ARMY MEDICINE

MERCURYVolume 44, No. 3 FALL 2018

A worldwide publication telling the Army Medicine Story ARMY MEDICINE MERCURY CONTENTS U.S. Army Medical Command Team Lt. Gen. Nadja Y. West The Surgeon General and Commanding General U.S. Army Medical Command

Command Sgt. Maj. Michael L. Gragg Command Sergeant Major U.S. Army Medical Command

U.S. Army Medicine Directorate of Public Affairs Col. Wayne Marotto Director, Public Affairs

Craig Dyer Deputy, Public Affairs

Courtney Dock Editor

Jennifer Donnelly Graphic Designer

The MERCURY is an authorized publication for members of the U.S. Army Medical Department, published under the authority of AR 360-1. Contents are not necessarily official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government, Department of Defense, Department of the Army, or this command.

The MERCURY is published quarterly by the Directorate of Public Affairs U.S. Army Medical Command, 2748 Worth Road, Fort Sam Houston, TX 78234-6011.

Questions, comments or submissions for the MERCURY should be directed to the editor at: 210-221-7109 (DSN 471-7109), or by email; usarmy.jbsa.medcom.mbx. [email protected] The deadline is 25 days before the month of publication. Unless otherwise indicated, all photos are U.S. Army photos.

MERCURY archives can be accessed at: https://armymedicine.health.mil/Mercury CONTENTS

COMMANDER'S IN OTHER NEWS CORNER FEATURES

MEDICAL READINESS

INNOVATIONS PERSONAL STORY

HEALTH

Cover Photo: (From left to right) Sgt. Christina McGrath (front), Sgt. Alfred Sevilla (front), Spc. Oliver Gaborno (back), and Spc. Amit Subedi (back), mental health specialists at Tripler Army Medical Center use a litter to transport KIDS CORNER a patient with simulated injuries to a casualty collection point during a mass casualty exercise at the TAMC mountainside helipad, as part of Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise 2018 (U.S. Army photo by Leanne Thomas, Tripler Army Medical Center).

MERCURY 3 TSG SPEAKS Continuing to evolve to fight in a complex environment

he start of the new fiscal As the principal medical advisor to the year brings about many Secretary of the Army and the Army Chief changes to Army Medicine. of Staff and the Commanding General of Effective October 1, 2018, U.S. Army Medical Command, it is my DHA assumes administra- responsibility to ensure every Soldier is tive and managerial control medically ready to deploy and our Army Tof all DOD medical facilities. Army Me- medical personnel are trained and profi- dicine’s Womack Army Medical Center is cient in their operational medical skills. leading this transition. As part of Army Army medicine plays a decisive role in reform initiatives, the Secretary of the monitoring, assessing and identifying key Army and the Army Chief of Staff directed health-related indicators and outcomes, the realignment of the U.S. Army Medi- as well as providing recommendations to Lt. Gen. Nadja Y. West cal Research and Material Command to mitigate risks. The Surgeon General and Army Material Command and the realig- We support the transition efforts and Commanding General U.S. Army Medical nment of the AMEDD Center and School/ will continue to work diligently to imple- Command Health Readiness Center of Excellence to ment NDAA and Army Senior Leadership Training and Doctrine Command. These directions while sustaining medical initiatives allow Army Medicine capabili- readiness, meeting the operational requi- ties to align with Army Major Commands rements of our Combatant Commanders to sustain the great support our team has and providing quality healthcare to our provided since 1775. beneficiaries. Throughout these changes, there is one As Army Medicine evolves, it is our peo- constant: Our responsibility to provide ple – Army Medicine’s team of Soldiers, life-saving care from the point of injury DA Civilians, contractors and our Families through rehabilitation and to ensure our – who will make this evolution a success. I force is ready from a medical standpoint ask during this time of transition, you con- to operate in any environment. Readiness tinue the extraordinary work you are en- remains my number one priority. Army gaged in each and every day. I ask that you Medicine will continue to be the premier remain steadfast in your professionalism expeditionary globally integrated medi- and remain focused on the ever-growing cal force capable of responding to any needs of the future of our Army and the challenge or mission our Army faces. Joint force.

One Team, One Purpose...Conserving the fighting strength since 1775!

MERCURY 4 CSM SPEAKS Living up to the Army Medicine legacy

he last few months have This is where you, the Soldier, comes been chock-full of amazing in. No matter where you are in the rank Army Medicine momen- structure, medical readiness is a shared ts throughout the force. Soldier and command team responsibili- I’ve traveled to various ty. We in Army Medicine have the added commands and had the responsibility of delivering quality health Topportunity to award our MEDCOM Best care to the entire force. This responsibility Warrior Competitors who went on to re- is mighty, and I need each and every one present Army Medicine at the Department of you to step up to the plate for success. of the Army Best Warrior Competition. Changes are taking place throughout The winner of that competition is schedu- the Army, but you must continue to be led to be announced at AUSA Oct. 8-11. leaders in physical wellness and physi- Command Sgt. Maj. Michael L. Gragg I also witnessed our Soldier-medics cal fitness, while also maintaining your Command Sergeant Major competing in the Army Best Medic Com- Soldier skills. As you may have read, the U.S. Army Medical Command petition. This annual competition tests Army has approved a new physical fitness the teams’ combat medical readiness and test – the Army Combat Fitness Test. This Warrior skills. The team of Soldiers who test will improve Soldier physical readi- coordinated the competition at Camp ness and create a change within Army Bullis, Texas, ensured the competition im- fitness culture. plemented a scenario-based training into All of these changes and moderniza- the competitors’ stations. tions mean one thing: The Army is inno- These competitions, and more impor- vating and adapting to an ever-changing tantly the tested warrior skills, align with environment. Every Soldier within Army the U.S. Army Modernization Strategy. Medicine needs to be a positive part of this This strategy focuses on the line of effort: change as we adapt concepts, equipment Build a More Lethal Force. The six areas and training to ensure we are ready for the of focus allows Army senior leaders to next war. Our number one responsibility balance modernization, readiness, force is to our sisters and brothers in arms. We structure and end strength with available must ensure we are ready when our nation resources to accelerate modernization. calls to provide an expeditionary globally Readiness determines our ability integrated health force. to fight and win our nation’s wars. It is It’s up to you to take the lead and move the capability of our forces to conduct Army Medicine into the future. Your pro- the full range of military operations to fessional development will have an unpa- defeat all enemies, regardless of the ralleled impact and contribution to the threats they pose. future of the U.S. Army as a whole.

One Team, One Purpose...Conserving the fighting strength since 1775!

MERCURY 5 UPCOMING EVENTS

AUSA ANNUAL MEETING & EXPOSITION Oct. 8-10, 2018 Walter E. Washington Convention Center, OCTOBER Washington, D.C. October 8 The Association of the United States Army’s Columbus Day ARMY 10-MILER 2018 Annual Meeting is the largest land power Breast Cancer Awareness Month Oct. 7, 2018 exposition and professional development forum Pentagon, Washington, D.C. in North America. For more than 30 years, the Depression Awareness Month Started in 1985, the Army Ten-Miler (ATM) power of this proven show provides military and takes place each October in Washington, D.C. industry with access to essential professional de- to promote the Army, build esprit de corps, velopment, connection building, and the oppor- NOVEMBER support Army fitness goals, and enhance tunity to touch and see a large concentration of community relations. All race proceeds benefit machinery, tools and technologies up close on November 11 Soldier MWR programs. the show floor. Within the exhibit hall, you’ll find Veterans Day Learn more at www.armytenmiler.com. leading manufacturers, solution providers and November 22 suppliers to help you discover new resources and Thanksgiving Day gather important insights on the latest equip- ment, products and materials for your needs. Warrior Care Month The 2018 AUSA Annual Meeting, designed to National Diabetes Month THROWBACK deliver the Army’s message by highlighting the The Great American Smokeout capabilities of Army organizations and presenting a wide range of industry products and services. In addition to the expansive show floor filled with DECEMBER 700+ exhibitors attendees have access to: • informative and relevant presentations on December 25 the state of the Army Christmas Day • panel discussions and seminars on pertinent military and national security subjects • a variety of valuable networking events including ticketed dinners and receptions • a hands-on opportunity to specify and see the latest technology in action AUSA’s Annual Meeting includes the total Army – regular Army, guard, reserve, civilians, and family members. It is one of the three key communication platforms employed by the Army to educate and inform government, academic, civic, and veteran advocates and lea- dership on Army priorities and issues impacting today’s Army.

