Caregivers Mirror Wounded Warrior Struggles
June 28, 2015
Megan Fugitt was enjoying life as a newly-wed when in an instant, she went from being a wife to a caregiver.
Fugitt’s husband, Chris, a former Airman with the 96th Maintenance Squadron at Eglin Air Force Base, was on the mend of a kidney renal infarction in 2013 when he suddenly suffered a stroke as a result of blood thinners he was taking for his condition. The entire right side of his body was immediately paralyzed.
“He was wheelchair bound, couldn’t talk, couldn’t feed himself. He couldn’t do anything for himself without me,” said Fugitt, 28. “He had to relearn to do everything.”
To make matters worse, Chris had a pre-existing heart condition that made him susceptible to additional illnesses. Shortly after his stroke, he suffered through endocarditis, an inflammation of the inner layer of the heart, and an infection in his stomach, both resulting from cat scratch fever.
“He had to have a heart valve replacement, then open heart surgery. He recovered from that, did all sorts of rehab, and then had surgery to fix the stomach infection,” she said.
Since then, Fugitt’s life hasn’t been remotely similar to the one she once knew.
“I had to quit working, because there was no time between his appointments. He has five to 10 appointments every week, and they’re anywhere from here to Pensacola, Panama City and Birmingham.”
Chris’s regular rehabilitation regiment includes speech, physical, occupational and mental-health therapy.
“As his caregiver, I help him out with everything. We also have a son who was two at the time – he’s four now,” said Fugitt. “[Chris] was the dad who was very involved, and now it’s me taking care of our family, because he’s not able to.”
Her husband’s recovery care coordinator suggested he participate in the Air Force’s Wounded Warrior Program introductory adaptive sports and rehabilitation camp here to help in his recovery process. Little did Fugitt know, the camp would benefit her as well.
“Since we’ve been here, one thing that’s been really nice is he’s in this place where he’s able to feel comfortable with other people. Most of the time, I’ll go and run errands, and he’ll call and text me asking me when I’ll be home,” she said. “Finally, I’ve had my own time to just relax and not worry if something’s wrong with him, because I know he’s in a good place.”
The program provides support to caregivers of wounded warriors through activities scheduled during the camp to allow for them to have some time away from their hectic lives.
“The caregivers are the mirror to the warriors’ life changing experiences,” said Tonya McGough, Air Force Wounded Warrior caregiver program manager. “If they can’t keep their warriors positive and on the go to where they can transition to a new normal, then that’s when the chaos starts. If the warriors are good, then the caregivers are good.”
Throughout the camp, caregivers were afforded opportunities to break away from their busy schedules and focus on themselves through “me time” activities. Caregivers participated in a museum tour, yoga, water sports and a peer forum.
“Activities such as the peer forums are Air Force-wide and were developed for the caregivers as an outlet, so they have a place to go to connect with other caregivers with similar stories from across the world,” said McGough.
“It’s a healing process for the caregivers as well. When they’re struggling, they tend to hold on to things, and they don’t have an outlet or the opportunity to talk to anyone. We have many resources for them to open up,” she said.
Caregivers are also provided access to supporting agencies such as family services, employment assistance, financial support and resiliency counseling. Many of the services are offered virtually to increase accessibility to caregivers who may be otherwise unable to attend.
“These caregivers and warriors have a long fight, and I know they can do this on their own,” said McGough. “When they have the support of their leadership and their families, that helps give them the courage to move forward and not look back.”
The Fugitts plan to continue to participate in the camps, to include going as far as getting the different sports equipment needed for the activities Chris is interested in, so he can practice from home in the meantime.
“We finally found some people who are in the same area of life that we are. It’s absolutely amazing to be around other people that know what’s going on,” said Fugitt. “It feels like our life is going to move on. There’s actually something to look forward to.”
By Jasmine Porterfield
USAF photos by Samuel King Jr. for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Slight Chance Of Rain Tonight
June 28, 2015
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Sunday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 72. West wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Monday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 90. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph in the morning.
