Dr. Stallings is actively working with Operation Helmet to provide cushioned helmets to active duty Marines who are (or about to be) deployed to Afganistan and Iraq. Though the Army is currently supplying these upgraded helmets to its troops, the Marine Corp supplier is, 'seriously backlogged' so that Marines presently in Iraq will either not get the upgrades at all, receive them more than half-way through their deployment, or just give up on the promised-but-not-delivered upgrades.

Dr. Bob Meaders (CAPT, Medical Corps, USN-Retired), his son Mark Meaders (Major, USAF-Retired) and grandson SGT Justin Meaders, (USMC, active duty) have led the effort -- by collecting donations -- to purchase these upgrades from a supplier that isn't 'backlogged". Hilary Stallings has been an energetic and tireless part of the effort.

Though all the treatment in the world is not as valuable as the effort to prevent these injuries in the first place, this issue has become even more urgent now that the news is out that the Bush Administration is planning to slash the budget for the Brain Injury Center, which is devoted to treating and understanding war-related brain injuries.

Hilary Stallings' concern for her soldier brother has turned into a passion as well as a directive to all private citizens on how they can help protect our fighting men and women from serious, even fatal head injuries. Her story is featured in the Troops and Vets Series blog at: http://securingamerica.com/ccn/node/7830

We also hope to have Dr. Bob and Mark join in! So meet back here on Thursday, August 10th at 8:30 PM EDT/ 7:30 PM CDT for a chance to discuss this important and urgent issue.

"It doesn't matter how you feel about the war ... we all "have skin in the game"

--Hilary Stallings