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MERCURY 6 Womack Army Medical Center first to transition to DHA By Terry J. Goodman, Regional Health Command-Atlantic Public Affairs

Healthcare delivery at Womack Army Medical Center will be the responsibility of the Defense Health Agency (DHA) beginning Oct. 1 as result of fis- cal year 2017 National Defense Authorization (NDAA) Act. With this change, Regional Health Command-Atlantic (RHC-A), U.S. Army Medical Command's (MEDCOM) largest health region, will focus its efforts on medical readiness of all Soldiers assigned to Fort Bragg, North Carolina, while still suppor- ting healthcare and readiness at its remaining 13 military treatment facilities (MTFs). The readiness mission includes dental care of active duty Soldiers, public health services, veterinary services, and providing management and support to wounded, ill and injured Soldiers assigned to its seven warrior transition units. Brig. Gen. Telita Crosland, RHC-A commanding general, Staff Sgt. Camille Clay, a North Carolina Army National Guard Soldier assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1-113th understands the importance Field Artillery Bn. based out of Monroe, meets with 1st Lt. Kimberly Hulin, a critical care nurse assigned to the 7458th Medical Backfill Bn., to receive an immunization for a periodic health assessment at Operation Reserve Care, located inside Womack Army of getting the transition of Medical Center at Fort Bragg, N.C. (U.S. Army photo by Lt. Col. Angela Wallace). healthcare at Womack right as the lessons learned will ensure the efficient transition over the next three years priority is ensuring Soldiers are medically For Col. Melton, one of the primary advo- of healthcare at Army medical facilities and also ready to fight and win. cates for the one-leader concept, this was a at Navy and Air Force facilities. To ensure that the two-leader concept was the decision that makes sense for the Army and "This is a tremendous and important under- best for the Army and more importantly Soldiers the other service medical facilities that will taking that is taking place at Womack for the and patients, the Army held three table-top move to DHA. Army and Army Medicine," said Crosland, who exercises, or TTXs, in May and June at Defense "As the Womack Commander, I will con- served as the commander of Blanchfield Army Health Headquarters in Falls Church, Virginia. tinue to integrate both readiness and health Community Hospital, Fort Campbell, Kentucky. DHA, MEDCOM, RCH-A and Womack leaders to support the Fort Bragg Senior Commander "Throughout this transition, the Womack team and senior staff dove into multiple real-world and all tenant units," Melton said. Readiness must continue to provide safe, quality health- scenarios to determine the responsibilities of of the force remains our number one priority. care to their patients. Col. (John) Melton is an each to identify issues that may hinder the transi- The transition to DHA will be transparent to excellent leader and physician. He understands tion of healthcare to DHA or impact beneficiary all those that we support and care for. The that and will ensure that patients continue to re- healthcare or Soldier readiness. delivery of safe, quality, and accessible care is ceive the medical care and services they expect It was determined at these TTXs that one foundational within our profession--this will from Womack." leader, responsible for both healthcare and not change Oct. 1." DHA will be responsible for healthcare readiness, will serve the Army, its Soldiers, reti- Those facilities joining Womack are delivery and MEDCOM, through RHC-A, will rees and their families the best. This leadership Naval Hospital Jacksonville, Florida, the be accountable for Soldier medical readi- recommendation and other TTX findings were 81st Medical Group, Keesler Air Force Base ness. How will the two distinct organizations put to the test in July during a three-day rehearsal (AFB), Mississippi, the 628th Medical Group, effectively separate and manage these two of concept at Fort Bragg. Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, and vital missions? After three-days of deliberation, participants the 4th Medical Group, Seymour Johnson Originally, FY17 NDAA required two lea- selected the one-leader concept as the way-ahead AFB, North Carolina. The remaining DoD ders, a medical director in charge of healthca- for Womack and the other service medical facili- medical facilities will transition to DHA by re delivery and a service commander whose ties selected. October 1, 2021.

MERCURY 7 Leaders come together to rehearse military healthcare transition By Eve Meinhardt, U.S. Army Forces Command

Leaders from across the Department of Defense, the Army and Fort Bragg came together July 17 through 19 to discuss the upcoming transition of the administration and management of Womack Army Medical Center from the U.S. Army Medical Command to the Defense Health Agency. On Oct. 1, DHA assumed policy oversight of all military treatment facilities. However, as part of a deliberate effort to identify the best way forward, only five military treatment facilities transitioned to full administration and management by DHA in the initial phase. Womack Army Medical Center will be the first Army military treatment facility to completely move under the DHA control, along with three Air Force medical groups and Naval Hospital Jacksonville in Jacksonville, Florida. Gen. Robert B. Abrams, commanding gene- ral, U.S. Army Forces Command, highlighted the importance of working together to ensure the transition is invisible to patients receiving treatment anywhere on Fort Bragg and that it does not impact Army readiness. "There should be zero impact on delivery of medical services that support readiness of the force," Abrams said. "That has to be the number one driving consideration – what's best for rea- Leaders from across the Department of Defense, the Army and Fort Bragg meet at U.S. Army Forces Command diness of the force in terms of implementation." headquarters July 19, 2018, to discuss the upcoming transition of the administration and management of Womack Army Medical Center from the U.S. Army Medical Command to the Defense Health Agency. (U.S. Army photo by The commander of Womack Army Medical Eve Meinhardt). Center, Col. John J. Melton, said that everyone on his staff is focused on a successful transition. "We're here to set a strategic foundation readiness functions to include deploymen- "For our Soldiers, veterans, retirees and for Womack as the first of our medical t-related functions, embedded behavioral Family members that we serve, this transi- treatment facilities to transfer, but also to health, medical logistics, dental, public tion will be transparent," Melton said. "The establish the pathway for the remaining me- health, veterinary services and installation delivery of safe, quality and accessible care is dical treatment facilities in the U.S. Army to emergency response. foundational in our transfer over to "We are all onboard," said Lt. Gen. profession. We will "The work we do here is laying the DHA over the Nadja West, the Army Surgeon General and continue to honor next two to three commanding general, U.S. Army Medical our Nation's sacred the foundation for the future." years," said Kathy Command. "It's important to do this and to trust to care for tho- Miller, assistant get it right. It's about making sure that we're se that wear and have worn the uniform and deputy chief of staff, U.S. Army G-3/5/7. "The continuing to take care of Soldiers and their their Families." work we do here is laying the foundation for Families." The rehearsal of concept drill at U.S. Army the future." Melton said that no matter what, Womack Forces Command headquarters was coordina- The transfer of authority is part of a Army Medical Center is going to continue to ted by numerous staff agencies -- including the Congressional mandate under the National focus on providing quality healthcare and FORSCOM G-3 and Surgeon's Offices. The drill's Defense Authorization Act to centralize the maintaining the readiness of the force. topics covered numerous scenarios giving Fort administration of all military treatment "Readiness of the forces remains our num- Bragg leaders the opportunity to consider facilities to better focus on readiness, ber one priority," he said. "We are charged and prepare for potential budget, readiness, create a common high-quality experience with ensuring that every Soldier is physically infrastructure, legal and most importantly, for patients and eliminate redundancies. and cognitively 'ready to fight tonight' – and healthcare delivery issues. Throughout the While DHA will manage healthcare delivery proficient in their respective critical medical exercise, key leaders were presented with at the military treatment facilities, the indi- wartime skills. We will continue to build and multiple scenarios to identify potential friction vidual service medical commands will still sustain readiness for the operations force. points and how to solve them. maintain responsibility and authority over This will not change come Oct. 1."

MERCURY 8 SOLDIER GOES FROM SPECIAL FORCES TO MEDICAL SCHOOL WITH HELP FROM ARMY SCHOLARSHIP By Michelle DeGuzman-Watson

U.S. Army special operations recruiter is hanging up his green beret after 13 years on active duty and picking up a stethoscope to become a doctor. AArmy Sgt. 1st Class Philip Nordstrom has been selected to be a part of the F. Edward Hébert Armed Forces Health Professions Scholarship Program. The Army awards appro- ximately 275 of these medical scholarships each year. Nordstrom will receive full tuition for four years and a monthly stipend of at least $2,200. Once he is finished with school and medical residency, his service commitment will be five years. When Nordstrom graduated from high school in South Carolina, he took some college courses, then joined the Army in 2005 as a Special Forces recruit. After three years of training, he became a Special Forces medical sergeant. "Special Forces is the best job in the wor- ld," Nordstrom said. "It was a very difficult decision to leave, but I wanted to further my career in medicine. I know there's a whole lot out there in the medical world that I ha- ven't yet had the opportunity to be exposed to or experience." A young Afghan boy was injured by shrapnel in his village. Army Sgt. 1st Class Philip Nordstrom treated the boy Nordstrom's circumstance is unique. Most after he was injured. (Photo courtesy of Philip Nordstrom) of the HPSP recipients are newly graduated students, Reserve Soldiers, or Guardsmen – was accepted to the University of South Caro- found out he was a Special Forces medical not active-duty Soldiers. lina, School of Medicine. sergeant, they told him that he could obtain "Even if you're already in the military and "Getting accepted to medical school was certification as a Physician's Assistant in three have a career, you can still take a different the first box to check for me," Nordstrom said. semesters. Pretty tempting. He walked away. path," Nordstrom said. "In my case, it's almost "Once you have that, then you can continue. If I asked him about that decision to turn down like starting a new career all over again." I could give some advice to anyone who plans a bird in hand. He replied, 'You remember In order to apply for HPSP, Soldiers must to apply for HPSP, I would encourage them to Dad when you told me that sometimes when obtain a baccalaureate degree from an accre- start the HPSP process while they are applying faced with a decision that you might want to dited school. for medical school." choose the path that you would later regret "I went to college for a few years before I Nordstrom was excited and relieved after not pursuing? That's how I feel, I would always came into the Army," Nordstrom recalled. learning he had been selected for HPSP. wonder if I could have made it into medical "Then 11 years later, I decided I wanted to at- "I had decided that I was going to go to me- school. I don't want to live with that regret.' I tempt med school, so I had to get my bachelor's dical school no matter what, but I prefer to do was grateful he actually listened to me!" degree. That was the first step in the process." it with the Army," he said. "I want to continue Nordstrom hopes to work with the Special While on active duty, Nordstrom obtained my military career in this direction." Forces as a supervisory doctor in the future. his baccalaureate degree from Campbell Nordstrom comes from a military family. "I think it would be an amazing experience University in North Carolina. His brother Joel Nordstrom is a combat en- later on in my Army career because of my "I had to work a 9 to 5 full-time, active- gineer, and his father, Mark Nordstrom, is a background of being a medic on an SF team," duty job in the Army, and a combination of retired Army colonel. Nordstrom said. "My familiarity with that online and classroom courses from 6 to 10 "He's always been interested in pursuing aspect of medicine would give me a unique p.m., weeknights," he explained. "Most of the a worthy and great challenge in the service perspective as a supervisory doctor." classes I had to take were in the classroom or of others, and he's done very well," Mark Learn more about the F. Edward Hébert in labs since I was trying to apply to medical Nordstrom said. "Several years ago I attended Armed Forces Health Professions Scholarship school." a school fair with him at Fort Bragg as he was Program at www.goarmy.com/amedd/educa- Prior to applying for the HPSP, Nordstrom considering his options. When one school tion/hpsp.html.

