface, according to the Tampa Bay Times.
Over the next three months, divers and salvage crews worked to bring the Squalus back to the surface and retrieve the remaining 26 men stationed at the rear of the vessel who didn't survive. Crandall made more than 60 dives as part of that effort. The submarine was finally raised on Sept. 13, 1939. All but one of the sailors' bodies were found.
According to Naval Institute archives, a Navy court determined a mechanical malfunction caused the disaster. As a result, submarine hull valves were converted to quick-closing flapper valves to prevent future tragedies.
For Crandall's leadership, bravery and devotion to duty during the hazardous Squalus rescue, he was awarded the Medal of Honor on Jan. 19, 1940, during a ceremony in Washington, D.C. His fellow master divers during the mission — Badders, Mihalowski and McDonald — also received the honor.
Crandall remained in the Navy through World War II, and he became a commissioned officer and took part in several salvage and diving-related missions. He transferred into the Fleet Reserve in June 1946. He retired in December 1952 to St. Petersburg, Florida, where he decided to lay down roots.
At some point along the way, Crandall married a woman named Mary. According to the Tampa Bay Times, he operated a fishing guide boat out of Johns Pass during his retirement.
Crandall died May 10, 1960, and was buried in Arlington National Cemetery. The heavy salvage ship USS Crandall, which served the Navy from 1967 to 1993, was named in his honor.
As for the Squalus, it was decommissioned in November 1939, renamed Sailfish, and recommissioned on May 15, 1940. It was decommissioned again after World War II. Its conning tower was cut away and can now be found in a park at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard where memorial ceremonies are held every year in May.
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Anchors away
California constables ordered Etienne Constable of Seaside, CA to build a fence to hide the fishing boat he keeps in his driveway, apparently because it was an unappealing sight. So, with the help of a neighborhood artist, he built a fence featuring a life-like, detailed painting of his vessel. Neighbors and passers-by approved his solution as did the town’s City Manager, Nick Borges, who told reporters: "I thought, 'Wow, that's pretty creative.' I laughed at it. The only action I'm going to take is a high five."
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But they couldn’t prove it
It may seem unfair, but the gathering was so large that the Guinness World Record’s judges had to pass when evaluating the attempt of Drumheller, Alberta to gather the world’s biggest crowd of folks dressed as dinosaurs. Town officials said no less than 3,000 participants showed up for the event, but they couldn’t prove it, saying that “we could not obtain an exact measurement to officially break the record.” Notwithstanding the judges’ decision, the numbers attending the Alberta event were obviously so much larger than the 252 people who showed up in costume in Los Angeles in 2019 to win the event.
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You can do it if you want it
Al Blaschke won his first Guinness World Record for his skydive in 2020 when he was 103 years of age. But then a Swedish woman took the title; she was 103 and 259 days old. But when Al was approaching his 107 year old birthday recently, off he -- and his tandem partner -- went again into the wild blue yonder and took back his title. His advice for all of us as we grow older is to remember that "if you think you can't [do it, whatever it is], you're just underestimating yourself. Everyone is more capable than they think. They just need to make the decision to try."
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Serve summer safe with food safety tips from USDA
WASHINGTON – Memorial Day weekend is the official kickoff for summer, and as the weather heats up, so do the number of meals that will be served outside. Whether you’re eating with friends at the pool or family in a backyard cookout, food should be served safe to avoid foodborne illness. As you start to plan your outdoor activities and meals, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service is offering food safety tips to keep you safe from foodborne illness.
“The bacteria that cause foodborne illness love the summertime as much as we do because they thrive and multiply quickly in warmer temperatures. This causes illnesses to spike during the summer,” said Under Secretary for Food Safety Dr. Emilio Esteban. “As we all spend more time outside, it is important to remember these food safety steps to keep your friends and family safe.”
Wash Hands
The first step to serving summer foods safely is to start with clean hands. If running water is available, wet hands, lather with soap, scrub for 20 seconds, rinse and dry. If no running water is available, use hand sanitizer or moist towelettes that contain at least 60 percent alcohol.
Pack Perishables Safely
When traveling with perishable food to places like the pool, beach, summer camp, hiking, or a cookout, always use cold sources in coolers or insulated containers to keep food at a safe cold temperature below 40 F. Cold source options include ice, frozen gel packs, and frozen beverages (that do not require refrigeration for safety) such as water bottles, iced tea, and juices like apple and grape. Additional cooler tips:
Pack beverages in one cooler and perishable food in another cooler.
The beverage cooler may be opened frequently, causing the temperature inside the cooler to fluctuate and become unsafe for perishable foods.
Keep coolers and insulated bags out of the sun. Once outside, place them in the shade.
Full coolers or insulated bags will keep your perishable foods cold and safe for much longer than half-full ones.
Place an appliance thermometer (one traditionally used for the refrigerator or freezer) in the cooler so you can check to be sure the food stays at 40 F or below.
Keep Out of the Danger Zone
The Danger Zone is the temperature range where bacteria multiply rapidly between 40 and 140 F. Perishable foods, including meat and poultry, sliced fruits and vegetables, and cooked side dishes, should avoid the Danger Zone or be kept hot or cold to maintain food safety.
Cold foods must be kept at 40 F or below by placing them in the refrigerator, coolers, insulated containers, or nestled over ice.
Hot foods must be kept over 140 F by placing them on the grill, in heated chafing dishes, slow cooker, or warming trays.
Check the temperatures of cold and hot items frequently.
Follow the Two-Hour Rule
Foods that are kept hot or cold out of the Danger Zone or do not sit out for more than two hours (one hour if over 90 F) are safe to keep. Any other items would be considered unsafe and need to be discarded. When in doubt, throw it out!
If You Have Food Safety Questions
Call the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854), email MPHotline@usda.gov or chat live at www.ask.usda.gov 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday.
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Social Security Matters
by Russell Gloor, National Social Security Advisor at the AMAC Foundation, the non-profit arm of the Association of Mature American Citizens
Ask Rusty – I’m Working after age 65; Why Aren’t I Exempt from Medicare Part B Premium?
Dear Rusty: Why, as I continue to work after age 65 and have FICA taxes taken from my check, am I - or anyone - also compelled under the threat of penalties, rate increases, etc. to immediately take Medicare Part B? Am I not then effectively paying into the system twice? As more and more people over 65 continue to work, isn't that a consideration that should be evaluated by Congress - if one is working past 65, above a specific level of income and paying FICA taxes, the Medicare Part B premium is waived? Signed: Working Senior
Dear Working Senior: FYI, 6.2% of the FICA payroll taxes you pay while working goes to Social Security, and another 1.45% goes to fund Medicare Part A (hospitalization coverage, which is free to you). None of the FICA payroll tax you pay from your work earnings goes to fund Medicare Part B (coverage for outpatient services), which is the part of Medicare for which you must pay a premium.
Said another way, your FICA payroll taxes do fund Medicare Part A, which is free to you, but do not provide any funding for Medicare Part B. Part B is funded from two primary sources – the premiums paid by beneficiaries, and the federal government from the general Treasury. Premiums from enrollees pay for about 25% of Part B healthcare expenses and the remaining 75% of Part B operating expenses are paid from the general U.S. Treasury (not from Social Security money).
So, it’s necessary to separate Part B from your thinking about the payroll taxes you pay while working – you’re not paying anything to fund Part B through your FICA taxes. You aren’t compelled to enroll in Part B (it’s optional), but if you don’t enroll during your initial enrollment period (3 months on either side of the month you turn 65) and don’t have other equivalent “creditable” coverage from an employer, and you enroll in Part B later, a late enrollment penalty will apply (10% additional premium for each full year after age 65 you go without creditable healthcare coverage).
So, your premise in suggesting that Part B be free (the premium waived) if you’re working over a certain age or after an amount of time contributing to the program isn’t valid, because no one contributes to Medicare Part B through FICA payroll taxes – Part B beneficiary contributions are only made through premiums paid by those enrolled in it. And you don’t need to enroll in Part B if you have “creditable'' healthcare coverage from an employer. The Part B non-enrollment penalty only applies if you enroll after your initial enrollment period has expired and didn’t have “creditable” healthcare coverage after you turned 65. “Creditable” is a group plan with more than 20 participants.
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Ornamental and edible gardens and containers
By MELINDA MYERS
Boost the flavor and beauty of your landscape by adding a few ornamental edible plants to your garden beds and containers. Look for opportunities to substitute ornamental vegetables, fruit, herbs, and edible flowers for ornamental but nonedible plants.
A hanging basket of semi-determinate tomatoes like Lizzano and Torenzo or Pot-a-Peno peppers can dress up a deck or porch and keep the harvest within reach. Peppers like Quickfire and Cayenetta hot peppers, and sweet ones like Pretty N Sweet along with Patio Choice yellow cherry tomato are suitable for containers and small gardens.
Use asparagus as a backdrop in gardens. Look for disease-resistant cultivars like the recently introduced Millennium that is long-lived, cold-hardy, high-yielding, and adaptable to a variety of soils. After the harvest, the ferny greens create a nice backdrop and add a welcome texture to any flower garden.
Rhubarb makes a nice temporary shrub in sunny locations. The large leaves add bold texture and the colorful stems of Crimson Red and Canada Red varieties provide a bit of color to the garden bed. Just cut back the plants at the end of the season and watch for their return in spring.
Use strawberries as a groundcover. The white flowers, tasty red fruit, and fall color brighten the ground level of any full-to-part sun location in your landscape. Choose day-neutral or everbearing varieties to enjoy several harvests throughout the summer.
Include colorful tomato and pepper varieties in mixed borders and flower beds. Use decorative obelisks and supports when needed for added beauty in the garden.
Provide seasonal screening or add vertical interest to gardens by training the vining types of squash, melons, and cucumbers up supports. Growing vertically increases airflow and light penetration which helps reduce the risk of disease and increases productivity. Just sling heavy fruit to the support to prevent it from damaging the vines.
Purple, wax, and other colorful pole beans are another seasonal option that provides vertical interest in a garden bed or screens a bad view. You’ll find it easier to harvest and enjoy an extra picking with pole beans. Add colorful flowers and boost the hummingbird appeal by growing scarlet runner beans.
Or try Mascotte bush beans in containers. Grow this plant in a pretty container and, if needed, elevate it on a support for easy picking. You’ll enjoy a plentiful harvest of crisp slender beans held above the foliage for easy picking.
Dress up meals with edible flowers like nasturtiums, daylilies, and calendula. Just be sure they have not been treated with pesticides and remove the reproductive parts that can add bitterness to your meals.
Maximize the productivity of vegetable plants with proper care and regular harvesting, picking vegetables at their peak.
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‘Panda-monium’
Who would opt for a holiday visit to China? It’s not exactly among the world’s more glamorous holiday destinations. But if you love pandas it’s where you’ll find them-- usually. But beware: at least one zoo in China has run out of pandas and has been replacing them with Chow Chow dogs whose fur has been trimmed and dyed black-and-white to resemble the iconic Chinese bears.
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France wins ‘baguette’ award
Not to be outdone by their Italian neighbors, who held the Guinness World Record for the world’s longest baguette, French chefs baked away and produced a baguette that was 461 feet long. The Italians won the title in 2019 when they produced a 435-foot, 1-inch baguette. Soon after Guinness officials declared the French bakers were the new winners of the title they served the tasty bread to attendees at the show.
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He did it with ‘gator aid’
A trapper from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission wrestled with a nine foot long alligator that showed up at an elementary school in Wesley Chapel, Florida, recently. The gator won the first round when it tossed him off its back. But in the end the trapper, with help, was able to subdue the nasty critter as kids were leaving school for the day.
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5 tips to help seniors start exercising and get fit
Fredericksburg Fitness Studio, a private personal training studio, helps people of all ages with their health and fitness goals
FREDERICKSBURG, Virginia — National Senior Health and Fitness Day is held every year on the last Wednesday in May. It's a time to put seniors in the spotlight and encourage them to get started on a quest to get healthy and fitter. Even if they have never exercised regularly, they can still get started and reap tremendous benefits from their efforts. It comes down to knowing how to start one's journey toward better health and fitness.
"Exercise is for everyone, no matter what age you may be," explains Jennifer Scherer, a registered dietitian nutritionist, medical exercise specialist, certified personal trainer, and owner of Fredericksburg Fitness Studio. “If you are still alive, you are a good candidate for exercising and working on fitness goals!"
It's always possible to benefit from exercising. The journal BioMed Research International published a study that looked at the importance of physical activity exercise among older people. They report that physical activity is a driver for a healthy and long life in older people. Additionally, they report that being physically active provides some protective factors, helping to reduce risks of cardiovascular disease, stroke, diabetes, and some types of cancer. It is also beneficial for improving mental health, delaying the onset of dementia, and improving quality of life and well-being.
According to the National Institute on Aging, deciding to become physically active can be one of the best things someone can do for their health. They suggest that adults aim to get at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise, such as brisk walking or line dancing. Those doing vigorous activity, such as running, can aim for 75 minutes weekly. They also recommend lifting weights on two days per week.
The good news is that getting started is not as difficult as it may seem. Here are 5 tips to help seniors start exercising and get fit:
Check with the doctor. This type of disclaimer is common, but it is a good idea to run it by the doctor to ensure no concerns. Most people will be given the green light, but it's a good idea to let the doctor know and see if there are any concerns or suggestions.
Know what is needed. Most types of exercise programs require some sort of equipment. At the very least, a new pair of good fitness shoes may be in order. Check to see what items are needed and get them so that there are no excuses or issues that arise.
Set some goals. Each person should determine what they want to accomplish with their new fitness goals. They should be written down to be evaluated at various benchmarks and adjusted. The only way to know if goals have been accomplished is to set them in the first place.
Start slowly. A big mistake that those new to exercising make is that they bite off more than they can comfortably chew. It's always a good idea to start slowly and build up to doing more. This gives the body (and mind) a chance to transition and get used to doing the activity.
Get support. Most people benefit from having a support system. Support increases one's chances of being successful at reaching goals and sticking with a new lifestyle change.
“We are happy to help seniors get started and provide them with the support they need to stick with it,” added Scherer. “We can tailor a program to fit your goals and needs, help you track the progress, and keep you moving.”
One program that many seniors can benefit from that is offered at Fredericksburg Fitness Studio is Pilates. Research published in the Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation shared the research results to see if Pilates helps with bone strength in women with postmenopausal osteoporosis. They concluded that Pilates increased bone mineral density and walking distance and helped to relieve pain.
Additionally, The European Journal of Investigation in Health, Psychology, and Education reported in March 2022 that Pilates can benefit the elderly. Their study found that those over the age of 60 who started doing Pilates improved their balance, strength, mobility, functional capacity, and mental and psychological health. They also report that it reduced the risk of falling.
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Medal of Honory: Army 1st Lt. Jimmie W. Monteith Jr.
By KATIE LANGE
Department of Defense News
Of all the men who fought and died on D-Day, Army 1st Lt. Jimmie W. Monteith Jr.'s actions might have been the most crucial toward the Allies gaining a foothold in Europe. Through the chaos that ensued on Omaha Beach, Monteith led his soldiers through minefields and heavy fire, fighting their way up steep bluffs to cut past German defenses until they reached vital inland positions. Monteith didn't survive the day, but his efforts earned him the Medal of Honor.
Monteith was born July 1, 1917, in rural Low Moor, Virginia, to Caroline and James Monteith Sr. He had two older siblings, Robert and Nancy.
When Monteith was 9, his family moved to the state capital, Richmond. Growing up, he was an active student who was involved in several clubs, and his 6-foot-2-inch frame made him good at sports like basketball and football.
After graduating from Thomas Jefferson High School in 1937, Monteith attended Virginia Tech University, where his father and brother both went. He studied mechanical engineering and was a member of the Corps of Cadets, where he was known to have a good sense of humor. However, after two years, he decided he didn't want to pursue college anymore, so he dropped out and went to work at a coal company where his father served as vice president.
A little more than two years later, in October 1941, Monteith was drafted into the Army. He earned a commission as an infantry officer by June 1942 and was sent to serve at Fort McClellan, Alabama. While there, he learned that his father had died and that his brother had received a commission into the Navy.
In April 1943, Monteith was shipped overseas to Algeria with the 16th Infantry, 1st Infantry Division. Within a few days, though, enemy troops in Africa surrendered, ending the campaign there. A short time later, Monteith's unit was sent to fight in Sicily, where Monteith received a promotion to first lieutenant.
By December 1943, the 1st Infantry Division was on its way to England to prepare for the Invasion of Normandy — an effort that would include more than 160,000 Allied forces to become the largest air, land and sea assault ever executed.
On June 6, 1944 — D-Day — Monteith landed in the initial wave of troops near Colleville-Sur-Mer, France, known as Omaha Beach. But a lot of problems hampered their arrival.
Omaha Beach was the most heavily defended of the five beaches attacked by Allies that day. Its cliffs and high bluffs were expected to be difficult for troops to traverse, but it turned out to be even worse than expected. Soldiers encountered pillboxes surrounded by barbed wire and were hammered by artillery, machine guns and flamethrowers as they tried to gain a foothold on the beach.
According to the Medal of Honor Museum, of the 36 amphibious tanks sent to support the 16th Infantry Regiment's assault, only five made it to the beach. Heavy seas and various underwater obstacles threw off the landings, and many men were killed by the barrage of gunfire before they made it to shore. A lot of the supporting equipment, including tanks, were swamped in waist-deep water.
Monteith and his fellow soldiers in L Company were on one of the boats that didn't hit their mark, instead landing 500 yards to the left of its targeted landing zone. However, according to the museum, the company was still one of only eight in that initial wave to remain operational as a unit. And under Monteith's leadership, they excelled despite the odds.
As soon as they landed, Monteith disregarded his own safety to move up and down the beach, reorganizing men before leading an assault through heavy fire over a ledge and across exposed terrain before reaching the comparative safety of a cliff. A letter from a soldier in Monteith's platoon later said that the first lieutenant led them through heavy barbed wire and two minefields to get there.
As those men regrouped, Monteith retraced his steps across the field to the beach, where he saw two operational Sherman tanks being bombarded by enemy artillery and machine gun fire. Monteith made his way to them and banged on their sides, telling the men inside to follow him. Despite intense fire, he led them on foot through a minefield and into firing positions, where they were able to destroy an enemy pillbox and two machine gun nests.
From there, Monteith rejoined his company and led them on an assault on a German strongpoint leading off the beach. After heavy fighting, his men captured an important position on a hill.
According to his Medal of Honor citation, Monteith supervised the defense of the position against repeated counterattacks, and continuing to ignore his own personal safety, he repeatedly crossed several hundred yards of embattled open terrain to strengthen links in his company's defensive chain and fight off new threats.
Eventually, enemy troops completely surrounded the unit. While leading the fight out of the situation, Monteith was struck by machine gun bullets and killed.
Monteith's intense valor and will to lead in a dire situation helped the Allies find an important pathway to push further into Normandy and seize inland objectives. His Medal of Honor citation said his gallantry and courage were "worthy of emulation."
On D-Day, American troops suffered the worst losses of all the Allied troops involved. About 2,400 casualties were reported on Omaha Beach alone — more than the other four beachheads combined.
According to a collection of records regarding Monteith's life kept at Virginia Tech's archives, Monteith was initially slated to get the Distinguished Service Cross. However, when Army Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower — the Allied supreme commander during World War II who led the Normandy invasion — was given Monteith's recommendation, the honor was adjusted.
"I must say that the thing looks like a Medal of Honor to me. This man was good," Eisenhower wrote his chief of staff about Monteith.
The Medal of Honor was presented to Monteith's mother during a ceremony at her home in Richmond on March 19, 1945. Afterward, his mother hung the medal across a picture of her son on her mantel. Monteith's brother, who served in the Navy, survived the war and went on to become an electrical engineer.
Monteith is buried in the Normandy American Cemetery in France, which overlooks Omaha Beach and the English Channel.
Monteith's memory lives on. When the war ended, a 15,000-seat amphitheater at Fort McClellan, where Monteith initially served, was renamed in his honor. Barracks for housing at the 16th Infantry Regiment headquarters in Furth, Germany, were also given his name.
In 1949, Virginia Tech named a new residence hall Monteith Hall. Other places that bear his name include a road at Fort Moore (formerly Fort Benning) and an Army Reserve center in Richmond. As recently as 1999, a Kosovo Security Force base taken over by U.S. Marines was named Camp Monteith in his honor.
Monteith's Medal of Honor is on display at Virginia Tech's Corps of Cadets Museum.
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Social Security Matters
By RUSSELL GLOOR
National Social Security Advisor at the AMAC Foundation
Ask Rusty – Future Retiree Worried About Social Security’s Future
Dear Rusty: I keep reading that the SSA will only be able to pay out 75% of benefits come 2033. If congress were to do nothing and this reduction in benefits occurred, would seniors already collecting benefits in 2033 have their benefits reduced or would it only be those who have not begun to collect have their future benefits reduced? I will be collecting my benefits no later than 2027 but my wife will not reach full retirement age until 2033 and we are looking for information on whether we need to adjust savings now to account for mine or my wife's possible reduction in benefits. Signed: Worried Senior
Dear Worried Senior: If Congress does nothing to prevent Social Security’s reserves from depletion, Social Security – by law - will only be able to pay out benefits equal to income, which is estimated to be about 23% to 25% short of what will be needed to pay full benefits starting in 2033. That would mean everyone who is already receiving monthly Social Security benefits would get a payment 23% to 25% less than they were previously receiving. And without reform, new beneficiaries would get benefits similarly reduced.
The action needed to prevent those cuts from happening resides with Congress, and any program reform they enact would likely only affect those who are not yet collecting. Whether or how that would affect you and your wife as future SS beneficiaries depends on the scope of reform Congress will enact which, of course, is not yet known. That uncertainty, itself, is reason enough to bolster your savings for your future retirement.
The probability of Congress allowing the Trust Funds to be depleted, thus necessitating an across the board cut in everyone’s benefit is, in my opinion, slim (it would be political suicide). Congress already knows how to fix Social Security’s financial woes – they just currently lack the bipartisanship and political fortitude to do so. And it’s doubtful any Social Security reform will happen this election year - rather, the opposing sides will likely just sling accusations at each other in 2024. But rest assured that both sides of Congress are acutely aware that reform of the Social Security program is needed soon, and we are already seeing signs that progress on reform may be forthcoming (but not until after the 2024 elections).
Congress is notorious for waiting until the last possible moment to act, and I don’t suggest you alter your Social Security claiming strategy based on the unknown. But building a bigger nest egg for retirement is always a prudent goal. Also, calling your Congressional Representative to endorse needed Social Security reform which ensures your future benefits will not be cut would be a good move.
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Gardening helps grow healthy, happy kids
by MELINDA MYERS
Gardeners know and research is proving that gardening, even viewing a garden, as well as spending time in nature is good for the mind, body, and spirit. It improves strength and flexibility, lowers blood pressure, and elevates our moods.
This is also true for the youngsters in our lives. Recent studies found that school-aged children who participate in outdoor activities have better vision than those who spend most of their time indoors. Children who engage in nature and gardening are more focused, score better on exams, and are less likely to develop or exhibit symptoms of ADHD. And kids who play outside and get a bit dirty also have stronger immune systems.
Help get the kids in your life involved in gardening. There are a variety of ways to get youngsters involved no matter how much space or time you have.
Consider giving each child their own garden space or a container garden to design, plant, and tend. Containers are a great option when planting space and time are limited. And just about anything can be grown in a pot. An old 5-gallon bucket or washtub with holes drilled into the bottom, recycled nursery pots, or a colorful raised planter make great gardens.
Provide them with some kid-sized tools and equipment. The tools’ smaller scale will be easier for them to handle and having their own tools that match yours makes gardening even more special. Consider investing in a set of kids’ gardening tools including hand tools, long-handled tools, and even a wheelbarrow like those at Corona Tools USA (coronatools.com).
Keep in mind the goal is for kids to have fun and develop an interest in gardening. You may need to bite your tongue when their combinations are rather unique, or plants are spaced improperly. Provide some guidance but be prepared to let them experiment and learn from their failures as well as successes.
Kids like to water even at an early age. The biggest challenge is getting the water to the plant but that will come with time, practice, and a few water-soaked outfits. Your efforts will be rewarded when your child takes over watering your container gardens.
You may notice kids often find bugs and worms more interesting than plants. Use this as a gateway into gardening. Get kids involved in worm composting or hunting for earthworms in the compost pile. They will have fun on the worm hunt while helping you turn your compost pile.
Use the “Pluck, Drop and Stomp” method to manage garden pests. Point out the bad guys and the damage they do. Be sure they know to watch for the good guys and leave them be to help the garden grow. Then have the children pluck the bad bugs off the plant, drop them to the ground, and stomp on them. This eco-friendly pest management strategy also burns some of that excess energy.
Include lots of color in the garden and containers. Michigan State University surveyed kids before creating their children’s garden. They found kids were much more excited and likely to participate when a garden is filled with color.
And as the flowers are maturing and your family is overrun with vegetables, consider sharing the harvest and a few bouquets of flowers. Giving helps children grow into caring, well-rounded adults. And food pantries in your community are always in need of fresh produce. Most of the food-insecure people in our communities are kids and seniors who greatly benefit from fresh nutritious vegetables.
Be sure to end the growing season with a harvest party. Use your homegrown produce to prepare a picnic or fancy dinner for family and friends. Then use some of those beautiful flowers you grew to decorate the table.
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‘Buzz’
Don’t dismiss it if your child is afraid of the “monster” in her bedroom; check it out. A North Carolina mom, Ashley Class, didn’t believe it when her three-year-old daughter told her that there was a “monster” hiding behind the wall in her bedroom. But when mom and dad heard odd, buzzing noises they called beekeeper Curtis Collins to check it out. Collins discovered the noises were coming from some 50,000 bees hiding inside the walls.
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The goat that got away
It was easy for Jeffrey the goat to make his getaway in Kansas City, Missouri. After all, he is a mountain goat. They found him hiding 80 feet off the ground under a roadway and rescuers managed to get a rope around him. But Jeffrey didn’t surrender. Instead, he tried to escape by jumping from ledge to ledge. He finally fell to the ground, landing on padding provided by local firefighters.
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Ophidiophobia Magnus
Half of our population suffers from Ophidiophobia, better known as the fear of snakes. But we shouldn’t, says Melissa Amarello, executive director of Advocates for Snake Preservation. After all, she says, “they swallow their food whole, and in the United States there are no snakes big enough to eat us.” However, researchers tell us that they’ve discovered the remains of a very large snake that roamed western India 47 million years ago and was big enough to swallow you whole. The remains showed it be as big as 50 feet long and could have weighed as much as 2,200 pounds. Pretty scary!
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Medal of Honor: Army Command Sgt. Maj. Robert M. Patterson
By KATIE LANGE
DOD News |
For a lot of military heroes, actions taken in battle are carried out without thinking, and they're sometimes hazy afterward due to the fog of war. For Army Command Sgt. Maj. Robert Martin Patterson, the actions that earned him the Medal of Honor during a firefight in Vietnam had to be reiterated to him because he couldn't remember most of it.
Patterson was born in Carpenter, North Carolina, and raised in nearby Fayetteville, near Fort Bragg. He had four sisters and an older brother. The family was poor, so at an early age, Patterson helped as best he could by working on the family's tobacco farm, where he said he plowed fields using a mule because they didn't have tractors.
During his last year of high school in 1966, Patterson dropped out to join the Army. He was initially placed with the 82nd Airborne Division before being transferred to the 101st Airborne Division's 17th Cavalry Regiment in August 1967 in preparation for a tour in Vietnam. The unit deployed that December.
In a Library of Congress Veterans History Project interview, Patterson said he was welcomed to Vietnam with an immediate mortar attack. In his first few months of deployment, he carried out several convoy escorts and search-and-destroy missions.
On May 6, 1968, Patterson's unit was tasked with sweeping an area near the village of La Chu to search for enemy soldiers who'd reportedly moved in.
Then a specialist fourth class, Patterson was a fire team leader in a 34-man platoon. He said they came across no problems until about 1 p.m., when they neared the village and ran into a well-armed and much larger North Vietnamese Army battalion. Patterson's platoon sergeant was shot almost immediately, and its lead squad was quickly pinned down by heavy automatic weapons and rocket-propelled grenade fire from two enemy bunkers.
"It's strange to hear things go whistling over your head," Patterson said of the little he remembered from that day. "We had very little cover to get down behind — a little tree here, a mound of dirt over there."
After this point, Patterson said he doesn't remember anything for a few hours. But according to his Medal of Honor citation and what he was told, he and two members of his team moved forward under a hail of gunfire to destroy the enemy's bunkers.
Soon after, Patterson noticed that more of his comrades were being fired on by a third bunker that was being defended by enemy soldiers in one-man positions known as spider holes. Without hesitation, Patterson moved forward — despite the intense small-arms and grenade fire — to successfully assault and destroy those positions.
But again — Patterson doesn't remember it.
"The platoon sergeant being shot is the last thing I remember. Everything else is just a blank blur," Patterson said in his 2003 Library of Congress interview. "The next thing I knew, it was 5 o'clock that afternoon, and I was in a 500-pound-bomb crater."
He said he and several injured and fallen comrades stayed in the crater until eventually continuing their assault through the night.
In total, Patterson single-handedly destroyed five enemy bunkers, killed eight enemy soldiers and captured seven weapons. His courageous actions helped his unit advance, allowing them to eventually penetrate the enemy's defensive position.
The next day, Patterson received the Silver Star — something he was a bit confused by.
"I was thinking to myself, 'Why did I get this? I didn't do anything.' And that's when we found out that we had actually gone up against a reinforced regiment," Patterson said.
After that, Patterson continued with his deployment as usual until he returned home in December 1968, right after being promoted to sergeant. At some point, he married a woman named Linda and had two sons.
Several months after his return, in September 1969, Patterson said he was bewildered to learn that he had been nominated for the Medal of Honor. On Oct. 9, 1969, Patterson received the nation's highest honor for valor from President Richard M. Nixon during a White House ceremony. Three other soldiers also received the medal that day.
Patterson said that, over time, he's learned that wearing the medal is much harder than what it took to earn it.
"I think that a person who wears the Medal of Honor is not wearing it for themselves. They're wearing it for everyone who was there, particularly for those who didn't come back," he said. "Everything I do, before I do it, I will stop and think, 'Is it going to embarrass that medal?' … If it is, then I won't do it."
Patterson remained in the military until he retired as a command sergeant major in 1991 after serving in the Gulf War. He went on to work as a benefits counselor at the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Patterson divorced at some point. While working for the VA in 2005, he met another woman named Linda, whom he married in 2007. The latter Linda Patterson said her husband was so humble that she didn't even know he had earned the Medal of Honor until six months after they'd started dating.
Patterson retired from the VA in 2010 after having triple bypass surgery, according to his wife. The couple eventually moved to Pensacola, Florida, where they currently live. Patterson enjoys NASCAR and watching golf, and he often speaks about his experiences at military and high school events.
Earlier this year, Patterson attended a wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery in recognition of Medal of Honor Day.
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Social Security Matters
By RUSSELL GLOOR
National Social Security Adviser at the AMAC Foundation
Ask Rusty – Widower’s Retirement Stymied by Social Security’s “WEP” and “GPO” Rules
Dear Rusty: My wife passed away 4 years ago. I want to retire so called SSA and was told I can collect my own SS at 62, reduced by WEP. My wife’s SS was greater than mine, but they said I do not qualify for hers at age 60 because of the GPO. This seems odd that I get zero for her, however I can collect mine at the two thirds reduction at 62. Is this true? This zero dollar amount places my retirement on hold for now. I was counting on her SS. Signed: Discouraged Widower
Dear Discouraged: The Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO) are two of the most confusing (and unpopular) of Social Security’s myriad rules. From the way you describe your conversation with the Social Security Administration, it doesn’t appear to have concluded with you fully understanding how these provisions work, so allow me to elaborate.
WEP and GPO affect anyone who has a retirement pension from a federal, state, or local government agency which did not participate in Social Security, meaning neither the employee nor the employer paid into Social Security based on the employee’s earnings. Obviously, you have such a pension, which means that WEP will reduce any Social Security retirement benefit you have earned from other employment where SS payroll taxes were withheld, and the GPO will affect any survivor benefit you are entitled to.
WEP affects only the SS retirement benefit you earned elsewhere; WEP does not affect any surviving spouse benefit you might be entitled to from your wife. Rather, it is the GPO which affects your survivor benefit, again because of your state retirement (called a “non-covered pension” - one earned without contributing to Social Security). The GPO will reduce any surviving spouse benefit you might be entitled to by 2/3rds of the amount of your “non-covered” state pension. Depending on the size of your state pension, that reduction may entirely eliminate your surviving spouse benefit from your wife.
Under normal SS rules, a surviving spouse does not become eligible for survivor benefits until they reach age 60 (age 50 if disabled). Normally, a surviving spouse benefit claimed at age 60 is reduced by 28.5% and it is the GPO (not WEP) that will affect your survivor benefit whenever you claim it. However, even without GPO, your age 60 survivor benefit amount would be only 71.5% of the amount your wife was receiving (or entitled to receive) at her death. If you are already collecting your non-covered state pension when you claim your SS survivor benefit from your wife, then that reduced age 60 survivor benefit would be offset by 2/3rds of the amount of your state pension. And that (according to what Social Security told you) is what eliminated your age 60 eligibility for a surviving spouse benefit from your wife. If you don’t claim it at 60 your survivor benefit will continue to grow until you reach your full retirement age (FRA) of 67, but if 2/3rds of your state pension is more than 100% of your SS survivor benefit, you still won’t get any surviving spouse benefit from your wife’s record.
A further consequence of your non-covered state pension is that the SS retirement benefit you earned elsewhere will be reduced by WEP. WEP will reduce, but cannot eliminate, your Social Security retirement benefit. The WEP formula is complex but, generally, your WEP-based Social Security retirement benefit will likely be roughly half of what you would get if you did not have a state “non-covered pension.” You could claim your WEP-reduced SS retirement benefit as early as age 62 or, if financially feasible, delay longer to get a somewhat higher (but still reduced) amount.
Just FYI, your state employer had an obligation to fully inform you of the consequences of not contributing to Social Security while earning your state pension. It appears as though they may not have fulfilled that obligation.
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10 healthy aging tips for older Americans
Alzheimer’s Foundation of America offers lifestyle choices that promote healthy aging & help reduce dementia risk
As part of Older Americans Month this May, the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) is offering 10 steps for healthy aging so that older adults can be proactive about their brain health.
“As we honor and celebrate the older adults who are a vital, vibrant part of our communities during National Older Americans Month, we also want to help them to be proactive about their brain health, because the risk of developing dementia increases with age,” said Jennifer Reeder, LCSW, AFA’s Director of Educational and Social Services. “Empowering older adults with information about positive, brain-healthy lifestyle choices they can make will go a long way to helping them remain active members of our society for years to come.”
Ten steps for healthy aging:
1. Eat Well- Adopt a low-fat diet high on fruits and vegetables such as strawberries, blueberries, and broccoli. Take daily vitamins. Limit intake of red meats, fried and processed foods, salt, and sugar. In general, foods that are “heart healthy” are also “brain healthy.”
2. Stay Active- Physical activity increases blood flow to the brain and can also help improve mood and general well-being. Brisk walking benefits brain health; aerobic exercise boosts your heart rate; weight training builds strength and flexibility.
3. Learn New Things- Learning new things exercises and strengthens your brain. Taking a class, trying a new activity, or engaging in any new cognitive pursuit causes your brain to think outside of its normal routine and provides cognitive stimulation. Even something as simple as brushing your teeth with your non-dominant hand stimulates the brain.
4. Get Enough Sleep- Getting consistent sleep every night is key; at least seven to nine hours is ideal. Having a good sleep environment is also helpful. Make sure you do low-key activities before getting into bed so you are not overstimulated. Avoid caffeinated drinks close to your bedtime. Insomnia can have serious physical effects and negatively affect memory and thinking.
5. Mind Your Meds- Medication can affect everyone differently, especially as you age. When getting a new medication or something you have not taken recently, (whether over the counter or prescription), consult with your doctor or local pharmacist.
6. Stop Smoking and Limit Alcohol- Smoking can increase the risk of other serious illnesses, while too much alcohol can impair judgment and cause accidents, including falls, broken bones, and car crashes.
7. Stay Connected- Prolonged social isolation and loneliness are detrimental to your health, and can increase the risk of a number of different health conditions, including dementia-related illnesses, heart disease, and stroke, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Spending time with loved ones and friends, participating in group activities, and getting involved in local community groups are all ways of connecting with other people, keeping your brain active, and helping you feel more engaged with the world around you.
8. Know Your Blood Pressure- Blood pressure can affect your cognitive functioning. Visit your physician regularly to check your blood pressure and make sure it is within normal range.
9. See Your Doctor- Maintain checkups. Health screenings are key to managing chronic illnesses, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and obesity, all of which can impact brain health. Speak with your physician about any health-related concerns or questions you have.
10. Get a Memory Screening- Memory impairments are not a normal part of aging; they can be caused by a number of different conditions. Because of this, early detection of memory impairments is essential. Memory screenings are quick, noninvasive screenings that should be part of everyone’s health and wellness routine, even if you’re not currently experiencing memory issues. AFA offers free virtual memory screenings every weekday, with no minimum age or insurance prerequisites—visit www.alzfdn.org or call AFA at 866-232-8484 for more information about getting a free virtual memory screening.
Individuals wishing to learn more about healthy aging and promoting good brain health can contact the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America’s Helpline at 866-232-8484 or visit AFA’s website, www.alzfdn.org. The Helpline is available seven days a week.
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Boost the beauty and comfort of your outdoor spaces
By MELINDA MYERS
Add some comfort and beauty to your outdoor spaces this year. Look for options that fit your lifestyle, budget, and schedule. Even simple changes can make a positive impact on the time you spend relaxing and entertaining on your patio, deck, or other outdoor spaces.
Freshen up the look and comfort of these areas with some new furniture. Look for comfortable pieces made of durable materials guaranteed to provide years of enjoyment. If this is not within your budget, consider refurbishing something you already have, are gifted from a friend, or find in a thrift shop. Adding a bit of paint, new cushions, or even colorful pillows can transform older pieces into something special.
Add some shade. A strategically placed umbrella can provide needed relief from the sun. Make sure it is stable and secure, especially in windy locations. Consider shade sails not only for the shade they provide but also for their aesthetic appeal. Make sure it is securely anchored and supported, properly managed during harsh weather, and made of fire-retardant fabric if this is a concern in your location. Pergolas are more permanent structures. Train deciduous vines up and over this structure for added shade in the summer. Then enjoy the warming sunlight when the vines drop their leaves during the cooler months of the year.
Create some privacy with strategically placed plantings and containers. Tall grasses, narrow upright shrubs, and vine-covered trellises can help block unwanted views while creating a private space outdoors. Consider the views you want to keep and those you want to block. Screen unsightly views and areas where neighbors can see into your space. You may only need a vine-covered trellis, several hanging baskets, a couple of pots, or a section of fencing rather than a long hedge or length of fencing.
Soften the look of fencing with some wall-mounted planters, a few potted plants or shrubs, and in-ground plantings if space allows. Use a diverse selection of plants when creating a living screen. This provides more seasonal interest and makes it easier to replace that one failed plant in a mature hedge of evergreens like arborvitaes.
Water is another way to add a bit of serenity to your space. A wall-mounted fountain, small container of water plants, or container fountain will add noise-blocking sound and a sense of serenity to any space.
To control pesky mosquitoes in water features (or in any standing water), add a mosquito control like Mosquito Dunks and Bits (SummitResponsibleSolutions.com) that contains a naturally occurring bacterium called Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis to the water. This active ingredient kills mosquito larvae, preventing them from transforming into biting adults. Mosquito Bits quickly knock down the mosquito larval population, while the Mosquito Dunks provide 30 days of control. They both are safe for pets, fish, wildlife, and children.
Extend the time you can spend outdoors by adding a heat source for those chilly days and nights and a fan to keep air moving and the space cooler on hot days. Adding a fan also provides some relief from mosquitoes. These weak fliers can’t fight the breeze which will keep you out of their reach and much more comfortable.
Include lighting so you can enjoy your outdoor space in the evening. Consider a string of lights overhead, rail lights around the deck, or strategically placed illuminated plant containers. Create a more intimate experience with a few votive candles displayed in unique holders like old punch cups.
Light a few citronella candles for a bit of ambiance and mosquito control when enjoying your outdoor space in the evening. Citronella oil and the scented candles have some mosquito-repelling properties. Scatter lots of candles throughout the space when entertaining. Position the candles within a few feet of yourself and your guests for some short-term relief from these pests.
Start with a list of improvements you want to make. Then get busy researching the various options so you will be ready to boost the comfort and enjoyment of your patio, deck and other outdoor spaces this year.
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Brumation
This alligator managed to survive, thanks to brumation—the ability for reptiles to slow down their bodily functions. The critter had been trapped in a drainage pipe in Hilton Head, SC for some six months. According to wildlife expert Matt Kraycar, brumation “is basically like hibernation for reptiles. So as it gets cooler, they're going to shut their body down. So by doing that, he doesn't really need to eat as much as he typically would during the summer, and I'm sure there were still fish and turtles coming through those pipes as well, so it didn't look like he was starving by any means."
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The Key Lime pup
Golden Retrievers come in light golden, golden, and dark golden. But Shamrock, a newborn retriever belonging to Carole DeBruler, owner of Florida's Golden Treasures Kennel, came into this world wearing a rather attractive light green coat. The pup’s coloration was the result of biliverdin, a green bile sometimes found in the wombs of mother dogs, according to the experts. And, they say, Shamrock’s coat will eventually bear the standard yellow color of retrievers.
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It was fate
She lost her wedding ring on Galveston Island, TX but Deysi Maldonado was lucky enough to have the Galveston Island Treasure Hunters Club come to the rescue. But, as it turned out, it wasn’t the metal detectors that helped find her band of gold. It was a couple who accidentally came across the ring. Caleb Brignac and his girlfriend were digging in the sand, came across a fishing net that was partially buried and, as fate would have it, when they pulled it out of the sand out came the diamond ring.
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Medal of Honor: Army Tech. 5th Grade John J. Pinder Jr.
By KATIE LANGE
Department of Defense News
June 6, 1944, was a monumental day for Army Technician 5th Grade John Joseph Pinder Jr. Aside from it being his 32nd birthday, it was also when he joined thousands of other Allied troops to storm the beaches of Normandy, France, on D-Day. Omaha Beach was hell on earth for soldiers that day, but Pinder carried out his mission with honor before succumbing to his many wounds. His valor earned him a posthumous Medal of Honor.
Pinder was born June 6, 1912, in McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania, to Laura Belle and John Pinder Sr. He had two younger siblings, Martha and Harold, and he went by his middle name, Joe.
Pinder's father worked in the steel industry, which caused the family to relocate within the state a few times. Their first move was about a half-hour away, to Burgettstown, before relocating again about an hour north to Butler, where Pinder graduated as the valedictorian of his high school class in 1931.
Pinder excelled at baseball and played in the minor leagues for about seven years. He was a pitcher in Georgia and Florida for farm teams that fed players to the New York Yankees, Washington Senators and Cleveland Indians. During his time in the South, Pinder met and got engaged to a woman named Ruby Gillian.
Unfortunately, the two weren't able to marry before Pinder was drafted into the Army in January 1942. He was a radio operator assigned to the 16th Infantry, 1st Infantry Division.
Later that year, the unit left for England where, in 1943, Pinder was able to meet up with his younger brother, known as Hal, who had also been drafted as a bomber pilot in the Army Air Corps. At that time, the brothers hadn't seen each other in two years, a 1945 Pittsburgh Press article said.
While overseas, Joe Pinder took part in various combat campaigns, including those in Africa and Sicily, before being tapped to take part in D-Day — the biggest land, air and sea invasion in history that finally gave the Allies a foothold in Nazi Europe. By this time, Pinder had worked his way up to the rank of technician 5th grade, the equivalent of a corporal.
On June 6, 1944, Pinder's unit was in the first wave of Allied troops to assault Colleville-sur-Mer — better known as Omaha Beach. Unfortunately, the Germans were ready for them and immediately began pummeling transport ships before troops were able to land near shore.
An artillery shell landed near Pinder's boat and tore holes in it, killing some men immediately and causing chaos among those left inside. As the vessel began to fill with water, its ramp opened to let the men out about 100 yards offshore. Devasting machine gun and artillery fire rained down on them as they tried to wade their way to land in waist-deep water. Many were killed before they even got to shore.
As Pinder struggled through the waves, he carried vitally important radio equipment on his shoulder — and back then, radios used in war weighed about 80 pounds. He was only a few yards from his boat when he was hit twice by enemy fire, with one hit tearing into the left side of his face. Witnesses said Pinder continued forward holding the equipment in one arm and the flesh from his face with the other hand.
