Latest news with #MedalofHonor
USA Today
a day ago
- Health
- USA Today
Former President Joe Biden has aggressive form of prostate cancer
Former President Joe Biden has aggressive form of prostate cancer Show Caption Hide Caption Biden to award Medal of Honor to military heroes The Medal of Honor is given to members of the military who demonstrate conspicuous bravery or self-sacrifice, risking their own lives against enemies of the United States or other opposing armed forces. Scripps News Former President Joe Biden was diagnosed with prostate cancer on Friday, according to media reports. While the diagnosis, which Biden received on May 16, indicates the former president has one of the worst forms of the disease, it "appears to be hormone-sensitive, which allows for effective management," the spokesperson said in a statement. "The President and his family are reviewing treatment options with his physicians," the statement added. Prostate cancer is the most common form of cancer for men, other than non-melanoma skin cancer, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 'It is also one of the leading causes of cancer death among men of all races,' the CDC says. Biden's spokesman revealed that the former president's cancer has a Gleason score of 9, grade group 5, which the American Cancer Society describes as a type "most likely to grow and spread quickly." Trump wishes Biden 'fast' recovery Support for Biden quickly poured in from across the political sphere after the news of his diagnosis. President Donald Trump issued a statement of support for Biden and his family on Truth Social, writing, "Melania and I are saddened to hear about Joe Biden's recent medical diagnosis. We extend our warmest and best wishes to Jill and the family, and we wish Joe a fast and successful recovery." Former Vice President Kamala Harris, who was Biden's running mate, wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter, "Doug (Emhoff) and I are saddened to learn of President Biden's prostate cancer diagnosis. We are keeping him, Dr. Biden, and their entire family in our hearts and prayers during this time. Joe is a fighter — and I know he will face this challenge with the same strength, resilience, and optimism that have always defined his life and leadership. We are hopeful for a full and speedy recovery." Harris' husband, Doug Emoff, wrote, "Sending love and strength to my friend Joe Biden. Biden's Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg wrote on X, "President Biden is a man of deep faith and extraordinary resilience. Chasten and I are keeping him, and the entire Biden family, in our prayers for strength and healing." Trump's eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., shared a social media message from another account stating, "Politics aside, we wish him a speedy recovery!" "Agreed 100%," Donald Trump Jr. wrote. Meghan McCain, the daughter of former Arizona senator John McCain, who died of cancer, wrote, "Cancer is the absolute worst. It is hell. It is incredibly difficult for any family, anywhere, that has to deal with it. Wishing nothing but healing, prayers, light, and strength to President Biden and his family." Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, a cancer survivor and former chair of the Democratic National Committee, posted on social media that Biden is "a ferocious fighter, and I know he'll handle this battle with strength and dignity." Biden received clean bill of health last year Biden had a routine physical in February 2024 during the last year of his presidency. The doctor's report said he was 'a healthy, active, robust 81-year-old male.' The doctors said he was receiving treatment for sleep apnea and that all of his other medical conditions remain 'stable and well controlled.' A skin lesion was removed from Biden's chest in 2023. Known as a basal cell carcinoma, a common form of skin cancer, his doctor said then that no further treatment was required. What is the Gleason score? The Gleason score is a tool to assess prostate cancer, according to Myriad Genetics. A score of 6 or less on the Gleason score is good and puts it into Grade 1. It's the lowest score possible;e. Biden's 9 is at the highest level and considered in group 5. The score indicated that the cancer cells look different from normal cells, and the cancer will grow and spread more quickly. What is prostate cancer? According to the Mayo Clinic, prostate cancer is a growth of cells that starts in the prostate – the small gland that helps make semen. Prostate cancer is a common type of cancer. Prostate cancer is usually found early, and it often grows slowly. Most people with prostate cancer are cured. If the cancer grows beyond the prostate or if it spreads, there are still many treatment options. However, prostate cancer that spreads can be more difficult to cure. But even when a cure isn't possible, treatments can slow the growth of the cancer and help you live longer. What are the factors for prostate cancer? The factors in getting prostate cancer, according to the Mayo Clinic are: Age Race and ethnicity Family history of prostate cancer Obesity Smoking Isabel Hughes contributed to this story.