MERCURY 9 MEDICAL READINESS Army Health Clinic Supports Mass Casualty Drill During RIMPAC By Ramee Opperude, U.S. Army Health Clinic-Schofield Barracks

Soldiers from the U.S. Army Health Clinic- Schofield Barracks escort simulated casualties to the appropriate level of care during a mass casualty drill (MASCAL) during the (RIMPAC) exercise, July 11. Twenty-five nations, 45 ships, five submarines, about 200 aircraft and 25,000 personnel participated RIMPAC from June 27 to Aug. 2 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The world’s largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining co- operative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security of the world’s oceans. RIMPAC 2018 is the 26th exercise in the series that began in 1971. The exercise allowed the USAHC-SB to test their response capabilities to a large scale mass casualty exercise. (U.S. Army photos by Ramee Opperude).

U.S. Army Soldiers and staff trained for a 8th Theatre Sustainment Command and 25th outside of the ACC, in the stabilization and mass crisis July 11 as the casualties arrived by the Infantry Division medical teams. transfer of immediate patients to a higher level dozens at the health clinic on Schofield Barracks. Soldiers dressed as casualties were walked of care.” Matt Momiyama, emergency plans and and driven to the USAHC-SB campus to receive During the exercise, the emergency opera- operations officer, U.S. Army Health Clinic - care. Staff escorted patients and provided tions center was located in the clinic headquar- Schofield Barracks (USAHC-SB), reported the family assistance while treating fractured ters and provided oversight to the ACC, the simulated earthquake from the emergency limbs, cuts, and head injuries, as though the transport holding area, the manpower pool, operations center and to expect casualties over Soldiers actually suffered the injuries. the family assistance team and the orthopedics the intercom and to personal handheld radios “Each year as required, the clinic plans for expectant team. across the clinic. and executes a large scale training event which By the end of the exercise more than 40 According to the logistics technicians, the takes months of planning,” said Momiyama. casualties had processed through the patient scenario was well planned and the details “We are a part of the larger U.S. Army Hawaii administration division following assessment thoroughly explained to participating staff Installation response team and are here to by the triage team and received an appropriate prior to the event. Training of this caliber and provide care in the event we are needed.” It is level of care. complexity required advanced planning by exciting to see the results of everyone’s hard The mass casualty drill was part of a larger, several sections including the logistics depart- work but we will immediately begin planning island-wide training scenario during the Rim ment accordingly to several role players. for the next iteration to improve and get after of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise. Schofield “For each designated station, we have our training objectives.” Barracks, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam and MASCAL [mass casualty drill] chests on Several areas received a constant flow of other locations took part in the event, which standby,” said Shawn Jenkinson, medical wounded role players including the acute care helped certify 22 hospitals throughout Hawaii. logistics tech. “Supplies are inventoried clinic (ACC), which was located hundreds of feet Twenty-five nations, 46 ships, five subma- on a regular basis throughout the year for from the initial triage area in the ambulance rines, about 200 aircraft and 25,000 personnel readiness.” “During this event, logistics were arrival area. are participated in RIMPAC from June 27 to resupplied as needed, including the essentials; “It's vital for the entire clinic to be prepared Aug. 2 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and ace wraps, emergency bandages, tourniquets, and able to respond during a MASCAL,” said Southern California. The world’s largest inter- ecetra.” Capt. Kristine Wilson, acute care clinic nurse, national maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a The planning for the exercise required the USAHC-SB. “We are the epicenter of emergency unique training opportunity while fostering and involvement of operations, logistics, clinic medicine during such an event and need to sustaining cooperative relationships among services and the majority of the USAHC-SB be engaged and ready for the mass influx of participants critical to ensuring the safety of administrative staff. The clinic was able to potential patients. "When this increase in sea lanes and security of the world’s oceans. continue day-to-day operations during the activity occurs, we need to utilize all available RIMPAC 2018 is the 26th exercise in the series exercise due to the close coordination with the staff to assist, often using the support of staff that began in 1971.

MERCURY 10 HEALTH Stop using tobacco with hypnosis By Tamara Passut, U.S. Army Health Center-Vicenza

Photo By Karin Martinez

he U.S. Army Health Clinic–Vi- our body, and the health of children who are been used, so if you’ve tried in the past, this cenza is bringing in a new op- around the smoker.” may be a great opportunity for another shot tion for tobacco cessation this The fact is that nicotine and the act of at being tobacco free. year and it involves a process smoking can be so addictive, it takes over “The most important aspect of the treat- called QuitSmart. the smoker’s common sense that they need ment is the individuals’ commitment to The techniques endorsed by to quit. achieving cessation,” said Hodson. Tthis program help patients ease off nicotine Making the choice to quit takes several The program is free and available to all embracing a “warm chicken” methodology tries for some and it is hard. The QuitSmart TRICARE beneficiaries and DoD/DoDEA civi- rather than the “cold turkey” method. process allows patients to use stop-smoking lians. It is comprised of a one hour orienta- “We know cigarette smoking is a leading medications, nicotine replacement therapy, tion class, one hour individual meeting with preventable cause of mortality in the United self-hypnosis and group support to help par- a provider, and then three one hour group States and worldwide,” said Dr. David Hod- ticipants stay on track and finally make 2018 sessions every other week. son, mental health advanced practice nurse. the year they quit smoking/using tobacco. For more information on how to sign “It is surprising that so many individuals still The program being offered has statis- up for QuitSmart today, call DSN 636-9508, continue to smoke despite the proof that tically proven more effective than other comm. 0444-61-9508. To learn more about tobacco negatively impacts all systems of programs for tobacco cessation which have quitting smoking visit https://smokefree.gov.

MERCURY 11 Army Top Sergeant’s Long Journey to Freedom By Randy Lescault, U.S. Army Medical Recruiting Brigade

In March of 1975, Saigon was in chaos. “Just like the meaning of ‘alien,’ I felt like The communist People’s Army of Vietnam an alien in this new and strange country,” (PAVN) and the Viet Cong, ignoring the Paris he said. “I can remember one experience Peace Accords, were marching relentlessly around Christmas time. We lived in Section toward the city as part of their end game: 8 housing, and we learned to be happy with total defeat of the Army of the Republic of simple things,” he said. “We found a big car- Vietnam (ARVN), the capture of Saigon, and dboard box, and had fun rolling and sliding the reunification of Vietnam under commu- down the hills.” nist rule. “I also remember how we washed our The family of Do Nguyen had a momen- clothes,” he said. Not owning a washing ma- tous decision to make. chine, they resorted to their own ingenuity. His grandfather had strong ties to the “I would fill up our bathtub with hot water ARVN. Earlier in the long war, during the and soap, throw in our dirty clothes, stomp Tet Offensive, the communist forces had them with my feet, and then wring them out overrun the South Vietnamese city of Hue. by hand,” he said. After the city Nguyen ex- was recaptured, “Water was scarce. I can celled in school returning U.S. and integrating and ARVN forces remember my mother boiling the into society, and found mass gra- sea water so that we could drink it." made plans to ves. Upon further attend college. investigation, it He took the Master Sgt. Do Nguyen, age 5, in a refugee camp, Circa was determined the communists forces had ASVAB and earned high scores, but he igno- 1975. (Photo courtesy of the family of Do Nguyen). executed nearly 3,000 citizens — especially red the many phone calls and post cards he targeting ARVN officers, local officials and received from military recruiters. family members, Catholics and educators. “I grew up in a family of five, and was the The Nguyen family faced a similar fate second oldest male,” he said. “My parents’ should Saigon fall. expectation as an older son was to follow So, the decision was made. family tradition, and become a doctor or an Five year old Nguyen and his family took engineer,” he said. passage on a freighter bound for Singapore. All that changed one day toward the end Even though he was young, he can still re- of his college days. He had just finished his member the journey. exit interview, and was told he owed more “The conditions on the ship were harsh,” than $20,000 in student loans. As he was he said. “The ship was overcrowded with mulling over how to pay that bill, he walked other refugees like ourselves. We slept down past a recruiting table display. Vietnamese refugees are welcomed to the Fort Chaffee, in the hull on top of suitcases.” “The recruiter at the Army table told me Ark., processing center as part of “Operation New Life”. (Photo courtesy of the Army Nurse Corps Photograph “Water was scarce. I can remember my the Army could help me repay my student Collection, Army Medical Department Center of History mother boiling the sea water so that we loans,” he said. “I agreed to sign up, and & Heritage). could drink it,” he said. history was made.” Upon arrival in Singapore, his parents Nguyen’s career of service to his adopted cians, dentists, nurses, veterinarians and applied for refugee status with the United country has been a success story, with both other professionally qualified healthcare States Embassy. Their application was ac- challenges and highlights, but one career providers, and well as chaplains. Nguyen cepted, and they boarded another freighter highlight stands out in his mind. has served as the Senior Master Trainer, and for the long passage to San Francisco. “In March of 2011, I was promoted to most recently, as the NCO in the chaplain After arriving in the United States, his Master Sergeant, and took orders to serve as recruiting section. family was moved to Fort Chaffee in Nor- a guidance counselor,” he said. “I strove to “I have had a chance to see and un- thwest Arkansas. Fort Chaffee processed make a lasting impression on the young men derstand the Medical Recruiting Brigade more than 50,000 refugees as part of a and women who had signed up to provide challenges,” he said. “As far as chaplain resettlement program the military called selfless service to their country in the Army. recruiting, I feel a strong bond with the ‘Operation New Life,’ officially enacted by I was the guardian who ensured every indivi- chaplains due to my personal experience Congress as the Indochina Migration and dual who joined was physically, morally, and coming to the United States. It is important Assistance Act of 1975. educationally qualified.” to have spiritual values, and I am happy to Fortunately for Nguyen and his family, Currently, Nguyen serves on the staff of help recruit the most qualified chaplains they were sponsored by a Baptist church the headquarters of the U.S. Army Medical and chaplain candidates to serve my fellow in St. Joseph, Mo., and his life in a new Recruiting Brigade at Fort Knox, Ky. The Soldiers and their families.” country began. Brigade is charged with recruiting physi-

