SAMUEL ESAY GARCIA-CALLES

Case Type: Non Family Abduction
DOB: Oct 15, 1992	Sex: Male
Missing Date: Date: Jan 8, 2009	Race: Hispanic
Age Now: 16	Height: 5’8″ (173 cm)
Missing City: GREEN BROOK	Weight: 170 lbs (77 kg)
Missing State : NJ	Hair Color: Black
Missing Country: United States	Eye Color: Brown
Case Number: NCMC1130315
Circumstances: Oscar and Samuel were last seen on January 8, 2009. They may be in the local area or they may travel to New York, California, Florida, or Mexico. Oscar has a scar on his hand.

Missing Kids

TERRY BENJAMIN DURHAM

Case Type: Endangered Missing
DOB: Feb 14, 2005	Sex: Male
Missing Date: Jul 1, 2009	Race: White
Age Now: 4	Height: 3’0″ (91 cm)
Missing City: ELIZABETH CITY	Weight: 40 lbs (18 kg)
Missing State : NC	Hair Color: Blonde
Missing Country: United States	Eye Color: Blue
Case Number: NCMC1129602
Circumstances: Terry and Alyssa were last seen on July 1, 2009. They may be in the company of their mother, Robin Durham, and Brian McDowell. A felony warrant is on file for Brian McDowell. They may travel to Missouri or Texas.

Missing Kids

BRIAN JAMES MCDOWELL
Companion
(Abductor)

Case Type: Endangered Missing
DOB: Dec 21, 1979	Sex: Male
Missing Date: Jul 1, 2009	Race: White
Age Now: 29	Height: 5’9″ (175 cm)
Missing City: ELIZABETH CITY	Weight: 180 lbs (82 kg)
Missing State : NC	Hair Color: Brown
Missing Country: United States	Eye Color: Blue
Case Number: NCMC1129602
Circumstances: Terry and Alyssa were last seen on July 1, 2009. They may be in the company of their mother, Robin Durham, and Brian McDowell. A felony warrant is on file for Brian McDowell. They may travel to Missouri or Texas.

ROBIN DENISE DURHAM
Companion
(Abductor)

Case Type: Endangered Missing
DOB: Mar 4, 1983	Sex: Female
Missing Date: Jul 1, 2009	Race: White
Age Now: 26	Height: 5’7″ (170 cm)
Missing City: ELIZABETH CITY	Weight: 135 lbs (61 kg)
Missing State : NC	Hair Color: Blonde
Missing Country: United States	Eye Color: Blue
Case Number: NCMC1129602
Circumstances: Terry and Alyssa were last seen on July 1, 2009. They may be in the company of their mother, Robin Durham, and Brian McDowell. A felony warrant is on file for Brian McDowell. They may travel to Missouri or Texas.

ALYSSA TAYLOR DURHAM

Case Type: Endangered Missing
DOB: Sep 22, 2006	Sex: Female
Missing Date: Jul 1, 2009	Race: White
Age Now: 2	Height: 2’6″ (76 cm)
Missing City: ELIZABETH CITY	Weight: 30 lbs (14 kg)
Missing State : NC	Hair Color: Blonde
Missing Country: United States	Eye Color: Blue
Case Number: NCMC1129602
Circumstances: Terry and Alyssa were last seen on July 1, 2009. They may be in the company of their mother, Robin Durham, and Brian McDowell. A felony warrant is on file for Brian McDowell. They may travel to Missouri or Texas.

Missing Kids

BRIAN JAMES MCDOWELL
Companion
(Abductor)

Case Type: Endangered Missing
DOB: Dec 21, 1979	Sex: Male
Missing Date: Jul 1, 2009	Race: White
Age Now: 29	Height: 5’9″ (175 cm)
Missing City: ELIZABETH CITY	Weight: 180 lbs (82 kg)
Missing State : NC	Hair Color: Brown
Missing Country: United States	Eye Color: Blue
Case Number: NCMC1129602
Circumstances: Terry and Alyssa were last seen on July 1, 2009. They may be in the company of their mother, Robin Durham, and Brian McDowell. A felony warrant is on file for Brian McDowell. They may travel to Missouri or Texas.

