After Dale Beatty, right, lost his legs in the Iraq war, his community thanked him for his service by helping him build a home. To pay it forward, Beatty co-founded Purple Heart Homes, which has helped build or modify homes for dozens of disabled U.S. veterans. "We wouldn't leave someone behind on the battlefield," Beatty said. "Why would we do it at home?"
Monday, December 23, 2013
Jewels turn up atop French glacier
The jewels may be from the 1950 crash of an Air India flight that smashed into Mont Blanc during a storm, killing all 48 aboard. A mountaineer discovers jewels on French glacierThey could be from one of two airliners that crashed near the spot, one in 1950, the other 1966French authorities are trying to trace the owners(CNN) -- It reads like the opening scene of an "Indiana Jones" movie.
A young man climbing a French glacier finds a cache of glittering jewels wrapped in bags stamped "Made in India" -- remnants, perhaps, of cargo from an ill-fated airliner called the Malabar Princess.The best thing about it? This story is true.It happened early this month on a glacier overlooking the southeastern French village of Chamonix, Albertville police Chief Sylvain Merly said Thursday.
Last year, alpinists found this diplomatic bag on Mont Blanc, believed to be from a 1966 Air India crash.The climber -- who Merly said asked to remain anonymous -- found the jewels inside a metal box atop the glacier. He turned them over to police in Bourg-Saint-Maurice on September 9.Merly declined to characterize the stones, which are being described in French media as rubies, sapphires and emeralds. They're worth somewhere between €130,000 (about $175,000) and €246,000 ($331,600), Merly said.French authorities are trying to trace ownership of the jewels. If proof of ownership can't be established, the unnamed 20-something mountaineer could stand to receive a portion of their value, Merly said.TrowelBlazers: In search of the female Indiana JonesThe gems may be from the 1950 crash of Air India Flight 245, the "Malabar Princess." The plane smashed into nearby Mont Blanc during a storm, killing all 48 aboard. When it crashed, the plane was preparing to make a stop in Geneva, Switzerland, as it flew between Bombay -- now Mumbai -- and London.French authorities say it's also possible the gems could have been aboard an Air India Boeing 707, the "Kanchenjunga," that crashed in nearly the same spot 16 years later. A diplomatic bag from that flight was recovered last year.Adding a bit of intrigue to the story, the 1966 crash is the subject of scattered conspiracy theories suggesting the Air India flight, which carried the father of India's nuclear industry, Homi Bhabha, was shot down by a fighter jet or missile.Debris from the wrecks routinely emerges from the bottom of the glacier, including metal, wire and even a piece of landing gear discovered in 1986, according to a Mont Blanc tourist site.Inside Cambodia's stunning new temple discoveriesCNN's Michael Pearson reported and wrote from Atlanta; Saskya Vandoorne reported from London./* push in config for this share instance */cnn_shareconfig.push({"id" : "cnn_sharebar2","url" : "http://www.cnn.com/2013/09/26/world/europe/france-mountain-jewels/index.html","title" : "Mysterious cache of jewels turns up atop French glacier"});Ghostly Victorian photographs
The London Stereoscopic Company produced a comic series of photographs as a form of entertainment in the Victorian era. Here, we feature some of those images that delve into the world of the supernatural. In this image from 1864, six skeletons smoke around the dinner table.
A gift of U.S. diplomacy to Iran?
The United States returns an ancient Iranian artifact, as relations appear to thawA 2,700 year-old silver chalice may be a new token of friendship between the United States and IranIt had been in New York since 2003, when an art dealer smuggled it to New YorkIran's cultural heritage chief hopes its return will mark a lively cultural exchange with the U.S.Mohammad-Ali Najafi says the ice between Washington and Tehran has thawedWashington (CNN) -- A 2,700 year-old silver chalice may be a new token of friendship between the United States and Iran, at least that's the way Iran's cultural heritage chief sees it.
Whatever the case, Mohammad-Ali Najafi was palpably delighted Friday to see the ancient Persian artifact return to its homeland. The ceremonial drinking vessel -- or rhyton -- had gotten snagged in a U.S. customs warehouse for years, held up by bad diplomatic relations.It had been in New York since 2003, when an art dealer smuggled it into the country from Iran.Customs officials have long wanted to return the rhyton to Iran, according to a New York Post report. But decades of frigid relations between Washington and Tehran kept it frozen in bureaucratic limbo.Winning heartsPresident Obama broke that ice Friday with a historic phone chat with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, as the Islamic republic's leader was just about to leave the United States.It was the first time a U.S. president has spoken to his Iranian counterpart since 1979.The thaw may have been enough to free up the rhyton, which takes the shape of a mythical beast with the body of a lion and the head of a bird of prey. It was fashioned in the Achaemenid era, the early Persian Empire, around 700 BC.The State Department announced in a tweet that the United States returned it this week. U.S. officials handed it off directly to Najafi's delegation, he said."We are taking this as America's souvenir to the Iranian people," Najafi told CNN.A souvenir from abroad is something Iranians don't take as trivial. It has a special place of warmth in Persian culture.He will present it Saturday to the nation after he lands in Tehran. "I believe this will have a very positive affect on the Iranians," he said.And what wins Najafi's heart has a good chance of pleasing Iran's new president. Hassan Rouhani recently appointed Najafi as one of a dozen vice presidents, making him the guardian of the country's most important museums and cultural institutions.Najafi, himself a progressive reform politician, who has run for office in the past, accompanied Rouhani to New York, where the Iranian president spoke at the United Nations General Assembly.Cultural charm offensiveIn their phone conversation, the two presidents spoke about Tehran's nuclear program, Obama said."Resolving this issue, obviously, could also serve as a major step forward in a new relationship between the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran."It will be a long path to restored relations, the president said, but it could lead to the end of crippling economic sanctions against Iran, which could help "the Iranian people fulfill their potential."If Najafi has his way that potential will include the exchange with the United States of a lot of art, artifacts and archeology -- set to classical music."I adamantly believe in cultural diplomacy, and I believe the thing that could improve relations between US and Iran after the years and softens the harshness of this relationship is cultural diplomacy," he said.He appears to have already kicked off a cultural charm offensive towards the United States in his short time in office.Najafi has met with officials from New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art about potential exhibitions of Iranian artifacts, he said. He has parlayed with academics from the near Eastern studies program of University of Chicago."We agreed to have a