Latest news with #AWA
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Retired Fort Worth Police Chief Neil Noakes Joins The American Warrior Association as Chief of Strategic Advancement, Marks A New Chapter for Moral Injury Advocacy and First Responder Wellness
FORT WORTH, Texas, June 23, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Just weeks after Texas lawmakers stood alongside The American Warrior Association (AWA) in support of their program R3: Respond, Restore, Resolve – and first responders – to officially proclaim May 14, 2025, as Moral Injury Awareness Day, retired Fort Worth Police Department (FWPD) Chief Neil Noakes has joined the AWA as its Chief of Strategic Advancement, bringing decades of frontline experience and nationally respected leadership in public safety and officer wellness to advance the R3 program. "I know the toll this work can take on first responders and their families. When I retired from the FWPD, I hoped to continue serving the community and the profession that's given so much to me. I'm grateful the AWA is the next step," commented Noakes. "The R3 program is providing critically important awareness of first responder wellness and the effects of moral injury, while simultaneously breaking the stigma surrounding mental health in the first responder community. I'm so proud and thankful to be part of the R3 team." Chief Noakes brings unmatched perspective to his new role. The son of a firefighter and 25 years of his own service with the FWPD, he has a unique understanding of pressures faced by first responders. During his tenure as Chief, he led several wellness-focused initiatives, including the launch of the department's Wellness Unit and the implementation of the Checkpoint system—a tool designed to monitor and support officer wellness. Noakes was instrumental in launching the inaugural R3 program with both FWPD and FWFD, the first partnership of its kind to recognize the urgency of addressing moral injury. "Chief Noakes represents the heart of what AWA stands for—service, integrity, and action. His firsthand experience and deep commitment to first responder wellness make him an extraordinary addition to our team," said AWA Executive Director Anna Heil. "He's not just joining an organization; he's joining a movement to change how we care for those who serve. We are incredibly grateful to have his leadership as we expand the reach and impact of R3." Noakes' professional credentials include: Master's Degree in Criminal Justice and Criminology from Texas Christian University (TCU) Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice Administration from Tarleton State University Associate's Degree from Weatherford College Graduate of TCU's inaugural Leadership, Executive and Administrative Development (LEAD) Program, where he now serves as a cofounder and instructor Graduate of the Southern Police Institute's 137th Administrative Officers Course, a nationally recognized law enforcement leadership program During the 89th Legislative Session, the Texas House and Senate presented official Resolutions establishing the first ever Moral Injury Awareness Day in Texas. The bipartisan effort underscores the state's commitment to raising awareness of the psychological and emotional toll faced by military members, veterans, first responders, frontline professionals and their families. Moral injury, a condition distinct from PTSD, and often considered its precursor, occurs when individuals witness, participate in, or fail to prevent actions that violate their moral values, leading to guilt, shame and moral distress. About R3 – Respond, Restore, Resolve Launched in Fort Worth and powered by the American Warrior Association (AWA), R3 is a pioneering initiative that equips first responders with the tools, support and resources needed to proactively address moral injury and improve mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. The program enhances resilience, reduces absenteeism, and builds healthier departments—ultimately improving service to the community. R3 programming has been adopted by the Fort Worth and Dallas Fire and Police Departments, as well as DFW International Airport, with growing interest from multiple agencies across the state. Earlier this year, the Texas Tactical Police Officers Association (TTPOA) became an R3 Partner. The TTPOA membership base is approximately 5,500 individuals working within 2,300 organizations. About the American Warrior Association The American Warrior Association (AWA) is a Texas-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting our nation's military, veterans, first responders, and their families in mind, body, and soul. As the national steward of the R3 initiative, AWA continues to lead the charge in addressing the long-term wellness of America's frontline professionals. For more information about the R3 initiative, visit: View source version on Contacts Susan K. Medina, 817.707.1306 orBrooke Goggans, 617.680.1048;The Collaborative Sign in to access your portfolio