MERCURY 12

KACH provides incoming USMA Cadets with running pods for study

By Mr. Robert K Lanier, Regional Health Command - Atlantic

eller Army Community Hos- profession. Our focus is accomplished through pital (KACH) physical thera- two primary purposes. The first is to produce py fellowship and PT clinic graduates with expertise in evidenced-based staff collaborated on a study primary care for preventing, examining, diag- called START: Simple Tech- nosing, and managing a variety of complex nology Assessing Running orthopaedic and sports injuries. The second KTechnique, during the U.S. Military Academy's is to ensure competency in sports medicine 'Reception Day' July 5, 2018. The study aims research design, production, analysis, and cri- to identify traits in Soldiers' gait that may be tical review. The fellowship provides military indicative of future lower extremity injuries. physical therapists an opportunity to develop Information-recording pods were provided advanced competencies in triage and manage- by the KACH physical therapy research team ment of acute sports injuries while at the Uni- from a grant – from the Military Operational ted States Military Academy, West Point, N.Y. Medicine Research Program (MOMRP) – with Graduates will use these same competencies no labor requirements or cost from U.S. Mili- to return injured soldiers, sailors, and airmen tary Academy. Cadets in the class of 2022 will to a high level of military technical and tactical wear the pods for six weeks during summer readiness. The concepts for managing injured training. The pods detect step rate (steps per elite athletes and returning them to the playing minute), step length, distance run, foot strike field as quickly and safely as possible shares pattern, and rate of impact loading. the same common goal of returning injured After the six weeks are complete, the pods service members to their units in garrison or will be returned to the research team for data combat. syncing, then be returned to the Cadets. Cadets About the Military Operational Medicine will then be able to use these pods to monitor Research Program: their physical activities via an app. The MOMRP conducts collaborative resear- The intent of the study is to improve readi- ch with university and commercial laborato- ness by identifying parameters which promote ries and other federal agencies oriented toward healthy running and reduce injury, contribu- solving critical problems facing the Army ting to a reduction in the number of running today and in the future. They use an indepen- related injuries in Cadets and Soldiers. dent, external scientific peer review process to About the KACH Physical Therapy ensure high quality and validity of its research, Fellowship: peer review of milestone accomplishments The mission of the Baylor University-Keller and to prepare these findings for publication Army Community Hospital Division 1 Sports in the open scientific literature. The MOMRP KACH research members outfit an incoming USMA Physical Therapy Fellowship is to produce cli- is centered on cutting-edge scientific research Class of 2022 Cadet with a running pod as part of the six-week START study to identify traits in Soldiers' nical scientists to better serve Military Health and bringing science to the Soldier on the gait that may be indicative of future lower extremity System beneficiaries and the physical therapy battlefield in a relevant, timely manner. injuries. (U.S. Army photo by Robert K. Lanier).

MEDCOM names annual Safety Award winners By Army Medicine Public Affairs

U.S. Army Medical Command announced its Individual Award for Excellence in Safety award winners for 2017 earlier this year. The two winners are John Cecil, Safety and OH Manager, U.S. Army MEDDAC, Fort Knox, Kentucky, and Capt. Jordan Yolles, executive officer of Public Health Activity-Italy.

Cecil was awarded the individual award of excellence for Yolles won the individual award of excellence for non-safety safety professional category. He facilitated a 50 percent professionals. She spearheaded the establishment of a robust reduction in total number of mishap losses in fiscal year battalion safety program and implemented extraordinary (FY) 2017 as compared from FY 2016. He also Facilitated efforts to ensure the safety of 44 assigned Soldiers, 29 non- a reduction in Total Case Injury Rate (TCIR) from to 2.33 appropriated fund, and seven local national employees who to 0.47 and Days Away Restricted Time (DART) rate from were dispersed throughout seven tri-service installations in 1.22 to 0.16 from calendar year (CY) 2016 to CY 2017. four countries with missions spanning 26 nations. Congratulations to both winners! MERCURY 15 INNOVATIONS Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense first DOD laboratory credentialed for high complexity clinical laboratory testing for chemical agent exposure verification By Cindy Kronman, U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense

Dr. Robert diTargiani runs samples on the liquid chromatograph tandem mass spectrometer as part of the method validation process. (U.S. Army photo by Stephanie Froberg, USAMRICD)

The U.S. Army Medical Research Institute exposure; however, up until now, any results the use of chemical warfare agents, it is more of Chemical Defense (USAMRICD), at Aber- from exposure-confirmation testing done on important than ever for rapid and secure deen Proving Ground, Md., recently became a human sample from a service member were exposure-confirmation testing to support real the first organization laboratory within the not eligible to become part of the service mem- time missions, and for testing results to be in- Department of Defense to receive full accredi- ber’s health record because the testing was not cluded in the Military Service Member Health tation as a high complexity clinical laboratory done in a clinical laboratory. The Institute’s Records,” said Holcomb. for diagnostic testing on human samples to new accreditation will make these important To add this new capability, the Institute first confirm exposure to chemical threat agents. confirmatory results available for providers. established a dedicated clinical laboratory, Additionally, the USAMRICD is the first DOD According to Maj. Gen. Barbara Holcomb, separate from its analytical chemistry labora- institute to achieve Clinical Laboratory Impro- commanding general of the U.S. Army Medical tories, to conduct clinical verification testing vement Plan accreditation through the Ameri- Research and Materiel Command, “This new according to standing operating procedures can Association for Laboratory Accreditation, capability at the USAMRICD is a significant governing the process. When all the necessary an approved international accrediting body. asset for the Department of Defense in that it requirements were in place, USAMRICD’s The USAMRICD has a long history of develo- addresses a previously unmet need.” clinical laboratory and Quality Management ping analytical tests to confirm chemical agent “Given the recent world events involving Office invited the Defense Health Agency’s [Continued on page 17] MERCURY 16 Criminal Investigation Command New Crime Tips

What you need to know

The Army community and American public now have the ability to use their com- puters and smartphones to submit tips about crimes, suspicious activity or threats to the U.S. Army's Criminal Investigation Command (CID) via a new digital crime tips system. The CID crime tips system recently tran- sitioned to a web-based and smartphone app submission method. The public can access the system via any Internet-connected device by visiting, www.cid.army.mil. In addition to the web interface, the app is for submission of tips and is available for free download from the Apple Store and Google Play at www. p3tips.com/app.aspx?ID=325. According to CID's implementation pro- ject manager, Special Agent Christopher L. Additionally, persons providing anony- According to Christopher Grey, CID's Adams, the new system provides users a safe, mous tips will have the ability to communi- spokesman, the previous methods of reporting secure and anonymous method to report cate with the CID Agents," Adams said. "After a crime to CID will remain in effect until the criminal activity and security threats without submitting a tip, a tip reference/ID number new Crime Tips System is fully implemented. concerns of retaliation or fear. He explained is created that allows the tipster to create a "It is critical for people to say something that whenever a person submits a tip online, password to check the status of the submit- when they see something and it literally the completed form is securely transferred ted tip or check on the status of a reward - if can mean the difference between someone directly to Army CID through a Secure Sockets applicable. So do not misplace your ID num- receiving the justice they deserve or victi- Layer connection, which means that the ber, as it will be needed to check on the status mizing another innocent person," Grey said. tips are encrypted, entirely confidential and of your tip." "Although we prefer people with information completely anonymous. Users can also attach There is also the multi-language feature for to use the new digital Crime Tips system, they images, videos and documents with their tips. global use that allows tips to be auto-conver- can still report a crime through our current "This new system is the ideal solution for ted into English on the backend regardless of methods until these methods are phased out 'tipsters' to report criminal activities or suspi- what language they were submitted. Tips will within the next 60 days: contact your local cious activity anonymously. Tips received will be responded to in English and auto-transla- CID office, contact 1-844-ARMY-CID (844-276- be seamlessly assigned to various units for ted back to their source language during the 9243) or email CID at Army.CID.Crime.Tips@ further investigation. two-way dialog process. mail.mil."

For more information on Army CID, visit www.cid.army.mil.