joint program in future studies and research on these artifacts."As far as Najafi is concerned, the times of extreme tension between the countries are over."Mr. Rouhani, in an event held for Iranians last night (Thursday) specifically said that 'the ice between Iran and US has been melted,' and I think if this is accurate, which I'm certain that it is, we will have no problems in the areas of education, sciences and culture in the next few months."Najafi is also interested in seeing the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra play next year in Tehran.If they can pull it off, he said, the concert would mark the 50th anniversary of the last time the orchestra played there.If the diplomatic tone makes the music, Najafi seems eager to strike up the orchestra.CNN's Tara Kangarlou reported from Washington; Ben Brumfield wrote and reported from Atlanta; CNN's Jim Sciutto contributed to this report/* push in config for this share instance */cnn_shareconfig.push({"id" : "cnn_sharebar2","url" : "http://www.cnn.com/2013/09/28/world/meast/2700-year-old-persian-artifact-iran-cultural-diplomacy/index.html","title" : "2,700-year-old Persian artifact a gift of U.S. diplomacy to Iran?"});The man who sleeps with sharks
Brett McBride: Shark wrangler who sleeps with the fishes - CNN.comvar cnnCurrTime=new Date(1387856395000),cnnCurrHour=22,cnnCurrMin=39,cnnCurrDay="Mon",cnnIsIntl=true,clickID=212106,cnn_cvpAdpre="edition.",cnnCVPAdSectionT1="edition.cnn.com_specialreports_artofmovement_t1",cnnCVPAdSectionInPage="edition.cnn.com_specialreports_artofmovement_inpage",cnnShareUrl="%2F2013%2F10%2F10%2Fworld%2Fbrett-mcbride-shark-wrangler%2Findex.html",cnnShareTitle="Brett%20McBride%3A%20Shark%20wrangler%20who%20sleeps%20with%20the%20fishes",cnnShareDesc="",cnnFirstPub=new Date('Thursday Oct 10 05:43:26 EDT 2013'),cnnSectionName="world",sectionName="world",cnnSubSectionName="",cnnPageType="Story",cnnBrandingValue="intl.art.of.movement";cnnPartnerValue="";cnnOmniBranding="Art of Movement",cnnAuthor="Sheena McKenzie",disqus_category_id=207582,disqus_identifier="/2013/10/10/world/brett-mcbride-shark-wrangler/index.html",disqus_title="Brett McBride: Shark wrangler who sleeps with the fishes",cnn_edtnswtchver="edition",cnnIsStoryPage=true,cnn_metadata = {},cnn_shareconfig = [];cnn_metadata = {section: ["world",""],friendly_name: "Brett McBride: Shark wrangler who sleeps with the fishes",template_type: "content",template_type_content: "gallery",business: {cnn: {page: {author: "Sheena McKenzie",broadcast_franchise: "",video_embed_count: "2",publish_date: "2013/10/10",photo_gallery: "Brett McBride: Shark wrangler who sleeps with the fishes"},video: {video_player: ""}}},user: {authenticated: "",segment: {age: "",zip: "",gender: ""}}};if (typeof(cnnOmniPartner) !== "undefined") {if (cnn_metadata.template_type_content === "") {cnn_metadata.template_type_content = "partner";}}var photo_gallery = "Brett McBride: Shark wrangler who sleeps with the fishes";if(typeof CNN==='undefined'){var CNN=Class.create();}CNN.expandableMap=[''];function _loginOptions(){};var disqus_url=(typeof disqus_identifier!=='undefined') ? 'http://www.cnn.com/2013/10/10/world/brett-mcbride-shark-wrangler/index.html' : 'http://www.cnn.com'+location.pathname;cnnad_newTileIDGroup(['970x66_top','300x250_rgt','300x250_rgt2','336x280_rgt','336x850_rgt','300x150_rgt','728x90_top','728x90_bot','BG_Skin','120x90_bot1','120x90_bot2','120x90_bot3']);cnnad_newTileIDGroup(['607x95_adlinks','336x280_adlinks']); 
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How many people could appear this calm while holding the tail of a monstrous shark? But then, shark wrangler Brett McBride isn't like most people...cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length]={"currentPicture":true,"x":0,"y":0,"pos":1,"title":"Brett vs Beast"}The 46-year-old comes face to face with sharks almost everyday, as part of his work with scientific research vessel Ocearch. cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length]={"currentPicture":false,"x":0,"y":0,"pos":2,"title":"Face to face"}The team of scientists and sailors are on a mission to electronically tag sharks, in an effort to build a global map of their migration, breeding, and birthing habits. cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length]={"currentPicture":false,"x":0,"y":0,"pos":3,"title":"Playing tag"}The team has just 15 minutes to attach $10,000 worth of tracking equipment, take blood and tissue samples, and even conduct an ultrasound. cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length]={"currentPicture":false,"x":0,"y":0,"pos":4,"title":"Pit stop science"}
It's up to captain McBride to guide the sharks onto the ship's platform, which raises out of the water much like a giant cradle. "When I'm dealing with the shark up close, when I've got my hands on it, those are the times where there's not fear going on, but a real focus -- I'm watching that shark's every twitch, every move," he said.cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length]={"currentPicture":false,"x":0,"y":0,"pos":5,"title":"Enter McBride"}
that McBride gained "superhero" status among fans." border="0" height="360" id="articleGalleryPhoto006" style="margin:0 auto;display:none" width="640"/>Since launching in 2007, Ocearch has tagged over 100 sharks. But it wasn't until National Geographic started featuring the team in TV series "Shark Men," that McBride gained "superhero" status among fans.cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length]={"currentPicture":false,"x":0,"y":0,"pos":6,"title":"Superhero?"}Once on board, McBride will cover the shark's eyes with a dark towel to calm them down. Pipes filled with water are also put in their jaws, to irrigate the gills. cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length]={"currentPicture":false,"x":0,"y":0,"pos":7,"title":"See no evil"}
"When I'm in the water and see a shark, I can keep my fear completely under control, which helps me because they feel your heart beat, your sweat," said McBride. cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length]={"currentPicture":false,"x":0,"y":0,"pos":8,"title":"He\'s behind you!"}
"When the shark is taken out of the equation, the squid populations explode. They're voracious eaters so every night they'd eat the baby fish -- swordfish, tuna, marlin. The fish are being wiped out, not by man, but by squid. And that's because man took away their main predator -- sharks," said McBride.cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length]={"currentPicture":false,"x":0,"y":0,"pos":9,"title":"Mighty mission "}HIDE CAPTIONBrett vs BeastFace to facePlaying tagPit stop scienceEnter McBrideSuperhero?See no evilHe's behind you!Mighty mission <<<
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9>>>Event.observe(window,'load',function(){if(typeof(cnn_adbptrackpgalimg) == 'function' && typeof(cnnArticleGallery) != 'undefined'){cnn_adbptrackpgalimg(cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[0].image,"Brett McBride: Shark wrangler who sleeps with the fishes");}});STORY HIGHLIGHTSBrett McBride is a shark wrangler, freediver, big waver surfer and..."superhero"The captain of science vessel Ocearch has helped tag over 100 sharks across the worldAfter appearing in TV series "Shark Men," McBride gained celebrity statusHe says world must stop shark finning, which kills 70 million sharks each yearArt of Movement is CNN's monthly show exploring the latest innovations in art, culture, science and technology.