Business Wire
6 days ago
- Health
- Business Wire
Retired Fort Worth Police Chief Neil Noakes Joins The American Warrior Association as Chief of Strategic Advancement, Marks A New Chapter for Moral Injury Advocacy and First Responder Wellness
FORT WORTH, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Just weeks after Texas lawmakers stood alongside The American Warrior Association (AWA) in support of their program R3: Respond, Restore, Resolve – and first responders – to officially proclaim May 14, 2025, as Moral Injury Awareness Day, retired Fort Worth Police Department (FWPD) Chief Neil Noakes has joined the AWA as its Chief of Strategic Advancement, bringing decades of frontline experience and nationally respected leadership in public safety and officer wellness to advance the R3 program. 'I know the toll this work can take on first responders and their families. When I retired from the FWPD, I hoped to continue serving the community and the profession that's given so much to me. I'm grateful the AWA is the next step,' commented Noakes. Share 'I know the toll this work can take on first responders and their families. When I retired from the FWPD, I hoped to continue serving the community and the profession that's given so much to me. I'm grateful the AWA is the next step,' commented Noakes. 'The R3 program is providing critically important awareness of first responder wellness and the effects of moral injury, while simultaneously breaking the stigma surrounding mental health in the first responder community. I'm so proud and thankful to be part of the R3 team.' Chief Noakes brings unmatched perspective to his new role. The son of a firefighter and 25 years of his own service with the FWPD, he has a unique understanding of pressures faced by first responders. During his tenure as Chief, he led several wellness-focused initiatives, including the launch of the department's Wellness Unit and the implementation of the Checkpoint system—a tool designed to monitor and support officer wellness. Noakes was instrumental in launching the inaugural R3 program with both FWPD and FWFD, the first partnership of its kind to recognize the urgency of addressing moral injury. 'Chief Noakes represents the heart of what AWA stands for—service, integrity, and action. His firsthand experience and deep commitment to first responder wellness make him an extraordinary addition to our team,' said AWA Executive Director Anna Heil. 'He's not just joining an organization; he's joining a movement to change how we care for those who serve. We are incredibly grateful to have his leadership as we expand the reach and impact of R3.' Noakes' professional credentials include: Master's Degree in Criminal Justice and Criminology from Texas Christian University (TCU) Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice Administration from Tarleton State University Associate's Degree from Weatherford College Graduate of TCU's inaugural Leadership, Executive and Administrative Development (LEAD) Program, where he now serves as a cofounder and instructor Graduate of the Southern Police Institute's 137th Administrative Officers Course, a nationally recognized law enforcement leadership program During the 89 th Legislative Session, the Texas House and Senate presented official Resolutions establishing the first ever Moral Injury Awareness Day in Texas. The bipartisan effort underscores the state's commitment to raising awareness of the psychological and emotional toll faced by military members, veterans, first responders, frontline professionals and their families. Moral injury, a condition distinct from PTSD, and often considered its precursor, occurs when individuals witness, participate in, or fail to prevent actions that violate their moral values, leading to guilt, shame and moral distress. About R3 – Respond, Restore, Resolve Launched in Fort Worth and powered by the American Warrior Association (AWA), R3 is a pioneering initiative that equips first responders with the tools, support and resources needed to proactively address moral injury and improve mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. The program enhances resilience, reduces absenteeism, and builds healthier departments—ultimately improving service to the community. R3 programming has been adopted by the Fort Worth and Dallas Fire and Police Departments, as well as DFW International Airport, with growing interest from multiple agencies across the state. Earlier this year, the Texas Tactical Police Officers Association (TTPOA) became an R3 Partner. The TTPOA membership base is approximately 5,500 individuals working within 2,300 organizations. About the American Warrior Association The American Warrior Association (AWA) is a Texas-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting our nation's military, veterans, first responders, and their families in mind, body, and soul. As the national steward of the R3 initiative, AWA continues to lead the charge in addressing the long-term wellness of America's frontline professionals. For more information about the R3 initiative, visit:
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
The night WWE legend Scott Hall killed a man
"Say Hello to the Bad Guys: How Professional Wrestling's New World Order Changed America," the upcoming book written by Marc Raimondi which documents the rise of the legendary nWo faction and the impact it had on the broader world, publishes on Tuesday, June 24. The following is an excerpt detailing the rise of Scott Hall, aka two-time WWE Hall of Fame inductee Razor Ramon, who emerged as a central figure in wrestling's New World Order. Scott Hall was at work the night of January 15, 1983, tending bar at the strip club Thee Dollhouse in Orlando, Florida. He was bracing himself. Hall knew an altercation — 'of course it was over a girl' — was imminent. Advertisement It was early in his shift when Hall got word that the husband of the woman he had been seeing was outside in the parking lot. The man had busted all the windows out of Hall's car, and was fixing to get a piece of Hall next. Hall, a well-built, 6-foot-5 bodybuilder, went outside to confront the man and knocked him down immediately with one punch. The man, named Rodney Perry Turner, reached for a firearm and a struggle ensued. Hall took hold of the gun first — and shot Perry Turner in the head. He died instantly. Hall, then just 24 years old, was charged with second-degree murder. The case against him was later dismissed when sworn testimony was not enough to prosecute. 'I drilled him, and he went down, and his shirt went up and he was reaching for the gun, so I reached for it, too,' Hall recalled. Advertisement A bar employee told the Orlando Sentinel at the time Perry Turner had threatened to kill both Hall and Perry Turner's wife, Carol, when he found out Hall and Carol were dating. Two months earlier, Perry Turner had fatally shot another man. Perry Turner claimed he was attacked after the man made a pass at Carol. Perry Turner was never charged, as the killing was ruled justifiable. 'I should have sought counseling right then, but I didn't know anything,' Hall said. 'I was a kid.' Hall was raised in a military family. He has referred to his father as a 'big shot' in the U.S. Army. Hall's parents and grandparents had issues with alcohol, an addiction that definitely did not skip a generation. Advertisement 'We come from a long line of hard-drinking rednecks,' Hall said. Hall went to high school in Germany where his dad was stationed and moved just about every year before his family settled in Florida when he was a teen. Hall's father was a pro-wrestling fan, and Hall himself wanted to be a wrestler ever since he was eight years old when his dad took him to a hair-versus-hair match. Hall took a piece of the losing wrestler's hair home with him. 'And I just was hooked since then,' Hall said. Hall had spent time working the regional circuit as a wrestler in the 1980s, including a stint in the AWA like Hulk Hogan. Hall had a run with Curt 'Mr. Perfect' Hennig as the AWA tag-team champions, and Verne Gagne then wanted to position Hall as his No. 1 babyface. Hall absolutely looked the part. He was tall and handsome with light brown hair and a bushy mustache. With a wide chest, big arms, and bulging trapezius muscles, Hall looked kind of like a jacked-up Tom Selleck. Razor Ramon makes his entrance at WWF Wrestlemania X8. (George Pimentel via Getty Images) 'When Verne started pushing him to be his top guy, I know other people were going like, 'Oh man, same size as Hogan, better body, better-looking,'' Wrestling Observer Newsletter's Dave Meltzer said. 'But when it didn't work, it was kind of like, 'Oh, he doesn't have charisma.'' Advertisement Things just didn't click for Hall as a generic good guy. The fans didn't get behind him. After taking a hiatus from wrestling, Hall found his way to WCW in 1991. He knew he had to change things up, because regular old Scott Hall, as impressive as he looked with his shirt off, wasn't working. And Hall really committed to changing things up. His new character was called The Diamond Studd. He was a cocky ladies' man with slicked-back black hair, a toothpick between his teeth, and dark sunglasses. The bushy hair and mustache were long gone. The Diamond Studd wore a five o'clock shadow and didn't skip trips to the tanning bed. The leaner Studd looked nothing like 'Big' Scott Hall from the AWA. The Diamond Studd was managed on screen by Diamond Dallas Page, who previously had accompanied the very popular Fabulous Freebirds to the ring. Like Hall, Page had a background in the nightlife industry, managing several Florida clubs. Hall and Page got along well, in the ring and outside of it. And Hall started to have some success in WCW with Page by his side. Hall had size, good looks, and could work an entertaining match in the ring. There might not be a blueprint for wrestling stardom, but he checked a lot of boxes. Still, Hall wasn't being positioned past the early matches on WCW cards. The main event wasn't even in sight. Advertisement That didn't matter to Hall so much. He was grateful just to have the job of his dreams. But Hall and his wife, Dana, had just had their first child, Cody. Making more money to support his growing family would have been nice. So Hall started having conversations with Pat Patterson, McMahon's right-hand man. nWo members Kevin Nash, Scott Hall and Hulk Hogan face off with Lex Luger, The Giant and Booker T during WCW Monday Nitro in February 1997. (WWE via Getty Images) 'Some guys were higher up [in WWF], but everybody was a star,' Hall said. 