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Home : News : Features : Display
NEWS | Feb. 12, 2009

Making a difference

By Airman 1st Class Jarrod Chavana !st Fighter Wing Public Affairs

The Langley hospital recently reinstituted its bereavement program and it has already seen results.

The program helps speed the emotional healing process after the death of a child in other military and civilian hospitals. Staff Sgt. Danielle Diaz, 1st Surgical Operations Squadron, aerospace medical technician, convinced hospital officials to bring the bereavement program back to Langley.

The bereavement program recently helped a Navy family come to terms with the passing of their new born child. Sergeant Diaz helped console the family on their loss.

The family said, that without her they would not of been able to cope with the situation as fast as they did.

"It feels amazing that I was able to help this family because they remind me so much of my family," said Sergeant Diaz. "Helping grieving parents, gives you the satisfaction that you helped someone that probably would not have had it otherwise."

Brig. Gen. Mark Barrett, 1st Fighter Wing commander, awarded Sergeant Diaz with a 1 FW commander's coin after learning of her compassion and forethought of the bereavement program.

"I am very pleased that we have great ideas from our young Airman and NCOs who are then given the opportunity to go figure it out, make it happen and see results," said General Barrett. "I know there is a family out there that is doing much better. I want to say thank you!"

"This particular incident with the Navy family makes this whole program an immeasurable success," said Col. Joseph Legan, 1st Surgical Operations Squadron commander. "As medics we are supposed to do anything we can to help alleviate pain and suffering, and the bereavement program is one way to help resolve their mental and emotional anguish."

Langley currently has three bereavement counselors.

"My ultimate goal is for the Langley hospital to have a bereavement coordinator who can certify volunteers to be bereavement counselors," said Sergeant Diaz.

For more information on being a bereavement counselor or a bereavement coordinator, call Sergeant Diaz at 764-1562.