Volume 41, No. 9
A worldwide publication telling the Army Medicine Story ARMY MEDICINE MERCURY CONTENTS DEPARTMENTS
FEATURE
ON THE COVER: Sgt. Connor Loehr (kneeling), Radiology Specialist at Bayne-Jones Army Community Hospital, Fort Polk, won MEDCOM’s Best Warrior Competition NCO for 2014. 2 | ARMYMEDICINE.MIL ARMY MEDICINE MERCURY US ARMY MEDICAL COMMAND ARMY MEDICINE PRIORITIES
Commander COMBAT CASUALTY CARE Lt. Gen. Patricia D. Horoho Army Medicine personnel, services, and doctrine that save Service members’ and DOD Civilians’ lives and maintain their health in all operational environments. Director of Communications Col. Jerome L. Buller Chief, MEDCOM Public READINESS AND HEALTH OF THE FORCE Affairs Officer Army Medicine personnel and services that maintain, restore, and improve the Jaime Cavazos deployability, resiliency, and performance of Service members. Editor Valecia L. Dunbar, D.M.
Graphic Designers READY & DEPLOYABLE MEDICAL FORCE Jennifer Donnelly AMEDD personnel who are professionally developed and resilient, and with their units, Rebecca Westfall are responsive in providing the highest level of healthcare in all operational environments.
The MERCURY is an HEALTH OF FAMILIES AND RETIREES authorized publication Army Medicine personnel and services that optimize the health and resiliency of Families for members of the U.S. and Retirees. Army Medical Department, published under the authority of AR 360-1. Contents are not necessarily official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. SOCIAL MEDIA CENTER Government, Department of Defense, Department of the Army, or this command. FOLLOW US ON The MERCURY is published Army Medicine monthly by the Directorate of Communications, U.S. Army LTG Patricia D. Horoho Medical Command, 2748 CSM Donna A. Brock Worth Road Ste 11, Fort Sam Houston, TX 78234-6011. BE CONNECTED ON Questions, comments or submissions for the Army Medicine MERCURY should be directed to the editor at 210-221-6722 (DSN 471-7), SEE WHAT’S PLAYING ON or by email; Army Medicine EXPLORE OUR PHOTOS ON The deadline is 25 days before Army Medicine the month of publication. Unless otherwise indicated, all photos are U.S. Army photos. The MERCURY submission START PINNING TODAY ON and style guide can be accessed Army Medicine JOIN THE CONVERSATION ON Army Medicine
3 | ARMYMEDICINE.MIL TSG SPEAKS! Inspiring Each Other Toward Wellness By Hope Myers, Fort Bragg Paraglides For the busy military spouse, it’s hard has been great so far. Hearing about the to get away from a hectic schedule. importance of sleep and nutrition is a Between work, school, childcare, and a great reminder about having a balanced million other responsibilities, wellness can lifestyle.” often be a trophy in the closet. Though During the course of the day, spouses rewarding, it’s difficult to find time to take were bussed between Hercules Physical care of oneself. Fitness Center and the Family Readiness The Spouse Wellness Conference on Group Center. Seminars at the center May 9, gave spouses a chance to kick off focused on everything from healthy sleep the dust and get back into fitness. From habits to aromatherapy and super foods, kickboxing to line dancing at Hercules while the fitness classes at Hercules PFC Physical Fitness Center, Fort Bragg featured everything from self-defense spouses got the opportunity to enjoy a classes, line dancing, to cross fit. whole day focused on health. Line dancing was the most popular The surgeon general of the Army, Lt. activity. Spouses stomped the floor of Gen. Patricia Horoho, opened the day Lt. Gen. Patricia D. Horoho the basketball court, swaying to the pop with a keynote speech at the Family music and the steady beat of the boom Readiness Group Center. She emphasized Rachelle Wade and Carmen Miller box. the importance of the Performance understand the importance of teamwork. “If fitness was always this fun, I Triad, highlighting health in mind, “We work in a dental clinic on post. wouldn’t want to stop,” said Kristina soul, and body. Horoho also stressed Sometimes the work can be very stressful, Sabatini, who stayed at the gym all day the importance of sleep and exercise, so we decided to get out and take a day to and ran from cross fit to boot camp challenging spouses to start tracking their ourselves and our wellness,” Wade said. classes. “This is a great way to get back steps daily. Her goal — take 10,000 steps “I’m looking forward to line dancing into fitness and meet new people.” every day. the most,” said Miller. “This morning “Today is so powerful,” said Horoho. “Many of these spouses are dealing with deployments, and they’re using the time apart to improve their health. There isn’t a better way to spend your time than focusing on health and wellness.” The Healthy Base Initiative has helped with an exponential reduction in weight and a 63 percent decrease in high cholesterol and blood pressure in bases across the United States. Working together towards healthy goals has inspired Soldiers and spouses to wellness. “People feel better doing things together,” said Horoho. “It inspires them to make changes they might not do on their own. That is why today is so important. These spouses help each other Army Surgeon General, Lt. Gen. Patricia Horoho speaks to an audience of military spouses on the value of sleep, activity, and nutrition, key tenets of the Performance Triad, during the Spouse Wellness Conference along toward wellness.” at Fort Bragg, N.C., May 9.
4 | ARMYMEDICINE.MIL It brings me great pleasure to share with you “Our Health, Our Future: 43rd Surgeon General.” This booklet was designed to inform our partners in health - Service Members, Families, Retirees, and Civilians about our transformation from a healthcare system to a System for Health whose focus is disease prevention and wellness. Our System for Health is nested with the Army’s Ready and Resilient Campaign and is an integration of programs, policies, and initiatives to advance disease prevention and improve the health, resilience, and readiness of our Army Family. Increasingly the Army and National conversation is turning to health. We need to keep this momentum going. We are making great strides in extending our touch points into the Lifespace - where health happens based on our daily choices. My intent is to lead this cultural change and embed into the DNA of the Army Family the Performance Triad behaviors of improved Sleep, Activity, and Nutrition. Through persistent effort and commitment from all of us, we can lead the Army and Nation in this movement.
For your convenience, an electronic version is also available on the Army Medicine Web site at www.armymedicine.mil.
Army Medicine is, Serving to Heal...Honored to Serve. v/r, Lt. Gen. Patricia D. Horoho
AMEDD GLOBAL June 3: Veterinary Corps celebrates 98 years of service U.S. Army Medical Command and the Office of the Surgeon General wish the Army Veterinary Corps a happy anniversary as they celebrate 98 years of faithful service on June 3. Since the Army Veterinary Corps was established in 1916, the Corps has proven to be a key enabler of safe and healthy operations for Soldiers and their Families. Military veterinary supervision at ration assembly and distribution points is critical to ensuring safe, wholesome food for our deployed service members. They also play a vital role in the health and safety of all military working animals. The Veterinary Corps helps to maximize available personnel strength, prevent disease and injury, and build resiliency. Their contributions are vital to ensuring we maintain a Ready and Healthy Force and for the Health of our Families and Retirees.
June 14: The U.S. Army celebrates 239 years of service On Saturday June 14th, we proudly celebrate the 239th birthday of the United States Army. For more than two centuries, the Nation has entrusted the Army with preserving its peace and freedom, and defending its democracy. Since 1775, American Soldiers have been the strength of our Nation. Our Soldiers are driven by the ideals of the warrior ethos and commit themselves to succeeed in any mission our Nation gives them. Our Soldiers believe that our constitution and the freedom it guarantees are worth fighting for. They sacrifice their personal comfort and safety to answer a higher calling - service in the cause of freedom, both at home and abroad. Command Sgt. Maj. Brock and I continue to be amazed at the professionalism and dedication of our Army and also the Soldiers and Civilians who comprise Army Medicine. Together, We are Serving to Heal...Honored to Serve.
June 30: Medical Service Corps celebrates 97 years of service On June 30, the Medical Service Corps celebrates its 97th anniversary. The history of the Medical Service Corps is one of achievement - achievement that continues to keep our Soldiers and their Families free from illness and safe from harm. Members of the Medical Service Corps continue to be on point in providing the world’s finest Combat Casualty Care and are critical to ensuring we have a Ready and Healthy Force and Healthy Families and Retirees. Our nation and your fellow team members at U.S. Army Medical Command thank you for your efforts in implementing the Performance Triad - helping the entire Army Family to practice better Sleep, Activity, and Nutrition habits. You will be the strongest pillar of Army Medicine as we create the Army of 2020 - an Army that is fit and responsive to America’s global needs. We thank you for all you do for Army Medicine, our Army, and for our Soldiers.