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Watch dramatic shark capture"Galapagos sharks, they're not big mammal eaters. It would take them probably hours to get the courage up to attack you if you were adrift at sea."Read: Scientists face to face with great white sharksEven if Galapagos sharks had the temperament of a kitten, there are perhaps few people willing to doze off in their midst.But then, McBride isn't like most people. The captain of science vessel Ocearch spends his days handling sharks as part of one of the largest tagging projects ever undertaken.Shark MenThe Ocearch team of scientists and sailors are on a mission to electronically tag sharks, in an effort to build a global map of their migration, breeding, and birthing habits.See Ocearch's Global Shark Tracker hereIt's a huge operation, which involves luring the formidable creatures onto a converted fishing vessel, before attaching $10,000 worth of satellite tracking equipment, taking blood samples, and even conducting an ultrasound -- all within the space of 15 minutes.Since it launched in 2007, Ocearch has tagged over 100 sharks. But it wasn't until National Geographic started featuring the team in hugely successful TV series "Shark Men," that they became something of prime time celebrities. And the most fearless shark man of all? Brett McBride.It's McBride's job to guide the sharks onto the ship's platform, which lifts out of the ocean much like a giant cradle. Often he'll have to jump in the water with the predators, maneuvering them into position with his bare hands. Later he places a towel over their eyes to calm them, and puts tubes of water in their monstrous jaws to irrigate the gills."When I'm dealing with the shark up close, when I've got my hands on it, those are the times where there's not fear going on, but a real focus -- I'm watching that shark's every twitch, every move," he said.I'm watching that shark's every twitch, every move. I know where he's going to be half a second from now
Brett McBride"I know where he's going to be half a second from now, which is more important than being able to pull away when he lunges towards you."Superhero It's perhaps unsurprising that McBride has been labeled a "superhero" by fans of the show. This, after all, is the same man who in one episode leaped into shark-infested water to untangle a cable from the boat's propeller. The same man who dives 35 meters on a single breath of air while spear fishing. The same man who surfs 10-meter-tall waves in hurricane conditions.Yet when I ask him about his superhero status, the father-of-two rather charmingly clams up, saying: "You've kind of got me blushing."But in a sense, McBride does have a super power -- the ability to suppress fear."When I'm in the water and see a shark, I can keep my fear completely under control, which helps me because they feel your heart beat, your sweat," he said."Your nervousness is very apparent to them. They can sense electrical impulses and vibrations."A fine balanceGrowing up in San Diego, on the Californian coast, McBride started fishing when he was five years old and working on boats when he was 11, adding: "From the time I was big enough to hold a scrub brush, it was time to get to work."McBride says he isn't a shark wrangler for the adrenalin rush. He believes Ocearch's scientific work is an essential part of protecting these ancient predators -- and other fish in the sea."Over 70 million sharks a year, world wide, are killed for their fins (often used in soup), and it's devastating the balance of the ocean's ecosystem," he said."If we can create a whole new generation of scientific minded and conservation-minded kids, then we have a chance of winning this global war against shark finning -- and keeping the ocean sound and stable."0Comments »SHARE THISPrintEmailMore sharingRedditStumbleUponDelicious/* push in config for this share instance */cnn_shareconfig.push({"id" : "cnn_sharebar2","url" : "http://www.cnn.com/2013/10/10/world/brett-mcbride-shark-wrangler/index.html","title" : "Brett McBride: Shark wrangler who sleeps with the fishes"});
Part of complete coverage on The Art of Movement342 takes for one movie sceneDecember 10, 2013 -- Updated 1249 GMT (2049 HKT)
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Find out how the great white shark has evolved to be the ocean's top predator, perfectly adapted to its underwater world. Brett McBride: Shark wrangler October 10, 2013 -- Updated 0952 GMT (1752 HKT)
Meet Brett McBride -- shark wrangler, freediver, big wave surfer ... and all-round seafaring "superhero."Face to face with great whitesOctober 4, 2013 -- Updated 1053 GMT (1853 HKT)
A gutsy team of researchers is tagging great whites to solve a 450-million-year mystery.Street kid becomes 'Snake Man'September 19, 2013 -- Updated 1136 GMT (1936 HKT)
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This is Formula E, where electric cars speed around international cities at 220km/h -- all without a drop of gas in sight.Behind Sesame Street's MuppetsJuly 16, 2013 -- Updated 1011 GMT (1811 HKT)
Having enchanted viewers for over 40 years, Sesame Street's "Muppeteers" are striving to create new, bewitching comic illusions.10 greatest movie puppets of all timeJuly 8, 2013 -- Updated 0945 GMT (1745 HKT)
Modern blockbusters are heavy on CGI, but can they compete with cinema's greatest puppet stars? 
