Betsy (Goff) Willman Anderson celebrated her 100th birthday in Pawnee. In Tulsa, Betsy graduated Class of 1939 from Central High, attended TU, was a member of 1st Baptist & Parkview Baptist Churches, Chi Omega Sorority & volunteered at Gilcrease Museum. She says anything fattening is her favorite food!
Louise (Noels) Green
Louise (Noels) Green of Tulsa was born December 16, 1919. She was a lifelong educator, teacher and counselor in McAlester & stayed very actively involved in the Beebe Chapel CME Church, L’Ouverture High School Alumni & American Legion Post 250. Louise’s life advice: “Education. History. Treat people the way you want to be treated!”
WWII Veteran Paul Romanello
WWII Veteran Paul Romanello of Tulsa having 100th birthday fun with him family and friends. He was a man before his time, never said an unkind word about anyone, loves people and was always the center of attention with his good looks and charming magnetic personality. His words of wisdom are to enjoy your family and life to the fullest! Thank you for your service!
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Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation scientist Patrick Gaffney, M.D.
Americans have a need for cleanliness, especially when it comes to our children. But mounting research suggests our quest to be clean might make children sicker, not healthier.
Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation immunologist Eliza Chakravarty, M.D., said this groundswell of germophobic parenting and the tendency to create over-sterilized environments may keep children’s immune systems from developing adequate defenses.
It’s called the ‘hygiene hypothesis,’ where scientists believe early exposure to allergens actually contributes to a healthier immune system. While it isn’t a new theory, it is becoming more widely accepted.
“For your immune system to protect you, it has to know the difference in what is dangerous and should be attacked and harmless substances that can be ignored,” said Chakravarty. “And to learn that, it needs to be exposed to some of the elements we’re erasing from the environment.”
Handwashing and maintaining a clean living area are still important, Chakravarty said, as are vaccines and immunizations. “But there’s a difference between a healthy level of cleanliness and essentially living in a bubble.”
Your immune system is built to protect you, so if it sits idle, it will find something to fight. Even fairly harmless substances like pollen, peanuts or pet dander can look like foreign invaders and result in an immune system overreaction. Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system attacks your own body’s tissues as if it were a pathogen or virus.
“We need protection from serious illnesses, but kids need exposure to a wide variety of things that aren’t actually dangerous,” said Chakravarty. “Kids are going to eat dirt, and that’s generally OK.”
It’s important to note that not all bacteria are harmful. Some actually help keep us healthy. The 100 trillion microbial and bacterial cells in our bodies, called the microbiome, also needs diversity, said OMRF geneticist Patrick Gaffney, M.D., and that comes from exposure to the environment.
Gaffney said more evidence is needed, but increasing research links germ exposure, diverse environments and minor infections at a young age with a lower risk of health problems later in life.
“Exposure to low-level allergens and germs like dog hair, pollen and common pathogens when you’re young allows the immune system to fine-tune itself and learn how to function properly,” said Gaffney. “Regular hygiene is still important, but don’t fret if your little ones dig in the dirt or wrestle with the dog. They may wind up healthier for it.”
At 56, Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett has created a movie detailing Oklahoma City’s rise, fall and rebirth.
by Mike Lee, Staff Writer
Head down to Bricktown on any given night and you’ll see families riding on a water taxi along the Riverwalk.
You’ll probably see people coming and going from any number of restaurants that have moved into the revitalized area within the past 15 years.
Head a little farther north along West Reno and you’ll hear the chants from more than 18,000 screaming fans inside the Chesapeake Energy Arena pulling for the NBA’s Oklahoma City Thunder.
It wasn’t always this way and it wasn’t always this good for Oklahoma’s capital.
Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett wants people to never forget that. That’s the reason behind Cornett’s nearly four-year labor of love Oklahoma City: The Boom, the Bust and the Bomb which opened at Harkins Theater on April 10 with four showings daily.
“When I was elected mayor over 10 years now I knew about and was proud of Oklahoma City’s history but I think I also assumed every city had a history that wasn’t all that unique from Oklahoma City,” Cornett said. “As I spoke more and more about Oklahoma City’s life experience of the 70s, 80s and early 90s I realized over time our city’s history was unique.”