AMEDD Historic Ambulance Army Medicine WWI ambulance in the National Memorial Day Parade, in Washington, D.C., May 26. Driving the ambulance is Capt. Craig Calkins, the assistant driver is Andy Watson. The vehicle is a 1916, Model T Ford Army Ambulance, it belongs to the U.S. Army Medical Department (AMEDD) Center of History & Heritage. Visit Flickr for more information at: https://www.flickr. com/photos/armymedicine/14281888712/in/set-72157644876268644 (Photo by Chris Isleib)
Surgeon General for the Royal Thai Army (RTA) Visits Tripler Lt. Gen. Terrayudh Sasiprapha (left), surgeon general for the Royal Thai Army (RTA) Medical Department along with members of his medical team tour the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) during a recent visit to Tripler Army Medical Center. The visit was part of a larger stop to the Pacific where RTA officials met with local military leaders to maintain a strong alliance and partnership while promoting regional security and stability in the region. (U.S. Army photo by Ana Allen, PRMC)
7 | ARMYMEDICINE.MIL AMEDD GLOBAL FEATURE Army Surgeon General Hosts Rare Convening of Medical Commanders By Valecia L. Dunbar, D.M., Army Medicine Public Affairs More than 350 leaders of military general’s initiative to improve stamina, working to drive ourselves out of business, medicine convened at Fort Sam Houston, readiness, and health through quality then we are not serving our customers.” Texas, May 15 for a two-day leadership sleep, enhanced activity, and improved The transformation of MEDCOM and training conference that was rare in nutrition. The Performance Triad directly is grounded in the successful both its occurrence and its agenda which supports the Army’s Ready and Resilient implementation of the Operating challenged leaders to “ask the questions Campaign and the Comprehensive Company (OC) model which will enable that would get them fired.” Soldier and Family Fitness (CSF2) Army Medicine to move toward a System In this provocative context, Army Program. for Health through the integration and Surgeon General, Lt. Gen. Patricia The training session was an opportunity standardization of processes across the Horoho invited leaders to think critically to invite tactical level leaders to form organization. According to the Army without repercussion and set the tone for “silos of influence,” said Horoho, that Medicine 2020 Campaign Plan, the OC a discussion on the “signals of change” will broaden group interaction and framework is designed around integrated, that question the nation’s need for Army information sharing to better disseminate standardized, and clearly defined processes Medicine capabilities in the future. key messages across tactical, operational, across the organization, performance “We are seen through the lens of public and strategic levels. Horoho called for metrics, and decision making; thereby healthcare and we are seeing small signals the proactive alignment of strategic driving accountability and a high focus of change for which we need to be in a capabilities to address readiness and skill and priority given to process quality, position to respond,” said Horoho. sustainment across MEDCOM and have repeatability, and standards to drive a The ability of U.S. Army Medical a direct impact on service delivery to more better, more consistent patient experience Command (MEDCOM) to meet than 3.9 million beneficiaries worldwide. while also containing costs. future needs rests in the transformation “No other provider can deliver the The CP end state is a System for Health of Army Medicine from a healthcare services and capabilities that we can,” said that enables Ready and Resilient Soldiers, system, which focuses on treatment of Horoho. “What we need to talk about is Families, and communities in order to disease, to a System for Health which how we ascertain our value, because what Prevent, Shape, and Win our nation’s focuses on disease prevention. A key we have really been working towards is wars. component of the System for Health is to make ourselves obsolete. That should the Performance Triad, the Army surgeon be our goal because if we have not been
Lt. Gen. Patricia Horoho, Army surgeon general and commanding general U.S. Army Medical Command, delivers her opening remarks on the changing environment of military medical readiness and the future of healthcare during a rare convening of more than 350 military medical leaders attending the Army Medical Command Team Leader Development and Training Session (CTLDTS) held May 15-16 at JBSA Fort Sam Houston, Texas. (U.S. Army photo by Dr. Valecia Dunbar, Army Medicine Public Affairs) 8 | ARMYMEDICINE.MIL AMEDD GLOBAL
Army Medicine Communication Blockers: Debunking the Myths in Healthcare Messaging By Lori Geckle, OTSG Strategic Risk Communication Specialist & Valecia L. Dunbar, D.M., Army Medicine Public Affairs
Each of us sends and receives calls for communication to be weaved Myth # 1: Communication is thousands of pieces of information every into everything we do: “DOD must complete when a press release is day, whether it’s through conversations, establish a culture that recognizes the distributed, information is posted briefings, the media, food labels, or value of communication and integrates online, etc. advertisements. The average American communication considerations into Fact: Although messages and consumes approximately 100,500 words policy development, operational information are vital elements of any and 34 gigabytes of information (almost planning, execution and assessment.” communication effort, distributing a 12 hours) each day according to the GAO also notes that “DOD is seeking fact sheet, communication plan, or press Global Information Industry Center to approach strategic communication release does not correlate to effective (2009). Information is unavoidable, as a process that leaders, planners and communication. The communication yet effective communication can operators should follow to integrate process should involve deliberate efforts still be difficult to execute due to audience and stakeholder perceptions to define goals and objectives; assess misconceptions, misinterpretation, into policymaking, planning, and audience needs, expectations, knowledge, and mismanagement of information operations at every level” (GAO strategic etc.; identify potential communication processes. communication review, 2012). risks and/or gaps; deliver information This article addresses three Despite overwhelming guidance (through both information channels communication myths to help establish and academic research supporting and in person); and assess effectiveness. a common operating picture throughout the integration and execution Communication must involve messages the enterprise; update and advance Army of communication at all levels, and products, but actions, behaviors, Medicine communication processes; communication is too often delegated to and decision-making processes also and better align Army Medicine public affairs staff at the end of a project, contribute to the full picture of Army communication practices with existing and executed as a one-time event. The Medicine communication: policy and guidance. The Office of the critical nature of current communication “Communication is not merely a Secretary of Defense’s (OSD) Roadmap environments dictate that Army matter of what is said; it is also, perhaps for Strategic Communication (2006) Medicine update our command culture:
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Debunking the Myth
primarily, a matter of what is done …” communication SMEs. dedicated focus and attention to ensure (U.S. Joint Forces Command strategic Fact: It will take the “whole village” messaging and products are relevant communication handbook 2010, pg. to achieve communication success, and accurate. But focusing on only P-1). particularly in the current environment one project at a time results in missed Sustaining an information-centric of budget constraints, uncertainties, opportunities to demonstrate project communication approach only reinforces consolidations, and transformation. interconnectedness and the supporting habitual thinking about communication, Command communication staff relationships to priority missions. For and could eventually inhibit and subject matter experts should example, when briefing on planned communication success in the midst of be equal partners in jointly shaping facility consolidations, consider today’s fast-paced and rapidly changing the communication landscape. communicating about Army Medicine communication environment. Instead, Communication staff is responsible initiatives that promote better health communication should be viewed for shaping, guiding, and facilitating while decreasing the need for medical as a cyclical process where time and information delivery (Tell the Army care (e.g., The Performance Triad, Army resources are dedicated to define agreed- Medicine Story); advising Commanders Wellness Centers, Patient-Centered upon objectives; identify audiences on strategic and operational Medical Homes). When talking and characterize audience attributes communications matters; developing about TSG’s top priorities (Combat (e.g., knowledge levels, information clear and actionable strategies to Casualty Care, Readiness and Health sources, attitudes, perceptions); and synchronize communication throughout of the Force, Ready and Deployable identify potential barriers to then the Command; characterizing the Medical Force, Health of Families and improve communication planning and media environment; and helping to Retirees), consider explaining how execution. One significant action to increase health awareness. Subject Army Medicine experts are supporting improve communication success is to matter experts are responsible for the Soldier 2020 campaign to match remove social media prohibitions. The providing message content; integrating the right Soldier to the right job (e.g., removal of these barriers in the midst of communication factors into the military injury prevention, gender integration a communication revolution enables an decision-making process (MDMP); study). When engaging with a patient environment of trust and credibility by identifying relevant communication about recent test results, consider allowing people to interactively engage in venues to communicate information/ sharing Performance Triad messages a robust communication process. Once messages; and helping to shape team about the importance of good nutrition disseminated, communication outcomes understanding of audience perception and sleep habits, and their impact on should then be assessed internally and and attitudes to improve message overall health. externally to identify best practices and resonance. In reality, every MEDCOM It’s time to move MEDCOM areas for improvement to apply to future staff member has a communication communication processes into the communication initiatives. role by respectfully interacting with 21st century to accommodate the The Performance Triad team co-workers, patients, and visitors; ever-expanding and interactive has successfully executed a cyclical communicating a positive first nature of today’s human interactions. communication process by actively impression of Army Medicine; and by Communicating the right message soliciting and integrating key audience cascading Army Medicine messages to to the right audience at the right feedback into subsequent messages others. As Army Medicine continues time by the right messenger through and products. Performance Triad to lead the Army toward a System the right mechanism requires a communication materials, which provide for Health, communication can and collaborative communication a balance between what’s important to should be a shared responsibility, the approach. Strengthening the equal both experts and audiences, are now thread that connects people, tasks, and partnership between subject matter and being used Army-wide to further embed mission. communication experts will help lay the the concept of health into the Army’s foundation for communication success, DNA. Myth #3: Topics and messages and ultimately better support execution should be communicated as stand- of the Army Medicine 2020 Campaign Myth #2: The communication alone items one at a time. objectives. mission is the sole responsibility Fact: Certainly, all Army and Army of public affairs officers/ surgeon general (TSG) priorities deserve
10 | ARMYMEDICINE.MIL AMEDD GLOBAL The Tempel Legacy: Approaching a Century of Service to Army Medicine By Valecia L. Dunbar, D.M., Army Medicine Public Affairs