.cnn_strycrcntrnwsp .cnn_mtpmore { padding:10px 0px 1px 0px; }.cnn_stryccnwsp2 .cnn_stryccnwsp3 { width:100% }Most PopularToday's five most popular storiesReport: At least 14 killed in explosions at Egyptian government buildingPoop cruise! And 30 other outrageous travel stories of 2013Mikhail Kalashnikov, inventor of AK-47, dies at 94Ex-Tiffany's executive sentenced in theft of $2 million in jewelryHusband of pregnant woman wants her off life support.OB_SB_1, .OB_SB_2 { padding:0px; }#outbrain_container_1_stripBox .strip-like, #outbrain_container_2_stripBox .strip-like { font-size:18px; }#ob_strip_container_rel_1_stripBox { }#ob_strip_container_rel_1_stripBox .item-container, #ob_strip_container_rel_2_stripBox .item-container { padding-top:8px;border-top:1px solid #E5E5E5; }.ob_box_cont ul li { display:block; height:60px; list-style-type:none; padding-top:8px; padding-bottom:7px; position:relative; width:100%; border-top:1px solid #E5E5E5}.ob_box_cont ul li .ob-rec-link-img {float:left;}.ob_box_cont ul li .ob-rec-link-img a {display: block; float: left; height: 50px; padding: 3px; position: relative; width: 90px;}.ob_box_cont ul li .ob-text-content {padding-left:105px;}.ob_box_cont ul li .ob-text-content a {font:bold 12px/15px arial !important;}.ob_box_cont ul li .ob-rec-link-img a .ob_video {position:absolute; top:5px; left:5px;} 
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EDITION: INTERNATIONAL U.S. MÉXICO ARABIC TV: CNNi CNN en Español Set edition preference Sign up Log in Home Video World U.S. Africa Asia Europe Latin America Middle East Business World Sport Entertainment Tech Travel iReport /* STORY PAGE SPECIFIC CSS */.cnn_stryspccvrgehdr { background:#fff url('http://i.cdn.turner.com/cnn/.e/img/3.0/mosaic/bg_speccov_hdr.gif') 0px 0px repeat-x; }.cnn_stryspcvh1 { position:relative; height:74px;background:transparent url('http://i.cdn.turner.com/cnn/.element/ssi/story/3.0/banner/intl.art.of.movement.inc/art.of.movement.jpg') 50% 0px no-repeat;overflow:hidden; }.cnn_stryspcvh2 { font:bold 10px/12px arial;color:#666;padding:0 0 2px 0; }.cnn_stryspcvh3 { font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight:bold; font-size:18px; line-height:21px; }.cnn_stryspcvh4 { position:absolute; z-index:1000; float:left;margin:30px 0 0 10px;display:inline; }.cnn_stryspcvh5 { float:right;margin:30px 10px 0 0;display:inline;text-align:right; }.cnn_stryspcvh20 { padding:0 0 2px 0; }.cnn_stryspccvrgebot { height:3px; background:#e6e6e6; }.cnn_stryspccvh6 { width:100%; height:74px; text-align:center; left:0; }.cnn_stryspccvh6 a { display:block; margin:0 auto; width:304px; height:74px; }Part of complete coverage onArt of MovementSHARE THISPrintEmailMore sharingRedditStumbleUponDelicious/* push in config for this share instance */cnn_shareconfig.push({"id" : "cnn_sharebar1","url" : "http://www.cnn.com/2013/10/10/world/brett-mcbride-shark-wrangler/index.html","title" : "Brett McBride: Shark wrangler who sleeps with the fishes"});Brett McBride: Shark wrangler who sleeps with the fishesBy Sheena McKenzieOctober 10, 2013 -- Updated 0952 GMT (1752 HKT)if (typeof cnnArticleGallery=="undefined"){var cnnArticleGallery={};if(typeof cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList=="undefined"){cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList=[];}}var expGalleryPT00=new ArticleExpandableGallery();expGalleryPT00.setImageCount(9);expGalleryPT00.setAdsRefreshCount(3);//cnn_adbptrackpgalimg("Brett vs Beast", 1);.cnn_html_slideshow_metadata > .cnn_html_media_utility::before{color:red;content:'>>';font-size:9px;line-height:12px;padding-right:1px}.cnnstrylccimg640{margin:0 27px 14px 0}.captionText{filter:alpha(opacity=100);opacity:1}.cnn_html_slideshow_media_caption a,.cnn_html_slideshow_media_caption a:visited,.cnn_html_slideshow_media_caption a:link,.captionText a,.captionText a:visited,.captiontext a:link{color:#004276;outline:medium none}.cnnVerticalGalleryPhoto{margin:0 auto;padding-right:68px;width:270px}How many people could appear this calm while holding the tail of a monstrous shark? But then, shark wrangler Brett McBride isn't like most people...cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length]={"currentPicture":true,"x":0,"y":0,"pos":1,"title":"Brett vs Beast"}The 46-year-old comes face to face with sharks almost everyday, as part of his work with scientific research vessel Ocearch. cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length]={"currentPicture":false,"x":0,"y":0,"pos":2,"title":"Face to face"}The team of scientists and sailors are on a mission to electronically tag sharks, in an effort to build a global map of their migration, breeding, and birthing habits. cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length]={"currentPicture":false,"x":0,"y":0,"pos":3,"title":"Playing tag"}The team has just 15 minutes to attach $10,000 worth of tracking equipment, take blood and tissue samples, and even conduct an ultrasound. cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length]={"currentPicture":false,"x":0,"y":0,"pos":4,"title":"Pit stop science"}
The 46-year-old comes face to face with sharks almost everyday, as part of his work with scientific research vessel Ocearch. cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length]={"currentPicture":false,"x":0,"y":0,"pos":2,"title":"Face to face"}
The team of scientists and sailors are on a mission to electronically tag sharks, in an effort to build a global map of their migration, breeding, and birthing habits. cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length]={"currentPicture":false,"x":0,"y":0,"pos":3,"title":"Playing tag"}
The team has just 15 minutes to attach $10,000 worth of tracking equipment, take blood and tissue samples, and even conduct an ultrasound. cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length]={"currentPicture":false,"x":0,"y":0,"pos":4,"title":"Pit stop science"}It's up to captain McBride to guide the sharks onto the ship's platform, which raises out of the water much like a giant cradle. "When I'm dealing with the shark up close, when I've got my hands on it, those are the times where there's not fear going on, but a real focus -- I'm watching that shark's every twitch, every move," he said.cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length]={"currentPicture":false,"x":0,"y":0,"pos":5,"title":"Enter McBride"} that McBride gained "superhero" status among fans." border="0" height="360" id="articleGalleryPhoto006" style="margin:0 auto;display:none" width="640"/>Since launching in 2007, Ocearch has tagged over 100 sharks. But it wasn't until National Geographic started featuring the team in TV series "Shark Men," that McBride gained "superhero" status among fans.cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length]={"currentPicture":false,"x":0,"y":0,"pos":6,"title":"Superhero?"}Once on board, McBride will cover the shark's eyes with a dark towel to calm them down. Pipes filled with water are also put in their jaws, to irrigate the gills. cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length]={"currentPicture":false,"x":0,"y":0,"pos":7,"title":"See no evil"}
Once on board, McBride will cover the shark's eyes with a dark towel to calm them down. Pipes filled with water are also put in their jaws, to irrigate the gills. cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length]={"currentPicture":false,"x":0,"y":0,"pos":7,"title":"See no evil"}"When I'm in the water and see a shark, I can keep my fear completely under control, which helps me because they feel your heart beat, your sweat," said McBride. cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length]={"currentPicture":false,"x":0,"y":0,"pos":8,"title":"He\'s behind you!"}"When the shark is taken out of the equation, the squid populations explode. They're voracious eaters so every night they'd eat the baby fish -- swordfish, tuna, marlin. The fish are being wiped out, not by man, but by squid. And that's because man took away their main predator -- sharks," said McBride.cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length]={"currentPicture":false,"x":0,"y":0,"pos":9,"title":"Mighty mission "}HIDE CAPTIONBrett vs BeastFace to facePlaying tagPit stop scienceEnter McBrideSuperhero?See no evilHe's behind you!Mighty mission <<<123456789>>>Event.observe(window,'load',function(){if(typeof(cnn_adbptrackpgalimg) == 'function' && typeof(cnnArticleGallery) != 'undefined'){cnn_adbptrackpgalimg(cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[0].image,"Brett McBride: Shark wrangler who sleeps with the fishes");}});STORY HIGHLIGHTSBrett McBride is a shark wrangler, freediver, big waver surfer and..."superhero"The captain of science vessel Ocearch has helped tag over 100 sharks across the worldAfter appearing in TV series "Shark Men," McBride gained celebrity statusHe says world must stop shark finning, which kills 70 million sharks each yearArt of Movement is CNN's monthly show exploring the latest innovations in art, culture, science and technology.(CNN) -- Imagine you're sitting at the bottom of the ocean, amidst 500 sharks in a feeding frenzy.