'So I said, 'I don't have to be a main eventer, I still want to wrestle.' Because even the lower-paid wrestlers are getting paid, and I had no education. So I thought, this is what I still want to do for a living. If I have to be a bottom guy, I'd rather do it for the best company.' 'Bottom guys' in wrestling — or low carders and midcarders — are kind of like the fighters you see on the preliminaries of boxing or UFC events. They're talented enough and have a big enough following to earn a spot on the event, but don't have the skill level or star quality to make the main event. Their main role is to lose to wrestlers tabbed as stars as those would-be stars make their way to a headlining role. Advertisement Hall would never be a 'bottom guy' again. He was pushed near the top of the card immediately in the WWF with a new character: Razor Ramon. Hall, as Ramon, became an arrogant, well-dressed, and villainous Cuban American from Miami. It was basically a rip-off of Al Pacino's suave but brutally violent Tony Montana character in "Scarface," which had gained a renewed cult following a decade after its release. McMahon had never seen the movie and when Hall came to him with the idea, he thought Hall was a genius. For weeks on WWF television there were taped vignettes trumping up his arrival. Hall wore gold chains with an open, button-down shirt revealing his chest hair. He spoke with a fake Cuban accent, called people 'chico,' and borrowed phrases from "Scarface," adding his own spin, like 'say hello to the Bad Guy.' Hall was neither Cuban nor even Hispanic, just like Hogan wasn't actually Irish. In wrestling, everything is about the performance. And Hall was more than believable enough as Razor Ramon.
The Star
6 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Towards responsible pet breeding, sales
BETTY was fast asleep when the clatter of a food bowl stirred her from slumber. A shop worker had entered her glass enclosure, setting down water and a fresh serving of kibble. Roused by the familiar sounds, she began swishing her tail, eyes fixed on the bowl now filled with crunchy promise. With her long fur and striking blue eyes, the Ragdoll cat was once the star of the pet shop in Cyberjaya, Selangor. Two years ago, she was priced at RM3,800. Now older, the tag on the enclosure reads RM1,200. Time is slipping away. It is unclear what fate awaits if no one decides she is cute enough to take home. A worker at the pet shop, who declined to be named, said Betty's price would be reduced further in coming weeks. 'We'll probably let her go for around RM500,' she said, although she could not confirm what would happen if no one bought the cat. Betty's story is not unique. Adoption an option to help animals find a home. — Photos: Filepix and courtesy pic Pets put up for sale tend to get cheaper over time although their maintenance costs remain high. This has raised fears that these animals might be abandoned or worse, euthanised, to cut losses. Pet care proved a lucrative sector when, in 2022, it grew by 25%, according to the Economic Census 2023 conducted by Department of Statistics Malaysia. The largest contributor was pet sales, valued at RM699.4mil, followed by veterinary services (RM219.7mil) and care services (RM38.5mil). To attract shoppers, some shops and breeders even allow purchases through monthly instalments, with payments starting as low as RM80. Animal lovers and activists warn that the country could see a surge in pets – and subsequently abandonment and cruelty cases – if regulations are not tightened. There have also been concerns following reports about breeders using unethical means such as inbreeding to maximise litter output, sending more genetically defective and sickly pets into people's homes. Legal concerns Currently, commercial activities related to pets, such as selling and breeding, are governed under Animal Welfare Act 2015 (AWA) (Act 772). The Act defines breeding as production of offspring with the intention of selling them for profit. It also requires those involved to obtain a licence, according to Dr Saravanakumar Supramaniam Pillai, former Veterinary Services Department (DVS) senior deputy director. He said under AWA, the department was empowered to revoke the licence of breeders or pet shop owners for animal abuse and neglect. 