Monday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 74. Southwest wind around 5 mph.
Tuesday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 90. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Tuesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 74. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Wednesday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 90. West wind 5 to 10 mph.
Wednesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 74. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Thursday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 91.
Thursday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 74.
Friday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 93.
Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 74.
Independence Day: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 94.
Deputies Seek Truck Possibly Involved In Shooting
June 28, 2015
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The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office is searching for a vehicle that was believed to be occupied by three people during a shooting Friday in Escambia County.
The occupants were believed to be involved in a shooting about 9:40 a.m. at the Blue Angel Mobile Home Park. The victim suffered non-life threatening injuries.
The vehicle is a 2010 or newer, dually four-door Dodge mega cab flatbed truck. The truck is white with a construction name on the front driver’s door. There are toolboxes along the driver’s side flatbed carrying a 12-19 dual axle trailer with an attached frame ladder on the side of the driver’s side.
If you see this vehicle or know of the whereabouts of it, call Crime Stoppers at (85433-STOP. You can remain anonymous and if your information leads to an arrest, you could receive a cash reward.
Little Free Library Available At Carver Park In Cantonment
June 28, 2015
A Little Free Library is available in Carver Park in Cantonment.
The concept is simple….pick up a book or two, and return another book or two to share. The Cantonment Little Free Library is located next to Carver Park Resource Center at 208 Webb Street. The Little Library is stocked with children’s books and more.
Several improvements were recently unveiled at Carver Park, including a renovated community resource center, enlarged parking lot, volleyball court and re-striped basketball court. The park will also soon feature a new pavilion for family and local events. The improvements began in 2014 and were funded to Local Option Sale Tax dollars.
Much of the work at Carver Park has been spearheaded by the Cantonment Improvement Association, a group working, as their name implies, to improve the quality of life for all law-abiding citizens of Cantonment, with an emphasis on making sure children and safe and well-prepared.
Editor’s note: The Cantonment Little Free Library is not maintained or affiliated with the West Florida Library. West Florida Library books cannot be returned to the Little Free Library.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Hams Demonstrate Amateur Radio Emergency Communications
June 28, 2015
It’s Amateur Radio Week, and the Five Flags Amateur Radio Association held a 24-hour public demonstration of emergency communications this weekend.
The public had a chance to meet and talk with Escambia County ham radio operators and see for themselves what the Amateur Radio Service is about as hams across the country held field days this weekend. Visitors were able to learn how ham emergency communications work, see the new capabilities of ham radio and learn how to obtain their own FCC radio license before the next disaster strikes.
Escambia County ham radio operators, as part of Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES), have provided emergency communications support to Escambia County Emergency Management, the America Red Cross and other agencies for several years. They were on duty during Hurricanes Ivan and Katrina, during other hurricanes, the major flooding event, and most recently during the winter ice storm of 2014.
The field day was held at Escambia Search and Rescue, 9530 Nims Lane, just off Nine Mile Road.
Pictured: Amateur radio field day at Escambia Search and Rescue Saturday. Pictured below: Escambia School Superintendent Malcolm Thomas stopped by to learn more about amateur ham services. Photos courtesy Jim Walters, ESAR, for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Female Ejected In Rollover Crash
June 28, 2015
One person was ejected in a two vehicle crash Saturday evening near Pine Forest Road and Highway 297A. The female driver was transported to an area hospital with serious injuries. Reader submitted photo by Stephanie Norton for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Sheriff’s Office To Host Church Safety And Security Workshop
June 28, 2015
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office is inviting all ministers and concerned church members to attend a special conference on “Security in the Place of Worship” next week.
“Our places of worship should be regarded as safe havens where the community can worship and experience fellowship free from worries about violence, theft or unethical behavior,” said Sheriff David Morgan, “I encourage all citizens to arm themselves with the knowledge necessary to prevent fraud, theft and other crimes.”
