Health and Fitness : Honor Flight: A Veteran\'s story of recovery with the help of VGH Rehab Services

Therapy Services

Iwo Jima Memorial: Therapy at VGH has helped John Pohlmann enjoy a recent Honor Flight.

Memorial

By: Stacey Hodges, Director Rehab Services

From 1951-1954, a young Corporal in the Marine Corps, by the name of John Pohlmann, was serving his country in the Korean War. He was stationed in many areas during his stay oversees and went on maneuvers to Iwo Jima. These were times of his life that he never forgets. Even while serving his country, Mr. Pohlmann met his beautiful wife, Bertha, who served her country in the Air Force from 1952-1954.

While enlisted in the Service John and Bertha were married and started their lives together. Through the years, they were blessed by a loving family and challenged by the natural aging. Ten years ago, John and Bertha celebrated their 50th Anniversary together in Hawaii. Around the same time, John was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. At the beginning John was able to maneuver around without much difficulty but began to show some early signs of tremors. Both John and Bertha didn’t know what the next years would bring with the Parkinson’s diagnosis, but with their background of dedicated service, they were ready to fight.

After some years John slipped on some ice, fell and sustained a hip fracture in the process which affected his ability to walk, thus requiring him to use a walker. He fell again about one year later due to low blood pressure which caused him to black out. Mr. Pohlmann’s mobility at the time was very limited and he was relying on Bertha for assistance and the use of the walker. He participated in Physical Therapy which focused on strength, posture, and balance so he could regain his ability to walk unassisted. John finally achieved his goal but; his balance continued to be reduced by the Parkinson’s disease and this limited his ability to walk for longer distances. A daily exercise regimen was established in order to help reduce the impact of Parkinson’s; however, at this point Mr. Pohlmann was not very consistent with his regimen and this was reflected in his progress.

Then one day, Mr. Pohlmann had a goal. Iowa was organizing Honor Flights to Washington so veterans could see the memorials that were constructed for the various service men and women who fought for our country. Mr. Pohlmann wanted to visit the Iwo Jima memorial since he was there about 60 years ago. However in his present state John could have not endured the trip that required him to fly from Iowa to Washington, plus the arduous 24-hour day filled with waiting and walking. So, with the support of his wife, the Parkinson’s Support Group from Benton County, and his will-power he set up a daily exercise regimen.

Fortunately the Virginia Gay Hospital’s Therapy Department allows for private pay clients to come and use the exercise and weight equipment. John was familiar with the exercise equipment and the staff in the Therapy Department so coming to exercise was not as hard as he initially thought. During a six month period he rarely missed an occasion to exercise, working out on the Nu-Step machine and using leg weights. As a physical therapist, it was great to see John become stronger, his balance improving allowing him to walk without a shuffling gait, and his overall demeanor changed to being more confident.

Finally after six months of dedication, hard work, positive attitude, will-power, and support Mr. Pohlmann woke up at 4:30 am, on September 10th, and headed out for his Honor Flight. Afterward, Mr. Pohlmann informed me that he was able to walk half of the tour in the humid 80 degree temperature and then utilized a wheel chair. Mr. Pohlmann and his wife, Bertha, return reaching Cedar Rapids at 11p.m., where the Vinton American Legion Auxiliary was there to greet him.

This was an experience Mr. Pohlmann and his wife will never forget. It was a dream that appeared, at first, to be unachievable. However; with will-power, positive attitude, Physical Therapy, Support of the Parkinson’s Group, and CONSISTENT EXERCISE, Mr. Pohlmann was able to reach the “unachievable” dream.

The take-away message we hope you leave with is while neurological diseases, such as Parkinson’s, is debilitative and challenging there are options; and with help from qualified healthcare professionals quality of life can be improved. Mr. Pholmann demonstrates how he improved his overall demeanor, balance, and reduced this risk of falling and serves as an outstanding example for our community. We thank you for your service!

If you would like to learn on how to set up an exercise program please contact the Therapy Department at Virginia Gay Hospital at 319-472-6372 or the Parkinson’s Support Group of Benton County through Jim Peterson at 472-3619; John Pohlmann 472-4362; or Barb Cassens 472-3178.

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