Refusing to take cover or get medical attention, Pinder delivered the radio to the shore. He then turned around and went back into the fire-swept surf to gather more parts and equipment. He knew setting up communications was crucial to directing naval and air support that could take out the German installations decimating the shoreline. It was the only way they would survive the ordeal.
Pinder ran back into the surf twice that day, despite the fierce pain he suffered. On the third trip, he was hit a few times by a machine gun, but he still refused to stop. He got back to the beach and helped troops set up the communications equipment before passing out from blood loss. He died later that day.
Meanwhile, in January 1944, Pinder's pilot brother crashed in Belgium during a raid over Germany and was taken prisoner. Pinder had worried about his brother for months and never got to find out if he survived. Hal Pinder spent 14 months in a prisoner-of-war camp, which is where he learned of his older brother's death. He was finally released and sent home when the war ended.
Of the five beaches on which the Allies landed on D-Day, Omaha Beach was the largest, and its troops suffered about 2,400 casualties — more than the other four beachfronts combined. Joe Pinder's bravery during the chaos served as huge inspiration for those who survived.
For his valor, Pinder was awarded the Medal of Honor. Pinder's father received the honor on his son's behalf on Jan. 26, 1945, during a ceremony at the 5th Regiment Armory in Baltimore. Pinder was one of 12 soldiers who took part in the D-Day landings to receive the nation's highest honor. Of the 12, nine received the award posthumously.
Pinder was initially buried at a U.S. military cemetery in Normandy, but his family chose to bring him home in 1947. He now rests in Grandview Cemetery in Burgettstown, Pennsylvania, where a monument was dedicated to him in 2000. There's also a plaque dedicated to the fallen corporal at the McKees Rocks War Memorial.
Pinder Barracks, a U.S. military post near Nuremberg, Germany, stood in his honor from 1945 to 1995. After it was torn down, the park that replaced it was named Pinder Park.
Pinder's Medal of Honor was donated by his family to the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall and Museum in Pittsburgh, along with letters he wrote home and the contents of his wallet that were recovered in Normandy, according to a 2019 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette article. The museum said Pinder's medal is part of its permanent collection, but it is currently on loan to the National Museum of the United States Army for the upcoming 80th commemoration of D-Day.
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House Call
Dr. Bala Simon, associate professor Department of Family and Preventive Medicine
College of Medicine at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Q:. What is Huntington's Disease?
A: A: Huntington’s disease (HD) is a rare disorder that affects the brain. An inherited condition, HD causes the nerve cells in the brain that control memory and movement to progressively break down and die. The Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center estimates that fewer than 5,000 people in the United States have HD.
HD is caused by a mutation in the gene that produces the protein huntingtin. A child of a parent who has HD has a 50% chance of inheriting the gene mutation. It is possible for HD to develop in people without a family history.
Symptoms can occur at any time, including in those younger than 20, but signs of HD often appear in people in their 30s and 40s. These symptoms may include depression, involuntary jerking movements, muscle rigidity, problems with speech or difficulty focusing on tasks.
There is no cure for HD, nor is there any way to prevent it. Treatment generally focuses on making symptoms tolerable, including drugs to control movement and manage emotions. Contact your health care provider if you experience symptoms related to HD, particularly if you have a family history.
Q: Why might a patient be placed in intensive care?
A: A: Intensive care units (ICUs) are sections in a hospital that provide specialized care and monitoring. They may also be referred to as critical care units or intensive care wards. Most of us are generally familiar with ICUs, whether from being in one or having experienced it with a family member or friend.
Patients admitted to an ICU have issues that can include needing support to breathe, a severe head injury, a serious short-term condition such as a heart attack, an infection such as pneumonia, or an extremely high or low pulse rate. Patients may also be in an ICU to recover from surgery.
ICU patients are monitored and treated with equipment such as catheters, feeding tubes, intravenous tubes for fluid or medications, an oscilloscope for heart rate, or ventilators. Monitoring occurs more frequently in an ICU, with vital signs such as blood pressure, oxygen levels, heart rate and respiratory rate continuously displayed.
An ICU can be a stressful place for patients, family members and friends. Visitation may be limited to allow the patient to adequately rest and to prevent the spread of infection. Many facilities offer support services related to an ICU such as counseling — do not hesitate to ask the health care provider if you have questions.
Q: What is neurofibromatosis?
A: A: Neurofibromatosis (NF) is a term for three genetic disorders that cause tumors to grow on nerves in the body. These tumors can affect any part of the nervous system, including the brain and spinal cord. The National Cancer Institute Division of Cancer Epidemiology & Genetics estimates that approximately 100,000 people in the U.S. are affected by neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) — the most common type.
NF can be inherited, but 30- 50% of cases are from spontaneous gene mutation. The risk of developing NF is higher if a parent has the disorder. NF affects both sexes and all races. Signs of NF may be present at birth or may develop between ages 3 and 5.
Symptoms of NF include flat brown spots on the skin, freckles in the armpits, loss of hearing or vision, learning difficulties or seizures. Cardiovascular conditions can result from NF, and those affected by the disorder are at higher risk of various cancers.
There is no cure for NF. Treatments include chemotherapy, medications to stop tumor cells from growing or the removal of tumors. Contact your health care provider if you experience symptoms and you have a family history of NF.
Q: How do you treat osteoporosis?
A: Osteoporosis is a disorder in which bones become weaker when the body makes too little or loses too much bone. When this occurs, bones are more likely to break. Osteoporosis can weaken bones so much that they may break during simple acts such as coughing or bumping into an object.
Women are affected by this condition more than men. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 20% percent of women age 50 and over have osteoporosis, compared to 5% percent of men in the same age bracket. White and Asian women who are past menopause have the highest risk for osteoporosis.
Many people do not realize they have the disorder until they break a bone. The early stages of bone loss often present no symptoms. As bones get weaker, symptoms may include lower back pain, a loss of height or the inability to stand up straight. Certain medications may also contribute to bone loss.
Regular exercise, including weight training, can strengthen your bones as well as the muscles supporting them. Vitamin and mineral supplements may be recommended, as well as medications specifically designed to treat osteoporosis. See your health care provider if you have questions.
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‘Crawl’ it a win
The Cambridge Dictionary defines a pub crawl as “a visit to several pubs, one after the other, having a drink or drinks at each one.” It’s not for the faint of heart. Nonetheless, 69-year-old David Clarkson of Sydney, Australia recently earned a page in the Guinness Book of World Records by “drinking his way” in and out of no less than 120 pubs in 24 hours. How did he do it? According to the Guinness judges: “Each visit had to incorporate a paid transaction for a beverage [non-alcoholic or alcoholic], as well as a minimum of 125 ml [milliliters] of liquid being consumed ... David notes that he consumed 20 litters of liquid in 24 hours, mostly consisting of soft drinks and juices.”
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En pointe
How many tutu-clad ballerinas can fit in the ballroom of New York’s Plaza Hotel? Enough to win the attention of the judges at the Guinness World Record-- 353 ballerinas, to be precise. The young dancers of the Youth America Grand Prix were “en pointe” – on their toes – and won the day and the Guinness prize. The organization’s Sergey Gordeev explained that "the big why of why we're doing it is to really let the world know that dance is a healing force. Dance is a power that brings us connection at a time when we're so disconnected."
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They’re on the loose
Lemurs are cute wet-nosed exotic animals found mainly in Madagascar. But a pair of pet Lemurs, belonging to an unidentified resident of Aransas Pass, Texas, got away recently and caused quite a stir. They are apparently still on the loose notwithstanding the fact that there have been numerous sightings. One local resident, Spencer Bell said he spotted one of the lemurs on his docked boat. The sighting took place on April 1 and, he said, “everybody thought it was an April Fools' joke.”
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Medal of Honor: Army Sgt. Joe Hayashi
By KATIE LANGE
Army Sgt. Joe Hayashi was days away from seeing the Germans surrender in Italy when he was killed. His actions in taking out enemy positions before that were integral to his unit's success in driving the enemy back. Hayashi initially earned a posthumous Distinguished Service Cross for his bravery, but that was eventually upgraded to the Medal of Honor.
Hayashi was born Aug. 14, 1920, in Salinas, California. His parents, Chiukichi and Toyo Hayashi, had emigrated from Japan nearly two decades earlier. Hayashi had two sisters, Chiye and Kiyo.
When Hayashi was 4, his father was killed in a work-related accident. His mother then moved the family to Pasadena, California, remarried and had three more children.
Hayashi grew up as a typical American child. He played football and baseball, was a member of the Boy Scouts and loved to play outside. A slight man — Hayashi was recorded as being 5'3", 125 pounds — he was also adept at car mechanics, which is what he chose to do for work after high school.
In October 1940, Hayashi registered for the draft. Seven months later, he enlisted in the Army. He was initially stationed in California, but after the Pearl Harbor attacks, which led to a deep distrust of Japanese Americans, he was transferred to Fort Sheridan, Illinois. Due to that same distrust, Hayashi's mother, stepfather and half-siblings were all forced to live at an internment camp in Wyoming until the war's end.
Hayashi was already in the military, but when the war started, other Japanese Americans — known as Nisei — were barred from service. They still wanted to serve, though, and were eventually able to in a few units, including the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, which was activated in February 1943 and was composed of all Nisei men. Hayashi was reassigned as a drill sergeant in the unit as part of the 3rd Battalion's Company K.
The 442nd trained at Camp Shelby, Mississippi, before deploying to Italy in June 1944. Hayashi stayed behind with a cadre to continue training soldiers. Soon after, however, he volunteered to join the fight and was shipped to France in November 1944.
In March 1945, the 442nd joined in on the Po Valley Campaign. Their mission was to be a diversion for enemy troops to break them up and weaken their defensive line, known as the Gothic Line. The 442nd ended up being incredibly successful in this endeavor; not only did they force enemy troops from that area, but they pushed them far behind the Gothic Line.
By mid-April, nearly all of Germany's forces in the area were trying to retreat. The 442nd followed them and had moved to within 10 miles of a strategically located rail center, where the Germans were preparing to make a last stand.
At this stage of his career, Hayashi held the rank of staff sergeant; however, at some point while overseas, he was demoted to private after apparently defending fellow soldiers who had left their unit during heavy fighting, according to a June 2000 article in the Billings Gazette out of Billings, Montana. That's why, in his Medal of Honor citation, he's listed as a private.
On April 20, 1945, Hayashi's unit was ordered to find enemy machine gun nests along a strongly defended hill near the small village of Tendola, Italy. Hayashi led his men to within 75 yards of enemy positions before they were seen and fired upon.
Hayashi dragged some of his wounded comrades to safety before returning to danger and exposing himself to small-arms fire so he could direct deadly mortar fire onto the hostile positions. With the remaining men in his squad, Hayashi then attacked the hill and took over the enemy position. There, they discovered that the mortars Hayashi helped direct had destroyed three enemy machine guns, killed 27 enemy soldiers and wounded several more.
Meanwhile, the town of Tendola was still being held by about 50 Germans. So, two days later, Hayashi's unit attacked in a firefight that lasted into the night with house-to-house combat. Hayashi eventually maneuvered his squad up a steep, terraced hill to get within about 100 yards of another enemy machine gun nest. Under intense fire, Hayashi crawled toward it and threw a grenade, which killed one enemy soldier and forced the other members of the gun's crew to surrender.
From there, Hayashi noticed four more enemy machine gun nests taking aim at members of his platoon. He threw another grenade that destroyed one of them, then crawled to the right flank of a second and killed four enemy soldiers there.
Hayashi tried to follow the remaining members of the crew who were running away. Sadly, he was hit by gunfire and killed.
Hayashi's courage and leadership were integral to his company's success. They took control of that enemy position a day later, and within a few days, Germans had begun surrendering en masse since their retreat route was cut off. By May 2 — 10 days after Hayashi died — fighting in Italy ended as German forces formally surrendered.
The 442nd went on to become one of the most decorated military units in American history. Because of its success, the draft was reinstated in internment camps back in the U.S. Many of the men who served in the 442nd went on to have distinguished careers in science, higher education and government.
Hayashi posthumously earned the Distinguished Service Cross for his self-sacrificing actions. It wasn't until about a half-century later that a Congressional inquiry revealed that many Nisei service members like Hayashi had been passed up for the nation's highest honor for valor due to racial bias.
That wrong was finally remedied on June 21, 2000 — 55 years after Hayashi's death — when his medal was upgraded to the Medal of Honor, and he was promoted to sergeant. President Bill Clinton presented the medal to Hayashi's remaining family during a White House ceremony that also honored 21 other Asian-American military heroes whose medals were being upgraded. Sadly, only seven of the recipients were still alive. Eleven had died in combat, and the rest had passed in the years after the war.
For their heroic actions in combat and steadfast loyalty in the face of ethnic discrimination, members of the 442nd and their families — including Hayashi's — were also honored in 2011 with the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian award for service given out by the U.S.
Hayashi was initially buried at a U.S. military cemetery in Italy, but his family requested he be brought home in 1948. He was reinterred with full military honors in March 1949 in Evergreen Memorial Park Cemetery in Los Angeles.
At the Nishi Hongwanji Temple in L.A., a bronze plaque bears Hayashi's name, along with the names of 15 other L.A.-area Nisei service members who were killed in the war.
Social Security Matters
By RUSSELL GLOOR
National Social Security Advisor at the AMAC Foundation
Ask Rusty – Minister Wants to Maximize Social Security Benefit
Dear Rusty: I want to apply for Social Security, but I want to make sure I get all the benefits I have earned. I am a veteran with a 10% disability rating (not sure if that matters). I am 68 years old. I am a minister and have been exempt from Social Security taxes for most of my income since I was about 30, but I still have the 40 quarters needed. I have also worked off and on in the secular workplace and continued paying Social Security taxes.
One hears a great deal about those who want to “help” us apply for Social Security, but which turn out to be a scam or want a fee. How do I apply and maximize my benefits with my unique situation? Signed: Seeking Answers
Dear Seeking: Don’t worry about fees here at the AMAC Foundation – there is never a fee for the services we provide (we are non-profit). And I want to thank you for your military service - you may find the “For Veterans” section at our AMAC Foundation website interesting – www.amacfoundation.org.
To your question: Your VA disability rating does not affect your Social Security benefit. At 68 years old, your Social Security benefit payment has been earning Delayed Retirement Credits (DRCs) since you reached your full retirement age (FRA) of 66 years and 4 months in July 2022. That means that your benefit, if you claim now, will be about 13% more than it would have been had you claimed at your FRA. FYI, if you continue to delay, your SS benefit will continue to grow (by 8% per additional year you delay), up to the month you turn 70. At that time, your SS benefit will be 29% higher than it would have been at your FRA. Nevertheless, if you wish to claim a smaller amount now, you can do so in a couple of ways:
• You can call Social Security (at 1.800.772.1213, or your local SS office) to request an appointment to apply. They will most likely set a date/time to call you to take your application over the phone (they discourage office visits these days). Once you have applied, it typically takes a month or two to process your application, but they will pay your benefits effective with the month you say you want them to begin. Note, they will likely also offer you six months of retroactive benefits but be aware that if you accept that offer your monthly payment will be permanently reduced by 4%.
• You can apply for your SS retirement benefit online at www.ssa.gov/apply. Applying online is, by far, the most efficient method, as shown in this short video: www.ssa.gov/hlp/video/iclaim_r01.htm. However, to apply online you will need to first create your personal “my Social Security” online account at www.ssa.gov/myaccount. Once you have your personal online account set up, you will be able to see what your SS retirement benefit will be now, and at future ages should you plan to wait longer to claim. Your SS retirement benefit will be based on your lifetime record of earnings from which Social Security FICA taxes were withheld (or self-employment earnings on which SS payroll taxes were levied). In any case, your SS benefit will be based on your lifetime earnings record contributing to Social Security, as well as your age when you claim. You’ll get your maximum benefit based on those factors.
Although your situation is somewhat uncommon, it is not exceptionally unique. Your VA disability rating does not affect your Social Security benefit and, because you are a member of the clergy, you are not subject to Social Security’s Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) – a rule which reduces SS benefits for those with a pension earned while not contributing to Social Security. In other words, your SS benefit will be based entirely on your lifetime record of earnings from which Social Security payroll taxes were withheld, and your age when your benefit starts.
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Ouch!
If you purchased a batch of cookies at the Sis Sweets Cookies & Café in Leavenworth, KS recently beware, you might break a tooth. Proprietor Dawn "Sis" Monroe says she lost a $4,000 diamond that fell from her ring and it just might have wound up in her cookie dough. She posted a notice on Facebook that reads: “My heart is beyond broken. It’s been on my hand for 36 years.”
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An unwanted guest
It’s not unusual to find critters in your house if you live in the country. Mary Hollenback was at home in Venice, Fl relaxing on her couch when she heard a noise. She got up and headed for the front door. "I thought it was somebody who didn't live here trying to get into the wrong house," she said. Instead, as she put it, “Oh my gosh, I have an alligator in my house.” She called 911 for help and Sarasota County authorities came to the rescue, quickly removing the nearly eight foot long critter.
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Party place for sale
Beer Can Island, Fl is up for sale. The 9-acre man-made atoll, also known as Pine Key, has long been a place for parties. It’s located off Apollo Beach, Fl near the MacDill Air Force Base and was man made in the 1940s. The owners have cleaned up the place, bagging hundreds of bags of trash and empty beer bottles and have listed it for a stiff $14 million. One potential buyer is trying to raise the money by selling ownership shares at $1,000 per share. He calls his enterprise the "Save Beer Can Island" project.
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Sky Light
“It's a Bird... It's a Plane... It's Superman!” No, it was mysterious streaks of light that filled the sky above California recently. Some guessed that it was the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket that took off from Vandenberg Space Force Base. Others guessed it was streaks of light caused by a falling space module. Whatever it was, it was, indeed, an amazing celestial event that lit up the dark night sky and provided earthlings with a lot to talk about.
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He was caught on film
Hammerin' Hank Aaron hit his 715th home run and broke Babe Ruth’s record fifty years ago on April 8, 1974 at the Atlanta–Fulton County Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. He made baseball history and one, Charlie Russo, caught it all on film. The Associated Press reports that “the 81-year-old Russo is releasing his long-private footage of the moment,” what he calls a truly “magical” moment.
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Medal of Honor: Navy Cmdr. George L. Street III
By KATIE LANGE
Department of Defense
Navy Cmdr. George Levick Street III was a daring leader during crucial moments toward the end of World War II in the Pacific. His expertise and leadership allowed his submarine crew to sneak into an enemy harbor and destroy three ships without suffering any damage to their own vessel. That feat earned him the Medal of Honor.
Street was born on July 27, 1913, in Richmond, Virginia. His parents were Florence and George Street Jr., and he had two younger siblings, sister Melinda and brother Abbot, who also served in the Navy during World War II.
Street graduated from St. Christopher's School, a private school for boys, in 1931. Shortly afterward, he enlisted in the U.S. Naval Reserve. Two years later, he was appointed to the U.S. Naval Academy, from which he graduated and commissioned as an ensign in June 1937.
Street spent his first three active-duty years serving at sea. In the fall of 1940, he requested to go to submariner school in New London, Connecticut. After, he received orders to serve on the new submarine USS Gar, which arrived at Pearl Harbor three days after the Japanese surprise attack that brought the U.S. into World War II. Street spent much of the war on the Gar, completing numerous patrols and earning two Silver Stars.
At some point during the war, Street met Mary McKimmey, of Norfolk, Virginia. They married and had two children, son George and daughter Kris.
In July 1944, Street had worked his way up the ranks and was given command of the newly commissioned submarine USS Tirante, which set sail for its first war patrol in March 1945 and would go on to sink at least six Japanese ships. It was during that first patrol that Street's leadership and bravery earned him the Medal of Honor.
Before dawn on April 14, 1945, then-Lt. Cmdr. Street and his crew were tasked with doing reconnaissance along the coastline of Quelpart Island off the southwest coast of Korea. Japanese surface forces were docked at the island's harbor, which was filled with underwater mines and shoals that caused obstructions. Above the water, several surface vessels patrolled. There were also five shore-based radar stations and enemy aircraft patrolling the skies.
Moving into that hostile area undetected was a daunting task, but Street was up for the challenge. As his sub crept into the harbor from the south to within a little more than a half-mile from the coast, the ship's crew readied itself at surface battle stations in case they were attacked. Then, Street ordered the launch of two torpedoes toward a large Japanese auxiliary transport ship called Juzan Maru. It exploded into a mountainous and blinding glare of white flames, Street's Medal of Honor citation said.
The flare made the Tirante plainly visible, causing enemy shore batteries to spot it immediately and open fire. Street quickly ordered the ship to turn and run, but as it did so, he fired its last torpedoes at two escort ships that were in aggressive pursuit. Two of the torpedoes hit the ship Nomi, which blew the ship in two. A dud torpedo hit a third ship, called Kaibokan No. 31, but it capsized and sank anyway due to a fire that the torpedo's strike caused in its after magazine.
Going full speed ahead, Street's crew managed to clear the debris-filled harbor and slip undetected along the shoreline, where they were able to dive deep and fully get away, even as another enemy ship dropped several depth charges right where they'd begun their dive.
According to Street's obituary in the Roanoke Times, the Tirante received word right before it began its mission that President Franklin D. Roosevelt had died. Afterward, the sub sent a message to its Pacific command, presumably in honor of the late president. It said, "Three for Franklin … sank ammunition ship, two escorts."
Street was promoted to commander three months later. His daring and skillful leadership during the Tirante's first patrol earned him the Medal of Honor, which he received from new President Harry S. Truman during a White House ceremony on Oct. 5, 1945, alongside 13 other recipients. The Tirante's crew also earned a Presidential Unit Citation for its brave actions.
Street was one of seven World War II submarine commanders to receive the Medal of Honor. He was also the last man from the submarine service to receive it, according to the Naval History and Heritage Command.
Two months after the Quelpart Island incident, Street led the Tirante into another skirmish that earned him the Navy Cross. On June 11, 1945, the sub sank several hostile vessels before moving through treacherously shallow waters into the heart of Nagasaki Harbor, where it sank another enemy ship and destroyed vital docking facilities. Once again, the Tirante managed to escape without being hit by enemy ships or shore gun batteries.
A few months after the war ended, Street left the Tirante to become the Navy's technical advisor for the submarine documentary film "The Silent Service." The Tirante's mission to Quelpart Island was also brought to life in the 1958 movie, "Run Silent, Run Deep," starring Clark Gable and Burt Lancaster.
Street eventually transferred to the Office of Naval Research, where he helped to organize the first Undersea Symposium. Over the next 20 years, he commanded various vessels, worked in research and development and gained more knowledge about his craft at various military schools. He even spent time as a professor of naval science at the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Street retired from active duty in August 1966. He and his family settled in Andover, Massachusetts, about two hours north of Boston.
For the rest of his life, Street was an active member of several veterans' organizations. He was also a popular speaker at patriotic community events and at schools throughout New England. He even taught the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps at Woburn High School in Woburn, Massachusetts, until 1990.
Street died at 86 on Feb. 26, 2000, at a nursing home in Andover. He is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.
In his honor, a bridge in Andover was renamed for him.
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‘Cicada-geddon’
Some cicadas surface every 13 years; others show up every 17 years. This year, according to the entomologists, the two species are expected to join forces and show up this spring. According to the University of Connecticut, the 13-year Brood XIX -- the largest of all periodical cicada broods “will co-emerge with 17-year Brood XIII.” They’ll be showing up mainly in the Southeast and in Illinois. Biophysicist Saad Bhamla at Georgia Tech says “trillions of these amazing living organisms [will] come out of the Earth, climb up on trees and it’s just a unique experience, a sight to behold. It’s like an entire alien species living underneath our feet and then some prime number years they come out to say hello.” Some experts call the event a "cicada-geddon"
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History Matters
A feature courtesy of
The Grateful American Book Prize
A year after Woodrow Wilson’s presidency opened in 1913, World War I ramped up in Sarajevo; four years later he requested congressional authorization to dispatch troops to Germany.
“Wilson went on to lead what was at the time the largest war-mobilization effort in the country’s history,” according to History.com. “At first, Wilson asked only for volunteer soldiers, but soon realized voluntary enlistment would not raise a sufficient number of troops and signed the Selective Service Act in May 1917. The Selective Service Act required men between 21 and 35 years of age to register for the draft, increasing the size of the army from 200,000 troops to 4 million by the end of the war. One of the infantrymen who volunteered for active duty was future President Harry S. Truman.”
The Grateful American Book Prize recommends Nico Mendina’s What Was World War I?
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The Civil War was the bloodiest in American History—with approximately six hundred and twenty thousand casualties--from the North and the South, combined. The conflict started in 1861 and ended April 9, 1865, with Robert E. Lee’s ceding of his armed troops to General Ulysses S. Grant in Appomattox, Virginia.
“Lee and Grant, both holding the highest rank in their respective armies, had known each other slightly during the Mexican War [1846-1848] and exchanged awkward personal inquiries. Characteristically, Grant arrived in his muddy field uniform while Lee had turned out in full dress attire, complete with sash and sword. Lee asked for the terms, and Grant hurriedly wrote them out. All officers and men were to be pardoned, and they would be sent home with their private property–most important, the horses, which could be used for a late spring planting. Officers would keep their side arms, and Lee’s starving men would be given Union rations,” History.com reports.
The Grateful American Book Prize recommends Ethan S. Rafuse’s Robert E. Lee and the Fall of the Confederacy, 1863-1865.
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On April 14, 1865, the country’s jubilant End-of-War celebration veered into woe. President Lincoln was dead, shot “the night before by John Wilkes Booth, an actor and Confederate sympathizer.”
According to History.com, Booth was determined to avenge the outcome of the war. “Learning that Lincoln was to attend Laura Keene’s acclaimed performance in Our American Cousin at Ford’s Theater…Booth plotted the simultaneous assassination[s] of Lincoln, Vice President Andrew Johnson, and Secretary of State William H. Seward. By murdering the president and two of his possible successors, Booth and his conspirators hoped to throw the U.S. government into a paralyzing disarray ... On the evening of April 14, conspirator Lewis T. Powell burst into Secretary of State Seward’s home, seriously wounding him and three others, while George A. Atzerodt, assigned to Vice President Johnson, lost his nerve and fled. Meanwhile, just after 10 p.m., Booth entered Lincoln’s private box unnoticed and shot the president with a single bullet in the back of his head.”
The Grateful American Book Prize suggests James L. Swanson’s Manhunt: The 12-Day Chase for Lincoln's Killer.
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Social Security Matters
By RUSSELL GLOOR, National Social Security Advisor at the AMAC Foundation
Ask Rusty – When Should my Wife Claim Her Social Security Benefit?
Dear Rusty: I just saw an article which said that certain spousal options were going away, but there are still good options for when a spouse can claim. I am filing for my Social Security to start in October when I turn 70. My wife's full retirement age (FRA) is in December, and she now plans to file then for half of what my FRA benefit would have been (our original plan was for both to file in August). My wife's main reason for delaying until her FRA is to lock her into my maximum benefit if she has to someday change to Survivor's Benefit. Will this be gone for us? Neither of us was born before January 1, 1954. Please advise. Signed: Planning for Both
Dear Planning: I expect that the article you refer to was speaking of the option to claim only a spousal benefit first and allow one’s personal SS retirement benefit to grow. That option was available only to those who were born before 1954 and had reached full retirement age. As you now know that option is not available to you.
Assuming your wife’s highest benefit entitlement will be as your spouse, your current strategy – you claim your maximum benefit to start in October at age 70 and your wife starts her benefit in December at her FRA - is a good one which will yield the maximum possible monthly benefit for both of you. But for clarity, your wife’s survivor benefit as your widow has nothing to do with when she claims her spouse benefits now.
The only thing which will affect your wife’s benefit as your surviving spouse is her age when she claims the survivor benefit. If she has already reached her FRA of 66 years and 8 months when you pass, she will get 100% of the amount you were receiving when you died, instead of the smaller spousal amount she was receiving while you were living. Her survivor benefit would only be less than 100% of yours if she claimed it before reaching her full retirement age (which, of course, we hope would not to be the case).
Just so you have the complete picture, your wife could, if desired, claim her Social Security to start at the same time as you in October but, since that would be earlier than her FRA, the amount she would get would be less than 50% of your FRA entitlement. Her spouse benefit would be reduced by 0.694% for each month earlier than her FRA it starts. For example, if your wife starts her spousal benefit in October when your benefit starts, she will get about 98.6% of the amount she would get if she waited until December to start her benefits. That’s a permanent reduction, so if your wife’s life expectancy is at least average (about 87), it’s likely still wisest for her to wait until her FRA to start benefits. But in any case, when your wife claims her spousal benefit now will have no effect on the survivor benefit she will get as your future widow.
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Medal of Honor: Army Sgt. Peter C. Lemon
By KATIE LANGE
Department of Defense News
Army Sgt. Peter Charles Lemon was injured several times during a lopsided attack in Vietnam, but he took out several enemy soldiers and refused to quit fighting until he lost consciousness. His courage to defend his base and his fellow soldiers earned him the Medal of Honor.
Lemon was born on June 5, 1950, in Toronto, to Charles and Geraldine Lemon. He has a sister, Judy, and a brother, Richard.
The family immigrated to the U.S. when Lemon was 2 and set up their new lives in Tawas City, Michigan. About a decade later, he became a naturalized citizen.
Lemon graduated from Tawas Area High School in 1968 and started working in a factory in nearby Saginaw, according to a 1971 article in the Escanaba Daily Press of Escanaba, Michigan. By then, however, the Vietnam War was raging, so Lemon enlisted in the Army in February 1969.
After basic training, Lemon received advanced infantry training. He was sent to Vietnam in late July 1969, where he went to Recondo School, which teaches select troops about long-range reconnaissance techniques and small-unit tactics. The training earned him the coveted title of Army Ranger.
By the spring of 1970, then-Spc. 4 Lemon was serving as an assistant machine gunner at Fire Support Base Illingworth, which was 5 miles from the Cambodian border and overlooked a heavily used North Vietnamese Army route. Several units were stationed there at the time, including Lemon's — Company E, 2nd Battalion, 8th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division.
The enemy obviously didn't want them there, so on April 1, the NVA launched a massive barrage of fire toward the base before sending in about 400 soldiers, who chose the perimeter defended by Lemon's platoon as their point of attack.
The fight that ensued was too close for U.S. forces to use artillery. Soldiers also reported that dust from the large NVA contingent's movement was so thick that it jammed their machine guns and rifles.
Lemon, 19, was one of those whose weapons were affected. When his machine gun and rifle eventually malfunctioned, he used hand grenades to fend off the intensifying attack.
After taking out a few enemy soldiers in his vicinity, Lemon chased down another and killed him in hand-to-hand combat. Lemon suffered fragment wounds from an exploding grenade but made it back to his defensive position so he could carry a more seriously wounded soldier to an aid station. Shortly afterward, Lemon was wounded a second time by enemy fire.
Ignoring his injuries, the young specialist moved back to his position through a hail of gunfire and grenades. Quickly, he realized that their defensive sector was dangerously close to being overrun by the enemy. Without hesitation, Lemon pressed his counterattack, throwing hand grenades and engaging in hand-to-hand combat with enemy soldiers. He was injured a third time during the melee but still managed to successfully drive the enemy back.
Then, after finding a machine gun that worked, Lemon stood on top of an embankment and, despite being in full view of the enemy, fired until he collapsed from his wounds and exhaustion. Lemon was taken to an aid station where he regained consciousness, but even then, he refused to leave the area until his more seriously injured comrades were evacuated.
When the nearly three-hour battle was over, 24 U.S. soldiers were dead and more than 50 were wounded. Lemon was hospitalized for more than a month after the attack. He was also promoted to sergeant.
Lemon came home from Vietnam later that year. On June 15, 1971, he received the Medal of Honor from President Richard M. Nixon during a ceremony at the White House. The young soldier dedicated it to three of his closest friends who died in the battle — Sgt. Casey Waller, Cpl. Nathan Mann and Sgt. Brent Street.
Lemon left the Army the following year and returned to academics. He got a bachelor's degree from Colorado State University in 1979, then received his master's degree in business administration from the University of Northern Colorado two years later.
He and his wife, Diane, whom he married a few months before he received the Medal of Honor, have three children.
Lemon went on to have a successful career with various corporations and as a professional speaker. He also volunteered much of his time to schools, veterans' groups and other organizations.
In 1978, Lemon received the Certificate of Outstanding Achievement from President Jimmy Carter for his community efforts. In May 2009, he was presented with the Outstanding American by Choice award by President Barack Obama.
Lemon, who settled in Colorado Springs, Colorado, continues to receive accolades for his work and valor. He was inducted into the Ranger Hall of Fame in 1994. In 2020, a portion of a highway in Michigan going through his hometown was named in his honor. Reports show Lemon also donated his Medal of Honor to his former high school in 2005 to serve as an inspiration to students.
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Natalie had a little lamb
Natalie Renot, of Wiggins, MS, known for rescuing animals in need, has a new patient to care for—a lamb born with five legs who she calls Spider-Lamb. When she found her lamb he was in dire need but he has been responding to the care she and local veterinarians have provided. As she tells it, "I am still having to force-feed him, but I did stand him up and he walked a little bit, so I call that progress." Veterinarian Jason Gulas confirmed Natalie’s assessment, noting that "he definitely has some abnormalities. He might not be normal compared to other lambs, but I think that he will live a normal-for-him life,"
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Wet work
Talk about “muscle control.” Thirty-five-year-old Ma Hui, who hails from China, made it into the Guinness Book of World Records when he downed more than a gallon of water and then regurgitated it in a record-breaking 5 minutes and 51.88 seconds. According to Guinness, “water spouting is a trick which has been performed since the 17th century. It involves drinking large amounts of liquid (usually water) and regurgitating it using muscle control.”
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Making Whoopie
No, it’s not what you think it is. These whoopies are the real thing – genuine cookies filled with cream the way they were first made in Maine. They’re called whoopie pies and they are Maine’s official state treat. In fact, the Portland Sea Dogs baseball team, with the help of the bakers at Wicked Whoopie Pies, recently earned a page in the Guinness Book of World Record for making the longest line of whoopie pies consisting of no less than 2,121 whoopie pies.
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Six stress reduction tips for caregivers during National Stress Awareness Month in April
Tips for Family Caregivers from the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America
Stress doesn’t just affect your mood—it can have long-term health impacts as well if you don’t take steps to manage it constructively. For individuals who face the stressful task of caring for a family member with Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia-related illness, the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) is offering six stress reduction tips for caregivers as part of National Stress Awareness Month (April).
“Family caregivers often find it challenging to make time for themselves, but being proactive about addressing caregiver stress and self-care is not selfish; it’s essential and it benefits both the caregiver and the person for whom they are caring,” said Jennifer Reeder, LCSW, AFA’s Director of Educational and Social Services. “Failing to manage stress increases the risks of caregiver burnout, depression, and many other mental and physical health issues. Caregivers need to take care of themselves so they can provide the best possible care for their loved ones.”
Family caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s and related dementias are at greater risk for anxiety, depression, and poorer quality of life than caregivers of people with other conditions, and provide care for a longer duration of time, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
AFA offers these six stress reduction tips for family caregivers:
Be adaptable and positive. Your attitude influences stress levels for both you and the person you’re caring for. If you can “go with the flow,” and avoid fighting the current, that will help you both stay relaxed—conversely, becoming aggravated or agitated will increase the chances that your person will as well. Focus on how to adjust to the situation in a constructive way.
Deal with what you can control. Some things are totally out of your control. What is in your power to control is how you respond and react to these outside factors. Concentrating on finding solutions can help make the problem itself a little less stressful.
Set realistic goals and go slow. Everything cannot be resolved at once, nor does it need to be. Don’t hold yourself to unrealistic expectations. Prioritize, set practical goals, do your best to achieve them, and take things one day at a time.
Mind your health. Inadequate rest, poor diet, and lack of exercise can all exacerbate stress (and cause other health problems as well). As best you can, make it a priority to get sleep, eat right, drink plenty of water and find ways to be active. You cannot provide quality care to a loved one if you don’t take care of yourself.
Clear and refresh your mind. Exercise, yoga, meditating, listening to music or even taking a few deep breaths can all help relax the mind and reduce stress. Find something that works for you and do it regularly!
Share your feelings. Disconnecting from your support structure and staying bottled-up increases stress. Whether it’s with a loved one, trusted friend or a professional, don’t be reluctant to talk about your stress, because that can actually help relieve it! AFA’s Helpline has licensed social workers available for caregivers seven days to provide support or even just listen.
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UAMS House Call
Dr. Daniel Knight is a professor in the Department of Family and Preventive Medicine in the College of Medicine at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.
Q: What can I do to keep my feet healthy? A: Taking care of your feet is an important part of maintaining overall health. Many of us are on our feet for a good portion of each day, and too often, it can be easy to take that part of our body for granted, only noticing when there is a problem. The foot is one of the most intricate structures in the body, consisting of 26 bones, 33 joints and more than 100 ligaments, muscles and tendons, in addition to a network of blood vessels and nerves. Your feet absorb all of your body weight and take the most punishment with normal daily activities. Actions to ensure healthy feet include daily washing and drying, keeping toenails short and clean, wearing shoes that are well-fitting and appropriate for what you’re doing, and checking your feet every day for cuts, dryness or sores. People with conditions such as diabetes should pay particular attention to their feet as blood flow to that area is often affected. Your primary care provider can help with basic treatment to ensure your feet remain healthy. Diseases or injuries to the feet may require a referral to an orthopaedist or a podiatrist for more specific care.
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Q: What does an occupational therapist do? A: An occupational therapist is a health care professional trained to assist patients who need help with fine motor skills and performing daily activities. The patient may have suffered mental or physical trauma or have developmental challenges. The occupational therapist can be an integral part of the care team in these instances. An occupational therapist and a physical therapist may perform similar functions, but their basic tasks are different. A physical therapist normally assists with rehabilitation from injury to a specific part of the body, such as regaining mobility and strength. The occupational therapist is involved the patient’s overall recovery. Occupational therapists are not physicians and cannot prescribe medication or perform a medical diagnosis. Licensure and certification are required to be become an occupational therapist, along with an undergraduate and graduate degree in occupational therapy. Candidates must also pass an exam administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy in addition to any other specific state or local requirements. Occupational therapy provides a chance to work one on one with a patient to not only accomplish everyday tasks but also to promote overall health and general well-being. The occupational therapist, primary care provider and a specialist may all be part of a patient’s return to normal.
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Q: How common is testicular cancer? A: Testicular cancer forms in the tissue of one or both testicles, although the disease in both testicles is less common. Testicular cancer occurs when germ cells come together and form a mass or tumor. It is unclear exactly how and why testicular cancer develops, and there is no way to prevent it. Fortunately, testicular cancer is rare. According to the National Cancer Institute testicular cancer accounted for only 0.5% of all cancer cases in 2023. Unlike many cancers, testicular cancer is more common in young men. The American Cancer Society notes that the average age of diagnosis is 33. Risk factors include having a family history and being a young adult. Issues that cause infertility can be linked with testicular cancer. The disease is also more common in non-Hispanic white men. Symptoms include a lump or swelling in either testicle, a dull ache in the groin or lower abdomen, or a feeling of heaviness in the scrotum. Testicular cancer is very treatable when detected early and the five-year survival rate is high (95.2% per the National Cancer Institute). Contact your health care provider if you have symptoms that do not quickly resolve. You may be referred to a urologist for further treatment.
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Q: How is infection control accomplished? A: Infection control is a key aspect of health care, and in many instances is more important than the actual care patients receive. Effective infection control prevents or stops the spread of infections. An ineffective infection control program can lead to an increased rate of infection, which can spread to not only the entire health care facility but also to the community at large. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends two tiers of precautions for infection control. Standard precautions include actions such as careful handling of laundry and textiles, hand hygiene and using personal protective equipment. Transmission-based precautions, used with patients who may be infected, include limiting patient transportation and ensuring appropriate patient placement. An infection preventionist is a health care professional who ensures health care workers and patients are practicing infection control. People who perform infection prevention duties may be doctors, microbiologists, nurses or public health officials. If you are a patient or family member, you can assist in infection control. Cleaning your hands frequently, asking to have your equipment or your room cleaned and inquiring about vaccinations are some ways this can be accomplished. As always, speak with your health care providers if you have concerns or questions.
Email your health questions to housecall@uams.edu.
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Social Security Matters
By RUSSELL GLOOR, National Social Security Advisor at the AMAC Foundation, the non-profit arm of the Association of Mature American Citizens
Ask Rusty – When Should We Claim Social Security?
Dear Rusty: I am almost 63 and my husband will be 61 soon, and we are looking to see when our best time would be to start our Social Security benefits. We would like to know if one of us qualifies for benefits from a previous marriage from 1984 to 1995. And we are wondering if I can start drawing at age 65, in two years, or if it is better that I wait until 67 because my spouse is 2 years younger than me. Also, if I were to continue working limited hours after 65, what would my earning limit be? Signed: Almost Ready
Dear Almost Ready: The first thing to understand is that full retirement age (FRA) for both of you is 67. If either of you claim before that, your monthly benefit amount will be permanently reduced and, because you are working, you will be subject to Social Security’s “earnings test.”
If you claim your benefit at age 65 your monthly payment will be about 87% of what you would get if you claimed at age 67. If your husband claims at age 62, his benefit will be about 70% of his FRA amount. The only way to get 100% of the benefit you’ve each earned from a lifetime of working is to claim at your FRA. You can choose to claim at age 65 as long as you’re comfortable with the benefit reduction which will occur, and as long as your annual work earnings do not significantly exceed the earnings limit for that year. In any case, when each of you claims will not affect the other’s retirement benefit amount.
Social Security’s “earnings test” for those claiming before FRA sets a limit for how much can be earned before some (or all) benefits are taken away. The earnings limit for 2024 is $22,320, but it changes yearly. If you claim early benefits and your work earnings exceed that year’s limit, Social Security will take away $1 in benefits for every $2 you are over the limit. They take away by withholding future benefits long enough to recover what you owe for exceeding the limit. If you significantly exceed the annual earnings limit, you may be temporarily ineligible to receive SS benefits until you either earn less or reach your FRA (the earnings test no longer applies after you reach your FRA). I cannot predict what the earnings limit will be two years from now, but it will be more than the 2024 limit and published at that time. FYI, in the year you turn 67 your pre-FRA earnings limit will be much higher, and when you reach your FRA the earnings test no longer applies.
Regarding your previous marriage, you cannot receive spousal benefits from an ex-spouse while you are currently married. But when to claim may also be influenced by whether either you or your current spouse will get a spousal benefit from the other. If the FRA (age 67) benefit amount for one of you is more than twice the other’s FRA entitlement, the one with the lower FRA amount will get a ”spousal boost” to their own amount when both of you are collecting.
Spouse benefits reach maximum at one’s FRA, but each person’s personal SS retirement amount will continue to grow if not claimed at FRA. Waiting past FRA to claim allows the SS retirement benefit to grow by 8% per year, up to age 70. So, with an FRA of 67, claiming at age 70 will yield a payment 24% higher than the FRA amount, 76% more than the age 62 amount, and about 37% more than the age 65 amount. But waiting beyond FRA is only smart if financially feasible and life expectancy is at least average (about 84 and 87 respectively for a man and woman your current ages). And, as a general rule, if one’s spousal benefit at FRA (50% of their partner’s FRA entitlement) is highest, then that spouse should claim at FRA to get their maximum benefit.
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To be a kid again
A pair of daring women in Florida are determined to make it into the Guinness Book of World Records by hopping into their cars for a 500 mile ride from Jacksonville to Key West. It doesn’t sound like a daring challenge but they are making the drive in two toy cars. No one has done it before, according to the Guinness judges. In an interview with reporters at WJXT-TV, the ladies explained that the idea came to them because they had toy cars when they were youngsters. "We used to ride around with toy cars as kids and have always wanted a Guinness World Record attempt. So we're like, this would be a fun way to kind of honor our childhood."
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Rough rider
The dictionary defines skijoring as “the action of being pulled over snow or ice on skis by a horse or dog or a motor vehicle, as a sport or recreation activity.” In fact, it’s an annual wintertime event in the Rocky Mountain town of Leadville, Colorado and this year daredevil Nick Burri donned his skis held tight to a rope pulled by a rider on a quarter horse at speeds reaching 40 mph. Why does he do it? Burri says “It’s just the pure adrenaline that gets me to do it. And then getting these two different groups of people together with the riders and the skiers. Usually they don’t hang out, and getting them together, we mesh pretty well.”