Would you: A.) Swim to the surface as fast as your trembling legs could take you. B.) Find a weapon to arm yourself with. C.) Fall asleep.Brett McBride fell asleep. For a minute. While hundreds of three-meter-long Galapagos sharks swarmed around him during a feeding frenzy off the coast of Costa Rica.The 46-year-old shark wrangler doesn't suffer from some kind of severe narcolepsy. Instead, he was merely proving a point -- these fearsome predators aren't going to be interested in you, if you're not interested in them."It would seem crazy, but it's not. It really just shows you how bad a rap sharks get. They're just like any other fish," said McBride.var currExpandable="expand16";if(typeof CNN.expandableMap==='object'){CNN.expandableMap.push(currExpandable);}var mObj={};mObj.type='video';mObj.contentId='';mObj.network='cnnintl';mObj.source='international/2013/10/03/spc-art-of-movement-sharks-a.cnn';mObj.videoSource='CNN';mObj.videoSourceUrl='';mObj.lgImage="C:\Program Files\ABS\Auto Blog Samurai\data\cnn updates\cnn update\131003154742-spc-art-of-movement-sharks-a-00004810-story-body.jpg";mObj.lgImageX=300;mObj.lgImageY=169;mObj.origImageX="214";mObj.origImageY="120";mObj.contentType='video';CNN.expElements.expand16Store=mObj;Understanding mysterious sharksvar currExpandable="expand26";if(typeof CNN.expandableMap==='object'){CNN.expandableMap.push(currExpandable);}var mObj={};mObj.type='video';mObj.contentId='';mObj.network='cnnintl';mObj.source='international/2013/10/03/spc-art-of-movement-sharks-b.cnn';mObj.videoSource='CNN';mObj.videoSourceUrl='';mObj.lgImage="C:\Program Files\ABS\Auto Blog Samurai\data\cnn updates\cnn update\131009122345-spc-art-of-movement-sharks-b-00033929-story-body.jpg";mObj.lgImageX=300;mObj.lgImageY=169;mObj.origImageX="214";mObj.origImageY="120";mObj.contentType='video';CNN.expElements.expand26Store=mObj;Watch dramatic shark capture"Galapagos sharks, they're not big mammal eaters. It would take them probably hours to get the courage up to attack you if you were adrift at sea."Read: Scientists face to face with great white sharksEven if Galapagos sharks had the temperament of a kitten, there are perhaps few people willing to doze off in their midst.But then, McBride isn't like most people. The captain of science vessel Ocearch spends his days handling sharks as part of one of the largest tagging projects ever undertaken.Shark MenThe Ocearch team of scientists and sailors are on a mission to electronically tag sharks, in an effort to build a global map of their migration, breeding, and birthing habits.See Ocearch's Global Shark Tracker hereIt's a huge operation, which involves luring the formidable creatures onto a converted fishing vessel, before attaching $10,000 worth of satellite tracking equipment, taking blood samples, and even conducting an ultrasound -- all within the space of 15 minutes.Since it launched in 2007, Ocearch has tagged over 100 sharks. But it wasn't until National Geographic started featuring the team in hugely successful TV series "Shark Men," that they became something of prime time celebrities. And the most fearless shark man of all? Brett McBride.It's McBride's job to guide the sharks onto the ship's platform, which lifts out of the ocean much like a giant cradle. Often he'll have to jump in the water with the predators, maneuvering them into position with his bare hands. Later he places a towel over their eyes to calm them, and puts tubes of water in their monstrous jaws to irrigate the gills."When I'm dealing with the shark up close, when I've got my hands on it, those are the times where there's not fear going on, but a real focus -- I'm watching that shark's every twitch, every move," he said.I'm watching that shark's every twitch, every move. I know where he's going to be half a second from nowBrett McBride"I know where he's going to be half a second from now, which is more important than being able to pull away when he lunges towards you."Superhero It's perhaps unsurprising that McBride has been labeled a "superhero" by fans of the show. This, after all, is the same man who in one episode leaped into shark-infested water to untangle a cable from the boat's propeller. The same man who dives 35 meters on a single breath of air while spear fishing. The same man who surfs 10-meter-tall waves in hurricane conditions.Yet when I ask him about his superhero status, the father-of-two rather charmingly clams up, saying: "You've kind of got me blushing."But in a sense, McBride does have a super power -- the ability to suppress fear."When I'm in the water and see a shark, I can keep my fear completely under control, which helps me because they feel your heart beat, your sweat," he said."Your nervousness is very apparent to them. They can sense electrical impulses and vibrations."A fine balanceGrowing up in San Diego, on the Californian coast, McBride started fishing when he was five years old and working on boats when he was 11, adding: "From the time I was big enough to hold a scrub brush, it was time to get to work."McBride says he isn't a shark wrangler for the adrenalin rush. He believes Ocearch's scientific work is an essential part of protecting these ancient predators -- and other fish in the sea."Over 70 million sharks a year, world wide, are killed for their fins (often used in soup), and it's devastating the balance of the ocean's ecosystem," he said."If we can create a whole new generation of scientific minded and conservation-minded kids, then we have a chance of winning this global war against shark finning -- and keeping the ocean sound and stable."0Comments »SHARE THISPrintEmailMore sharingRedditStumbleUponDelicious/* push in config for this share instance */cnn_shareconfig.push({"id" : "cnn_sharebar2","url" : "http://www.cnn.com/2013/10/10/world/brett-mcbride-shark-wrangler/index.html","title" : "Brett McBride: Shark wrangler who sleeps with the fishes"});