[Continued from page 16] Center for Laboratory Medicine Services, “zero deficiencies found” during the accredi- The process of establishing a clinical which grants a certificate of registration tation process. laboratory and receiving CLIP registration oc- under CLIP, to visit as part of the Institute’s USAMRICD’s QMO chief, Dr. Cheri Rose- curred under the leadership of Col. Margery submission package. CLIP ensures quality berry, outlined the accreditation process. Hanfelt, who recently completed her tour as and reliability in laboratory testing perfor- “The Institute had to demonstrate an ability commander of the Institute. med on human samples to diagnose, prevent, to monitor all aspects of the clinical laboratory “The USAMRICD is uniquely qualified for or treat a disease, or to assess the health of to rigorous international standards through a high complexity diagnostic testing of human the individual from whom the sample was regimented quality management program. All samples for chemical agent threats,” said collected. Under CLIP the validation process aspects of the quality and laboratory systems Hanfelt. “With its world-class medical and for clinical testing is much more stringent were scrutinized: equipment, records, person- research subject matter experts working than, or different from, that used in research nel files, standard operating procedures and together in state-of-the-art facilities, the environments. laboratory processes. In addition to all of the USAMRICD is the medical chemical defense The final step to accreditation was a preparation and internal audits, the clinical la- leader for the Department of Defense.” thorough quality and technical audit by the boratory and quality program were inspected A2LA. The USAMRICD had an unprecedented and evaluated by outside agencies.”

MERCURY 17 U.S. Army Futures Command officially activates in Austin By Army Futures Command Public Affairs

The U.S. Army activated the U.S. Army Futures Command (AFC) in a ceremony in downtown Austin on Aug. 24 signaling its most significant reorganization since 1973. The four-star command, headquartered in the University of Texas System Building, joins Forces Command, Army Materiel Command, and Training and Doctrine Command as the fourth major Army command. Gen. John Murray, who was promoted in a ceremony earlier in the day, uncased the colors alongside Command Sgt. Maj. Michael Crosby and Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. Mark Milley. “Although geographically dispersed across the United States, the Army Futures Command will have a singular focus to make Soldiers and their units more effective and more lethal today and in to the future,” said Murray. “From this location, we will provide the unity of Command Sgt. Maj. Michael A. Crosby (left), nominated command sergeant major for U.S. Army Futures Com- command and unity of effort that will bring mand, holds the U.S. Futures Command's colors as (left to right) Gen. Mark A. Milley, Chief of Staff of the Army, the Honorable Mark T. Esper, Secretary of the Army, Gen. John M. Murray, Commanding General of the U.S. Army the concepts, requirements, science and te- Futures Command, unfurl the newly established command's colors during the activation ceremony Aug. 24 at Aus- chnology, research and development, testing tin, Texas. The establishment of Army Futures Command marks one of the most significant Army reorganization and engineering, and acquisition communi- efforts since 1973, when the U.S. Army disestablished the Continental Army Command and Combat Development Command, and redistributed their functions between two new commands, U.S. Army Forces Command and U.S. ties together to ensure the United States Army Army Training & Doctrine Command. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Brandon Banzhaf, 24th Press Camp Headquarters). remains the preeminent ground combat force in the world forever.” “The only thing that is more expensive After an exhaustive search, the U.S. Army The mission of AFC is to prepare and equip than preventing a war is fighting a war. And chose Austin because it provides AFC the best Soldiers and units to deploy, fight, and win the the only thing that is more expensive than opportunities to partner with academia, entre- nation’s wars in the near-term and far into the fighting a war is fighting and losing a war,” preneurs, and innovators in the private sector. future. In order to meet the American people’s said Milley. “So this command is all about se- “We’re excited to establish Army Futures expectations, the Army must be able to shoot, tting the U.S. Army up, not only to win on the Command outside a traditional military base,” move, communicate, protect, and sustain better battlefield, but to be decisive and absolutely said Secretary of the Army, the Honorable Mark than its adversaries. AFC, and its subordinate dominant on the battlefield.” Esper. “We knew that to do this right we needed organizations, will for the first time oversee a “This command is our scout into the future. to immerse ourselves in an area where innova- myriad of areas within the U.S. Army focused [It} is the command of the Army that is going to tion occurs at speed far faster than the current on modernization under one command. look over the hill,” said Milley. process allows.”

Soldier trades patrol car for patrol cap

By Ashley Patoka, Regional Health Command-Europe

Staff Sgt. Daniel Cleveland joined the army after retiring from an 18-year career in law enforcement. Shortly after arriving at his first duty station, Fort Hood, Texas, Cleveland deployed as a Dental Specialist in the 502nd Dental Company, Area Support, 1st Medical Brigade. (U.S. Army photo courtesy of Staff Sgt. Daniel Cleveland).

or most, retirement means "Ok, I've cut the grass. I've helped you in the "I started working in the jail, and I was taking it easy, slowing down or house. I'm kind of relaxing by the pool," Cleve- having fun," he said. "I was able to try and relaxing by the pool. It doesn't land said. "She said, 'no. You need to get a job!'" make a difference in these people's lives -- you usually include joining the Army, That is when Cleveland proposed the idea tried to make sure they were on the right path completing initial entry training of joining the Army – at that time he was 38 whenever they got out." and deploying to Afghanistan. years old. From there, Cleveland worked his way up. FBut for Staff Sgt. Daniel Cleveland, Regional "I asked her what she thought about the After the detention center, he worked as a ra- Health Command Europe Headquarters and idea of me joining the Army," he said. dio dispatcher and from there, he went to the Headquarters Detachment Sergeant, this is "She said, 'where in the heck did that police academy. exactly what his retirement looks like. come from?'" During his time as an officer, he started as Cleveland, who is a dental specialist in the Cleveland, whose step-father was in the a patrol deputy and went on to work under- Army, joined after retiring from an 18-year Army and grew up as a military "brat," had cover investigations and property crimes. He career in law enforcement. always thought about joining the military. also became certified as a homicide investiga- About four months into his retirement, He put that on hold though when he was tor and a crime scene technician. Cleveland Cleveland recalled sitting by the pool with his offered a job by the local Sheriff to work in the culminated his career in law enforcement as wife who told him, "you need to do something." detention center. chief of police. [Continued on page 21] MERCURY 20 ARMY ROTC CADETS AT KACH TO PARTICIPATE IN NSTP By Robert K. Lanier, Keller Army Community Hospital

Three Reserve Officer Training Corps Cadets participated in the Nurse Summer Training Program (NSTP) at Keller Army Community Hospital this summer and gave their final presentation Aug. 10, 2018. The NSTP is a paid, clinical elective of- fered at Army hospitals in the United States and Germany, and occurs during the sum- mer between the junior and senior year of college. It gives ROTC Cadets the opportu- nity to develop both their leadership and nursing skills; and it introduces them to the Army Medical Department and the roles and responsibilities of an Army Nurse Corps officer. The Cadets final presentation was on MHS GENESIS, the new electronic heal- th record for the Military Health System (MHS), which provides enhanced, secure Pictured (from l-r) are Col. Sarah Williams-Brown, Keller’s DCNHS; Cadet Vanessa Ramage, Marquette University; technology to manage your health infor- Cadet Levi Lindsay, Washburn University/University of Kansas (host); Cadet Asmita Gurung, Tarleton State Univer- sity; and Capt. Samuel Pankonen, OIC of Keller’s MSU. (U.S. Army photo). mation. MHS GENESIS integrates inpatient and outpatient solutions that will connect This includes garrison, operational, and medical and dental information across the When fully deployed, MHS GENESIS will en route care, increasing efficiencies for continuum of care, from point of injury to provide a single health record for service beneficiaries and healthcare professionals. the military treatment facility. members, veterans, and their families.

[Continued from page 20] Once he retired from the police force, he was thought it was a good opportunity to try some- "I could hardly put my boot on, much less able to explore the idea of joining the Army again. thing different. walk, I just knew then they were going to take But his wife had one more question, "she "I was really looking at being an [emergency me off [the deployment list]," Cleveland said. "So asked me, 'do you think you can do it?'" Cleveland medical technician] or a medic, but it wasn't I didn't tell anybody." recalled. "There was no doubt in my mind I could available, so I decided to give dental a try, and When he made it to Afghanistan, he had to do it. But she reminded me that most of the other that is how I became a dental specialist with a walk to the hospital, which was a mile away. Soldiers would be much younger than me and top secret clearance." "I remember hobbling to get there, but once that I would have to run and jump, but I was Cleveland finished his initial entry training I got there, I saw a provider who prescribed pretty sure I could still do it." and headed off to his first assignment at Fort some medication and within hours it was gone," So with his wife's support, he went to a Hood, Texas where he joined the 502nd Dental he said. "But I was so scared to say anything recruiter and signed up to work in explosive Company, Area Support, 1st Medical Brigade -- because I didn't want to be taken off the deploy- ordnance disposal. which was getting ready to deploy to Afghanistan. ment list." "Initially, they said I could be a [Military Police As much as Cleveland wanted to deploy, he Through it all, Cleveland never questioned officer], but I didn't want to do that. I wanted to do said he had a lot of mixed emotions. He and his his decision to join the Army. something different," Cleveland said. wife arrived at Fort Hood less than a year before "I love to lead and mentor younger people." Cleveland went to Basic Combat Training at he deployed. On top of that, he and his wife And now he hopes to continue to do that for Fort Jackson, South Carolina. were expecting. as long as he can. "I was on my last day of basic training when "When I deployed, my daughter was nine "I love the military…it is all based on my I was told that my security clearance didn't go weeks old," he said. old body. If my body will hold out, I will stay through, and it would take about six months to At the time Cleveland was getting ready to de- as long as the Army will have me," Cleveland rebut it," he said. "They told me I could stay there ploy, he was also facing some medical challenges. said. "I thoroughly enjoy it. I have bad days - until it was approved, or I could reclassify." "First, I had hernia surgery," Cleveland said. "I everybody does." Not wanting to sit around, Cleveland said he was scared to death they were going to take me But on those bad days, Cleveland falls back would be interested in a medical military occu- off the deployment list -- so three days later I was on the tools the Army has provided him to get pational specialty. back out there trying to get ready." through those tougher time. "They told me they had dental available, and Fast forward to the week of deployment, "I really believe in [Master Resiliency I told them I think my hands are too big, I might Cleveland then developed gout in his foot. Training]," he said. "I try my best to 'hunt the not be a good dentist – because I thought that is Gout, according to the Center for Disease good stuff.' I think your [attitude] can enhance what I would be doing." Control, "is a common form of arthritis that others and I try to be that person to put a smile Once they explained to him what a dental usually affects one joint at a time (often the big on someone's face." specialist actually does, Cleveland said he toe joint) and is very painful."