“The highs of the the 70s and the lows of the 80s added on with the emotional burden of the Oklahoma City bombing those are significant elements on a city’s timeline and we saw them all in a relatively short period of time.”
Cornett holds that the good times the city is experiencing right now are a direct result of the trying times.
“I want them to understand how we got to where we are today,” Cornett says.
Cornett parallels his movie with the story telling style of the late Paul Harvey, who was born in Tulsa in 1918 and made a career telling people “the rest of the story.”
“He would tell you some things that went on before that that had a significant relevance that you probably never knew about. That was the rest of the story,” Cornett says. “That’s kind of what this movie is. You look at Oklahoma City today and see the city we have … well, this is the rest of the story. This is the story of the city that didn’t have any of these things and what it went through and how it never gave up.”
Cornett’s full-length feature film tells the story of Oklahoma City’s rise and fall from 1970 to 1995.
In Cornett’s eyes, no other city has a story like this. From being formed in a single day, to playing for the NBA Championship, Oklahoma City has ridden the triumph-to-heartbreak roller coaster for a good part of its historic life.
Oklahoma City:The Boom, the Bust and the Bomb, examines the most critical time in our city’s history. It centers on a pivotal 25-year period.
From the oil boom of the 1970’s to the failure of Penn Square Bank in 1982 to the bombing of the Murrah Federal Building in 1995, this inspiring film sheds light on the darkest days of Oklahoma City – and the people who refused to give up.
“Just like people are shaped by their life experiences, cities are as well. And the city we have today is a direct result of some incredibly tumultuous times,” Cornett says. “I want the next generation and those who have moved to the city since 1995 to understand the events that have shaped Oklahoma City in the 21st century.”
Cornett says he interviewed 20-25 people in piecing the story together. “It’s an amazing story and I think people will leave the theater inspired.”
Cornett interviewed people from all walks of life
“I saw the emotions of the camera crew, young people that didn’t know anything about these things and I saw their reaction and I thought this was just as powerful of a story as a I hope it would be,” Cornett said. “I don’t think the next generation has any idea what we went through.”
Cornett said he’s received “incredible feedback” from people his age and older.
Running a city and working, Cornett spent the better part of three years working on the movie. It took him a single year just to write the script.
To rent the movie instantly on any device or purchase the DVD, go to www.okcmovie.com.
“I think it’s a better story than people realize and there’s an emotional aspect to it as well,” Cornett said. “I think people are really going to enjoy it.”
When it seemed like things couldn’t get worse – things got worse. This is the inspiring story of Oklahoma City.
And if things go well Hollywood could be calling. Cornett already has his eye on recutting the film for a major motion picture audience.
The Oklahoma Insurance Department (OID) announced today that Oklahoma has adopted regulations enacting a “best interest” standard on annuity sales and recommendations based on the National Association of Insurance Commissioners’ (NAIC) Model Regulation (#275).
The amended regulations, which are located in Oklahoma Administrative Code (OAC) 365:25-17, are set to go into effect on September 1, 2023. The rules require a producer to act in the best interest of consumers under the circumstances known at the time the recommendation is made.
“The new rules will provide stronger protections for retirees and safeguard access for lower and middle-income families in the state,” Insurance Commissioner Glen Mulready said.
Oklahoma is the 40th state to implement the NAIC model regulation, a template for states to create their own regulation governing annuity sales that would align with the Securities and Exchange Commission’s Regulation Best Interest providing robust consumer protection at the state and federal levels.
Earlier this month, the OID issued a bulletin about the training requirements for producers involved in the sale, solicitation, or negotiation of annuities. The training requirements are now located in OAC 365:25-17-7.1. To learn more about annuities, visit https://www.oid.ok.gov/consumers/annuity/ or contact the OID at 800-522-0071.
I gazed around the enclosure, wondering how such a small space could be the source of bullying, harassment, and a political maelstrom that shows no signs of abating.
Then I zipped up and exited the bathroom.
But not just any bathroom; a gender neutral restroom in a Chicago restaurant. Normally I don’t do so much thinking while urinating, but others are doing it for me, as evidenced by the increasing number of unisex bathrooms popping up in businesses and bars, and throughout college campuses. Not to mention the debates occurring in Congress.
I am 100% in favor of these facilities, as I feel sorry for women, or those who identify as female, who endure long lines in airports or concert halls while their male counterparts breeze in, do their business and leave, never once wondering if the art of peeing at a particular moment will cause them to miss their flight or the band’s encore.