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A bird in hand
A pet parrot that goes by the name, Samba, got stranded for three days high in a tree in Lewisville, Texas. Samba survived attacks by predatory hawks before the bird’s owner, Giulio Ferrari, was able to get the bird he loves down from a tree. As he put it, "It's like my soul has reentered my body. When this happened my soul left my body for three days. I haven't been sleeping well, I haven't been eating. It's been tough. I'm exhausted, physically and mentally." All’s well that ends well.
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Medal of Honor: Army 1st Lt. Stephen H. Doane
By KATIE LANGE
Department of Defense News
Army 1st Lt. Stephen Holden Doane could have remained in college during the Vietnam War, but he decided to serve his country instead. He was only 21 when he gave his life to save other soldiers around him. His valor and devotion earned him the Medal of Honor.
Doane was born on Oct. 13, 1947, in Beverly, Massachusetts, to David and Joan Doane. A few months after his birth, his father received his medical degree and joined the Navy, serving through the Korean War.
In 1953, Doane's father moved the family to Walton, New York, where Doane and his four siblings — sister Leslie and brothers Eric, Geoffrey and Michael — grew up. As a teen, Doane excelled in sports, especially wrestling. He was also a member of his school's band, orchestra and yearbook staff.
After graduating high school in 1965, Doane briefly attended the Tilton Academy, a prep school in Tilton, New Hampshire, before enrolling at Gettysburg College in Pennsylvania. In the one semester Doane attended, the college said he was on the wrestling team and in the process of joining to Phi Kappa Psi fraternity until he opted to join the Army in March 1967.
Doane's choice to service inspired his father to return to the military. His dad, who was now a doctor, joined the Army Reserve, serving as the commanding officer of a field hospital in Binghamton, New York.
About a year after enlisting, the younger Doane had become an Army Ranger and graduated from Officer Candidate School. He initially served as an instructor before being sent to Vietnam in January 1969. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry, 25th Infantry Division.
In the three months Doane was there, he earned a Bronze Star and Purple Heart. His most gallant actions came on March 25, 1969, when he gave his life to save his fellow soldiers.
On that day, Doane was serving as a platoon leader for Company B during a tactical operation when they came across an enemy force concealed in protected bunkers and trenches in Vietnam's Hau Nghia Province. A firefight ensued.
Three of the leading soldiers in the company — one of whom was seriously wounded -- were pinned down by enemy crossfire. According to Doane's Medal of Honor citation, one platoon tried to rescue the stranded soldiers. When that failed, it became clear that the only way to evacuate them was to send in a small group who could move close enough to destroy the enemy's position.
Doane knew how dangerous this mission would be, but that didn't deter him. He crawled to the nearest enemy bunker and silenced it. Despite being wounded, he continued on to a second enemy bunker. While he was preparing to throw a grenade into it, he was injured again.
Doane ignored the pain of his wounds, pulled the pin on the grenade and lunged with it into the enemy bunker, destroying the last obstacle that was impeding their rescue. By giving his life, Doane saved the trapped men and kept his company from suffering more casualties.
Doane's body was returned to the U.S. and buried in Arlington National Cemetery.
On Feb. 16, 1971, Doane's entire family was on hand to receive the Medal of Honor on his behalf from President Richard M. Nixon during a White House ceremony. Seven other soldiers and four Marines also posthumously received the high honor that day.
Around the same time, Doane's father — who joined the Reserves when his son joined the military — was inspired to act yet again, this time to go back on active-duty. The elder Doane was granted reactivation and served until 1981, retiring as a colonel.
1st Lt. Stephen Doane's sacrifice has not been forgotten. In 1997, the fallen soldier was inducted into the Army Ranger Hall of Fame. And while he only lived in Massachusetts for a few brief months of his life as an infant, the town of Beverly considers him a native son, naming a veterans' post there in his honor.
More recently, in 2018, Gettysburg College unveiled a Vietnam memorial that honored its alumni and staff members, including Doane, who died during the war. In July 2023, a bridge in Doane's hometown of Walton was renamed in his honor, and a memorial was presented to his family.
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Discover your backyarding personality type to “yard your way” this spring
ALEXANDRIA, Va. — Spring and backyarding – the act of doing indoor activities such as dining, working, entertaining, and exercising in our own backyards – go hand in hand. As homeowners prepare to create the yard of their dreams this spring, the TurfMutt Foundation, which celebrates 15 years in 2024 teaching families how to save the planet one yard at a time, encourages them to start by identifying their backyarding personality type.
“Knowing your backyarding personality type can help you be better prepared to craft a yard that is not only beautiful but is also purposeful and specifically suited to how you backyard,” says Kris Kiser, President & CEO of the TurfMutt Foundation. “There really are no rules; Create an outdoor area that reflects your unique personality and style while supporting the things you like to do in your green space.”
Here are TurfMutt’s backyarding personality types to help inspire you to “yard your way” this spring:
• Outdoor Athlete: Likes to stay active in the fresh air.
The Outdoor Athlete’s gold medal backyard might include a strip of grass for running sprints, built-in outdoor fitness equipment, or even a lap pool to channel your inner Michael Phelps.
• Nature Lover: Favorite thing is watching birds and backyard wildlife.
The perfect backyard for Nature Lovers will feature native plants in bright colors that bloom year-round to attract, feed, and shelter pollinators and backyard wildlife. The Nature Lover will also need to find the perfect perch for backyard wildlife viewing.
• Work from Home Pro: Seals business deals in the sunshine.
A quiet corner of the yard complete with seating and shade (and a strong Wi-Fi signal) is the start to a beautiful and functional outdoor office. Other creature comforts like an outdoor heater, string lights, curtains, a warm rug, or even a semi-enclosed patio can enhance the space.
• Landscaper: Makes neighbors green with yard envy.
Put the right plant in the right place so your yard is always thriving and consult the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map to find plants that will do well in your location with minimal input. Having the right outdoor power equipment is key to success for Landscapers, who know when to call in the professionals to help with their backyarding to-dos.
• Entertainer Extraordinaire: Loves nothing more than treating great friends to delicious burgers in the backyard.
Ambiance is everything for this backyarder. String some lights, build a fire pit or fireplace, and even create an outdoor kitchen if the budget allows. Patio furniture and outdoor seating with comfortable cushions are a must, and colorful flowers in pots add a just-right touch.
• Zen Master: Wants an outdoor space to relax and unwind.
A hammock strung between a couple of shade trees, a soothing water feature that also beckons backyard birds, and simple, manicured plantings are just a few ways to create a peaceful setting outside.
• Kid Zone Creator: “Fun” is your middle name, and creating kid space is the name of the game.
Safe space that lures kids away from their screens and into the great outdoors right outside your home begins with a large patch of turfgrass, perfect for sports practice, cornhole, or pitching a tent. Trees are great for zip lines, treehouses, and swings. You can even plant a garden to teach kids about the origins of the food we eat.
• Pet Pamperer: Designs their yard as a pet sanctuary.
Who needs a dog park when you have a pet playground in your own backyard? Hardy turfgrass, sturdy plants, lots of shade trees, and shrubs that naturally section off pet “business” areas from the rest of the yard are some of the features you may want to consider. (Be sure to select non-toxic plants that are safe for pets.) Go all out with a splash pool or a sandbox for digging.
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Social Security Matters
By RUSSELL GLOOR, National Social Security Advisor at the AMAC Foundation, the non-profit arm of the Association of Mature American Citizens
Ask Rusty – Veteran Uncertain About Social Security and Healthcare Coverage
Dear Rusty: I'm not sure what I should sign up for in terms of Social Security: I am 64 and I am still employed full time and intend to stay employed until age 70. I am retired from the Navy and receive military retirement payments, and have military TriCare, as well as medical, dental, eye and life insurance through my employer. I don't want to lose benefits, but I also don't want to take Social Security until it reaches the maximum at age 70 (I think that is correct?). I will turn 65 in 4 months. Can you advise me? Signed: Uncertain Veteran
Dear Uncertain Veteran: First of all, thank you for your service to our country. From what you've shared, and since you're still working full time, not claiming Social Security yet is a smart decision. If you were born in 1959 your full retirement age (FRA) is 66 years and 10 months and, if you claim SS before your full retirement age, you'll be subject to Social Security's earning test which would likely make you ineligible to receive SS benefits at this time.
The 2024 earnings limit (limit changes yearly) when collecting Social Security early is $22,320 and, if that is exceeded, Social Security will take away $1 in benefits for every $2 over the limit (half of what you exceed the limit by). If you significantly exceed the limit, SS will declare you temporarily ineligible to collect SS benefits until you either reach your FRA or earn less. The earnings test no longer applies after you reach your FRA. So, if you're now employed full time and plan to stay so until age 70, and you expect at least average longevity (about 84 for someone your current age), delaying until age 70 to claim Social Security is how to get your maximum Social Security benefit.
As for your healthcare coverage as a veteran: TriCare requires you to enroll in Medicare Part A (inpatient hospitalization coverage) and Part B (coverage for outpatient services) at age 65, but you do not need to take Social Security when you enroll in Medicare. You must, however, enroll in Medicare at age 65 or you will lose your TriCare (military) healthcare coverage. You could choose to delay enrolling in Medicare at 65 because you have “creditable” employer coverage, but if you do so you will lose your current TriCare coverage and need to rely solely on your employer healthcare plan. In that case, you would still be able to enroll in both Medicare and TriCare-for-Life without penalty prior to your employer coverage ending and have coverage under both programs thereafter. I suggest you contact TriCare directly at 1-866-773-0404 to discuss your personal TriCare coverage after age 65. You can also go to www.TriCare4U.com.
Whenever you enroll, Medicare will be the primary payer of your healthcare costs and TriCare will be the secondary payor. Your vision, dental, and prescription drug coverage would be through TriCare (Medicare does not cover those services) or acquired separately. Just remember, you must be enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B to have TriCare-for-Life coverage after age 65.
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Evoke positive emotions by adding the pantone color of the year to your garden
By MELINDA MYERS
Add a warm, cozy feel to this year’s gardens with the 2024 Pantone Color of the Year, Peach Fuzz. It was selected for generating a feeling of kindness and tenderness and encouraging sharing, community, and collaboration. Consider including this color in your garden to convey these emotions or as a good excuse to add more plants to your landscape.
This is the 25th year the Pantone Color Institute has selected a color that reflects the spirit of the times. These are colors you are likely to see in home furnishings, advertisements, and even our landscapes.
Peach Fuzz lies somewhere between pink and salmon. Many garden plants have flowers that fit into this color spectrum and can be used in containers and garden beds.
Dianthus Vivacia Orange is hardy to zone 7a but can be used as an annual in colder areas. The large double flowers top 10- to 16-inch-tall plants and are showy during the cooler months of the growing season. They combine nicely with other flowers and their sturdy stems make them suitable for cutting.
SuperTrouperÔ Orange Dianthus has similar colored flowers that are about 20% smaller. It is hardy in zones 5 to 9 and has a spicy fragrance.
Celosia Celway™ Salmon has the same heat and drought tolerance as other celosias. The spiky blooms are held atop 40- to 48-inch stems, making them great additions to the middle or back of the border.
If you love salvias, you can find a variety of peachy-colored blossoms. These plants tend to be deer-resistant and hummingbird magnets. Just check the plant tag for more specific information on the mature size and hardiness.
Luxury Lace daylily has subtly fragrant star-shaped flowers. Hardy in zones four to eight it has the same low maintenance requirements as other daylilies. Just water thoroughly when needed.
Geum ‘Mai Tai’ has vermillion red flowers that fade to a peachy pink early in the season. The 18-inch-tall burgundy stems are a nice contrast to the flowers. Grow it in full sun with moist soil in zones five to seven.
Last but certainly not least is threadleaf coreopsis ‘Crème Caramel’ (Coreopsis verticillata ‘Crème Caramel’). Hardy in zones five to nine, it slowly spreads making it a nice addition to a sunny slope or traditional border. The fine foliage blends nicely with other flowers, adding welcome texture to any planting. Watch the peachy-pink flowers deepen to salmon when temperatures cool.
Use the artist’s color wheel to find colors that pair well with these and other peach-fuzz-colored flowers and foliage. Then look for opportunities to add interesting texture for some additional pizzazz. You and your visitors will enjoy the cozy warm feeling when walking through your landscape.
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Dik-dik
Poor little dik-diks are as cute as cute can get. The little antelopes, the biggest of which grow to less than 16 inches in height and, at best, weigh in at somewhere between 6 and 15 pounds, may not be on an endangered species list but they are in danger, nonetheless. Carnivores in the grasslands of eastern and southern Africa such as jackals, lizards, hyenas, wild dogs, pythons, birds of prey hunt them. Humans, too, track and kill them for their hides to make fancy gloves.
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Help wanted
The U.K. Antarctic Heritage Trust owns and operates what is known as “the penguin post office” located at the Port Lockroy base on Goudier Island. It will soon be the beginning of winter down under and they need to hire three English employees to sort the mail and to keep watch over some 1,500 penguins. While it is, indeed, a “unique opportunity to live in a landscape that makes you feel pure awe and wonder” it’s not a job for anyone. The new employees will need to risk a few hardships such as cabin fever and the lack of running water.
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Mystery
They call themselves The Most Famous Artists and a few years ago they claimed that they were responsible for several silver monolith that mysteriously showed up in the U.S. and Europe in 2020. But no one has claimed the sudden appearance recently of a similar monolith on a hillside in Wales. Photographer Richard Haynes came across it and said that “it was about 10-foot-tall at least and triangular, definitely stainless steel. It was hollow and I imagine pretty light, light enough for two people to carry it up and plant it in the ground.”
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Medal of Honor: Army Tech. Sgt. Carlton W. Barrett
By KATIE LANGE
Department of Defense News
Army Tech. Sgt. Carlton W. Barrett is one of four soldiers who earned the Medal of Honor on D-Day when more than 160,000 Allied forces breached the shores of Nazi-occupied France as part of the biggest air, land and sea invasion ever executed. A lot of men died that day, but Barrett helped save as many as he could. For that, he earned the Medal of Honor.
Barrett was born on Nov. 24, 1919, in Fulton, New York, to Lester and Olive Barrett. He had two older siblings, Madeline and Roland, the latter of whom also joined the military during World War II.
Barrett dropped out of high school. In 1940, shortly before his 21st birthday, he decided to enlist in the Army. He was assigned to the 18th Infantry, 1st Infantry Division.
Within a year and a half, the U.S. had joined World War II, and Barrett was in the thick of it. He took part in the North Africa and Sicilian campaigns before being assigned to one of the most important missions of the war – the invasion of Normandy, France, so the Allies could regain a foothold on the European continent.
On June 6, 1944 – D-Day – then-Pvt. Barrett was a field guide who helped coordinate troops and communications. Early that morning near the shores of St. Laurent-sur-Mer, France, Barrett's landing craft dropped him and several other soldiers into neck-deep waters off Omaha Beach, where they immediately faced a bombardment of enemy mortar and small-arms fire while trying to wade ashore.
Several times, Barrett ignored the chaos and went back into the swirling waters to help his fellow soldiers, many of whom were floundering and drowning in the panic.
Despite being short and slight by nature – researchers said he was about 5'4" and 125 pounds — Barrett refused to be pinned down by the intense enemy barrage coming toward them. According to his Medal of Honor citation, Barrett's fierce determination led him to save several lives by carrying the wounded to an evacuation boat offshore.
Throughout the extreme stress of the day, Barrett rose up as a leader, doing more than what was required of him. His citation said he also carried dispatches across the entire fire-swept beach, calmed the shocked and helped treat the wounded, despite suffering four wounds himself. Barrett was injured in both hips, his left leg and his foot, wounds that eventually led to his own evacuation off the beachhead.
Barrett was sent back to the U.S. for treatment. He spent about five months in hospitals due to his injuries and two bouts of malaria that he suffered. He was finally discharged in October 1944 and sent back to the European theater.
Barrett's calm demeanor on D-Day earned him the Medal of Honor, which he received in Paris on Nov. 17, 1944, after he was promoted to corporal. The medal was given to him by Army Gen. John C.H. Lee, who commanded the European communications zone.
Three other Army soldiers earned the Medal of Honor for their actions on June 6, 1944: 1st Lt. Jimmie W. Monteith Jr., Tech. 5th Grade John J. Pinder Jr. and Brig. Gen. Theodore Roosevelt Jr. Sadly, Barrett was the only one who survived to receive it in person; Pinder and Monteith died on D-Day, while Roosevelt died about a month later.
Newspaper reports showed that Barrett never liked to talk about his actions on D-Day. When he did, it was to deflect praise onto the men who didn't make it home.
In July 1945, shortly after the war ended in Europe, Barrett was discharged from the Army. According to a 1945 Brooklyn Daily Eagle article, he took a job with the Department of Internal Revenue (now the IRS) in the Jackson Heights neighborhood of Queens, New York, where his aunt and uncle lived.
However, civilian life must not have suited him, because he reenlisted in the Army in May 1947. That same year, he married his wife, Josephine, who had also served in the war in the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps. The pair went on to have two daughters, Kathleen and Sharon.
Barrett was stationed for a time in Germany before the family moved to the Los Angeles area so he could serve at the Army and Air Force Recruiting Station in Culver City. The family chose to put down roots in California, remaining there when Barrett was discharged in June 1963 as a technical sergeant.
In his later years, Barrett moved to a senior living facility in Hawthorne, California. According to a Kansas City Times newspaper article, his right leg had to be amputated in 1984 as the result of a war injury.
Barrett died March 3, 1986, at the California Veterans Home in Yountville, California. His obituary in the Napa Valley Register said he died of pneumonia and heart failure after a long illness. Barrett is buried in Napa Valley Memorial Gardens in nearby Napa, California.
Barrett's memory lives on in the Army and in his hometown. In Fulton, June 6, 2023, was officially dubbed Cpl. Carlton William Barrett Day. Army enthusiasts can see his medal in person at a display at the First Division Museum at Cantigny in Wheaton, Illinois.
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Top eight usage mistakes when using outdoor power equipment
As the weather warms and people are coaxed outside to their yards and managed landscapes, it’s time for everyone to remember how to use their outdoor power equipment safely and properly.
“Think safety first,” says Kris Kiser, President and CEO of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI), an international trade association representing outdoor power equipment, small engine, utility vehicle, golf car and personal transport vehicle manufacturers and suppliers. “I can’t stress enough to review manufacturer’s safety guidance before starting up any equipment—especially your lawn mower. Review your owner’s manual and do maintenance on your equipment.”
Also being aware of surroundings is key, he adds. “And be sure to keep kids and pets away from outdoor power equipment while it’s in use.”
OPEI urges homeowners and other equipment users to avoid these eight most common mistakes when using outdoor power equipment.
1. Thinking all mowers are the same. You need to know how to handle your specific equipment correctly, and do basic operations like turning it off or on and controlling speed. Review your owner’s manual and how to use the equipment before use.
2. Not inspecting equipment before use. Always look over equipment before operating it. Check the air filter, oil level and gasoline tank. Watch for loose belts and missing or damaged parts. Replace any parts needed or take your equipment to a qualified service representative.
3. Not walking through your yard or work area before starting to mow or using other outdoor power equipment. Always walk the area you intend to work in, and look for and remove objects, sticks and other items that could create a hazard.
4. Removing or not using safety guards on the equipment. Never alter or disable safety protection measures. If needed, take equipment to a qualified service representative for repairs and inspection.
5. Using fuels not designed for equipment. Loading up your outdoor power equipment with gasoline with more than 10% ethanol in it can cause running problems and damage the fuel line. Always use E10 or less.
6. Using batteries or chargers that are not specified by the manufacturer. While a host of batteries and chargers can be found for sale online, only use batteries and chargers specified by the equipment manufacturer.
7. Not storing fuel and batteries safely. Coffee cans, milk jugs and other non-approved containers should not be used to store fuel. Only store fuel in containers designed for it, and always use up fuel before it is 30 days old. Label fuel cans with the date of purchase and ethanol content. When battery packs are not in use, keep them away from other metal objects, like paper clips, coins, keys, nails, screws or other small metal objects, that can make a connection from one terminal to another. Shorting the battery terminals together may cause burns or a fire.
8. Not cleaning or storing equipment well. Equipment will run more efficiently and last longer if it’s cleaned. Always remove dirt, oil or grass before using and storing your equipment. Store equipment in a dry place, avoiding damp or wet environments.
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Shopping for Yard Equipment: Things to Know
With the weather warming up, now is the time to think about how you want your yard to serve your family, pets and wildlife. Maybe you’re aiming to have the best yard on the block, want to install an outdoor family room or outdoor office, or want to expand your space for entertaining. Perhaps your kids or pets could use a better space for play. Regardless of need, now is the time to get “backyard ready” for spring. What tools do you need?
“Completing big outdoor jobs is always easier with help from outdoor power equipment,” said Kris Kiser, President and CEO of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI). “The right outdoor power equipment can help you get the work done faster and can help you safely maintain your yard.”
Here are some tips from Kiser to help you select the machinery you need to get the job done.
Plan your needs. Draw a sketch of your yard. Include any major features like trees, bushes, an herb or vegetable garden, flower beds, lawn furniture, play or sports equipment, an outdoor patio, or bird bath. Note where maintenance may be required. Will bushes need to be trimmed back from your home or garage? Do you want to put in some flowering bushes or a tree? Are you planning to install a fence and more grass because for your pet? Now list the tools and equipment needed to take care of your yard, and what will make the job easier.
Consider equipment needed. Visit your garage or shed and find your lawn and garden tools. Wheel out your mower and get out other equipment. Look it over and make a list of what is needed or could be upgraded. Repair anything that needs attention or identify where a newer or other machine is required. If you have a large vegetable garden, you may need a cultivator or tiller. If you have a large lawn, an upgrade to a riding lawn mower might make mowing easier. A string trimmer might make caring for bushes or trimming grass near a fence line easier. A pole pruner can help trim back limbs that are too high to reach safely with a saw, and a leaf blower can clear leaves faster than a rake.
Research equipment online before you buy. Think about efficiencies of scale. The right equipment can mean more time for other activities, and make doing yard work more enjoyable, too. Doing online research in advance will help you pick the right equipment for the job. Outdoor power equipment can be gas, electric or battery powered, and technology is rapidly impacting product design. There are even robotic lawn mowers available today. Equipment may be sized to handle a smaller job or a massive one. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your needs.
Ask questions. Talk with the staff at the store or ask online about the equipment. In the store, ask to pick up and hold equipment to determine its “fit” for you. Discuss safety features and ask about manufacturer fueling and care instructions. Find out how often equipment may need to be serviced.
Make a plan for storage and maintenance. Store your equipment in a cool and dry place. It also should typically be serviced at the end of the fall and the beginning of the spring. Put service dates on your calendar with a reminder.
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Three tips for creating nutritious, budget-friendly meals
Finding the ingredients to create healthy meals without breaking the bank might seem more difficult lately, but eating well does not have to be an impossible task. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) both encourage plenty of planning to make weekly meals and grocery shopping a success. Celebrate National Nutrition Month by using these three tips and tricks during your next trip to the store.
1. Have a plan.
Whether cooking for one person or a whole family, setting a budget and planning your meals for the week can save you time and money at the store. Make your grocery list based off of the meals you plan to make for the week and try to limit the extra items on your list to household supplies, hygiene items and other necessities. Including snacks in your meal plan might be a good idea if you tend to eat them during the day or have kids who expect them after school.
2. Shop deals.
If your grocery store sends out a weekly ad with coupons or if you typically shop at stores that have apps, check out their weekly deals as you choose your meals for the week. See what ingredients you can get on sale or at a reduced price, and consider switching up your menu if you want to spend less money. Coupons can be a great way to save money, and some stores also offer personalized deals based on past purchases. Buying generic or store-brand items can help cut costs as well.
3. Cook healthy meals.
Once you’ve done the planning and shopping, it’s time to make nutritious meals with your grocery haul. Buy lean proteins in bulk so you can separate them into smaller portions and freeze the ones you don’t plan to use immediately. Include frozen or canned fruits and vegetables in your recipes, too. Preparing large batches of food and freezing portions for later gives you healthier choices when you need a quick meal or haven’t made your weekly grocery run yet.
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Social Security Matters
By RUSSELL GLOOR, National Social Security Advisor at the AMAC Foundation, the non-profit arm of the Association of Mature American Citizens
Ask Rusty – How Do Survivor Benefits Work for a Married Couple?
Dear Rusty: How does Social Security handle the death of one spouse? Say, for example, the husband receives $2,000 per month in Social Security and his wife receives $1,000 per month. How is the death of either spouse handled? Signed: Concerned spouse
Dear Concerned: Benefits to a deceased beneficiary stop as soon as Social Security (SS) is notified of the death (notification usually done by the funeral director who handles arrangements). Benefits are not paid for the month of death, only for the preceding month when the beneficiary was alive for the entire month.
A surviving spouse is entitled to the higher of two benefits – their own personally earned SS retirement benefit, or an amount based on the deceased spouse’s benefit at death. In the example you cite, and assuming the surviving spouse has reached full retirement age (FRA): if the husband dies first the wife will receive the husband’s $2,000 monthly benefit instead of her previous $1,000 amount. But if the wife died first, the husband would continue receiving only his $2,000 monthly amount because that is more than his deceased wife was receiving. Note in either case, the surviving spouse would be entitled to a one-time lump sum “death benefit” of $255.
The surviving spouse would need to contact Social Security to claim the “death benefit” and - unless the surviving spouse was previously receiving only a spousal benefit – also to claim the higher monthly amount, if eligible. If the surviving spouse was previously receiving only a spousal benefit from the deceased (and not entitled to SS retirement benefits on their own), then Social Security would automatically award their higher survivor amount when notified of the death.
If a surviving spouse has reached full retirement age (somewhere between 66 and 67 depending on year of birth) and is eligible for a survivor benefit, the amount of the survivor benefit will be 100% of the deceased spouse’s benefit. But if the survivor claims the benefit before reaching FRA, the amount of the survivor benefit will be reduced (by 4.75% for each full year earlier). The survivor’s benefit reaches maximum at the survivor’s full retirement age.
If a surviving spouse has not yet reached their FRA, and if they are entitled to (not necessarily collecting) their own Social Security retirement benefit, the surviving spouse has the option to delay claiming the survivor benefit until it reaches maximum at their full retirement age. And if the survivor’s personal SS retirement benefit will ever be more than their maximum survivor benefit, the surviving spouse also has the option to claim only the smaller survivor benefit first and allow their personal SS retirement benefit to grow (to maximum at age 70 if desired).
With Social Security there is hardly ever a simple answer to a question but, in the example you use, if both are over their SS full retirement age:
• If the husband dies first, the wife will get 100% of the amount ($2000) the husband was receiving, instead of the small amount ($1000) she was previously receiving.
• If the wife dies first, the husband’s monthly benefit will remain at $2000, and he will get no increase in his monthly amount.
• In either case, the surviving spouse will be entitled to a one-time lump sum death benefit of $255.
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Medal of Honor: Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Richard Etchberger
By KATIE LANGE
Department of Defense News
Many military men and women do heroic things that they can't get credit for because they're involved in classified missions. For Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Richard Loy Etchberger, he finally did get credit in the form of the Medal of Honor 42 years after he lost his life saving others during the Vietnam War.
Etchberger was born March 5, 1933, in Hamburg, Pennsylvania, to Donald and Kathryn Etchberger. He had an older brother named Robert.
When their father lost his job after the Pearl Harbor attacks, both boys started to work odd jobs to help with finances. Eventually, the family moved to nearby Minersville, Pennsylvania, so his dad could find more work. There, Etchberger became a star basketball player and excelled in academics. His brother said it helped that he had a photographic memory.
"When he would go upstairs to study, he would be done in 10 minutes. Then, he was back downstairs doing whatever he wanted. That used to infuriate me because I couldn't learn my lessons that quickly," Robert Etchberger said in an interview for an article on the Airmen Memorial Museum website.
After World War II ended, the family moved back to Hamburg, where Etchberger finished high school. He was the senior class president by the time he graduated in 1951.
A few weeks later, Etchberger enlisted in the Air Force. He initially wanted to be a pilot, his brother said, but due to an injury that lingered from his basketball days, he washed out of aviation school. Instead, he was trained as a radio operator and came to be known to be an electronics whiz.
A few years into his service, Etchberger met Catherine Vaccaria while on assignment in Utah. The pair married in 1956, with Etchberger taking on the role of stepfather to Catherine's son, Steve. By 1959, they had two more sons, Richard and Cory.
In August 1965, Etchberger and the whole family were transferred to Clark Air Base in the Philippines. Aside from his standard duties there, Etchberger was also the communications and electronics noncommissioned officer in charge of a radar control post on Hon Tree Island in Vietnam, where the U.S. was now at war.
After a brief stint back in the U.S., Etchberger was assigned to the 1043rd Radar Evaluation Squadron and placed on a top-secret Air Force/CIA mission code-named Project Heavy Green. It called for Etchberger and a small team to go to a small radar station on top of a remote mountain in Laos that was being used to direct U.S. air support to North Vietnam during the early years of the war.
The mission wasn't easy to join. Etchberger and the other airmen involved needed to be released from the Air Force and hired by Lockheed Corporation to avoid giving the perception that Laos was involved with the U.S. government in the war. When the mission was over, the airmen would be welcomed back into the Air Force.
In early 1968, Etchberger and his team made it to the radar station, which was called Lima Site 85. From that mountainous jungle perch, which was only 12 miles from North Vietnam, about 40 airmen controlled hundreds of air strikes into enemy territory during the 1968 Rolling Thunder campaign.
The North Vietnamese knew the value of the site, so they made many attempts to take it out. None were successful until March 10, 1968, when they began to attack the site with heavy artillery. By nightfall, Etchberger and his off-duty team realized their sleeping quarters were vulnerable to the shelling, so they hid with their guns and survival radios on a ledge partially protected by a rocky overhang for the rest of the night.
Early the next morning, enemy commandos scaled the cliff the compound was on, killing 11 of the 19 Americans working at the site. While Etchberger's team was initially spared, it didn't take long for the enemy to find them and start attacking, killing two airmen and seriously injuring two others.
Since Etchberger was a radar technician, he didn't have any formal combat training. But that didn't stop him from picking up arms and defending their position. For hours, Etchberger single-handedly held off the enemy with an M-16 rifle, all while calling for air rescue and directing air strikes that were practically right on top of him.
Once rescuers arrived, Etchberger risked his own life several times, running through heavy fire to put three of his wounded comrades into rescue slings hanging from the hovering rescue helicopter. But when he finally climbed into the sling himself and was lifted to the chopper, he was hit by a burst of gunfire. Etchberger survived the initial helicopter flight, but he died before he could be transported for further medical treatment.
Etchberger, who had turned 35 the week prior, gave his own life to save the lives of his remaining crew. Of the 19 men on the mountain that night, only seven made it out alive — three of them thanks to Etchberger's actions.
The slain airman's body was returned to the U.S. and buried in St. Johns Cemetery in his hometown.
Since details of the mission were classified, Etchberger was secretly awarded the Air Force Cross. Nine months after the mission, his wife, who accepted the honor on his behalf, was told the real story of what happened to her husband; however, she was sworn to secrecy. Etchberger's sons didn't even learn the truth until the late 1980's when the details were finally declassified.
Once his actions were no longer a secret, they remained relatively hidden in the past until the early 2000's. That's when Air Force Master Sgt. Robert Dilley read about Etchberger's heroism and thought more should be done to honor him. Dilley wrote his local congressman, and, together, they began a years-long movement to have Etchberger recognized with the Medal of Honor.
That dream came to fruition on Sept. 21, 2010, when Etchberger's sons received the nation's highest medal for valor in their father's name from President Barack Obama during a White House ceremony.
Etchberger's wife, Catherine, was also recognized for her own personal sacrifice in keeping the secret — something she never told anyone, even upon her death in 1994.
"She kept that promise, to her husband and her country, all those years, not even telling her own sons," Obama said. "So, today is also a tribute to Catherine Etchberger and a reminder of the extraordinary sacrifices that our military spouses make on behalf of our nation."
Etchberger's actions continue to be honored in the military today. Various Air Force bases have renamed streets and buildings for him, including Barksdale Air Force Base, which also displays his name etched in a granite monument. Etchberger's family donated his chief's uniform and various other items to a display honoring him at the Air Force Senior NCO Academy at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama.
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5 nutritional powerhouses to easily add to your diet this month
Fredericksburg Fitness Studio, a private personal training studio, is dishing up tasty options to boost nutrition
FREDERICKSBURG, Virginia – March is National Nutrition Month, making it a great time to look at our diet and see if there is something we can add to make us healthier. We get plenty of information about what to remove from our diets, which can be difficult because we are creatures of habit, but adding a few powerful things can help boost our health and be convenient. Improving our nutritional intake doesn't have to be boring or difficult; it comes down to knowing which items pack a powerful nutritional punch.
"Let’s take a break from trying to remove things and focus more on adding in some healthy foods," explains Jennifer Scherer, a registered dietitian nutritionist, medical exercise specialist, certified personal trainer, and owner of Fredericksburg Fitness Studio. “Getting the right nutrients into the body can help in a variety of ways, and it is something that everyone can do."
According to the Centers for Disease and Prevention, adults who eat a healthy diet live longer and have a lower risk of obesity, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers. Healthy eating can also help manage chronic diseases. Additionally, research published in the journal Nutrients reports that nutrient inadequacies can impair immune function and weaken immune response. Macronutrients, including vitamins A, C, D, E, and zinc, help with having a healthy immune system.
Focusing on adding some nutritional powerhouses to the diet can be a simple way to meet more nutritional needs without feeling like people are making big sacrifices or getting rid of foods they love. Nutritional powerhouses can add a lot by providing macronutrients and antioxidants to the diet.
Here are 5 nutritional powerhouses to add this month:
Dark chocolate. Need we say more? Most people love chocolate, but they don't realize that it's a nutritional powerhouse when they opt for the dark variety. According to the Harvard School of Public Health, dark chocolate contains 50-90% cocoa, compared to milk chocolate, which contains 10-50% cocoa. They report that it provides iron, copper, magnesium, zinc, and antioxidants, which may help protect the heart. Opt for dark chocolate that is 70% or more cocoa to get the most benefit.
Beans. Adding more beans and legumes to the diet can have some great benefits. A study published in the journal Nutrients reports that phytochemicals found in beans and legumes are considerably beneficial in improving blood cholesterol levels and glycemic status, providing vascular protection, and reducing markers of chronic inflammation. They help to improve the gut microbiome, which is linked to everything from losing weight to brain health.
Ginger. Adding ginger to the diet can help in various ways, and it can be as easy as making a batch of ginger shots once a week and consuming one daily or adding it to oatmeal or chia seed pudding. According to the National Institutes of Health, ginger root improves immune system action and acts as an antibacterial/viral agent, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory agent, and anti-cancer agent.
Green tea. Tea, whether black or green, provides antioxidants that can help protect the body from free radicals. According to research published in the journal Chinese Medicine, the high amount of polyphenols and potent antioxidants in green tea may help reduce the risks of many chronic diseases. The researchers report that green tea may also help lower blood pressure, which can help reduce the risks of stroke and heart disease.
Kimchi. This fermented Korean food can easily be purchased in the produce section of most grocery stores. Keeping a jar in the refrigerator and eating a tablespoon or more daily can provide health benefits. A research study published in the journal Medicine reports that studies have shown that the biological compounds of kimchi stimulate immune function and reduce pro-oxidants, free radicals, certain cancers, cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome risks, and aging.
“If you feel all five of these are simple enough to add, then go for it,” Scherer added. “If you are not yet ready for something like that, pick one or two. Adding one or two of these to your routine will be beneficial, and you can always add more later.”
Scherer is a registered dietitian nutritionist who helps people improve their diet, plan for sustainable weight loss, and learn to include healthier food choices. She and her team offer nutrition coaching services, wellness, personal training, in-home medical training, virtual personal training, and a Pilates reformer program, which features a versatile machine designed to provide resistance. It can be used when standing, sitting, or lying down. All workouts on it are custom-tailored for the individual to address their physical fitness concerns.
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Selecting the right potting mix for your plantings
By MELINDA MYERS
As gardeners, it seems we are all looking for an ideal potting mix for our houseplants and containers. As with any gardening endeavor, a lot depends on what is available, the plants you are growing, and the type of maintenance you provide.
That said, there are some things you can do to increase your success and reduce ongoing maintenance. It all starts by reviewing the label on the bag you plan to purchase. You’ll find a variety of bags labeled as planting mix, potting mix, container mix, and more. Check the label to see what the bag contains and recommendations for its use.
These mixes usually contain inorganic and organic materials and may also include sand and mineral soil. They may or may not be sterilized to kill weed seeds and pests. If it doesn’t say sterilized, it probably is not, and you should consider another product instead.
Many potting mixes are labeled as “soilless.” They consist of peat moss, sphagnum moss, and compost for moisture retention and vermiculite or perlite for drainage but do not contain mineral soils such as sand or clay. They are lightweight and blended to hold moisture while draining well.
Some potting mixes are modified to accommodate the needs of certain plants. Orchid mixes often contain more bark for better aeration while cacti and succulent mixes have more sand or perlite for better drainage. African Violet potting mix contains more organic matter to create a moist, rich growing medium.
Organic potting mixes are also available. Many gardeners prefer to know the ingredients are free of pesticides and other contaminants. Check for the word organic and OMRI on the label if you want an organic product.
Once again, check the label on the bag for more details on the potting mix. Some potting mixes contain a “starter charge” of fertilizer. This minimal amount of fertilizer is usually gone after two or three waterings. Some include additional fertilizer that provides small amounts of nutrients over a longer period. The label may say controlled-release, time-release, or slow-release fertilizer, meaning it provides your plants with nutrients for a certain amount of time.
Moisture retaining products are supposed to hold water near plant roots and reduce the frequency of watering. Research has not shown them to be effective. Some gardeners feel they are effective while others end up with root rot when using these.
Consider adding an organic product, like Wild Valley Farms wool pellets (wildvalleyfarms.com) to potting mixes that do not contain moisture-retaining products. It is sustainable, made from wool waste, University-tested, and has been shown to reduce watering by up to twenty percent, while also increasing air space and adding organic matter.
Select bags of potting mix that are light, fluffy, and moist. Avoid bags that are waterlogged and heavy. The mix can break down and become compacted and some of the slow-release fertilizer may be pre-released and damage young seedlings when saturated with water.
Spend a bit of time searching for the potting mix that best matches the plants you are growing and your watering regime. The time spent selecting your perfect potting mix will pay off with greater growing success.
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Here’s one for cinephiles
Die-hard movie buffs are celebrating a flick that was just released—for a second time. It made its first debut just about a hundred years ago featuring that femme fatale of the day, Miss Clara Bow. The film, The Pill Pounder, made its debut in 1923 and then was lost. Gary Huggins of Kansas City found it recently at an antique film fest in Omaha, NE when he purchased a stack of oldies for twenty bucks. He told reporters that "a distributor that had been in Omaha for decades had gone out of business a while ago and this auction house had some of their films. It was the best 20 dollars I've ever invested, for sure."
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The odds are one in 400 million
The cow was born with two heads. It happened in Cossinade, Louisiana. The odds were not one in a million, as the saying goes; it was one in 400 million, says Eric and Dawn Breaux who own the cow. The condition is called polycephaly and the experts say most of the time critters are stillborn or live just for a few hours or days. The cow was still alive on day eight when the news of its birth made headlines. At the time, Mrs. Breaux told reporters: “She has trouble lifting her head but is holding it up more and more as she is getting stronger. She is not standing on her own yet so she is unable to nurse on her mom. We have been bottle feeding her from the start.”
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Growing old
It took a while, but Fred Allen Smalls finally got his diploma from the Georgetown County High School in the town of Plantersville. He missed graduation when he moved to Washington, DC to help support his family. Born on February 5, 1918, he recently turned 106 years of age and he is still going strong. Tamara Baker, a professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, told NBC News that “it’s the positive social networks — the ones that are going to influence you, or get behind you to go to the doctor, to do the exercise, to eating properly. Even in some of the more impoverished neighborhoods, if you have that positive social network, that can go a long way.”
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Enjoy and protect hydrangeas from hungry deer
By MELINDA MYERS
Low maintenance, beautiful flowers, and plenty of varieties have made hydrangeas a favorite landscape plant. It seems you can’t visit a garden center or nursery without being tempted by one of the traditional favorites or newer hydrangea varieties.
Despite their easy-care nature, hungry deer can make it difficult to fully enjoy these plants. Rutgers University rates landscape plants based on their susceptibility to deer damage. According to Rutgers, hydrangeas are occasionally severely damaged by deer, meaning they are a plant preferred by deer and protection is advised. Your experience may be different and can vary from year to year, but it is always wise to be prepared to protect key plants in your landscape.
Deer like to browse leaves, tender shoots, flower buds, and blossoms. Damage is worse when populations are high, food is scarce, and when environmental stresses like cold and deep snow are present. Once deer find a place to dine, they tend to return. Their damage has a rough or torn appearance as opposed to a clean cut like that made by a pruner. Preventing damage is always the best way to maximize your enjoyment. Even if your plants have escaped damage in the past, continue to watch for deer tracks, droppings, and plant damage.
Fencing is one option but not always the most attractive or practical. An eight-foot fence is the recommended height for protecting large areas. The University of Minnesota found deer can be kept out of small gardens that are 8 x 16 feet or smaller with much shorter fences. Sturdy decorative posts and somewhat invisible deer fencing tend to make a less obtrusive fence. Always check with your local municipality for any fencing restrictions.
Many gardeners report success using high-test fishing line. Create a barrier using strong five-foot posts with the fishing line spaced at two-foot intervals.
Scare tactics may provide some short-term help. Motion-sensitive sprinklers, noise makers, and smells are often used. Several gardeners reported success placing colorful wine bottles inverted over rebar posts. The rattling helped discourage deer browsing and added an ornamental element to the garden. Change scare tactics to increase success.
Place key plants closer to your home, in the back of large beds, or surrounded by less susceptible plants. Making it hard to reach the plants can help discourage damage to hydrangeas.
Repellents are another option. Treat susceptible plants before the deer start browsing for the best results. Look for a rain and snow-resistant product, like organic Plantskydd (plantskydd.com), which does not need to be reapplied as often. That means you’ll save time applying and spend less money.
Maximize results by treating new growth according to the label directions. Most liquid repellents need time to dry and can only be applied when temperatures are above freezing. Always check the label for the product being applied and follow the directions for the best results.
Continue to monitor the landscape for signs of deer presence and damage and adjust your management strategies as needed. Be persistent so you can increase your success.
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10 principles that help make a great CEO
Many people dream of being a chief executive officer (CEO), and for good reason. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual wage for a CEO is nearly $250,000. Those in this position serve the operational activities at the highest management level. But what exactly does it take to get to the top? According to one CEO, some tried, and true principles must be a top priority for anyone who wants to make it to that position and thrive in it.
“Being a great CEO doesn’t just happen," says Arrive CEO Dan O’Toole. "It is something that you have to strive for and work toward. It’s crucial to have some principles that you stand by, so they can guide you along your journey.”
O'Toole has used a set of guiding principles to help him reach a comfortable level of success. His company has developed a new smart mailbox that it uses as a Mailbox-as-a-Service (Maas) platform. The mailbox has been designed to leverage AI to provide consumers with a way to receive deliveries that offer security, weather protection, video analytics, and much more. His ingenuity revolutionizes the final autonomous last mile delivery sector, helping consumers and businesses alike.
Here are 10 principles every CEO should live by to be successful:
Persistence pays. Sticking with the plan is a big part of succeeding. Too many people give up before reaching the level of success they are after.
Lead by example and be the group you want to deal with. Being a leader in the field will help people get farther than following others. Treating others how you want to be treated in the field will help in unforeseen ways.
Go boldly where no one has gone before. It is crucial not to be afraid to explore new territory. Sure, it may be a little scary, but that's okay and may be significant. We would only have new inventions if people adhered to this principle.
When one person has an idea, 10 people have that same idea simultaneously. Win the race. Execute!With billions of people on the planet, many people have had the same idea, so it all comes down to who takes action to see it through.
Remember where you came from. Every successful CEO should stick to loyalty, integrity, and love. Some people helped them get where they are and should be remembered and respected.
Own your actions. Be responsible.Always take responsibility for your decisions, even if the outcome wasn't expected or hoped for. This is how people earn respect and trust.
It’s the principle. Be principled.Determine what things will be a guiding force in the journey and stick to them. Don’t compromise on values.
Spend every dollar like it’s your last. Living by this principle will help the company financially, and this principle goes back to owning your actions.
Explore everything - optionality is everything.Being able to have choices is a good thing. There are only choices if you are willing to explore.
From within - consistently reward those who have rewarded you.Nobody is an island becoming a successful CEO on their own. Businesses can only rise to the top with the help of others. Be aware of those who have helped and help them back.