MERCURY 21 2018 ARMY MEDICINE SNAPSHOT

Top: U.S. Army Spc. Roberto Aguilera (right), Hous- ton, Texas native, combat medic with 287th Military Police Company, 89th Military Police Brigade, and a U.K. army soldier (left) with 1st The Queen's Dragoon Guards, performed first aid training on a U.S. Soldier during exercise Puma 2 with Battle Group Poland at Bemowo Piskie Training Area, Poland June 13, as part of Saber Strike 18. This year's exercise, which ran from June 3-15, tests al- lies and partners from 19 countries on their ability work together to deter aggression in the region and improve each unit's ability to perform their desig- nated mission. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Hubert D. Delany III, 22nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment). Above: Soldiers with 1st Armored Division practice proper patient transport onto a UH-60 MedEvac Black Below: Jody Townsend, physician assistant, De- Above: U.S. Army Sgt. Steven Gildersleeve and Spc. Hawk helicopter with the U.S. Army National Guard’s partment of Orthopaedics, William Beaumont Army Harley Wallace (right) from Charlie Company, 725th 2nd Battalion, 149th Aviation Regiment, out of Santa Fe, Medical Center, instructs and guides Sgt. Darryl Brigade Support Battalion (Airborne), 4th Infantry Bri- New Mexico, during Medical Evacuation (MedEvac) hot/ Farrell, combat medic, C Company, 501st Brigade gade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, cold load training in preparation for the 29th annual Support Battalion, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, prepare to secure a simulated patient with a suspected Bataan Memorial Death March at White Sands Missile 1st Armored Division, on proper Plasma Rich Platelets spinal injury July 26 at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richard- Range, New Mexico, March 24. (U.S. Army photo by (PRP) injection procedures during regular training son, Alaska. The “Cobra Medics” conducted a four day Marcy Sanchez). revolutions between 1st AD and WBAMC units at challenge to select two medics to be sent as competi- William Beaumont Army Medical Center’s Orthopae- tors to the USARAK best medic competition. (U.S. Air Below: Sgt. 1st Class Adam Pohovey, Madigan Army dic Clinic, June 8. The Department of Orthopaedics Force photo by Jamal Wilson). Medical Center, takes part in a water survival test as at WBAMC was recently named as Army Medicine’s part of the 2018 Pacific Best Medic Competition hosted Wolf Pack Award recipient for 2nd Quarter, Fiscal by Regional Health Command-Pacific Aug. 7-10 at Joint Year 2018. The Wolf Pack Award recognizes excep- Below: Spc. Benjamin Bassar, healthcare specialist, Base Lewis-McChord, Wash. (U.S. Army photo by Ryan tional teamwork by an integrated group of military assigned to the 1171st Area Medical Support Compa- Graham, Madigan Army Medical Center). and civilian team members focused on excellence ny, Michigan National Guard, bandages the head of in support of Army Medicine and was created by the an injured patient during a mass casualty exercise Army Surgeon General and the Chief of the U.S. Army near Ziemsko Airfield, Poland, June 5. The MASCAL Medical Department Civilian Corps. (U.S. Army photo exercise was part of the validation phase for the 1171st by Marcy Sanchez). Area Medical Support Company, Michigan National Guard, who is scheduled to deploy to the region some- time later next year. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Kimberly Derryberry).

MERCURY 22 U.S. Army Sgt. Beatrice Clark competes in the 2018 Best Capt. Tara Brouse, critical care nurse, Intensive Care Unit, Madigan Army Medical Center, assists with treating a Warrior Competition at Camp Bullis, Texas on June 26. mock patient at the Internal Care Ward of the 131st Field Hospital, 528th Hospital Center, Aug. 15. Brouse, a native The U.S. Army Medical Command conducted the 2018 of Portsmouth, Rhode Island, and dozens of other clinical specialist Soldiers assigned to the 131st Field Hosptial Best Warrior Competition to select the NCO and Soldier under the Army's Professional Filler System (PROFIS) participated in a week-long exercise with the field hosptial who best represent MEDCOM and the Army's Warrior to test capabilities, build rapport and increase efficiency at the Army's second-ever updated, modular-design field Ethos for participation in the competition at the Army hospital. (U.S. Army photo by Marcy Sanchez). level. (U.S. Army photo by Rebecca Westfall).

U.S. Army Capt. Jamie Seidl, physician with Munson Army Health Center, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, assesses a 3-year-old patient in the Emergency Room at the Hospital Principal, Dakar, Senegal, during MEDRETE 18-1, Feb. 19. MEDRETE is a combined effort between the Senegalese government, U.S. Army Africa., and the Vermont National Above: U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Ross Alewine, a Team Guard. MEDRETE 18-1 is the first in a series of medical Army athlete, lifts weight during the power lifting readiness training exercises that U.S. Army Africa is competition, Colorado Springs, Colorado, June 5, 2018. scheduled to facilitate within various countries in Africa, Staff Sgt. Alewine earned the Ultimate Champion ti- and serves as an opportunity for the partnered militar- tle, competing in eight sporting events. The Ultimate ies to hone and strengthen their general surgery and Champion is the athlete who earned the most points trauma skills while reinforcing the partnership between in the eight sporting events. (U.S. Army photo by Staff the countries. The mutually beneficial exercise brings Sgt. Kalie Frantz). together Senegalese military and U.S. Army medical pro- fessionals to foster cooperation while conducting medical specific tasks. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Micah Merrill). Left: (From left to right) U.S. Army Sgt. Christina McGrath (front), Sgt. Alfred Sevilla (front), Spc. Oliver Gaborno (back), and Spc. Amit Subedi (back), mental health specialists at Tripler Army Medical Center (TAMC) use a litter to transport a patient with sim- ulated injuries to a casualty collection point during a mass casualty exercise at the TAMC mountain- side helipad, as part of Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise. The purpose of the full scale exercise at TAMC is to prepare the hospital to effectively respond to a natural disaster by synchronizing efforts with government and private sector agencies statewide. Twenty-five nations, 46 ships, five submarines, about 200 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 27 to Aug. 2 in and around Above: U.S. Army Sgt.Jeffrey Richmond, a nurse with the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The the Joint Task Force-Bravo Medical Element, screens world's largest international maritime exercise, a patient prior to being seen by a medical provider RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while at Waspam, North Caribbean Autonomous Region of fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships Nicaragua, March 20. The medical exercise between among participants critical to ensuring the safety of the U.S. and Nicaraguan Army provided basic health sea lanes and security of the world's oceans. RIMPAC care services for more than 1,000 citizens of Nicara- 2018 is the 26th exercise in the series that began in gua. (U.S. Army photo by Maria Pinel). 1971. (U.S. Army photo by Leanne Thomas).

MERCURY 23 ARMY SURGEON GENERAL MAKES HOUSE CALL ON FORT JACKSON By Wallace McBride, Fort Jackson

Lt. Gen. Nadja West, Army Surgeon General – who is also U.S. Army Medical Command commanding general – begins her tour of the Reception Medical Clinic during her Aug. 3 visit to Fort Jackson. (U.S. Army photo by Wallace McBride).

t. Gen. Nadja West, Army Surgeon Brian Sims, group practice manager of and respect, and they're going to remember General and U.S. Army Medical Fort Jackson's Reception Medical Clinic, said that throughout their entire careers." Command commanding general, he welcomed West's visit as a chance for staff Col. Chad Koenig, Moncrief Army Health visited Fort Jackson's Medical De- to show off their range of skills, which are Clinic commander, said West was responsible partment Activity facilities Aug. honed daily by the constant flow of trainees for giving him his second command and is 3, getting a first-hand look at the to the installation. one of the people who has helped make his Lservices provided on the installation. "It's an opportunity to show exactly what career a success. "I'm fighting for you every day at the highest the Fort Jackson mission is like for the medical "The one thing I've heard from her since levels to make sure our senior leaders know clinic," Sims said. "We handle the initial entry the first day is 'Health care delivery is funda- what a treasure Army medicine is," West told training Soldiers when they first arrive to the mental,'" Koenig said. "The reason why we are an audience of MEDDAC Soldiers and civilian Army and process about 48,000 per year." here on Fort Jackson – to support readiness. employees during a town hall meeting at the These men and women are put through a bat- That's our primary mission." Main Post Chapel. "We've got the best medical tery of medical tests for three days to make sure West's focus is in support of Army Chief care in the world and I've got the numbers, they are fit and able for Army training, he said. of Staff Gen. Mark Milley's message about outcomes and results to back it up." "It's a focus on readiness," he said. "That's exactly making readiness the Army's "number one" During the visit, West spoke with senior what this clinic supports is Army readiness." priority. West said Fort Jackson's medical leaders, toured Moncrief Army Health Clinic, West said she was delighted by what she saw activity plays a key role in achieving that goal. visited surgical facilities and labs, and hosted during her tour of the post's medical services. Whether they knew it or not, Fort Jackson's a Town Hall for staff members and Army "I saw a group of young trainees waiting medical activity plays a direct role in Ameri- Medicine employees to discuss priorities of to get their shots, and how the staff was inte- ca's national security strategy. Army Medicine. racting with them," she said. "They weren't "At the highest levels at the Pentagon we're West fielded questions about proposed treating them like numbers...it was heart talking about what Army medicine does, the changes to the Defense Health Agency, revi- warming to see that they were treating them quality of care that's being given and the volume sions to the Army Physical Fitness Test and like individuals." of people that you see here every day," she told pay disparities among certain medical careers. These first impressions were essential, she said. the audience. "You're responsible for making West's focus for her visit to Fort Jackson was "The first medical exposure (trainees) have sure that our Army has the right number of to remind MEDDAC Soldiers and professionals is what you do," she told the town hall audience. Soldiers needed to do our nation's bidding." about the roles they play in Army readiness. "You treat them well, treat them with dignity

