Lisa Today - May 16, 2007

I retired from the U.S. Air Force with 22-years service. During my service, I witnessed countless acts of kindness extended to others in times of crisis by the airmen with whom I served. These selfless acts were, to my knowledge, never given as a savings deposit for some future personal calamity; instead, people came forth from every level with helping hands and resources. When I returned to civilian life I observed the phenomena again; never anticipating a personal need for someone as close as my immediate family. And yet, reflecting upon how I came to America, people bestowing kindness should not have been a surprise to me. I won’t go into all that, but I do want you to know what a few of the good guys are doing in their “spare” time to make a difference in Richard and Lisa’s lives... It is extremely noteworthy to recognize the countless federal employees who altruistically donated their personal, annual leave time to Lisa, and the magnanimous contribution by Christina Cabanillas and Tom Bevel for Lisa’s care.

The first of last March a two-day, accredited seminar entitled “Tracking the Money” was conducted at the Oklahoma City Police Training Center as a fund raiser. It was attended by 52 students. For the most part, those responsible for putting it together was Major Ed Hill, Sergeant Wade Taylor from Oklahoma City Police who did a lot of the leg work. CJ Murphy with the Oklahoma Attorney General’s Office and Larry Andrews helped get the word out. We would be remise not to mention Butch Milan who arranged for Jim Holland to assist with the training. Butch paid Jim's air and lodging to get him here, and the rest was all up to the instructors who donated their time. All proceeds for the benefit of Richard and Lisa. Richard and Lisa received a check in the amount of $6,000.00. Major Hill said, “We knew there was a need and wanted to help. I am so glad it all finally came together.

The Oklahoma State Attorney General Drew Edmondson welcomed the attendees. (Mr. Edmondson had previously hired Richard and he also selected Lisa to lead his State Multi-County Grand Jury Unit.)

Tracking the Money, the five components

Financial Investigations by Dave Landrum

Interdiction & Tracking Drug Proceeds by Jim Holland
Preparing Financial Cases for Court by Dave Landrum

Tracking Money by Jeff Sandy
Tracking & Seizing the Terrorist’s Money by Jeff Sandy

The Instructors
Dave Landrum – Retired IRS Special Agent with 28 years as a CID Investigator including 10 years experience as a long-term undercover agent in money laundering investigations. Landrum has taught money laundering investigative methods in Europe, Africa and Asia. Currently serves as a consultant to law firms on criminal and civil financial crime issues and assists financial institutions in complying with the Bank Secrecy Act.
Jim Holland – Lieutenant with Texas DPS who oversees Criminal and Drug Interdiction and forfeiture investigative techniques.
Jeff Sandy – Certified fraud examiner and owner of Forensic Financial Investigative Services LLC, worked for over 25-years as a special agent for the U.S. Department of the Treasury, Internal Revenue Service CID, Mr. Sandy has supervised some of the nation’s largest investigations into corporate fraud, bank fraud, worker compensation fraud, and narcotics trafficking. In 2003, Mr. Sandy was assigned to a U.S. Military Joint Operation called the Iraqi Survey Group to trace the hidden assets of the Saddam Hussein regime. As a result of his work in Iraq, Mr. Sandy received the Honor Award from the Secretary of the Treasury and a Joint Service Achievement Medal from the U.S. Army.

Michael
mlwintory@msn.com

Lisa Today - May 6, 2007

Select Specialty Hospital
Phoenix, Arizona

Not a lot to talk about this week so I have included three pictures of Michael to share with you. All of the pictures were taken while Lisa with Richard and Michael were all resting in the healing garden at St. Joseph’s Medical Center. Richard’s cell phone, as you can see does a pretty nice job on a catch as catch can camera work. The weather was picturesque according to Richard, and Michael was really fun to be with as he remains mostly cheerful. The third photograph clearly illustrates that for a 15-month old; idleness is altogether uninteresting and therefore intolerable. So, here he is trying out some of his moves. For Michael movement is constant. His every wakening moment is an opportunity for discovery, adventure and exploration. But then, running constantly at a very high RPM rate is not without its consequences, and resting one’s engine is not only necessary, but as the picture on the left proves; irresistible.

Richard meanwhile continues his recruiting efforts to find the right person who can and will provide Lisa’s home health care. I’ll let you know as soon as possible when he finds the right person, but for now there’s nothing new to tell you.

I’m sad to report; the Susie and Lyle Wuertz Family of Indiana suffered a dreadful loss last week with the passing of Susie’s dear Mother--who had just recently celebrated her 99th birthday. The Wuertz’s are close friends to Richard and Lisa. When one’s time of passing arrives it brings a deep sadness and isolation to our core. Though, with the touch of those to whom we draw close, we find comfort, and thank G_d, for that and the life lived.

Michael
mlwintory@msn.com