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Show 8 HILLTOP TIMES TIMES November 1, 2007 EVENT INJURY From page 1 From page 1 illnesses to injuries suffered in accidents. While unloading equipment from a cargo plane in Afghanistan, Vasquez's foot was caught between two loading machines as a pallet of equipment fell on his right leg. The weight of the pallet crushed Vasquez's leg and left him with a compound fracture. "All I remember is hearing the sound of my leg getting crushed," Vasquez said. "Then I guess I passed out. I also remember hearing something about a tourniquet, and I thought to myself, 'Oh, crap.' " The tourniquet was to stop the bleeding caused by severed arteries in his leg. By the time Vasquez was transported to a hospital, he had lost almost six units of blood. "He was lucky because the paramedics got there so fast and the hospital was pretty close by," said Vasquez's wife, Lupe. "It was still a close call because he lost so much blood." After his condition was stabilized, Vasquez still had to worry about losing his leg. Following what Vasquez estimates to be 15 to 18 surgeries, he is back home and hopes to regain complete use of his leg. "I've had so many different surgeries, I honestly have lost count," he said. Luckily for Vasquez, medical compensation for veterans wounded in noncombat scenarios is essentially the same as it is for veterans wounded in combat. "An enrolled veteran can seek treatment for any service-connected illness, injury or disability at any Veterans Affairs medical facility," said Richard L. Lawrence, a veterans service representative at the Salt Lake City Veterans Benefits Administration office. "The care is free of charge for life — exactly as it should be." Vasquez said it doesn't make a difference whether the injury comes from a bomb, a gunshot wound or a noncombat accident. Hill Air Force Base personnel will also help in sorting donated clothing, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, that day; escorting veterans from one tent to another, providing legal assistance and aid medical personnel. In addition, these volunteers, who Rupe said range in age from 25 to 50, will give assistance in registration and completing forms, transportation, personal hygiene and haircuts and security for the area. Veterans from the Korean era up through Gulf War conflicts will be involved, Rupe said, ranging in age from about 30 to 65. "We have received tremendous support from Hill AFB," said Susan Huff, the medical center's public relations director. "They're amazing. They step up every year. Without the support of those volunteers, it wouldn't be as successful as it has been," she said of the effort, that has been held locally for five years. Many community partners are participating, including the Social Security Administration, Utah Department of Motor Vehicles, which will provide state IDs, the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Homeless Veterans Fellowship of Ogden, Salt Lake City Housing Authority and more. Flu shots, dental work and health screenings will be provided, as well as help in fightng post-traumatic stress syndrome, Huff said. "Usually, they are very much in need of dental services and "All I remember is hearing the sound of my leg getting crushed." FRED VASQUEZ The effects of the injury on the soldier and the family are the same, he said. "It totally turned my life around. There is more than one way that you can be injured when you're on a deployment." After his injury, Vasquez received care in Germany, then in his hometown of San Antonio. During his time away from home, Vasquez said, friends helped keep his life in Utah in order. "My neighbors, the Villanuevas, took care of our yard when we were gone," Vasquez said. "We even had a flood, and they took care of that, too. "You really realize the importance of your friends and family when you go through something like this." Vasquez said he joined the Air Force Reserve because he wanted to serve his country. He has no regrets — even after his injury. "I don't look back at all," he said. "I think I have grown a lot through my injury. "I was on top of the world, and then, suddenly, I was way down at the bottom. I realized that you can't take anything for granted in life because you never know what will happen." For more detailed information about veterans benefits and eligibility, visit www. va.gov. ballet west'; eye exams." The Utah State Bar will also be available to field legal questions. Last year, about 220 homeless veterans participated, including three females. "We start getting calls from veterans early on," she said. "It's a good thing." "It's all well worth it," said MasterSgt. John Daly of the 729th Air Control Squadron, and a member of the event's oversight committee. "We've got crews packing tents and generators to head on their way," he said Monday. Daly has been organizing volunteers from around the base. "I've never seen so many people volunteer for something before. It's been really well-received by the base. "It's all well worth it. It's a chance for us to give back to the community," he said. Bus tokens are available for veterans at satellite DWS offices, and a shuttle will pick up veterans at the Road Home homeless shelter in downtown Salt Lake every hour beginning at 7 a.m. Registration will continue through noon. "Many organizations have donated," Huff said, from American Express to a "number of community organizations," including the Boy Scouts and many others. The VA will donate toward distribution of goods. At 2:30 p.m., at the end of the Stand Down, the homeless veterans will each receive a backpack filled with nonperishable food goods, along with clothing and other items. Dinner* The Nutcracker Friday, November 23, 2007, 7:00 p.m. Saturday, November 24, 2007 - 2 & 7:00 p.m. Ballet West rings in the holidays with Willam Christensen's beloved production of The Nutcracker. Set to Tchaikovsky's famous score, The Nutcracker features a brilliant blend of costumes, sets and choreosraphy to create a magical storybook world that has enchanted Utah audiences for more than 50 years. House Created Comfort Menu Friendly, Relaxed Atmosphere 1 Darts, Shuffleboard, TV's Sponsored by the Stewart Education Foundation, 399-9214 www.symphonyballet.org I 1VRSC58 Val A. Browning Center, Weber State University Seven Days a Week, Weekend Brunch presented by O IL" I I) II \ North of Mali, Across from Hilton in Lay ton 728-9111 I fin Jrish Vub-Styte family Xestaurani yfatsU Ticket Prices: $37, $34, $28, $22, $16 with discounts for Children ages 3 to 36 gal^iiSgIg;i;5MS%I^Ig£:'5SI^£SSIgT:Sai^^ Santa's on his way to Layton Hills Mall! Hill Air Force Base Employees y_- He's pulled on his boots, donned his cap and is coming to town November 10th! So come on in and make sure he knows exactly what's on your list. Join us for Santa's Arrival at the Qwest Santa Set in Center Court Sat. November 10th starting at 11:00am. First 100 kids to have their picture taken with Santa will receive a stuffed animal while supplies last A'Jbd; fiho VTVJ Sjnty v.~M ic<«r.a J sluffe-d intnai v,h!a supples bit. MANUELS MowOpeUWsaT 9 10:30 a.n. ^|oi|. -FRI Lurlch 11 m -ffl REE! Santa Photos November 10th-December 24th Pet Photos every Tuesday from 5-8 Photos with Santa make Great Christmas Cards! tuffet Only) FaST - FReSh BuFFeT Free Fresh Salad ffar with Buffet Purchase A Mi rry Clmilmj, & Hjppy HoL-J-iyi we know 1145 South State • Clearfield i^s* MANUEL'S 773-7679 VUff/tm®9^' www.el-burrito.com RESTAURANT, & CANTINA ' CoMe \i\ BeFo^e 11 a.M. LAY-TON HILLS MALL Located just off M 5 exrt #331 801-546-3471 • W Gel $ 4 OOl^ll tow m son (When you purchase a lunch buffet and drink) |