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PAGE 8 - PLAIN DEALER. WEDNESDAY. JANUARY 7.1981 I SERVICE NEWS I Achievement Medal To George J. Smutny, Jr . CRIPPLED BY TRAPS -- These animals were crippled for life by traps that weren't set for them. Traps can't tell the difference between someone's pet and the fox or weasel for which they were intended. The dog at left is one of the lucky ones. He was found after he spent about three agonizing days caught in a steel trap. Someone^set the trap on a ranch in Helena, Mont., without the owner's permission. Humane society officials found the dog and decided to amputate the paw instead of destroying him. The cat came to someone's doorstep dragging a trap from its front leg. A kind woman took it to a veterinarian but its leg was infected and had to be amputated. Kip, the German Shepherd dog at right was caught in an unattended trap. She escaped, no one knows how, after two weeks and returned home with the trap still clamped on her mangled foot. Her teeth were chipped and the flesh torn from her left h|p. The right foreleg had to be amputated. Pictures Courtesy Animal Protection Institute of America Navy Machinist's Mate 1st Class George J. Smutny, Jr.* son of Mrs. George Smutny, Sr. of 8202 Gerson drive, Wonder Lake, has been awarded the Navy Achievement medal. He was cited for superior performance of duty from August, 1978, to August 1980, while serving aboard "the submarine USS George Washington. Smutny's skill in operating the submarine's mechanical systems and his supervisory abilities were major factors in improving the boat's material readiness. His ability to act quickly and correctly, particularly in casualty situations, made him extremely effective as a watchstander, both .un­ derway and in port. He is currently serving as an instructor at the Bangor Trident Training facility, located in Bremerton, Wash. Aircraft Maintenance America-Litigation Crazy? Training For Mauer MAJOR GARY VYCITAL Has America gone litigation crazy? Are people turning to the courts when common sense would do? Is it possible to be wrong about your rights? "Yes, yes and yes," an­ swers Chicago attorney Lawrence Schlam. "For one reason and another the courts today are clogged with cases that simply never should have been there." Schlam is chairman of the Illinois State Bar association's Individual Rights and Responsibilities Section council, a group with 666 Illinois lawyer members who deal with constitutional issues and other areas relating to human rights The council has outlined seven steps the members believe should be taken before legal action of any sort should be started. Schlam said the overload of litigation in the nation's courts stems from some very human L and un­ derstandable traits. "Some people base law suits on the hope that the courts will award them more than their losses or injuries are worth, yet despite some highly publicized exceptions, their efforts almost always end in disappointment. "Others go to court because they are angry They frequently overlook the fact that whether their cause is just or not, a great deal of their own time and a lawyer's is required to prepare a case for trial; and that means a great deal of cost, ..both financial and emotional." Still another category of lawsuit was identified by Schlam as the most regrettable and preventable of all. It is also one he said is becoming increasingly common "This is the case filed by the person who is simply afraid of trying to deal with a problem on his or her own." Schlam theorized that with a more transient population, fewer people today really know the druggist with whom they deal, or the gas station owner, parking at­ tendant. plumber, landlord or even their neighbor. * "Perhaps it is because we have become strangers that we take problems to court that we used to settle face-to- face," he said. "Whatever the case, a lot of people appear to have forgotten the art of nejgotiation and are turning to lawyers to handle problems that in fact require not so much a legal approach as a human one." Problems of this type include minor fender ben­ ders, property damage caused by a neighbor's tree falling on adjacent property or j^he loss of shirts at a corner laundry. Schlam stressed that his committee is in no way suggesting that people try to represent themselves in serious law suits or that they go into court alone. "All we're sayifig is that people will save a lot of money and heartache if they think things through before deciding to take a particular problem into court", he said, said Following «re the seven steps devised by Schlam s ISBA committee to assist people who feel they have been wronged and who are contemplating legal action. 1--The first step is to determine who is respon­ sible for your problem - who is in a position to right the wrong. 2--Contact that person or his agent in the way you feel most comfotable. ("In person is best, or by phone, but if you are given to losing your temper, write a letter," Schlam suggested.) 3--Explain the problem to the person in a very simple way. Said Schlam, "Tell him that his crabapple tree is dropping rotten fruit on your patio and ask him if he has any ideas about what to do.") 4--Avoid threats at all times. ("There is an old saying that you don't have cause to get upset until you have cause to get upset," said iSchlam. "Be polite, share-out problem and you will probably discover that the fellow is more than happy to Work things out ") 5--If the person gets angry or refuses to help, terminate the discussion, call a lawyer and get advice as to your rights in the situation, tt^ possible remedies and the amount of time and money that would be required to pursue those remedies. 