MERCURY 24 Army Medicine tested the limits, name 2018 U.S. Army Best Medic By Courtney Dock, Army Medicine Public Affairs

Endurance will be tested -- both mentally and physically. Soldier knowledge and medical knowledge will be the proving ground for nearly 16 teams of Soldiers competing in this year's Army Best Medic Competition scheduled for Sept. 16-20, at Camp Bullis, Texas. Senior Army Medicine leaders say teams will be challenged in ways they haven't been in previous competitions -- and the Soldiers had better be ready to not only be physically exhausted at the end of the week, but mentally exhausted as well. This year's competition will be very different from years past. "We've made it more realistic," said Mas- ter Sgt. Genora Jenkins, senior operations sergeant, G-3/5/7, Army Medical Department Staff Sgt. Benjamin Campbell, combat medic with 2-2 Stryker Brigade Combat Team, competes for the Regional Center and School. "This competition will Health Command-Pacific Best Medic competition at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., August 7, 2018. The U.S. allow Soldiers to test their capabilities and Army Best Medic Competition finals were held Sept. 16-20, 2018, at Camp Bullis, Texas. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Maricris C. McLane). test what they may or may not know. It will allow for self-reflection." going through this competition and they're In addition to the fact that the competi- That kind of self-reflection and feedback exposed to these new challenges," said tion's setup and logistics are different, is the is one of the key elements Best Medic orga- Jenkins. "They can learn from this and take fact that the whole competition fits into the nizers are looking for to enhance the spirit of the experience back to their commands by Army's shift of focus on winning battles in a the competition, but also to take back to the sharing their feedback. And that feedback multi-domain battlefield. This type of feedba- overall medical force for training. helps everyone across the board, giving them ck is exactly what is needed to ensure Army "All the competitors can come back after the tools to improve." Medicine continues in its efforts toward an [Continued on page 32] MEDICAL READINESS The Army gets SMART at Hackensack University Hospital By Courtney Dock, Army Medicine Public Affairs

Service members and Hackensack University Hospital air ambulance staff pose for a photo during Strategic Medical Asset Readiness Training (SMART), Aug. 16, 2018. The SMART partnership in Hackensack, N.J., is a first-of-its-kind partnership which focuses on high-quality, individualized specialty medical training for service members to improve their knowledge, skillsets and increase soldier readiness. (U.S. Army photo by Brig. Gen. Carl Reese).

The Assistant Surgeon General for Mobili- they are getting an excellent training expe- service members to improve their knowledge, zation, Readiness and National Guard Affairs rience and are highly motivated to take what skillsets and increase soldier readiness. attended the SMART (Strategic Medical Asset they have learned back to their units,” said Soldiers partner with their civilian counter- Readiness Training) Partnership at the Hacken- Reese. “This program has allowed them to parts at Hackensack University Medical Center sack University Hospital in Hackensack, New build confidence in their skills and build TTPs for 14 days of immersion training utilizing Jersey Aug. 16, 2018 to visit and speak on behalf that they will be able to take back to their cutting-edge technology, at no additional cost of the Office of the Army Surgeon General. respective services.” to the government. What makes this program Brig. Gen. Carl Reese, assistant surgeon ge- One example Reese gave is with the combat even more unique for the Army Reserve is that neral for Mobilization, Readiness, and National medic (68W) soldiers who have been working the training targets specialized, high demand Guard Affairs, met with the Chief Operating in the emergency department conducting clinical occupational specialties focused predo- Officer of the hospital system, vice president ride-alongs in ground and air ambulance on minantly on the enlisted Soldier, like laboratory of operations for the university hospital, and routine medical calls as well as trauma calls. specialists, radiology specialists and operating servicemembers present for training. The “A number of these calls have been pene- room technicians. current training cycle has 15 service members trating trauma,” said Reese. “They all state that These Soldiers shadow their civilian – six Coast Guard, two Air Force, and seven working the way they have will allow them to counterparts and rotate through the hospital Army Soldiers. take those skills learned back and give them continuum, gaining exposure to the Emergency Reese said the Health System Administra- confidence to deploy and take care of critically Department, Operating Rooms, Inpatient and tion and hospital staff are very supportive of injured service members.” Outpatient areas as well as Clinical Laborato- this program and service members. This training program emphasizes the ries. Previous military partnerships with the “They are committed to the success of the strong military and civilian partnership estab- medical community have focused on team program,” said Reese. “While they are teaching lished to increase Soldier medical skills which training, while this training focuses on indivi- our service members, our service members are supports a medically ready force. dual clinical skills also able to teach them as well. The program On June 5, 2017, the U.S. Army Reserve and “My overall assessment is this program is is individually tailored to each service member Hackensack University Medical Center annou- really value added for all of our service mem- to ensure that they are getting what they need.” nced the formation of Operation Hackensack bers who participate and has allowed them to During the visit, Reese was able to meet with SMART (Strategic Medical Asset Readiness increase their skills for the betterment of the the service members to get a better understan- Training), an innovative, first-of-its-kindcare of our service member both at home and ding of their perspectives of the training. partnership which focuses on high-quality, deployed,” said Reese. “Each and every one of them states that individualized specialty medical training for

MERCURY 26 INNOVATIONS Soldiers test Army's newest transport telemedicine technology By Ellen Crown, U.S. Army Medical Materiel Agency Public Affairs

Army Medicine is developing a technology to improve patient triage and communication during medical evacuations – and looking for units willing to test the system. The 44th Medical Bri- gade and Womack Army Medical Center at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, have already signed up to user-test Medical Hand- s-free Unified Broadcast, or MEDHUB. MEDHUB leverages wearable sen- sors, accelerometers and other technology cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to improve Soldiers test the MEDHUB telemedicine system during an exercise at Camp Atterbury, Indianapolis, April 2018. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army the communication flow photos by Greg Pugh, USAMMA Public Affairs ) between patients, medics and receiving field hospitals. organizations of the U.S. Army Medical Re- sharp, he also volunteers in his community as an "Civilian emergency departments and search and Materiel Command. According to emergency medical care provider. [emergency medical] crews are using similar Wang, the MEDHUB project began as a way to "I could see MEDHUB having civilian technology via phone apps to alert of incoming address issues reported from military medics application," Jones said. "Even though flight patients," said Maj. Rosie Bennett, chief nurse who needed a better way to communicate. In paramedics and civilian EMS don't necessarily at the Department of Emergency Medicine at an operational environment, medics are often face the same issues, they both struggle with Womack Army Medical Center. "We have such caring for multiple patients and have limited getting communication to the receiving facility tight security with our networks that makes bandwidth to radio ahead to hospitals and and patient care documentation. MEDHUB such apps not reasonable to use." provide them with information about patients could help solve some of those problems." MEDHUB's suite of technology autono- en route. Wang and his team have been traveling the mously collects, stores and transmits non- "Imagine you are a medic on the battlefield globe to demonstrate MEDHUB to military -personally identifiable patient information and you just pick up six of your wounded battle leadership, potential end-users and private from a device, such as a hand-held tablet, buddies for a casualty evacuation. You are busy industry. Most recently the team demonstra- to the receiving field hospital via existing trying to save their lives and get them to the ted MEDHUB at the Biotechnology Industry long-range Department of Defense communi- next level of care, which is a nearby field hospi- Organization Conference June 5-7, in Boston, cation systems. At the receiving hospital, the tal that has no idea how many patients you are Massachusetts. BIO is the largest biotech con- information sent from MEDHUB is displayed bringing or their conditions," said Wang. "The ference in the U.S., attracting approximately on a large screen so clinicians can see what is goal is to keep the medic focused for perfor- 17,000 participants this year. inbound, including the number of patients and ming life-saving tasks for multiple patients and "When we first started telling people about their vital statistics. remain unencumbered from documentation the MEDHUB system a year or so ago, some "MEDHUB is really about life-saving situa- and reporting." people didn't think it was real or even possible tional awareness," said Transport Telemedici- Retired Army flight paramedic Jeff Jones in an operational environment," said Wang. ne Product Manager Jay Wang. "The system is said he doesn't have to imagine that kind of "When we go out now and show people that designed to give receiving medical teams more scenario; he has lived it. MEDHUB works, we generate greater synergy information so they can better prepare for "I just think about every time I was in the back around advancing transport telemedicine and incoming patients by gathering the necessary of a helicopter and I could not call and didn't the importance of efficient, effective commu- staff and supplies." have time to call the hospital," said Jones. "I was nication during medical evacuation." MEDHUB is being developed through a just too busy taking care of humans." Wang said the team will continue testing project with the U.S. Army Medical Materiel Jones retired from active duty in 2017 and now the system with users and are on track for Agency and the U.S. Army Medical Materiel teaches at the School of Army Aviation Medicine wider Department of Defense use by late 2019. Development Activity, both subordinate in Huntsville, Alabama. To keep his medic skills

MERCURY 27 PERSONAL STORY HONORING HER PROMISE TO TAKE CARE OF SOLDIERS By MaryTherese Griffin, Warrior Care and Transition

Patti and Kevin Walker two months after his injury in Baghdad with baseball legend and hall of famer Tommy Patti and Kevin Walker. (Photo courtesy of Patti Walker). Lasorda. (Photo courtesy of Patti Walker).

