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Chicago Tribune
27-05-2025
- General
- Chicago Tribune
Column: Aurora World War II hero Dick Miller dies over Memorial Day weekend
Growing up as a kid squirrel hunting next to World War II Navy veteran Richard (Dick) Miller, Ed Huss never heard his neighbor on Hankes Road in Aurora talk about the horrors he'd been through when Japanese kamikazes sunk his ship near Okinawa, killing 158 sailors on board and wounding another 52, himself included. It would be almost 70 years before Miller, who died this Sunday of Memorial Day weekend a month shy of his 99th birthday, would open up to others about the ugly battle in 1945 that sank the USS Drexler in less than a minute and blew Miller into the oil-soaked water as his friends died and the ocean burned around him. It was around 2012 that Mike Eckburg, commander of Roosevelt-Aurora American Legion Post 84, along with the late Herschel Luckinbill, who himself survived a direct hit to his ship during the Vietnam War, decided to make this nearly-reclusive World War II vet, who was grieving the loss of his bride of 64 years, one of 'our projects.' That is, help those veterans of the Greatest Generation, who rarely spoke of their war experiences, share those stories with the community. No one could doubt the success of this particular quest. Miller, who had been struggling with wife Dorothy's death, was reluctant at first to talk publicly. But he finally agreed to be part of a veterans panel at a school in North Aurora, where even Eckburg was 'floored' by his compelling tale of death, survival and heroism that had been kept hidden, even from Dorothy and their two children, for almost seven decades. And as he got out even more into the community, it became 'a beautiful thing to watch Dick open up … I think he was just so relieved to get it out there,' said Eckburg, adding that Miller, who was personnel director at the Aurora Post Office, had heard so many horrible stories from other vets, he 'did not realize how bad his own experience was.' Miller, who had begged his widowed mother to let him enlist in the Navy after graduating from East Aurora High School at age 17, had been on duty as a spotter on the Drexler in the early morning hours of May 28, 1945, when two enemy suicide planes attacked his ship and the USS Lowry. The first Japanese plane was downed by the combined firepower of the two destroyers and from combat air patrol. The second kamikaze tried to crash into the Lowry but instead hit Miller's ship, cutting off power and starting large gasoline fires. According to Naval accounts, despite heavy damage, the Drexler kept firing, helping bring down three Japanese planes. But another enemy suicide plane crashed into the destroyer, causing a huge explosion that rolled the ship on its starboard side and sank it within 50 seconds. After Miller was thrown into the water, he tried not to swallow oil and diesel fuel while bobbing in a burning ocean and watching as many of his shipmates, trapped below deck, went to their watery graves. Eckburg says Miller credited his many hours as a kid swimming in the Naperville quarry with keeping him from drowning in the couple of hours it took for rescue. He also hung on to an ammunition can floating by, later giving it to – then eventually sharing it with – a fellow sailor floundering in the water. With that harrowing narrative and his charismatic personality, Miller over the last few years not only became one of the last few World War II vets remaining in the Fox Valley he also became the most visible. He was a fixture at many community events, from patriotic parades and golf outings and luncheons to school assemblies to museum and street dedications. Miller also was a guest on an Honor Flight and made the trip to Midway Airport multiple times to welcome home other vets who took part in the program. He visited Washington, D.C., on a 'Vets Roll' bus trip, was honored by the White Sox at Guaranteed Rate Field and flew by private jet to an Army/Navy football game. Closer to home, I had the honor of interviewing Dick two years ago when he drove his John Deere tractor down Hankes Road to the backyard of his longtime neighbor Ed Huss, himself a combat Vietnam veteran, who was hosting a Memorial Day picnic. Because this old-but-somehow-young (my words) vet always had a smile on his face, a twinkle in his eye and a story – or joke – to tell, Miller was surrounded the entire afternoon by plenty of other fans, who never seemed to tire of hearing about his war experiences, his love for the United States of America and his hope for this country, no matter how 'disheartened' the headlines can make all of us. State Rep. Stephanie Kifowit, D-Oswego, a Marine veteran, was an Aurora City Council member when she first heard Miller speak at an Aurora Historical Society event, putting so much feeling into his narrative 'you felt like you were there,' she told me. And from that moment on, she became a huge fan. 'I always admired him after that. His story, his strength … how he lived his life to the fullest with such joy,' Kifowit added. 'It was a blessing to me to have known him all these years. 'We all need to be a little more like Dick.' Longtime friend Dick Eberling could not agree more, noting how he never saw Miller angry or heard him complain, unless it was a brief critique of politics. 'And what a patriot he was,' added Eberling. 'If we went by a business or a nursing home and saw a flag that was tattered, he would tell them to replace it. 'He did so much for the community … he seemed to be energized by it' up until the end. So it seems. The last event Eckburg took him to was the May 9 opening of the Illinois Fallen Wall exhibit at Oswego Village Hall where, as Aurora's 'oldest living Eagle Scout,' Miller led the Pledge of Allegiance, then immediately asked his driver/friend if he should also lead the group in 'God Bless America.' He certainly loved the mic, as Kifowit noted, along with his reputation as the 'singing sailor.' And he also was known for never turning down a free meal for veterans, noted an amused Eckburg, adding that, after the Fallen Wall ceremony, he insisted upon going to the Oswego American Legion Post 675 fish fry, one of his favorite places to visit. 'There's just so much stuff that is wrapped around Dick I could go on for hours,' said Eckburg. 'The day before he died he was laughing, smiling. I wish he could have stayed around. But he checked out the right way.' Loved by many. And remembered by even more.