ROBIN DENISE DURHAM
Companion
(Abductor)

Case Type: Endangered Missing
DOB: Mar 4, 1983	Sex: Female
Missing Date: Jul 1, 2009	Race: White
Age Now: 26	Height: 5’7″ (170 cm)
Missing City: ELIZABETH CITY	Weight: 135 lbs (61 kg)
Missing State : NC	Hair Color: Blonde
Missing Country: United States	Eye Color: Blue
Case Number: NCMC1129602
Circumstances: Terry and Alyssa were last seen on July 1, 2009. They may be in the company of their mother, Robin Durham, and Brian McDowell. A felony warrant is on file for Brian McDowell. They may travel to Missouri or Texas.

ETHAN GUTHRIE

Case Type: Family Abduction
DOB: Jun 15, 2004	Sex: Male
Missing Date: Date: Aug 17, 2009	Race: White
Age Now: 5	Height: 3’6″ (107 cm)
Missing City: MULBERRY	Weight: 45 lbs (20 kg)
Missing State : FL	Hair Color: Brown
Missing Country: United States	Eye Color: Brown
Case Number: NCMC1129442
Circumstances: Ethan may be in the company of his mother.

Missing Kids

JORDAN E. LUCIANO

Case Type: Endangered Missing
DOB: Jan 16, 2005	Sex: Male
Missing Date: Date: Sep 5, 2009	Race: Hispanic
Age Now: 4	Height: 3’4″ (102 cm)
Missing City: LOWELL	Weight: 43 lbs (20 kg)
Missing State : MA	Hair Color: Black
Missing Country: United States	Eye Color: Brown
Case Number: NCMC1130572
Circumstances: Jordan was last seen at home on September 5, 2009. He was last seen wearing blue Spiderman pajamas. Jordan may be in need of medical attention.

Missing Kids

Success Story of a Missing Child

By AP
Sept. 5, 2009

ST. LOUIS —  A boy allegedly abducted in a custody dispute nearly two years ago has turned up alive, hiding with his mother in a small, specially built secret room at his grandmother’s Illinois home, investigators said.

Richard “Ricky” Chekevdia, who turns 7 on Sept. 14, was in good spirits and physically fit after being found Friday by investigators with a court order to search the two-story rural home in southern Illinois’ Franklin County, about 120 miles southeast of St. Louis.

The boy’s mother, 30-year-old Shannon Wilfong, is charged with felony child abduction. The grandmother, 51-year-old Diane Dobbs, is charged with aiding and abetting. Wilfong remained jailed Saturday on $42,500 bond in Benton, Ill., where Dobbs was being held on $1,000 bond.

The boy was staying Saturday with one of his father’s relatives while state child-welfare workers investigated claims the father abused the child before his disappearance — allegations rejected by the dad, who’s thrilled the agonizing search has ended.

“Two years? You have no idea,” Mike Chekevdia, a 48-year-old former police officer who’s a lieutenant colonel in the Illinois National Guard, told The Associated Press by telephone Saturday from his house in Royalton, Ill., some three miles from the home where his son turned up. “I’ve lost sleep. I’ve lost weight. I’ve gained weight. I wouldn’t wish this on anybody.”

After hearing his son had been found, Chekevdia said, “you could have knocked me over with a feather.”

Chekevdia won temporary custody of his son shortly before the boy and his mother — Chekevdia’s former girlfriend — disappeared in November 2007. Chekevdia said he long suspected his son was being stowed by Dobbs, although there were no signs of the boy at her home when it was searched with her consent after his disappearance. Wilfong was charged the next month with abducting the child but couldn’t be found.

For much of the time since, Chekevdia said, the windows of Dobbs’ home were blocked off by drawn shades or other items, presumably to prevent anyone from peeking inside.

“I had a firm belief he was in there, and yesterday it was confirmed,” Chekevdia said.

Investigators, during a news conference Friday, did not detail what led sheriff’s deputies and federal marshals with a search warrant to Dobbs’ house Friday, when they found the boy and his mother in a hideaway roughly 5 feet by 12 feet and about the height of a washing machine.

“We let him out of the (patrol) car and he ran around like he’d never seen outdoors. It was actually very sad,” Illinois State Police Master Sgt. Stan Diggs said. “He was very happy to be outside. He said he never goes outside.”

“Surprisingly,” Diggs added, “Ricky is in very good spirits. For someone who’s been isolated in that house with no other outside beings, he’s a very social, very polite, very talkative little boy.”