When Col. Thomas R. Tempel Jr. the only multigenerational medical Gen. Thomas R. Tempel Sr., was chief was promoted to Maj. Gen. on May department family of major generals. of the Army Dental Corps from 1990- 14, 2014, and appointed chief, U.S. “It’s scary when you put it in that 1994, and also deputy surgeon general Army Dental Corps, it marked a period context,” says Retired Maj. Gen. from 1993 -1996. Tempel Jr. is a third- of reflection for more than 93 years Thomas R. Tempel. “But, it’s also a generation Army medic and Army of service to Army Medicine given reflection of the values that are part general building on the legacy his through a family lineage consisting of of our family tradition. Those values grandfather, Maj. Gen. Carl Tempel, three Army generals contributing to are faith, love, integrity, loyalty, duty, who was a World War II leader and nearly a century of medical research, respect, courage, and selfless service.” pioneer in tuberculosis research. He treatment, and Soldier medical and “It adds up to unconditional caring would serve in the U.S. Army Medical dental care worldwide. and devotion to Army Soldiers,” said Corps for 33 years from 1929 to 1962. Sitting in the office of the U.S. Army Tempel Jr. Thomas R. Tempel Sr. entered the Dental Command (DENCOM) on Maj. Gen. Tempel Jr. is outgoing U.S. Army Dental Corps in 1963 as the eve of an historic moment in Army commander of the U.S. Army Dental a captain. His wife, Elaine, a dental Medicine, both the son and father were Command, JBSA Fort Sam Houston, hygienist, gave birth to their firstborn, asked to give their thoughts on their Texas, and is the second Tempel to Thomas Jr., in 1965 in Heidelberg, more than 90-year legacy and being lead the Dental Corps. His father, Maj. Germany, where Thomas Sr. was the division dental surgeon, 8th Infantry Division and clinic chief, Colman Dental Clinic respectively between 1964 -1967. In 1971, he completed his residency at Walter Reed Army Medical Center as a clinical periodontist and guest scientist at the National Institutes of Health. He was later board certified and published numerous articles on Immunological aspects of inflammatory disease. Upon promotion to Brig. Gen., Thomas R. Tempel Sr. was assigned as deputy commander of the 7th Medical Command in Heidelberg, Germany, which provided medical, dental, and veterinary services to U.S. forces in Europe. He worked with the commander in the training and deployments of dentists, veterinarians, a Black Hawk medical evacuation battalion, and chemical/biological detection unit for Operation Desert
Col. (P) Thomas R. Tempel Jr. and Retired Maj. Gen. Thomas R. Tempel stand in front of the Army Dental Storm. When these forces deployed Command crest May 14, the eve of Col. (P) Tempel’s promotion to major general and chief of the Army Den- from Germany, Tempel Sr. was tal Corps, a position held by Tempel Sr. from 1990-1994 and as deputy surgeon general from 1993-1996. The pair represent more than 93 years of service to Army Medicine by three generations of Army generals promoted to major general on Dec. beginning with Carl Tempel (father of Tempel Sr.) who entered the U.S. Army Medical Corps in 1929 and 1, 1990, and he became the assistant rose to become the Army surgeon general’s director of professional services, a leader in tuberculosis re- search and treatment, and a Maj. Gen. and commander of Fitzsimons General Hospital. (U.S. Army photo by Dr. Valecia Dunbar, MEDCOM Public Affairs)
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The Tempel Legacy surgeon general for dental services Jr. “While my dad didn’t carry my which follows the tenets of sleep, and the twenty-first chief, Army rucksack, he sure filled it with the activity, and nutrition as three pillars Dental Corps. After 33 years of values and model of character that I for improving health in the Lifespace – service culminating with three years think led me to this day. My mom the amount of time spent outside of a of exemplary leadership as deputy and dad also served as wonderful role doctor’s care. surgeon general, Tempel Sr. retired on models for Kathy and I as an Army “Another aspect of the Lifespace is March 31, 1996. couple.” the 45 minutes in dental care system Tempel Jr. was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Medical Service Corps in 1987 and then attended the University of Maryland Dental School where he would receive his dental degree in 1991. Influenced by a cadre of Ranger and Special Forces Vietnam Veterans that supported his Army ROTC program, Tempel Jr. entered the Army with two goals – becoming the best dentist he could and becoming a Special Forces officer. He completed his dental residency at Ft. Jackson and then completed the Special Forces Assessment and Selection followed by the Detachment Officers Qualification Course earning the Green Beret. “It was the hardest thing I ever had to do physically and mentally, but also it was A photograph of young Thomas R. Tempel Jr. shows his knack for dentistry while little brother Carl says ‘AH’ the most rewarding,” said Tempel Jr. during a visit to Tempel Sr.’s office at Walter Reed Medical Center during the time the family was stationed “However, it taught me to work hard there from 1971 to 1975. (U.S. Army photo by Dr. Valecia Dunbar, Army Medicine Public Affairs) and if you do your best, your work will speak for you.” As he reflects on his career, Tempel when the dental hygienist is talking Tempel Jr. assumed command of the Jr. is most proud of his work to build to the patient,” said Tempel Jr. “The 464th MED CO (Dental Service) from teams of officers, noncommissioned dental team has been very instrumental June 2003 to January 2006 including a officers, and civilians that have allowed in positively impacting the Lifespace of year in Iraq as the 464th Commander DENCOM to take care of Soldiers. patients.” and MNC-I Dental Surgeon with TF “It takes a very accomplished team The Go First Class initiative is a 44th MEDCOM. He then attended to deliver the level of care that we do. holistic process that aims to increase the Army War College in Carlisle, You don’t always get to pick your team health and save costs. “When dad Pa., after which he served as the Fort members, but I’ve used the principals was chief, and for years afterward, our Meade Dental Activity Commander that my family taught me to help bring Class 1 status which signifies a patient through June 2010. He later served out the best in people,” says Tempel Jr. is in complete dental health was at as commander, Northern Regional “I do the best I can to take care of the 20 percent. Now, with this program, Dental Command and director of Soldiers.” we’re up to 50 percent,” said Tempel the Readiness Division for Northern As outgoing DENCOM commander, Jr. “That means it is becoming less Regional Medical Command. His Tempel leaves behind his team’s likely for a Soldier to be taken out of last assignment was DENCOM benchmark “Go First Class” initiative combat because of something such Commander. which changed the focus of dental as a toothache. He adds that over “The only thing easy about growing care from treatment to prevention. the past two years, DENCOM has up as a general’s kid is knowing The initiative is in step with the Army saved over a million hours of training what right looks like,” says Tempel surgeon general’s Performance Triad
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The Tempel Legacy time “through innovation and process environment as highly collaborative, he describes as “incredibly challenging” improvements that will align with the innovative, and which takes a holistic but fulfilling because it gave him the transformation of Army Medicine from approach to healthcare management. opportunity to refine and hone in his a healthcare system, which focuses on The new Dental Corps chief readily passion for building teams. treatment of disease, to a System for describes a process where dentists “Leading change is an area I’m Health which focuses on wellness and are working with dieticians and very interested in,” says Tempel Jr. prevention.” nutritionists as partners in prevention, “The future will definitely be more “We are looking at the entire medical as well as with physicians to identify joint-service with the establishment model and rethinking how we view lifestyle choices that may serve as of Defense Health Agency and the healthcare. This is really exciting stuff,” indicators leading to poor health. creation of multiservice markets. Tri- said Tempel Jr. Tempel says the future goal in the service cooperation is critical and we Continuing the Legacy delivery of dental care is to enter the will have to learn to work together.” As the 27th chief of the Dental Lifespace and expand opportunities As Tempel looks to the future, he Corps, Tempel Jr. reflects on the values to impact prevention and generate says he will miss the face-to-face time his grandfather and father taught him healthier outcomes. spent with his patients. “The one and the way forward in his roles as a One role that is exciting to the challenge for clinicians as they progress general officer and chief of the Army third-generation Army general is the to each level of leadership is the Dental Corps. opportunity to build teams in the altered balance of time you spend with His vision is to lead efforts that multiservice market. He references patients,” said Tempel Jr. “But, you place prevention at the forefront of his past experience as the senior can solve problems at each level. In the dental health system. Tempel Army dentist for the National Capital this new role, I’m helping hundreds of characterizes this first-class oral health Region’s Dental Advisory Board which patients at a time verses one-on-one.” CONNECT WITH ARMY MEDICINE
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AMEDD GLOBAL ‘Soldier for Life’ website to be new online home for retirees By C. Todd Lopez, Army News Service
The Army’s “Soldier for Life” website, there to a commercial account. The Future upgrades to the Soldier for launched recently, is designed to be a AKO website will continue forwarding Life website might include a “white new online home for retired Soldiers. emails to commercial accounts until pages” feature similar to what was one The Army’s web portal “Army Dec. 31. available on AKO, Overberg said. The Knowledge Online” -- better known as Overberg suggests Retirees and Family difference will be that the white pages- “AKO” -- has been available to Retirees members set up a free commercial email style directory will include only those and Family members for many years account to replace what AKO used to Retirees who “opted in” to the listing. now. However, the Army is transitioning provide for them. He said after setting Also under consideration for inclusion to a more secure enterprise network up such an account, they should notify in the next-generation of the site is for business users -- Soldiers, Army family, friends, and professional contacts a “Retired Soldiers Blog,” Overberg Civilians, and contractors. about the new email address. said. “The intent of this blog will be to Retirees will continue to be able to Additionally, he said, Retirees and provide a three-way communication: the access important information about Family members should contact any Army to retired Soldiers, retired Soldiers the Army, and information pertaining businesses or other websites where the to the Army, and retired Soldiers to to health, retirement, employment AKO email address is a part of their other retired Soldiers.” and education benefits online at www. contact information and update it to Overberg said that commenters to soldierforlife.army.mil. reflect the new email address. blog posts will be limited to those who Mark E. Overberg, who serves as One such site in particular to update, have retired from the Army. “When deputy chief of Army Retirement he said, is the Defense Finance and somebody posts a comment, we’ll want Services, said the new website will allow Accounting Service’s “MyPay” website, to make sure they are a retired Soldier.” “ongoing communications with the where Retirees and Soldiers alike Part of making that happen, he said, is retired community.” can look at their leave and earnings ironing out the technical details of how In February, the Army Retirement statements and other important to authenticate retired Soldiers on the Services office was moved under the documents. site. That might include integration of newly created Soldier for Life program, To ensure that DFAS can contact services from DOD Self-service Logon. because retired Soldiers are “a part of the them, retired Soldiers should visit the Overberg also said that the “Soldier whole Soldier lifecycle -- the last part of “MyPay” site and ensure that a new for Life” website has been designed to the Soldier lifecycle,” said Overberg. or non-AKO email address is listed. be easier to use than AKO. He said he Right now on the website, Retirees Overberg said that today, some 500,000 has heard complaints from Retirees that can also opt-in to receive a newsletter Army Retirees have MyPay accounts. AKO was too complex -- and so they that lets them know what’s going on Of those, he said, about 350,000 are stayed away from the site. in the Army “with a primary focus on still registered there with their AKO- news that retired Soldiers care about,” provided email address. By not signing MORE THAN JUST RETIREES Overberg said. up for a commercial email service and The “Soldier for Life” program, and updating business account information, its website, is about more than just EMAIL CHANGES former AKO users risk not receiving Retirees. In fact, the Retiree program On AKO Retirees and Family important notifications. was just recently folded into the SFL members had access to web-based email program. services that gave them a “.mil” email FUTURE SITE “Soldier for Life,” is in fact about address. Currently Retirees and Family Right now, the Soldier for Life website the entire “lifecycle” of being a Soldier: members are no longer able to send is extremely new. Overberg said the site from the moment a Soldier shows up at email from their AKO accounts or read is only in “stage one” of its development. basic training: “Start Strong;” to the day emails within the site. What they are But, he said there are several ideas about they arrive at their first command and still able to do, however, is instruct AKO what will be brought aboard as the site’s begin their Army career: “Serve Strong;” to forward any emails they might receive development progresses into “phase two.”