Daily Record
05-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Mystery deadly virus spreading silently is more dangerous than expected - and has no vaccine
A deadly virus - known as oropouche virus or sloth fever - is quietly spreading across South America and Europe as scientists fear it's more rampant than first believed. Scientists reveal Oropouche virus is more widespread and dangerous than they first believed. The virus - which is also known as sloth fever - has spread across South America over the past 18 months, as well as cases recently being discovered in Europe for the first time. The virus is transmitted by midges and some types of mosquito and it's largely contained in the Amazon region, the Mirror reports. Sloth fever was believed to be a mild infection, with headaches, rashes and nausea as the general symptoms. But, scientists have warned it could also lead to pregnancy loss or birth defects. Since late 2023, over 20,000 cases of oropouche virus have been reported across Latin America, sparked by a warming climate and increasingly frequent rain storms. Those living near the Amazon rainforest face the highest risk, with analysis suggesting up to 10% of the population may have previously had "sloth fever" - often without even knowing it. Professor Jan Felix Drexler, head of the Virus Epidemiology laboratory at the Institute of Virology at Charité, explains: "We therefore assume that the current oropouche outbreak has been fuelled by weather phenomenons like El Niño." El Niño refers to a weather pattern marked by above-average sea surface temperatures in the central Pacific Ocean. He adds: "By contrast, we have not found evidence that changing properties of the virus could provide an alternative explanation for the high case count at present." Professor Drexler has also sent an ominous warning for the rest of the world, explaining that the virus could spread even further out of the continent of South America. He states: "I think it's possible that oropouche virus will become even more widespread in the future as climate change progresses." Sloth fever was detected in Europe for the first time last year, with confirmed cases in Italy, Spain and Germany. Spain reported 12 cases of oropouche in June and July 2024, while Italy had five and Germany had two. Out of the 19 total cases, 18 had recently traveled to Cuba and one had previously visited Brazil. It is not believed any of these cases were internally transmitted in Europe, they had all picked up the virus outside of the continent. Oropouche virus was first identified in 1955 in Trinidad and Tobago, named after the Oropouche River as it was found nearby. Over the past 25 years, the virus has caused outbreaks in countries including Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Panama, and Peru. Additionally, in June last year Cuba had reported its first case of the infection. According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) sloth fever symptoms start somewhere between three and 10 days after infection. Notably, there have been very few deaths among people infected with sloth fever. There is currently no medication to treat the virus and there is no vaccination to protect against it. Anyone who has been diagnosed with infection is advised to get plenty of rest and drink lots of fluids. No cases of sloth fever have been confirmed in the UK, and the risk of it spreading to Britain remains extremely low. However, health experts stress the importance of staying aware and seeking medical advice if there's any reason to suspect exposure. Dr Philip Veal, Travel Health Consultant at UKHSA, said: "The midge that carries Oropouche virus is not currently established in Europe. It is typically found in the Americas. There is no evidence that the virus can spread from person to person. "When travelling to affected areas, you can avoid the infection, and others such as dengue, Zika and malaria, by preventing insect bites. Use insect repellent, cover exposed skin and sleep under a treated bed net. Plan ahead and visit the TravelHealthPro website to look up your destination and the latest health information and advice, particularly if you are pregnant."