"Remember that you can always create your own principles, too,” O’Toole adds. "There are many great ones out there, but you need to find what resonates with you and use it to help you reach the top.”
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Remain calm
The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission issued a video report recently showing a rather large bear crawling out of a cabin’s rather small vent hole. The critter had apparently spent the winter indoors. The Commission did not identify the location of the home; instead it warned residents living in wildlife locations to beware of bears. They said that if you come across signs that there’s a den near your home, "remain calm, leave the area quickly and quietly, and do not disturb the den for the rest of the winter season."
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‘Firefall’
It sure looks like someone set fire to a waterfall in California’s Yosemite National Park. But it’s a trick the sun plays on visitors each year at this time. Photographer Jay Huang says he’s been trying to capture what he calls the Yosemite's Horsetail Fall “firefall effect” over the years but this time he got it just right on video “in the last 30 minutes of sunset without any obstruction from clouds.”
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He’s a record holder
Most Guinness World Record holders are proud of their achievements but David Rush, who has broken more than 250 Guinness World Records to date, is aiming to win more records than anyone else in the world. He’s currently the number two record-holder, having recently won a title for using his head to bounce a soccer ball into a trash can 52 feet and 5.9 inches away. Rush says he’s aiming to win a new record each and every week.
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Medal of Honor: Marine Corps Sgt. William Harrell
By KATIE LANGE
Department of Defense News
World War II's Battle of Iwo Jima is considered one of the bloodiest ever fought by Marines. Marine Corps Sgt. William George Harrell's story embodies the grim fortitude and exceptional valor put forth that day. Harrell lost both of his hands while fending off the Japanese. His fighting spirit despite those terrible wounds earned him the Medal of Honor.
Harrell was born June 26, 1922, in Rio Grande City, Texas, along the Mexico border, to parents Roy and Hazel Harrell. His father was a World War I cavalry veteran who, after the war, became a border patrol officer. Harrell had two older siblings, Dick and Virginia.
When their father died in 1931, Harrell's mother moved the family about an hour further east to Mercedes, Texas. Harrell thrived there, becoming a Boy Scout who loved to ride horses, something he picked up from his father. He liked to camp, hunt and boat, and he worked on a ranch during his high school summers before graduating in 1939.
Harrell went to Texas A&M University to study animal husbandry, but after two years, he needed to take a break to earn more money so he could finish those studies. A few months later, the attacks at Pearl Harbor happened, and he decided to join the military instead. Harrell initially tried to join the Army Air Corps and the Navy, but he was turned away due to colorblindness. The Marine Corps accepted his enlistment on July 3, 1942.
After boot camp, Harrell served in San Diego before leaving in February 1943 for Hawaii to serve as an armorer with Company A of the 1st Battalion, 28th Marines, 5th Marine Division. After spending about two years there, the division was deployed to Saipan and Iwo Jima in the push by the Allies to reach the Japanese homeland.
Intense Battle
The first Marines landed on Iwo Jima on Feb. 19, 1945, with Harrell's unit being sent to the southern part of the volcanic island. By Feb. 24, Marines had taken Mount Suribachi, but elements of enemy resistance remained, hiding in terrain pocked with caves and ravines.
On March 3, Harrell was the leader of an assault group that had been involved in hand-to-hand combat with the enemy. He and another Marine, Pvt. Andrew Carter, took turns standing watch overnight in a narrow two-man foxhole on a little ridge 20 yards in front the company command post. In front of their foxhole, the ridge fell into a ravine that was Japanese territory.
At one point in the early morning, the pair had to repulse an attack. Carter killed four enemies while Harrell took out two. Carter's weapon jammed afterward, so he had to go back to the command post to get another one.
During that time, Japanese troops tried to take advantage. They quickly attacked with gunfire and grenades, forcing Harrell to open fire with his carbine rifle, killing two enemies who were emerging from the ravine. Harrell continued his one-man defense until enemy fire ripped off his left hand and fractured his thigh.
Harrell was trying in vain to reload his rifle when Carter finally returned. Around the same time, an enemy with a saber rushed their foxhole in the darkness, injuring them both. Harrell was able to shoot and kill the Japanese man with his pistol. Carter's knife wound was so serious that Harrell feared he might bleed out, so he ordered his comrade to fall back. Carter left, but only to get another rifle after his jammed again, according to the Marine Corps History Division.
Pushing Through Pain
Harrell himself was profusely bleeding, but he refused to give up. When two more enemy troops charged his position and put a grenade by his head, Harrell shot and killed one of them with his pistol. He then grabbed the live grenade with his right hand and, through pain, pushed it toward the second enemy soldier. It exploded, killing the Japanese assailant but also blowing off Harrell's remaining hand.
At dawn, when the fight had finally ended, fellow Marines found Harrell surrounded by 12 dead Japanese. He was credited with killing at least five of them while defending his post.
Harrell was evacuated to various field hospitals until he was sent back to the U.S. for extensive treatment. According to an article in the Valley Morning Star newspaper out of Harlingen, Texas, Harrell theorized that the combination of explosions and volcanic ash helped seal his wounds and keep him from bleeding to death.
The Battle of Iwo Jima lasted 36 days and is considered one of the bloodiest in Marine Corps history. The valor shown by Marines and Navy hospital corpsmen during the intense fighting led to the awarding of 27 Medals of Honor – the highest number of Medals of Honor ever received for one battle in U.S. history.
Harrell was receiving treatment at the Bethesda Naval Hospital in Maryland (now Walter Reed National Military Medical Center) when he learned he would be one of those recipients. President Harry S. Truman bestowed it upon Harrell during a White House ceremony on Oct. 5, 1945. Thirteen other Marines and corpsmen were also on hand to receive the medal.
Carter, Harrell's companion in the trench during the battle, earned the Navy Cross.
Learning to Adapt
Harrell was discharged from the Marine Corps in February 1946. About a week later, he married Larena Anderson, a nurse he met while receiving treatment at Mare Island Naval Hospital in California. The pair went on to have two children, William and Linda.
After losing both of his hands during the battle, doctors fitted Harrell with prosthetic metal hooks that his family said he adapted to brilliantly. Over time, he was able to ride horses again and even become a good marksman. In a Valley Morning Star article, Harrell's nephew, Richard Harrell, said he was amazed at all the things his uncle could do with his hooks.
"He could do anything. He could drive a tractor, type on a typewriter, light a cigarette or pick up a dime off the floor," Richard Harrell said.
Harrell and his wife moved back to Mercedes before transferring to San Antonio in October 1946 so Harrell could work as a contact representative for amputees for the Department of Veterans Affairs. He was later promoted to chief of the Prosthetics Division. Harrell frequently spoke at events on behalf of disabled veterans.
Harrell and his wife eventually divorced. In 1951, he married again to a woman named Olive Cortese. They had two children, Christie Lee and Gary.
Harrell died on Aug. 9, 1964, at age 42 under uncertain circumstances and was buried at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio. After his death, his family told the Valley Morning Star he was humble and generous "to a fault" with time and money to friends and strangers.
Harrell's Medal of Honor and awards were put on permanent display at the Sam Houston Sanders Corps of Cadets Center on Texas A&M's campus in 2010, along with a bronze plaque of his military portrait. A dorm was also renamed for him in 1969.
In his hometown of Mercedes, a section of a granite war memorial is dedicated to him. The town high school's Junior ROTC building is named for him, as is the town's middle school in 2015.
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History Matters
A feature courtesy of
The Grateful American Book Prize
In February 1692, two girls from Salem, Massachusetts took ill, and a local doctor surmised they were suffering from the effects of witchcraft. The following month, Sarah Goode, Sarah Osborne and - Tituba, a slave from Barbados - professed to be the cause of the nascent epidemic.
According to History.com, "with encouragement from a number of adults ni the community, the girls, who were soon joined by other 'afflicted' Salem residents, accused a widening circle of local residents of witchcraft, mostly middle-aged women but also several men and even one four-year-old child. During the next few months, afflicted area residents incriminated more than 150 women and men from Salem Village and the surrounding areas of Satanic practices."
For more about the witches of Salem, the Grateful American Book Prize recommends A Break with Charity: A Story about the Salem Witch Trials Ann Rinaldi.
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In March of 1876 - three days after receiving his patent - Alexander Graham Bell made the world's first telephone call to his assistant, Thomas Watson.
According to History.com, Bell emigrated to the United States in 1871. Then, he "went to Boston to demonstrate his father's method of teaching speech to
the deaf. The next year, he opened a school in Boston for training teachers of the deaf ... In his free time, Bell experimented with sound waves and became convinced that it would be possible to transmit speech over a telegraph-like system. He enlisted the aid of a gifted mechanic, Thomas Watson ... the two spent countless nights trying to convert Bell's ideas into practical form to transmit speech vibrations electrically between two receivers. in June 1875 [he] tested [the] invention."
Now, American processes approximately 2.4 billion cellphone-based calls each day; 27% come from landlines.
For more information, The Grateful American Book Prize recommends Reluctant Genius: The Passionate Life and Inventive Mind of Alexander Graham Bell by Charlotte Gray.
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America's first baseball pro-Harry Wright - started as a cricket player. On March 15, 1869, he organized--and played for the Cincinnati Red Stockings, the first professional baseball team.
According to History.com, "the Red Stockings finished the season with a 57-0 record -- 64-0 with exhibitions included. Baseball was still in the underhand-pitch iteration ... so the team
routinely scored dozens of runs in games. The Red Stockings defeated the Buckeyes of Cincinnati ... Wright, given roughly $10,000 to assemble the best team money could buy, signed his younger brother, George, to a team-high $1,400 salary." [$31,748,78 in 2024 dollars].
The Grateful American Book Prize recommends Stephen D. Guschov's The Red Stockings of Cincinnati: Base Ball's First All-Professional Team and Its Historic 1869 and 1870 Seasons.
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UAMS House Call
With DR. BALA SIMON
Associate professor in the Department of Family and Preventive Medicine in the College of Medicine at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Q: How can I protect my eyes and still watch the upcoming eclipse?
A: A solar eclipse will occur April 8. Arkansas is in the “path of totality” — meaning many people here will have a chance to observe a total solar eclipse where the moon completely blocks the sun. Per NASA, this will be the last total solar eclipse visible in the United States until 2044.
An eclipse can be enjoyed safely by taking the proper precautions. Looking directly at the sun is never safe — even when the sun is partially hidden. The ultraviolet and infrared rays can damage the retina and potentially cause blindness. Sunglasses, regardless of how dark the lenses are, cannot safely protect your eyes from the sun’s rays. Binoculars, cameras without filters, or telescopes also will not protect your eyes from the sun.
Instead, use specially designed solar filters or solar viewing glasses (you may see them referred to as “eclipse glasses”) when observing an eclipse. These pieces of equipment are many times darker than regular sunglasses and should comply with the international standard.
There is a lot of excitement for the solar eclipse, particularly for those of us in areas where a total eclipse will occur. Take precaution in order to experience it safely.
Q: When are colonoscopies recommended
A: Colon cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer. The National Cancer Institute estimates that 153,020 cases of colon cancer were diagnosed in the United States in 2023, accounting for 8% of all new cancer cases. Only breast, prostate and lung cancers are diagnosed more frequently.
The U.S. Preventative Services Task Force recommends screenings for colon cancer beginning at age 45. Increased risk factors for colon cancer include having diabetes, an inflammatory bowel disease or a family history of the disease. Black people have an increased risk of the disease.
A colonoscopy is the most familiar type of screening test. You are sedated during this procedure during which a lighted tube is used to check for cancer and polyps inside the colon. Polyps can be removed during this process, and a biopsy is performed to determine if they are cancerous. The frequency of a colonoscopy depends on factors such as the results of the test and whether you are at increased risk for colon cancer.
Colon cancer is a disease that can be detected in its early stages. The disease is very treatable, and survival rates are excellent. Contact your health care provider if you have questions.
Q: How is tuberculosis treated?
A: Tuberculosis (TB) is a bacterial disease. Although it is often thought of as a lung illness, TB can also affect other parts of the body such as the brain, heart, kidneys, liver and skin. It can be fatal if not treated properly. Improvements in education and treatment have contributed to the reduction of TB cases in the United States.
The most common way for TB to spread is an infected person releasing germs through actions such as coughing, sneezing or talking. Symptoms of an active TB infection may include chest pain, coughing up blood, fatigue, night sweats or weight loss. People with weakened immune systems such as those with diabetes, kidney disease, or who have had organ transplants are at higher risk for the disease.
TB screening is conducted by either a blood or skin test. The skin test, where a protein substance is injected and checked 48 to 72 hours later, is the commonly known method. Antibiotics are used to treat TB, and it can take several months in some instances to get rid of the infection.
If you have symptoms or believe you have been in contact with someone infected with TB, immediately contact a health care provider.
Q: Do I need to see anyone else other than my primary care provider for health care?
A: Various factors such as age, individual desires and overall physical condition will determine whether a primary care provider (PCP) can take care of all your health-related needs. The PCP is your initial contact for basic health care needs and monitoring of acute illness such as colds and flu and such chronic illnesses as diabetes or high blood pressure.
However, you may have health concerns that require a specialist to monitor or provide care for a specific type of treatment unavailable from your PCP. The PCP can make a referral to a provider who specializes in the type of care provided. Some insurance plans do not require a patient to have a referral, but it is advisable to keep your PCP informed of any specialty visits.
Two areas where your PCP cannot fully assist are with eye and dental examinations. A comprehensive eye examination can only be conducted by an optometrist or an ophthalmologist, who can also prescribe contact lenses or eyeglasses if required. A pediatrician may perform childhood oral health exams, but a dentist is the best option.
Even if you have various providers for different health issues, your PCP should be aware of them in order to assist in managing your care.
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Social Security Matters
By RUSSELL GLOOR
National Social Security Adviser at the AMAC Foundation
Ask Rusty – Why Must I Pay Into Social Security when I’m Collecting Benefits?
Dear Rusty: I am collecting full Social Security benefits at age 72 and also working full time. Why is the Federal Government still taking money from my paycheck? I have written to Social Security experts on this issue, and they tell me “It’s the law.” That is not a good answer for me. Approximately $4,400 was taken from my pay in 2023 for Social Security and, yes, I get a pittance of a COLA increase, but not equal to what I pay. No one has been able to fully explain the Federal Government's thought process on taxing me for Social Security when I am getting full Social Security benefits. Can you? Signed: Working Senior
Dear Working Senior: Far be it from me to try to explain the federal government’s thought process on anything, but I can explain why those already collecting Social Security benefits must continue to pay Social Security payroll taxes while working.
It actually goes back to 1935 and the panel commissioned by President Roosevelt to create America’s Social Security program. Said panel determined how the program would be financed, Congress approved it, and FDR signed it. That methodology was essentially this:
Workers who earn (and their employers) must contribute to Social Security via payroll taxes to fund the program (we now know this as “FICA” for employees and “SECA” for the self-employed). When the program first started, certain employees and their employers were required to each contribute 1% of the employee’s first $3000 of earnings. Obviously, those amounts have risen over the decades. And, for clarity, only certain workers originally participated in Social Security, which has also changed over the decades so that now nearly everyone who works must pay Social Security payroll taxes.
Starting in 1937 and still today, SS payroll taxes paid by those now working are used by the federal government to pay benefits to those who are currently receiving. Said another way, Social Security is a “pay as you go” program where income from those working (and their employer) is used to pay benefits to those receiving. Payroll taxes collected aren’t put into a personal account for the worker; rather they are used to meet current SS payment obligations. Any excess money collected is invested in special issue government bonds as reserves for future use (although current annual SS income is less than annual program costs – an entirely different topic).
So, the financing method enacted in 1935 and started in 1937 still applies – those who work and earn (and their employers) must pay into the system to fund benefit payments to those who are now receiving - and that includes those workers who are already collecting their Social Security. FYI, there was a time when, if someone worked after starting their SS benefits, they lost all of their benefits. Fortunately, that rule no longer exists, so those who are collecting SS benefits can now continue to get benefits if they work, but they must also still pay into the program from their work earnings to help pay benefits to SS recipients.
I hope this provides some insight for why you must continue to contribute to Social Security even after you have started collecting your benefits. It is a result of how the program is financed – predominantly by workers through payroll taxes on their earnings (and to a lesser extent from interest on Trust Fund reserves and income tax on Social Security benefits). With very few exceptions, everyone who works helps pay benefits to those now receiving.
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Brighten every room in your home with plants
By MELINDA MYERS
Anytime is a great time to add a few houseplants to your home. Adding greenery indoors expands your gardening opportunities and provides the many benefits of living with and tending plants. It can boost your mood and reduce stress while adding beauty or nutritious food to your home.
Increase productivity and creativity by including plants in your home or work office. Greenery helps reduce stress even when working at your desk or tackling homework at the end of a long day. Set a few plants on or near your desk or other workspace. Expand your growing opportunities with the help of stylish, energy-efficient full spectrum plant lights to fit any décor while directing light where it is needed to promote healthy plant growth.
Boost the flavor and nutrition of meals year-round by growing leafy greens and herbs in a sunny window or under artificial lights. Start plants from seeds or purchase transplants to grow indoors. Place your indoor kitchen garden in a brightly lit location, free of cold drafts and with easy access to harvest and use. Turn family meals and friend gatherings into unique and memorable experiences by enlisting them to harvest some greens for their salad and herbs to season their meals.
Grow ferns, orchids, bromeliads, and other humidity-loving plants in your bathroom. Consider these and other low-light plants like cast iron, pothos, and philodendron if natural light is limited. You’ll enjoy stepping out of the shower into a mini tropical zone allowing you to ease into your day.
Get a good night’s sleep with a bit of homegrown aromatherapy in the bedroom. Grow lavender, rosemary, chamomile, and other soothing herbs in your bedroom near a sunny window, on a shelf, or in another naturally or artificially lit, bright location. Just give the plants a pet to release their fragrance into the air before crawling into bed for a long restful sleep.
Create a miniature tropical, moss or desert garden in a terrarium to serve as a focal point in any room or as a centerpiece on the dining room table. Use an open terrarium for succulents and other plants that need airflow, lower humidity, and space to grow. Enlist closed terrariums for moss and tropical plants that benefit from the high humidity and condensation that provides continual watering.
Indoor greenery always makes a nice addition when rethinking or refreshing your home décor in any space. You and your family will enjoy the beauty and many other benefits plants provide.
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‘Disco Bathroom’
The majority of couples opt for traditional weddings but there are those who go to great lengths to find unusual ways to wed. Some travel to Transylvania to tie the knot in Dracula’s Castle and not so long ago a couple exchanged their vows in a ceremony that took place at the summit of Mount Everest in Nepal. Recently, Logen Abney and Tiana Ailstock in Verona, OH got married in the so-called "disco bathroom" of a local gas station. As Logen told Tiana, “from the first dance in this disco bathroom I vow to hop through life with you." The couple then pressed a red button to play what Logen called “the funk beats and mellow melodies, every rhythm in life.”
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The ‘naked man festival’
About a thousand years ago, on the seventh day of the Lunar New Year, the first "naked man festival" was celebrated in a temple in Oshu, Japan. Each year hundreds of loincloth-clad men assembled to pray for “a bountiful harvest, prosperity, good health and fertility.” According to the chief priest of the Kokusekiji Temple, the site of the annual event, "this decision is due to the aging of individuals involved in the festival and a shortage of successors,"
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Thundercow
A mystical cow roams the banks of Lake Thunderbird in Norman, OK; it’s known to locals as Thundercow. When a local resident, Natalie Bevill, came across the mystery cow for the first time she was baffled. As she told the reporters at KOCO-TV, "I was like, 'You know what, I can post on the neighborhood Facebook page just to kind of put out an alert,' and when I did that, that's when I started getting post after post after post in response telling me, ‘Oh, hey, that’s just Thundercow’."
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Medal of Honor : Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class George E. Wahlen
By KATIE LANGE
Department of Defense News
When Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class George Edward Wahlen was assigned as a hospital corpsman during World War II, he tried to get out of it. He couldn't, though, so he embraced the role instead. His bravery and valor in helping his fellow Marines despite his own wounds on the bloody battlefields of Iwo Jima earned him the Medal of Honor.
Wahlen was born on Aug. 8, 1924, in Ogden, Utah, to Albert and Doris Wahlen. When he was 12, Wahlen and his younger twin brothers, Jack and Gene, moved with their parents to a small farm where they did chores as they grew up.
As a teen, Wahlen said he got into boxing thanks to a neighbor who was a professional in the sport. He said he dropped out of high school and instead trained as a civilian aircraft mechanic at Hill Field (now Hill Air Force Base) just south of his hometown.
In a 2002 Library of Congress Veterans History Project interview, Wahlen said that when the U.S. entered World War II, he'd hoped to be drafted into the Army Air Corps. But the service said it didn't need more men with his skills, so he enlisted in the Navy Reserve in June 1943 because he was told they had airplanes, too. Wahlen said he'd wanted to continue working on aircraft, but he was sent to hospital corps training in San Diego instead.
Wahlen said he tried to get out of that duty by talking to the chief at the training school he was attending.
"I said, 'I want to become an aircraft mechanic. That's what I've been trained for.' He says, 'Well, I tell you what. You do good in school, I'll try to get you what you want.' So, I stayed up every night until midnight studying. I finally graduated fairly near the top of my class and went in and reminded him of what he told me. He looked at me and kind of grinned and said, 'We need good men in the hospital corps.' Then, I knew I was pretty well stuck," Wahlen remembered.
By early 1944, Wahlen had volunteered for a battalion within the Fleet Marine Force, which used Navy hospital corpsmen as medics. In February 1944, he was sent to serve in Hawaii with the 2nd Battalion, 26th Marines, 5th Marine Division. By November of that year, he'd worked his way up to pharmacist's mate 2nd class.
On Feb. 19, 1945, Wahlen's platoon, part of Company F, landed on the volcanic island of Iwo Jima to begin one of the fiercest battles in the Pacific Theater. Wahlen said his unit was meant to be held in reserve, but the casualties were so numerous that they were sent into battle the same day they landed.
"I'll always remember getting there. I wasn't too far from my platoon leader, a lieutenant, and … one of the platoon runners called over and said, 'Lieutenant, I lost my rifle coming out of the boat.' And the lieutenant said, 'Well, there's plenty of dead out here. Go find one,'" he remembered.
It was only a week later when Wahlen would become a casualty himself.
On Feb. 26, Wahlen was painfully wounded by a grenade, but he stayed on the battlefield, moving well forward of the front lines so he could carry a wounded Marine to safety despite heavy fire coming at them. Wahlen tirelessly attended to his injured comrades, consistently disregarding any danger to himself from the barrage of shrapnel and bullets.
When he learned that a nearby platoon had suffered heavy casualties, Wahlen ignored the pounding of heavy mortars and the enemy rifles surrounding him to care for those men, too, "working rapidly in an area swept by constant fire and treating 14 casualties before returning to his own platoon," his Medal of Honor citation read.
Days later, on March 2, Wahlen was wounded again when grenade shrapnel hit him in the face. The young corpsman said the injury temporarily shocked him, but he eventually wrapped his own bandages before crawling to help another wounded comrade. However, he couldn't quite reach that man because the enemy was firing at them from a foxhole. Instead, he asked a Marine down the hill from him to pass up a few grenades because Wahlen wasn't armed. Wahlen then crawled further up the hill, dodging enemy grenades to get to the foxhole. He had trouble arming the explosive at first, but he finally got it to work and tossed it into the foxhole, taking out the enemy soldier who had been injuring his comrades.
Afterward, Wahlen finally was able to get to the wounded Marine he'd initially been trying to help. He said another comrade came to help, and that's how they were both able to get off that hill.
Wahlen continued on with his company the next day, taking part in a furious assault across 600 yards of open terrain. He repeatedly gave aid to his comrades, despite the firepower aimed at him, before being wounded a third time by an artillery mortar.
"I went to stand up to get to and fell down. I couldn't walk," Wahlen said. "I looked down, and my boot had been torn off. I'd been hit in the leg and later found out my leg had been broken."
Wahlen said he bandaged his own leg and gave himself a shot of morphine, then crawled about 50 yards to help another Marine. Eventually, other corpsmen came to his aid. Finally, he agreed to be evacuated to a battalion aid station.
Wahlen's dauntless bravery was a constant inspiration to the men around him, helping to keep morale high through critical phases of the battle. Later, he said he was just doing what was expected of him.
"The thought that if one of these people died and I didn't do my job, how would I live with that for the rest of my life?" Wahlen questioned. "I think that was one of the big thoughts that was in my mind."
According to naval historians, over the course of the 36-day Battle of Iwo Jima, 332 hospital corpsmen were killed in action or died of their wounds, while another 659 were wounded badly enough to be evacuated. Their valor didn't go unnoticed, either. Iwo Jima corpsmen received 14 Navy Crosses, 108 Silver Stars and 287 Bronze Stars. Four of the 27 Medals of Honor awarded to Iwo Jima veterans were given to corpsmen, including Wahlen.
Wahlen spent nine months recovering and was still doing so when he received the Medal of Honor on Oct. 5, 1945. President Harry S. Truman bestowed it on Wahlen and 13 other men during Nimitz Day ceremonies at the White House. Naval historians said that Wahlen and one other corpsman, Francis Pierce, were the only two surviving corpsmen from Iwo Jima to receive the honor.
Wahlen was discharged from the Navy in December 1945. He married Melba Holley the following year. They went on to have five children.
After the war, Wahlen was known as a humble man who didn't talk much about his time in the war. His wife once told the Lakeside Review newspaper in Layton, Utah, that she didn't even know he'd received the Medal of Honor until a friend told her she was dating a war hero.
Wahlen went on to get a degree from Weber Junior College (now Weber State University) in his hometown before working for the Railway Messenger Service for a time. But he grew to miss the military community, so in November 1948, he enlisted in the Army as a recruiter. Soon after, he commissioned as an officer so he could continue his work in the medical service. Wahlen served in Korea and Vietnam, retiring at the rank of major in 1968.
For about a decade afterward, Wahlen worked for what is now the Department of Veterans Affairs before retiring for good at age 59. He also remained active in veterans' organizations throughout his community.
In 2004, special legislation was approved to make Wahlen the new namesake of the VA Medical Center in Salt Lake City. A veterans' nursing home that opened in 2010 in his hometown was also named in his honor.
A book called "The Quiet Hero: The Untold Medal of Honor Story of George E. Wahlen at the Battle for Iwo Jima," by Gary W. Toyn, was published in 2006.
Wahlen died on June 5, 2009, in Salt Lake City. He was 84. The Marine Corps said he was honored with a large memorial service attended by veterans from all services. He is buried in Lindquist's Memorial Gardens of the Wasatch in his hometown of Ogden.
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Debunking Fad Diets: Signs your diet is doing more harm than good
By SHELDON RIKLON, M.D.
For those looking to improve their health, fad diets are often a tempting solution. While these trendy eating plans may promise fast results, they often fail to deliver sustainable benefits. Overall, fad diets may not be the best approach for long-term health.
Most fad diets are restrictive, meaning they require you to cut out certain foods altogether. This can lead to short-term weight loss, but maintaining these results over time is rare. In fact, most people gain the weight back after their diet ends.
Now, weight loss is not everyone’s goal, nor should it be. The number on the scale is not actually the best measure of how healthy you are, and the restrictions we make while dieting can leave us without enough of the essential nutrients that keep our bodies working as they should.
Another limitation of fad diets is the one-size-fits-all approach. They often overlook individual differences in nutritional needs and health conditions. Each of us is unique, and what works for one person may not necessarily be suitable for another. It’s important to tailor our dietary choices to our own bodies and health circumstances. Plus, most of the claims made by fad diets are often not supported by scientific evidence. Beware of promises that sound too good to be true.
Beyond the physical effects, strict adherence to fad diets can also take a toll on our mental and emotional health. Rigid rules and restrictions can lead to increased stress, social isolation and an unhealthy relationship with food. A balanced mindset around eating helps us avoid feelings of guilt and anxiety.
Instead of focusing on what you can’t have, shift your attention to what you can. Whole foods like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains and healthy fats provide a wide range of nutrients essential for overall health and well-being. Maintaining a balanced approach to eating means enjoying a variety of foods in appropriate amounts.
Here are three key tips for a balanced diet:
1. Embrace variety. Eat different types of foods from each food group to give your body the nutrients it needs. A simple way to do this is to aim for a variety of colors on your plate throughout the day.
2. Listen to your body. Notice when you’re hungry, and when you’re full. That way, you can eat when you need to and stop when you feel satisfied. Paying attention to these signals can help you prevent mindless eating.
3. Practice moderation, not deprivation. It’s okay to indulge in your favorite foods, just keep it balanced. If you restrict yourself too much, it can backfire and make it harder to stick to a plan.
If you’re unsure about the best approach for your needs, consider seeking guidance from a registered dietitian or health care professional. They can provide personalized advice based on sound scientific evidence, helping you create a healthy eating plan that works for you.
Remember, healthy eating is about nourishing your body while enjoying the foods you love. It doesn’t have to be complicated or restrictive. By adopting a balanced and sustainable approach to nutrition, you can achieve long-lasting health.
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Tips for selecting the best tomatoes for your garden
By MELINDA MYERS
Whether you enjoy tomatoes sliced, sauced, or cooked in your favorite recipe, they taste best when grown and harvested from your garden or container. With more than 10,000 varieties available it can be difficult to select the best ones to grow in your garden.
Start by looking for those varieties best suited to the intended use whether for slicing, cooking, preserving, or snacking. Most seed catalogs and websites as well as plant tags and garden centers provide recommendations.
Bite-sized tomatoes are great for salads, relish trays, and snacking. Trailing varieties like Lizzano, Tumbling Tom, Litt’l Bites Cherry, and Red Robin also grow well in hanging baskets and even window boxes.
Paste and sauce tomatoes have meatier fruit making them perfect for sauces, soups, and preserving. Roma is the traditional favorite with an egg-shaped fruit that has thick walls and few seeds. The All-America Selections Early Resilience Roma has excellent disease and blossom end rot resistance and does not require staking. Use paste tomatoes during the growing season for sauces, chop and add them to an omelet, can or freeze them for future use.
Grow a few slicing tomatoes to enjoy on sandwiches, grilled, or on their own. Beefsteak and Better Boy are longtime favorites while Iron Lady, Galahad, and the colorful Chef’s Choice series are more recent additions to this category.
Perhaps you are looking for an heirloom tomato, one that has been grown for more than 50 years and maintained its original traits and popularity. Cherokee Purple’s rich flavor constantly rates high in taste tests. Brandywine, Black Cherry, Chocolate Stripes, Amana Orange, and Black Krim are also gardener favorites.
Coax reluctant veggie eaters of all ages to give tomatoes a try with some of the sweeter varieties like Sunsugar often called the candy of the garden. Consider having a taste test after growing a variety of super sweet tomatoes like Sungold, Super Sweet 100, Suncherry, and Sunrise Bumble Bee.
Boost your success by selecting disease-resistant varieties and growing your tomatoes in full sun and moist well-drained soil. Plant tags, internet sources, and catalog descriptions usually highlight this and other helpful information.
Look for tomato varieties suited to your growing conditions. Check with your University Extension for a list of recommended varieties for your area. You will also find helpful information on the best time to start tomato seeds indoors and when to place transplants in the garden.
Start enjoying the harvest sooner with fast-maturing tomatoes. Many of those varieties bred for the shorter growing seasons in the north also work well in southern gardens. Early Girl is a longtime favorite, Bush Early Girl produces more fruit on a compact plant and New Girl produces bigger fruit and has better disease resistance. Glacier, Sub Artic Party, and Juliet are a few to consider. Check the catalog description or plant tag for the number of days to harvest.
Select plants with the growth habit that best works with your garden space and gardening style. Determinate tomatoes are perfect for small space gardens and containers. They grow a certain height, stop growing, and produce their fruit over a relatively short time. Indeterminate tomatoes continue to grow throughout the season producing flowers and fruit until you prune out the tip or frost kills the plant. Stake or tower the plants to save space, reduce disease and insect problems, and make harvesting more convenient.
Gather your family and favorite recipes. Make a list of longtime favorites and new tomato varieties to include in this year’s garden. Be sure to save some space as you are likely to find a few additional varieties you just can’t resist planting this year.
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What are the odds?
Loose your wallet in a swimming pool and it’s easy enough to recover; drop it in the sea and you can kiss it goodbye. Marcie Callawaert lives near Tofino, British Columbia a town off the coast of Vancouver Island where she lost her wallet some eight months ago. She combed the beach and even snorkeled in search of it with no luck. And then, one day recently, she went for a beachside walk and “Lo and Behold” there it was, mixed in with trash that had washed up on the beach. "I knew right away. It stopped me right in my tracks."
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Ouch!
How far would you go for a page in the Guinness Book of World Records? Certainly, Denmark’s Peter von Tangen Buskov went to great lengths for his page in that book. Ouch! Peter shoved no less than 68 matchsticks into his nostrils for his award. Was it painful? "Surprisingly it didn't really hurt. I have fairly large nostrils and quite stretchy skin. I'm sure that helped a lot," Buskov explained.
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He forgot, what?
Travelers sometimes leave things behind at the end of a train trip, things like a book or a pair of glasses. But this guy forgot to take his bag containing some $30,000 in cash when he detrained at his stop on the Long Island Rail Road recently. As fate would have it, the team at New York's Metropolitan Transportation Authority found the bag, discovered the cash and lost no time in tracking down the owner, contacting him and saving his day.
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History Matters
A feature courtesy of
The Grateful American Book Prize
On Feb. 16, 1804, the British Viscount Horatio Nelson, [1758-1805], applauded U.S. Lieutenant Stephen Decatur on a military mission which he described as the “most daring act of the age.”
According to History.com, “after disguising himself and his men as Maltese sailors, Decatur’s force of 74 men, which included nine U.S. Marines, sailed into Tripoli harbor on a small two-mast ship. The Americans approached the USS Philadelphia without drawing fire from the Tripoli shore guns, boarded the ship, and attacked its Tripolitan crew, capturing or killing all but two. After setting fire to the frigate, Decatur and his men escaped without the loss of a single American. The Philadelphia subsequently exploded when its gunpowder reserve was lit by the spreading fire.”
The Grateful American Book Prize recommends Our Country, Right or Wrong: The Life of Stephen Decatur, the U.S. Navy's Most Illustrious Commander by Leonard F. Guttridge.
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On Feb. 18, 1885, Samuel Clemens—known also as Mark Twain, put out The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. Controversial and contentious - then and now, Ernest Hemingway, proclaimed that “all modern literature stems from this one book.”
History.com notes that “Twain introduced Huck Finn as the best friend of Tom Sawyer, hero of his tremendously successful novel The Adventures of Tom Sawyer (1876). Though Twain saw Huck’s story as a kind of sequel to his earlier book, the new novel was far more serious, focusing on the institution of slavery and other aspects of life in the antebellum South.”
The Grateful American Book Prize recommends Twain’s The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.
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Mardi Gras is a world-wide celebration, but since Feb. 27, 1827… New Orleans, Louisiana has evolved into the place to be on “Fat Tuesday.” The holiday has a religious connotation but the celebration in New Orleans is decidedly secular.
“Early French settlers brought the tradition of Mardi Gras to the U.S. Gulf Coast at the end of the 17th century,” according to History.com. “In fact, Mobile, Alabama celebrated its first carnival in 1703. However, Spanish governors later banned the celebrations. After Louisiana Territory became part of the United States in 1803, New Orleanians managed to convince the city council to lift the ban on wearing masks and partying in the streets. The city’s new Mardi Gras tradition began…when the group of students, inspired by their experiences studying in Paris, donned masks and jester costumes and staged their own Fat Tuesday festivities.”
The Grateful American Book Prize recommends Rosary O’Neill’s New Orleans Carnival Krewes: The History, Spirit & Secrets of Mardi Gras.
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Five ways to boost heart health
LITTLE ROCK – The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S. February is American Heart Month, and there’s no better time than the present to evaluate what you’re doing to prevent and lower your risk for heart disease. Here are five ways to boost your heart health.
1. Exercise regularly.
Maintaining a healthy weight is an important part of heart disease prevention, and regular exercise is one way to achieve this. The Surgeon General recommends that adults get two and a half hours of moderate physical activity like walking or biking weekly. Children and adolescents should aim for an hour of physical activity every day.
2. Eat healthy.
Establishing healthy eating habits is another way to maintain a healthy weight. Avoid foods that are high in saturated fat and trans fat. Opt for foods that are high in fiber and low in saturated fat, trans fat and cholesterol to help prevent high cholesterol. Foods with lower sodium can help lower your blood pressure, and consuming foods with less sugar can help keep your blood sugar under control.
3. Set limits.
Limiting your alcohol intake and avoiding smoking can also help you prevent heart disease. Knowing your limits and setting boundaries can help you stay disciplined, which is another vital part of lowering your risk for heart disease.
4. Monitor health conditions.
If you struggle with high blood pressure or high cholesterol or have diabetes, managing these conditions is a key part of preventing and lowering your risk for heart disease. Consult with doctors and other members of your health team to see what their recommendations are for managing existing medical conditions. They may prescribe medicines to help manage your blood pressure, cholesterol or blood sugar, along with lifestyle changes to help.
5. Work with a team.
It's important to work with your health care team if any of your conditions change, if your family has a history of any of these medical conditions or if you suspect you might be at risk for them. Consult your doctor if you’ve already had a heart attack or if you struggle with mental health issues. Create a treatment plan that works for you and discuss it regularly, making adjustments when necessary. Don’t stop taking any prescribed medicines before talking to your doctor.
Prioritizing heart health is critical for preventing and lowering your risk for heart disease. For more tips to boost heart health, visit cdc.gov/heartdisease/prevention.htm.
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Social Security Matters
By RUSSELL GLOOR
National Social Security Advisor at the AMAC Foundation
Ask Rusty – Should I Claim Social Security at 68, or Wait Until I’m 70?
Dear Rusty: I have a question regarding my SS benefits. I turned 68 this month and work part time. I earned $28,000 last year but will probably gross $36,000 to $38,000 this year. My husband collects his SS, and he earned $25,000 last year. I was told by a financial planner that I should apply for my benefits now, instead of waiting until I'm 70. I would collect $1700/month at 68 and $1944/month if I wait. Which is the smarter move? Signed: Seeking Answers
Dear Seeking: I’m sure your financial advisor would agree that your decision on when to claim your Social Security comes down to just a few basic things – 1) how badly you need the money, 2) your life expectancy, and 3) whether you will receive a spousal boost from your husband when you claim.
Because you have already passed your full retirement age (FRA) of 66 years and 4 months, your work earnings won’t negatively affect your monthly SS benefit amount. If you claim now, however, your work earnings will affect how much of your SS benefits will be subject to income tax. Assuming you file your income tax as “married/filing jointly,” up to 85% of the Social Security benefits you receive during the tax year will become part of your income taxable by the IRS. If you do not urgently need the extra money that your SS will provide, then waiting longer to claim will also postpone paying income tax on your received benefits, and that may be a consideration.
Your life expectancy is key in making your decision on when to claim. You already know that your benefit will be $244 per month more if you wait until you are 70 to claim. If you claim at 68 (e.g., this month), you will collect about $40,800 by the time you reach 70. If you, instead, wait until age 70 to get that extra $244/month benefit, it will take you about 14 years collecting at the higher rate to offset the $40,800 you would have received had you claimed now (in other words, you would break even moneywise at about age 84). If your life expectancy is longer, then waiting to claim may be the better choice. Of course, no one knows how long they will live but, for general guidance, average life expectancy for a woman your current age is about 87. Family history and your current health are obviously influencing factors as well. If you wish to get a more personal estimate of your life expectancy, I suggest using this tool:
www.socialsecurityreport.org/tools/life-expectancy-calculator/.
In the end, if you believe you will attain at least average life expectancy and you don’t urgently need the money now, waiting longer will not only give you a higher monthly benefit in your later years, but also the most in cumulative lifetime benefits. If, however, you have reason to suspect you won’t achieve at least average life expectancy, or you need the SS money sooner, claiming before age 70 is likely the better move.
One other thing to consider: If your benefit as your husband’s spouse will be more than your own earned maximum SS retirement benefit, then you should claim your SS benefit now. Your maximum benefit as a spouse would be 50% of your husband’s full retirement age entitlement and, if that is more than your own benefit will be at age 70, then claiming now to get your maximum spousal benefit would be your best choice. To get a spousal benefit from your husband, your personal FRA entitlement (not your age 68 amount) would need to be less than half of his FRA entitlement. If that isn’t the case, then you should make your decision based only on your own Social Security entitlement, as described above.
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Starting plants from seeds indoors
By MELINDA MYERS
Keep your green thumb in shape this winter while getting a jump on the growing season by starting your favorite or hard-to-find plants indoors. It’s fun, simpler than you think, and can help stretch your plant budget.
Start with some clean containers that you purchase, recycle, or make from newspapers. Be sure to add drainage holes to any repurposed yogurt or similar containers you are using for starting seeds to avoid waterlogged soil. Always clean used pots by soaking them in a one-part bleach and nine-part water solution for ten minutes then rinse with clear water. This helps reduce the risk of disease.
Fill the containers with a moist well-drained potting mix or a sterile seed starting mix. Once the containers are filled, check the back of your seed packets for planting directions. Most contain all the information you need for when and how to plant the seeds. Some seed companies now provide this information on their website instead of the seed packets.
Most seeds are planted about twice the seed diameter deep while smaller seeds are often set on the soil surface and gently watered in place. Once again, check the seed packet for the seeds you are growing. Plant two seeds per container just in case one of the seeds fails to sprout.
Once planted, move the containers to a warm location. Many gardeners use heating pads designed for germinating seeds to help speed sprouting. Covering the containers with a sheet of plastic or one of the prefab domes will help conserve moisture so you will need to water less often.
Check the soil moisture daily and water often enough to keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy wet. Remove the plastic and move the containers to a sunny window or better yet, under artificial lights as soon as any green appears.
Regularly rotate plants that are growing in sunny windows to promote more even growth. Adjust artificial lights as plants grow. Most seedlings benefit from keeping the lights four to six inches above the top of the seedlings. Leave the lights on for 14 but no more than 16 hours a day. Using a timer is an easy way to make sure the plants receive the right amount of light each day.
Once the seedlings develop two sets of true leaves (these will look like the leaves of the plants you are growing), it is time to do some thinning. Remove the weakest seedling in each pot so only one strong seedling remains. Trimming the weaker seedlings back to ground level instead of pulling avoids damage to the remaining seedling.
Once seedlings have been thinned and are actively growing, use a fertilizer labeled for this use. Continue to water thoroughly and often enough to keep the planting mix slightly moist but not soggy wet.
Check the weather and seed packet to determine when it is safe to move your plants outdoors. You’ll need to prepare them for their new home outdoors with a technique called hardening off. Start by moving the plants to a sheltered and shaded location after the danger of frost has passed. Stop fertilizing, and check soil moisture daily but allow it to dry just slightly before watering thoroughly.
Gradually increase the amount of sunlight the plants receive each day. Cover or move them indoors when frost is in the forecast. Your transplants are ready to move to their permanent location after a week or two.
Start gathering your supplies and seeds now. And before you know it, you will be enjoying the beautiful blooms and tasty vegetables you started from seed yourself.
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Moose on the loose
The Jackson Hole Mountain Resort in Wyoming attracts skiing enthusiasts from all over the world. It occasionally also draws a moose or two as was the case recently and as Ken Rynearson will testify. Ken and a few fellow skiers were pursued on the Jackson Hole slopes for quite a hair-raising moment by a moose who apparently got bored and took a turn for the better. However, a wildlife expert viewed a video tape of the encounter concluded the moose "doesn't really seem to be chasing anybody as much as just trying to kind of get out of the way."
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Flush your ex
How are couples celebrating Valentine’s Day this year? Most likely, they’ll go out for a romantic, candle-lit dinner. But, alas, what if the love of your life “did you wrong? There’s a new company out there that’s ready to lend a hand. The enterprise calls itself Who Gives A Crap and promises to turn old love letters into toilet paper. Their "Flush Your Ex” initiative suggests you "mail us those leftover love letters taking up psychic space in your sock drawer and we'll deliver them to our production facilities, where we magically transform their BS into TP.”
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Bombs away
It’s been nearly 80 years since the end of World War II but unexploded bombs from that era are still a threat—not just in what was war-torn Europe but here at home as well. A 1,000-pound bomb from that era was uncovered recently at a construction site in Florida. During the war, the site was the home of a wartime military airfield that is now the Brooksville-Tampa Bay Regional Airport where airmen were trained to fly B-17 Flying Fortresses and B-24 Liberators. As Hernando County Sheriff Al Nienhuis put it "because it is so rusted and decayed, there's certainly no way of telling whether it's a live munition or inert." Fortunately, of course, it was inert.