Yahoo
a day ago
- General
- Yahoo
Gov. Pritzker awards Medal of Honor to Rockford Police officer
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — Rockford Police Officer Jon Vargas was awarded the Law Enforcement Medal of Honor from Gov. JB Pritzker and Illinois State Police Director Brendan Kelly on Thursday. The Medal of Honor is awarded to officers who performed acts of heroism. Officer Vargas lost his former K9 partner, Nyx, in a shooting on January 28th, 2024. According to police, Malik Trotter, 28, shot and killed the K9 during a police pursuit that ended in the 2900 block of 11th Street. Police were able to track a phone to an 11th Street address. K9 Officer Jon Vargas spotted Trotter and a foot chase ensued, during which K9 Nyx was shot and killed. Trotter allegedly shot at Vargas, and was shot in the leg by returned fire. In April, the police department announced Vargas would partner with a new 2-year-old Dutch Shepherd-Belgian Malinois mix, named . Twenty-three officers from 10 police agencies were honored in Springfield today. 'Today, we pay tribute to our heroic police officers who have gone above and beyond the call of duty while protecting our communities,' said Pritzker. 'From Palatine to Chicago to Granite City, our honorees saved lives and offered comfort and support to countless others. While we will never be able to repay their bravery in full, we hope that this recognition can serve as a public reminder of our gratitude and a symbol of the sincere reverence we hold them in.' The 2024 recipients for the Law Enforcement Medal of Honor being honored this year are: Chicago Police Department Officer Roy De La Huerta Officer Michelle Drapala Officer Edwin J. Gramajo Officer Luis M. Huesca Officer Omar Jimenez Officer Carlos Martinez Officer Enrique Martinez Chillicothe Police Department Officer David J. Buchanan Cicero Police Department Officer Luis Martinez Officer Reynol Ramos DeKalb County Sheriff's Office Deputy Christina M. Musil DeKalb Police Department Officer Brian Bollow Chief David Byrd Sergeant Keunte Mallett East Moline Police Department Sergeant William R. Lind Granite City Police Department Officer Douglas B. Nicoson Illinois State Police Trooper Clay M. Carns Trooper Adam D. FittsMaster Sergeant Ross A. Green Trooper Corey S. Thompsen Trooper Blake D. Thompson Palatine Police Department Officer Shane P. Murray Rockford Police Department Officer Jonathan A. Vargas Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
‘Wall that Heals' veterans memorial open for viewing
WARREN, Ohio (WKBN) — The Wall That Heals — a replica of Washington, DC's Vietnam Veterans Memorial — is now set up in Warren. A welcome home ceremony was held Thursday evening on the South Lawn of Packard Music Hall, where the wall is set up. Clusters of people walked and stopped along the wall, looking for the names of someone they knew who was killed during the Vietnam War. It will be available for people to view through Sunday. Taps will be played each night at sunset. 'It's an experience that kind of heals the community, heals the veterans who served, their friends and neighbors and family that don't get that opportunity to go and share and remember them the proper way,' said co-chairman Herm Breuer. Friday at 6 p.m., the nurses who served in Vietnam will be honored, then on Saturday at 2 p.m., there will be a Medal of Honor tribute. The closing ceremony is at 1:45 p.m. on Sunday. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Sgt. William Lind honored with Law Enforcement Medal of Honor
Governor JB Pritzker, Illinois State Police (ISP) Director Brendan F. Kelly, the Law Enforcement Medal of Honor Committee and law enforcement officials around the state gathered for the Law Enforcement Medal of Honor Ceremony in Springfield to honor officers who performed acts of heroism. The committee awarded 23 officers from 10 agencies the Medal of Honor in recognition of their brave and sacrificial service to the people of Illinois. Locally, the committee honored Sgt. William Lind from the East Moline Police Department. 'Today, we pay tribute to our heroic police officers who have gone above and beyond the call of duty while protecting our communities,' said Governor Pritzker. 'From Palatine to Chicago to Granite City, our honorees saved lives and offered comfort and support to countless others. While we will never be able to repay their bravery in full, we hope that this recognition can serve as a public reminder of our gratitude and a symbol of the sincere reverence we hold them in.' The Medal of Honor is given to officers who have been killed or seriously injured in the line of duty or who have displayed exceptional bravery or heroism while performing their duties as a law enforcement officer. 'Today we recognize and praise these outstanding examples of courage,' said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly. 'These men and women faced extreme danger, remained brave in the face of imminent threats, and performed with the highest heroism. Today and forever, we thank and honor them.' The Law Enforcement Medal of Honor Committee was created in statute through the Law Enforcement and Fire Fighting Medal of Honor Act in 1990. Members on the committee currently include ISP Director Kelly, Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board Executive Director Keith Calloway, Chicago Police Department Superintendent Larry Snelling, DeKalb Police Department Chief David Byrd, retired ISP Master Sergeant and St. Clair County Coroner Calvin Dye, Lake County Sheriff John D. Idleburg and Central Illinois Police Training Center Director Brian Fengel. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Legendary Recon Marine could finally get the Medal of Honor