Yet my question remains: Females, or those who identify as such, do you REALLY want to share a bathroom with us?
No, seriously, have you thought this through? I was in a college fraternity and, 40 years later, all I can say is, old habits die hard.
I’m not just talking about having to lower the seat when you enter the restroom after a male has used it. We’ve been leaving the seat up for years and we will continue to plead forgetfulness even if all toilet seats come with hand cranks to make the process easier. Not that it’s difficult now.
What about our aim? Or lack of it? Are you ready to see droplets, or puddles of urine on the floor and wonder how long they are going to remain there until somebody who is grossly underpaid cleans it up?
That’s what we look at. Unless we are the ones who misfired because, in our states of inebriation, we saw three urinals instead of one and chose incorrectly.
Now let’s move to the sink. Dudes consider it to be more than just a receptacle for handwashing. Quite the contrary. I’ve seen guys shaving in public restrooms or worse, brushing their teeth and spitting gobs of who knows what into that same area supposedly set aside for cleaning hands. Gals, or those who identify as such, you might want to turn off the faucet with your elbows, just in case.
Oh, and, if you think our bathroom habits are disgusting, please rethink the idea of gender neutral locker rooms. For I guarantee you, the restroom is a microcosm of what awaits you in a changing area.
Sure, you wouldn’t see our private parts, as unisex locker rooms are designed to ensure nobody has to change in public. But I guarantee you, we will still walk around in bare feet. Not just bare feet but fungus-addled, athlete’s feet. Is there a law against toenail clipping in a gender neutral locker room? Because I’ve seen guys do this as well. Just saying.
Our mouths have no locker room filters, so be prepared to hear conversations about topics ranging from our copious amounts of body hair to last weekend’s sexual conquest, which we are probably embellishing. We will also lie about what we plan to do THIS weekend and who we plan to do it with.
I applaud your right to identify yourself as “she,” “her,” “them” or “they.” Believe me, I do. I have attended numerous pride parades, in multiple cities, and love watching people celebrate whoever it is they want to be. Be loud, be proud.
Just remember that, when you enter that gender neutral bathroom, a dude whose idea of a perfect day includes a dozen beers and six street tacos may have just exited.
Nothing Congress can do about that. (Greg Schwem is a corporate stand-up comedian and author of two books: “Text Me If You’re Breathing: Observations, Frustrations and Life Lessons From a Low-Tech Dad” and the recently released “The Road To Success Goes Through the Salad Bar: A Pile of BS From a Corporate Comedian,” available at Amazon.com. Visit Greg on the web at www.gregschwem.com. You’ve enjoyed reading, and laughing at, Greg Schwem’s monthly humor columns in Senior Living News. But did you know Greg is also a nationally touring stand-up comedian? And he loves to make audiences laugh about the joys, and frustrations, of growing older. Watch the clip and, if you’d like Greg to perform at your senior center or senior event, contact him through his website at www.gregschwem.com)
Team captain Red Callaway, front right seated next to his wife Dorothy Wilson, poses with the Spanish Cove Retirement Village Dragon Boat Team on the Oklahoma River downtown.
Story by Darl DeVault, contributing editor
WWII Navy veteran Red Callaway was always comfortable on the water as he served as captain for the Spanish Cove Retirement Village Dragon Boat Team.
Earnest “Red” Callaway, a visionary volunteer organizer in the world of bicycling and successful paddleboat racing team captain while at Spanish Cove Retirement Village in Yukon, died on December 29 at 96. Callaway dedicated himself to promoting the sport of cycling and making it accessible to all, leaving a lasting positive impact on the cycling community in Oklahoma.
Born in Loveland, Colorado, he started flying airplanes when he was 15. He joined the Navy one day after his 18th birthday in 1944. Flying transport planes, the WWII veteran retired from his 20-year career as a lieutenant commander.
Moving to Oklahoma City in 1963, he worked at the US Federal Aviation Administration Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center, rising through the ranks to be the Chief of Flight Standards there. By the last 15 years of his federal service, he traveled the world from Oklahoma, leading teams coordinating takeoff and landing standards for new large civilian airports.