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Medal of Honor: Army Sgt. Charles R. Long
By KATIE LANGE
Department of Defense News
Illustration of a Medal of Honor medal with text reading "Medal of Honor Monday: Highlighting recipients of the nation's highest medal for valor."
When Army Sgt. Charles Richard Long offered to stay behind and cover his fellow soldiers' backs as they escaped a massive enemy onslaught in Korea, he likely knew it would be his last stand. He stayed put anyway, serving with dignity until he couldn't anymore. That sacrifice and valor earned him the Medal of Honor.
Long was born Dec. 10, 1923, in Kansas City, Missouri, to parents Fritz and Lois Long. He, his older brother, Robert, and his younger sister, Edith, all grew up nearby in Independence. Long went by his middle name, but immediate family called him Buddy.
Growing up, Long did what he could to help his family make ends meet. He worked as a paperboy for the Kansas City Star newspaper and sold soda at a bus station. After graduating from Northeast High School in 1941, he went to work for the Fairmount Inter-City News before being drafted into the Army in 1943.
Long served in Europe during the winter of 1944-1945, including during the bloody Battle of the Bulge in the Ardennes Forest in Belgium. He was an infantryman with the 745th Tank Battalion, 1st Infantry Division, and received a Bronze Star for valor for helping the division cross the Rhine River in Germany.
After World War II, Long was discharged. He wanted to rejoin on active duty as an escort for fallen service members, but he was told he couldn't because he had high blood pressure. Instead, he remained in the Army as a reservist.
At some point, he married his girlfriend, Evelyn Tipton, and helped her raise her two daughters, Patricia and Sondra. Long returned to work at the Inter-City News and was also involved in church groups, the Boy Scouts and the YMCA in his free time.
About three months after war broke out in Korea in 1950, Long was called back to active duty and sent to the embattled peninsula to serve with Company M of the 38th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division.
By Feb. 12, 1951, his unit was in the area of Hoeng-Song when six enemy divisions launched an unexpected offensive, overwhelming South Korean forces and U.S. support troops. Company M had set up a defensive perimeter on Hill 300 when the attack came at about 3 a.m. Enemy forces greatly outnumbered them, so they were ordered to withdraw.
Long, who was a forward observer for the mortar platoon, volunteered to stay behind to cover his fleeing comrades. While maintaining radio contact with his platoon, he calmly directed mortar fire on the enemy while using his carbine and grenades to push the attackers back.
Eventually, Long was wounded and surrounded. According to a Department of Veterans Affairs account, when Long ran out of ammo, he made one final call to his platoon, asking them to fire 40 pounds of explosives on the enemy, including on his own position. The 27-year-old knowingly gave his life to allow as many of his fellow soldiers to get clear of the chaos as possible.
The lopsided battle at Hoeng-Song was one of the largest concentrations of American deaths during the Korean War. However, Long's actions halted the onslaught and enabled his company to withdraw, reorganize and counterattack, eventually regaining Hill 300.
For his sacrifice, Long's widow accepted the Medal of Honor on his behalf from Defense Secretary Robert Lovett during a Pentagon ceremony on Jan. 16, 1952. Nine other soldiers also received posthumous honors that day.
Long is buried in Mount Washington Cemetery in his hometown, Independence, which also happens to be the home of President Harry S. Truman and the Truman Presidential Library, which is where Long's medal is on display in a permanent exhibit.
The young Missourian's sacrifice has not been forgotten. The state's Army Reserve center and a bridge in Independence are named in his honor, as is a display at the Truman Memorial Building, not far from the Truman Library.
Camp Long in Wonju, South Korea, honored him before it closed in 2010. Long Road on Camp Humphreys in South Korea also bears his name.
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Unique gifts for your valentine
By MELINDA MYERS
Chocolates and roses are synonymous with Valentine’s Day. They are always a welcome gift but maybe this is the year you decide to give your Valentine something different.
Consider an indoor plant with heart-shaped leaves or flowers. Anthuriums are an easy-to-grow long blooming indoor plant. The red, pink, or white heart-shaped flowers rise above glossy green leaves. Grow it in a brightly lit location out of direct sunlight and water when the soil is slightly dry.
Heart-shaped leaves and colorful flowers of the florist cyclamen (Cyclamen persicum) make it an excellent choice. Its pink, red, purple, or white flowers rise above variegated leaves of green and silver. It prefers cool, draft-free locations and bright indirect light. Allow the soil to almost dry between waterings.
Valentine hoya, also known as Sweetheart hoya (Hoya kerrii), is usually sold as a single rooted leaf in a small container. It eventually grows into a vining plant and requires the same care as other hoyas. Grow it in a warm location with bright indirect light and well-drained soil.
String of hearts (Ceropegia woodii) is just that, a thin vine dotted with an abundance of small heart-shaped leaves. The leaves are dark green with silver highlights adding to its appeal. Grow it in bright light with well-drained soil and water it when the soil is dry.
Beginning and experienced gardeners will appreciate a low-maintenance pothos or philodendron with heart-shaped leaves. Select one of the variegated philodendron varieties like Brasil or Neon pothos with bright lime green leaves for a bit different look.
Purchase or create a heart-shaped topiary. At your favorite garden center, you’ll find many ready-to-buy or all the necessary materials to plant your own.
All you need is a pot with drainage holes, a couple of vining-type plants like wire vine or English ivy, and a piece of heavy gauge wire or a pre-formed heart-shaped topiary frame.
Small-leafed ivies and wire vines are easy to train into attractive topiaries. Look for small plants with long branches for immediate impact.
Bend the wire into a heart shape with one or two legs that will extend into the container. Fill the bottom half of the container with a well-drained potting mix. Set the topiary frame in place. Locate the plants in the container so the stems can be trained up either side of the heart. Cover the roots with soil and water. Secure the stems to the wireframe and add a decorative stone mulch, if desired.
If your recipient is an avid gardener, they may prefer assembling their own Valentine's topiary. Just provide all the materials and directions wrapped in pretty paper.
If you opt for fresh flowers, make sure to get the most from your floral investment. Look for the freshest flowers possible. A whiff of the water will let you know if the flowers are fresh and have been properly tended.
Look for upright and perky flowers with lots of firm buds that are just starting to open. Avoid cut flowers with drooping discolored leaves and slimy stems.
Give the recipient a packet of floral preservatives to add to some fresh water. Encourage them to remove any lower leaves and recut the stems before placing them in a clean vase.
If the roses bend at the neck soon after purchase, there is an easy cure. Remove them from their vase, recut the stems, and submerge the whole rose – stem, leaves, flowers, and all – in a sink or tub of warm water. Leave the roses submerged for 30 minutes. Recut the stem and place it in a clean vase with fresh water and a floral preservative.
Always protect your living Valentine's gift when transporting it between the store, your home, and your Valentine. Wrap plants or cut flowers to protect them from the weather and never leave them in a cold or hot car.
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Happy Birthday, Edie
Edith “Edie” Recagno Keenan Ceccarelli was born in the town of Willits, California, and still lives there. She’s the oldest resident in Willits, a town with a population just shy of 5,000 residents. In fact, at the age of 116 years, she’s the oldest woman in America and the second oldest woman in the world. Each year, on February 5, the whole town comes out to celebrate her birthday and Edie wonders, “Why am I still here? ” As one of her best friends put it, “God has a plan for you.”
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As the song goes, ‘Can’t Stop The Spring’
Punxsutawney Phil had good news for those of us who can’t wait for the warm and sunny days of springtime. The “biggest meteorological holiday of the year” took place on February 2 when that famous groundhog, Punxsutawney Phill, emerged from his den. It was a cloudy day, so Phill did not see his shadow, the sign that springtime is just a few short weeks away -- maybe. Since 1887 Phill had it right 48% of the time but was wrong 52%. Your pick!
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How did he get in there?
Somehow three-year-old Ethan in Queensland, Australia managed to work his way into a claw machine via the chute through which prizes are dispensed. In this case it was a Hello Kitty plush toy machine. Using hand gestures Dad signaled his boy to stand far back in the machine’s container allowing police to smash through the glass pane. All’s well that ends well. When the ordeal came to a successful end, one of the police officers told Ethan, "You won a prize, which one do you want?"
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History Matters
A feature courtesy of
The Grateful American Book Prize
On February 1, 1790, Chief Justice John Jay opened the Supreme Court's inaugural meeting on Broad Street in New York.
According to History.com, "The... Court later grew into arguably the most powerful judicial body in the world in terms of its central place in the U.S. political order. In times of constitutional crises, for better or worse, it always played a definitive role in resolving the great issues of the time."
The Grateful American Book Prize recommends William H. Rehnquist's The Supreme Court.
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Joe DiMaggio said Leroy "Satchel" Paige was the "best and fastest pitcher I’ve faced." Even so, it took Paige 50 years to be honored by the Baseball Hall of Fame - on February 8, 1971- as the first Negro League veteran to earn the recognition.
According to History.com, Paige was "a pitching legend known for his fastball, showmanship and the longevity of his playing career. Born in Mobile, Alabama, most likely on July 7, 1906, although the exact date remains a mystery, he earned his nickname, Satchel, as a boy when he earned money carrying passengers' bags at train stations. Baseball was segregated when Paige started playing baseball professionally in the 1920s, so he spent most of his career pitching for Negro League teams around the United States. During the winter season, he pitched for teams in the Caribbean and Central and South America. As a barnstorming player who traveled thousands of miles each season and played for whichever team met his asking price, he pitched an estimated 2,500 games, had 300 shut outs, and 55 no-hitters. In one month in 1935, he reportedly pitched 29 consecutive games."
For more information, The Grateful American Book Prize recommends Satchel: The Life and Times of an American Legend by Larry Tye.
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When Theodore Roosevelt refused to slay a bear during a hunting trip, the incident prompted a New York City inventor-toy store owner, Morris Michtom, to fashion two stuffed bears that were approved by the president. On February 15, 1903, he placed them in his window.
According to History.com, "Reports differ as to the exact details of the inspiration behind the teddy bear, but it is thought that while hunting in Mississippi in 1902, Roosevelt came upon an old injured black bear that his guides had tied to a tree. While some reports claim Roosevelt shot the bear out of pity for his suffering, others insist he set the bear free. Political cartoonists later portrayed the bear as a cub, implying that under the tough, outdoorsy and macho image of Roosevelt lay a much softer, more sensitive interior."
For more information, the Grateful American Book Prize recommends A Collector's History of the Teddy Bear by Patricia Schoonmaker.
House Call
Dr. Daniel Knight, professor in the Department of Family and Preventive Medicine in the College of Medicine at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Q: What is macular degeneration? A: Macular degeneration is a common eye disorder. Often referred to as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the condition affects the macula, which is the central part of the retina. The retina controls central vision, making it difficult for people with AMD to see things directly in front of them. AMD most commonly occurs in those over the age of 50. AMD presents itself in two forms — dry and wet. Dry AMD, the most common form of the disorder, is when yellow protein deposits collect under the macula. These deposits build up and eventually dry out and thin the macula. Wet AMD occurs when abnormal blood vessels develop under the retina and macula. These blood vessels leak blood and fluid, and the buildup forms a bulge in the macula. AMD can be inherited. It can also occur in those who have diabetes or have had head injuries. AMD symptoms may include blurred vision, changes in how you see colors, or blank or dark spots in your vision. An eye exam can help determine the presence of AMD. While the condition cannot be cured, certain vitamin supplements or medications may be recommended to slow the progression of AMD and make symptoms more manageable.
Q: What occurs during sepsis? A: Sepsis is the body’s abnormal internal reaction to an infection. The immune system naturally fights infections, but sepsis occurs when the immune system attacks healthy organs and tissues. It is a medical emergency and a life-threatening situation if not treated. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that more than 1.7 million people in the United States are diagnosed with sepsis each year. Bacterial, fungal, parasitic and viral infections can cause sepsis. Damage to tissues and organs may lead to inflammation throughout the body. Blood clots may also form, reducing blood flow to organs. Infections of the gastrointestinal system, lungs, skin and urinary tract are the common types that can lead to sepsis. Risk factors include being over the age of 65, people who have catheters or breathing tubes, those with weakened immune systems, or anyone with a recent long-term hospital stay. Sepsis symptoms may include confusion, elevated heart rate, feeling lightheaded or shivering. Quick diagnosis is the key to successful recovery, as sepsis progresses rapidly. Sepsis is often treated with antibiotics, intravenous fluids, and medications to tighten blood vessels to raise blood pressure. If you have an infection that is not getting better and you experience symptoms, contact a health care provider immediately. Q: What is the role of a phlebotomist? A: A phlebotomist is a health care professional specifically trained in collecting blood and preparing the samples for analysis and testing. Phlebotomy refers to the act of puncturing a vein. Blood samples may also be obtained by finger pricks (commonly used in blood sugar testing or determining a patient’s blood type) or by heel pricks in an infant. Anyone who has been treated by a health care provider has encountered a phlebotomist or a health care professional such as a nurse who is also trained in drawing blood. Phlebotomists work in locations such as assisted living facilities, blood donation centers, clinical laboratories, community health centers, doctors’ offices and hospitals. Many phlebotomists have a certification from an accredited phlebotomy program. These programs often include classwork, hands-on training and the passing of a certification exam. Phlebotomy programs generally take less than one year to complete. Collecting blood or other samples is often the first step in medical diagnosis. Blood may also be drawn while treating medical conditions such as high iron levels or sickle cell anemia, so phlebotomists perform a vital function. Patience and understanding are fundamental skills as many patients experience anxiety with the process of having blood drawn. Q: Can an electrocardiogram determine if I will have a heart attack? A: An electrocardiogram (often referred to as an ECG or EKG) measures and records the heart’s electric signals. Each heartbeat results in an electrical wave, and the EKG displays these waves and patterns. An EKG is a noninvasive and painless method to determine how the heart is functioning. While an EKG cannot predict whether a person will have a heart attack, it can show if a heart attack is happening at the time. It can also reveal whether a heart attack had previously occurred. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that each year about 805,000 people in the U.S. have a heart attack. Heart issues such as cardiomyopathy (enlarged or thickened heart walls), blocked or narrowed arteries or irregular heartbeats also can be detected with an EKG. The test can also be used to track the effectiveness of heart disease treatments or whether a patient is fit for surgery. EKG results are normally known soon after the test is performed, and your health care provider can review them with you. Even if you don’t have symptoms, an EKG may be recommended if you have a family history of heart disease.
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Party In The Potty
How do you attract a crowd in a convenience store? Easy! Throw a party in the potty. The HOP Shops chain of stores in Kentucky recently installed big red buttons in its bathrooms warning customers with a sign warning, “Do Not Push This Button." When you push the button – and that’s the idea – it triggers an array of colored lights, music and, of course, a disco ball and all of a sudden you find yourself in a mini dance club. It works. Store manager Mary Moss told WDKY-TV, "I had a 60-year-old woman who came out of the restroom and told me it was the best day of her life."
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How ‘cool’ is this
Katarzyna Jakubowska suggests that it’s in their genes for women to endure hardships. She should know, having earned a page in the Guinness Book of World Records when she withstood 3 hours, 6 minutes and 45 seconds in a box filled with ice up to her neck. As she put it, "I believe that we have great strength as women” and “I wanted to show that if we want something, we can do it."
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Not so sweet revenge
Valentine’s Day is approaching but there’s still enough time to find an appropriate memento for your not-so-loved one. If he or she is no longer the one you love and you want to show it, the Rhode Island animal shelter offers to bury your ex in kitty litter. For a $5 donation, they’ll write the name of an ex-friend or lover and bury it in a litter box for our shelter cats to poop all over. How's that for stinky retripootion?"
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Brighten any space with containers of summer-flowering bulbs
By MELINDA MYERS
Add unexpected beauty to your patio, deck, or balcony with summer-blooming bulbs. You may have grown elephant ears, lilies, dahlias, gladiolus, and caladiums in your garden, but did you know they also thrive in containers? Some summer bulbs grow even better in pots than they do in the garden. These include the exotic-looking flowers of Abyssinian gladiolus, calla lilies, pineapple lilies, and spider lilies.
One of the reasons these bulbs perform so well in containers is that you can be sure they get warm soil, consistent water, and plenty of nutrients. Taller plants like gladiolus, lilies, dahlias, cannas, and elephant ears are the perfect thrillers for large containers. Their bold foliage and extravagant blooms are sure to steal the show. Just plant the bulbs in spring along with your other annuals. As temperatures rise, these heat-loving bulbs will begin to fill in and soon burst into bloom providing added texture and color from late summer through fall.
You may find that summer-blooming bulbs like the pineapple lily (Eucomis), calla lily, and fragrant Hymenocallis perform better in their own containers because there is no competition with other plants for space, nutrients, and moisture. Before the bulbs begin flowering, their foliage provides an attractive backdrop for other container plants that bloom earlier in the season. Once flowering begins, you can move the pots front and center to fully enjoy the show. In cold climates, growing in containers also makes it easier to overwinter the bulbs. Just move the pots indoors to a cool, dark location until it’s time to replant the next spring.
Combine plants of different sizes and shapes to create visual excitement. Containers filled with tall plants such as gladiolus, cannas, tall varieties of dahlias, and large elephant ears provide striking vertical accents. Shorter plants like caladiums, pineapple lily, and triplet lily (Brodiaea) can be positioned in front of the larger pots. Add a few planters filled with your favorite annuals to keep the color going all season long.
Many summer-blooming bulbs are wonderfully fragrant. Growing these plants on a patio, deck, or balcony, ensures you won’t miss out on their delightful perfume. Late summer evenings are even sweeter when you are surrounded by containers filled with Oriental lilies, spider lilies, and acidanthera.
Small bulbs can grow into enormous plants, so choosing the right size container is important if you want your summer bulbs to reach their full potential. Longfield Gardens provides helpful tips in its Best Summer Bulbs for Containers article (www.longfield-gardens.com).
Most mid-sized dahlias will grow well in a five-gallon container. Dahlias that get to be more than 3 feet tall need a larger pot as well as sturdy stakes for extra support. Cannas and elephant ears are thirsty plants and can develop a very large root system in just a few short months. For these tropical beauties, the bigger the pot, the better!
Extend the bloom time for gladiolus and its cousin, Abyssinian gladiolus, by planting the bulbs in batches about two weeks apart. Both of these summer bulbs have sword-like foliage that provides vertical interest while you wait for the beautiful blooms. If you like cut flowers, grow a few extra pots of gladiolus so you can include them in summer arrangements.
Calla lilies are easy to grow in pots, even for gardeners in cool climates. Choose from a rainbow of beautiful flower colors, from white and yellow, to peach, red, and nearly black. The blossoms last for a month or more, and the lush foliage stays attractive all season long.
Extend the season into early fall with the exotic-looking flowers of Nerine bowdenii. Plant three or more bulbs per container and look forward to fragrant, candy-pink blossoms in September.
Let the unique flowers of pineapple lily (Eucomis) shine by growing them in their own container. The long-lasting flowers feature a green topknot that makes them resemble a pineapple. As with nerines, callas, and other non-hardy summer bulbs, Eucomis can be overwintered indoors and replanted in spring.
The possibilities are many. No matter which summer bulbs you choose, growing them in containers is a sure way to add pizzazz to your patio, deck, balcony, or entryway.
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How often should we wash our towels?
Key Findings:
3% of residents surveyed only wash their bathroom towels once a year, which equates to over 1.5 million people (1,595,646).
Almost one in 10 residents (8%) surveyed only wash their bathroom towels twice a year, equating to over 4 million people (4,255,056)
A third of those (33%) surveyed wash their bathroom towels just once every three months, this equates to over 17 million people (17,552,107)
Men are five times more likely to go a year without washing their towels
Through a survey of 2,200 residents, Showers to You’s research found that 3% of respondents wash their bathroom towels once a year, equating to 1,595,646 UK citizens.
Men were five times more likely to clean their bathroom towels just once a year, with 5% of male respondents admitting to giving them an annual wash, compared to 1% of women.
Almost one in 10 respondents (8%) stated they will only wash their bathroom towels twice a year, indicating over 1.5 million people across the country give their towels a clean every six months, while a third of respondents (33%) will only wash their bathroom towels once every three months at the most
However, it’s not all bad news for the nation’s bathroom hygiene, with almost one in five (38%) respondents stating they wash their towels once a month, almost a quarter (24%) washing their towels once a week and one in 20 (5%) health conscious residents washing their towels every single day.
Martin Smith, the founder of Showers to You commented:
“The bathroom should in theory be one of the cleanest rooms in the home, however our research shows that many people across the country could be ignoring a key step in ensuring proper bathroom hygiene.
“While it’s encouraging to see the data shows the majority of respondents are keeping up with regularly washing their bathroom towels, everyone should ensure they are ensuring a regular routine of washing their towels in line with guidance from health professionals, especially for those who only give their towels an annual wash.”
Visual cleanliness is the most common factor that causes people to wash their bathroom towels(67%), followed by smell (61%) and ‘number of uses’ (58%). Worryingly, however, one in sixrespondents (15%) stated they will only wash their towels once they have become stiff.
While the study found that one in 9 respondents (11%) aren’t concerned at all by bacteria or hygiene issues stemming from not washing their bathroom towels, the NHS advises that towels can spread germs if not washed frequently.
Commenting on the research, Dr. Hamdan Abdullah Hamed MBChB, a board-certified Dermatologist and Co-founder of PowerYourCurls.com, states:
“It is crucial to maintain proper hygiene in our everyday routines, including the use and care of bathroom towels. Regular washing of bathroom towels is important to maintain cleanliness and reduce the risk of infections. Towels tend to accumulate moisture, creating an environment conducive to bacterial and fungal growth. Bacteria like staphylococcus aureus can lead to skin infections, while fungi like Candida yeast can cause issues like athlete's foot or yeast infections. Additionally, dirty towels may contain allergens that can trigger allergic reactions or skin irritations in sensitive individuals. Therefore, it is recommended to wash towels after every three to four uses to eliminate bacteria, dirt, dead skin cells, and allergens, ensuring optimal hygiene and minimising health risks.”
https://ww.showerstoyou.co.uk/latest/2023/09/how-often-do-you-wash-your-bathroom-towels/
Methodology:
A survey of 2,200 UK residents asking respondents to state how often they wash their bathroom towels and the reasons behind the frequency.
Population statistics for UK adults (18 and over) taken from the Office of National Statistics.
Guidance on washing towels taken from Healthline.
Guidance on hygiene issues around washing towels taken from the NHS.
All data was collected in August 2023 and is correct as of then.
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Medal of Honor: Marine Corps Pfc. Ray "Mike" Clausen Jr.
By KATIE LANGE
Department of Defense News
Marine Corps Pfc. Raymond Michael Clausen Jr. wasn't exactly known for acquiescing to authority during his time in Vietnam, and that lack of obedience helped save more than a dozen Marines who got trapped in a minefield in 1970. Clausen's fearless actions during that mission earned him the Medal of Honor.
Clausen, who went by Mike, was born on Oct. 14, 1947, in New Orleans to parents Ray Sr. and Mary Louise. He had a sister and three brothers, two of whom also served in the Marines.
After first grade, Clausen's family moved to Hammond, Louisiana, where he attended a Catholic primary school and was an altar boy at his church. Eventually, he switched to public school, graduating from Hammond High School in 1965. That fall, he started classes at nearby Southeastern Louisiana University, but after reading daily about all that was happening in Vietnam, he decided he needed to be part of the war effort.
Clausen enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserve in March 1966. By May of that year, he was discharged so he could join the regular Marines. After attending aviation school, Clausen was deployed to Vietnam, where he served as a jet helicopter mechanic with Marine Aircraft Group 16 of the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing.
Clausen returned to the U.S. for a short time before volunteering to go back in November 1969. In a Veteran's History Project Library of Congress interview in the early 2000s, he said his mother didn't like the idea and asked him why he wanted to return.
"I said, 'There's something I've got to do. I haven't done it yet, but there's something I've got to do,'" Clausen remembered.
When he got back to Vietnam, he remained with MAG 16 in Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 263. As a helicopter crew chief, most of his missions were doing reconnaissance and Medevac flights. His job was to make sure all systems were a go for each flight, and while in the air, his role included clearing pilots in and out of landing zones and directing gunners.
On Jan. 31, 1970, his CH-46D Sea Knight and two other helicopters had dropped Marines into a field for a mission. A short time later, he said they were called back to extract some of those men, who had inadvertently stumbled into a minefield during a firefight with the enemy.
"The radio operator called up the helicopter and asked us if we'd come in and take up the wounded," Clausen recalled. When the pilot asked Clausen if they should go, the young crew chief replied, "Considering we put them in there, I think it's only right that we should get them out."
Nearly a dozen Marines had been wounded or killed, and those who remained held their positions for fear of detonating more mines if they moved. Clausen skillfully guided his pilot to a landing area that looked safe because several mines had already exploded there – although, he said, he really didn't know what a mine looked like and had no expertise on the matter.
Without hesitation, Clausen immediately ran off the chopper. When he reached the radio operator who had called for their help, that man pulled off Clausen's helmet and yelled at him about entering a minefield.
"So, I sort of flew back to the helicopter, not even touching the ground. I was on the ramp looking out. were carrying a stretcher toward the helicopter when one of the men carrying the stretcher stepped on a mine. The concussion and shrapnel knocked them all off their feet," Clausen remembered.
He said he immediately told his pilot that he was going back out. His pilot tried to tell him to stay put, but it was too late. "I was already disconnected. I was gone," Clausen said.
Despite the potential for hitting more mines, he went about his business collecting the injured.
"I picked up the ones who couldn't walk, and the ones who could walk sort of followed in my footsteps — thinking I knew what mines were," he said, chuckling at that thought. "We did all this under fire."
Clausen left the relative safety of the helicopter six times to carry out his rescue efforts. He said in total, they landed in three different areas twice, and he entered the minefield each time to help.
He remembered one occasion during a landing when they hit and detonated a mine right near a fallen corpsman whose body was still on the ground. Clausen hopped off the chopper and rescued three other wounded men before grabbing the slain corpsman to bring him home.
Only when Clausen was certain that all the Marines were safely aboard the helicopter did he signal to the pilot to head back to base. When they got there, Clausen said his pilot reprimanded him for not following orders, threatening a court martial. Clausen said he'd disobeyed authority several times — a 2004 Boston Globe profile about him said he'd been demoted after every promotion — but the reprimand never happened.
"[My pilot then] said, 'After what you did, there's no way in hell I can court martial you,'" Clausen remembered.
The 22-year-old was credited with saving 18 Marines that day.
"I personally carried six of the Marines out of the minefield, two in each place I landed. The rest of the Marines in the area who could walk … followed me out," he humbly said during the Library of Congress interview.
After that mission, Clausen came back to the U.S. and was released from active duty on Aug. 19, 1970. He took a job as an inspector for Boeing, but soon after, he got into a very serious car crash that temporarily left him in a coma. According to the Boston Globe, the crash nearly blinded him in one eye, and he had trouble walking for a while.
Clausen was at his home in Ponchatoula, Louisiana, recovering from the incident when he got a letter telling him he had earned the Medal of Honor. He received it on June 15, 1971, from President Richard M. Nixon during a White House ceremony. His accolades also include 98 Air Medals from the more than 3,000 hours he flew in combat.
In the Library of Congress interview, Clausen said he never considered himself a hero — just a man who did what had to be done. He said his Medal of Honor is shared with all of the helicopter crewmen with whom he served.
"Everybody that ever landed anywhere in Vietnam, ever flew in Vietnam — we all share in having the medal," he said.
In 1976, Clausen married his long-time girlfriend, Lois. He spent much of the rest of his life doing public speaking events and talking with veterans' organizations about his experience, even though his health was deteriorating.
Clausen died of liver failure on May 30, 2004, while receiving treatment at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas. He was 56. Soon after, he was buried in Ponchatoula City Cemetery in the town in which he spent his later years.
About a decade before his death, Clausen donated his Medal of Honor to the National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola, Florida, where it is on permanent display.
After his death, a Medal of Honor display that included one of his uniforms and a copy of his citation was set up at the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 1052 in Independence, Louisiana. In 2019, it was loaned to the New Orleans VA Medical Center for display during the 50th commemoration of the Vietnam War. It was then moved to the Hammond Community Based Outpatient Clinic in Clausen's hometown.
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Social Security Matters
By RUSSELL GLOOR, National Social Security Advisor at the AMAC Foundation
Ask Rusty – Will Withdrawing from 401(k) Affect My Social Security?
Dear Rusty: My full retirement age (FRA) is 66 and 8 months, which I’ll reach in September 2024. I’m still working 3 days a week. I want to cash in my 401K and want to know if I have to wait until my FRA for IRS purposes or can cash it in anytime in 2024. I don't want to affect my Social Security or end up paying taxes on my benefits. Signed: Seeking to Avoid Taxes
Dear Seeking: We’re not experts on IRS matters here at the AMAC Foundation so I can’t address 401(k) questions, but we can provide information on your Social Security circumstances and how 401(k) withdrawals may affect your SS. I assume from your question that you are now receiving early Social Security and wish to avoid any tax consequences thereto by cashing in your 401(k), as well as from working. Here’s what you need to know:
• Since you will reach your full retirement age (FRA) in 2024, your 2024 work earnings limit will be $59,520 up to the month you reach FRA. If you were born in January 1958, you’ll attain FRA in September 2024. After you have reached your FRA there is no longer a Social Security limit to how much you can earn from working, so your work earnings thereafter will not affect your monthly Social Security benefit regardless of how much you earn. If your part time work between January and August 2024 won’t put you over the $59,520 limit, your work earnings will not negatively affect your gross monthly Social Security benefit.
• Assuming you are on Medicare, the premium for which is deducted from your Social Security payment, withdrawals from your 401(k) might affect your net monthly Social Security payment in two years hence. Medicare premiums are based upon your combined income from all sources, including 50% of the SS benefits you received during the tax year. If your 401(k) withdrawal(s) put you over an income threshold for your tax filing status, you may be required to pay an “IRMAA” (Income Related Monthly Adjustment Amount) on top of the standard Medicare premium. That IRMAA supplement would be deducted from your Social Security, which would affect the net amount of your Social Security payment. Your Medicare premium for each coming year is determined by your combined income from two years prior, so if you “cash in” your 401(K) in 2024, it would affect your net Social Security payments in 2026.
• Whether you will pay income tax on your Social Security benefits is determined by your combined income from everywhere, which the IRS calls your “Modified Adjusted Gross Income” or “MAGI.” MAGI is your income from all sources (except ROTH IRA withdrawals) and includes half of the SS benefits you received during the tax year. If you file your taxes as a single, and your MAGI is over $25,000 – or if you file your taxes as “married-jointly” and your MAGI is over $32,000 – then 50% of the Social Security benefits received during the tax year becomes part of your overall income taxed by the IRS (at your normal IRS tax rate). But if your MAGI as a single filer is more than $34,000 – or as a married/jointly filer over $44,000 – then up to 85% of the SS benefits received during the tax year becomes part of your overall income taxed by the IRS.
So, to recap:
1. Your part time work earnings in 2024 won’t affect your monthly Social Security benefit, unless your 2024 work earnings prior to September 2024 exceed $59,520.
2. Depending on the amount of your 401(k) withdrawals, your 2026 net Social Security payments may be impacted by Medicare’s IRMAA provision. But your 401(k) withdrawals will not affect your gross Social Security payments.
3. Depending on the amount of your 401(k) withdrawals, some of the Social Security benefits received during the 2024 tax year will likely be subject to income tax. That is, if your annual total income, including your 401(k) withdrawals, exceeds the MAGI thresholds described above.
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Get a Jump Start on Managing Plant Pests This Winter
By MELINDA MYERS
Just like us, insects spend their winters in different locations. Unlike us, they spend their winters in different stages of development. Some may overwinter as adults, others in their immature stage as grubs, caterpillars, or nymphs, while others will be in the pupal stage like a chrysalis or cocoon. Understanding their lifecycle and location can help us support beneficial insects while managing problem insect pests.
Invite beneficial insects like lady beetles, parasitic wasps, and predatory mites to your landscape to help manage populations of plant-damaging pests. Add a birdbath to encourage insect-eating songbirds into your gardens. Most songbirds eat insects or feed them to their young while adding color, movement, and entertainment to your garden.
Keeping your plants healthy with proper care is the first and an important step in any pest management strategy. Healthy plants are better able to tolerate pest attacks and are more likely to recover from the damage.
Despite your best efforts, insect pests may attack and damage your plants. Birds and predaceous insects often manage small populations but there may be times you decide to intercede. Winter is a great time to monitor and, in many cases, manage plant-damaging insects.
Scale insects can be one of these and come in a variety of colors and shapes, but all grow and reproduce under a waxy covering. This covering protects them from predators, desiccation, and pesticides. Depending on the scale species they may overwinter as an immature scale, fertilized female, or eggs under the protective covering.
Treating plant damaging scale in late winter or early spring is one way to jump-start control of this pest while having minimal or no impact on beneficial insects that will help manage this pest. Take some time now to check plants for problem pests like the invasive oystershell scale.
This insect is not native to North America and is a pest of more than 130 species of plants including poplars, ash, beech, maple, willows, dogwood, cotoneaster, and lilacs. Adult scale insects form a grayish to dark brown protective covering called a test that resembles an oyster or mussel shell. In the fall the mated female lays 20 to 100 eggs inside the test, dies and the eggs remain there throughout the winter.
Removing heavily infected twigs and branches is an option when the scale population is contained in a small portion of the plant. You can also gently scrape the scale off branches and stems with a plastic dish scrubber. Be careful not to damage thin-barked plants.
Another option is to apply organic lightweight horticulture oil like Summit Year-Roundâ Spray Oil (summitresponsiblesolutions.com) when plants are dormant. The temperatures must be 40 degrees or higher when treating. As always, read and follow label directions for effective and safe control. Since the eggs are so well protected, a second application of the horticulture oil can increase success. Make a second application, if needed, when the eggs hatch and the immature insects known as crawlers emerge in spring after the buds have burst.
As you survey your landscape this winter, pay special attention to stressed plants and those susceptible to oystershell scale and other insect pests common in your area. Plants exposed to road dust and pesticides may also be more vulnerable as these conditions negatively impact predators and parasites that help manage plant pests.
Regularly monitoring plant health, working with nature, and strategically managing invasive pests like the oystershell scale can help improve the health, vigor, and longevity of your landscape plants.
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Medal of Honor: Army Master Sgt. Nicholas Oresko
By KATIE LANGE
DOD News
When Army Master Sgt. Nicholas Oresko talked about the most pivotal actions he took during World War II, he often made it clear that the hardest part was the fact that he was alone.
"You don't know what it feels like to be alone in a situation like that," he said during a Library of Congress Veterans History Project interview in the early 2000s.
Despite being by himself in frigid Germany during a late-war enemy counterattack, Oresko pushed on anyway, singlehandedly clearing the way for his company to take their objective. That valor and bravery earned him the Medal of Honor.
Oresko was born Jan. 18, 1917, in Bayonne, New Jersey, to an American mother and a father who was a Russian immigrant. Despite being only 5'4", Oresko said he loved to play sports growing up. When he was young, Charles Lindbergh was one of his heroes, which made him want to be a pilot for a time.
Before the war, Oresko worked in the shipping department for Standard Oil. He was drafted into the Army in March 1942, about three months after he'd married his girlfriend, Jean Strang. He was initially assigned to the 77th Infantry Division but was later switched to the 1st Battalion, 302nd Infantry, 94th Infantry Division.
By late summer of 1944, Oresko's division was deployed to France. He told the Veterans History Project that they were meant to be a reserve unit, but at the start of the Battle of the Bulge – Hitler's last major attack that surprised the Allies – they were shipped to the front lines in Germany.
Oresko was a platoon leader for Company C during the frigid days of early 1945. His platoon had attacked enemy positions in the town of Tettingen, Germany, twice over two days and had been pushed back both times. For their next attempt, instead of using artillery to announce themselves, battalion leaders ordered a sneak attack.
In the early-morning hours of Jan. 23, 1945, Oresko ordered his men to begin the attack, but no one moved. He said he issued the order a second time, and they again didn't move, so he started toward the enemy without them.
"I felt so alone," Oresko said. "I looked up at the sky and said, 'Lord I know I'm going to die. Let's just make it fast.'"
He said a cold wave went over him and that he went numb, moving by instinct at that point.
"I stepped out of the trenches by myself, step by step through the snow, and the Germans didn't see me," he said.
His fellow soldiers finally started to follow him, but they were about 50 feet behind him when the Germans noticed the movement and opened fire, pinning the unit down.
Oresko, however, had still gone unnoticed. He knew he would have to take out the closest machine gun nest to help his soldiers, so he kept moving in stealth until he was close enough to throw a grenade into the enemy bunker. He rushed into it after it went off, using his rifle to take out the surviving occupants.
A second machine gun nest opened fire on Oresko, knocking him down and seriously injuring his hip.
"As I started to walk, I could feel warm stuff coming down my leg," he remembered. "I kept trudging ahead and figured, 'Oh well. I'm going to die anyway, so what difference does it make?'"
While bleeding, Oresko said he crawled past a booby trap that barely missed him, then laid in an indentation in the snow for a bit. He said the enemy must have thought he was dead because they began firing at his troops from a nearby bunker. Oresko couldn't move backward into the firefight, and in front of him lay the enemy bunker. In that moment, he knew what he had to do.
Grabbing some grenades and pulling the pin on one, he sneaked up to the machine gun at that bunker and dropped the live grenade in. After it went off, he again jumped into the trench and used his rifle to wipe out the remaining enemy soldiers manning it.
Oresko was credited with killing 12 Germans in his solo attack that made it possible for his company to take control of the enemy position. It was only when he knew they'd succeeded that he allowed his fellow soldiers to evacuate him.
Weak from blood loss, Oresko was sent to a hospital to recover. He was eventually put on limited duty until he was discharged in November 1945. He said he never saw the members of his platoon again.
On Oct. 12, 1945, Oresko received the Medal of Honor from President Harry S. Truman during a White House ceremony. Fourteen other soldiers also received the nation's highest honor that day.
Oresko and his wife moved to Tenafly, New Jersey, and they had a son named Robert. Oresko initially returned to his previous job, but when he found out Medal of Honor recipients could get a job with the Department of Veterans Affairs without a civil service test, he jumped at the chance, working for the department for 32 years.
"It was a joy," Oresko said of his post-war career, which included speaking gigs at schools. "That part of my life was rewarding."
He told the Asbury Park Press in 1978 that he and his wife traveled to Germany and France at some point, and he was able to show her some of the areas in which he fought. He said they also often visited London, where their son lived and worked.
Oresko died on Oct. 4, 2013, after complications from surgery for a broken leg – the same leg that was injured during his Medal of Honor actions. At the time of his death, the 96-year-old was the oldest living Medal of Honor recipient.
Oresko's wife died in 1980 and his son died in 2013, so he had no family to join him when he went to the hospital for the surgery. According to his obituary in the Northern Valley Suburbanite newspaper out of Englewood, New Jersey, Oresko was accompanied by veterans and service members who stayed by his side the entire time.
Oresko is buried in George Washington Memorial Park in Paramus, New Jersey.
His memory will certainly not be forgotten. In 2010, a school in his native Bayonne was named in Oresko's honor. In 2018, the Army Reserve's 94th Training Division at Fort Gregg-Adams, Virginia, named a new training center after him. That same year, a park and monument in Tenafly were built in Oresko's honor.
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As sweet as it gets
How cute is this kudu? Cute enough to warrant a lot more attention from its mom. Eric Byrd, zoological manager at the Cincinnati Zoo, noticed that a newborn lesser kudu calf wasn’t getting enough attention from first-time mom, Sabi, “so we stepped in and fed the calf.” If you’ve never seen a kudu, they’re as adorable as it gets and the good news is that it’s likely that Sabi will soon bond with her infant.
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Fishy noises
For the past several years residents in Tampa Bay, Florida, have been trying to find the source of low-pitched sounds. Many of them – including Dr. James Locascio, senior scientist at the Mote Marine Laboratory – believe it is the sound of fish mating, specifically ray-finned, black drum fish. Locascio would like to use underwater acoustic recorders to identify and confirm the sounds and a local resident is seeking to raise the $2,500 it would cost.
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An ‘awesome’ snow shark
It’s normal to avoid getting too close to a shark but droves of residents in Iowa City, Iowa, were attracted by a 20-foot-long sea-going predator recently. They weren’t afraid because in this case the shark was a “snow shark” created by sculptor Carlos Maldonado. After a powerful storm covered the town in heavy snow, it took him four-and-a-half hours to sculpt his Great White and another hour-and-a-half to give it color using acrylic paint. Maldonado told Iowa’s News Now that his kids wanted him to make a snowman but he decided to make something a little more grand.
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‘Tidy Mouse’
Eek! Do mice get a bum reputation? According to experts on the subject, mice “are fastidiously clean animals.” Rodney Holbrook of Builth Wells, Wales can attest to that; he noticed that “stuff” in his tool shed was being relocated each night in an orderly fashion. He planted a hidden camera and, sure enough, he caught what he calls a “tidy mouse” gathering nails, small tools, etcetera and neatly putting them in a small tray. The mouse usually works alone but sometimes has help from a “brother mouse.” As Wells put it to the BBC, "I don't bother to tidy up now, I leave things out of the box and they put it back in its place by the morning."
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This guy is no ‘pettifogger’
Chris Williams at Michigan's Wayne State University is head of a Word Warriors program, an effort to bring back "long-lost" words. The University started the program 15 years ago in an effort to remember words that most of us have forgotten over the years, words such as Rawgabbit. That’s what they once called a person who tries hard to sound like he knows what he’s talking about. Do you know wat “thunderplump” means? It’s all about heavy rains during a thunderstorm. How about blatherskite. It’s what they used to call someone who doesn’t make sense when he’s talking. Oh yeah, a pettifogger is someone who is underhanded or disreputable.
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Beauty is in the eye of the beholder
Australian Kathleen Murray of Sandford, Tasmania says "now my back yard looks like a real-life Hungry [hungry] Hippo game. I also have an echidna [a spiny anteater] that helps, and some chooks [chicken]." Kathleen is the proud winner of the first-ever World's Ugliest Lawn competition. As she puts it, "I used to think the bandicoots [Australasian marsupial mammal] were wildlife of mass destruction invading my lawn, but now I see that they've actually liberated me from ever having to mow it again. I'm all for guilt-free weekends, especially since my ex-husband left with the lawnmower back in 2016."
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Social Security Matters
By RUSSELL GLOOR
National Social Security Adviser at the AMAC Foundation
Ask Rusty – How Can I Get Details about My Social Security Payment?
Dear Rusty: How do I find the actual breakdown of the Medicare insurance that I have auto deducted and my actual Social Security payment? I was just looking at a video which explained the 3% Cost of Living Adjustment we will be receiving this year, and it compared the current payout to the new payout. There seems to be a big difference in what I am getting and what they said in the video. Currently my Social Security payments are $1,431. My Medicare insurance is supposed to be $165, which means my total Social Security is about $1,596. On the video it said all retired workers are getting $1,848 with the new increase to take it to $1,938.00. There are a couple hundred dollars there that I seem to be missing out on. Can you help me understand that difference? Signed: Confused Senior
Dear Confused Senior: What you’re asking for is an itemized breakout of your gross Social Security benefit, any deductions being taken therefrom (e.g., your Medicare Part B premium), the amount of your COLA increase, and your net Social Security payment for 2024. If that is the case, the best way to get this detail is in your personal “my Social Security” online account, which provides all the information mentioned. You can access your online account at www.ssa.gov/myaccount, and if you don’t already have that online account set up, you’ll need to first establish your online access credentials (instructions for how to do that will be at that website).
I’m not sure which video you watched, but “all retired workers” do not get $1,848 (or $1,938). Everyone’s Social Security benefit is different, based on their lifetime earnings record and the age at which they claimed benefits. The numbers you heard in the video were likely average Social Security payments, not the actual amount you should personally be receiving. Here’s how it works:
• Your personal benefit is based on your Primary Insurance Amount (PIA) which is the amount you get if you claim for your benefits to start at your full retirement age (FRA), which is somewhere between 66 and 67 depending on the year you were born. Claim before your FRA your benefit is permanently reduced; claim after your FRA it is higher. Your personal maximum benefit is achieved if you claim at age 70.
• The Medicare Part B premium (for outpatient healthcare services) is automatically deducted from your Social Security payment. Although the standard 2023 Part B premium was $164.90, the standard 2024 Part B premium is $174.70. You may also have other things (e.g., income tax) withheld from your monthly Social Security payment.
• The annual Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for 2024 is 3.2%. That means your gross Social Security benefit goes up by that percentage starting in 2024. But there was also a $9.80 increase in your Medicare Part B premium starting in 2024, which means that you won’t see all of the COLA increase in your Social Security payment. Since your Medicare premium is deducted from your Social Security, that Medicare increase will also be taken from your SS payment, so you won’t see the full 3.2% COLA increase in your 2024 Social Security payment.