Daily Mirror
05-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Mystery deadly virus spreading quietly is more dangerous than thought - and there's no vaccine
Oropouche virus - or sloth fever, as it's also known - is a deadly virus that's quietly spreading across South America and Europe, and scientists fear it's more prevalent than first believed Oropouche virus is far more common and dangerous than previously believed, scientists have revealed. The virus - which is also known as sloth fever - has soared across South America over the past 18 months, and it's recently been discovered in Europe for the first time, too. It's spread by midges and some types of mosquito, and it's largely contained the Amazon region. Sloth fever was largely believed to be a mild infection, with general symptoms like headaches, rashes and nausea. But, it could also lead to pregnancy loss or birth defects, scientists warned. More than 20,000 cases of oropouche virus have been reported in Latin America since late 2023, sparked by a warming climate and more frequent rain storms. Anyone living around the Amazon rainforest was most at risk of infection, with analysis showing up to 10% of all people had previously had sloth fever - whether they knew it or not. 'We therefore assume that the current oropouche outbreak has been fueled by weather phenomenons like El Niño,' explains Professor Jan Felix Drexler, head of the Virus Epidemiology laboratory at the Institute of Virology at Charité. El Niño describes a weather phenomenon that causes a higher-than-average sea surface temperature in the central Pacific Ocean. 'By contrast, we have not found evidence that changing properties of the virus could provide an alternative explanation for the high case count at present," he added Professor Drexler also sent an ominous warning for the rest of the world, claiming the virus could spread even further outside the continent. "I think it's possible that oropouche virus will become even more widespread in the future as climate change progresses." Sloth fever was found in Europe for the very first time last year. It was confirmed in Italy, Spain and Germany. Spain reported 12 cases of oropouche in June and July of 2024. Italy had five cases, and Germany had two. Eighteen of the 19 cases had a travel history to Cuba, and one had previously visited Brazil. It's not believed any of the cases were internally passed on in Europe, and they all picked up the virus outside the continent. Oropouche was first discovered in 1955, in Trinidad and Tobago. It got its name after being found next to the Oropouche River. The virus has previously sparked outbreaks in Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Panama, and Peru over the past 25 years. In June last year, Cuba reported its first case of the infection. Sloth fever symptoms tend to start somewhere between three and 10 days after infection, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). There have been very few deaths among people infected with the virus, it added. There's no current medication to treat oropouche, and there's no vaccination to protect against it. Anyone that's been diagnosed with the infection would be advised to get plenty of rest and drink lots of fluids. There have been no confirmed cases of sloth fever in the UK, and the risk of it ever reaching Britain or Northern Ireland remains incredibly low. But, it's vital that everyone stays alert to the threat, and seeks medical attention if they think they could be at risk, health experts have claimed. Dr Philip Veal, Travel Health Consultant at UKHSA, said: 'The midge that carries Oropouche virus is not currently established in Europe. It is typically found in the Americas. There is no evidence that the virus can spread from person to person. 'When travelling to affected areas, you can avoid the infection, and others such as dengue, Zika and malaria, by preventing insect bites. Use insect repellent, cover exposed skin and sleep under a treated bed net. Plan ahead and visit the TravelHealthPro website to look up your destination and the latest health information and advice, particularly if you are pregnant.'
Boston Globe
30-04-2025
- Politics
- Boston Globe
A town refuses to give up the school's Native American mascot — and gets Trump's support
'There was no tribe east of the Mississippi that ever wore a headdress — ever,' said Drexler, 60, who was adopted and raised by a white Jewish family. 'How can you argue for a symbol that has no significance or relevance here, while at the same time claiming you honor and respect the culture and history of the people this town is named after?' Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up It's hard to miss the Native American imagery around Massapequa, a coastal hamlet 40 miles (64 kilometers) east of Manhattan where roughly 90% of the residents are white. Advertisement The Chiefs logo is prominently featured on signs adorning school, police and fire department buildings. Students in recent years even painted a colorful mural with the logo and team name on a commercial building next to the high school in protest of change to the mascot. A few minutes drive away, next to the town's post office, a statue of a Native American figure wearing a flowing headdress towers over those depicting a buffalo, a horse and a totem pole. Advertisement 'When you think of Massapequa, you think of the Chiefs,' said Forrest Bennett, a 15-year-old high school sophomore. A town at odds with state policy New York has been trying to rid schools of Native American mascots going back more than two decades to the administration of Republican Gov. George Pataki, and in 2022 gave districts until the end of the school year to commit to replacing them. Massapequa was among four school districts on Long Island that filed a federal suit challenging the ban, arguing their choice of team names and mascots were protected by the First Amendment. Districts could seek exemption from the state mandates if they gained approval from a Native American tribe, but state officials say Massapequa instead 'stayed silent' for years. The local school board declined to comment this week, instead referring to a Friday statement in which they lauded the investigation by the federal education agency, which President Donald Trump has moved to dismantle in recent weeks. Trump, for his part, has made frequent visits to Long Island in recent years as the suburban region has shifted Republican. Last spring, he visited Massapequa to attend the wake of a New York City police officer. 