In 1973, at 46, Callaway founded the Oklahoma Bicycle Society (OBS) to promote bicycle safety and provide a unified voice for those interested in bicycling. He also sought to protect the rights of cyclists and make the sport more accessible to all. Through his leadership, the OBS quickly became the largest cycling organization in the state.
Callaway was a dedicated cyclist known for his ability to ride 8,000 miles a year, which helped him to become a 55-plus age group racing state champion and second nationally in the 60-plus age group. (STORY CONTINUES BELOW)
However, his real claim to fame was as a stellar bike event creator, volunteer recruiter, and negotiator in a 40-year career devoted to cycling, wherein he became known as the father of Oklahoma bicycling. He envisioned and brought to life more cycling events than all others combined across the state, enabling the building of a vibrant cycling culture.
To start the OBS, Callaway published 5,000 copies of “The Pathfinder” bicycle newsletter in 1973 and distributed it to 25 bicycle shops from Norman to Stillwater in his first master recruiter mode in cycling.
The newsletter invited Oklahoma’s cyclists to ride in planned events and join the OBS. Callaway financed the printing of the newsletter out of his own pocket for the first couple of years of the club.
Callaway’s planning and staging of the Greater Oklahoma City Century Run in 1973 and kicking off the Grand Tour in 1974 sparked a club dominance of central Oklahoma cycling importance that has never waned. He lent his expertise to any event including cycling, even triathlons, as they began in the 1980s.
“I met Red in 1983 riding my bicycle around lake Overholser. He was such an encouraging person,” said Johnny Carroll, retired daily cyclist. “We often had excellent chats in between the hard riding. The most important thing about him was he made me feel like a friend instantly. He had the precious gift of conversation.”
He perfected the administrative diplomacy needed to coordinate with Oklahoma City Water Utilities Trust officials for cycling events at Lakes Overholser, Hefner, and Draper over the years. This literally paved the way to having Oklahoma City paved trails at the three largest lakes, some of the safest places to ride.
He did this by organizing events, by showing, not just telling city officials how important bicycling is to its citizens. By staging special events where thousands of people came out to ride their bicycles together, Callaway presented the civic leaders with proof of concept. A good example was in 1990 when 1,600 riders gathered to participate in the Lake Hefner Streak. This fostered an ever-present idea in civic decision-makers’ minds to address the need for safe places for these riders to participate in their sport.
Callaway’s legacy of determined advocacy for bicycling means so much to today’s local bicyclists, who now seldom have to think about where they can ride safely. He sparked the expectation that Oklahoma communities can have safe riding areas available. He added immeasurably to Oklahomans’ access to safe cycling to promote good health, their most valuable asset.
Callaway’s talents also extended to creating challenging and prestigious ultramarathon cycling events locally in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Here his expertise in safety, event planning, leadership, communications, and marketing helped spark another form of interest in bicycling. He led the OBS to stage Ironbutt, a 24-hour unpaced event doing 14-mile laps around Draper. This endurance event tested the limits of even the most experienced cyclists as riders needed to ride non-stop, with only short breaks for food if they were going to win. Ridden as a shorter version of the Race Across America (RAAM), Ironbutt became a qualifier for the grueling RAAM televised by ABC’s Wide World of Sport in its first five years.
Ironbutt’s race against the clock proved popular as a physical and mental test, with riders pushing through fatigue, pain, and sleep deprivation. Its entry list grew so large, drawing ultramarathon cyclists from around the country, Callaway helped the OBS create Tinbutt, a 12-hour event at Draper every other year to qualify for Ironbutt.
He also envisioned OBS’s popular Downwind to Wichita ride, a 172-mile journey from Oklahoma City to Wichita once each summer for several years when a strong south wind was available.
In addition to these larger events, the OBS also hosts a variety of shorter recreational rides throughout the year, including weekend and weekday evening rides while staging educational and charity events. These rides are open to all riders, regardless of skill level, allowing cyclists to get out and enjoy the sport while socializing with other riders.
In his last 10 years, Callaway excelled at paddleboat racing with his fellow residents at Spanish Cove. As captain of the Spanish Cove Dragon Boat Paddling Team for five years, he helped inspire teammates to many medals by beating teams 10, 20, 30 and even 40 years younger.