To see all of this detail for you personally, I suggest you access your online “my Social Security” account as described above. As an alternative, you can also call Social Security at 1.800.772.1213 and request a Benefit Verification Letter which will include all the information you seek about your Social Security payment.
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Gear up for the 2024 garden season
By MELINDA MYERS
It’s never too early to prepare for the garden season ahead. Having the right tool for the job saves time, reduces the frustration of trying to make the wrong tool work, and allows you to garden longer with less muscle fatigue.
Take an inventory of all your tools. Be sure to check the shed, garage, or tool caddy. Make a list of those that need to be replaced or need an update. This is also a good time to clean and sharpen those tools you plan to use in the coming growing season.
As you update your tools, you may want to purchase a few hand tools with comfortable wooden handles and carbon steel heads. The wood adds a natural aesthetic that goes hand in hand with gardening.
Make sure you have the right shovels for those frequent digging tasks. Perhaps it is time to invest in a long-handled shovel with a narrow head that allows you to dig in small spaces. Corona’s DigMaster Nursery Shovel has a hardened steel blade and a handle for durability and long life. The ComfortGel grip allows you to keep working longer.
Like digging with the right-sized shovel, deadheading flowers with the right tool makes it easier and you’re more likely to get the job done. For those that do a lot of deadheading, select one with an ergonomic design, a finger loop for better control, and an easy-release lock like Corona’s Ergo Dead Header Snips.
Late winter and early spring are also the time to do a bit of trimming and pruning on indoor plants. Pruners and snips with specially shaped blades, like the Corona BP14623 Houseplant Pruner, make trimming individual leaves and stems easier, ensuring you make the cut where planned.
A scoop comes in handy when placing potting mix or fertilizer in containers. The more you use it, the more uses you will discover for scoops like Corona’s Multi-Scoop with a stainless-steel scoop and ComfortGel grip.
If you struggle to haul soil, mulch, and plants to the garden bed, it may be time to invest in a garden cart. Wheelbarrows are a traditional favorite but how about a 4-wheeled cart with pneumatic tires to make moving the load over rough ground easier? Consider one with sides that fold down for easier loading and unloading. Or perhaps one with a dumping mechanism, like Corona’s CR1000 Poly Dump Cart, that makes it easy to empty loads of mulch and soil where it is needed.
And don’t forget about the young gardeners in your life. Having their own set of properly sized hand tools, long-handled tools, and of course, a wheelbarrow will make working with you in the garden even more special. Kids, like adults, benefit from spending time in the garden. Give them their own garden patch or row to dig, plant, and tend. You’ll all have more fun.
When upgrading your garden tools, consider donating those that are still in good working order to a nearby community garden, school garden, or master gardener group. They can always use extra tools to help them grow gardeners of all ages. And those that have reached the end of life can be turned into garden art. It’s a great way to save memories of gardens’ past.
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Medal of Honor: Marine Corps Sgt. Richard Binder
By KATIE LANGE
Department of Defense News
Like many men born in the mid-1800s, Marine Corps Sgt. Richard Binder immigrated to America to find better opportunities. By the time the Civil War came around, the U.S. was his adopted home, and he was ready to fight for it. Binder earned his stripes on ships throughout the war, and his actions earned him a Medal of Honor.
Binder was born on July 26, 1839, in Würtemmberg, Germany. According to a 2014 article in the Hidden City Daily, a Philadelphia historical online publication, Binder moved to New York in 1854 when he was 15 before settling in Philadelphia. The publication said he worked with another German immigrant as a barber. In 1860, he applied for and was granted U.S. citizenship.
Just ahead of his 22nd birthday, Binder enlisted in the Marine Corps on July 11, 1861, about three months after the Civil War broke out. Binder first served on a ship that sank during the Battle of Port Royal, South Carolina, in early November 1861. He moved on to other ships and was involved in various naval battles before being sent to serve on the USS Ticonderoga, a propeller-driven warship, in 1864.
By Christmas Day in December 1864, Union forces were carrying out their first assault on Fort Fisher near Wilmington, North Carolina. The fort was the last major coastal stronghold for the Confederates, as it still managed to get supplies through the Union blockade. Union troops weren't successful in this skirmish, so three weeks later, they tried again.
Binder was aboard the USS Ticonderoga during the second Battle of Fort Fisher, and this time, Union troops were better prepared. According to the Naval History and Heritage Command, about 40 ships on the front lines took aim at the fort using more than 600 guns. "The 50 cannons aboard the frigate Colorado alone were more than the number of guns guarding the walls of Fort Fisher," naval historians wrote.
On Jan. 13, the Navy began its bombardment. The Confederates responded with their own heavy return fire. At some point, a 100-pound Parrott rifle exploded on one of the Union ships, killing eight sailors and wounding at least a dozen more.
Throughout those first two days of battle, Binder, who was the captain of a gun, "performed his duties with skill and courage," according to his Medal of Honor citation. His actions remained steady as he continually took aim at Confederate batteries onshore, helping to lessen enemy fire as the assault went on.
By Jan. 15, naval forces landed on the shores of Fort Fisher. While many of them were repulsed, causing many Union casualties, their actions successfully distracted the fort's garrison from the Union Army's attack on the land side of the installation. Those soldiers eventually breached the walls of the fort and took over, staking a claim over one of the strongest fortifications possessed by the Confederates and severing the South's transatlantic supply routes.
According to the Naval History and Heritage Command, the fall of Fort Fisher led to the occupation of Wilmington, which directly contributed to the Confederate surrender in April 1865.
After the war, Binder was honorably discharged. He received the Medal of Honor for his actions on June 22, 1865, although a ceremony for the award wasn't held until the 1890s, according to Hidden City Daily. Nine other men from the Ticonderoga also earned Medals of Honor for their actions at Fort Fisher.
In 1868, Binder married a woman named Frederika, who had also emigrated from the same town in Germany years prior. They had a daughter, Laura, and a son, Richard Jr.
Binder eventually returned to cutting hair. By 1890, he'd become an astute businessman with four shops set up across Philadelphia. He was well-known in the industry and even expanded his business into tonics and toupees, Hidden City Daily reported.
According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, Binder loved to collect canes and had about 600 of them, including one once used by President Abraham Lincoln.
Binder died Feb. 26, 1912, from heart disease, according to his Inquirer obituary. He is buried in West Laurel Hill Cemetery in Bala-Cynwyd, Pennsylvania, just outside of Philadelphia.
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History Matters
A feature courtesy of
The Grateful American Book Prize
America’s first gasoline powered automobile appeared in 1893. Sixty years later, the Chevrolet Corvette ambushed the markets with a sports car that snatched a devoted following that entices tens of thousands of buyers annually.
According to History.com, “in the early 1950s, Harley Earl (1893-1969), the influential head designer for GM, then the world’s largest automaker, became interested in developing a two-seat sports car. At the time, European automakers dominated the sports car market. Following the debut of the Corvette prototype at the Motorama show in January 1953, the first production Corvette was completed at a Flint, Michigan plant on June 30, 1953. The car featured an all-fiberglass body, a white exterior and red interior, a relatively unremarkable 150-horsepower engine and a starting price tag of around $3,500 (not including taxes or an optional AM radio and heater).”
For more information, the Grateful American Book Prize recommends books such as The Complete Book of Corvette by Mike Mueller.
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Although California didn’t become a state until 1850, it was a territory in 1848 – just in time for America to benefit from the discovery of gold on January 24, 1848 in Sutter’s Creek, CA.
“A tributary to the South Fork of the American River east of the Sacramento Valley and San Francisco, Sutter’s Creek was named for a Swiss immigrant who came to Mexican California in 1839,” reports History.com. “John Augustus Sutter became a citizen of Mexico and won a grant of nearly 50,000 acres in the lush Sacramento Valley, where he hoped to create a thriving colony ... Sutter hired the millwright James Marshall to build a sawmill along the South Fork of the American River in January 1848. In order to redirect the flow of water to the mill’s waterwheel, Marshall supervised the excavation of a shallow millrace ... Marshall was looking over the freshly cut millrace when a sparkle of light in the dark earth caught his eye. Looking more closely, Marshall found that much of the millrace was speckled with what appeared to be small flakes of gold, and he rushed to tell Sutter. After an assayer confirmed that the flakes were indeed gold, Sutter quietly set about gathering up as much of the gold as he could, hoping to keep the discovery a secret. However, word soon leaked out and, within months, the largest gold rush in the world had begun.”
The Grateful American Book Prize recommends The Age of Gold: The California Gold Rush and the New American Dream by H.W. Brands.
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On January 31, 1865, the 13th Amendment-- ratified by the House of Representatives—stated “Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude ... shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction.”
According to History.com, “when the Civil War began, President Abraham Lincoln’s professed goal was the restoration of the Union. But early in the war, the Union began keeping escaped enslaved people rather than returning them to their owners, so slavery essentially ended wherever the Union army was victorious. In September 1862, Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, freeing all enslaved people in areas that were still in rebellion against the Union. This measure opened the issue of what to do about slavery in border states that had not seceded or in areas that had been captured by the Union before the proclamation.”
The Grateful American Book Prize endorses Slavery and the Making of America by James Oliver Horton and Lois E. Horton.
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Social Security Matters
By RUSSELL GLOOR
National Social Security Adviser at the AMAC Foundation
Ask Rusty – Can Someone Work While Collecting Social Security Disability?
Dear Rusty: If a person is collecting Social Security disability benefits, can they, at any point, work at all? If they can, what is the maximum they can earn and still keep the disability benefit? I am asking because my husband is still young, but his injuries will not allow him to go back to the job he had prior to his injuries and surgeries. He does not just want to sit at home doing nothing! Signed: Concerned Wife
Dear Concerned: Actually, the Social Security Administration (SSA) encourages those collecting SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) benefits to attempt to go back to work and they provide considerable leeway for them to do so. The monthly earnings limit for those collecting SSDI benefits in 2024 is $1,550 and as long as your husband earns less than the limit while working, his SSDI benefits will not be in jeopardy. Your husband should contact Social Security’s Ticket to Work program directly to protect his disability status and discuss returning to work while collecting SSDI benefits.
The Ticket to Work program assists those now receiving SSDI benefits who wish to test their ability to return to work without putting their SSDI benefits at risk. The program provides considerable assistance, including new career training opportunities and connection to potential employers, and it is voluntary and costs nothing. Here is a link to Social Security’s information on the Ticket to Work program: https://choosework.ssa.gov/
It’s not mandatory for your husband to enroll in the Ticket to Work program but, in addition to other available assistance, he can request a Trial Work Period (TWP) which would allow for 9 months, over a rolling five year period, during which he can earn any amount (even over the normal monthly limit mentioned above) without risking his SSDI benefits. Within the Trial Work Period, only those months he earns over the normal monthly SSDI limit would count as a Trial Work Month. So, for example, your husband could work part time regularly earning under the normal monthly limit and if, in some months (up to nine), he earned more it wouldn’t affect his SSDI benefits.
So, your younger disabled husband can, indeed, work while on Social Security disability, for as long as he wishes while earning under the monthly SSDI limit (the SSDI earnings limit changes yearly). He may also wish to enroll in Social Security’s Ticket to Work program for assistance with developing a new career. Plus, he can take advantage of using trial work months in the event his work earnings will, at times, exceed the monthly SSDI limit. If your husband earns over the SSDI limit for more than the 9 trial work months and his benefits are consequently stopped, he can - within the 5-year Trial Work Period – have his benefits reinstated (without again going through the full application process) if his disability, once more, renders him unable to work full time.
For starters, I suggest your husband contact Social Security’s Ticket to Work program directly at 1.833-889-0108 to discuss returning to work part time. Social Security will guide him through the entire process.
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Testing, sharing, and saving leftover seeds
By MELINDA MYERS
As you scour the seed catalogs and websites for new and favorite flower and vegetable seeds, take time to inventory the seeds you have saved from previous years. You’ll save money by not buying more of the seeds you already have so you’ll have more to spend on something new.
Starting with fresh seeds from a reliable seed company helps boost your growing success. But what gardener can resist getting the most out of every purchase by saving and planting seeds left from previous years?
Seeds stored in a consistently cool, not freezing, dry, dark location can last for one to five or more years. Start by checking the packaging or expiration date on the packet. Onions, parsley, parsnips, and salsify seeds usually last one year while corn, okra, and pepper seeds last an average of two years. Beans and peas generally last for three years; tomatoes, turnips, beets chard, and watermelon four; and Brussels sprouts, cabbage, muskmelon, radishes, and spinach are the longest lasting at five years.
Perennial flower seeds last an average of two to four years while annual flower seeds last from one to three years depending on the species. There are always exceptions with a few seeds that were found lasting more than a hundred years.
You may find your properly stored seeds last longer than the averages. But once seeds pass their average life expectancy you may see a reduction in germination. Use this quick and easy test to see if your stored seeds will sprout and grow. Place ten seeds on a damp paper towel. Roll up the towel with the seeds safely tucked inside. Set the paper towel in a plastic bag and store it in a warm dark location.
After a week or so, unwrap the paper towel and check the seeds for sprouting. If nothing has happened, rewrap the seeds and wait a few more days.
If all the seeds have sprouted, you have one hundred percent germination and can plant the seeds according to the label directions. If only half the seeds sprout, you should plant the seeds twice as thick to compensate for the lower germination. You can plant these sprouted seeds if you have the available gardening space and the growing conditions are right for the seeds to grow.
If none of the seeds sprout, consider breaking out the glue and getting the family involved in turning these nonviable seeds into seed art. Then make some adjustments to your seed storage strategies in the future. Leave seeds in their original package so you have all the information you need when inventorying and planting the seeds the following season. Place the envelope in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator or a consistently cool, not freezing location.
If you’ve lost seeds to hungry rodents try storing them in the refrigerator or metal or glass containers. Sealed plastic containers are fine for the seeds, but hungry mice can eat their way through the plastic to your stored seeds.
You, like many gardeners, often end up with more seeds than you will ever grow. Consider sharing these with others by donating them to school groups, community gardeners, and master gardeners who will put them to use in various gardens in your community. Or organize a seed swap. Just gather your gardening friends or work colleagues, the seeds and catalogs, and throw a garden party. The last Saturday in January is National Seed Swap Day and a good excuse to gather and share.
Seed swaps are a great way to find unusual or unique seeds. It is also a great way to save money and get the greatest value by sharing extra seeds with friends and family.
Once the seed swapping is done you may want to break out the catalogs, check online seed retailers, and place a group seed order. Working together you’ll be able to order a wider variety of seeds for greater diversity in the garden. Everyone can take what they need so there will be fewer seeds to save in the future. Plus, ordering larger packets is usually more economical. And you’ll have an excuse for another party when you meet to divide up the goods.
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Medal of Honor: Army Spc. 4th Class Gary Wetzel
By KATIE LANGE
Department of Defense News
Imagine losing your arm and suffering other severe injuries, yet still putting others' safety before your own. That's exactly what Army Spc. 4th Class Gary George Wetzel did during a firefight in Vietnam that took out his unit's helicopter. Wetzel miraculously survived the day, and his valor earned him the Medal of Honor.
Wetzel was born on Sept. 29, 1947, in South Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He was one of nine children; he had five sisters and was the oldest of four boys. His father was a factory worker who'd served in World War II, and his mother went to work as a part-time nursing assistant once the kids were old enough to take care of themselves.
As a boy, Wetzel enjoyed sports and Boy Scout outings, and he idolized John Wayne. But school wasn't really his thing, so in February 1966, a few months after he turned 18, he joined the Army.
After basic training, he served as a heavy equipment instructor at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. In a 2003 interview with the Library of Congress' Veterans History Project, he said because he knew he would get sent to Vietnam eventually, he put in a request to deploy, but it was denied. Later, he put in another request that was accepted, and by October 1966, he found himself on his way to Vietnam.
Wetzel first served in an ordnance unit, but he wanted to do something with aviation, so while he was overseas, he reenlisted to get his choice of duty station. He was assigned to the 173rd Assault Helicopter Company of the 11th Combat Aviation Battalion, 1st Aviation Brigade. He got his first taste of combat experience in that unit and was shot down four times during his service.
It was the fifth time he got shot down — about 10 days before his second tour of duty would have concluded — that he earned the Medal of Honor.
On Jan. 8, 1968, then-Pfc. Wetzel's unit was doing flights to check for enemy activity near Ap Dong An in the southern end of Vietnam when they touched down in a landing zone that was immediately bombarded with enemy fire.
"The crossfire was tremendous," Wetzel, who was serving as his chopper's door gunner, later said.
Seconds after landing, a rocket hit the aircraft. As Wetzel and his crew chief, Bart Jarvis, tried to help their wounded aircraft commander, Tim Artman, two more enemy rockets exploded just inches from them. Those explosions blew Wetzel out of the helicopter and into a rice paddy.
Wetzel was critically wounded. He discovered his left arm was useless, and his right arm, chest and left leg were also bleeding profusely. However, he still managed to shoot down an enemy soldier who was about to throw a grenade.
Getting his bearings, Wetzel staggered back to his helicopter's gun well to return fire. According to his Medal of Honor citation, his machine gun was the only weapon effectively firing back at the enemy. Eventually, his shooting took out the automatic weapons emplacement that had pinned down and inflicted heavy casualties on U.S. troops.
Wetzel refused to attend to his extensive wounds and instead tried to drag himself back to Jarvis to help Artman; however, he passed out from blood loss. When he regained consciousness, he remained persistent in his effort to help his commander.
"I recall thinking even then how miraculous it was that the man was still alive," another soldier in Wetzel's helicopter said in a statement after the incident. "Pfc. Wetzel's actions, in my opinion, will stand out for years to come as a prime example of a truly selfless devotion to the survival of one's fellow man."
After an agonizing effort, Wetzel made it to Jarvis, who was still trying to drag the wounded Artman out of the rice paddy and to the safety of a nearby dike. Wetzel continued to assist him until he passed out again. Sadly, Artman didn't survive.
Wetzel said his crew fought for 10 to 12 hours before they got any help and were able to evacuate. He later said that he was determined to make it out of there because, even though he thought he was dying, he didn't want to do so in a rice paddy.
"Medically, I should have been dead," he said in his Library of Congress interview. Wetzel said he met some of the nurses who worked on him when the Vietnam Women's Memorial was erected in 1993. They told him he went through 18 units of blood during his immediate recovery.
Wetzel's arm had to be amputated at a field hospital. He was flown out of Vietnam and spent six months in hospitals before being discharged in June 1968.
That September, shortly after he turned 21, Wetzel said his superiors mentioned that he'd be going on a trip, but they couldn't tell him where or why. He eventually learned it would be to Washington, D.C., to receive the Medal of Honor.
President Lyndon B. Johnson presented Wetzel with the medal during a White House ceremony on Nov. 19, 1968. Wetzel's father, fiancée and several other family members were able to attend. Four other men received the same honor that day.
Since that day, Wetzel has taken his role as a recipient of the nation's highest honor for valor very seriously.
"It's been four and a half decades, and every time I have the privilege of wearing that blue ribbon around my neck, I am in awe," Wetzel said in a 2016 USA Today article. "I try to live up to it for the guys who aren't here."
Wetzel left the service shortly after the medal ceremony. He went on to marry his fiancée, Kathy, and they had a son.
Wetzel took a job as a welder for a time before working for Ameriprise starting in 1971. He has stayed involved with veterans' organizations and has taken part in several iterations of the annual Rolling Thunder motorcycle ride to D.C. over Memorial Day weekend. Wetzel often speaks to students about his time in the military and patriotism.
The Medal of Honor recipient has received many accolades in recent years, too.
In 2015, the Milwaukee County War Memorial Center unveiled a street sign and stone marker commemorating Wetzel's heroics. He was also the 2015 Milwaukee County veteran of the year and the first recipient of the Milwaukee County Purple Heart Pass.
The Gary G. Wetzel Way nature trail at Camp American Legion, Wisconsin, was named for him in 2016. The camp helps post-9/11 veterans and their families rehabilitate and heal.
That same year, Wetzel was seriously injured in a motorcycle crash, but he recovered after extensive rehab. When he returned to his South Milwaukee home, it was to a parade-like atmosphere, with neighbors, family and well-wishers welcoming him back – a very different homecoming than what he got in 1968. Wetzel's home had been renovated by the Gary Sinise Foundation to accommodate his needs due to his extensive injuries.
Most recently, May 18, 2017, was declared Gary G. Wetzel Day in South Milwaukee.
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Puppy love
Household puppies can do the strangest things. Take Clayton and Carrie Law of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. They put $4,000 in cash in an envelope and put it on the kitchen counter to pay workers who were expected at their home. When they returned to the kitchen there was Cecil, their 7-year-old Goldendoodle puppy, chewing away at the envelope and the money. As Clayton put it to KDKA-TV, “He ate the money, he ate $4,000." Mr. and Mrs. Law wasted no time; they gathered shredded cash on the floor, put together some of the bills but had to wait for Cecil to vomit and poop to get the bulk of the money—about $3,550.
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Outdoor living room
Potholes can be fun? When an unknown resident of Grand Haven, Michgan, planted a leather recliner in a pothole in a nearby road it didn’t take a long time for someone to come along, steal it and put it up for sale online. A neighbor replaced it with another armchair. Soon, other nearby residents added other pieces of furniture, creating what turned out to be an “outdoor living room” that went viral online.
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Neither snow nor rain
According to the Postal Service, on average mail in the U.S. is delivered in a day or three. But sometimes it can take a bit longer, particularly when the address is incomplete. For example, a letter misaddressed to a family in DeKalb, Illinois in 1943 was finally delivered 80 years after it was posted. It took a dedicated post office employee to track down the George family now living in Portland, Oregon. The postman lived up to the motto that promises “the swift completion of their appointed rounds."
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Social Security Matters
By RUSSELL GLOOR,
National Social Security Advisor at the AMAC Foundation
Ask Rusty – Will My Friend’s Fiancée be Entitled to a Survivor Benefit?
Dear Rusty: I have a very good friend who has cancer and will begin chemotherapy this week. He is 71 years old and is currently receiving Social Security benefits. He has been living with his fiancée for a little more than 2 years, but they have been a couple for about 15 years and will be married in the next few weeks. She is 60 years old.
I am naturally concerned about his, and her, future so my questions are:
· What, if anything, should he and his wife do to ensure that she gets his Social Security benefits?
· What benefits will she be entitled to, and how soon will she be able to begin receiving them after his death?
Signed: A Friend with Questions
Dear Friend: You are kind to be concerned about your friend and his fiancée. Here’s what you need to know:
Social Security goes by state rules when it comes to what is often referred to as "common law marriage." That means that whether your friend's fiancée will receive any benefits as a surviving spouse in a "common law" relationship depends on whether they live in a state which recognizes common law marriage. Most states do not, but state laws have changed over the years and many states which once recognized such unions as "marriage" no longer do. Although they may have "been a couple" for 15 years, if your friend and his fiancée have been living together for only two it is likely only the last two years will count for Social Security benefit purposes. So, whether your friend's fiancée will get anything when your friend dies depends on where they live - unless they get married, in which case the rules are different.
In order for a married widow(er) to receive surviving spouse benefits, the couple must have been married for at least 9 months. If they marry and your friend lives longer than 9 months thereafter, then his wife will be entitled to a surviving spouse benefit from her husband. The amount of his wife’s benefit will be based upon the amount your friend is receiving at his death, adjusted for her age when she claims her surviving spouse benefit.
A surviving spouse can claim benefits from the deceased as early as age 60, but those benefits will be reduced for claiming before full retirement age (FRA). Taken at age 60, the wife's benefit would be 71.5% of your friend's SS benefit at his death. The wife need not claim the survivor benefit immediately; she could opt to delay claiming in order to get a higher percentage of the husband's amount. Survivor benefits reach maximum - 100% of the deceased's benefit amount - at the recipient's FRA.
So, if your friend and his fiancée now live in a state which currently recognizes common law marriage (CO, IA, KS, MT, NH, SC, TX, UT, RI, or in the District of Columbia), then your friend's partner will be considered his "wife" and entitled to survivor benefits as normal (the fiancée would need to prove they cohabitate in a marriage-like relationship to claim benefits).
If they do not live in one of those states, but they get married and the marriage lasts for at least 9 months, then the wife will be entitled to normal benefits as a surviving spouse (as described above).
But if the couple do not live in one of the above states which recognize “common law” relationships, or if their soon-to-occur marriage doesn’t last at least 9 months, or if they do not get married, I'm afraid your friend's partner will not be entitled to any survivor benefits from your friend.
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Recycle Your Christmas Tree into the Landscape
By MELINDA MYERS
Don’t drag that Christmas tree to the curb to be hauled away by the trash collectors. Give it a second, even third life, in your landscape. No live Christmas tree? Don’t worry. I’m sure your friends and neighbors will share theirs.
Move your locally grown Christmas tree outdoors after the holidays. Avoid trees imported from other states that may host invasive insects that can infest your landscape and nearby Christmas tree farms. Your local municipality or Department of Natural Resources has more information on any threats and disposal recommendations for your area.
Use your cut Christmas tree to protect evergreens in your landscape from winter winds and sun. They make excellent windbreaks while shading sensitive plants in your landscape. Strategically place your discarded tree on the windward side of rhododendron, boxwood, and other broadleaf evergreens to reduce problems with winter burn. Place it on the south side of these plants to shade them from the drying winter sun.
Or remove the branches and use them as winter mulch over bulbs and perennials. Layer the boughs over the plants and soil to keep the soil consistently cold. This reduces the risk of early sprouting and winter damage that can occur during winter thaws.
Or set the tree in the landscape for a bit of added greenery. Secure it in a snow pile or use stakes and guy wires in milder climates where the soil is not frozen. The birds will enjoy the added shelter and you will enjoy watching these visitors to your landscape.
Then consider adding a bit of food for your feathered visitors. Decorate the trees with fruits, berries, and seeds the birds can enjoy. Stringing cranberries and popcorn is a fun family activity and makes an attractive outdoor garland. Slices of oranges on colorful yarn and homemade bird ornaments can complete the adornments.
Sweep up the fallen needles that were under your tree indoors and use them as mulch in the garden. Place them directly on the soil or atop the snow. As the snow melts, the needles will be right where they belong. And don’t worry, they will not make the soil too acidic. In fact, as they break down, they add organic matter to the soil.
As spring arrives, consider chipping and shredding your tree into mulch for trees and shrubs or pathways in the landscape. No chipper? You and your neighbors may want to rent a chipper to shred these and other prunings for use as mulch in your landscapes.
And, if this is not possible, check for recycling resources in your community. Many municipalities have special pickups for Christmas trees. These are chipped, shredded, and made available for citizens to use in their landscapes.
Lake communities often sink the discarded trees to the bottom of lakes and ponds to provide habitat for the fish. Another great way to give your tree a second life.
And once you discover the value of this free resource you may find yourself collecting a few more from the neighborhood. However, your family may ask that you wait until dark to drag your evergreen treasures back home.
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Knickers galore
Having trouble putting on your underwear? Go visit Nicholas Manning in Brisbane, Australia. The Guinness Book of World Records says he holds the world record for the fastest time to put on his underpants. More accurately Manning won the honor when he donned ten pairs of undies in just 13.03 seconds.
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Cheezy delight
If you want extra cheese on your pizza just ask Chefs Benoît Bruel and Fabien Montellanico. You might recall that Chef Bruel set the Guinness record for the greatest variety of pizza pie cheeses in 2020 when he baked a pie adorned with 254 different cheeses but lost it when a rival baker produced a pie with 834 varieties of cheese. Not to be undone, Bruel got back the record recently when he joined with Chef Montellanico to produce a pizza festooned with no less than a thousand and one varieties of cheeses.
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Lucky ducks
Who can watch a batch of ducklings and resist the urge to smile? For sure, the officers of the League City, Texas Police Department who came to the rescue of eleven ducklings trapped in a storm drain were grinning when they returned the baby ducks to their Mama Duck. In a Facebook post, the police thanked Mama Duck for assisting the officers by “calling her ducklings back to the opening,” noting that she “quickly gathered them all together, and they all waddled their way back home."
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History Matters
A feature courtesy of
The Grateful American Book Prize
America was very efficient when it came to shaping a government. On January 7, 1789, six years after the finish of the Revolutionary War Congress committed to a date for the first election; less than a month later, George Washington ascended to the presidency.
“Americans [still] vote for President and Vice President of the United States, they are actually voting for presidential electors, known collectively as the Electoral College. It is these electors, chosen by the people, who elect the chief executive... the United States still uses the Electoral College system, which today gives all American citizens over the age of 18 the right to vote for electors, who in turn vote for the president. The president and vice president are the only elected federal officials chosen by the Electoral College instead of by direct popular vote," according to History.com.
For more information, the Grateful American Book Prize suggests Kathleen Bartoloni- Tuazon's For Fear of an Elective King: George Washington and the Presidential Title Controversy of 1789.
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Wyatt Earp has been the subject of a plethora of books, movies, TV shows-and-even a song by Johnny Cash. He mythicized his gunfight at the O.K. Corral in Tombstone, Arizona, transposed himself into a bona fide cowboy-hero, and lived by his revolver until he reached eighty.
According to History.com, "the Earp brothers had long been competing with the Clanton-McClaury ranching families for political and economic control of Tombstone, Arizona, and the surrounding region. On October 26, 1881, the simmering tensions finally boiled over into violence, and Wyatt, his brothers Virgil and Morgan, and his close friend, Doc Holliday, killed three men from the Clanton and McLaury clans in a 30-second shoot-out on a Tombstone street near the O.K. Corral. A subsequent hearing found that the Earps and Holliday had been acting in their capacity as law officers and deputies, and they were acquitted of any wrongdoing.”
The Grateful American Book Prize endorses Wyatt Earp: The Life Behind the Legend by Casey Tefertiller.
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On January 14, 1639, Hartford, Connecticut endorsed its "Fundamental Orders:
"The Dutch discovered the Connecticut River in 1614, but English Puritans from Massachusetts largely accomplished European settlement of the region. During the 1630s, they flocked to the Connecticut valley from the Massachusetts Bay Colony, and in 1638 representatives from the three major Puritan settlements in Connecticut met to set up unified government for the new colony ... Roger Ludlow, a lawyer, wrote much of the Fundamental Orders, and presented a binding and compact frame of government that put the welfare of the community above that of individuals. It was also the first written constitution in the world to declare the modern idea that ‘the foundation of authority is in the free consent of the people’,” says History.com.
The history of the U.S. Constitution is told in the book The Framers' Coup: The Making of the United States Constitution by Michael J. Klarman, says the Grateful American Book Prize.
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Medal of Honor: Army Tech. Sgt. Charles MacGillivary
By KATIE LANGE
Department of Defense News
During the last frigid winter of World War II, Army Tech. Sgt. Charles Andrew MacGillivary and his company found themselves pinned down by Germans for weeks. To break out of the bleak situation, MacGillivary singlehandedly took out several enemy positions, despite suffering serious wounds. His leadership and bravery during a pivotal moment of the war earned him the Medal of Honor.
MacGillivary was born in Charlottetown on Prince Edward Island, Canada, on Jan. 7, 1917. He moved to the U.S. in 1933 at the age of 16 to live with his brother in Boston. The younger MacGillivary joined the Merchant Marine and spent the next several years sailing across the North Atlantic on various ships. However, once World War II began in Europe, the Atlantic grew more dangerous for ships due to the threat of German submarines torpedoing them, so he was ready to make a change.
Shortly after the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor, MacGillivary joined the Army. In 1999, when testifying in front of the U.S. Senate immigration subcommittee, he said that when recruiters learned he'd worked in the Merchant Marine, the Navy tried to sign him. But he wanted to be back on land again, so he continued his path with the Army.
Two weeks into signing up, MacGillivary said he was at Fort Devons, Massachusetts, when he was offered U.S. citizenship. Of course, he took it.
After basic training, MacGillivary joined the 71st Infantry Regiment, 44th Infantry Division, and they were sent to Scotland to train alongside British commandos. MacGillivary took part in the Invasion of Normandy that began June 6, 1944, landing on Omaha Beach.
By mid-December, the 44th had pushed its way through France to the town of Woelfing, along the German border. That's where they found themselves when Adolf Hitler launched the Battle of the Bulge, a surprise counterattack that was Germany's last major attempt to defeat the Allies.
On. Dec. 17, 1944, MacGillivary was a platoon sergeant for the 463rd Battalion's Company I when they became pinned down by the German 17th Panzer Division, which killed his commander and lieutenant, leaving him as the highest-ranking soldier in the group. He quickly took charge of the company, which continued to hold the line for as long as it could.
However, the weather was frigid, which diminished their ability to restock supplies. MacGillivary said that by Christmas Day, they were eating frozen oatmeal. Within days, he said they were almost completely out of ammunition and food. The Germans were promising his men food if they surrendered. MacGillivary said many considered it, so he had to remind them that there was nothing to surrender to and that they needed to keep fighting.
On Jan. 1, 1945, enemy elements finally broke through the line and attacked. MacGillivary knew where the enemy machine gun positions were, so he volunteered to take them out while another company closed in from another angle to assault other strongpoints.
"As the head of my company, I had a duty to do something. I decided to try to knock out some of the German machine guns that surrounded us," he told the Senate subcommittee. "I thought that this was the only way we were going to get out."
MacGillivary crept up on the first machine gun emplacement, circling through woods and snow to get there. He shot two camouflaged gunners from a few feet away, causing the position's other enemy forces to withdraw.
He pushed on, using any cover he could find to stalk the enemy to find another one of its machine guns, blasting its crew with a grenade. Picking up a submachine gun from the battlefield, MacGillivary then made it to within 10 yards of another machine gun before being spotted. The crewmen at that position quickly tried to swing their weapon around to take him out, but they weren't fast enough. The young sergeant charged them, jumping into their midst and killing them all with several bursts of his gun.
From there, MacGillivary crept, crawled and rushed from tree to tree until he got close enough to another machine gun nest to toss a grenade into it. The blast killed the crew inside, but MacGillivary was also seriously injured, having been shot by the machine gun in the chest, leg and arm.
"It took part of my arm off," he told the Senate subcommittee in 1999. "The only thing that saved me was the snow. I froze in the snow. If I had gotten hit in the South Pacific, I would have bled to death."
MacGillivary said that some Frenchmen picked him up and began taking him somewhere. At first, he thought he'd been captured, but he said he realized otherwise when a chaplain told him they were taking him back to an aid station. Once he was treated there, he was taken to Marseille, then transported to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Washington, D.C. MacGillivary's arm couldn't be saved, but he made a full recovery otherwise.
MacGillivary took out four enemy machine guns during his one-man fight, disregarding his own safety to help his fellow soldiers continue the fight with minimum casualties. For his bravery, he received the Medal of Honor from President Harry S. Truman during a White House ceremony on Aug. 23, 1945. Twenty-eight other veterans also received the medal that day.
"I was very honored to have been included among so many distinguished recipients," MacGillivary said in 1999. "I was also very proud that I, as an immigrant, had been selected to receive this award."
MacGillivary returned to Boston after the ceremony and married his girlfriend, Ester, who had waited for him during the war. They eventually settled in Braintree, just south of Boston, and had three daughters.
According to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, MacGillivary worked as a special agent for the Customs Bureau, which is now U.S. Customs and Border Protection, from about 1950 to 1975. He remained active in veterans' organizations, including the Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion and AMVETS. He was the president of the Congressional Medal of Honor Society for two years in the 70s and spearheaded efforts to locate other immigrant recipients of the nation's highest medal for valor.
MacGillivary died on June 24, 2000, from stroke-related complications, his family said. He is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.
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Merry Christmas
Sleigh bells ring, big time, in the Big Apple thanks to the iconic movie star sled that’s spending the holiday season in the heart of midtown Manhattan. It arrived last week in time for Christmas and is hanging out at Central Park thanks to Halesite, Long Island fire district manager, Larry Northcote. That’s where the sled spends most of the year. As Northcote put it, "Every year we have a little holiday committee, and they'll spruce it up, they'll paint it, they'll fix any cracks that have developed. We do our little part to spread some holiday cheer."
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Tis the season
Bailey Davis of Columbus, Ohio, was on her way to work. She made a rest stop and, perhaps because she was in a hurry, she left her engagement ring on the bathroom sink. She returned to her car, drove off and en route saw that her ring was missing. Back she went and, sure enough, the ring was gone. Luckily it was an honest young man by the name of Coty Warren who found it and went online in hopes of finding the ring’s owner. He found Davis’ post on Facebook and called her. So relieved was she that she offered him a $1,000 reward, which her hero, Warren, declined. A Christmas story if there ever was one!
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Fear not
It got pretty scary in Nashville and Indianapolis last week when pranksters posted photos on Facebook of lions on the loose in those two cities. The photos were shared “thousands of times.” The posts were scary but “incredibly false,” according to the authorities in each city. They noted that the pictures were eight years old and were taken in South Africa way back when.
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Boost your mood with fragrant indoor plants
By MELINDA MYERS
There’s no need to visit a spa for a bit of soothing aromatherapy. Grow fragrant plants indoors to improve your mood and promote a sense of relaxation.
Gardenias may be the first fragrant flowering plant that comes to mind. They can be challenging but are worth the effort. Grow them in moist acidic soil, in bright light, and surrounded by other plants or on a gravel tray to increase the humidity.
Jasmines are known for their sweet fragrant flowers. Arabian jasmine (Jasmine sambac) will flower indoors several times throughout the year if it receives sufficient light. Consider adding artificial lights to boost flowering. Grow this plant in a warm draft-free location and allow the soil to dry several inches below the surface before watering again.
Citrus are valued for their fruit, but they also produce fragrant flowers. Give them bright light and keep the soil slightly moist for the best results.
Stephanotis floribunda was frequently used in wedding bouquets. Grow it in a sunny window and watch for flowers to appear in spring on new growth. Complete all necessary pruning as soon as the plant stops flowering.
Plumeria are the fragrant flowers often used in Hawaiian leis. Provide bright light, moist well-drained soil, and fertilize throughout the summer to promote flowering. Allow the soil to go a bit drier during the winter. Don’t panic if the plants go dormant and drop their leaves in winter. New leaves will appear as temperatures warm.
String of pearls (Curio rowleyanus) is a trailing succulent with leaves that resemble peas. Grow these in a brightly lit location that is a bit cooler in the winter. This along with slightly drier soil in winter can promote flowering. Its cinnamon fragrance is one you’ll remember.
Another succulent that may reward you with flowers is hoya. Keep the soil a bit moister during the summer when the plant is actively growing. Allow the soil to dry slightly when the plant is resting during the winter. High humidity in spring and summer followed by cooler temperatures and drier soil in winter will encourage potbound plants to flower. Watch for fragrant flowers to form on the long leafless stems.
Give the leaves of scented geranium (Pelargonium) a pet and enjoy the lemon, rose, apple, peppermint, or pine fragrance. Although grown for their scented foliage they also produce pretty but less showy flowers. Place the plants in areas where you brush past the leaves or can easily give them a pat to release and enjoy the fragrance.
Find a cool spot in your home away from drafts of hot and cold air for your lavender plant. Make sure the plant receives plenty of sunlight from a south-facing or similar window. Consider adding artificial lights to increase your success. Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil is dry to the touch. Pour off any excess water that collects in the saucer.
Visit your local independent garden center or reputable online plant retailers that are more likely to sell these in winter. Then clear out some space on a sunny windowsill or invest in a few plant lights and start growing some fragrant plants.
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Medal of Honor: Navy Seaman 1st Class James R. Ward
By KATIE LANGE
Department of Defense News
Navy Seaman 1st Class James Richard Ward only had moments to decide what to do on the sinking USS Oklahoma during the bombing of Pearl Harbor: save himself, or do what he could to save others? Ward chose the valiant option, giving his life so his fellow sailors could escape. He earned a posthumous Medal of Honor for his gallantry, and just recently, his remains were finally accounted for and buried.
Ward was born Sept. 10, 1921, in Springfield, Ohio, to parents Howard and Nancy Ward. He had a sister named Marjorie.
According a 2014 Dayton Daily News article, as a teen, Ward, who went by the nickname Dick, did odd jobs for his neighbors to earn some cash. He played football and the trumpet, but his real love was baseball. After graduating high school in 1939, the article said Ward took a factory job before landing a minor league baseball contract with the Shelby Colonels out of North Carolina. However, the gig only lasted a month before he was replaced. Ward then worked at a steel mill for a time before enlisting in the Navy on Nov. 25, 1940.
After basic training, Ward was sent to serve on the USS Oklahoma at Pearl Harbor on Oahu, Hawaii. Since baseball was a huge pastime for service members, he was able to join the ship's team. Ward helped them win the Pacific Fleet championship, and he was even named top batter.
Unfortunately, Ward would not live to see beyond the opening moments of the United States' entry into World War II.
In the early morning hours of Dec. 7, 1941, the Japanese attacked Oahu, surprising installations all over the island. The Pacific Fleet's ships that were moored at Pearl Harbor's Ford Island took the brunt of the assault, including the Oklahoma. In the first few minutes of the attack, the ship was hit by as many as nine aerial torpedoes, which ripped open more than 250 feet of hull on the ship's port side. The massive amount of damage caused the Oklahoma to roll over and sink in less than 20 minutes.
Ward was in one of the ship's turrets, which lost electricity immediately, leaving him and his fellow sailors in darkness. According to the Dayton Daily News, Ward was the only one in that turret with a flashlight.
When the order was given to abandon ship, Ward stayed in his turret, using the flashlight to allow the remainder of the crew to see to escape. While many of them made it out of the turret, Ward did not. At 20 years old, he sacrificed his own life for the lives of his fellow sailors.
All told, the Oklahoma lost 429 men that day. Thirty-two men who had been trapped inside its upturned hull were rescued days later.
In the aftermath of the attacks, it took a while for official death notices to go out. According to the Dayton Daily News, Ward's parents didn't learn of his official death until Feb. 20, 1942.
Despite the chaos of that fateful day, Ward's valor didn't go unnoticed. He was quickly nominated for the Medal of Honor, which was mailed to his parents in Springfield in March 1942, along with a letter from President Franklin D. Roosevelt and Navy Secretary Frank Knox.
In 1943, the capsized Oklahoma was rolled upright and raised in one of the salvage profession's greatest undertakings, naval historians said. Throughout the war, Navy personnel worked to recover the remains of the men who died inside the ship and bury them in temporary Hawaiian cemeteries.
After the war, the American Graves Registration Service was created to carry out a new mission -- to identify and recover our fallen service members from around the globe. AGRS members disinterred the remains of the men from the Oklahoma and transferred them to an Army laboratory, which confirmed the identities of 35 men at that time. The rest of the remains were buried in plots at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, known as the Punchbowl, in Honolulu. By 1949, a military board classified those who hadn't been identified as "nonrecoverable," including Ward.
Nearly a lifetime went by before that changed.
In 2015, investigators – now with the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency – exhumed the comingled remains of the buried unknown men from the Oklahoma to run tests using dental, anthropological and mitochondrial DNA analysis in the hope of finally identifying them. The agency compared those findings to DNA samples that had been provided years earlier by the 394 families of those who were never identified from the Oklahoma.
On Aug. 19, 2021, the DPAA announced it had finally accounted for Ward's remains. He was buried last week in Arlington National Cemetery – a decision that was made by Richard Ward Hanna, his nephew and namesake. Hanna, who lives in Gainesville, Florida, said his family didn't talk about Ward much while he grew up, but he knows how incredibly respected the fallen sailor is in his hometown of Springfield.
"It'll be very emotional," Hanna said in early December. "I've been asked a lot, ‘Does this really give you a sense of closure?' And for me personally, I wouldn't so much say it's closure. I think what's meaningful is he'll finally have a resting place that's permanent that people will know about. And being a Medal of Honor recipient is an incredible thing."
After the war, Ward's name was recorded on the Courts of the Missing at the Punchbowl, along with many others who were missing during World War II. A rosette will now be placed next to his name to indicate he has been accounted for.
Even when Ward was missing for all those years, he was not forgotten. The Edsall-class destroyer escort USS J. Richard Ward, which commissioned in 1943 and was used throughout World War II, was named in his honor. Camp Ward at Farragut Naval Training Station in Idaho was also named for him, and in 1953, a Pearl Harbor baseball field was christened Ward Field. There's an "in memory" marker for Ward at Ferncliff Cemetery in Springfield, Ohio, as well as an American Legion there that bears his name.
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Social Security Matters
By RUSSELL GLOOR
National Social Security Advisor at the AMAC Foundation
Ask Rusty – Are Spousal Benefits Always a Factor?