The workshop is free and is designed to assist citizens in their efforts to reduce crime in our places of worship and in their communities. The event will be held on Thursday, July 2 at 6 p.m. at the ECSO Main Administration Building at 1700 West Leonard Street.
To register, call Deputy Delarian Wiggins at (850) 436- 9705.
Pictured: The McDavid United Methodist Church. NorthEscambia.com photo.
Wahoos Top The MS Braves
June 28, 2015
Before the end of the first half of Southern League play, Pensacola Blue Wahoos manager Pat Kelly said he needed a closer.
That closer currently is Zack Weiss, who did what a reliever is supposed to do—preserve a one-run win in the ninth.
The Blue Wahoos defeated the Mississippi Braves, 1-0, thanks to Weiss getting a game ending double play in front of 4,072 fans Saturday at Trustmark Park.
Weiss has now allowed no runs in five innings and converted two-of-two save opportunities in his last four games since June 15. On the season, Weiss is 0-3 with a 4.91 ERA.
Kelly has credited Weiss’s return to form to watching videotape of his throwing motion with pitching coach Jeff Fassero.
Right-hander Tim Adleman remains the Blue Wahoos most consistent starter. He pitched eight scoreless innings, allowed four hits, walked one and struck out five. He lowered his ERA to 2.09, which is among the best in the Southern League.
Pensacola scored its only run in the sixth inning. Right fielder Jesse Winker started the rally with a leadoff walk and scored when shortstop Juan Perez, who went 2-4, singled to right field to put the Blue Wahoos ahead, 1-0.
Winker, the Cincinnati Reds No. 2 prospect, has started the Southern League’s second half off hot for the 2-1 Blue Wahoos. He’s now batting .545 (6-11), getting two hits in each of the first three games in the series against Mississippi. Winker has a homer, two RBIs, three runs scored and three walks, so far.
Pensacola catcher Kyle Skipworth, who came of the disabled list and played in his first game in over a month had a second strong day at the plate. He’s now 4-8 with two doubles, going 2-4 in both games against Mississippi.
Scott Cut $1 Million For Highway 29, Muscogee Road Work; Intersection Improvements Coming
June 27, 2015
When Gov. Rick Scott signed Florida’s budget Tuesday, he slashed $461 million in projects, including $1 million that would have gone toward upgrading the Muscogee Freight Corridor in Cantonment.
The $1 million would have been for widening and resurfacing along the Muscogee Freight Corridor — Muscogee Road from Highway 29 to the Alabama state line. Without the added cash from the state, county officials say the project is on hold.
However, improvements are still forthcoming in the area of the Highway 29 and Muscogee Road intersection. Escambia County recently received a $1.95 million grant from the State of Florida Economic Development Transportation Fund. The grant will be used for intersection improvements, a turn lane, and improvements to the International Paper entrances along Highway 29 and Muscogee Road.
The entire intersection project is estimated to cost $2.09 million, with the county pickup up the $140,000 difference above the grant. Work is expected to begin in about 60 days.
Pictured: The intersection of Highway 29 and Muscogee Road in Cantonment. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Cantonment Dollar General Robbery Under Investigation (With Video)
June 27, 2015
An armed robbery at the Dollar General in Cantonment is under investigation.
The holdup happened just after 8:00 a.m. Friday at the store in the 1400 block of Highway 29, near Winn Dixie. The store was closed today for work to be done. Both employees and service company employees were in the building when a black male entered, pointed a gun and them and forced them to the floor.
He stole jewelry from employees and contractors, while forcing an employee to empty cash from the safe.
The suspect was wearing a very distinctive black leather jacket with the word “CHEVY” and the automaker’s emblem printed on it and a hat with long ties. He fled with an undetermined amount of cash.
Surveillance video is at the bottom of this story. If you do not see it, it is because you home, work or school firewall is blocking YouTube video.
Anyone with information on the robbery is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (850) 433-STOP or the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office at (850) 436-9620.