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Soldier for Life
to the moment they make the decision outreach director of the Army’s “Soldier Reserve,” Angulo added. “We also to transition from a uniform-wearing for Life” program, said the SFL program provide access to information and Soldier back into a productive member and its website aims to serve those in all links to resources for those preparing of civilian society: “Reintegrate Strong;” four phases of being a Soldier. to transition to civilian life. Now with to the final separation or retirement “We want to attract talented young retirement services joining the “Soldier from Army service and transition into men and women to join the Army,” he for Life” program, we can now provide an example in their community about said. services and information for those who what it means to be a Soldier: “Remain “The new site provides current have retired from the Army, but remain Strong.” information and links to resources Soldiers for life.” Lt. Col. Wenceslao G. Angulo, who for all Soldiers, which include active serves as the communications and duty, Army National Guard and Army
“The willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war, no matter how justified, shall be directly proportional to how they perceive the Veterans of earlier wars were treated and appreciated by their nation.” -General George Washington, November 10th, 1781
Retirees will continue to be able to access important information about the Army, and information pertaining to health, retirement, employment and education bene- fits online at www.soldierforlife.army.mil. 16 | ARMYMEDICINE.MIL How much fluid do I really need during my race or workout? Q’s and A’s By Lt. Col. John Ruibal, Deputy Director, U.S. Military Baylor University Graduate Program In Nutrition
How much fluid do I really need to electrolytes and prevent runners from during the workout. Now all I have to do drink during my race or workout? losing more than 2 percent of their body is plug the numbers in to the calculation: This first response is now outdated, I’ll weight while running. In my example: 152 – 149 = 3, share it anyway: To accomplish this goal runners multiply this by 16 to give you 48 and Prior to 2007, guidelines from the should start their workouts and races then add 12 for the ounces of water Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics “euhydrated,” a fancy term for pre‐ consumed during the run. That gives me and the American Academy of Sports hydrated. I recommend that you hydrate a sweat rate of 60 ounces of fluid lost per Medicine recommended the following: up to thirty minutes prior to your hour. 1. Drink 16‐20 ounces of water or sports workout and then wait to drink after you Now, remember that I said you need drink an hour prior to your workout. have started running. This will allow you to replace at least 75 percent of fluid lost 2. During the race or workout, drink to use the restroom prior to hitting the during the run, which means I should another 7‐10 ounces every 15 minutes of starting line. consume between 45 and 60 ounces exercise. During your workout you should drink of fluid per hour to stay hydrated. 3. After the workout or race, drink 24 to replace a minimum of 75 percent of Fluids should be consumed every 15 ounces for every pound lost during the race your sweat loss during your workout. minutes during the workout, so in this or workout. After that, you should rehydrate to your example 12‐15 ounces of fluid should be As I said, these “one‐size‐fits‐all” pre‐workout weight before your next consumed every 15 minutes. guidelines on hydration have been workout. Of course, this answer leads to Finally, don’t forget about electrolyte updated to help each athlete determine a a new question: balance! If you are working out longer more customized approach to hydration. “How do I know how much fluid I lose than an hour, make sure to consume The overall goal, based on current during my workout?” some form of electrolytes either in the research, is to help each runner balance Simple! You calculate your sweat rate. form of a sports drink or electrolyte tablet To do that, you will need the following or capsules. numbers: The final thing to remember is to A – Your pre‐workout weight (record your rehydrate to your pre‐workout weight weight in pounds before your workout) before your next workout. So to answer B – Your post‐workout weight (towel off, your question, how much do you have to put on dry clothes, and record your weight drink during a workout? Your answer is in pounds after your workout) in your sweat test. C – The ounces that you drank during your workout John Ruibal, MS, RD, CSSD, LD, is a Next, plug those numbers into the registered dietitian and is board‐certified sweat rate formula: (A – B) x 16 + C = in sports nutrition from the Academy of Sweat loss per hour in ounces. Nutrition and Dietetics. He has been Here is an example: My pre‐workout running for more than 40 years and weight was 152 pounds (A), and my coaching for 25. post‐workout weight was 149 pounds (B). I drank 12 ounces (C) of water
17 | ARMYMEDICINE.MIL Army Medicine Hosts Performance Triad kickoff events June 2-6
Health is personal and each of us What does health look like to you? defines it in our own way. Health is more Share your thoughts with us at http:// than the absence of illness; achieving armymedicine.mil. better health means taking a proactive approach to your well-being. This RESOURCES FOR HEALTH includes quality sleep, regular activity, The System for Health is a partnership and good nutrition. Combined, these among Soldiers, Families, leaders, health elements make up the Army Performance teams and communities. Triad and can apply to everyone! Use the following resources to support Army Medicine will host Performance healthy sleep, activity, and nutrition for Triad kick-off events June 2-6. Look you and your Family. for information at your local Military *Visit a Local MTF or Army Wellness Treatment Facility (MTF) or Army Center Wellness Center by viewing any of the http://tricare.mil/mtf/ Resources for Health listed below. http://phc.amedd.army.mil/ organization/institute/dhpw/Pages/ SLEEP: “8 is great!” Current Army ArmyWellnessCentersOperation.aspx guidance is 7-8 hours of sleep per 24- *Access Electronic Resources and hour period for effective performance. Connect with Online Communities: The first step to getting a full night’s *ArmyFit https://www.armyfit.army. sleep is to maintain a consistent, regular mil routine. *Comprehensive Soldier & Family Fitness http://csf2.army.mil/ ACTIVITY: 10,000 steps per day and *Visit USDA’s MyPlate Super Tracker regular exercise (at least 150 minutes per http://supertracker.usda.gov week) that fits your lifestyle. Technology can be used to enhance your personal health and readiness. Did NUTRITION: “8 is great!” Eat 8 you know that 52% of smartphone users servings of fruits and vegetables a day. search for health information on their Healthy nutrition and nutrient-rich food phones and 1 out of 5 have at least one choices support muscle growth, recovery, health app on their phone? Personal tissue repair, and immune function, readiness devices and fitness trackers can and improve mental and physical be used to help automatically track sleep, performance. activity, and nutrition.
18 | ARMYMEDICINE.MIL SYSTEM FOR HEALTH.
Putting Faces to Names, Questions to Answers at the IDES Training Symposium By Nick Wills, Strategic Communications Specialist for the IDES Service Line
Last month, Army Medicine hosted the Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES) Training Symposium to share lessons learned, receive updates on strategic initiatives, and participate in plenary sessions on behalf of our wounded, ill, and injured Soldiers. Nearly 250 stakeholders from the IDES Service Line (SL) met for four days at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Fla. Attendees hailed the IDES Training Symposium as both an historic event and a shining accomplishment for the IDES process. They were extremely
grateful for the opportunity to ask Nearly 250 stakeholders from the Integrated Disability Evaluation System Service Line Symposium listen to questions directly to senior leaders, and the Army surgeon general’s opening public service announcement, reminding everyone how essential their to engage in interactive, face-to-face work is for our wounded, ill, and injured Soldiers and their Families. The participants joined together at Mac- Dill Air Force Base in Tampa, Fla., April 29 to share lessons learned, receive updates on key initiatives, and discussions with important stakeholders participate in vital plenary sessions on behalf of our wounded, ill, and injured Soldiers. (Courtesty photo) and colleagues from around the nation. split breakout workshops for the members establish a relationship with Hosted by the IDES Service Line PEBLOs and medical providers, who the VA before leaving the military so (SL) Director, Col. George Goodwin, shared and discussed vital lessons learned that their transition to VA healthcare the week featured guest presentations on a range of topics for the benefit of is smoother. Additionally, IDES helps from key leaders and partners such as their IDES peers. keep Soldiers and their Families better Ric Fiore, MEDCOM chief of staff, What is IDES? informed about DES and where they and Larry Fink, director of policy and The Department of Defense’s (DOD) stand in the process, making the planning and director of the IDES disability evaluation process provides significant life event of transitioning to Program Office for the Department of disability compensation for service Veteran status a little easier. Veterans Affairs (VA). members who are injured or become IDES has made tremendous progress Participants included Physical ill in the line of duty and can no since its initial inception in 2007, which Evaluation Board liaison officers longer perform their responsibilities. was exemplified by the enthusiasm (PEBLOs), Medical Evaluation Board IDES provides two other significant and commitment by attendees at the (MEB) providers, deputy commanders advantages to recovering service IDES Training Symposium. With the of clinical services (DCCSs), DOD members. First, it enables service help of a dedicated workforce, the SL Office of Warrior Care Policy, Army members to file their VA claim before continues moving forward to centralize G-1, and the VA gathered to discuss leaving military service, so that they standardized processes, maintain the way forward for the Disability continue receiving their military accountability, and increase transparency Evaluation System (DES) process. paycheck while being evaluated. for our service members and their Part of the week’s symposium included Second, IDES ensures service Families.
19 | ARMYMEDICINE.MIL SYSTEM FOR HEALTH.
Oncology on Canvas helps paint journey By Staff Sgt. Christopher Hubenthal, Defense Media Activity - Hawaii Service members, Families, patients and ry Tyrrell, 8, painted their journey during “They love each other very much and survivors joined together to use art as a the event as a Family. Zachary does a lot for his sister,” Cock- way to reflect during the eighth annual “This is probably the only time that our shell said. “She came down with cancer Oncology on Canvas event in April. Family sits back and looks at what we’ve when she was 5-years-old, the week after Pat Nishimoto, Tripler Army Medical been through,” Cockshell said. “We usu- he had his fourth birthday. There’s not a Center (TAMC) adult oncology clinical ally put it in the background and do what lot he remembers before she had cancer nurse specialist, described how the event we have to do. Today makes you stop and and because she had brain and spinal can- enabled those affected by cancer to express think about this whole journey with our cer she had to learn to move and speak on canvas that which gives their cancer Haley, and what it means to us and how it again so he lost his little playmate all in journey meaning. changes your life.” one day. She looks after him and he looks “To me it’s magic,” Nishimoto said. “It Haley’s brother explained how his after her a lot now.” is a chance for our patients, their Families painting helps represent his family’s jour- Cockshell’s painting helped represent and their friends to come in and use art ney with cancer. both the good and the bad times her fami- to reflect on their cancer journey because “I guess I’m a pretty big eater and I was ly goes through during their journey. cancer doesn’t happen just to the patient, eating donuts when an idea popped into “My picture is called ‘the sun rises and it affects everyone who knows them and my head,” Zachary said. “The picture the sun sets,’ and I drew shadows of things cares about them.” was called ‘Cancer equals bad and do- that actually haunt me from Haley’s jour- Haley Tyrell, a 10-year-old who was di- nuts equal good’ and on one side it had ney and as joyful as it is we see both sides agnosed with cancer at the age of 5, and a smiling donut and then it had a person more intensely,” said Cockshell. “We see her Family were in attendance. Haley’s crying.” happiness, and the sad times are really father Patrick Tyrrell, retired U.S. Marine Cockshell described the affection that devastating. There’s more intensity in life Corps master gunnery sgt., her mother Haley and Zachary share with one anoth- and living in the moment in these few Wendy Cockshell, and her brother Zacha- er. shadows that come out this year in the painting.” Patrick used the opportunity to paint as a way to showcase his daughter’s kindness and the love his family shares. “I started [painting] Haley in a wheel- chair,” Patrick said. “She’s famous for her hugs and gives everyone she knows hugs and sometimes people that she doesn’t know. I wanted to have her in her chair hugging someone. Her buddy Zachary, is a wonderful brother so I tried [painting] him giving her a hug.” He also described how his family bene- Zachary Tyrrell, 8, views paintings made by family, friends, cancer survivors and cancer patients during the fits from activities where they are able to eighth annual Oncology on Canvas event at the Tripler Army Medical Center April 12, in Honolulu. Zachary interact with other families going through was able to paint with his sister, Haley Tyrrell, 10, who was diagnosed with cancer when she was 5-years- old. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Christopher Hubenthal) similar situations.