6-- Accept your lawyer's advice. ("If he says it will cost more than the situation is worth, believe him,v Schlam urged. "And if you feel a great moral principle is involved, wait until your temper has cooled and evaluate it again ") 7--Learn to live with it. (Said Schlam, "Supreme Court Justice Warren Burger has observed that for many problems and in many cases, there simply are no remedies, judicial or otherwise. That is a hard thing to accept sometimes, but nothing less than our mental health depends on our learning to do so.") Schlam concluded by saying that while society grants people rights, itr also gives responsibilities. "Each of us has a responsibility to try to settle our differences before turning^ to the courts," he said. "We have the responsibility of trying as best we can to be civil." Our Sidewalk Sale •» * -- • January 8th thru January 11th Airman Ronald J. Mauer, son of Mr. and Mrs. Ronald E. Mauer of 1631 Park street, McHenry / has been assigned to Chanute Air Force base, 111., after completing Air Force basic training. During the six weeks at Lackland Air Force base, Texas, the airman studied the Air Force mission, organization and customs and received special training in human relations. In addition, airmen who complete basic training earn credits toward an associate degree in applied science through the Community College of the Air ForCe. The airman will now receive specialized in­ struction in the aircraft maintenance field. Meritorious Service Medal To Local Man Marine Completes Infantry Course IT DOESN T TAKE MUCH KMOW-HOW 7 V BE A YES-MAH Ringwood, has completed the infantry combat training course at the Infantry Training school, Marine Corps base, Camp Pen­ dleton, Calif. The four-week course was designed to prepare him for future duty with a Marine shore party unit. Shore party units set up beachhead supply areas during am­ phibious operations. He received instruction and practical experience in loading and unloading helicopters, vehicles and landing craft; electronic and visual methods for guiding helicopter landings, and preparation of-helicopter EUGENE ZAGARSKI Marine Pfc. Eugene J. Zagarski, son of Joseph and France Zagarski of 6711 Barnard Mill road, A 1980 graduate of Johnsburg high school, he joined the Marine corps in May, 1980. Recruit Training Ends Navy Seaman Recruit Russell E. Carr, Jr., son of Donna L. and Russell E. Carr, Sr., of 5418 Marshall road, Wonder Lake, has completed recruit training at the Naval Training Center, San Diego. During the eight-week training cycle, he studied k general military subjects designed to prepare him for further academic and on- the-job training in one of the Navy's 85 basic occupational fields. Included in his studies were seamanship, close- order drill, Naval history and first aid. Personnel who complete this course of in­ struction are eligible for three hours of college credit in Physical Education and Hygiene. A 1980 graduate of McHenry West campus high school, he joined the Navy in June, 1980. c" SOLDIER OF MONTH Spec. 4 Edward P. Delelio, son of Joseph Delelio of 5501 Cleveland drive, McHenry, has been named "soldier of the month". Sergeant Delelio is assigned at Stuttgart, West Germany. The Meritorious Service medal has been awarded to Major Gary C. Vycital by the President of the United States, through executive order. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Vycital of McHenry. / Hie citation t<^ accompany the award readar "Major 'Gary C. Vycital distinguished himself in the performance of outstanding service to the United States while assigned to the Mobility division, Assistant Chief of Staff, Studies and Analyses, Headquarters, United States Air Force, from July 9,1977, to June 16, 1980. During this periodr his outstanding professional skill, leadership, and dedication to mission were instrumental factors in the resolution of many complex and demanding airlift problems. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Major Vyctial reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force." The young major is currently attending the U.S. Army Command and General Staff college at Part Leavenworth, Kas. He is one of 32 Air Force officers at­ tending trie college with 848 Army, two Navy, 10 Marine corps and 98 Allied officers. TTie McHenry man was selected by the Air Force to jftfend this one-year Army school because of his ex­ pertise in airlift and special operations activities. Each year the Air Force sends its most qualified officers to the college to establish a means of crosstalk between these future commanders of U.S. Services. The mission of the Con- mand and General Staff college is to provide in­ struction for officers of the active Army and Reserve components, worldwide, to prepare them for duty as commanders. Instruction firovides the professional raining and education necessary to prepare of­ ficers for * middle- management assignments, with emphasis on the command and staff skills required to win the land battle. Upon graduation from the college in June, 1981, Major Vycital will be reassigned to Dyers AFB located near Abilene, Texas. He will return to flying duties as a C- 130 pilot. The major will be accompanied by his wife, Susan ("Mike"), dauhters, Sammie, 13, and Amy, 9, and son, Scott, 5. AT CAMP PENDLETON Marine Pfc. James A. Thiel, son of Betty L. Siebew of 1117 Quincy avenue, McHenry, has reported for duty with the 7th Motor Transport battalion, 1st Force Service Support group, Camp Pendleton, Calif. He joined the Marine corps in July, I960. STUCK IN SNOW Avoid spinning the wheels, you'll dig deeper and turn snow to ice. Let tires cool before trying to ease out. Spinning the wheels also burns up lots of extra gaso­ line. Roll forward a little; roll back. Keep doing this, a little further each time, until you're out. N KREME LEMON CHOCOLATE HONEY DIPPED OLD FASHIONED PLA/^ 12* A DONUT 8 12* A DONUT Bring this coupon into any participating Dunkin' Donuts shop and get any regular donutfor only 12C. A big delicious donut costs only twelve pennies. LimitJ? dozen donuts. One coupon per customer for carry out only. This coupon not valid in combination with other offers and is limited to back-case donuts only. Offer good through 1*14-81 Rt, 14 and Main St. Crystal Lake MINIMUM t DOZEN WJAOiASE REQUIRED AT SOME LOCATIONS. i DONUTS Its worth the trip. 4504 W. Rte 120 McHenry / {O FASHIONED PLAIN POWDERED SUGAR RAISED JELLY BAVARIAN KR^S