Dear Rusty: Both my wife and I have worked our entire lives. When we retire, will we both be entitled to full benefit amount each, or will there always be a spousal factor in there? Also, how are those benefits calculated - based on your highest salaries throughout your career, or your ending salaries when you retire? Signed: Looking Ahead
Dear Looking: Prior to retiring from work is a smart time to investigate how Social Security will fit into your golden years. To answer your second question first, each person’s personal SS retirement benefit is based on the highest earning 35 years over their entire lifetime, with earlier years adjusted for inflation. The person’s Average Indexed Monthly Earnings (AIME) - essentially the person’s lifetime average inflation-adjusted monthly earnings amount - is first determined. Using AIME, the person’s Primary Insurance Amount (PIA) is calculated using a special benefit formula which will yield a PIA of about 40% or less of the person’s AIME. The PIA is the amount received if benefits start in the month full retirement age or “FRA” is attained (as you can see, Social Security likes acronyms).
Since you and your wife were both born after 1959, FRA for both of you is 67. The age when you claim benefits, relative to your FRA, determines how much you’ll get. Claim before FRA and your benefit is reduced; claim after your FRA and your SS retirement benefit will be more (up to age 70 when maximum is reached); claim at your FRA and your benefit will equal your PIA – the full (100%) amount you’ve earned from a lifetime of working.
Spouse benefits only come into play if the PIA for one of you is less than 50% of the other’s PIA. In that case, the spouse with the lower PIA gets a “spousal boost” to their own SS retirement benefit when claimed. The amount of the “spousal boost” will be the difference between the lower PIA and half of the higher PIA, but the amount of the “spousal boost” (as well as the person’s own SS retirement amount) will be reduced if benefits are claimed before full retirement age. Any time SS benefits are claimed before full retirement age, those benefits are permanently reduced.
If one spouse is entitled to a “spousal boost” from the other, the spousal amount will reach maximum at the recipient’s full retirement age. Thus, if the lower earning partner’s highest benefit will be as a spouse, then that spouse should not wait beyond their FRA to claim. If, instead, the lower earning partner’s own SS benefit at age 70 is more than their spousal amount, waiting longer than FRA to claim could be prudent, depending on life expectancy.
So, as you can see, deciding when to claim Social Security benefits should consider many things, including financial need, work status if claiming before FRA, marital status, and life expectancy. But it is your lifetime earnings which determines your SS retirement benefit amount, and it is how your FRA entitlements compare to each other that determines whether spousal benefits will be paid.
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Tis the season to be grumpy?
For the most part “champions” are acclaimed, cheered and envied. Not so for the Gay family of Union Vale, New York. In 2012 they adorned their home with a record 346,283 Christmas lights. In 2014 they lit up the neighborhood with 601,736 lights. And, this year, they set a new Guinness Record when they covered their home with 720,426 lights. It’s not just the bright lights that are making some of their neighbors grumpy, it’s also the tens of thousands of drive-by visitors they attract,
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All’s well that ends well
The Richardson family chihuahua, Bean, escaped from his Staten Island, New York, home recently and wound up dodging traffic on the busy Staten Island Expressway. It was a close call but drivers slowed down when they saw the pooch. Kaitlyn McGinley got out of her car and chased Bean on foot. She said "The dog ran under my car and hid under my tire. Someone gave me a bag, and I scooped him up and put him in the car."
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One cat’s leap for life
They say that Coco the cat was spooked by a dog and chased up a utility pole on a roadway in Newfoundland, Canada. He was up there for some two hours as utility workers tried to rescue the frightened feline. Just as they got close enough to grab him, Coco took advantage of his nine lives, jumped for his life, made a soft landing and headed straight for home. His owner, Alice Reid, told reporters, “he's going to have to get used to being in the house more."
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Remembering Hyman Solomon’s 77 Years in Baseball
By JOE GUZZARDI
In 1901, Hyman Solomon, aka Jimmie Reese, was born in New York City to Russian-Jewish immigrant parents. After Hyman’s father died, the Solomon family moved to Los Angeles where the youngster worked as a newspaper boy, took his new name and fell in love with baseball. By the time Reese died at age 92, he had spent 77 years in baseball and is the oldest-ever person to have regularly worn a professional team’s uniform.
During nearly eight decades on the diamond, Reese threw batting practice fastballs to Lou Gehrig, roomed with Babe Ruth when the two were New York Yankees teammates, hit fungos to Nolan Ryan and gave fielding tips to Jim Edmonds. Referring to his time spent with Ruth on Yankees road trips, Reese memorably said that he didn’t room with the Babe in the traditional sense; he roomed with his suitcases.
Reese’s baseball life began as a boy when he finagled his way into the Pacific Coast League’s Los Angeles Angels practices, becoming at age 12 the team’s batboy, a job he gleefully carried out for six years. Chicago Cubs first baseman and Hall of Famer Frank Chance managed the Angels and worked with Reese to develop his skills. Reese was recognized as his high school’s most valuable player.
From high school, Reese moved up to semi-pro where his slick fielding impressed the Oakland Oaks who signed him in 1924 and launched him to the big leagues. In 1928, the Yankees purchased Reese’s contract from the Oaks. The year prior to Reese’s promotion to the star-studded Yankees, Reese hit .337 with one homer, 65 runs batted in, 24 stolen bases, and led all PCL second basemen with a .979 fielding average with 622 putouts in 190 games. Reese’s peers recognized him as one of the smoothest fielding second basemen in the game with near-acrobatic skills at the keystone corner.
In 1932, the Yanks sent Reese to the America Association’s Triple-A St. Paul Saints. The St. Louis Cardinals quickly picked him up to fill in for the injured Frankie Frisch. In 90 games with the Cards, Reese batted .265, hit two homers and drove in 26 runs. And so ended Reese’s three-year major league career; 232 games played with a respectable .278 batting average, eight homers and 70 RBIs.
Little did Reese realize in 1933 when the Cards sold him to the PCL Angels that his baseball career still had six decades remaining. Reese enjoyed outstanding seasons with the Angels and San Diego Padres. He compiled a PCL career batting average of .289 in 1,673 games and holds the league record for most putouts by a second baseman, 4,771, and most assists, 5,119. In 1937, Reese was chosen as the starting second baseman on the All-Time Pacific Coast League team, and in 2002 was elected to the International Jewish Sports Hall of Fame.
Between 1938 and 1994, Reese worked for minor and major league teams as a coach, manager and scout. With a one-year baseball hiatus in 1944 when he served in the U.S. Army during World War II, Reese was continuously in baseball’s employ. In 1972, at age 71, Reese asked the Angels for a job and was hired as conditioning coach – a position he held until his death in 1994. Angels’ owner Gene Autry had given Reese a lifetime contract.
After the 25-year old righty Nolan Ryan was traded to the Angels from the New York Mets, he befriended Reese. Years later, Ryan said, “He’s the finest human being I've ever met.” Ryan’s second son is named Reese in Jimmie’s honor.
At the time of Reese’s death, he was still on the Angels payroll. A year after Reese passed, the Angels encased his locker in tinted Plexiglas. Inside were his beloved fungo bat and his uniform. His number 50 was retired, joining Ryan, Gene Autry and Rod Carew whose numbers no future Angels player would ever wear. The Angels retired number 26 in Autry’s honor. Baseball rosters had 25 men; Autry became the Angels “26th man.”
Today’s big baseball news is Shohei Ohtani’s $700 million, ten-year contract – “a record” as the headlines blare. But Ohtani’s mark won’t last long. Owners are printing money and, since they can jack up ticket prices at will and indefinitely, have no qualms about laying out cash. Reese’s 77-year baseball longevity record, however, will endure for ages and is a testimony to his love for the national pastime.
Joe Guzzardi is a Society for American Baseball Research and Internet Baseball Writers Association member. Contact him at guzzjoe@yahoo.com.
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Medal of Honor Monday: Navy Lt. Thomas Eadie
By KATIE LANGE
Department of Defense News
Navy Lt. Thomas Eadie spent a combined 30 years of service in the Navy from the early 20th century to after World War II. His work as an expert diver salvaging shipwrecks earned him several accolades, especially when it came to saving a fellow diver who had gotten tangled far below the water. For that rescue, he earned the Medal of Honor.
Eadie was born on April 8, 1887, in Glasgow, Scotland. His parents, William and Rebecca, moved to the U.S. in 1890, settling the family in New Jersey. Eadie had a brother, George, and a sister, Margaret.
Eadie enlisted in the Navy in July 1905 shortly after he'd turned 18. Trained as a gunner's mate and as a diver, he remained in the service until 1913, when he moved to Newport, Rhode Island. At some point, he married Margaret Gerrie, and they had a daughter named Marion.
Eadie returned to the Navy during World War I, then worked as a civilian diver for a time before returning to the Navy yet again in 1926. By then, he had worked his way up in rank to chief petty officer.
Eadie was credited with helping to salvage two sunken submarines: the USS S-51, which sank off the coast of Rhode Island in 1925, and the USS S-4, which sank off the coast of Provincetown, Massachusetts. Both operations earned him a Navy Cross, but it was the latter that earned him the Medal of Honor.
On Dec. 18, 1927, the Coast Guard received calls that the USS S-4 submarine had been involved in a collision with a Coast Guard destroyer and sank off the coast of Provincetown while undergoing sea trials. Rescue efforts began immediately, although Eadie and a handful of other expert divers weren't able to arrive at the scene until the next day, thanks in part to bad weather that was thwarting the operation.
A few minutes after Eadie went into the water, he was able to locate the sunken sub. Reports show that when he tapped on its torpedo loading hatch to see if anyone had survived, he received six slow taps in reply, indicated six men were still alive. He got no other responses when he tapped on other sections of the hull, so he returned to the surface to report his findings and recuperate from the dive, which is necessary for all divers operating in deep waters. Other divers went down in his place to continue the mission.
That afternoon, another diver, Fred Michels, went down with a hose that they were hoping to connect to the S-4 to deliver the trapped men much-needed fresh air. However, as Michels was attempting to connect the air line to the sub at a depth of 102 feet, his tether became seriously entangled in the wreckage, trapping him.
When the team above water realized what was happening, Eadie quickly volunteered to go back down to help, even though he was still recovering from his first dive.
Eadie finally reached Michels after the trapped diver had been underwater for about an hour and a half. Eadie saw Michels' line was twisted up in the submarine's metal, so he requested that a hacksaw be lowered down. Eadie sawed at the wreckage for 45 minutes before he was able to release Michels from the tangle.
After more than two hours of extremely dangerous work, Eadie succeeded in getting Michels back to the surface. Michels was put in the ship's decompression chamber in serious condition, but he survived thanks to Eadie's skills and his ability to stay calm under pressure.
Sadly, the crew lost the hose that Michels had carried down to attach to the submarine, so they were never able to get fresh air inside it. All 39 crew members and one civilian observer on the S-4 died. The sub was raised on March 17, 1928, and eventually returned to service before being stricken from the register in 1936.
Eadie was quickly nominated for the Medal of Honor, which he received from President Calvin Coolidge during a White House ceremony on Feb. 23, 1928.
Eadie continued to serve the Navy for another decade before retiring from active duty in 1939; however, he returned yet again in April 1942 during World War II, when he was appointed as a chief gunner (warrant officer). He received a commission in August 1942, then retired for good as a lieutenant in September 1946 after a combined 30 years of service.
From 1941-1942, Eadie was the national commander of the U.S. Legion of Valor. While in London in 1960, he became an honorary member of the British Foreign Legion, according to his obituary in the Newport Mercury newspaper.
Eadie died on Nov. 14, 1964, at age 87 at the Brockton Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Brockton, Massachusetts. He is buried in Island Cemetery in Newport, Rhode Island, where he spent the last few decades of his life.
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History Matters
A feature courtesy of
The Grateful American Book Prize
A phenomenal polymath, Benjamin Franklin was—perhaps—the most peripatetic of all the Founding Fathers: a statesman, diplomat, and philosopher, he published periodicals, Poor Richard’s Almanack--which sold 10,000 annually between 1732-1758--pamphlets, and a two-volume autobiography.
In the scientific sphere, he invented the still-available Franklin Stove— (1741); 1750’s Lightning Rod; the flexible catheter (1752)—and—bifocals (1784).
According to History.com, Franklin was just 12 years old in 1729 when he “became the official printer of currency for the colony of Pennsylvania.” He published Poor Richard’s just three years later "along with the Pennsylvania Gazette, one of the colonies’ first and best newspapers. In 1757 he went to London representing Pennsylvania in its dispute with England and later spent time in France. He returned to America in March 1775, with war on the horizon. He served on the Second Continental Congress and helped draft the Declaration of Independence. He was also instrumental in persuading the French to lend military assistance to the colonies. He died in Philadelphia in 1790.”
The Grateful American Book Prize recommends Walter Isaacson’s Benjamin Franklin: An American Life.
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On December 23, 1783, George Washington resigned as Commander-In-Chief of the Continental Army, and retired to Mount Vernon.
In a pithy announcement to Congress, he declared: “Happy in the confirmation of our independence and sovereignty and pleased with the opportunity afforded the United States of becoming a respectable nation, I resign with satisfaction the appointment I accepted with diffidence, a diffidence in my abilities to accomplish so arduous a task; which however was superseded by a confidence in the rectitude of our cause, the support of the supreme power of the Union, and the patronage of Heaven."
History.com writes there were “political factions” in Congress that “wanted Washington to become the new nation’s king” but by declining the offer and resigning his military post at the end of the war fortified the republican foundations of the new nation.”
Six years later, he ascended to the presidency.
The Grateful American Book Prize suggests The Return of George Washington: 1783-1789 by Edward J. Larson.
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On December 28, 1869, the Knights of Labor had—what may have been--the first Labor Day ceremonies, but it wasn’t until 1884 that the American Federation of Labor declared First Monday-In-September Observance.
Over time, acknowledgement of the holiday has had a deep impact. According to History.com, “in the late 1800s, at the height of the Industrial Revolution in the United States, the average American worked 12-hour days seven-day weeks in order to eke out a basic living. Despite restrictions in some states, children as young as 5 or 6 toiled in mills, factories, and mines across the country, earning a fraction of their adult counterparts’ wages. People of all ages, particularly the very poor and recent immigrants, often faced extremely unsafe working conditions, with insufficient access to fresh air, sanitary facilities and breaks.”
The Grateful American Book Prize proposes Ferris M. Washington’s Labor Day, A Day To Remember.: All You Need To Know About Labor Day, Its History and Importance. How It Began and What It Now Means.
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Social Security Matters
By RUSSELL GLOOR, National Social Security Advisor at the AMAC Foundation
Ask Rusty – I’m 65 and Working; Can I Collect Ex-spouse Benefits?
Dear Rusty: I turned 65 earlier this year, and I still work full time. I was divorced four years ago after 38 years of marriage, but my ex-husband has been collecting Social Security for at least 10 years now. Can I start collecting Social Security and still work full time? And can I collect my ex-husband's amount if it is more than mine (and what is the best way to achieve this)? When I went to my local SSA office, they said they had no way of knowing that. Signed: Working Divorcee
Dear Working Divorcee: Although you are eligible to claim Social Security at age 65, because you are working full time you may wish to wait a bit longer to do so. That’s because Social Security has an “earnings test” which applies to anyone who collects benefits before full retirement age, and you have not yet reached yours.
The earnings test imposes a limit on how much you can earn before SS takes away some of your benefits. If you exceed the annual earnings limit ($22,320 for 2024), Social Security will want back $1 in benefits for every $2 you are over the limit and you will need to repay that, usually by having future benefits withheld. If you significantly exceed the limit, you may even be temporarily ineligible to receive SS benefits until you either earn less or reach your full retirement age (FRA) of 66 years and 8 months. So, if your earnings from working will significantly exceed the annual earnings limit (which changes yearly), it’s likely that your wisest move would be to wait longer to claim your Social Security. As a bonus for doing so, your monthly payment will have grown and will be higher when you claim later. The earnings test no longer applies after you reach FRA.
Regarding benefits from your ex-husband, you cannot collect his instead of yours. What you may be able to do, when you claim your own benefit, is to get an additional amount which brings your monthly payment up to 50% of his. In order for that to happen, you would need to satisfy the following criteria:
• You are not currently married.
• The personal benefit you are entitled to at your FRA must be less than 50% of your ex-husband’s FRA entitlement.
If the above are true, when you claim your own SS retirement benefit you will also get a “spousal boost” to bring your payment up to what you’re entitled to as an ex-spouse. The amount of the spousal boost, if you claim Social Security at your FRA, will be the difference between half of his FRA entitlement and your FRA entitlement. If you claim your benefit before your FRA, not only will your own benefit be reduced for claiming early, but the amount of your spousal boost will also be reduced (benefits claimed before FRA are always reduced).
Whenever you decide to claim Social Security, you will be automatically deemed to be filing for benefits from your ex-husband as well (you shouldn’t need to apply separately). You’ve already satisfied the basic criteria of at least 10 years married to get benefits from an ex-spouse and, if you satisfy the above criteria as well, you will be entitled to a spousal boost when you claim. But your current earnings from working full time will likely affect your eligibility to collect Social Security benefits at this time, so waiting until your full retirement age to claim may be your best choice.
If you will only slightly exceed the annual earnings limit you can consider claiming earlier, as long as you are comfortable with receiving a permanently reduced amount, and the prospect of not getting benefits for a number of months if you exceed the earnings limit (the number of months you will go without benefits depends on how much you exceed the limit by).
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Love conquers
It was love at first sight when a deer made a romantic Christmas pass at an ornamental doe in the front yard of a Camp Nelson, California, home recently. The statuesque female of the species didn’t have a chance when the would-be boyfriend sought to get passionate. His embrace resulted in considerable damage to the figurine and it was all caught on tape thanks to a security camera.
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Christmas, Texas style
Tis the season to get jolly, big time -- especially in Texas where everything is bigger. Take the gigantic inflatable Santa that mysteriously showed up in a vacant lot in Tyler, Texas, in time for the holiday season. Resident Marsha Daugherty told KETK-TV, "Nobody lives on this lot, so we don't know who installed Santa. But isn't that fun?" Locals will tell you that whoever is responsible for the gigantic Christmas present made the holiday all the better. It’s estimated that he or she who came up with the idea spent a thousand dollars or more to arrange the special holiday event.
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Gary’s back in town
The folks who live in Kentwood, Michigan, who were saddened when Gary the Turkey passed away last year are gleeful once again—a new wild turkey has shown up in town just in time for this year’s holiday season. They’re calling him Gary Jr. As local Cathy Kutschinski put it, "It's something that brings some positive light to dark times." She noted that Gary Jr is following in his predecessor’s footsteps. "Same antics of stopping traffic, chasing cars, blocking people from getting out of their driveways."
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Medal of Honor: Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Karl G. Taylor Sr.
By KATIE LANGE
Department of Defense News
When Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Karl Gorman Taylor Sr. was called upon to rescue a trapped platoon in Vietnam, he didn't hesitate to do whatever it took to get his comrades to safety. For Taylor, that meant giving his life for theirs — a sacrifice that earned him a posthumous Medal of Honor.
Taylor was born July 14, 1939, to parents Arthur and Anna Taylor. He and his younger brother, Walter, grew up on a small farm outside of Laurel, Maryland.
Taylor went to Arundel Senior High School but left after his junior year in 1956 to work in construction. In January 1959, both he and his brother joined the Marine Corps.
After infantry combat training, the elder Taylor served with the Fleet Marine Force at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. In the early days of his career, he was able to study for his high school equivalency diploma and, in 1961, earned that from the former Armed Forces Institute in Madison, Wisconsin.
Taylor served as a drill instructor for a time before going on inactive duty with the Marine Corps Reserve. However, about three months later, in late March 1963, he returned to active duty to serve at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia.
At some point during those years, he married Shirley Ann Piatt. They went on to have two boys, Karl Jr. and Kevin, as well as a daughter, Sheryl.
In August 1964, Taylor deployed to Vietnam with the 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division. A year later, he was reassigned as an instructor for the Non-Commissioned Officer Leadership School for Fleet Marine Force, Pacific.
He returned to Quantico in January 1966 for duty as a platoon sergeant at Officer Candidate School before being promoted to staff sergeant on Sept. 1, 1966.
In February 1968, Taylor returned to Vietnam for his second tour of duty, again with the 3rd Marine Division. He was assigned as a platoon sergeant and company gunnery sergeant of Company I of the 3rd Battalion, 26th Marine Regiment.
In December 1968, Taylor's unit was part of Operation Meade River, which was a combined search and destroy mission to regain control of various areas in Quang Nam Province — specifically, to push the enemy out of an area called Dodge City. That region was known to be a staging area and command post for the North Vietnamese Army and Viet Cong troops moving toward U.S. bases at Da Nang, which was about 10 miles south.
On the night of Dec. 8, 1968, Taylor was acting as the company gunnery sergeant when his unit got pinned down by heavy enemy fire. At some point, he learned that the commander of the lead platoon had been killed, so he and another Marine quickly staged a rescue effort to help the remaining members of the beleaguered platoon.
Both men crawled through a hail of hostile fire to reach the unit, where they shouted instructions and encouragement to the men and deployed them to covered positions. Several times, Taylor and the other Marine maneuvered across an open area to rescue seriously wounded platoon members who couldn't move themselves.
When Taylor learned that other seriously injured Marines were trapped in another open area near an enemy machine gun, he and four others moved across the fire-swept terrain to try to rescue them. Soon after, though, their progress was stopped by intense enemy fire, so Taylor ordered the others to go back to the company command post.
From there, Taylor grabbed a grenade launcher and, in full view of the enemy, charged across an open rice paddy toward the machine gun's position, unleashing devastating fire as he went. He was wounded several times but succeeded in getting to the enemy bunker and taking out its machine gun and gunners. Moments later, he was killed. However, his efforts saved the lives of several of his fellow Marines.
Taylor's brother, Walter, later told reporters that he was informed of his brother's death while he was a drill instructor in San Diego. He said Taylor was supposed to return from deployment a mere 20 days later.
Taylor is buried in Independence Cemetery in Independence, Pennsylvania, where his wife and children were living at the time of his death.
In honor of his sacrifice, Taylor was awarded the Medal of Honor. His wife and children were presented the medal by President Richard M. Nixon during a White House ceremony on Feb. 16, 1971. His youngest son, 4-year-old Kevin, even made the news for saluting Nixon after the presentation.
Eleven other men — three Marines and eight soldiers — also received the Medal of Honor that day.
To honor his father, Kevin Taylor went on to become a career Marine as well. When he was promoted to gunnery sergeant -- a rank his father was set to be advanced to before he died -- he dedicated the promotion to his father, according to a May 2005 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette article. The younger Taylor retired from service that same year.
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Social Security Matters
By RUSSELL GLOOR,
National Social Security Adviser at the AMAC Foundation
Ask Rusty – I’m Returning to Work; What Should I Do About Social Security?
Dear Rusty: I started collecting Social Security at age 62 earlier this year. I had an opportunity to partner in a new business this year that will allow me to earn about $200,000 in 2024. Because this is significantly above the allowed earnings when collecting early benefits, I need advice on how I handle this with the Social Security Administration. Am I supposed to call them and advise them of my change in income for 2024? If so, am I going to be penalized in any way? I expect they will stop all payments in 2024 once I alert them to the change. Will I be eligible for Social Security payments when I retire again? This is planned to take place before I reach full retirement age of 67. For information, my 2023 income will not exceed the 2023 allowable income limit. Signed: Un-retiring Temporarily.
Dear Un-retiring: You have a couple of options, considering that you recently claimed early Social Security benefits but are returning to work with income significantly more than the 2024 earnings limit of $22,320.
The first is to simply contact Social Security and tell them you are returning to the work force and tell them your anticipated 2024 income. They will suspend your SS benefits for all of 2024 (to avoid overpaying you and making you return those 2024 payments later). If you plan to continue in your new business beyond 2024, you can advise them of that as well and they will continue the suspension of your benefits, until such time as you either discontinue working or reach your full retirement age (the earnings test no longer applies after you reach your FRA). At that time, SS will resume your monthly Social Security payments and, at your FRA, will give you time credit for all months your benefits were suspended, providing you with a higher monthly payment after your full retirement age is attained (with an adjustment for benefits already paid).
Your other option is to contact Social Security soon and request that your recent application for Social Security benefits submitted earlier this year be withdrawn. You have 12 months from the date of your application to do this, but you will need to repay Social Security all money which they paid to you or on your behalf (including your monthly payments, any income tax you had withheld from those payments, and any dependent benefits which might have been paid based on your record). That will effectively “wipe the slate clean” with Social Security and will be as though you had never claimed, allowing you to simply wait until you stop working, or until your FRA, or even beyond your FRA, to re-apply for Social Security at a higher monthly amount. The advantage of this option is that when your benefit restarts there will be no adjustment (reduction) for past benefits paid.
What I suggest you not do is simply wait to see what happens. That would result in Social Security catching up after the IRS informs them of your 2024 earnings, resulting in you receiving an Overpayment Notice from the SSA demanding repayment of 2024 benefits paid. In that case, you would need to quickly repay Social Security in a large lump-sum or have your SS benefits withheld until the debt for exceeding the earnings limit was repaid. In a nutshell, I suggest you call Social Security and tell them you are returning to work, what your earnings are expected to be, and for how long.
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Leaping lizard
The Collins family of Hollywood, Florida, found an unwelcome guest recently in their guestroom toilet—a rather large iguana. How it got there is anybody’s guess. It seemed to be dead at first, but when Mr. Collins brought in a neighbor to help catch the cagey cadger it tried to wriggle its way to freedom. In fact, Mr. Collins and his neighbor managed to trap the lazy lizard in a garbage bag and released it into the great outdoors where it belonged.
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It's no glass ring
The Glass family of Chino Hills, California, spent more than a year seeking to recover Jana Glass’ wedding ring. Somehow their 5-year-old son had accidentally flushed it down the toilet. They sought help from plumbers to no avail. Fourteen months later a public works crew working in the sewer near their home stopped in their tracks when they came across the sparkling diamond ring. They remembered that Mrs. Glass had lost her ring in the sewer, cleaned it up and, to her grateful surprise, returned it to her.
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How old is your turtle
St. Helena island in the South Atlantic Ocean is the home of the world’s oldest living creature – a giant tortoise that goes by the name of Jonathan and that is more than 191 years of age. According to the Guinness World Records Jonathan was at least 50 years old when it was brought to St. Helena from the Seychelles islands in 1882, making him the world’s oldest living land animal.
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10 backyarding trends for 2024
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – “Backyarding” – the act of taking activities typically associated with the indoors outside into the green space around us – will continue taking root in 2024, according to the TurfMutt Foundation, which advocates for the care and use of green space, including our own backyards, community parks, green space, and school yards. But next year, the TurfMutt Foundation expects the practice of “backyarding” to evolve into an ongoing sustainability practice.
“Now more than ever, homeowners are recognizing the power of their yards and parks doing environmental good, as well as benefitting their health and well-being,” says Kris Kiser, president and CEO of the TurfMutt Foundation and its parent organization the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI). “Homeowners are making improvements in their yards with many goals in mind, thinking about what’s good for their families, pets, and our planet.”
The TurfMutt Foundation predicts these 10 backyarding trends for 2024:
• Improving Existing Space (Rather Than Moving to a New One). High interest rates and low housing inventory mean more homeowners have chosen to renovate rather than move into a new home. With interior improvements complete, the focus turns to backyard improvements that customize the outdoor space and artfully merge indoor and outdoor living.
• Seeking a Home Near a Park or Nature. Even homeowners looking to downsize still want to maintain a connection with nature. They know backyarding can happen in any size yard and seek additional connection to nature through community parks, school yards, and other green space.
• Return of Neighborhood Parties…in the Backyard. Over the last several years, homeowners have invested in their outdoor living areas, and now they are using that space to bring back neighborhood block parties in their own backyards.
• Creating a Backyard Oasis for Fun. From parents looking for ways to lure their kids away from screens to neighbors wanting to connect with friends, homeowners are turning their backyards into a place for fun and games. Some go all out to install a pool or pickleball court while others take a simpler approach like designating a strip of grass for cornhole or a small soccer pitch.
• Taking Better Care of Living Landscapes. Since homeowners have come to value their lawns, trees, and plants more than ever, they are investing in their care like never before. This means investing in equipment for DIY work and calling in professionals, as needed, for pruning, rescuing diseased trees, and revitalizing turfgrass, just to name a few.
• Choosing Real Grass. The trend of ripping out real grass and replacing it with fake, plastic alternatives is fading as homeowners and communities recognize the limitations – and downsides – of plastic grass. Synthetic turf is hard to clean, hot on feet and paws, and difficult to recycle.
• Planting for Pollinators. Once a niche practice, planting for pollinator support is omnipresent. Homeowners understand the importance of their backyards to provide food and shelter to pollinators like birds, butterflies, and bats year-round. And they are selecting plants for their yards with pollinators in mind.
• Adding Drought Tolerant Plants. Plants that are especially adapted to drier landscapes are better for water-stressed areas in our environment. Homeowners are doing their research and selecting plants that will thrive in their micro-climates.
• Mixing Materials. As outdoor living has become incorporated into daily life, homeowners are taking care to design cohesive outdoor spaces. They factor in landscaping, hardscaping (patios, outdoor kitchens, etc.), and natural aesthetics (trees, boulders, etc.).
• Backyard Birding. The birdwatching craze really took flight during the pandemic, but it’s not a fleeting fad. Birdwatching is not only relaxing; it is a great way to connect with nature right outside our back doors.
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Medal of Honor: Army Spc. Ross A. McGinnis
By KATIE LANGE
Department of Defense News
Army Spc. Ross Andrew McGinnis wanted to serve his country for as long as his family could remember, so it was no surprise to them that he joined up in the years after 9/11. He was sent to Iraq to fight in the global war on terror, and while he never came home from that mission, four other men did thanks to his courage. McGinnis' sacrifice earned him the Medal of Honor.
McGinnis was born on June 14, 1987, in Meadville, Pennsylvania, to parents Tom and Romayne McGinnis. He had two sisters, Becky and Katie.
When McGinnis was 3, the family moved about an hour southeast to Knox, Pennsylvania, where he went to Clarion County public schools, was a Boy Scout and played baseball, basketball and soccer.
As a teen, McGinnis worked part-time at a McDonald's and became a car enthusiast. He took classes at a nearby career center in automotive technology in the hopes of one day becoming an auto mechanic in the military — something he'd desired to be a part of since childhood. His mother said that during kindergarten, when he was asked what he wanted to be when he grew up, he drew a picture of a soldier.
McGinnis got involved as soon as he could. In June 2004, on his 17th birthday, he enlisted in Army through its delayed entry program. After he graduated from Keystone Junior-Senior High School in 2005, he officially became a soldier.
After basic training, McGinnis was sent to serve in Schweinfurt, Germany. Many of the friends he made there said he was known for doing impersonations and making everyone laugh.
In August 2006, his unit, the 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, was deployed to Iraq. He was only there for four months before he made the ultimate sacrifice for his fellow soldiers.
On Dec. 4, 2006, then-Pfc. McGinnis was serving as a machine gunner in Company C in the northeastern part of Baghdad. His platoon was working to control sectarian violence in the area, which was rampant at the time.
During that afternoon, while McGinnis was in position at the back of his vehicle, an insurgent threw a grenade from a roof, and it fell into McGinnis' Humvee. The private first class reacted quickly, yelling "Grenade!" to warn his four fellow soldiers stuck in the vehicle with him.
Instead of saving his own life by escaping through the gunnery hatch — as he was trained to do — McGinnis, who was the youngest in his platoon at 19, chose to give his own life to protect his crew, diving onto the live grenade to shield them from the blast. He died immediately.
The other soldiers in the vehicle with him — Sgt. 1st Class Cedric Thomas, the platoon sergeant and truck commander; Staff Sgt. Ian Newland, the squad leader; Sgt. Lyle Buehler, the driver; and medic Spc. Sean Lawson all survived thanks to his bravery and selflessness.
Shortly after his death, McGinnis' parents released a statement about him that said in part, "The lives of four men who were his Army brothers outweighed the value of his one life. … The choice for Ross was simple, but simple does not mean easy. His straightforward answer to a simple but difficult choice should stand as a shining example for the rest of us. We all face simple choices, but how often do we choose to make a sacrifice to get the right answer? The right choice sometimes requires honor."
On June 2, 2008, former President George W. Bush presented McGinnis' parents with the Medal of Honor during a White House ceremony. His sisters and the soldiers he helped save were also in attendance. McGinnis was posthumously promoted to specialist and also received the Bronze Star and Purple Heart.
"I know medals never crossed his mind. He was always about friendships and relationships," McGinnis' father later said. "He just took that to the ultimate this time."
McGinnis is buried in Arlington National Cemetery. He's one of only three Medal of Honor recipients from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan to be buried there.
McGinnis continues to be remembered across the military community and in his home state. In the past 15 years, the Pittsburgh military processing center was renamed in his honor, as was a post office in his hometown. In 2017, the National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center in Columbus, Georgia, dedicated a statue bearing McGinnis' likeness as part of its Global War on Terrorism Memorial.
On Veterans Day 2009, former President Barack Obama left a presidential coin at the young soldier's grave after remembrance services at the cemetery. McGinnis' medal is on display at the First Infantry Division Museum in Wheaton, Illinois.
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Raise a glass without raising your weight
It’s the holiday season, and it’s the time when we gather — sometimes several times — with family and friends to celebrate. These multiple celebrations or parties often bring with them large amounts of food and drink.
TOPS Club, Inc. (Take Off Pounds SensiblySM), the nonprofit weight-loss support organization, with a “Real People. Real Weight Loss.®” philosophy, understands that the holidays can be a challenge for those trying to take — and keep — pounds off. TOPS encourages taking sensible steps to live well, and giving up alcohol altogether during gatherings isn’t necessarily a sensible first step. Having a little cup of what you love is allowed, but watching what you drink and drinking in moderation can help you maintain your weight during this “eating season.”
Here is everything you need to know about raising a glass without raising your weight:
Plan ahead
You’ve been to holiday parties before, so take some time to consider what you’ll be walking into. Think about how many alcoholic drinks you’re going to allow yourself, and make sure it’s a number you won’t regret the next morning. Then talk to a trusted family member or friend attending the same gathering and ask them to help keep you accountable.
Watch your calories
Calories can add up quickly when the drinks are flowing. Opt for a no-calorie drink, like water, coffee, tea, or diet soda. If that’s too much all at once, choose a low-calorie alcoholic drink, like swapping out eggnog with white wine. Finally, do not bring a high-caloric alcoholic drink with you to a party. Consider gifting hot chocolate or cider so there are other options at the gathering.
Stretch your drinks
Alcohol has a diuretic effect on your body, meaning it causes your body to eliminate fluids quickly, which makes you thirsty. To consume a limited amount of alcohol and stay hydrated, try adding water or ice cubes to your drink and nurse it for a few hours. Another option is to make sure your alcohol to water intake is 1:1. Drink a glass of water in between alcoholic drinks. Sparkling water even looks like a drink, and it’ll help you pace yourself.
Be nosy
You should always know what’s in your drink, not only for your safety, but also if you’re trying to avoid unnecessary calories. If you’re a fan of mixed drinks, avoid sugary options and try mixing your alcohol with diet soda, seltzer, or low-calorie fruit juice.
Be smart before and during the gathering
Remember alcohol affects the way you eat. Alcohol doesn’t make you feel full, so it’s easy to overeat. Don’t avoid eating during the day because you have a party later. Eat plenty of protein and vegetables before so you won’t feel the need to binge eat. When you’re at the gathering, talk and socialize away from the food and drink table.
What drinks are safest?
According to the National Institute of Health, alcoholic beverages that are 100 calories or fewer include: gin, vodka, rum, whiskey, tequila, brandy, champagne, and light beer, while beverages like red and white wine are more than 100 calories.
What does drinking in moderation look like?
The National Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention define moderate alcohol intake as one glass a day or seven per week for women, and two glasses a day or 14 per week for men.
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History Matters
A feature courtesy of
The Grateful American Book Prize
On Saturday, December 6, 1941, President Franklin Roosevelt advised Emperor Hirohito to withdraw his fleet of warships “for the sake of humanity.” The message was prompted by a Royal Australian Air Force pilot who had detected a formidable throng of Japanese warships headed for Thailand.
Meanwhile, according to History.com, “600 miles northwest of Hawaii, Admiral Yamamoto, commander of the Japanese fleet, announced to his men: ‘The rise or fall of the empire depends upon this battle. Everyone will do his duty with utmost efforts.’ Thailand was, in fact, a bluff. Pearl Harbor in Oahu, Hawaii was confirmed for Yamamoto as the Japanese target, after the Japanese consul in Hawaii had reported to Tokyo that a significant portion of the U.S. Pacific fleet would be anchored in the harbor—sitting ducks. The following morning, Sunday, December 7, was a good day to begin a raid.”
The Grateful American Book Prize recommends Events That Changed the course of History: The Story of the Attack on Pearl Harbor 75 Years Later by Kimberly Sarmiento.
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William Frederick Cody—known as Buffalo Bill-- embodied the heroes of the Wild West. He garnered esteem for his service with the Pony Express --and later--as a Civil War hero for the Union. His dexterity with a six-gun was so remarkable that Ned Buntline [born Edward Judson] wrote 550 dime novels featuring Cody. After his The Scouts of the Prairie--was adapted for the stage--he persuaded Buffalo Bill “to abandon his real-life western adventures to play a highly exaggerated version of himself …” [on stage].
On December 11, 1872, Cody made his debut in Chicago.
According to History.com. “Once he had a taste of the performing life, Cody never looked back. Though he continued to spend time scouting or guiding hunt trips in the West, Cody remained on the Chicago stage for the next 11 years. Buffalo Bill Cody was the hero of more than 1,700 variant issues of dime novels [by a variety of authors], and his star shone even more brightly when his world-famous Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show debuted in 1883. The show was still touring when Buffalo Bill Cody died in 1917.”
The Grateful American Book Prize recommends Buffalo Bill Cody: An Autobiography.
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The American Revolution, which ended in 1783, achieved America’s independence, and the Constitution--ratified on December 15, 1791--underscored freedom, and citizens’ rights.
Today, there are 27 amendments, but the first ten--the Bill of Rights—are the most important.
“Influenced by the English Bill of Rights of 1689, the Bill of Rights was also drawn from Virginia’s Declaration of Rights, drafted by George Mason in 1776,” according to History.com. “Mason, a native Virginian, was a lifelong champion of individual liberties, and in 1787 he attended the Constitutional Convention and criticized the final document for lacking constitutional protection of basic political rights. In the ratification struggle that followed, Mason and other critics agreed to support the Constitution in exchange for the assurance that amendments would be passed immediately.”
The Grateful American Book Prize recommends Carol Berkin‘s The Bill of Rights: The Fight to Secure America's Liberties.
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UAMS House Call
Dr. Daniel Knight
Professor in the Department of Family and Preventive Medicine
Q:. What is Parkinson's disease
A: Parkinson’s disease is a degenerative brain condition that affects the nervous system and parts of the body controlled by the nerves. Neurons (nerve cells in the brain) slowly break down and die in affected persons. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke estimates that approximately 500,000 Americans are diagnosed with Parkinson’s.
Age is the most common risk factor in the development of Parkinson’s. The average age for onset of the disease is 70, and chances increase after 60. However, it is possible to have Parkinson’s as early as 50 years old. Men are more likely to experience Parkinson’s than women.
Symptoms vary from person to person, and early symptoms may not be evident. The most common sign are tremors, which frequently occur in a hand. This shaking is most noticeable while at rest. Other symptoms include muscle stiffness, impaired balance and coordination, speech changes, and the slowing of such movements as walking.
Parkinson’s has no cure, and it is unclear what causes the disease. A health care provider will likely recommend an affected person see a neurologist who specializes in treatment of this type of movement disorder.
Q: How can I maintain a healthy diet during the holidays?
A: The holidays can be a tough time for many trying to manage good eating habits. There are gatherings at home and at work. People are traveling, which can upset their normal eating routine. Even at home, attending events, hosting guests or shopping can disrupt schedules. Still, it is possible to enjoy yourself while watching what you eat.
It is always advisable to begin your day with a healthy breakfast. This will help establish a sense of normalcy in your daily activities, and it can be a way to keep your mind on the goal of sensible eating. If you have an exercise plan, do your best to stick to it.
For diabetics, planning is essential. Try to eat as close to your normal mealtimes as possible. Do not skip meals, as this makes managing blood sugar harder and makes you more likely to overeat at the next meal. Popular holiday beverages are high in calories or sugar, so be mindful of your consumption.
Make an appointment with your health care provider if you need assistance maintaining your diet during this period.
Q: Why do we get sick during colder weather?
A: When the temperature drops, your body goes through changes that may impact how it fights diseases and illnesses. When cold and dry air is breathed in, blood vessels in the respiratory system narrow to conserve heat, which makes it harder for white blood cells to move throughout the body to fight germs.
Viruses spread more easily in dry, winter air because there are fewer water molecules present to slow their movement. Heating your home in the winter also dries out the air. Nasal passages do not perform as efficiently in dry air, which can allow viruses to enter the body more easily.
Colder weather can also worsen preexisting conditions. Raynaud’s disease, which is the narrowing of blood vessels that supply blood to the skin, is aggravated by colder weather. People affected by arthritis will feel worse as restricted blood flow makes joints feel stiffer than normal. Colder air causes respiratory systems to work harder, exacerbating an ailment such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Contact your health care provider to work out a plan if you are concerned about your health as the weather turns colder, particularly if you have conditions intensified by cold.
Q: What is the difference between farsightedness and nearsightedness?
A: Farsightedness (hyperopia) and nearsightedness (myopia) are classified as refractive errors. Astigmatism (blurred or distorted vision at all distances) is also a refractive error. Refractive errors are the most common eye problems and are easily corrected. The National Eye Institute estimates more than 150 million Americans are affected by one of these conditions.
Farsightedness is when nearby objects appear blurry, but you can see distant objects clearly. In addition to having trouble seeing things up close, other symptoms of farsightedness include eye strain and headaches. Many people are born with farsightedness, but vision problems may not present themselves until later in life.
Nearsightedness is when you have trouble seeing objects farther away, but anything near appears clearly. Headaches, eye strain, and squinting are some symptoms of nearsightedness. Some people affected with nearsightedness also have blurry vision when the light is dim, such as during nighttime driving. Nearsightedness normally develops during childhood.
Schedule an appointment with an eye doctor if you experience symptoms associated with either condition. An eye exam will determine which issue you have. The most common treatments for farsightedness and nearsightedness are contact lenses or eyeglasses. Surgery may be required depending upon the extent of the problem.
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Social Security Matters
By RUSSELL GLOOR
National Social Security adviser at the AMAC Foundation
Ask Rusty – We’re Planning to Claim at 62; What Do We Need to Know?
Dear Rusty: My wife (born May 1962) and I (born April 1963) are retired and will soon be looking to start collecting our Social Security as we each hit 62. As this is new to us, I'm wondering what things we may need to be aware of or consider as we get closer to her 62 birthday in May. Any advice or information will be appreciated! Signed: Planning Ahead
Dear Planning: If you and your wife are both retired from working and have decided to start your (reduced) Social Security as soon as you are eligible at age 62, then there is nothing you need to do in advance of applying. The Social Security retirement benefit amount for each of you will be determined by your individual lifetime earnings record and your age when you claim. If either of you will be eligible for a spousal boost from the other, that will be automatically applied when both of you are collecting.
If your wife plans to claim her Social Security as soon as she is eligible, she should apply for her benefits about 3 months in advance and choose the option on the application which states “I want benefits beginning with the earliest possible month and will accept an age-related reduction.” For information, an applicant must be 62 for an entire month to get benefits, so your wife’s first month of eligibility will be June 2024. Social Security deals only in whole months and pays benefits in the month following the month earned; so if your wife’s birthday is between the 11th and 20th of the month her first Social Security payment will be received in her bank account on the third Wednesday of July. All subsequent payments will be on that same schedule. Then, when it’s time for you to claim, you should follow the same process as your wife and, if either of you is entitled to a higher amount as a spouse, it will be automatically applied when your benefits later start.
Applying for benefits is a relatively simple process if done online at www.ssa.gov/apply. Note that to apply online your wife will need to first create her personal “my Social Security” account, which is easy to do at www.ssa.gov/myaccount. To prepare for applying later, you can also create your personal online account now (it’s required to apply online), at which you will see what your estimated benefit will be at different ages. Of course, your wife first (and later you) can also call Social Security at 1.800.772.1213 to request an appointment to apply for SS retirement benefits in person. Applications which are not done online are usually taken over the phone vs. requiring a visit to your local Social Security office, but applying online is, by far, the most efficient method (you can link to the application process from your online account).
