By Sharon Wisch-Ray
sharon@tjpnews.com

Hal Power recognized at 2015 Congressional Veteran Commendation Ceremony

We have shared good news about Hal Power in the TJP on many occasions. The nonagenarian is in the news once again.
In a special presentation, Power, resident of The Legacy Willow Bend, was recently recognized by Congressman Sam Johnson at the 2015 Congressional Veteran Commendation Ceremony for the Third District of Texas. Power received the award for his unique achievements while serving in the Army’s 106th Division during World War II.

Power was a prisoner of war, and he had several notable accomplishments. For his bravery in the line of duty Power r
eceived the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Bronze Star Medal with Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster and “V” (Valor) device for saving the lives of U.S. troops behind German lines during the Battle of the Bulge, four Purple Hearts, the Prisoner of War Medal, the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with three service stars and the Good Conduct Medal, among others. Power was nominated by fellow veterans Robbie Robinson, a past Congressional Veteran Commendation recipient and fellow resident at The Legacy Willow Bend, and Colonel Ben Greenfield, who deemed Power to be an extraordinary individual and a true hero of World War II.
“When I met and then got to know Hal and learned about the number of Purple Hearts he has, I thought that he should be nominated for the commendation,” said Robinson. “I thought that anybody with the number of medals and the story that he has is an extraordinary individual. He is the real deal, and I thought that it would be great for Congressman Johnson to recognize him, because what he achieved was extraordinary.”
During World War II, Power participated in the Battle of the Bulge, after which he was captured and held prisoner of war. It was here that Power’s tale begins, a truly remarkable story of courage and survival.
Power and other U.S. soldiers were held prisoners of war behind enemy lines. For the next four months after his capture, P
ower endured brutal beatings and manual labor in German prison camps that brought him to the brink of death.
Despite his condition, Power remained determined to return to his fiancée and his family. It was that hope and determination that enabled Power to eventually escape the prison camp and save the lives of four of his fellow soldiers.
“It is my distinct honor to recognize Private First Class Power for his service to our great nation,” said Congressman Johnson. “It is stories like Power’s that played a role in inspiring my fellow ROTC brothers and me to take our military careers further.
“We wanted to do our part in defending freedom and democracy. So it’s my hope that our future generations will also be inspired by his love of country. From one veteran to another, I thank Power for his service, which was above and beyond the call of duty. He is a true patriot, and I salute him.”
“After all of my experiences, I say the most important award has been the ability to enjoy my life; I am truly honored to receive this recognition,” said Power. “Knowing that I will receive it all because of my fellow soldiers and friends makes it all the more meaningful.”
After his service, Power would go on to have a successful career with Shell Oil Company and a family of three children with the love of his life. Power has given an account of his service, which has been published by the Texas Historical Commission and has been reco
rded on a video that is now in the Library of Congress.
“Hal Power is a true American hero, and he deserves this recognition,” said Marilyn Israel, executive director of The Legacy Willow Bend. “Power has been recognized in a way that will ensure that his legacy will be remembered for years to come. He is a true inspiration and a role model to all.”
Many thanks to Amy Jones of Forte PR for submitting the above information.

JCC’s be. event Dec. 5

At 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 5 the Aaron Family Jewish Community Center will once again be transformed into the hottest venue in North Texas for the annual be. event. In a nightclub-like atmosphere, guests will wear their most chic attire while enjoying dinner, dining, dancing, cocktails, live music and amazing raffle prizes. be. 2015 is chaired by Angela Aaron Horowitz, Linda Garner, Lisa Lieberman, Jill Tananbaum, and Ellen Ungerman. Proceeds from the event benefit The J’s core areas of service including wellness, education, endowment and campus. Tickets for the event begin at $100 each and can be purchased at jccdallas.org/be.
“We describe this annual fundraiser as a chance for our community to come together and ‘be past. be present. be future.,’ ” said Artie Allen, The J’s president. “It’s a night of genuine celebration while also raising money for the vital programs and services provided by The J. ”
Raffle prizes for the event include a Las Ventanas Vacation Package (Cabo Penthouse), a $5,000 gift card, and a JCC Lifetime Membership. Raffle tickets are $100 each, three for $250 or eight for $500 and can be purchased online or at the event.
In conjunction with be., The J will also be lau
nching a new initiative called The Giving Tree which allows for philanthropic support of the various branches of the J including fitness; Jewish life and learning; preschool, youth and teen services; seniors; tennis and gymnastics; and camp. The branches on The Giving Tree represent its departments and each leaf represents enhancements that will allow these departments to grow toward the future.

Dr. Ben Greenberg receives UT Regents’ Outstanding Teaching Award

Mazal tov to Dr. Benjamin Greenberg, associate professor of Neurology and Neurotherapeutics and Pediatrics at
UT Southwestern, who received the 2015 Regents’ Outstanding Teaching Award. Th
e Regents’ Award recognizes educators in the University of Texas System for mentoring and personal commitment to students and the learning process.
Greenberg has stated that in his philosophy as an educator, “teaching provides physicians with the ability to impact patients that they will never meet. A successful teacher connects with students in many ways, makes complex material accessible, inspires students to pursue knowledge and understand the importance of that knowledge, leads students to ask difficult questions, doesn’t have all the answers, and is passionate about the most mundane topic. I am still striving to be a successful teacher.”
Dr. Greenberg’s research focuses on neuroimmunology, specifically transverse myelitis, neuromyelitis optica, and multiple sclerosis. He works to identify biomarkers that will be diagnostic, prognostic and advance the understanding of these rare disorders. He also specializes in the design and implementation of Phase I translational clinical studies for these conditions.
Since 2010, Dr. Greenberg has been recognized with 10 UT Southwestern Medical School teaching awards. He has won the First-Year Medical School Teaching Award in each of the past six years.
One little-known fact about Dr. Greenberg? Before moving to Texas, he was a firefighter in Baltimore County, Maryland.

TJP copy editor / proofreader wins Windsor Senior Spelling Bee

On Friday, April 24, Phyllis LaVietes won first prize, a $200 gift card, in Windsor Senior Living’s Senior Spelling Bee Challenge contest. Phyllis is one of the TJP’s copy editors and proofreaders. She won on the word “laudable.”
Second and third prizes, gift cards for $100 and $50 respectively, went to Laura Davis and Barney Goodstein.
Windsor Senior Living is located at 7750 LBJ Freeway in Dallas.