When redesigned team t-shirts were delivered, they featured the team motto, “Paddle Strong, Live Long,” in bold letters on the back of the hot-pink shirts. Callaway was not only an excellent leader on the water, but also had a vision for the team’s image and message, suggesting the team t-shirt should include the phrase “Paddle Strong, Live Long, and Die Healthy.”
“His proposal highlights the importance of physical activity and exercise in maintaining a healthy lifestyle,” said Debbie Miller, Spanish Cove wellness coordinator. “He believed the sport of dragon boat paddling provides a fun and exciting way to stay active with health benefits such as improving cardiovascular fitness, strengthening muscles, and reducing stress. He felt the team’s philosophy of living a balanced life where physical fitness, mental well-being and healthy habits are all important should be reflected on the team t-shirt.”
Callaway is survived by his wife, Dorothy Wilson, who paddled at his side at Spanish Cove, his children Rusty, Jan and Rick, their spouses and his numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his first wife, Betty, and his son and daughter-in-law, Chris and Leslie Callaway.
He lived an active and healthy life right until the end. His participation in dragon boat paddling symbolizes the importance of community in our lives. It shows even in our later years, we can still be valuable group members, contributing to its goals and enjoying the team’s camaraderie. His paddling was a testament to his fitness and vitality, and his team leadership reflected his mental acuity and energy. His paddling reminded people they can stay healthy and seek an active lifestyle in their golden years.
The cycling community in Oklahoma will forever be grateful for his contributions, and his passing is deeply felt at Spanish Cove. Callaway’s dedication to promoting fitness in many safe forms has left a lasting positive impact on Oklahoma and will be remembered for years to come.
Lois Boston, (TOP left) Lois Boston is a SUPER CENTENARIAN celebrating her 110th birthday on May 10! Lois will be celebrating her 110th Birthday on Wednesday, May 10th, 2023. Lois is the oldest living person in the State of Oklahoma as well as the oldest living person to attend OPSU College in Goodwell.
Ted Karner, (BOTTOM Left) Veteran Ted Karner of Claremore was born 100 years ago in Logan County, OK. His early education took place in a rural school. WWII changed the course of his life. He joined the Army Air Corps, which later became the U.S. Air Force, where he served for 30+ years, attaining the rank of Chief Master Sergent.
Jackie Robertson, (TOP Right) ackie Robertson celebrated her 100th birthday with family & friends in Sapulpa. She was “Outstanding Girl” of her 1941 Sapulpa graduating class. She went on to Tulsa Business College, worked in the insurance business, attended 1st Methodist Church & is past president of Tulsa Insurance Women. Her life advice is: “Treat others like you would like to be treated!”
Rutha Bryant, (BOTTOM Right) Rutha Bryant a graduate of Webster High School in Tulsa celebrated her 100th birthday on April 12! One of six children, she was born in Red Fork, one of Tulsa’s oldest communities. Happy Birthday, Rutha!
Photography and Text by Terry “Travels with Terry” Zinn t4z@aol.com
What is it about a destination that you are forbid to visit that makes it that much more interesting? Just say “no” and the object or experience is on the top of your bucket list. For decades Cuba was out of bounds for United States visitors, unless you were with some special cultural program or association. Not the case today, as Cuba has been opened up to American tourists.
You hear all the time to hurry up and go to Cuba before it changes. Changes, meaning bright fancy new hotels and resorts, over shadowing the quaint colonial town. Cuba has been open to international businesses for decades, and yet when visiting today, you see very little recognizable modern infra structure. Why has not the international community invested in Cuba with tourist amenities? One reason might be that Cuba still all the whole, does not allow ownership of property. Who wants to invest in property that they do not own? Until this Cuban policy changes, Cuba will not quickly be spoiled by outside developers.
So there is no real need to hurry up and see Cuba. As a slowly developing country, Cuba is stymied in the atmosphere and development of the 1950’s. The classic cars that are the icon of Cuba today is still in abundance and for a fee you can ride around the streets in one, or have your photo made by one. The fee you pay may help the up keep of these classic 1950’s and 60’s cars.
And while there are horror stories of tourists booking their own rooms in hotels without the expected tourist amenities, right now it might be best to book a cruise as your floating hotel and see several Cuban cities, not just Havana. This can be accomplished with Fathom Cruises. They promote their cruises as interaction with the locals through preplanned tours taking you either in a walking tour of an area with stops at local pre-approved locations, or a bus tour visiting several approved tourist spots. They promote interaction with the locales, but on a recent tour the time restrains for personal interaction was minimal.