'Forcing them to change the name, after all of these years, is ridiculous and, in actuality, an affront to our great Indian population,' Trump wrote in a recent social media post. Days later he posed with a Massapequa Chiefs sweater in the Oval Office. 'I don't see the Kansas City Chiefs changing their name anytime soon!' The NFL's Chiefs have stuck with their name despite years of protest from some Native American activists. Five years ago, the team barred fans from wearing headdresses or face paint referencing Native American culture. Advertisement Meanwhile other professional teams, including football's Washington Redskins ( now Commanders ) and baseball's Cleveland Indians ( now Guardians ), have adopted new monikers and logos. Residents say mascot 'honors' Native Americans Along the eateries and shops next to Massapequa High, students and parents insisted the team name and mascot are meant to honor the Massapequa, who were part of the broader Lenape, or Delaware people who inhabited the woodlands of the Northeastern U.S. and Canada for thousands of years before being decimated by European colonization. 'It's not that we're trying to do anything disrespectful,' said Christina Zabbatino, a mother of two. 'Actually, I would be honored if it was my face, you know what I mean?' Lucas Rumberg, a 15-year-old sophomore, shrugged off criticism that the school logo reflects the traditional garb of a Midwest tribe and not the attire worn by the Lenape people eventually forced to move further and further west by colonial settlers and then American government forces as the nation expanded. 'Even though it's not necessarily what they look like here, I feel like it still conveys that we are respectful of Native Americans,' Rumberg said. 'I get that people might be offended by it, but I just feel that it's been here so long that it should stay.' Native Americans say mascot is dehumanizing But that dismissive attitude is precisely why stereotypical mascots are offensive, argues Joseph Pierce, director of Native American and Indigenous Studies at Stony Brook University, also on Long Island. 'It is as if this image were a shorthand for any and all Indians,' said the Cherokee Nation citizen. 'And that reduces us to a type, rather than portray us as distinct peoples.' Advertisement Indian mascots also contribute to the view that Native peoples are relics of the past, and not living communities facing urgent threats today, says Joey Fambrini, a member of the Delaware Tribe of Indians who works for New York Indian Council, a nonprofit providing health care to Native Americans. 'That dehumanization isn't harmless: It directly contributes to why our struggles are ignored or minimized,' the 29-year-old Brooklyn resident said, noting that tribal communities endure high rates of poverty, inadequate housing, lack of clean water and limited education access, among other challenges. The cheerful mascot also obscures Massapequa's grim legacy of violence against Native Americans, says John Kane, a member of the Mohawk tribe of upstate New York who has pushed districts across the state for years to change their names and mascots. The town, after all, was the site of a massacre in which scores of Native men, women and children were killed by Europeans in the 1600s, he said. 'They're not trying to honor us. That's why accuracy of the logo doesn't matter to them,' Kane said. 'So the idea that this is some sort of honor to us? I mean, come on. It's an absurd proposition to even suggest.'
Hindustan Times
22-04-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Former top CEO reveals the one respectful word he never wants to hear from his employees
A former CEO, who headed major clothing brands like Gap and has revealed the one respectful word he hated hearing from his employees throughout his career, according to CNBC Make It. 80-year-old Mickey Drexler, who is now the chairman of clothing brand Alex Mill, has said that throughout his career he made sure that his colleagues and employees addressed him like a regular person and used only his first name. Revealing in a LinkedIn interview that he preferred to be on the same level as the people working around, Drexler said that he never let anyone address him as "mister". 'No one can call me 'mister.' I don't care who it is. Even in restaurants, I [tell people to call me] Mickey, that's it. I want them to feel not beneath me," the 80-year-old said. Drexler is credited with turning Gap into a $14 billion powerhouse and founding brands like Old Navy and Madewell. He was also an Apple board member for 16 years, serving from 1999 to 2015. But Drexler refuses to let his accomplishments make him appear better than any of his employees and wants other bosses to adopt a similar outlook, emphasising connecting with colleagues as an essential part of leadership. ″You have to connect to the team. You can't be in your ivory tower ... You don't learn in a bureaucracy [or] in an office," he said. Drexler connects with colleagues, entry-level or executives, by asking easy, open-ended questions about their work or background. He calls it 'schmoozing,' but others might see it as small talk or casual networking: a friendly, informal way to build rapport. 'Meet all the people,' said Drexler, adding that small talk is a skill he developed as an executive, not something he's always done. 'Be a normal [person], not [an] ivory-tower person who thinks they're smarter than everyone. ... You never learn [something new] unless you have a relationship with someone," he said.