'However, this is not as straightforward as it sounds because once a licence is revoked, DVS would be left in charge of the animals. 'Some quarters may suggest the department take custody of the animals, but that is not sustainable due to limited resources,' he said. Under AWA, the owner or licensee who commits an offence is liable to a fine of between RM15,000 and RM75,000, or jail for no more than two years, or both. Pet shops also require a separate licence from local authorities to operate. Previously, it was reported that Selangor was mulling imposing a ban on the sale of pets, specifically cats and dogs, at pet shops. In June 2023, then Selangor local government, public transportation and new village development committee chairman Ng Sze Han announced that the move was a bid to curb unscrupulous sales by backyard breeders to shops, and encourage the adoption of pets from shelters. However, two years on, there have been no updates from the state government, and the proposal appears to have been shelved. Dr Saravanakumar believes that in an ideal scenario, pet breeders should sell animals directly to prospective owners. Dr Saravanakumar, who is now Farm Animal Welfare, Policy and Engagement for Humane Society International senior adviser, said banning pet sales at shops could prove tricky. 'Pet sales are a major revenue source for shops and many people look to these premises to buy pedigree breeds,' he said. To get a better idea of conditions in which the animals were bred and raised, he encouraged prospective owners to buy directly from breeders. Or, they could opt for adoption and save a life. Conscientious breeding To ensure welfare and ethical practices, Selangor Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) chairman Christine Chin called on the authorities to come up with guidelines to regulate breeding. She said although AWA outlined duty of care for licensees, it was not specific enough in addressing breeding-related activities. Section 24 of AWA requires that animals be kept in appropriate environments, given proper diet, allowed to express natural behaviours and protected from pain. Chin suggested DVS collaborate with animal activists to draft more comprehensive guidelines on breeding. Her chief concern is overbreeding, where females are impregnated repeatedly at short intervals to produce as many litters as possible. Chin is calling on the authorities to come up with guidelines to regulate breeding and promote ethical practices. 'This is physically taxing on the mothers. 'To better ensure their welfare, breeding should be capped at once a year and limited to mothers between two and five years of age,' she said. Chin also raised concerns that some breeders may separate litters from their mothers prematurely to begin another breeding cycle as soon as possible. 'Animals have maternal instincts too and mothers get sad if their litters are taken away too soon,' she added. The Animal Welfare Practice Code (Pets Breeding Activities) released by DVS states that animals used for breeding must be at least 12 weeks old. It adds that kittens and puppies can be weaned at eight weeks old, by which time they can start eating solid food. Preserving lineage, gene Non-profit Malaysia Cat Club committee member Cheong Yuen Wai has been breeding cats since 2014. The club is affiliated with Internationale Feline Federation, a Europe-based registry that maintains pedigree records and cat breed standards, and regulates international cat competitions and programmes. Cheong said he followed strict, self-imposed standards to ensure animals under his care were bred ethically. He also sells them to buyers directly via his cattery without going through pet shops as intermediary. 'I only sell kittens that are four months or older. I also send my cats for medical check-ups regularly. 'Besides separating the males and females, breeding pairs are neutered once they are around seven years of age,' he said, adding that he would rehome the sterilised animals with friends and family. (From left) Cheong and his business partners Faiz Nafedz and Noramin Nordin during a cat competition in Kuala Lumpur. A regular participant in cat competitions both locally and abroad – including in Norway and France – Cheong also vets potential buyers. 'To ensure the cats will be in good hands, I interview the buyers and ask for photos of their homes,' he said. Cheong stressed that as a responsible breeder, his goal was not mass reproduction but ensuring continuation of bloodlines. 'I don't do this for profit. I do it to preserve and prevent certain valuable breeds from going extinct,' he said. A huge fan of the British Shorthair, Cheong said the popular breed came close to vanishing after World War II. 