How One Pigeon Saved 194 American Soldiers THE STORY OF CHER AMI
Animals have always played a role in military efforts during wartime. Cats were kept aboard naval ships for pest control, horses and camels provided transportation for supplies and soldiers pre-World
Whittlesey decided to dispatch messages by pigeon. The first pigeon got shot down almost immediately, so he sent a second pigeon with the message, “Men are suffering. Can support be sent?” That one also got shot. Finally, Whittlesey turned to his last pigeon, Cher Ami, and scribbled down a quick note on onion paper that read, “We are along the road parallel to 276.4. Our own artillery is dropping a barrage directly on us. For heaven’s sake, stop it.” Cher Ami took flight, but even after being shot down by the Germans, the bird defied the odds and actually took flight again! The effective delivery of this message helped save 194 men, but Cher Ami did not escape unharmed. He had been shot through the breast, blinded in one eye, and had a leg hanging only by a tendon. Army medics treated Cher Ami enough so he could travel to America, where he eventually succumbed to his wounds. The bird was then taxidermied and displayed in the Smithsonian, where you can still see him today. So, the next time you’re in Washington, D.C., stop by the “Price of Freedom” exhibit at the National Museum of American History where you can personally see this brave pigeon.
War II, and dogs are still used to this day for search and rescue efforts as well as mine detection. But one animal profession became obsolete with the advancement of communication technology: messenger. Often used during World War I, many dogs and pigeons became responsible for delivering messages of high importance. Of all the animals used during World War I, one pigeon named Cher Ami defied the odds to save nearly 200 American soldiers. On Oct. 2, 1918, Major Charles Whittlesey got trapped along the side of a hill in Northeastern France with 550 of his men. They ended up behind enemy lines with no food or ammunition, and — to make matters worse — his battalion started to suffer from friendly fire since allied troops remained unaware of their location. With nowhere to run, Whittlesey tried to send runners to contact the allies about their predicament. Unfortunately, their enemies consistently intercepted or killed these runners until only 194 men remained.
TRUCKER HEALTH GUIDE
DEVELOP HEALTHIER HABITS WHILE ON THE ROAD
STAY HYDRATED. Many health issues arise from dehydration; therefore, it’s best to keep a jug of water to sip on at all times. You may have a foggy mind, mood changes, and fatigue if you don’t drink enough water. Consuming more water will increase your energy, help you focus, flush out toxins, and even reduce hunger. GET AT LEAST 8 HOURS OF SLEEP. Sleep is essential for all of us — especially for truckers. It may be difficult to stay on a bedtime
As truckers, you spend most of your time on the road — especially long-haul drivers. You could be away from home for weeks and sometimes even months, making it challenging to develop a healthy lifestyle. But creating a healthy routine is essential because it will benefit you mentally and physically — and help you on the job. Healthy habits reduce the feeling of being burnt out, and you may feel more energized. Here are three ways to improve your lifestyle while living on the road. KEEP NUTRITIOUS SNACKS IN YOUR TRUCK. Some trucks have room for a mini refrigerator, which can be very beneficial on the road. However, if purchasing and placing a mini refrigerator in your truck is not an option, consider investing in a cooler you can bring on your travels. With additional storage space, you can purchase apples, oranges, peaches, grapes, and other nutritious and delicious snacks to keep with you. You can even buy items to make sandwiches or keep granola bars and mixed nuts with you. While it’s easier and tempting to grab a bite to eat at the truck stop, a fast-food center, or the gas station, healthier snacks will fuel your mind and body better as you continue your travels.
routine due to your line of work. However, attempt to create a routine that allows you to relax and rest when you run out of hours. Like dehydration, sleep deprivation can lead to several health issues, so try to find ways to relax and clear your mind when you can. You won’t be able to make all these changes overnight, so take baby steps and adjust your routine based on your needs. With practice, patience, and small changes, you can create a healthier lifestyle that will improve your life on and off the road.
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