Supporting our Troops & Flu Prevention

AN UPDATE ON OUR SOLDIER GARRETT – SUPPORT OUR TROOPS!

Field Artillery Automated Tactical Data Systems Specialist Garrett Wiseman, stationed in the United States Army 82 Airborne Division in Fort Bragg, North Carolina, gave us a few minutes of his busy schedule to give us an update.

Facts on Garrett’s day:

His day begins at 5:30 every day, and followed quickly by “PT,” a physical training that consists of a 4 mile run and pushups. He could not tell us much about his job, stating that there were security issues. Being in an airborne division, Garrett has to jump from airplanes, and did give some detail on this monthly mission. We all cringed when he reported jumping from 800-1200 feet, out of a C2 Airplane or sometimes a helicopter. Is Garrett comfortable with jumping? - A firm and resolute: “NO. It IS dangerous.”

We asked Garrett how his Army experience has changed him, to which he replied that it had made him more “responsible.” When asked what we citizens take for granted about non-military life, he answered with a mature beyond his age: “our freedom.” Freedom as Garrett explained it is more precious to us than we realize, because as these young men are fighting to preserve our freedom, they lose a big part of theirs for the duration of their servitude. He said that for the safety of us all, they have to live by a stringent structure, in the army, you must be available to work as much as needed to get the job done, then comically quipping: “and we don’t get overtime, another thing you can take for granted.” What Garrett, do you feel about going overseas in a possible combat zone this fall? “I feel excited and nervous, and a feeling of concern for the unknown.” Garrett was rather forthcoming when it came to a query on what gives him cheer in his absence from home during his time in the service: “I love hearing from people, and I love going home.” On a lighter personal note, I asked if he had met anyone ‘”special,” which was met with a blunt “no.” Watch out ladies, Garrett is still single!

EASY STEPS TO AVOIDING THE FLU

• Use disposable personal protection barriers such as gloves and facemasks to avoid passing on or catching others germs if physical contact with the public is necessary. During flu season, avoid crowds where viruses may be present, be aware of and follow public health advisories that warn of high risk areas such as hospitals and schools. Stay at home if you are sick!

• If you need to sneeze or cough, try to use a tissue to cover your nose and mouth, and then dispose of that tissue and wash or sanitize your hands. If no tissue is available, optimally capture that cough or sneeze in the inner portion of your elbow, but at minimum inside your own hands. Do not touch anything until you have washed the hands and affected area.

• WASH YOUR HANDS OFTEN – nothing protects passing germs better than frequent and thorough hand washings – lather at least thirty seconds of warm soapy water especially after touching any surface or physical contact with another person or animal. Hand sanitizer with an alcohol base can be effective in a pinch where no water is available or immediately convenient.

• Avoid contact with anyone’s … even your own, mouth, nose or eyes unless absolutely necessary. This practice, along with frequent hand washing, not eating or drinking from shared containers, is better insurance against being infected by an influenza virus than any other prevention besides actually getting a flu vaccination. Consult with your doctor regarding Flu vaccinations.