'Due to a very small gene pool, breeders had to cross-breed them with other purebreds to preserve the lineage,' he said. Cheong also bought cats from Ukraine, Russia and Poland, which came with certificates confirming their status as pedigrees. He worked with appointed agents to handle the necessary paperwork with DVS and Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services. Meanwhile, pet shop owner Nazril Abdullah said such businesses could play a role in educating the public on animal care. 'We don't just sell pets. We also give advice to buyers on types of food and toys suitable for their pets,' he said. 'To cultivate trust among customers, we only source animals from responsible breeders.' Nazril added that abandoning or euthanising unsold pets was never an option. 'We do limit the number of animals in our shop to ensure they are sold. 'So far, we have never had issues,' he added. Global approach While Malaysia does not have legislation to curb the sale of cats and dogs at pet shops, some countries, especially in Europe, have implemented bans on such sales to address animal welfare concerns. France implemented a ban on Jan 1, 2024, mandating that sales be made only through registered breeders, while Spain passed the Animal Welfare Law in 2023 with similar limitations. In 2019, the United Kingdom introduced legislation known as Lucy Law requiring prospective owners to obtain pets directly from breeders or adoption centres, while Belgium and Austria implemented a ban on selling puppies and kittens at pet shops in 2008 and 2004, respectively. In Turkiye, the sale of cats and dogs at shops has been banned since 2021 under a law that classifies these animals as living beings rather than commodities. Pet owners are required to have digital ID registration, and penalties are imposed for abuse. The law also mandates that pets be sold only through licensed breeders or designated facilities, aiming to improve animal welfare and reduce abandonment cases. Over in Singapore, the government introduced tighter guidelines for pet sales in 2014, requiring pet shop owners to ensure buyers under 16 are accompanied by an adult. Both shop owner and buyer must also complete a Pet Purchase Declaration to assess suitability, with these measures implemented to prevent impulse buying of pets. Those witnessing animal cruelty can make a report to DVS at
Daily Mirror
22-06-2025
- General
- Daily Mirror
B&Q launches £14 flower which stops cats from pooing in your garden
There are some easy and non-harmful ways to keep cats out of your garden if you notice your lawn is being used as a cat litter tray - and it means you won't be breaking the law either While cats are free to roam the streets and gardens it can be seriously frustrating when they decide to use your garden as a toilet. Cats typically don't tend to go in their own gardens, so instead will venture into the surrounding areas, and if you find yours is a target, there are two certain plants you can grow to ward them off. This cruelty-free trick will make sure cats steer clear of your garden and protect your plants and soil from being a litter tray. By planting a lemon balm or a lemon thyme bush, it will ensure the felines stay away thanks to the fragranced leaves. A lemon balm plant is an easy bushy perennial herb to grow as it can thrive in different conditions. It also has antiviral and antibacterial properties and the leaves release a strong lemon fragrance when they are bruised. Lemon balm's prefer sun or partial shade with well-drained and moist soil. If planted correctly, the lemon balm plant can grow rapidly, and is ideal for filling up a blank area of the garden. It's a perennial which means it will grow back every year with its impressive lemon-scented leaves, and also produces creamy-white or pale purple flowers in summer which honey bees love too. Not only will it keep cats away thanks to it's citrus scent and texture, the leaves can also be used in cooking to give a zesty taste to all kinds of salads, homemade sauces and fish dishes. It can also make a refreshing herbal tea or great in a jug of Pimms. The leaves can also act as a mosquito repellent if rubbed onto the skin. The plants can be placed in pots around the garden, or specifically in areas where cats target and you can buy it from B&Q in a 9cm pot for £13.99. Alternatively, Lemon thyme is a hardy plant that can also thrive in various conditions making it a reliable and safe plant for keen gardeners that will last for years. It produces small tubular pink or lilac flowers in early to mid-summer and is a plant that attracts bees and butterflies, but because of it's citrus scent, cats stay away from it. According to the RSPCA, cats are protected by law and are free to roam, which may result in wandering into other peoples gardens or allotments, but people can only deter them in non-harmful ways which won't cause pain or distress. Homeowners are warned that causing unnecessary suffering to a cat is an offence under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 (AWA). It may also be an offence to put down snares, poison or an unlicensed deterrent. Other fragrant plants to deter cats Lavender Rosemary Rue Catnip Pennyroyal Oregano Curry plant
