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of Phoenix Public Information Office - News Clippings - azcentral.com
- July 5, 2008
Firefighters go out of way to help Code Talker
As anywhere in the United States, this Fourth of July weekend will involve backyard barbeques, pool parties and fire works displays - all in celebration of our nation’s independence. Recently, one of our firefighters wrote an article describing a medical emergency involving a national hero - a Navajo Code Talker from World War II. This group of patriots provided a crucial and unique service to our country and it is my honor to feature this article written by Phoenix Fire Captain Bryan Willingham in my July column. Bryan was kind enough to allow me to use this story and share it with all of you.
Although most of us were not even alive in the 1940’s, many of us have relatives who may have served in World War II or have suffered the loss of a relative because of it. The United States alone suffered almost 300,000 battle deaths, about another 114,000 non-battle/disease deaths, and approximately an additional 700,000 servicemen were wounded.
As significant as these losses seem, the casualties and wounded statistics could have been even greater, had it not been for approximately 400 courageous soldiers known as “Code Talkers.”
The Navajos spoke an unwritten language of extreme complexity. It was an ideal language for the U.S. military to use against the Japanese who were very skilled at intercepting U.S. communications.
The Japanese would sabotage a message and issue a false command in order to ambush American troops, or decipher messages that would give up key tactical positions or strategies. Morse code was considered to be a very time consuming and archaic communications tool which at times took up to two to three hours to transmit and decipher. Navajo Code Talkers developed a very efficient and undecipherable code that allowed our military forces to communicate in less than two to three minutes. Because of this system, these individuals saved thousands of lives and were a contributing factor in accelerating the U.S. victory.
A few months ago, Engine 7 A-shift, one of the busiest engines in the city of Phoenix, was dispatched to a residence in their first due area south of Dunlap. They were called to assist an elderly gentleman named Joe Kellwood whose blood sugar was less than thirty. Aside from the medical issue Engine 7 was there to treat, they also noticed sub-standard living conditions. The residence had received multiple code violations from the City of Phoenix and was in desperate need of some serious work.
At the house, Engine 7 met Mr. Kellwood’s ex-daughter-in-law Lynn who began telling them of Mr. Kellwood’s war accomplishments and military decorations. She explained how she was in the process of having dumpsters delivered to his house in an attempt to help him clean the property. Although Lynn had help from members at the VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars), local boy scouts, and some volunteers from the Air Force, Captain Travis Kerr saw an opportunity to give back.
After returning to the station, Travis gathered his crew and asked if they would be interested in helping. Without hesitation every member said they would love to help.
Because of the pride this crew takes in everything they do, what began as a simple cleanup project soon became a several month-long, back-breaking remodel. The cleanup itself required the use of masks and gloves to protect the crew from the significant amount of rat droppings. Four 40-yard dumpsters provided by Vice Mayor Peggy Neely were filled with debris from the yard and interior tear-out. Then the work began inside to make the home livable.
A good friend of the firefighters on Engine 7 named Scott Gregory helped with acquiring construction materials and kitchen cabinets and also put in his personal time to help with the project. Engine 7 crew members Travis Kerr, Paul Novak, Bill Florence, Ben Bateman, and Rescue 7 crew Craig Kilbourne, and Robert Kemp spent countless hours working on and off duty. Other people who contributed were Ryan Dooley, and Paul and Tim Knobbe, who helped find funding sources through Local 493 charities and the Fire Star program to purchase much needed furniture and clothing. Tim Hendrich and Debbie Gaibe, Owner of Sleep America, long standing Local 493 friend and sponsor for many of its charities donated a bed.
Our veterans have sacrificed a great deal to protect the freedoms we have today. The fact that our members took time out of their busy lives proves that patriotism and kindness are alive and well in America. I ask that you remember our troops this Fourth of July and the sacrifices they are making on our behalf.
Members of your Phoenix Fire Department provide excellent emergency service 24/7. Stories like this one are not unusual. What our firefighters do on a daily basis and the work they do for the community on behalf of the United Phoenix Fire Fighters Association makes me proud to be a part of the fire service and a resident of our city. God Bless America and be safe!
Send comments to Bob Khan at firechief.pfd@phoenix.gov or call (602) 26-CHIEF.