Part of complete coverage on The Art of Movement342 takes for one movie sceneDecember 10, 2013 -- Updated 1249 GMT (2049 HKT)New footage reveals Charlie Chaplin put "City Lights" co-star through 342 excruciating takes.The 18-propeller helicopterNovember 27, 2013 -- Updated 1730 GMT (0130 HKT)An electric helicopter -- powered by 18 propellers -- has made its maiden flight. Is this the future?Your robot tour guideNovember 20, 2013 -- Updated 1347 GMT (2147 HKT)Introducing SkyCall -- a flying robot that guides you to your destination, all at the touch of a button.The robot that likes to crashNovember 12, 2013 -- Updated 1033 GMT (1833 HKT)Introducing GimBall -- a flying robot modeled on insects, which may change search and rescue missions forever.How the great white strikesOctober 18, 2013 -- Updated 1002 GMT (1802 HKT)Find out how the great white shark has evolved to be the ocean's top predator, perfectly adapted to its underwater world. Brett McBride: Shark wrangler October 10, 2013 -- Updated 0952 GMT (1752 HKT)Meet Brett McBride -- shark wrangler, freediver, big wave surfer ... and all-round seafaring "superhero."Face to face with great whitesOctober 4, 2013 -- Updated 1053 GMT (1853 HKT)A gutsy team of researchers is tagging great whites to solve a 450-million-year mystery.Street kid becomes 'Snake Man'September 19, 2013 -- Updated 1136 GMT (1936 HKT)Meet contortionist Lazarus Gitu, better known as the "Snake Man," who bends and moves like a serpentMind-bending contortionistsSeptember 9, 2013 -- Updated 0931 GMT (1731 HKT)Mongolians are the world's best contortionists, and they can perform mind-bending feats of stretchiness.Formula E, the future of motorsport?August 7, 2013 -- Updated 0934 GMT (1734 HKT)This is Formula E, where electric cars speed around international cities at 220km/h -- all without a drop of gas in sight.Behind Sesame Street's MuppetsJuly 16, 2013 -- Updated 1011 GMT (1811 HKT)Having enchanted viewers for over 40 years, Sesame Street's "Muppeteers" are striving to create new, bewitching comic illusions.10 greatest movie puppets of all timeJuly 8, 2013 -- Updated 0945 GMT (1745 HKT)Modern blockbusters are heavy on CGI, but can they compete with cinema's greatest puppet stars? .cnn_strycrcntrnwsp .cnn_mtpmore { padding:10px 0px 1px 0px; }.cnn_stryccnwsp2 .cnn_stryccnwsp3 { width:100% }Most PopularToday's five most popular storiesReport: At least 14 killed in explosions at Egyptian government buildingPoop cruise! And 30 other outrageous travel stories of 2013Mikhail Kalashnikov, inventor of AK-47, dies at 94Ex-Tiffany's executive sentenced in theft of $2 million in jewelryHusband of pregnant woman wants her off life support.OB_SB_1, .OB_SB_2 { padding:0px; }#outbrain_container_1_stripBox .strip-like, #outbrain_container_2_stripBox .strip-like { font-size:18px; }#ob_strip_container_rel_1_stripBox { }#ob_strip_container_rel_1_stripBox .item-container, #ob_strip_container_rel_2_stripBox .item-container { padding-top:8px;border-top:1px solid #E5E5E5; }.ob_box_cont ul li { display:block; height:60px; list-style-type:none; padding-top:8px; padding-bottom:7px; position:relative; width:100%; border-top:1px solid #E5E5E5}.ob_box_cont ul li .ob-rec-link-img {float:left;}.ob_box_cont ul li .ob-rec-link-img a {display: block; float: left; height: 50px; padding: 3px; position: relative; width: 90px;}.ob_box_cont ul li .ob-text-content {padding-left:105px;}.ob_box_cont ul li .ob-text-content a {font:bold 12px/15px arial !important;}.ob_box_cont ul li .ob-rec-link-img a .ob_video {position:absolute; top:5px; left:5px;} Loading weather data ...
Home | Video | World | U.S. | Africa | Asia | Europe | Latin America | Middle East | Business | World Sport | Entertainment | Tech | Travel | iReport Tools & Widgets | RSS | Podcasts | Blogs | CNN Mobile | My Profile | E-mail Alerts | CNN Shop | Site map | CNN Partner Hotels CNN en ESPAÑOL | CNN Chile | CNN México | ??????? | ??? | Türkçe © 2013 Cable News Network. Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Terms of service | Privacy guidelines | Ad choices | Advertise with us | License our content | About us | Contact us | Work for us | Help CNN TV | HLN | Transcripts cnnad_ugsync(); var cnn_edtnswtchver="edition"; msQueueManager.init('requestFrame',ms_blankURL); if(ms_isLoggedIn()){ CNN_setCookie('CNN_member',true,854400,'/',document.domain); } var jsmd=_jsmd.init(),pageURL=location.href.toLowerCase();if (pageURL.indexOf("/.element/ssi/ads.iframes/")==-1&&pageURL.indexOf("/doubleclick/dartiframe.html")==-1&&pageURL.indexOf("/search/")==-1){if (_jsmd.plugin.gQuery("refresh")){jsmd.trackMetrics("dynamic-autoRefresh","autorefresh","cnn-autorefresh");} else if (_jsmd.plugin.gQuery("is_LR")){} else if (cnn_metadata.template_type_content!="gallery"){jsmd.send();}}/*globals CNN_CB, cnnsocial, cnnzite_mod, sectionName *//* configure apis to load and specify their callbacks */cnnsocial.setapiconfig([{'site' : 'facebook','success' : function() {/* trigger connect-cnnsocial.js calls */window.cnn_fbAsyncInit();}},{ 'site' : 'twitter' }]);var _vrq = _vrq || [];var vrId = 6;if(cnn_edtnswtchver === 'edition'){vrId = 396;}_vrq.push(['id', vrId]);_vrq.push(['automate', false]);_vrq.push(['track', function(){}]);(function(d, a){var s = d.createElement(a),x = d.getElementsByTagName(a)[0];s.async = true;s.src = 'http://a.visualrevenue.com/vrs.js';x.parentNode.insertBefore(s, x);})(document, 'script');/* add the multiple config instance for sharebars */cnnsocial.share.setconfig(cnn_shareconfig);$j(document).ready(function () {'use strict';loadChartbeat("world", "Sheena McKenzie");CNN.initFlipperTicker();/* initialize cnnsocial */cnnsocial.init();});Things I wish I'd known at 15
Today is International Day of the Girl -- a date on the annual calendar set aside to advocate for girls' rights and raise issues of gender bias.
CNN spoke to some of the world's most remarkable and impressive women -- from across the fields of politics, science, media, sports and culture -- to find out: "Looking back, what one piece of advice would you give to your 15-year-old self?" By Lauren Said-Moorhouse, Ines Torre and Matthew Ponsford, for CNN.