One such attraction was visiting a concert of local singers in a classic Cuban auditorium set up just for visiting tourist. The music was enjoyable but the scheduled interaction time with the local singers was nonexistent, and the tour was hustled out of the auditorium. No reason was given just that we had to move on. This was the case on many tours. I’m not sure this was a government mandated restriction, more like poor planning on the part of the local tour operator, and an over scheduled day. Being only the eighth American cruise ship to arrive in Havana may be the answer. While the tour guides were always congenial their Spanish accents and lack of professional tour guide experience was less than optimum. While the tour guides were officially trained and licensed by the government, they need more experience in their chosen field. This, hopefully, will be remedied with more practice, and then reflected in generous tipping.
Of course you don’t go to Cuba expecting the Little Cuba neighborhoods of Miami, but you do expect to have an enjoyable, pleasant and memorable experience. What you may bring back from Cuba is only a glimpse of the architecture which needs renovating and preservation, a few grand plazas, and food while edible, not especially memorable. Even the Cuba Libre, the iconic rum and coke drink, may be watered down.
Well known for its gourmand cigars, you will no doubt be escorted to an approved tobacco shop. We were advised to look for the official cigar stamp/label on the cigars we purchased as there may be some offered that are not official Cuban cigars. Now with trade agreements open on Americans buying and bring back Cigars, the Cigar trade for tourist might be diminishing, but probably not anytime soon. While the prices are premium in Cuba, the price offered by your bell person at Miami Hotels behind the counter were doubled, and perhaps that might change with the free import restriction lifted..
Another commerce challenge is that Cuba has two currencies, one for locals and one for tourists. That may hinder you once you have exchange your dollars in to tourist dollars, and find that the store you happened upon or street vendor only takes local currency. Exchanging money in Cuba is quite simple and except if there is a line, very efficient, friendly and fast.
As with any tropical destination in a developing country, don’t expect air conditioning, bring your own bottled water on tours, protect yourself with sunscreen and an ugly wide brimmed hat. And in a group of tourists don’t be surprised to be approached by semi well-dressed pan handlers, either giving you a sob story (“My wife is very sick, expecting a child and I am out of work”) or simply a hand out for you to fill. We were discouraged to give in to our humanitarian instincts, as this would only encourage the population to do likewise. A simple no or wave of the hand, or such is sufficient to dismiss the well intentioned local.
These reflections of my recent trip is not to discourage your interest, but just to report that Cuba is still a developing country for tourists and there is no need to rush to see it. Any booked tour of Cuba is an adventure, and as with any adventure you may find the summer heat and glaring sun a challenge. Going with Fathom Cruises (https://www.fathom.org/cruise-to-cuba/ ) may add the convenience with amenities that are good fit for senior travelers. More about a Fathom cruise next month.
Norman Regional Health System LPN Sherry Potter gets some love from coworker Lisa Marti, whom Potter helped revive at work.
by Bobby Anderson,
Staff Writer
It was like any other day at work for Lisa Marti on May 9, except it would be one that would change her life.
Marti, 39, a medical assistant at Norman Regional’s Endocrinology Associates, was found slumped over in her chair at the nurse’s station by two coworkers.
After finding her unconscious, Kayla Masters, medical assistant, and Sherry Potter, LPN, transported Marti to a treatment room. They quickly realized Marti had no pulse and wasn’t breathing.
Marti had gone into cardiac arrest, with no previously known heart conditions. They immediately began CPR and called 911. Before first responders arrived, other members of the endocrinology team, including Dr. Lubna Mirza, Michelle Jackson, Estelle Cappony and Alicia Glenn stepped in to help any way they could, and brought in cardiologist Dr. Michael Villano and his staff from the clinic next door.
“It was a nightmare—I don’t even know how to describe it,” Masters said. “It was pretty devastating to see her like that. A lot of us didn’t know if she was going to make it. It was the worst thing I’ve ever dealt with in a work setting, but I think we handled it very professionally. We acted promptly and did the best we could.”
Potter, who previously worked on a cardiology floor in a hospital, said trying to revive someone she knew was different from anything she has ever experienced with a patient.