In April 1967, Marine 2nd Lt. James Capers Jr. ignored his numerous bullet and shrapnel wounds to lead his nine-man team from 3rd Force Reconnaissance Company against an enemy ambush in South Vietnam. The ambush had erupted with hidden explosives that threw Capers against a tree. Shrapnel from the blast punctured his body in more than a dozen places, including wounds to his abdomen and a broken leg, Capers told Coffee or Die Magazine in 2021. Still, Capers ordered a mortar strike on the team's position to keep the enemy at bay. Despite losing a significant amount of blood and being administered morphine, he led his team to a helicopter landing zone. When a helicopter landed, Capers refused to get on board unless the crew took the body of the team's military working dog. After the helicopter was initially unable to take off, Capers twice tried to get out of the aircraft to lighten the load. Both times, a crew chief had to pull him back inside. The helicopter eventually lifted off and ferried Capers and his team to a hospital. Capers later retired from the Marine Corps as a major, and in 2010, he was awarded the Silver Star for his 'bold leadership, undaunted courage, and complete dedication to duty,' his award citation reads. Now, a lawmaker is trying for a third time to pass legislation that would authorize the president to award Capers the Medal of Honor. Rep. Ralph Norman (R-S.C.) introduced a bill on May 13 that would waive a requirement that service members receive the Medal of Honor within five years of their actions that merit the award. In 2020, President Donald Trump signed a similar bill that allowed Army Sgt. 1st Class Alwyn Cashe to receive the Medal of Honor for his bravery 15 years earlier in Iraq. 'Mr. James Capers Jr. isn't just a hero, he's a living legend in every sense of the word,' Norman said in a statement earlier this month. 'His courage in Vietnam, his humility throughout life, and his unwavering devotion to this country are second to none. It's an honor to reintroduce this bill, because a man like Maj. Capers deserves nothing less than the Medal of Honor.' Although Capers had been previously nominated for the nation's highest military award for valor, 'administrative shortcomings and delays' ultimately prevented him from receiving it, a May 14 news release from Norman's office says. During a March interview with Fox News, Capers was asked why he had not already been awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroism. 'That was 1967, and the world was a lot different in those days,' Capers replied. 'The Marine Corps had been integrated in 1948, as a matter of fact, so we still had officers who commanded us that didn't quite understand all the things that we needed as African Americans. We could fight. We could lead. We could get it all done. But the leaders didn't see us as equals.' Over the past four years, Norman has twice introduced legislation that would have authorized the president to award Capers the Medal of Honor, but Congress did not pass the bills. Capers repeatedly demonstrated his bravery and his commitment to the Marines who served under him. He always insisted on being the last person to board helicopters when it was time to leave the battlefield. In a different mission in January 1967, Capers ran from tree to tree to fire at the enemy, creating the impression that there were more troops on the ground, as the rest of his team was hoisted into a CH-46 helicopter. On another patrol, Capers killed three North Vietnamese soldiers when his M16 rifle jammed. When another two enemy soldiers launched a counterattack, he killed them both with his pistol. In February, a group of 47 lawmakers sent a letter to Trump requesting that he consider taking action needed for Capers to receive the Medal of Honor, describing Capers as 'one of America's greatest patriots.' They noted that Capers was the first Black Marine to lead a reconnaissance company and to receive a battlefield commission. 'We firmly believe that Maj. James Capers Jr., has met the stringent criteria for the Medal of Honor,' the letter says. 'His selfless actions, leadership, courage, and initiative uphold the highest traditions of the United States Armed Forces. The exceptional valor displayed by Maj. Capers during his missions in the Republic of Vietnam from March 31 to April 3, 1967, serves as a shining example for all servicemen and women, and it is deserving of the highest recognition.' Now 87 years old, Capers lives alone. His son, Gary, who was born blind, died in 2003, and his wife Dottie died six years later. Capers told Task & Purpose that he originally served as a staff sergeant, but all the officers in his unit were killed, so he was commissioned to second lieutenant. After he was wounded, he spent a year recuperating at Bethesda Naval Hospital in Maryland learning how to walk again. He said that he owes his survival to his family and all the men and women who served with him in war — and he is adamant that he does not consider himself to be a hero. 'I was just a Marine,' Capers said. 'I had a job to do and I did it as best I could. Obviously, we'd all like to be heroes, but those men in my unit, they were heroes. There's only two of us left alive today.' 18 Army Rangers suspended for allegedly firing blanks at Florida beach Hegseth announces accountability review of Afghanistan withdrawal Coast Guard rescue swimmers saved a worker stuck in hardening concrete after roof collapse This National Guard unit went completely analog to simulate a cyber attack Fewer reenlistment options for soldiers amid high Army retention
