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“Images of Bravery” has been one of the most profound experiences of my career. The process developing this story from start to finish spans several months and the “finish” was just hours before it aired. Although the time was grueling, it pales in comparison to the pressure of portraying these two incredible Vietnam Veterans in a manner that they so well deserve.
If you haven't seen the story, here's the link: Special Report: Images of Bravery
I grappled with the process of “how” to tell their story: Dennis Haines a wounded warrior whose survival he owes entirely to one man. The chest surgeon, Dr. John Baldwin, who for one brief moment was not operating and was asked by a Neurosurgeon to “take on a brain case” that wasn’t expected to make it. I’ve talked to both soldier and surgeon, have gone over hours of captured interviews and still, I get chills when I hear their words.
Dennis Haines and Dr. Baldwin describe their friendship as a bond like no other. After getting to know them, looking at their photos of war and coming to grips with the one-of-a-kind experience they share, I realize that bond is truly something that cannot be recreated, cannot be matched.
I have made two very good friends in this process. Dennis Haines and Dr. Baldwin will forever be engraved in my memory. There is no tribute or praise that can match the magnitude of their service and sacrifice. They are heroes in their own right, but more importantly they are images of bravery that will resound with every generation that follows.
Dennis and Dr. Baldwin wanted me to provide their personal websites here on my blog. There you can view picture montages of their time in war. All of the photos that you saw in the story are from their websites, some too graphic to show on air.
As I wrap up, I want to say a heart-felt “Thank You” to each and every Veteran. These men and women sacrificed so much of their own lives, so we didn’t have to. There is no way to fully let them know how grateful we are, but sometimes the simplest “Welcome Home” is enough.
Dennis Haines’ Website
Dr. John Baldwin’s Website
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In my monthly segment, Living Well with a Disability, I pass on stories meant to inspire and educate. Central Pennsylvanians let us into their lives to show us on how they are able to live well with a disability, in many cases overcoming great odds to do so.
Our story in the month of October was relatively the same, however the subject was very different from the rest. Several months prior, I recieved an email from a viewer. Attached was a most precious photo. In the text it read in part, "dogs can live well too!". Milo, became our first "canine" story. See Milo's story here.
In preparation for Milo's big television debute, his cart got a much-needed makeover free of charge thanks to K-9 Carts. The company is out of New Oxford Maryland and has been a lifesaver for both Milo and his owner Deb. Milo's cart has inabled him to be just as he was before becoming paralyzed.
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It's mission is in the name. Braille-A-Wear was created to give blind and visually impaired people something they never had before -- shirts, they can read. But it also serves as an awareness campaign, opening up the world to the language of the Blind.
Braille-A-Wear was created by Deb Kersey-Tagoe and her 17 year old daughter, Bronwen, who was born with no eyes. The idea for Braille-A-Wear developed as Bronwen became more independent and wanted to be able to pick her own clothes out without the help of her mom. Deb asked Bronwen what she thought about having shirts she could read herself -- and Braille-A-Wear was born.
To learn more about Braille-A-Wear or to order products, check out their website www.braille-a-wear.com
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I first met 13 year old Morgan Hevel at a MDA fundraiser earlier this year. Her vibrant smile, contagious laugh and willingness to chat with everyone instantly drew me in. Aside from her amazing personality, I learned that Morgan is a novelist, pen-name M. Michele. She has one novel completed and is now working on the second in her Piper Sinclair Trilogy. Morgan embodies the willpower and determination to live her dream. Having been diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (a form of MD) at the age of six, Morgan has faced her share of speed bumps. But never once, has she let them slow her down.
To learn more about M. Michele and the Piper Sinclair Trilogy, check out her website. www.mmichele.webs.com
You can also find out more about Muscular Dystrophy by going to our MDA page.
If you want to live well with your disability, we have you covered.
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You're invited to the Center for Independent Living of Central PA's Community Meeting.
It's on Friday, July 17 from Noon until 5pm at the Giant Food Store Community Center (3301 Trindle Road, Camp Hill).
Parents, Community Leaders, People with Disabilities come voice your opinions of how improvements can be made for people with disabilities in Central PA.
Topics of Discussion:
Accessible Housing: 1-2pm; Join the Q and A session to give CIL your input
Living Well with a Disability: 2-3pm; Learn about this free resource available for people with disabilities.
Whether it's about transportation assistance, accessibility in schools, keeping kids with disabilities active, or training employers and employees...CIL is there to listen.
**For special accomodations, please contact CILCP by July 14
(717) 731-1900
(717) 737-1335 (TTY)
717-731-8150 FAX
Toll Free
(800) 323-6060
(800) 829-7404 (TTY)
www.cilcp.org
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Father Mike Depcik is one of 11 Deaf Priests in the United States. He works in Chicago at a church that serves over 200 Deaf and Hard of Hearing Parishioners. Recently, Father Mike created what he calls a V-Log. It's like a blog, but with video. He celebrates Mass in ASL on his V-Log and offers many other interesting links. It's called Father MD's Kitchen Table because he says Deaf people enjoy having long conversations while sitting at the kitchen table! Father Mike is an inspiring man and his contagious passion for helping others is evident the first minute I had the pleasure of talking with him. If you have a few minutes check out his V-Log, even if you're not Catholic. You won't be disappointed!