“It was more intense. It’s always in the back of my mind—wondering if (Marti) is okay and thinking about all the ‘what ifs,’” Potter said. “Things happen for a reason. (Marti) asked to go home earlier that day because she didn’t feel well, but we didn’t send her home—I guess that was so we could save her life.”
Judy and Henry Lantz, Marti’s parents, were two of multiple family members to receive a call from the endocrinology staff. They immediately rushed to the hospital, as did Marti’s daughter Kaitlynn and her son Tyler.
“It was the most terrifying day of our lives,” Lantz said.
When Marti’s parents arrived to the Emergency Department, Marti was continuing to slip in and out of consciousness. She was shortly moved to the Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit (CVICU).
“There were some good moments and a lot of bad ones,” Judy said. “It would seem like she was getting better then she would code again. It’s not easy to be holding your daughter’s head when she dies, especially over and over again.”
Marti coded about 10 times in total before cardiologist Dr. Muhammad Salim put in a permanent pacemaker for Marti, which stabilized her and her heart function.
Although Marti doesn’t remember much of what happened, she said it’s “very scary” to hear about it all, but she received a ton of support from family, friends, coworkers, and her care team that helped get her by.
“I didn’t have anybody who disappointed me in my care here. They offered all of the support and answers I needed,” she said.
Marti has two children and two grandchildren to live for. She was able to return to work on Monday, June 18.
“I’m just happy to be alive and to have this second chance at life,” she said.
Nephrologist Dr. David Williams is working with Marti on her follow-up care to determine the cause of her event. She said she is very grateful for his kindness and care.
“Hopefully we’ll have answers soon,” Marti said.
Seaman Geliyah Ingram is serving aboard USS Boxer, based in San Diego.
By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Heidi McCormick, Navy Office of Community Outreach
A 2016 Moore High School graduate and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, native is currently serving aboard the largest amphibious warship in the Navy.
Seaman Geliyah Ingram is serving aboard USS Boxer, based in San Diego.
As part of the ship’s deck department, Ingram is responsible for various duties, such as cargo onload, maintenance of the deck and hull structure, and carrying out mooring operations.
“While serving aboard the Boxer, I’ve learned that keeping a positive attitude goes a long wayand teamwork makes the workday easier,” Ingram said.
Boxer is an amphibious assault ship that resembles a small aircraft carrier. Approximately 3,000 Sailors and Marines serve aboard the ship and their jobs are highly specialized, requiring both dedication and skill. The jobs range from maintaining engines to handling weaponry along with a multitude of other assignments that keep the ship mission-ready at all times, according to Navy officials.
Boxer is famous for playing a critical role in the rescue mission of Capt. Richard Phillips on April 12, 2009. U.S. Navy SEALS and other special operations forces from USS Bainbridge rescued Phillips who was later transferred to Boxer for medical evaluation and care. This successful rescue mission was portrayed in the 2013 movie, “Captain Phillips,” starring Tom Hanks, and featuring crewmembers from the Boxer.
The ship is armed with two semi-active radar-guided NATO Sea Sparrow missile systems for anti-air warfare protection, two rolling airframe missile systems and two Phalanx close-in weapon-system mounts to counter threats from low-flying aircraft and close-in small craft.
It’s 844 feet long and 106 feet wide and weighs nearly 45,000 tons, with two gas turbine engines that push the ship through water at more than 22 knots.
As a member of the U.S. Navy’s amphibious assault ship, Ingram is proud to be part of the most capable amphibious force in the world.
Ingram’s proudest accomplishment was earning her Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist qualification, showcasing her knowledge and aptitude of various shipboard personal qualification standards.
“The success of our Surface Force ships is measured by our ability to provide Fleet Commanders with combat naval power at sea and to project that power ashore where and when it matters,” said Vice Adm. Richard A. Brown, commander, Naval Surface Forces. “It’s hard work to ready ships for combat operations at sea – it takes the talent of an entire crew working well together. I’m extremely proud of the each and every surface warrior’s contributions to the Navy’s enduring mission of protecting and defending America, at home and around the world.”
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied-upon assets, Ingram and other Boxer sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes.
“Being in an environment with people from all different backgrounds has taught me a lot about leadership and responsibility and has made me stronger person,” said Ingram.