The wife of Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, Melinda Gates is is a prominent American businesswoman and philanthropist as well as the co-chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
'Broken' veterans come back strong
Many disabled U.S. veterans don't have a family to help support themMichael Conklin is trying to fill the gap and help these men and women feel self-sufficientHis scholarship program provides housing, education and whatever else is needed
Michael Conklin has three sons who are Army Rangers. His eldest was injured in Iraq 10 years ago."We have a tight, cohesive family. Not all of them do," said Michael Conklin, 59. "Some of them don't have anybody to come home to. ..."When I first went to Walter Reed to visit, I wanted to take them all home with me. But you can't. It's impossible."Instead, he started a scholarship program -- the Sentinels of Freedom -- to support disabled veterans and help them become self-sufficient. Since 2003, Conklin and his foundation have assisted more than 100 veterans with housing, education, jobs -- whatever they need to adapt to their new lives."Every one of them is different," Conklin said. "Some will need service dogs, guide dogs, housing assistance, special equipment put through the house, drivers."Hien Tran, 33, was injured by an improvised explosive device five years ago in Iraq, and he spent 15 months at Walter Reed. He lost his right eye and had a titanium rod placed in his leg, and he said he didn't have much hope for the future.But through Conklin's program, Tran received more than $60,000 for a vehicle, housing assistance, furniture and household goods.These kids grew up in our neighborhoods, went to our schools and churches, played on our ball fields.
CNN Hero Michael ConklinHe also received valuable mentorship and advice that has helped him make his engineering and building firm successful. Tran is now paying it forward by hiring other veterans."I think (for) every wounded veteran, every disabled veteran out there, the drive is now double of what it was before," Tran said. "Because you want to be seen as normal. You want to be successful."Tran has been thankful for Conklin's personal guidance along the way."Mr. Conklin's helped me build my business," he said. "I go back to Mr. Conklin and say, 'Hey, this is what I want to do' ... and he gives me his input."Conklin, a former real estate agent from San Ramon, California, is a father figure for many of the "Sentinels" in his program. He said he usually hears from four or five of them a day."I have an intimate knowledge of what's going on with them," he said. "Most, if not all, have my cell phone number."Conklin also has teams based in 28 states across the country, ready to help veterans in need. These teams partner with local businesses and individuals who are willing to donate their services, time and money.
Michael Conklin wants to make sure all the veterans get what they need to adapt to their new lives.It's this community support that is crucial to the program's success, Conklin said."These kids grew up in our neighborhoods, went to our schools and churches, played on our ball fields," he said. "We need to welcome them back into their communities with open arms."Conklin never served in the military, but his three sons are Army Rangers -- one is in Afghanistan -- and his brothers served in Vietnam. He said he has always taken note of the treatment of men and women in the military."One of the things that bothered me as a kid when my brothers were in Vietnam was that nobody from our community knew their names or faces," Conklin said. "And I could see that happening again."The Sentinels of Freedom program rigorously screens each candidate, and scholarship recipients must continually provide status updates to keep getting assistance. But it's not just about the money, Conklin said. It's about building relationships and reintegrating people into society."We don't just write a check," he said. "We walk with them until they are successful."Recently, Conklin picked up his phone and heard Johnny Jones' shaky voice on the other end. Jones, 27, is a retired Marine who lost his legs when he stepped on an IED in Iraq."I want to tell you something before you hear it from someone else," Jones said.Conklin's heart stopped. A medical scare? A death? His mind was racing."I got a C in one my classes," Jones replied. "And I want to explain why."Jones is pursuing a bachelor's degree at Georgetown University, and Conklin's group has assisted him with tuition, rent and expenses like his computer.When Conklin heard that Jones' news was just a bad grade, he felt more than relief. He felt pride."I was proud that he trusts me enough to give me a call," Conklin said. "It showed tremendous character."For Conklin, that's what his program is all about."What we try to do is focus on the future, the potential," he said. "We can't focus on the injury, even though it's hard not to because you're looking at a young man with no legs or arms, or burns."You really have to listen hard, look into their eyes, look for that spark that says: 'This guy has potential. Let's see what we can do to help him get there.' "Want to get involved? Check out the Sentinels of Freedom website and see how to help./* push in config for this share instance */cnn_shareconfig.push({"id" : "cnn_sharebar2","url" : "http://www.cnn.com/2013/10/03/us/cnnheroes-conklin-veterans/index.html","title" : "Helping disabled vets rebuild their lives"});December 2, 2013 -- Updated 0303 GMT (1103 HKT) 
Chad Pregracke, who has dedicated his life to cleaning the Mississippi River and other U.S. waterways, is the 2013 CNN Hero of the Year.December 2, 2013 -- Updated 0256 GMT (1056 HKT) 
CNN Hero of the Year Chad Pregracke pledged to give $10,000 of his winnings to each of the other top 10 Heroes.December 2, 2013 -- Updated 1425 GMT (2225 HKT) 
Celebrities joined CNN in New York to honor this year's top 10 Heroes.October 10, 2013 -- Updated 1250 GMT (2050 HKT) 
They clean up rivers, build homes for disabled veterans and bring health care to some of the darkest parts of the world. October 16, 2013 -- Updated 2134 GMT (0534 HKT) 
It was supposed to be a routine patrol in Iraq. But when the Humvee he was in veered slightly off the road, Dale Beatty's life changed forever.November 3, 2013 -- Updated 2346 GMT (0746 HKT) 
Dr. George Bwelle travels through Cameroon's jungles to provide free medical care for thousands.October 21, 2013 -- Updated 1325 GMT (2125 HKT) 
Many Americans lack easy access to fresh, healthy food. That isn't acceptable to Robin Emmons.October 28, 2013 -- Updated 1320 GMT (2120 HKT) 
Foster children don't often get the things that other children do, but one group is trying to help change that.November 6, 2013 -- Updated 2325 GMT (0725 HKT) 
For many people, the violence in Camden, New Jersey, can make it feel more like a war zone than an American city.November 13, 2013 -- Updated 2144 GMT (0544 HKT) 
For many children fighting cancer, it can be extremely tough to make their chemotherapy appointments.November 11, 2013 -- Updated 0047 GMT (0847 HKT) 
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(CNN) -- As he watched wounded troops being brought inside the hospital on stretchers, Michael Conklin couldn't believe what he was seeing.