Dobbs, the grandmother, told the Southern Illinoisan newspaper of Carbondale, Ill., last year that her daughter had been forced into hiding to keep the child from his father. Dobbs called the dispute a “nightmare for all of us” and insisted her daughter had difficulty getting authorities to help.

Chekevdia, eager to get his son back in school and to a dentist, said waiting for Ricky to resurface required patience.

“It’s hard to sit back and watch things happen when you’re used to making things happen,” he said. “But I just bided my time and let the system work.”

Source: Fox News

Editor’s Note: We would like to know what you think? dan@goldcoastchronicle.com

Wish of the Week – Andres

By MWF
Sept. 5, 2009

Ten-year-old Andres from Coral Gables is passionate about baseball and idolizes Hanley Ramirez of the Florida Marlins. On his own baseball team, he dons Hanley’s number (#2), plays his position (shortstop) and insists on wearing the same gear as the big leaguer.

When his wish came true, Andres and his family headed to the Eden Roc hotel on Miami Beach for a two-night stay and a great escape from his daily struggle with Crohn’s Disease. In true all-star fashion, he was escorted in a limousine to Land Shark Stadium to meet Hanley Ramirez.

From the Marlins-branded items waiting for him in his very own locker (right next to Hanley’s) to the chance to throw out the first pitch, his experience was amazing. Wearing his personalized Marlins jersey, Andres accompanied Hanley on the field for pre-game batting practice. He stretched with the Marlins, shagged balls in the outfield, took ground balls beside Hanley in the shortstop position and played catch with his idol. He made sure to find the time for autographs and photos from all his favorite Marlins.

His mother said, “At first, Andres was so nervous that he was shaking but the team made him feel comfortable. He met just about every player – they came over to shake his hands or rub his hat.”

Next it was game time so Andres and his family headed to their seats to watch a nail biter 10-inning game against the Atlanta Braves. Afterward, he clutched his signed bat and Hanley Ramirez glove and headed home. Now when he watches the Marlins on television, he fondly remembers the day he was Hanley Ramirez’ MVP!

Wish Granters: Judith Matus & Ellen Roth
Referred by: his child life specialist
Wish adopted by: Barry University’s Facilities & Event Management class of 2009

Source: Make A Wish Foundation

Editor’s Note: We would like to know what you think? dan@youngchronicle.com

Soldier of the Week – Lance Cpl. Joshua M. Bernard

By Dan Samaria
Publisher/GCC
September 5, 2009

Editor’s Note: Born Dec. 30, 1987 in Lowell, Massachusetts

Died Aug. 14, 2009 in Helmand, Afghanistan.

We would like to know what you think? dan@youngchronicle.com

Lance Cpl. Joshua M. Bernard, of New Portland, Maine, was home-schooled from kindergarten to 12th grade by his mother, receiving his high school diploma from North Atlantic Regional High School. He was an active member of the teen youth group at his church, Crossroads Bible Church in Madison, and enjoyed gaming, hiking, snowboarding, shooting, was an avid reader and a big movie buff. Joshua enjoyed having fun, and although he was shy, he took great pride in helping other people.

A deeply religious young man, felt that it was his duty to not only serve God, but his country, he was focused on his goals in life. Following in the footsteps of his father, Joshua joined the Marines in November 2006 and was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, based out of Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay, in May of 2007. Joshua’s role in the Marines was a rifleman. He deployed to Iraq with the 2/3 in January 2008, and deployed to Afghanistan in May of 2009 with the same unit.

He died while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. His awards include the Purple Heart Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and a Sea Service Deployment Ribbon. Joshua lived his life as a great example for Christ, earning the nickname “Holy Man” from his fellow soldiers.

He saw his role as a Marine as a protector of his country, not a warrior. A diligent soldier, with no ulterior motive other than to serve. His natural humbleness would have shunned the publicity over his death, he served for us, not himself. Joshua was buried in East New Portland Cemetery in New Portland, Maine.

Source: Freedom Remembered

Firefighter of the Week – Assistant Chief Donald J Burns

By Dan Samaria
Publisher/YC
August 31, 2009

Donald James Burns

Farewell to ‘Exceptional’ Firefighter
Memorial honors assistant chief, a 39-year veteran

October 10, 2001

Fighting fires was not just a job to Assistant Chief Donald J. Burns but his passion, one that rubbed off on many of his colleagues within the New York Fire Department.