20 | ARMYMEDICINE.MIL SYSTEM FOR HEALTH.
Oncology on Canvas “You can kind of relate it to a deploy- of me with a chair and I drew a big heart,” Talking with survivors, friends, and ment where you come back and when you Haley said. “I love my family.” family during the Oncology on Canvas try to tell your buddy, who’s not in the Nishimoto described the unique oppor- events always touches Nishimoto. military, what you’ve been through, they tunity an event like this offers those affect- “Tears always come to my eyes,” don’t understand,” Patrick said. “Families ed by cancer. Nishimoto said. “Patients I thought with cancer understand the trials and trib- “No one else is doing it like this any- would never come show up and they share ulations you go through.” where in the United States where we have some very intimate thoughts that I didn’t During Oncology on Canvas, Haley kids come and we have friends come,” even know was going on with them. Their painted a picture that represented herself Nishimoto said. “We use it as a chance stories are so magnificent and I feel very and her family. where you don’t feel so alone as you go honored that they are willing to share that “It said ‘I love me’ and I drew a picture through this journey.” with us.” Volunteer Student Dress Up Kathy Ryan, Ph.D., has a volunteer student from Longs Creek Elementary School dress up as conceived by 2nd and 3rd grade students. For the past several years, Kathy Ryan, Ph.D., a physiologist and chief of the Research Regulatory Compliance at the U.S. Army Institute of Surgical Research, has been speaking to elementary school students about her career and the combat casualty research that she has been involved in. On April 11, Ryan was a guest at the annual “Science Day” at Longs Creek Elementary School in San Antonio where she spoke to approximately 275 second-fourth grade students throughout the day. Paint Fisher House Brig. Gen. Dennis Doyle (center, back-row), commanding general of Pacific Regional Medical Command and Tripler Army Medical Center along with spouse, Lisa Doyle (center, back-row), say thank you to community volunteers who painted Tripler’s Fisher House, a “home away from home” for military Families and patients receiving medical care. The volunteers were employees from Hawaii- area Sherwin-Williams offices and donated paint and labor to repaint the kitchen and bedrooms. Tripler Fisher House Manager, Anita Clingerman (second to the right) also thanked volunteers for their efforts. (U.S. Army photo by Ana Allen, PRMC) All-Star Salute to the Troops Spc. Kelly Gregg, a patient administrator specialist with U.S. Army Medical Command, who recently moved from Fort Bliss, Texas, to the 30th Medical Brigade, in Sembach, Germany, performs “If I Die Young” with The Band Perry on the Academy of Country Music’s All-Star Salute to the Troops which aired May 20. (Getty Images/Courtesy of Academy of Country Music)
21 | ARMYMEDICINE.MIL AMEDDC&S U.S. ARMY MEDICAL DEPARTMENT CENTER & SCHOOL BORDEN INSTITUTE RELEASES GOOD TUBERCULOSIS MEN: The Army Medical Department’s Struggle with Tuberculosis
The Borden Institute has just released health and then fell ill again challenged GOOD TUBERCULOSIS MEN: The government officials to judge the Army Medical Department’s Struggle degree to which a person was disabled with Tuberculosis. and required government care and In 1917, as the United States support. This book tracks the impact prepared for war in Europe, Army of tuberculosis on the U.S. Army Surgeon General William C. from the late 1890s, when it was a is a serious threat to our fighting Gorgas recognized the threat of ubiquitous presence in society, to the capabilities should American fighting Mycobacterium tuberculosis to 1960s, when it became a curable and men and women deploy to areas where American troops. What the Army controllable disease. According to the this disease is still endemic.” needed was some “good tuberculosis Army surgeon general, “While the Copies of Borden Institute men.” Despite the efforts of the prevalence of tuberculosis has decreased publications may be ordered free of nation’s best “tuberculosis men,” the dramatically in the Western world, it charge by eligible personnel. Anyone disease would become a leading cause is still common in other parts of the may download PDF versions free of of World War I disability discharges world where nearly two million people charge at www.cs.amedd.army.mil/ and Veterans benefits. The fact that die each year from tuberculosis, and borden. tuberculosis patients often experienced one-third of the world’s population cycles in which they recovered their is infected. As a result, tuberculosis
Above photo shows a 31-year old female lungs with tuberculosis.
22 | ARMYMEDICINE.MIL ASBP ARMED SERVICES BLOOD PROGRAM Husband and Wife Duo Save Lives Together By Lori A. Kuczmanski, ASBP Blood Donor Recruiter, Fort Bliss, Texas
More than two years ago, Army help others in need. Both Hartman even more important to donate blood Spc. Jennie Hartman was asked if she and Waugh live up to the Army value regularly because it’s the universal would donate platelets at the Fort Bliss of selfless service and do so without donor, and my blood type is always Blood Donor Center. She agreed and reservation. needed.” became a regular platelet donor for the Waugh, assigned to Fort Bliss Hartman also encouraged her twin Armed Services Blood Program. But in garrison, Headquarters and sister, Marie, to donate blood to the addition to her routine donations, she’s Headquarters Company, first donated ASBP. Inspired by her sister, Marie also known for encouraging others to blood at Fort Benning, Ga., before stopped by the blood donor center roll up their sleeves, as well. arriving at Fort Bliss. Waugh then while on Fort Bliss one day to roll up Hartman, a medic at the William deployed for a year and had to wait her sleeve and help save lives. Beaumont Army Medical Center, one year after his deployment to begin Venessa Smith, medical technician knows firsthand the importance of donating blood again. at the Fort Bliss Blood Donor Center, blood and blood products being readily “As soon as I was eligible, I started enjoys being Hartman’s apheresis available. donating blood again. Yeah, my wife technician. They have developed a “As a medic, I know what can happen also encouraged me to donate blood, friendship and appreciation for each when there are massive amounts too,” smiled Waugh. “Because she was other over their long talks while of blood loss due to an injury and donating platelets, it motivated me to Hartman donates. Smith said it’s nice platelets clot the blood to stop the donate blood again.” to know donors on a personal level. bleeding,” Hartman said. Knowing he has an essential blood “Our conversations range from work Every two weeks, the northern type, Waugh feels even more compelled activities, family life, Jennie’s passion California native is at the donor center to donate blood, especially while in a for horses and the donkey she just with a smile on her face, ready to garrison setting. got so her horses have a companion,” donate platelets. Hartman is passionate “I believe donating blood is the smiled Smith. “It’s good to have a fun about donating platelets to help ensure single most important thing a soldier rapport with her.” blood products are on the shelf in the in a garrison can do for our deployed Smith appreciates the commitment event they are needed. service members and their Families,” from donors who graciously give their Hartman spreads the word to fellow said Waugh. “Being type O-negative is time and blood or platelet donation. Soldiers, Family members and co- Smith said it is regular donors like workers about the need for blood or Hartman that allow products to be platelet donations to the ASBP, the available. official blood program of the U.S. “Jennie’s more than a regular donor,” military. said Smith. “She’s a part of our blood “I encourage others to donate blood donor center family.” or platelets so they too can help our To find out more about the Armed service members,” said Hartman. Services Blood Program or to schedule One of the people Hartman an appointment, please visit us online: encouraged to donate was her husband, www.militaryblood.dod.mil. To Sgt. Joshua Waugh. interact directly with some of our staff, “I encouraged my husband to donate see more photos or to get the latest blood because he is O-negative, the news, visit us here: www.facebook. universal donor,” Hartman said. com/militaryblood, www.flickr.com/ While Hartman was donating militaryblood and www.twitter.com/ platelets, Waugh was donating blood Spc. Jennie Hartman donates her 18th donation of militaryblood. platelets over two-years. Hartman was awarded the simultaneously. The couple believes Army Achievement Medal for her commitment to in helping others, and each agreed donating platelets. Hartman and Waugh are regular donors for the Armed Services Blood Program. this was a simple, lifesaving way to (Courtesy photo)
23 | ARMYMEDICINE.MIL DENCOM DENTAL COMMAND Army Veteran, Soldier Perseveres to Earn EFMB Despite Losing Left Foot in Combat
Capt. Erick Lund, Wounded Warrior rock, I was able to stay in the Army, and Dental Corps officer from the Fort learn to snowboard, run a marathon, Sam Houston DENTAC, tells his story compete in a triathlon, raise our three and the journey leading up to the Expert children, complete dental school, and Field Medical Badge (EFMB). most recently receive the EFMB. Ten Waiting for the MedEvac I laid years ago the training given in that prostrate on the stretcher, ever so close course saved my life, and that thought to the burning Iraqi sand. Nine pieces alone motivated me every day as I gave of molten, bullet like shrapnel had just my all to earn the coveted badge. penetrated my body and my life was The road march was the pinnacle literally hanging in the balance. moment of the experience. Every step The year was 2005. I had been I took hurt while carrying the required manning the .50 cal machine gun load on my back and shoulders, but I as a mechanized infantryman when didn’t care. This was something I had three IEDs exploded with my vehicle to do. I had to do it for me, and any in between them. With the hands of Soldier I might need to treat someday skilled medical professionals and a in the future. I was just grateful for the modern miracle, my life was spared chance to be a part of such a fantastic with the loss of my left foot as the group of people training, learning and only permanent consequence of being becoming. attacked that day. An experience My efforts were personally dedicated like that can change a person’s life. to Sgt. 1st Class Ronald Wood who was It changed mine. To me the Army killed in action July 16, 2005, while became something deeper, something I he sat in the front passenger seat of my now truly belonged to. HUMVEE. He was the ideal soldier Since that day with my wife as my and is greatly missed. “It is poignant and humbling, as Capt. Lund demonstrates the absolute selfless service, dedication, and servant leadership that we see in our Warriors. Capt. Lund’s story inspires and his passion for the Army comes through loud and clear. He truly honored Sgt. 1st Class Wood in both his actions and words, and I think that Capt. Lund’s story needs to be told.” Capt. Eric Lund (left) is photographed with Col. Donn Grimes, commander U.S. Army Dental Command, Army Surgeon General Lt. Gen. Patricia Horoho following qualifying events for the Expert Field Medi- cal Badge (EFMB) held at Camp Bullis, San Antonio, Texas. Capt. Lund completed the 12 mile road march May 23 and earned the EFMB despite losing his left foot during combat in 2005. (Courtesy Photo)
