ASA to salute U.S. military members at 2010 Annual Meeting

The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) will salute its military members as well as all U.S. service members and their families during the Society's 2010 Annual Meeting in San Diego, CA, October 16 - 20. During ANESTHESIOLOGY 2010, the ASA will sponsor three events in which those who serve in the military will be honored. The first event is a welcome celebration at PETCO Park for ASA members highlighting members' military contributions followed by a 5K ASA Run for The Warriors® and a blood donation drive. Anesthesiologists serve in every branch of the military and provide resuscitation, surgical anesthesia, pain management and intensive care.

"As the father of a U.S. soldier, I am particularly aware of the sacrifices our service members and their families make every day," said Alexander A. Hannenberg, M.D., President of the ASA. "Coming to San Diego, where there is a large military presence, our society felt it was important to take time and recognize the important role played by anesthesiologists in the care of wounded service members here and abroad."

Welcome Reception Recognizes ASA Members in Military Service
For one night only, the ASA will have exclusive access to beautiful PETCO Park, home of the San Diego Padres, complete with a tribute to ASA members (both veterans and active-duty service members). The Inaugural Welcome Reception for ANESTHESIOLOGY 2010 will be held on Saturday, October 16 from 5:30-7:00 p.m. The event will include: a recognition ceremony for the men and women serving in all branches of the Armed Forces, a performance from the military band and a general patriotic theme.

"The opening ceremony of ANESTHESIOLOGY 2010 is the perfect venue to celebrate and honor the spirit of the U.S. military," said Dr. Hannenberg. "PETCO Park is a quintessentially American setting, and the opening ceremony is a time of anticipation and excitement of the meeting to come for our members. We extend our gratitude to the city of San Diego and our military partners in making ANETHESIOLOGY 2010 a tremendous success."

ASA Partners with Nonprofit Organizations to Honor Wounded Service Members and Families
ASA is partnering with Hope For The Warriors® for the ASA Run For The Warriors® 5K Run/Walk along the San Diego harbor on Sunday October 17, at 7 a.m. This special wellness event will unite ANESTHESIOLOGY 2010 attendees, exhibitors, local San Diego residents, and military personnel in an effort to support our wounded service members and their families.

"Hope For The Warriors® was founded by three Marine Corps wives, one whose husband was severely wounded in Iraq after shrapnel from a mortar attack left him with traumatic brain injury (TBI)," said Robin Kelleher, President of Hope For The Warriors®. "ASA is committed to working with the TBI patients, improving their recovery and giving their families hope for a better future."

Eric Holt, D.O., an ASA member anesthesiologist and military officer, was injured in Afghanistan and will be running in the race this year. "I want to give something back to the men and women who saved my life while I was recovering," said Dr. Holt. "I am grateful for the level of care I received and that I am able to run this race to honor those who have also been injured."

The mission of Hope For The Warriors® (www.hopeforthewarriors.org) is to enhance quality of life for U.S. service members and their families nationwide who have been adversely affected by injuries or death in the line of duty. Hope For The Warriors® actively seeks to ensure that the sacrifices of wounded and fallen warriors and their families are never forgotten nor their needs unmet.

The ASA is also partnering with the Armed Services Blood Program (ASBP) to conduct a blood drive Monday, October 18, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

"The blood collected will directly benefit military members who serve their country," said Doreen Rekoski, Blood Drive Recruiter with ASBP. "This gift ensures life-saving blood products are available whenever and wherever service members and their families are in need."

"Participating in the Run/Walk and the blood drive as well as ANESTHESIOLOGY 2010's opening ceremony are key ways ASA members can honor the tremendous contributions and sacrifices of our servicemen and women," said Dr. Hannenberg. "Thank you for all you do."