One Of Them: A first responder's story

I have written a book that depicts the story of my life's journey from young adolescence to now, a middle-aged man (I can't believe I just wrote that). It takes you through some of my experiences with the US Navy on board a nuclear attack submarine, serving as the Regional Response Coordinator for the federal government's Radiological Assistance Program, and later the Nuclear Emergency Support Team. It shows how I ended up at Ground Zero immediately after the attacks on 9/11/2001, and the events that followed in the next four years, as I lead a secret government team in search of terrorist cells hiding in our midst. To learn more please follow this link: One Of Them

America's Secret War

There are but a few who have partaken in America's secret little (well, actually not so little) war. It wasn't on the front page of the Daily News or on the 5 o'clock news, but it was taking place anyway. It was so secret that most of the details of the specific missions are still classified to this day, even though the boats (ships for you non-quals) are long gone.

I am referring to the US Submarine Service which has been conducting covert operations for as long as there have been submarines. I invite you to shed a little piece of knowledge with everyone so please post facts, historical tidbits or any other relevant information on this subject here.

The Forgotten Few - 9/11 Revisited

Another year has come and gone, but the scars and memories remain. I posted this blog for several reasons but mostly to facilitate sharing of information and thoughts on the issue of health concerns for the first responders and recovery workers, as well as the local citizenry, that were at ground zero on 9/11 and the months following, who are now taken ill with toxins and pollutants from the atmosphere that we worked in and lived in. Another big reason for this blog is one that I experienced while on travel recently. I was talking with some colleagues of mine, who happen to be from out of state, about the recently (I use the term recently although it has actually been several years) surfacing issue concerning the health of 9/11 first responders, many of whom are dying from their exposures. It shocked me that they had never heard anything about the subject and was wondering what I was talking about.

So I am here to try to shed some light on some of the many issues that are involved with this subject. Topics such as;
1. What was the situation at ground zero
2. What were the safety precautions being issued
3. Who was enforcing these safety regulations
4. What kind of symptoms are being realized to date
5. What did the government do for the workers

And there are many more, so if you would like to add something here please feel free to do so.