One important thing to be aware of: By claiming at age 62, the monthly payment for each of you will be 70% of what it would be at your full retirement age (FRA) and that is a permanent reduction. If you expect at least average longevity - about 84 for you and 87 for your wife - and if it is financially feasible, then waiting longer to claim would yield a higher monthly amount as well as the most in cumulative lifetime benefits. For those with an FRA of 67, SS retirement benefits claimed at FRA are 30% higher than at 62 and, if claimed at 70 are 75% more than at 62. And, although the decision on when to claim is always personal, a married couple should also evaluate their joint needs when deciding.
One final word of caution: although you and your wife are now retired from working, be aware that if you claim SS benefits before your FRA and return to work, Social Security has an earnings test which limits how much you can earn before some benefits are taken away. The earnings test lasts until you reach your full retirement age.
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How hungry are you?
New York City is known for its costly restaurants. To prove it, just take a look at the special menu offered at the Serendipity3 eatery located in the upper reaches of the Big Apple. Among its specialties there is the $214 grilled cheese sandwich that goes well with a $200 side of “Creme de la Crème” French fries.
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Brown Friday
“Virtually every traditional Thanksgiving dish is a drain clogging culprit,” according to the experts at Roto-Rooter. In fact, they call the day after Thanksgiving "Brown Friday." It’s also known as the busiest day of the year for plumbers. As they explain it, "a house already has partially clogged drains that go unnoticed until holiday guests arrive and overwhelm the system. Even more problematic is that virtually every traditional Thanksgiving dish is a drain clogging culprit."
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Magpies beware?
Magpies can be bothersome critters, as Giulio Cuzzilla of New South Wales, Australia found out. He also found out that they could be scared off by owls, so he put together what he thought was a “scary” look-alike using paper and feathers. As it turned out It wasn’t very life-like; in fact, his fake owl seemed to attract magpies. As he put it, "I accidentally made a magpie god" that attracted instead of scared away the pesky birds.
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Medal of Honor: Army Lt. Col. Don C. Faith Jr.
By KATIE LANGE
Department of Defense News
Army Lt. Col. Don Carlos Faith Jr. was one of thousands of men forced to fight through frigid conditions and overwhelming odds during the Korean War's Battle of Chosin Reservoir. He didn't survive the ordeal, but the leadership and bravery he showed while commanding troops earned him a posthumous Medal of Honor.
Faith was born Aug. 26, 1918, in Washington, Indiana, to parents Katherine and Don Faith Sr., who was a World War I Army general. As an Army brat, the younger Don and his two brothers, Francis and Edwin, grew up all over the world, including in China, the Philippines, Georgia and Washington, D.C.
In the late 1930s, Faith attended Georgetown University, where his father was then the director of veterans' education, according to a 1950 edition of the Washington, D.C, newspaper, The Evening Star. But by June 1941, he decided he wanted to follow in his father's footsteps by joining the Army, months before Pearl Harbor would thrust the U.S. into World War II.
After basic training, Faith went to Officer Candidate School and received his commission before being assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division. Faith was first stationed at Camp Claiborne in central Louisiana, where he met Barbara Wilbur. They married in November 1942 and eventually had a daughter, Bobbie.
Faith went on to serve in North Africa, Italy, France and Germany, earning two Bronze Stars and the French Croix de Guerre for his actions. When the war was over, he was stationed for a short time in the Philippines before being sent home to serve as the Army secretary to the United Nations Military Staff Committee.
In early 1948, Faith served in China before joining occupation forces in Japan, where he was stationed when the Korean War began in June 1950. By then, he was a lieutenant colonel and was given command of the 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment. A short time later, they were sent to Korea.
By November 1950, United Nations troops, which were largely American, had pushed the North Koreans north toward the border with China. Around the same time, China decided to join the war on the enemy's side, so it sent thousands of its own troops south across the Yalu River to help the fleeing North Koreans.
The Battle of Chosin Reservoir, as the ensuing fight is now called, was one of the most savage battles of the war, playing out in rugged, hotly contested terrain during one of the coldest winters on record for the region. Temperatures, which reached about -40 degrees Fahrenheit, were so cold that weapons malfunctioned, and foxholes couldn't be dug because the ground was too hard, historians said.
Starting on Nov. 27, 1950, about 100,000 Chinese soldiers encircled the Chosin Reservoir near the village of Sasu-ri, quickly outnumbering and outgunning about 30,000 UN troops, including Faith's 1st Battalion. When enemy troops launched a fierce attack against them, Faith directed the action amid heavy fire and even led counterattacks to restore positions that had been breached.
At one point, Faith directed an attack that would help his battalion link up with another unit, the 31st Regimental Combat Team, which was in dire need of help. Faith did reconnaissance on the route they would take and personally directed the first elements of his command across the ice-covered reservoir. He then directed the battalion's vehicles, which were loaded with wounded men, until all his command had passed through enemy fire. Only then did he allow himself to cross the reservoir.
When the battalion reached the beleaguered 31st RCT, Faith assumed their command. Nicknamed Task Force Faith, the combined unit was ordered to organize its survivors and withdraw south about 14 miles to Hagaru-ri, where they would be able to join with more friendly forces.
Although they were all exhausted by the bitter cold and physical effort, Faith rallied his men and launched an attack. When they were quickly stopped by enemy fire, Faith ran forward and got his stalled men moving so they could blast their way through the enemy ring.
By Dec. 1, days had passed since the troops had begun their flight south, and they were still being attacked.
According to Faith's Medal of Honor citation, "As they came to a hairpin curve, enemy fire from a roadblock again pinned the column down. Faith organized a group of men and directed their attack on the enemy positions on the right flank. He then placed himself at the head of another group of men and, in the face of direct enemy fire, led an attack on the enemy roadblock, firing his pistol and throwing grenades."
Faith managed to get within about 30 yards of the roadblock when he was seriously wounded by grenade fragments; however, he continued to direct the attack until the roadblock was overrun. Unfortunately, Faith didn't survive his injuries and died the next day, according to the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency.
By the end of the Battle of Chosin Reservoir on Dec. 13, UN troops managed to break through the enemy siege and move south far enough to evacuate more than 100,000 North Korean refugees.
Throughout five days of action during that movement, Faith continuously disregarded his own safety, often throwing himself into the most dangerous situations to keep others safe. His actions were a great inspiration to his men, which led to him posthumously earning the Medal of Honor. His wife and daughter received it on his behalf from famed World War II Army Gen. Omar Bradley.
"Mrs. Faith, I have known Don since he was a little boy, and I'm not surprised at his leadership and courage," Bradley told Faith's wife during a ceremony at the Pentagon, according to The Evening Star. The newspaper said nine other Korean War service members received the Medal of Honor during the same ceremony.
A Delayed Homecoming
Sadly, Faith's remains couldn't be repatriated because of battlefield conditions at the time, so the family had nothing to bury. Instead, his name was inscribed on the Courts of the Missing at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu.
In 2004, joint investigators were allowed into North Korea to survey a field near the Chosin Reservoir, where they located a mass grave site, the DPAA said. Boxes of remains were exhumed and returned to the U.S. for identification. However, that process can take years due to the challenges that come with identifying remains that are lumped together.
In August 2012 — nearly 62 years after Faith died — the DPAA positively identified his remains as part of the batch that had been repatriated in 2004. Less than a year later, on April 17, 2013, Faith was finally laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery.
To date, there are still 7,485 Americans who are unaccounted for from the Korean War, according to DPAA's website.
Faith's name continues to live on. In the 1990's, a headquarters building was built in his honor at Fort Drum, New York. His name is also inscribed on the Korean War Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C., which was updated in 2022 to include the names of the fallen.
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Social Security Matters
By RUSSELL GLOOR
National Social Security Advisor at the AMAC Foundation
Ask Rusty – About the Fairness of “WEP” and “GPO”
Dear Rusty: I was married to my ex-husband for 30 years. For 14 of those years, I was an unemployed mom and community volunteer. After my sons were grown, I began teaching in California and earned a teacher pension. That teacher pension eliminates ALL the spousal benefits my husband paid for. How can that be justified? I, like a number of my retired friends, rent out rooms in my house to be able to live on a small teacher’s pension and get none of my earned spousal benefits. Signed: Frustrated Teacher
Dear Frustrated Teacher: I can only say that your frustration is shared by many retirees from public service in States which do not participate in the federal Social Security program – that is, neither the employee nor the State contribute to the federal Social Security program. There are about 26 states (including California) which exempt at least some of their employees (and themselves) from paying Social Security payroll taxes, but those states are obligated to provide retirement benefits robust enough to offset the loss of Social Security benefits which will occur later in life after the employee retires. As controversial as these laws - the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO) - are, they have withstood legal challenges since they were enacted four decades ago.
Because you have a “non-covered” pension from your state employment, WEP reduces any personal Social Security retirement benefit you may have earned elsewhere and, to your specific point, the GPO has eliminated the spousal benefit you might otherwise have been entitled to from your ex-husband. Like you, many who are affected believe this to be unfair, but Congress has steadfastly failed to enact legislation to repeal these provisions, or even to soften their impact. The likely reason is that Congress has evaluated the fundamental premise of the provisions and concluded they appropriately equalize the way benefits are paid to all Social Security beneficiaries.
It might help to think of it this way: in normal circumstances, if one spouse has a personally earned Social Security retirement benefit which is more than 50% of their partner’s full retirement age (FRA) amount, no spousal benefit is paid (the spouse benefit is offset by the recipient’s own SS retirement benefit). The GPO (the provision which affects SS spousal and survivor benefits) applies that same logic for a spouse who has a “non-covered” pension earned outside of the Social Security program, their spousal benefit is offset by the amount of the person’s own “non-covered” retirement pension. The one difference is that the GPO offset is actually a bit smaller (2/3rds of the non-covered pension vs. 100% offset for a spouse with their own SS retirement benefit).
Both WEP (which reduces SS retirement benefits) and the GPO (which reduces spousal or survivor benefits) are consequences of working for a State which has chosen to not participate in the federal Social Security program, and those states are obligated to inform their employees of those consequences. I know that doesn’t make your situation any less frustrating, but Congress “justifies” these provisions as being necessary to equalize how benefits are paid to all Social Security beneficiaries. There are about 2 million beneficiaries affected by WEP and over 700,000 affected by the GPO, most of whom share your displeasure. Nevertheless, Congress has so far maintained both these provisions as originally enacted. If you wish to add your voice to those who believe WEP and GPO are unfair, you may wish to contact your federal Congressional Representatives to express that point.
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Outdoor Winter Container Gardens
By MELINDA MYERS
Add a bit of greenery to your front steps, window box or patio with a winter container garden. You’ll find all the ingredients you need at your local garden center, craft store, and maybe even a few in your backyard.
Start with a walk through your yard and look for evergreens and other potential ingredients for your winter containers. Fruits like rose hips, winterberries, holly berries, crabapples and others add color to the container. Fluffy seedheads of grasses make a nice vertical accent and add a bit of motion to the arrangement.
Next, convert one or two of your summer or fall containers into a winter display. The container should be able to tolerate the winter conditions in your area. Concrete, iron, metal, wood and fiberglass containers are best suited for year-round use. Even plastic pots will last for a few years when left outside.
Or start a new container for winter. Repurpose or purchase a container. Nursery pots that once housed trees and shrubs make excellent options. These black containers provide the perfect backdrop for greenery and are available for free from most garden centers and fellow gardeners.
Make sure the pot has drainage holes to prevent water-logged soil and water from overflowing the pot. Fill the container about 7/8 full with a well-drained potting mix. The soil helps hold the greenery, twigs and other materials in place and adds weight to keep the pot upright throughout the winter.
Consider using a mix of greens for a variety of textures and various shades of green. Pine, spruce, arborvitae, boxwood and junipers may be growing in your landscape and most are available at garden centers. Spruce tips are popular, allowing you to add “mini” trees or create vertical accents in your containers.
Use greens to cover the pot and create an attractive base for your winter display. Place some branches upright and others at a 45-degree angle so the greens drape over the edge. Secure the stems by placing them at least four inches deep in the soil.
Now add some color and vertical interest with stems of red twig dogwoods, paper birch branches, berry-laden stems from holly and winterberry and curly willow branches. Artificial material and outdoor ornaments can also be used. It’s your opportunity to get creative.
Do consider adding other elements such as evergreen cones, seed pods, allium seedheads, and balloon plant pods. Leave them natural or add some paint and glitter.
Water thoroughly to remove air pockets and lock your ingredients in place. Keeping the soil moist until the potting mix freezes can help extend the beauty of the greenery. The winter containers will also last much longer in cooler temperatures. And those displayed in more sheltered locations out of direct sunlight and wind will suffer less drying.
Once your container is complete it is time to relax and enjoy your holiday celebrations.
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Get a haircut?
If you know a woman who is looking for a particularly distinct wig, you might want to get in touch with Nigerian wigmaker Helen Williams. Ms. Williams is a professional when it comes to toupees. In fact, she made headlines recently for what the Guinness World Record judges declared is the world’s longest handmade wig. It measures 1,152 feet and 5 inches in length. The question is where she got the 1,000 bundles of human hair that went into her rug.
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The cat’s meow
Here we go again. They’ve found another mysterious creature that has animal experts scratching their heads. This time it’s a mysterious big cat-like creature that was found roaming the hills in Arizona’s Phoenix Mountain Preserve. Tom Cadden at the Arizona Game and Fish Department told the Arizona Republic, "It's not one of our native big cat species, mountain lion, bobcat, ocelot or jaguar. It's pretty big for a house cat. My guess is that it's probably something that was bought at a wildlife auction. Could be from Africa or South America. It's nothing I'm familiar with, but it's not a house cat."
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He jumps for joy
Henry Cabelus is a pogo stick expert who already holds the record for making a 10.1 foot backflip jump. But he is not content and says his aim is to make a 10.6-foot backflip, at least. He’s been at it for 10 years now and has broken nine bones, four of which were in his face and admits that it’s pretty scary.
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Keeping Tropical Plants Healthy
By MELINDA MYERS
Tropical plants are filling our homes and workspaces, adding beauty, relieving stress, and boosting creativity, productivity, and focus. Keep these plants healthy and looking their best by providing for their basic needs.
Select plants that will thrive in the growing conditions found in your home or office and with your level of care. Busy gardeners should look for low-maintenance plants like ZZ plants, Chinese evergreens, pothos and philodendrons while others may choose ferns, peace lilies, baby tears and gardenias that require a bit more attention and care.
Light is the most common limiting factor when growing plants indoors. Matching the plants to the desired light is the first step in success. Plant tags, university websites and plant books can provide you with this information. If you are lucky enough to have an east- or west-facing window you can grow a wide variety of plants. High-light plants should be kept within two feet of these windows. Low-light plants can be set up to six feet back or off to the side of an east- or west-facing window or in front of one that faces north. Keep in mind buildings, awnings, trees, and sheers can decrease the amount of sunlight reaching the plants.
Fortunately, there are now more options for decorative energy-efficient grow lights available, expanding your indoor gardening opportunities. Pendants, clip-ons, floor lights and furniture-grade plant shelves provide the needed light for plants and add decorative elements to your home.
Proper watering is next on the list of key factors for healthy growth and longevity of indoor plants. Most tropical plants prefer evenly moist soil comparable to a wrung-out sponge. Water thoroughly preferable with tepid water when the top few inches of potting mix are starting to dry. Pour off any excess water that collects in the saucer. Allowing plants to sit in water can lead to root rot and plant death.
To achieve proper watering enlist the help of moisture-retaining products like organic Wild Valley Farms wool pellets (wildvalleyfarms.com). Made from wool waste, this sustainable product reduces watering by up to 25% and increases pore space in the soil for proper drainage and better plant growth.
Create attractive clusters of plants while increasing the humidity that most tropical plants need for healthier growth. As one plant loses moisture through the leaves, often called transpiration, the neighboring plants benefit. Go one step further by utilizing gravel trays. Set plant pots on pebble-filled saucers or trays. Allow excess water to collect in the pebbles below the pots. As this water evaporates, it increases the humidity around the plants. This also reduces your workload by eliminating the need to pour off excess water that collects in the plant saucer.
Add a few terrariums for plants like Venus fly trap, ferns and spike moss that grow best in high humidity and moist soil conditions. Purchase one or create your own from an old aquarium, or another clear glass container and add a lid to create a closed growing system. Select or create one that supports plant growth, complements your home’s décor, and reflects your personality.
Provide a warm, draft-free location for your tropical plants. Most prefer the same temperatures, 65-75 degrees, that we do. Don’t worry if you turn down the heat at night, most plants will be fine. Just do not trap them between the curtain and window where it is much colder than the rest of your home. Avoid cold drafts from doors and windows and hot drafts from heat registers that can be detrimental to your plant’s health.
You may need to move plants, adjust grow lights, and fine-tune watering as you get to know each plant’s needs. Once you place them in the right location and provide the correct amount of light and water, your plants will grow and prosper.
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Medal of Honor: Army Maj. Gen. George L. Mabry Jr.
By KATIE LANGE
Department of Defense News
During the U.S. Army's push toward Berlin in World War II, Maj. Gen. George Lafayette Mabry Jr. nearly single-handedly forced his way through enemy fortifications to clear an area of German forest for Allied troops. His valor and leadership made him one of the most decorated soldiers of the war, including having earned the Medal of Honor.
Mabry was born Sept. 14, 1917, in the little town of Stateburg outside Sumter, South Carolina. He had two brothers and a sister.
After high school, Mabry went to Presbyterian College in Clinton, South Carolina, where he majored in English and minored in psychology in the hopes of becoming a teacher. He also worked as a farm manager and played semi-pro baseball before graduating in June 1940. Everyone who attended the school was also required to be in ROTC, so when Mabry joined the Army, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant.
According to a Presbyterian College blog from 2020, Mabry later said that, while he didn't become a teacher, his studies in psychology helped him deal with stressed out soldiers.
After training, Mabry was assigned to the newly activated 4th Infantry Division's 8th Infantry Regiment. After about a year in the service, he married Eulena Myers. The pair went on to have a daughter and two sons, including one, George, who followed in his father's footsteps and eventually became an Army officer.
Mabry remained in the states until January 1944, when he was deployed to England. He and his 4th ID brethren took part in the D-Day landings on Utah Beach in Normandy on June 6. His valor that day earned him the Distinguished Service Cross and, later, a Silver Star.
Throughout the summer of 1944, the 4th ID pushed through occupied France, liberating towns along the way. By autumn, they and other Allied forces had made it to Germany's western border, the Siegfried Line, which was fortified for hundreds of miles with minefields, foxholes and other obstacles that the Allies would spend months trying to breach.
One of those areas was the Hurtgen Forest near Schevenhutte, Germany. Army historians say the forest was tough to maneuver: it had 100-foot tall fir trees that were closely spaced, saturated ground and dramatic elevation changes. Tanks and other supply vehicles struggled to get through its narrow dirt roads and trails.
Early in November 1944, parts of the 4th ID were tasked with clearing the southern part of the forest. However, those troops weren't able to penetrate enemy lines, so the rest of the division, including Mabry's unit, were told to push east to make a clearing and secure about three miles worth of roads between towns.
On Nov. 20, then-Lt. Col. Mabry was commanding the 8th Infantry's 2nd Battalion when they were attacked, and the forward elements of his battalion were immobilized by a minefield and heavy hostile fire. Mabry pushed forward alone through the minefield to set up a safe route for the rest of his soldiers.
He then moved ahead of his forwardmost scouts to personally lead the attack before he was stopped by razor wire laden with explosives. With help, Mabry disconnected the explosives and cut a path through the wire. When he got to the other side, he saw three enemy foxholes and captured their occupants using his bayonet.
Mabry kept moving forward and, racing ahead of his men again, found three log bunkers. The first bunker was deserted, so he pushed onto the second and was suddenly confronted by nine enemy soldiers. Mabry managed to take out one of them using the butt of his rifle and he bayonetted a second before his scouts joined him to neutralize the rest of the enemy soldiers.
With reinforcements by his side, Mabry then charged the third bunker — despite point-blank fire coming at him — and led the way inside to clear out its six enemy inhabitants.
Once that area was secure, Mabry led his battalion across 300 yards of fire-laden terrain to gain higher ground. There, they set up a defensive position that helped them take out the enemy on both flanks, giving them a solid foothold in the area. Within days, Mabry's division had secured two roads and had taken the town of Grosshau.
The four-month Battle of Hurtgen Forest, while not well-known among World War II battles, cost the Army a lot. More than 33,000 men died or were wounded. The 4th ID, which spent about one month fighting there, suffered more than 6,000 casualties.
Four days after Mabry's heroics, the 4th ID was relieved by another division. Two weeks later, however, they helped repel German troops during the Battle of the Bulge, the bloody campaign that was Germany's last major stand of the war.
On Aug. 23, 1945, Mabry was awarded the Medal of Honor for his courage and leadership during the Battle of Hurtgen Forest. He received the honor from President Harry S. Truman during a White House ceremony. Two other soldiers who fought in the battle were awarded the Medal of Honor: 1st Lt. Bernard Ray and Pfc. Marcario Garcia.
After the war, Mabry decided to make a career out of the Army. He spent several nonconsecutive years serving in the Panama Canal Zone, where he helped establish the Army's Jungle Warfare Training Center and, in the 1960s, was put in charge of developing and maintaining plans to protect and defend the canal.
Mabry spent time commanding troops in Korea after that conflict ended, and he also served two tours in Pentagon positions. In 1966, Mabry was selected to head a team to study combat effectiveness in Vietnam before becoming the commanding general of the Army Combat Developments Experimentation Command at Fort Ord, California.
In April 1969, after he'd attained the rank of major general, Mabry returned to Vietnam. While there, he had to deal with an incident involving a murder cover-up by a number of Green Berets. Mabry was the general court martial convening authority at the time and had decided to move forward with prosecuting the men involved. However, the case was eventually derailed by politics and a lack of cooperation by various parties involved, and the charges were dismissed.
In December 1970, Mabry left Vietnam and returned to the Panama Canal Zone one more time to head U.S. Army Southern Command. In January 1975, he took the reins of Army Readiness Region V at Fort Sheridan, Illinois, his final assignment before retiring in August 1975.
Mabry returned home to South Carolina and settled in Columbia, where he was active in the community, especially among youth and veterans' groups. He often spoke publicly about his time in World War II and other military-related events.
Mabry died July 13, 1990, of prostate cancer that had spread, one of his sons told the New York Times. He is buried in Holy Cross Episcopal Church Cemetery in Statesboro, South Carolina.
Mabry's name is well-known among soldiers and South Carolinians today. At Fort Carson, Colorado, a mile-long obstacle course is called the Mabry Mile in his honor. In 2016, a new headquarters building at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, was named for him, as was a memorial highway that runs through the county of his birth.
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Social Security Matters
By RUSSELL GLOOR
National Social Security Adviser at the AMAC Foundation
Ask Rusty – Can I Voluntarily Suspend My Social Security Payments?
Dear Rusty: My wife retired in 2015 and is receiving Social Security. I am past my full retirement age, and I still work. I recently filed for Social Security benefits and received my first payment earlier this month, and my benefits are around three times my wife’s. I now find that, due to other income, I am having some regrets about filing for Social Security, as the taxes will be complicated. So, my questions are:
1. If I do a “Voluntary Suspension”, can my wife still apply to get up to 50% of my benefits, or do I have to be “actively” receiving Social Security benefits? In other words, does the “Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015” prevent this?
2. If I do a “Voluntary Suspension”, how soon could I “restart” my benefits?
Signed: Having Second Thoughts
Dear Second Thoughts: The Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015 closed a loophole which previously allowed someone to file for their Social Security retirement benefit in order for their marital partner to claim a spousal benefit, after which the primary beneficiary could suspend their own benefit and allow it to grow to maximum at age 70. That “file and suspend” option went away in April of 2016; thus, your wife cannot claim her spousal benefit while your Social Security retirement benefits are suspended (you must be “actively” receiving benefits for your wife to get benefits on your record).
Nevertheless, because you’ve already reached your full retirement age, you can voluntarily suspend your benefit payments at any time to allow it to continue growing by simply calling Social Security at your local office (or at the national number 1.800.772.1213) and asking them to do so. Your wife will not receive her spousal benefits for any months your benefits are suspended, but she would continue to get her own SS retirement amount (only the spousal portion of her monthly amount would be suspended).
You will be able to restart your benefits at any time by calling Social Security again and asking that your benefits be resumed. You can suspend and restart your benefits as needed (no restriction on how many times), but they will only start/resume the suspension effective with the month following the month you call. And, as you likely already know, for each month your benefits are suspended you will earn Delayed Retirement Credits (DRCs) resulting in a higher payment amount later.
Just for clarity, voluntary suspension of benefits is only available to those who have reached full retirement age but is an excellent way to increase your monthly Social Security payment. Your benefit will grow by .667% for each month suspended and, if your benefit is still suspended when you turn 70 years old, Social Security will automatically resume payments at that time, at your higher maximum monthly amount.
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Medal of Honor : Navy Rear Adm. Daniel J. Callaghan
By KATIE LANGE
DOD News
Navy Rear Adm. Daniel Judson Callaghan had been in the service for a long time before World War II sent him to the Pacific, where he commanded ships fighting against a massive enemy force during one of the deadliest battles of the war. Callaghan didn't survive the ordeal, but his leadership, foresight and courage helped lead his sailors to victory. That earned him a posthumous Medal of Honor.
Callaghan was born July 26, 1890, in Oakland, California, to parents Charles and Rose Callaghan. He had two brothers and two sisters, and as a young man, he was an altar boy who enjoyed camping with his family in the Yosemite Valley. Callaghan went to Saint Ignatius, a Catholic preparatory school, before earning an appointment to the Naval Academy, from which he graduated in 1911.
From there, he began his long and fruitful service to the Navy, starting with a stint on the USS California, where he was part of the landing forces in Nicaragua under famed Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Smedley Butler.
In 1914, he married Mary Tormey. They eventually had a son, Daniel Jr.
During World War I, Callaghan was on the USS New Orleans serving as the ship's engineering officer before being named its executive officer. By the end of the war, he'd earned the permanent rank of lieutenant commander.
During the 1920s, Callaghan spent time on several ships and served as an aid to two commanders before becoming a commander himself in 1931. By 1938, he'd worked his way up to being the naval aid to President Franklin D. Roosevelt, a position he held for three years.
By April 1942, when the U.S. was in the throes of World War II, Callaghan was promoted to rear admiral while commanding the cruiser USS San Francisco.
By November, parts of the South Pacific fleet, including the San Francisco, were in the middle of the bitterly fought Naval Battle of Guadalcanal. The Allies had retaken Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands in August 1942, and the Japanese were desperately trying to take it back. Their leaders figured their best way to do so would be to suppress and destroy U.S. aircraft flying out of Henderson Field on Guadalcanal.
On Nov. 12, 1942, Callaghan was commanding Task Force 67.4, which consisted of three light cruisers, eight destroyers and two heavy cruisers, including the San Francisco, the task force's flagship. Their main mission was to protect U.S. ships from submarine, air and surface attacks and to block Japanese ships from delivering troops to Guadalcanal's shores.
However, on that night, Callaghan learned an impending Japanese naval bombardment was heading toward his task force's position, which was in Iron Bottom Sound between Guadalcanal and Savo Island.
The Japanese ships were superior in numbers and in power. Callaghan's forces struggled to deal with navigational communications problems, yet they still managed to surprise the enemy. Once fighting started, however, it was chaos, according to naval historians — a chaos that made an accurate chronology of the battle's events hard to come by.
According to a 1942 article in the San Francisco Examiner, the USS San Francisco was the first to face enemy ships by taking on the Hiei, a Japanese battleship, in a head-on duel in the middle of the night. Callaghan and the San Francisco's commanding officer during the engagement, Capt. Cassin Young, were both on the ship's bridge wing directing close-range operations. The Hiei managed to fire off several shells, one of which killed Callaghan and Young.
The blast also knocked the ship's communications officer, Lt. Cmdr. Bruce McCandless, unconscious. When he woke up, he realized Callaghan and Young were gone, so he took command of the ship as well as the task force, ordering many of the ships to continue their bombardment. According to a newspaper column written by journalist Drew Pearson, McCandless didn't want to use the radio to tell the other ships in the task force that Callaghan had died for fear the messages would be intercepted by the Japanese. Because McCandless knew his superiors' plan of attack, he went forward with it.
By the end of the night, the San Francisco managed to silence and disable the Hiei at a range of less than 3,000 yards, while also sinking a destroyer and damaging two other Japanese vessels.
Eventually, Japanese Rear Adm. Hiroaki Abe, who was commanding the enemy ships, lost his nerve and ordered his crews to withdraw and regroup, according to Navy historians.
According to naval intelligence reports, the battle sunk or destroyed 26 Japanese ships and damaged 12 more. Most importantly, it kept Japanese troops from being able to bombard Henderson Field. The naval battle was the last in a series that forced the Japanese to surrender Guadalcanal for good, handing the Allies a strategic victory.
The win came at a heavy price for the Allies, too. Nine U.S. ships were sunk while about a dozen more were damaged. More than 1,700 Americans lost their lives, according to the American Battle Monuments Commission. The Naval Battle of Guadalcanal was one of the deadliest of the war.
Having taken 45 direct hits, the San Francisco was heavily damaged but lived to fight another day. It became one of the most decorated warships of World War II.
Callaghan was buried at sea. He's listed on the Wall of the Missing at the Manila Cemetery in the Philippines.
On Dec. 9, 1942, while visiting the White House, Callaghan's son, Navy Lt. j.g. Daniel J. Callaghan Jr., received the Medal of Honor on his father's behalf from President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
"Callaghan, with ingenious tactical skill and superb coordination of the units under his command, led his forces into battle against tremendous odds, thereby contributing decisively to the rout of a powerful invasion fleet, and to the consequent frustration of a formidable Japanese offensive," his Medal of Honor citation read. His actions contributed to turning the tide against the Japanese in the Pacific.
"This is a very sad occasion for me, you know. Dan Callaghan was a very good friend of mine," the president said during the ceremony.
Two others who were aboard the USS San Francisco during the battle — McCandless and Rear Admiral Norman Scott, who also died — received the Medal of Honor for their actions. McCandless went on to become a rear admiral himself, retiring from service in 1952.
Callaghan's name continues to be of relevance across the Navy. Not one but two destroyers were named for him after his death. The first USS Callaghan was in use from 1943 until it was lost during battle in Okinawa in 1945. The second USS Callaghan was in use from 1981-1998.
Callaghan Hall at Officer Training Command in Newport, Rhode Island, and Callaghan Fitness Center at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard in Portsmouth, Virginia, are named in his honor. There's also a monument to him in his native San Francisco, as well as an Admiral Callaghan Lane in Vallejo, California.
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A pond to ponder
Nature is always giving us something to ponder. This time it’s a pretty pink pond that emerged in Hawaii due to a lack of rain. Actually the new color of Kealia Pond on the island of Maui is actually described as a combination of “pink and purple.” The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service says it’s the result of something called “halobacteria” – a salty condition resulting from drought conditions. The water is not believed to be toxic, but it is pretty.
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A daring deer
A leaping deer can be a sight to behold. But sometimes it can be a disaster in the making. It happened recently in New Jersey when a stag attempted to jump its way across a road. It soared with ease over a parked car but landed on a 2007 Chevy Silverado truck on the other side of the road. It turns out the owner of the truck was in the process of selling it. He completed the sale but had to drop his price by $1,000 to cover the damage. As for the deer, it continued its crossing with ease.
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Fiona is safe
Fiona, "Britain's loneliest sheep," has been rescued. Fiona fell off a Scottish cliff, survived the fall but wound stranded on a remote beach. Try as they might, it took local shepherds numerous attempts over some three years to rescue Fiona. Luckily, she was able to survive, allowing Cammy Wilson and a local team to save the isolated sheep. As Wilson put it, "we came up here with some heavy equipment and we got this sheep up an incredibly steep slope. She's in incredible condition."
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11 Tips For Safer Winter Generator Usage For Home & Business Owners
Follow manufacturer’s instructions and ensure proper ventilation, says OPEI
Winter will be here, and if your electricity goes out due to snow and ice, a generator can keep power flowing to your home or business. The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI), an international trade association representing manufacturers and suppliers of outdoor power equipment, small engines, battery power systems, portable generators, utility and personal transport vehicles, and golf cars, reminds home and business owners to keep safety in mind when using generators this winter.
“Not having power when you need it is frustrating, so a generator can provide emergency backup power at a reasonable cost,” says Kris Kiser, President and CEO of OPEI. “It’s important to follow all manufacturer’s instructions, and never place a generator in your garage or inside your home or building. It should be a safe distance from the structure and not near an air intake.”
More tips include:
#1 - Take stock of your generator. Make sure equipment is in good working order before starting and using it. Do this before a storm hits.
#2 – Review the directions. Follow all manufacturer’s instructions. Review the owner’s manuals (look manuals up online if you cannot find them) so equipment is operated safely.
#3 - Install a battery operated carbon monoxide detector in your home. This alarm will sound if dangerous levels of carbon monoxide enter the building.
#4 - Have the right fuel on hand. Use the type of fuel recommended by the generator manufacturer to protect this important investment. It is illegal to use any fuel with more than 10% ethanol in outdoor power equipment. (For more information on proper fueling for outdoor power equipment visit www.LookBeforeYouPump.com). It’s best to use fresh fuel, but if you are using fuel that has been sitting in a gas can for more than 30 days, add fuel stabilizer to it. Store gas only in an approved container and away from heat sources.
#5 - Ensure portable generators have plenty of ventilation. Generators should NEVER be used in an enclosed area or placed inside a home, a building, or a garage, even if the windows or doors are open. Place the generator outside and away from windows, doors, and vents that could allow carbon monoxide to drift indoors.
#6 - Keep the generator dry. Do not use a generator in wet conditions. Cover and vent a generator. Model-specific tents or generator covers can be found online for purchase and at home centers and hardware stores.
#7 - Only add fuel to a cool generator. Before refueling, turn the generator off and let it cool down.
#8 – Charge & use battery-powered generators/inverters properly. Recharge only with the charger specified by the manufacturer. A charger that is suitable for one type of battery pack may not be compatible with another battery pack. Follow all charging instructions and do not charge the battery pack or equipment outside the temperature range specified in the instructions. Charging improperly or at temperatures outside the specified range may damage the battery.
#9 - Plug in safely. If you don’t yet have a transfer switch, you can use the outlets on the generator. It’s best to plug in appliances directly to the generator. If you must use an extension cord, it should be heavy-duty and designed for outdoor use. It should be rated (in watts or amps) at least equal to the sum of the connected appliance loads. Make sure the cord is free of cuts, and the plug has all three prongs.
#10 - Install a transfer switch. A transfer switch connects the generator to the circuit panel and lets you power hardwired appliances. Most transfer switches also help avoid overload by displaying wattage usage levels.
#11 - Do not use the generator to “backfeed” power into your home electrical system. Trying to power your home’s electrical wiring by “backfeeding” – where you plug the generator into a wall outlet – is dangerous. You could hurt utility workers and neighbors served by the same transformer. Backfeeding bypasses built-in circuit protection devices, so you could damage your electronics or start an electrical fire.
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Judge Landis winked at 1926 baseball gambling scandal
By JOE GUZZARDI
World Series 2023 had the lowest television ratings in history. No need to belabor the whys and wherefores. Instead of listening to the ceaseless chatter of announcer John Smoltz, fans would be better off acquainting themselves with the game’s rich history. A good start: read Dan Taylor’s “Baseball at the Abyss,” which takes a deep dive into the forgotten 1926 scandal that involved Hall of Fame greats Ty Cobb and Tris Speaker, as the principal scoundrels.
Baseball has a long, unhappy gambling history with wagering playing a prominent role that dates back before the 1919 Chicago Black Sox scandal. In baseball’s early days, bookmakers plied their trade in the open, working the ballpark areas inside and outside, taking wagers.
The 1919 World Series may have, in the words of F. Scott Fitzgerald, destroyed the faith of 50 million people, about half the U.S. population then, but throwing baseball games was commonplace. As Emil “Happy” Felsch, a White Sox fixer, said, “Playing rotten ain’t that hard to do.”
Author Taylor explains that the dirty deeds had their inception in 1919, when the Cleveland Indians were in Detroit to face the Tigers. Neither the Indians nor the Tigers were going to win the pennant, but the Tigers were in a tight scrum with the Yankees for third place. In the dead ball era, a third-place finish meant a small share of the post-season loot for every Tigers’ member. The Indians had second place locked up. Cobb and Speaker, the respective managers of the Tigers and Indians, huddled prior to the September 25 game to iron out the details.
Speaker assured Cobb that he “wouldn’t have to worry” about the game’s outcome. The Cleveland team preferred, Speaker insisted, that Detroit finish in third. By virtue of that finish, the Tigers were likely to make about $500 for each player. Cobb, Speaker, Tigers pitcher Dutch Leonard and Indians pitcher Smoky Joe Wood all agreed to conspire in the fix.
Years later, Leonard confessed the four had agreed that since their post-season share would be small, they might as well wager on the game. Cobb was to put up $2,000; Leonard, $1,500, and Speaker and Wood $1,000 each. Cobb suggested park attendant Fred West would be a good man to place the bets. But because Detroit was a 10-7 favorite and because the local bookmakers were unwilling to handle such large sums, West only managed to get down $600 against the bookmakers’ $420.
The Tigers won the September 25 game 9-5, plating four runs in the first two innings. The Indians committed three costly errors, and Cleveland starter Elmer Myers – perhaps tipped off to the fix or maybe acting on his own whimsy – floated pitches to the plate for the Detroit batters. Speaker banged out three hits, all of them well after the Tigers had control of the game and the outcome was clear. No one is certain whether Cobb, Speaker or anyone else actually received money from their bets. The scant remaining evidence indicates that the wrongdoers may not have been able to place all the bets they hoped to.
That winter, Cobb, Speaker, Wood and Leonard went home, but the four men exchanged letters about the incident, sharing their regret that they were unable to get their bets down in time and that their shared proposition fizzled. The letters came back to haunt the four.
Several years later, the stench from the fixing incident wafted out. A vengeful Leonard wanted to settle a score with his former teammate, Cobb, now the Tigers manager. Once, Cobb kept Leonard in a 1925 game in which the southpaw surrendered 20 runs, and the manager mocked the idea that he yank his humiliated starter. Leonard never forgot, and the memory ate at him.
Cobb released Leonard, and insiders said Ty discouraged other American League teams from signing the lefty. Dutch stewed, and in May 1926 he presented the letters he received from Cobb, Speaker and Wood – the evidence – to Tigers owner Frank Navin who turned them over to American League President Ban Johnson. To keep a lid on the percolating scandal, Johnson paid Leonard $20,000 to go back to Fresno where he owned a farm, and focus on his raisin growing. At the season’s end, Johnson forced Cobb and speaker to resign. Eventually, however, the superstars appealed their cases to Commissioner Kenesaw Mountain Landis who, sensing that the public and the baseball writers were solidly behind the diamond, absolved Speaker and Cobb, facts be damned.
Landis read the room correctly. Baseball bugs were fed up with scandal. At least five World Series – 1905, 1912, 1914, 1918 and 1919 – were rumored to have been influenced by game-fixers. And the 1923 Teapot Dome Scandal that implicated President Warren G. Harding – considered the greatest presidential scandal until Watergate – was still reverberating among the citizenry.
Cobb and Speaker played until 1928, Speaker for one year with the Washington Senators and one year with the Philadelphia A’s, and Cobb two years with the A’s.
Better to remember Cobb as one of baseball’s all-time greats, .366 career batting average with nine consecutive titles, and Speaker, the “Gray Eagle” who holds outfielder records for assists, double plays and unassisted double plays. Balls hit to center field where Speaker patrolled were considered the place where triples go to die.
Cobb, Speaker, Wood and Leonard got off the hook, and played into their 40s. Pete Rose, however, who holds MLB career records for 4,256 career hits, 3,215 career singles, 3,562 career games played, 14,053 career at-bats and 15,890 career plate appearances, was permanently banned for his gambling infractions. In life, good timing is invaluable.
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UAMS Housecall
By DR. BALA SIMON
Associate professor in the Department of Family and Preventive Medicine in the College of Medicine at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.
Q: How can diabetes be managed? A: Diabetes affects how the body uses glucose, or sugar. Food is broken down into sugar, which is released into the bloodstream. The pancreas releases insulin, which lets sugar into cells for energy. People with diabetes either cannot make enough insulin or their bodies do not use it effectively, which results in too much sugar remaining in the bloodstream. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that more than 37 million Americans have diabetes. The three main types of diabetes are Type 1, Type 2 and gestational (diabetes during pregnancy). With Type 1 diabetes, the pancreas makes little or no insulin. Type 2 diabetes is when the pancreas does not make enough insulin, and the cells take in less sugar in response to any produced insulin. Gestational diabetes can affect pregnancy and the health of the baby. Diabetes can be managed through diet, exercise and medication. Carbohydrates have a large impact on blood sugar levels. Regular exercise helps the body use insulin, as the muscles use glucose for energy. Use medications as prescribed in diabetes management. Although it is a chronic condition, millions of individuals live with diabetes and lead productive lives. Contact your health care provider to develop a management plan.
Q: What is the role of a nurse practitioner? A: A nurse practitioner, also known as an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), is a nurse with additional education and training. In most instances, nurse practitioners have a Master of Science in Nursing degree. Nurse practitioners can perform several functions similar to physicians, such as ordering laboratory tests or X-rays, managing other nurses, prescribing medications, and conducting physical exams. The nurse practitioner role was developed in response to a shortage of physicians and to create wider access to medical care. Depending upon the state, a nurse practitioner may operate without the supervision of a physician. This means a nurse practitioner can serve as a primary care provider and in effect have full authority to practice. Nurse practitioners and registered nurses (RN) have many of the same duties, which can include analyzing test results, conducting patient assessments, creating patient care plans, and treating wounds or other injuries. You may find a nurse practitioner in areas such clinics, colleges, hospitals, nursing homes and urgent care centers. The nurse practitioner is a key piece of the health care system, particularly in areas where there are too few physicians.
Q: What is COPD? A: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the term for various conditions that affect the lungs and make it difficult to breathe. Chronic bronchitis and emphysema are the most common of these conditions. COPD is a progressive disease during which patients’ lung function deteriorates over time. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that more than 16 million Americans have COPD. Chronic bronchitis is the inflammation of the lining of the bronchial tubes, which carry air to and from the lung’s alveoli, or air sacs. Emphysema is the damaging of lung’s alveoli. The inner walls weaken and rupture, and the amount of oxygen reaching the bloodstream is reduced. Many people with COPD have both illnesses. Exposure to tobacco smoke, air pollutants and other respiratory ailments are some causes of COPD. Symptoms of COPD include chest tightness, coughing with mucus for an extended period of time, shortness of breath and wheezing. The effects of COPD cannot be reversed, but there are methods to slow the progression of the disease and manage the symptoms. Treatments and options include antibiotics for lung infections, medications to improve air flow through the lungs, using supplemental oxygen and quitting smoking. See your health care provider if you experience these or similar symptoms, which do not improve or get worse.
Q: How can I maintain healthy skin? A: The skin is the body’s largest organ. Made up of three layers (epidermis, dermis and hypodermis) the skin contains fats, minerals, protein and water. The skin regulates body temperature, acts as protection against germs, and houses blood vessels, hair follicles, and sweat and oil glands. The epidermis (top layer) is the protective barrier that makes new skin and provides skin color. The dermis (middle layer) supplies blood, grows hair, and contain nerves related to touch and feeling pain. The hypodermis (bottom layer) cushions bones and muscle, contains connective tissue and stores energy in the form of fat. Protection from the sun is one of the main ways to keep your skin healthy. Overexposure to ultraviolet light, from the sun or artificial sources such as sunlamps, is the most common cause of skin cancer. Quitting smoking, eating a healthy diet and avoiding strong soaps are other methods of maintaining healthy skin. Limit long, hot showers as they remove oils from the skin. Contact your health care provider if you experience issues such as an unexplained rash or a change in size, color or shape of a mole. You may be referred to a dermatologist, who specializes in treating skin conditions.
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Gifts with multiple functions and styles
By MELINDA MYERS
The holidays are quickly approaching and finding the perfect gift for those on your list can be challenging. With many people downsizing or striving for a minimalistic lifestyle, finding the perfect gift gets even more difficult. Gifting something that is unique, useful and provides multiple functions may be the solution.
Consider gifts that help family and friends on your gift list save time and space and support their lifestyle and hobbies. These are gifts that are more likely to bring delight than end up in the donation box.
Most people, whether downsizing or not, are looking for ways to organize what they have and save space. Storage bins are often the best solution and come in a variety of styles. Those like the Mod Hod work well for gardeners, crafters and those looking to organize their pantries. Gardeners can use them to harvest their produce, wash off the soil right in the garden, and bring them into the house to store. Crafters can organize their supplies and everyone can stack and store snacks, produce, and just about anything in these.
For