Burns, who remains missing since the Sept. 11 attacks on the World Trade Center, was memorialized during a Mass yesterday in St. Patrick’s Cathedral, where he was hailed as an “exceptional” leader within the department.

A 39-year veteran of the department, Burns, 61, rose from firefighter to citywide borough commander, a job that required him to be at all major incidents in the city during his 24- hour shifts.

During his career, Burns’ ability to learn from his mistakes and use them to improve firefighting skills was apparent to most of his colleagues, who respected him as a brilliant tactician and strategist.

“Anything you ever wanted to know about the Fire Department, he would have the answer,” said Deputy Asst. Chief Albert Turi after yesterday’s Mass. “If you could be half as good a chief as he was you’d still be a good chief.”

In talking about Burns at the service, Mayor Rudolph Giuliani and Fire Commissioner Thomas Von Essen used words like “hero” and “patriot” to describe Burns.

“His experience was unparalleled,” Von Essen said.

In front of the cathedral, a large American flag was hung from a fire truck over the heads of several hundred uniformed firefighters lined up along Fifth Avenue.

Burns’ family led the procession into and out of the cathedral, to the sound of solemn music played by the Fire Department’s bagpipe band.

Burns, who lived in Nissequogue, is survived by his wife, Betty, and three children, Laurie, 37, Michael, 35, and Patrick, 29.

He began his career in 1962 in Brooklyn and rose through the ranks in various positions until 1997, when he became a citywide tour commander.

“When you were with him, you feel there’s no fire you couldn’t conquer,” said 51st Battalion Chief Howard Carlson, based in Richmond Hill. “He was exceptional.” –Bryan Virasami (Newsday)

— Jay Dooling  12 Nov 2001

Source: Irish Tribute

Patient of the Week – Mitchell Franzer

By CDH/PIO
Sept. 1, 2009

Mitchell Franzer was born September 15, 1997 to delighted parents Bill and Sandy Franzer. Sandy had a healthy pregnancy, yet when she delivered Mitchell doctors noticed immediately something was wrong.

Mitchell was diagnosed with spina bifida. This was a shock to the Franzer family, but they had to focus on finding the best care for their son. Mitchell was transported to The Children’s Medical Center of Dayton just hours after he was born.

“When Mitchell was transported to Dayton Children’s so many questions were racing through our minds. One of the nurses comforted us and answered our questions. Her daughter also has spina bifida and she gave us hope that Mitchell would be OK,” says Bill.

Mitchell spent 21 days at Dayton Children’s Regional Level III Newborn Intensive Care Unit (NICU). “We were overwhelmed with taking care of a sick infant but the nurses and doctors were so caring,” says Sandy.

When Mitchell was just a baby, the doctors shared their concerns that Mitchell will likely never be able to walk on his own. He would be confined to a wheelchair indefinitely.

“It was difficult to receive the news that your son will not be able to walk, but Dayton Children’s gave us the tools to work with Mitchell to make him stronger.” Sandy worked with Mitchell constantly by doing the exercises they learned at Dayton Children’s. At 16 months old, Mitchell took his first step.

Mitchell is seen in the myelomeningocele clinic at Dayton Children’s which specializes in neural tube defects and related disorders. He is also seen in the physical and occupational therapy departments so he can gain strength in his muscles. Through all of his hard work, Mitchell has come a long way from the days when the doctors said he would never be able to walk.

Donald Nguyen, MD, is a urologist at Dayton Children’s and he and Mitchell have become close. Last October, Mitchell was admitted to Dayton Children’s because his bladder had ruptured, and Dr. Nguyen was there to take care of Mitchell.

“Mitchell has been through several major operations yet he has maintained a positive outlook on life,” says Dr. Nguyen.

“We have so much faith in Dr. Nguyen and he has been great with Mitchell,” says Sandy.

“Dr. Nguyen gives us his time to explain and answer our questions. That does not happen at every hospital and this is why Dayton Children’s is so unique,” says Bill.

Mitchell is now 11 years old and attends St. Henry Middle School in St. Henry, Ohio. He loves to play sports and dreams of being a farmer one day. When Mitchell is not working on his homework, he enjoys watching Ohio State Football, the Cleveland Cavaliers and Bull Riding.

According to Sandy, “After everything we have been through, Dayton Children’s is the only place we will ever go.”

Source: Childrens Dayton

Editor’s Note: We would like to know what you think? dan@youngchronicle.com

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