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Show 12 H,!it0p Times NEWS Sept. 6, 1991 set y sifory f8p ror in the vast majority of cases." by Patrick Swan A'v Historically, identification has been a great concern to soldiers. During the Civil War many soldiers personally paid to have identification tags producedmore than 40 years before the Army made them mandatory. "During Operation Desert Storm, we received some bodies displaying Social Security number and blood group tattoos," Weedn said. "That shows how NeAS Service WASHINGTON (AFNS)-Bef- ore panographic or dog tags, medical examiners identified soldiers killed in battle only by remains, an often impossible task considering the nature of war. New technology, however, now permits military pathologists to identify casualties by using DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, from a soldier's remains. For instance, DNA testing was used to determine conclusively that the remains of a servicemember returned by Iraq was not who they said he was by matching DNA from his remains with hair samples from an electric razor he left back home. This all was possible because DNA, the building block of genes, is common to all cells in a person's body, and is unique to that individual. According to Maj. (Dr.) Victor Yreedn of the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology in Washington, D.C., all members of the military may soon contribute DNA samples to a DNA repository beginning perhaps as early as October. Blood samples and swabbings from trie inner cheek have been targeted as the most efficient means to collect DNA. They can be stored for the career of a servicemember. The samples could be used for identification if conventional means failed or fingerprints. using dental "In the Gander crash of a planeload of soldiers a few years back, nearly 1 1 percent of the 256 soldiers killed could not be identified using either fingerWeedn said. He added that prints or dental DNA testing would unquestionably have made an 66 X-ra- X-ra- ," (The proposed DNA registry) is a very humane and important goal that the military has worked very hard to accomplish. 99 -- Maj. (Dr.) Victor Weedn Armed Forces Institute of Pathology impact in identifying the bodies in a timely and accurate fashion. Nevertheless, Weedn conceded that some family members may not understand why DNA samples are needed. "It is very hard for family members to realize how difficult it is sometimes to identify remains," Weedn said. "Some bodies are badly fragmented, some are burned beyond recognition, and others are decomposed. But they don't see this." He said it is his hope that the new testing will prevent burying another body in the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. "It may not lead to an identification in every case because DNA in exceptional cases becomes so degraded that it can't be analyzed. But it can help , mill ivory important this is to the average soldier." Weedn said there are privacy concerns regarding the DNA material, but added that the military is taking measures to ensure that specimens are secure and not misappropriated. "This is a service to the soldier and.his family and nothing more," he said. "Soldiers and family members alike can take solace knowing the military has such identification capabilities." At an estimated cost of $5 per soldier, he said, e measure. storing DNA would be a "This is what we have to do to perform our mission," Weedn said. "We can perform DNA testing, bring ddwn costs and avoid the potential for litigation and large numbers of exhumations." Weedn said he hopes for a computerized registry eventually, but added that isn't likely until newer cost-effectiv- technologies are developed. The Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory and proposed DNA registry represents the military's best efforts to use the newest technology to return soldiers back to their families. "This is a very humane and important goal that the military has worked very hard to accomplish." Arrange OVERSEAS CAR INSURANCE, before you leave. down 15 Sale Prices on Large Selection of Separates and Amps mm 9 monthly payments Personal property insurance available, too. 1? HOURS: Mon.-Fr- i. INTERNATIONAL INSURANCE m 1981 No. Moin, Loyton (Comer of Main & Antelope) 9:00-6:0- s.t. 1384 No. Angel ' 0 10,00-4:0- S1 i$ .301 at America's Finest Fair f, SSIRS y& -- -- n Layton Behind Bob's Oil ' W 547-086- 8 0 Every day is a great day A. XT 'i COMPLETE LINE OF CAR ALARMS 773-059- 5 UNDERWRITERS, A GEICO SUBSIDIARY 1 3", There's nothing like the State Fair! It's a celebration, nonstop entertainment, and Utah's biggest show and tell, all rolled into one. What could be better? Try this: Almost everything is FREE with the price of admission! It all begins September 5 with opening ceremonies at 5:30 p.m. (Arrive between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. on opening day and you won't even have to pay admission!) There are two kinds of heart attack victims. The quick and the dead heart attack doesn't have to be fatal. Getting to a hospital quickly can make the difference between life and death. New therapies are now available to treat heart attack victims. But they have to be given early. You know the symptoms: An uncomfortable pressure, squeezing or pain in the center of the chest. Pain spreading to the shoulders, neck. jaw. arms or back. Shortness of breath. Lightheadedness, fainting. sweating or nausea. when you feel these symptoms, don't delay. Get to a hospi tal quickly. It could save your life. For more information wntd or call your nearest American Heart Association. You can help prevent heart disease. We can tell you how. A life-savi- FINEST ENTERTAINMENT Thursday, Sept. 5 RICKY SXAGGS -E- VERY NIGHT Sunday. Sept. 8 Tuesday. Sept. 10 Saturday. Sept. 14 MARY-CHAPI- VINCE GILL EAILLIE & THE BOYS CARPEKTER Friday. Sept. 6 Wednesday. Sept. BELLAMY BROTHERS Monday, Sept. 9 PATTY LOVELESS 11 Sunday, Sept. 15 RESTLESS HEART KATHY MATTEA .1 Saturday. Sept. 7 UQXEL CARTWRIGHT Friday. Sept. 13 TRAVIS TRITT UTAH STATE FAIR RODEO PRCA sanctioned rodeo gets in the saddle on Thursday (September 5) for three nights of action. Professional cowboys from across the West will compete at the Fairpark Rodeo Arena 155 North 1000 West Salt Lake City, Utah For further information call: 538-FAI- R or 538-STA- R at 7 p.m. Bull riding, calf roping, clowns -t- he whole shootin' match! American Heart Association This space provided as i public service. |