"You see this stuff in movies, but I was watching it happen," said Conklin, recalling a 2003 visit to the Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington. "There were so many casualties coming in -- busloads of them."Conklin made the visit to learn more about the needs of wounded servicemen and women. The needs were overwhelming."When these guys come back from war, they are broken," he said, reflecting on the missing limbs, traumatic brain injuries and other devastating wounds he observed.Conklin's eldest son, Kris, was treated at Walter Reed in 2003, after his Humvee was hit by a rocket-propelled grenade in Iraq. He recovered from his injuries, but his dad was heartbroken when he realized that other wounded troops didn't have the support his son did. Michael Conklin has three sons who are Army Rangers. His eldest was injured in Iraq 10 years ago."We have a tight, cohesive family. Not all of them do," said Michael Conklin, 59. "Some of them don't have anybody to come home to. ..."When I first went to Walter Reed to visit, I wanted to take them all home with me. But you can't. It's impossible."Instead, he started a scholarship program -- the Sentinels of Freedom -- to support disabled veterans and help them become self-sufficient. Since 2003, Conklin and his foundation have assisted more than 100 veterans with housing, education, jobs -- whatever they need to adapt to their new lives."Every one of them is different," Conklin said. "Some will need service dogs, guide dogs, housing assistance, special equipment put through the house, drivers."Hien Tran, 33, was injured by an improvised explosive device five years ago in Iraq, and he spent 15 months at Walter Reed. He lost his right eye and had a titanium rod placed in his leg, and he said he didn't have much hope for the future.But through Conklin's program, Tran received more than $60,000 for a vehicle, housing assistance, furniture and household goods.These kids grew up in our neighborhoods, went to our schools and churches, played on our ball fields.CNN Hero Michael ConklinHe also received valuable mentorship and advice that has helped him make his engineering and building firm successful. Tran is now paying it forward by hiring other veterans."I think (for) every wounded veteran, every disabled veteran out there, the drive is now double of what it was before," Tran said. "Because you want to be seen as normal. You want to be successful."Tran has been thankful for Conklin's personal guidance along the way."Mr. Conklin's helped me build my business," he said. "I go back to Mr. Conklin and say, 'Hey, this is what I want to do' ... and he gives me his input."Conklin, a former real estate agent from San Ramon, California, is a father figure for many of the "Sentinels" in his program. He said he usually hears from four or five of them a day."I have an intimate knowledge of what's going on with them," he said. "Most, if not all, have my cell phone number."Conklin also has teams based in 28 states across the country, ready to help veterans in need. These teams partner with local businesses and individuals who are willing to donate their services, time and money.
Michael Conklin wants to make sure all the veterans get what they need to adapt to their new lives.It's this community support that is crucial to the program's success, Conklin said."These kids grew up in our neighborhoods, went to our schools and churches, played on our ball fields," he said. "We need to welcome them back into their communities with open arms."Conklin never served in the military, but his three sons are Army Rangers -- one is in Afghanistan -- and his brothers served in Vietnam. He said he has always taken note of the treatment of men and women in the military."One of the things that bothered me as a kid when my brothers were in Vietnam was that nobody from our community knew their names or faces," Conklin said. "And I could see that happening again."The Sentinels of Freedom program rigorously screens each candidate, and scholarship recipients must continually provide status updates to keep getting assistance. But it's not just about the money, Conklin said. It's about building relationships and reintegrating people into society."We don't just write a check," he said. "We walk with them until they are successful."Recently, Conklin picked up his phone and heard Johnny Jones' shaky voice on the other end. Jones, 27, is a retired Marine who lost his legs when he stepped on an IED in Iraq."I want to tell you something before you hear it from someone else," Jones said.Conklin's heart stopped. A medical scare? A death? His mind was racing."I got a C in one my classes," Jones replied. "And I want to explain why."Jones is pursuing a bachelor's degree at Georgetown University, and Conklin's group has assisted him with tuition, rent and expenses like his computer.When Conklin heard that Jones' news was just a bad grade, he felt more than relief. He felt pride."I was proud that he trusts me enough to give me a call," Conklin said. "It showed tremendous character."For Conklin, that's what his program is all about."What we try to do is focus on the future, the potential," he said. "We can't focus on the injury, even though it's hard not to because you're looking at a young man with no legs or arms, or burns."You really have to listen hard, look into their eyes, look for that spark that says: 'This guy has potential. Let's see what we can do to help him get there.' "Want to get involved? Check out the Sentinels of Freedom website and see how to help./* push in config for this share instance */cnn_shareconfig.push({"id" : "cnn_sharebar2","url" : "http://www.cnn.com/2013/10/03/us/cnnheroes-conklin-veterans/index.html","title" : "Helping disabled vets rebuild their lives"});December 2, 2013 -- Updated 0303 GMT (1103 HKT) Chad Pregracke, who has dedicated his life to cleaning the Mississippi River and other U.S. waterways, is the 2013 CNN Hero of the Year.December 2, 2013 -- Updated 0256 GMT (1056 HKT) CNN Hero of the Year Chad Pregracke pledged to give $10,000 of his winnings to each of the other top 10 Heroes.December 2, 2013 -- Updated 1425 GMT (2225 HKT) Celebrities joined CNN in New York to honor this year's top 10 Heroes.October 10, 2013 -- Updated 1250 GMT (2050 HKT) They clean up rivers, build homes for disabled veterans and bring health care to some of the darkest parts of the world. October 16, 2013 -- Updated 2134 GMT (0534 HKT) It was supposed to be a routine patrol in Iraq. But when the Humvee he was in veered slightly off the road, Dale Beatty's life changed forever.November 3, 2013 -- Updated 2346 GMT (0746 HKT) Dr. George Bwelle travels through Cameroon's jungles to provide free medical care for thousands.October 21, 2013 -- Updated 1325 GMT (2125 HKT) Many Americans lack easy access to fresh, healthy food. That isn't acceptable to Robin Emmons.October 28, 2013 -- Updated 1320 GMT (2120 HKT) Foster children don't often get the things that other children do, but one group is trying to help change that.November 6, 2013 -- Updated 2325 GMT (0725 HKT) For many people, the violence in Camden, New Jersey, can make it feel more like a war zone than an American city.November 13, 2013 -- Updated 2144 GMT (0544 HKT) For many children fighting cancer, it can be extremely tough to make their chemotherapy appointments.November 11, 2013 -- Updated 0047 GMT (0847 HKT) When Kakenya Ntaiya was 14, she negotiated a deal with her father: I'll endure female circumcision if you let me finish high school.November 18, 2013 -- Updated 1600 GMT (0000 HKT) Chad Pregracke has made it his life's mission to clean up the Mississippi River and other U.S. waterways.November 1, 2013 -- Updated 1941 GMT (0341 HKT) Estella Pyfrom noticed that fewer students had access to a computer after school. So she bought a bus and brought technology to the kids.October 13, 2013 -- Updated 2339 GMT (0739 HKT) In many countries, mothers are dying during childbirth -- not because they lack skilled doctors, but because they lack reliable electricity.Today's five most popular stories
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