24 | ARMYMEDICINE.MIL ERMC EUROPE REGIONAL MEDICAL COMMAND
U.S. Army Medical Materiel Center Europe members from the Joint Plans and Programs Division gather for a photo in front of sets they assembled that are destined for Afghanistan to outfit ground ambulances for the Afghan National Police and Army. From left to right: Harald Weber, Maj. Bruce Argueta, Joachim Dauth, Andrea Quaiser, Petra Gross, Melanie Sagmeister, Natalie Klein, Margit Chaney, Volker Schaefer, Philer Zdenko, Peter Host, Norbert Decker, Joseph Robinson, and Wayne Baines (Photo courtesy of USAMMCE) US Army Medical Materiel Center Europe outfits ground ambulances for the Afghan National Police/Army By Shane Sharp, ERMC Public Affairs It was January when the U.S. Army tri-wall containers and 33 bulk pallets McMurry. “On the recommendation of Medical Materiel Center Europe had to be ordered and received as quickly our Prime Vendor partners, we were able (USAMMCE) received the order – as possible. Normally, this task would to contact Baxter USA who could supply outfit 325 ambulances for the Afghan belong to the Joint Plans and Programs the necessary amount of IV bags from National Police and Afghan National Division. Because of the quantities their plant in England, enabling us to Army. The large order for supplies and involved, the procurement of the keep the project on track.” equipment was within the capabilities necessary items was handled differently. McMurry’s team worked with Andrea of USAMMCE, located in Pirmasens, “Given the compressed timeline Quaiser, the expeditor with the Joint Germany, about 30 minutes south of and the volume of the orders, Materiel Plans and Programs Division, to ensure Kaiserslautern, Germany. However, the Management handled the procurement each of the 3,300 procurement actions request listed March as the completion process,” said Lt. Col. Sean McMurry, for this project were tracked from their date, leaving only a few months to chief of the Materiel Management source of supply to the USAMMCE order more than $6 million of medical Division. “The volume was the big production floor and to verify the orders equipment and supplies, receive the challenge. We had to reach out to our were correct upon receipt. Again, the items, perform technical inspection, and Prime Vendors and the [Defense Logistics process deviated from the norm due to then assemble the items into kits and Agency – Troop Support] to see how the short timeline. pallets. many of a given item they could get us “Normally we order all of the items “The timeline was the biggest and then have them coordinate directly and assemble the sets after everything has challenge,” said Maj. Bruce Argueta, with the manufacturer to increase been received,” said Col. Thomas Slade, chief of USAMMCE’s Joint Plans and production of most of the items so the USAMMCE commander. “In order to Programs Division. “Usually we would vendor could then ship us the quantity we expedite the process with this project, we have three to six months to complete needed for the ground ambulance sets.” inspected and packed the items as they an order this large. Compressing the Some challenges involved the timing arrived, effectively combining what are timeline down to about two months of national issues impacting supply of usually separate phases of the process.” forced us to adapt our process.” certain items. Despite the short timeline, technical The starting point for the project was “We found out that production on inspection remained a critical step in the the procurement phase. Each of the IV bags had been halted by the FDA at process. 752,730 items that would go into 325 stateside manufacturing companies,” said
25 | ARMYMEDICINE.MIL ERMC EUROPE REGIONAL MEDICAL COMMAND
Ambulances “Technical inspection ensures the from AFRICOM, CENTCOM, used a data system to keep track of items function properly according EUCOM, PACOM, and the U.S. State where, how, and when items were getting to the manufacturer’s instructions,” Department with the medical supplies packed. They really did a fantastic job on said Argueta. “The primary reason for and equipment they need to carry out this project,” said Robinson. accomplishing TI is simple – patient their respective missions in Europe, In a matter of weeks, all the sets were safety. We know at the end of the many Africa, and Asia. assembled. As the containers and pallets supply chains we are part of, there As the USAMMCE team prepared the were completed, they were shipped off are men and women who will rely on ground ambulance order, their warehouse in small groups to their final destination this equipment to save lives. Master became a sea of open tri-wall containers where they will be used to outfit ground Sgt. [Timothy] Dess and his team and bulk pallets. Keeping track of what ambulances for the Afghan National accomplishing the TI were invaluable to had already been received and packed Police and Afghan National Army. the overall project.” piece by piece was the responsibility of “Our people did an impressive job The process of receiving, inspecting Joachim Dauth and his eight-person of getting the materiel here in a timely and organizing items into kits or sets production-assembler team. manner and being flexible as they worked built to specific customer specifications “Our production assemblers worked outside of the normal scope of operations is something the USAMMCE team does very hard organizing and tracking to get this project completed,” said on a daily basis. For example, during the this project throughout the Inventory, Slade. “The way different sections came past 12 months the unit has processed Receipt and Storage Phase,” said Joe together to get the job done was the best more than 298,666 orders totaling more Robinson, who headed up the ambulance example of outstanding teamwork I’ve than 8.2 million pounds. These orders set building project together with fellow seen in my time at USAMMCE.” have supplied 732 joint service customers project manager Wayne Baines. “They
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26 | ARMYMEDICINE.MIL MRMC U.S. ARMY MEDICAL RESEARCH AND MATERIEL COMMAND USAISR Burn Center Staff Integral Members of American Burn Association Story and photos by Steven Galvan, USAISR Public Affairs Officer
Nineteen members from the U.S. and prevention to improve the lives from the USAISR was minimal, the Army Institute of Surgical Research of those affected by burn injuries. The presence of the Institute was evident Burn Center (USAISR) attended the annual meeting is designed to provide throughout the four-day event. Several American Burn Association’s (ABA) the optimal occasion to increase members presented or moderated 46th Annual Meeting in Boston, knowledge to its members and guests plenary and poster presentations March 25-28. The ABA is committed on the state-of-the-art scientific and (including 4 of 8 Nursing Correlative to advancing burn-related research, practice advances in burn care. Sessions), two members were presented education, treatment, rehabilitation, Even though the number of attendees major awards, and an appointment to chair a national committee. “I am very pleased and proud with our performance and contributions to the ABA meeting,” said Col. (Dr.) Booker T. King, USAISR Burn Center director. “It all speaks highly of the people here [burn center] and the work that we’ve submitted.” The two awardees for their research were: Clinical Research Coordinator, Reginald “Reg” L. Richard, who received the “Best Paper” award, and Nicole Caldwell who earned the “Best in Category” award for posters. Lt. Col. Elizabeth Mann-Salinas was appointed to chair the Committee on Technology—keeping the number at eight USAISR personnel on ABA national committees. Best Paper Award The “Burke/Yannas Bioengineering Best Paper Award” was presented to Reg Richard for his manuscript titled: “Hierarchical Decomposition of Burn Body Diagram Based on Cutaneous Functional Units and Its Utility.” Best in Category Award Nicole Caldwell was awarded the “Best in Category” award for her poster titled “Pathogenic Bacteria on Common Access and Identification Cards: A Search for Badge Bugs.”
Nicole Caldwell was awarded the “Best in Category” award for her poster at the American Burn Association Annual Meeting.
27 | ARMYMEDICINE.MIL PRMC PACIFIC REGIONAL MEDICAL COMMAND TRICARE Delivers Nurse Advice Line to Hawaii Beneficiaries By Ana Allen, Pacific Regional Medical Command It always seems to happen at the Home Team says although beneficiaries medical facilities where 95 percent of most inconvenient time or place. A can still call their primary care manager the callers had an intention of going to worrisome health issue comes up and or clinic, the new live-phone service the Emergency Department. Once the you’ve got questions. If only you had gives patients more options. nurse helped them navigate through a medical professional standing by to “It’s another avenue to reach a their symptoms, 51 percent ended up answer your immediate questions over qualified medical professional to get just needing self-care with 20 percent the phone no matter when or where. questions answered without having needing same-day appointments or Enter - the TRICARE Nurse Advice to wait on the phone, schedule an urgent care.” Line. appointment or deal with traffic and The Nurse Advice Line can also work Beginning May 30, Hawaii parking,” she said. in tandem with another TRICARE tool. TRICARE beneficiaries can call the Callers of the toll-free number can “The Nurse Advice Line and the Nurse Advice Line (NAL) 24 hours expect a customer service representative TRICARE Online Portal are two a day, 7 days a week for professional to verify eligibility before being tools that give beneficiaries the ability medical advice. connected with an experienced and to take charge of their healthcare. Registered nurses are available to trained registered nurse who will ask a Beneficiaries can look up their own answer a variety of urgent healthcare series of standard questions, allowing health information, referral status, and questions and help beneficiaries decide them to provide the best advice even communicate with providers all whether self-care is the best option or if possible. from the comfort of home through it’s better to see a healthcare provider. NAL also has the potential of TRICARE Online,” Inocencio said. Lt. Col. Beverly Inocencio, nurse decreasing emergency room visits to To access the NAL, once it launches, executive for the Pacific Regional only true emergencies. dial 1-800-TRICARE (874-2273); Medical Command Army Medical “The NAL soft-launched in 12 Option 1.