In 2007, The Roman Catholic Diocese of Harrisburg, PA developed an Office of Ministry with People with Disabilities. It's mission is to promote and celebrate the gifts of people with disabilities. There are many opportunities available for people of any type of disability. Father Thomas Rozman, pastor of St. Patrick Cathedral, is currently learning American Sign Language so that he can celebrate Mass and perform all of his duties as Priest to everyone, including those who are Deaf.
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A couragious group of women from all corners of our Nation have one thing in common: they have lost a son or daughter in the service of our country.
They call themselves the American Gold Star Mothers.
Recently in Central PA, the oldest member of the PA Department of American Gold Star Mothers was presented with the Honor & Remember Flag. The 89 year old lost her son in 1978 when he was serving in the Navy.
To learn more about American Gold Star Mothers or the Honor & Remember Flag click on the links below.
www.goldstarmoms.com
www.honorandremember.org
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*UPDATE*
It's with great sadness to report that Shelby was found dead. A neighbor of Shelby's owner found her hanged on a porch. There are no known suspects and Shelby's owner is working to find answers. If you have any information as to who committed this horrific act, please contact me at tanyafoster@cbs21.com
A viewer emailed me hoping to get the word out about her missing dog, Shelby. Thinking of my own three furry girls as my children, and how I would be beside myself if I ever lost one, I couldn't help but post the information here on my blog.
Shelby is a Sheltie last seen Friday morning (May 8) in the area of Progress and 36th Street in Harrisburg. She was spotted Monday night (May 11) near that area, so there's a good chance she's staying close-by.
If you have seen Shelby or have any information that you feel might help, please email me at tanyafoster@cbs21.com. I'll make sure the information gets to Shelby's mom.
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Another thanks to the kids and parents with HAHA for making a trip to our CBS21 studio!
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...you've worked together too long when you start showing up to work dressed alike. :-)
Jaime Meyers, Mike Parker and Me: Wednesday, April 22
Ewa Roman & Jack Eilber (5pm and 5:30pm producer): Wednesday, Apirl 22
Erica Moffitt, Me, Samica Knight & Jaime Meyers: Thursday, Apirl 23
...Jaime and I pulled it off two days in a row...and no, we didn't plan it!
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White's and Iron Valley Harley-Davidson 3rd Annual Black & Blue Ball was held Friday, April 17th 2009 in Lebanon. I had the honor of being Master of Ceremony.
All money raised in the silent and live auctions benfit the Muscular Dystrophy Association. MDA is a national voluntary health agency working to defeat muscular dystrophy and related diseases through programsx of worldwide research, comprehensive services, and far-reaching professional and public health education. It is funded almost entirely by individual private contributions.
CBS 21 has been the TV media partner for MDA for Central PA for many years. The 2009 annual Jerry Lewis MDA telethon is the 44th annual Labor Day show and is aired on CBS 21.
One of 3 Silent Auction tables
Morgan Hevel has MD and speaks at many MDA events. She is also an novelist, currently working on her second! Bob Noll is the Black & Blue Ball Chairman.
Joe White--Owner of White's and Iron Valley Harley Davidson, Bob, Morgan and Reilly Johnson. Reilly also has MD. He sang "I Am Free" by Michael W. Smith to get the night started!
For those wondering...it's a shirt, NOT real tatts! :-)
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Many thanks to the Harrisburg Homeschoolers Association for visiting CBS 21 News.
We had two groups of students and parents on two different days.
A student from each group won an essay contest and was able to sit in the studio during CBS 21 News at 6pm.
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Ms. Witmer's 2nd grade class at Schaeffer Elementary in Camp Hill Borough, Cumberland County, invited me to read to them today. Afterwards we had a picnic lunch inside the classroom. I had a great time! Thank you so much for having me!
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I had the pleasure of visiting Prince of Peace school in Steelton, Dauphin County. I read to the Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd and 3rd graders. Then I ventrued over to the older kids and talked about my job as a News Anchor. Many thanks to everyone at Prince of Peace--I had a great time!
Miss Fesler, Mrs. Butts, Sister Joann and Mrs. Rogers; K, 1st, 2nd and 3rd graders
Mrs. Vogt, Mr. Shindle and Mrs. Gobransten; 6th, 7th and 8th graders.
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I get emails from viewers fairly often--anything from story ideas, to someone just saying, 'hello'. But recently there was one waiting in my inbox that really gave me a good laugh. This email was titled, "Cute story for a fellow dog lover". It was from a local family who watches CBS 21 News at 11pm every night. Emma, the family's 9 year old Westie born in Dublin Ireland, also joins the humans in watching our newscast. At 11:15pm--which in most cases is when weather is wrapping up--Emma gets up, walks upstairs and goes to bed. This happens every night they watch our newscast. Well, earlier this week, the family decided to watch CBS 21 News at 10pm on the CW 15. Sure enough at 10:15 on the nose, Emma got up, walked upstairs and went to bed!
The family has come to two conclusions on why Emma does this. The first: her internal dog-clock is going off. The second: the news is just too much for her!
Either way, it's too cute! Emma--we won't take it personally! :-)
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