28 | ARMYMEDICINE.MIL SRMC SOUTHERN REGIONAL MEDICAL COMMAND Blanchfield Army Community Hospital’s Soldier and Patient-Centered Medical Home Teams Shift Their Approach to Healthcare By Laura Boyd, Public Affairs Officer BACH Blanchfield Army Community Soldiers and Family members. That is phenomenal team here who really Hospital’s Soldier and Patient- what makes us Army strong.” understands selfless service,” Keenan said. Centered Medical Home teams have As Soldiers, Civilians, and contract As Army Medicine’s southern shifted their approach to healthcare employees work to offer Soldiers, regional medical commanding general by expanding their services, while Retirees, and their Families the safe toured hospital services and visited providing patient-centered medical care and effective patient-centered medical with the 101st Airborne Division that offers Soldiers and their Families care available today, they are also commander, she shared the importance a System for Health. Recently Army working to reduce spending costs to of readiness, not only for Soldiers Medicine’s Southern Regional Medical help the nation reduce the budget but also for their Families. Readiness Commander Maj. Gen. Jimmie Keenan deficit. Keenan said she understands includes medical teams providing visited Fort Campbell’s medical services the importance of thanking the Army continuity of care where patients trust and saw the improvements firsthand. Medicine team for the work they do the care they receive. “We are moving from a healthcare daily to care for the 101st Airborne “Everything we do is about system to a System for Health and we Division and Fort Campbell. readiness,” said Keenan. “It is not have got to move the dial to prevention “Your team is very valuable,” said only readiness of our Soldiers, but also so we have to build sleep, activity, and Keenan. “One of the things that I find the readiness of our Families. And, nutrition into everything we do,” said most important is that we value each if we can ensure that we are not only Keenan. “That is going to help move other as people and not as objects, enrolling our Soldiers and Families to the dial from a healthcare system to a because everything we do requires care, but also providing that care, and System for Health where we prevent people.” providing that continuity of care where injuries and illness, where we build the “That really motivates people, to I know my provider and I feel that resiliency that we need to build in our be recognized. And, you’ve got a trust, then we’re providing better care.”
During Southern Regional Medical Commander Maj. Gen. Jimmie Keenan’s visit to Blanchfield Army Community Hospital and Fort Campbell, Ky., she stopped by the Screaming Eagle Medical Home, Fort Campbell’s community-based medical home, located next to Gateway Medical Center. Keenan stopped in to visit with 20-month old patient Abigail Schockling and her mother, Terri, while touring the clinic. 29 | ARMYMEDICINE.MIL USAPHC U.S. ARMY PUBLIC HEALTH COMMAND “Policy for Tobacco-Free Living” By Chanel S. Weaver, U.S. Army Public Health Command A new U.S. Army Public Health Command “Policy for Tobacco- Free Living” was approved this year, supporting the momentum to transform the Army culture from tobacco- permissive to tobacco-free. The policy directs USAPHC personnel and visitors to avoid using tobacco products while on USAPHC campuses, with the intent of creating a healthier workplace and workforce. Although the policy was signed in January, it may take up to one year before it receives full implementation throughout the USAPHC. “Implementation of this policy over time will give individual workers time to reduce their nicotine dependence, access tobacco cessation classes and These signs will soon be posted throughout USAPHC campuses to inform employees and visitors of the services, and become acclimated to living tobacco-free policy. (Photo courtesy USAPHC Visual Information Division) a tobacco-free lifestyle during the duty day,” said Col. Heidi Warrington, chief products can eventually cause lung Warrington said the policy significantly nurse executive at the USAPHC and lead cancer, emphysema, cardiovascular reduces secondhand smoke exposure that consultant on tobacco-free living in the disease and other chronic illnesses. can cause cardiovascular disease and lung U.S. Army Medical Command. However, one does not have to wait 20 or cancer among non-smokers. In addition to prohibiting the use of 30 years to experience the adverse effects “Hundreds of toxic chemicals and tobacco products including cigarettes, of smoking or exposure to secondhand nearly 70 carcinogens are released cigars, pipes and smokeless tobacco, the smoke. through secondhand smoke,” she pointed policy also prohibits the use of electronic Multiple studies by USAPHC scientists out. nicotine delivery devices like e-cigarettes, show that smoking has immediate health Maj. Gen. Dean G. Sienko, the e-pipes, and e-cigars while on USAPHC effects--such as increased injury risk and USAPHC commander, said the policy campuses. diminished physical performance. is vital for sustaining the health and Although electronic nicotine delivery “Tobacco use can negatively impact readiness of the USAPHC workforce. devices may seem to be a safe alternative one’s health by causing impaired night “Tobacco use remains the leading to cigarettes, these devices are not vision, respiratory illnesses, delayed cause of preventable death and disease regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug wound healing, increased surgical in the United States,” Sienko said. “I am Administration for various reasons, complications, and accelerated age- delighted that the USAPHC can lead the to include the fact that they contain related hearing loss,” said Lt. Col. Kari way in supporting national and Army significant variances in the amount of Bruley, an Army public health nurse Medicine strategic objectives to achieve a nicotine that is delivered, according to at the USAPHC. “Long-term effects tobacco-free lifestyle.” Warrington. include cancer, stroke, and heart disease.” The policy also supports the National The tobacco-free living policy will Additionally, the tobacco-free living Prevention Strategy, Healthy People benefit the USAPHC workforce by policy aims to improve the overall health 2020, Army Regulation 600-63, and reducing risks of developing debilitating of employees, military personnel, Family AMEDD 2020. health conditions caused by tobacco use. members, Retirees, and visitors at all Most people know that using tobacco USAPHC facilities.
30 | ARMYMEDICINE.MIL WRMC WESTERN REGION MEDICAL COMMAND
Col. Louis Zeisman, commander of the 2nd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division; Col. Ramona Fiorey, commander of the Madigan Army Medical Center; and Col. John O’Brien, Madigan’s chief of primary care, cut the ribbon for the opening of the Soldier Centered Medical Home (SCMH) at Okubo Family Medical Center on Joint Base Lewis-McChord May 7. The SCMH is located near 2nd Brigade assets, bringing medical care closer to Soldiers. JBLM Opens New Soldier Centered Medical Home By Suzanne Ovel, Western Regional Medical Command
Infantry Soldiers on Lewis North are all about, is readiness and taking care of medical readiness will be much more now just a short walk away from getting Soldiers,” he said. easily managed in an environment where comprehensive medical care, thanks to On May 7, Zeisman joined Madigan line and medical personnel align. the new Soldier Centered Medical Home Army Medical Center Commander Col. “This marks a new era in how (Medical now located at Okubo Family Medical Ramona Fiorey and Madigan’s Chief Command and Forces Command) Clinic. of Primary Care Col. John O’Brien in interact together in taking care of The hope is that with more convenient cutting the ribbon at Okubo to officially our Soldiers. That’s what the Soldier medical care, along with increased levels open the SCMH for 2nd Brigade Soldier Centered Medical Home project is of immediate care available, Soldiers care. The “one-stop shop” will cut down all about,” said O’Brien. Not only will get help and get back to their units on long trips to get medical care. do the two commands collaborate to quicker. “It keeps them closer to their footprint, staff the SCMHs, first drawing from “We’re trying to get ahead of injuries. so it doesn’t take them out of their medical staff from the brigades and then You don’t wait until your car light comes training nearly as long,” said Fiorey. supplementing with MEDCOM staff, on to change the oil; you want to do it The center will serve as a medical home but they also, by the nature of creating beforehand,” said Col. Louis Zeisman, for Soldiers, where they will come for the and sustaining SCMHs, create closer commander of the 2nd Brigade, 2nd majority of their care, she said. lines of communication. Infantry Division. “Their providers are going to know “Now you have this better linkage This preventative care fits into their their needs better. We’re going to be between the line units and the hospital, priority of readiness, said Zeisman. on top of things much quicker,” she whereas you don’t always have that. I “That’s what the end state in this day is said, noting that areas like profiles and
31 | ARMYMEDICINE.MIL WRMC WESTERN REGION MEDICAL COMMAND
Soldier Centered Medical Home think the Soldier Center Medical Home coming out of (advanced individual of screening why people aren’t sleeping, helps to reinforce that. That’s been a huge training) or a basic unit, they are working and to be able to give advice on how positive,” said O’Brien, who oversees the in a hospital-like environment. There’s to optimize your sleep,” said O’Brien; development of SCMHs here. no better way to get experience than while behavioral health is considered to Although 2nd Brigade units will still working here,” Zeisman said. be a part of the SCMH concept, they maintain battalion aid stations, they O’Brien points to the success of are housed in a separate building for will focus more on conducting initial JBLM’s first SCMH for Soldiers with the 2nd Brigade’s SCMH. The on-site screenings and on triaging Soldiers for the 555th Engineering Brigade and 17th nutritionists and physical therapists will care. Soldiers’ time waiting at sick call Fires Brigade; he sees the on-site physical complete the focus on the triad, “which should be reduced as they either get sent therapy assets as the SCMH’s primary is really about preventative ways to immediately to the SCMH for care or are success. improve your performance,” he said. given appointments in the near future, “I think that’s been a game changer Although the SCMH at Okubo is freeing them up until that time, said for that unit,” said O’Brien. Given the already seeing patients, O’Brien said O’Brien. convenience of the SCMH location they are still hiring to full strength. While medics will continue to staff to Soldiers’ workplaces, he envisions This SCMH is one of four that will be the battalion aid stations, the brigade’s Soldiers being much more able to available on JBLM; two more will stand physician assistants will join the SCMH commit to two or three physical therapy up on Lewis Main. O’Brien said that and will work directly with nurses and sessions each week. From there, the the medical homes need a grouping of physical therapy staff, and will have potential positive outcomes become a 4000 to 5000 Soldiers to be efficient; any better access to labs, radiology, pharmacy, snowball effect: Soldiers will have less Soldiers not assigned to SCMHs in the and more -- all a part of the holistic risk of re-injury, less risk of a profile, and future will be seen at Patient Centered approach the center offers. ultimately less risk of being medically Medical Homes instead, he said. “They’ll be major assets to do a lot boarded, which can result in the Army “I think we’re pursuing the correct higher level of care than you could do at retaining more experienced Soldiers. model, which is everybody working an aid station,” said O’Brien. Tied closely to the preventative health together to take care of the Soldiers. In addition, the brigade’s medics will nature of SCMHs is how they will Everybody who sees the model and rotate through the SCMH to assist in incorporate the Performance Triad’s three understands it says this is exactly what care, which will keep their skills honed components of health: sleep, activity and we’re supposed to be doing,” O’Brien as they work more closely with PAs and nutrition. said. doctors stateside, said O’Brien. “We’re going to train our behavioral “For our young Soldiers who are health providers to do a really good job
32 | ARMYMEDICINE.MIL WTC WARRIOR TRANSITION COMMAND Army’s Wounded Warrior Program Celebrates Decade of Caring for Troops By Rose L. Thayer, Fort Hood Herald As Spc. Louis Roane waits to medically members transition from the Army into retired from service, his Army Wounded a successful civilian life,” Livengood said. Warrior advocate is helping him “My job is to open doors. The service transition into the next phase of his life. member has to walk through it.” “She’s been very proactive. That’s a Since 2008, Livengood has worked wonderful way to be,” said the Warrior with Fort Hood Soldiers as they navigate Transition Brigade Soldier. “In the their medical care, education, benefits, military you’re always trying to be and anything else that may arise. proactive instead of reactive. There were “It’s very fulfilling for me to see a lot of things I thought I had under Soldiers and Families utilize what is control.” available to them at Fort Hood,” she said. His advocate helped him enroll in On Thursday, she was able to see a college and start classes to carry his Soldier’s last request from his time in the military specialty of truck driver into Army come to fruition. the civilian job market. Roane even got In 2012, Sgt. Shane Lawry was help finding sports programs in which to awarded the Purple Heart Medal for enroll his three children. injuries sustained in Afghanistan with the “She’s amazing,” he said of his 101st Airborne Division. Sgt. Shane Lawry of 1st Battalion, Warrior Transi- advocate, Carol Livengood. “She calls ... Soon after redeployment Lawry moved tion Brigade, and his wife, Dawn, stand after Lawry and asks if there is anything she can do to Fort Hood and the medal was never received his Purple Heart Medal, April 24. to help.” formally presented to him. things,” she said. “That’s the epitome The Army Wounded Warrior Program It was his one request to Livengood. of what I do. ... I’m in the background, celebrated 10 years of serving Soldiers “It feels good to finally get it,” he behind the scenes, helping.” April 22. It’s been around longer than the said. “The Warrior Transition Unit and Now Roane is working to secure a job Warrior Transition Command — created (the Wounded Warrior program) have with a company he met at a Wounded in 2009 — it now operates under. helped me. ... They helped me get into Warrior program job fair. Over the last decade, this program cycling and I rode a bike with the Ride 2 “It think it’s important for it to has supported more than 19,000 of the Recovery. They helped me get back into continue just because of what it’s done Army’s most severely wounded, ill, and things I used to enjoy.” for me,” he said. “I can’t imagine what it injured Soldiers and their Families and Livengood watched Lawry receive his has done for everybody else.” caregivers throughout their recovery and medal before his wife and three children. transition, even into Veteran status. “Today was one of the most wonderful “What makes it unique is it supports the most severely wounded and the support is completely personalized,” said Col. Johnny Davis, D.C.-based program director. “The advocates are the key to success. There are more than 200 located worldwide.” At Fort Hood there are nine advocates, and four work with about 450 soldiers in the Warrior Transition Brigade. “I enjoy being able to help service
33 | ARMYMEDICINE.MIL RECOGNITIONS Congratulations to the 2013 MEDCOM Employee of the Year (EOY) Award recipients: Category I: Wan Aponte, ERMC, Landstuhl Regional Medical Center Category II: Dr. Rosenie Thelus, OneStaff, OTSG Patient Care Integration Category III: Terry Stansberry, OneStaff, MEDCOM G-8
Please join us in recognizing and congratulating Aponte, Dr. Thelus, and Stansberry on their achievements and outstanding contributions to Army Medicine. The leadership, initiative, innovation, and hard work were evident in all the submissions and we recognize them for their outstanding service. Again - congratulations to the 2013 MEDCOM EOY Award recipients for this noteworthy accomplishment.
Wan Aponte is a human resources assistant Dr. Rosenie Thelus, Ph.D., MPH, is an Terry Stansberry is chief of the Accounting and has been working at Landstuhl Regional epidemiologist in the Office of the Surgeon Operations Branch at U.S. Army Medical Medical Center since May 2012. (U.S. Army General, Army Pharmacovigilance Center. Command, Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff Photo) She has served in her current position since for Resource Management, Finance & 2011. (Courtesy Photo) Accounting Division. Stansberry has been with MEDCOM since 2004 and has served in her current position since 2006. (U.S. Army Photo)
2014 Heroes of Military Medicine Awards Lt. Col. Kimberlie Ann Biever, AN, U.S. Army is the recipient of the 2014 Heroes of Military Medicine award, presented May 1. The Heroes of Military Medicine honors outstanding contributions by individuals who have distinguished themselves through excellence and selfless dedication to advancing military medicine and enhancing the lives and health of our nation’s wounded, ill, and injured service members, Veterans, and their Families. The Heroes of Military Medicine is presented by the Center for Public-Private Partnerships (CP3) at the Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc. (HJF). In 2009, Lt. Col. Kimberlie Biever deployed to the Middle East where she streamlined processes to improve the care of trauma patients in Afghanistan and Iraq. She deployed again to Afghanistan in 2012- 13, this time working to improve care for critically ill and injured patients who needed medical evacuation. Thank you for all you have done to improve Soldier lives. More info: http://tinyurl.com/k5k4prt.
34 | ARMYMEDICINE.MIL RECOGNITIONS MEDCOM Announces Winners of Best Warrior Competition 2014 The U.S. Army Medical Command the best’ to represent MEDCOM at the (MEDCOM) announced the winners of Army-wide Best Warrior Competition the Best Warrior Competition 2014 during later this year. The competition consisted a reception at Fort Sam Houston, Texas of the Army physical fitness test, weapons May 9. qualification, warrior tasks, mystery events, The winners of the MEDCOM Best day and night land navigation, a written Warrior Competition were Sgt. Connor exam with essay, 12-mile road march and Loehr and Spc. Travis Crook. Loehr is a an oral board. radiology specialist at Bayne-Jones Army Loehr and Crook will compete in the Community Hospital, Fort Polk. Crook is Army’s Best Warrior Competition in a medical laboratory specialist at the U.S. October 2014 at Fort Lee, Va. Army Research Institute of Environmental Congratulations to the MEDCOM Sgt. Connor Loehr (left) won Army Medical Com- Medicine (USARIEM), Natick, Mass. winners and all who took the challenge mand’s (MEDCOM) NCO of the Year for 2014 and The weeklong competition at Camp to become this year’s Best Warrior. For Spc. Travis Crook (right) won Army MEDCOM’s Soldier of the Year for 2014, during the Army Bullis, Texas was a series of challenging more information, please visit our Flickr Medicine Best Warrior Competition held in May events meant to test the physical and site at https://www.flickr.com/photos/ at Camp Bullis, Texas. (U.S. Army photo by Ann Bermudez, Army Medicine Public Affairs) mental stamina and warrior task knowledge armymedicine/sets/72157644517781492/ of each competitor to select the ‘best of
All 17 competitors in the 2014 MEDCOM Best Warrior Competition included: MEDCOM ERMC: Sgt. Bryan Walesch and Spc. KC Pless DENCOM: Sgt. Tony Carrizales and Spc. Joseph Andersen BEST PRMC: Sgt. Christopher Mitchell and Spc. Anthony Geckeler NRMC: Sgt. Michael Kerr (NCO competitor only) Warrior SRMC: Spc. Joshua J. Davis, and Sgt. Connor J. Loehr MRMC: Sgt. Ochir Palam, and Spc. Travis Crook USAPHC: Staff Sgt. Victor Munoz and Spc. Stephen Murray 2014 WRMC: Staff Sgt. Gregory Holman and Pfc. Jordan Mejia
AMEDDC&S: Staff Sgt. Jenna Tate and Pfc. Adam Ryder
35 | ARMYMEDICINE.MIL JUST IN...
Army Medicine rolls out new PTSD training products By Kirk Frady, Army Medicine Public Affairs The U.S. Army Medical Department Soldiers and Leaders to understand more raw emotions expressed in the vignettes Center & School (AMEDDC&S) has about posttraumatic stress reactions. “The highlights the challenge of recognizing developed two training products to help Soldiers and NCOs in the video were that things aren’t the way they used to be soldiers understand the nature of combat extremely courageous to come forward and that getting help can be tremendously stress reactions, strategies to seek help with their story so that others may watch beneficial for oneself, the family and the and strategies for units to set a command the video and get help if they need it. I unit.” climate that supports seeking help. The think many of us can view these stories The purpose of training is as follows: two training products are The War Inside: and think of someone we know who’s - To develop critical thinking, decision A Defining Moment and First Contact been to war and who could benefit from making and problem-solving skills are available on the Army Training getting help,” said Col. Steve Lewis, U.S. - To build and enhance resiliency factors Network at: https://atn.army.mil/dsp_ Army Medical Command, Behavioral - To provide awareness of the risk template.aspx?dpID=452 Health Division. factors which impact resiliency First Contact: A Defining Moment is an - To provide users with a basic opportunity for Soldiers and leaders to knowledge in recognizing the challenges hear from Solders, in their own words, “June is PTSD faced by warriors and Families of warriors their combat experiences, their natural as they re-integrate into garrison life psychological reactions, challenge stigma- Awareness - The War Inside Facilitator Guide: related beliefs about behavioral health psychological health and healing in problems and encourage those who Month: Learn. warriors may be struggling with posttraumatic This course is available through the stress to seek help. Each Soldier in the Connect. Share.” Army Training Requirements and video shared their story in hopes of Resources System (ATRRS) as Course encouraging Soldiers and leaders to help The War Inside is a training platform Number 081SDL12-VEILS-002 a fellow warrior make first contact with known as a Virtual Experience Immersive Please note: In an effort to make this a helping professional before problems Learning Simulation (VEILSR). It was training as realistic as possible, some of the get out of hand. The target audience for created to address the stressful transitions language in the videos is rather strong and First Contact: A Defining Moment is that many of our Soldiers, leaders and could be viewed as abrasive or offensive. active, reserve and guard Soldiers at the Family members encounter as they This article can be found at; http://www. 90 -180 day post-deployment window. redeploy. The War Inside is suitable for army.mil/article/126995. This training is most effective if delivered self-paced or instructor-led training; For more information about PTSD, in small group discussion led by NCOs. instructor lead training is the preferred visit: http://www.ptsd.va.gov/about/ptsd- However, this video can also be viewed delivery method. Lewis added, “The War awareness/ptsd_awareness_month.asp as a self-development video to encourage Inside vignettes are very realistic. The
36 | ARMYMEDICINE.MIL Serving To Heal...Honored To Serve