As an Army Wounded Warrior Advocate, home." Miraculously, within 24 hours Kevin what I was doing and actually offered me Patti Walker not only talks the talk, she walks started breathing on his own and became a position. I've been an AW2 advocate ever the walk with her Soldiers at Fort Riley, Kansas. stable enough to be flown to Walter Reed. since, said Walker." Walker found herself in need of help in 2004 "He woke up and didn't know who I was, Her husband, eventually returned to when her husband Kevin was grievously wou- didn't know he had kids, and didn't know duty and became the first Fort Riley War- nded in Baghdad. She received the news that his parents," Walker said. She spent the rior Transition Unit First Sergeant. Since he was very seriously injured, or VSI, and after next two years in therapy with her husband 2006, Walker and her husband have worked days of not hearing where to go or what to do, while her in-laws helped with their two tirelessly to help Soldiers and their fami- suddenly passports were being expedited for children. One day while out for a walk lies through difficult times. Walker has her and her in-laws to travel to Germany. during therapy, Walker told her husband also developed a process with her Soldiers "I got a phone call from the nurse in she needed to go back to work and he can and families as she gets to know them. [the intensive care unit], that's when they stay home with the kids. He responded the "I tell them now that I know about you, told me he was on life support," Walker old Kevin way, "You haven't worked in 5 I want you to know who I am and why I do said of hearing about her then 36-year old years! What? And...where are my Soldiers? this job." husband's situation. Kevin was in a coma What happened?" The daily total recall she has about her for 22 days, lost an eye and underwent a Something clicked, and in that moment family's life being turned upside down in craniotomy. Doctors approached Patti with Walker knew two things: she had her hus- 2004 is what motivates her to help today's a near impossible decision: remove Kevin band back and that she needed to honor Soldiers, and continue to keep the promise from life support or have him live the rest her promise. Walker began the Wounded she made. of his life in a vegetative state. It was then Soldier Outreach and Support program at "I don't ever want a Soldier or their that Patti made one solemn promise, "I Fort Riley and was able to help 3rd Brigade family to ever feel like they are alone. I am promised God I would help others for the with their newly wounded Soldiers. here for you," she added. rest of my life if he brought my husband "Army Wounded Warrior Program heard

MERCURY 28 HEALTH Rest, Recovery and Readiness: Proper Sleep Hygiene as a Force Multiplier By Col. David Romine, DO, MPH, USACRC Command Surgeon

It was a quiet morning with the mist of While attitudes are daybreak broken gently by the early light of dawn shifting, there remains an and a small group of cadenced Soldiers marching entrenched disregard for along a roadway. the negative effects of sleep For the Soldiers and their NCOs, it had been a deprivation-related fatigue rigorous couple of days of training starting early and the damaging effects on in the morning and stretching into evening. performance and safety. This particular day started as the previous However, there's a notable mornings had, with physical readiness training. exception: Aviation as a who- Afterward, the Soldiers headed to the range for le has made great advances weapon qualification and a foot march back to over the past 50 years by the unit area. implementing (among other This training task was not foreign to the safety policies) clearly and Soldiers and NCOs; they completed it a few days intentionally defined "crew prior. Today, however, disaster struck. rest" time into battle rhythms A truck following the Soldiers with water and and flight schedules. Trans- other support accelerated into the group, killing lating these safety successes These paratroopers have worked through the night to prepare for an early two and injuring five. into non-aviation settings morning combat equipment jump. Their preparations complete, they are catching some much deserved sleep to ensure they are mentally alert. (U.S. In a split second, what began as a routine has proven difficult but must Army photo by Lt. Col. John Hall). day of training ended in tragedy. The driver be pursued aggressively, by was a seasoned leader, committed to the 24/7 a modern fighting force that care and training of Soldiers. This is what the wants to increase readiness and success in battle. everyone in the military) face the challenge he lived for – to the point where he and his There are, however, signs that attitudes of questioning why messaging and methods peers neglected their sleep hygiene. The dea- overall are changing. Many folks in and out of promoting restorative sleep are met with dly result: falling asleep while driving a truck the military are proclaiming sleep to be "a new limited success. and accidentally running through a formation miracle drug" and believe proper amounts and The fact that properly resting personnel of troops from behind. quality of sleep provide whole-body restoration has multiple benefits across the spectrum of Human performance while sleep-deprived and detoxing. human performance and military readiness is is a lot like being under the influence of alcohol. But there's nothing really new about this. Ad- undisputed. The challenge remains thwarting Driving after being awake for 18 hours is equal ditionally, there are marked human performan- the myth that there is any honor at all in sleep to a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 percent ce benefits with increased sleep, as Dr. Murali deprivation and for establishing a culture of – e.g. legally drunk – and leaves you at equal risk Doraiswamy of Duke University Medical Center healthy and timely rest into the battle rhythm for a crash. and chair of the Global Agenda Council on Brain of the force, one where witnessed sleep depriva- According to Williamson and Feyer, in Research reports. As an example, elite athletes tion elicits the same response as drunk driving, the journal Occupational and Environmental experience enhanced performance when increa- leaving a child in a parked car on a hot day, etc. Medicine, "the fatigue of sleep deprivation is an sing their time spent sleeping. The proven potential for serious injury or death important factor likely to compromise perfor- Also, just ask anyone who has recently is just as real. mance of speed and accuracy of the kind needed received successful treatment for obstructive Like elite athletes, warrior athletes across for safety on the road and in other industrial sleep apnea or other sleep disorders and note the the Army benefit from adopting a lifestyle settings," with corresponding degradation of life-changing benefits they report from finally of nurturing restorative sleep hygiene and performance due to fatigue when compared to getting a good night's sleep. guarding proper personal and group rest and that of alcohol - and, that it was often even worse. The popular and scientific press has had recovery, even as many Soldiers, Airmen, Sai- The National Sleep Foundation reports a lot to say about the importance of proper lors and Marines guard their workout routines, 100,000 crashes each year are caused by sleep for a long time. Military writers and fitness supplements, nutrition, professional fatigued drivers and that 55 percent of drowsy wellness advocates, notably via the Army's training, etc. driving crashes are caused by drivers less than Performance Triad, also have weighed in on Sleep is cheap. It costs nothing to rest troops 25 years old. the topic, all promoting awareness of the properly, with proven, immediately realized re- There's an increased likelihood that the relationship of good sleep habits and safety to turns on investment of improved readiness and macho pronouncement, "I'll sleep when I'm service members and military civilians. Yet, reduced loss. The trust built among warriors is dead," will certainly self-fulfill, should the lie sustained rates of fatigue-related accidents in built on certain assumptions. rear its ugly presence in a unit, either for the one the military population persist, both on and Let's add the confidence of knowing a battle making the statement or for an unwitting victim off duty. buddy is rested and ready to our list of vital or victims of this willful, deadly carelessness. Leaders and safety professionals (that's tactics, techniques and procedures.

MERCURY 29 SGT. MAJ. DAILEY DISCUSSES NEW PT TEST, MODERNIZATION AT NATIONAL GUARD TOWN HALL By Staff Sgt. Jeremiah Runser, Indiana National Guard

Sgt. Maj. of the Army answers a question from a Soldier during a town hall meeting at the Indiana National Guard Headquarters in Indianapolis, Ind. July 25, 2018. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Jeremiah Runser).

ore than 100 Soldiers cuss," said Indiana National State Command In July, Army senior leaders announced attended a town hall at the Sgt. Maj. James Gordon. "We are on our way the new test, designed to better prepare Sol- Indiana National Guard to improving the physical fitness test, crea- diers for combat tasks, reduce injuries, and headquarters July 25 to ask ting more opportunities for education and lead to ample cost savings across the service. questions and voice their training for enlisted Soldiers and narrowing The six-event ACFT is intended to replace opinions about the force. capability gaps to enhance the Soldier's abili- the current three-event Army Physical Fit- MSgt. Maj. of the Army Daniel A. Dailey ty to fight, win and survive." ness Test, which has been around since 1980. visited Hoosier Guardsmen at Stout Field to During the one-hour-long meeting, many Beginning October 2020, all Soldiers will discuss readiness and modernization, the Soldiers expressed excitement about the new be required to take the new gender- and Army total force concept, physical fitness, and improved Army Combat Fitness Test, or age-neutral test. Before that, field testing and how to improve as an enlisted Soldier. ACFT, that will focus on the high physical set to begin this October will allow the Army "There are a few big topics we want to dis- demand tasks Soldiers perform in combat. to refine the test, with initial plans for up to [Continued on page 31]

MERCURY 30 Master Sgt. Amy Prince of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) Resolute Support Sustainment Brigade partici- pates in the dead lift event attempting to lift 280 pounds. (U.S. Army photo by 1st Lt. Verniccia Ford , 101st Airborne Division (AA) Sustainment Brigade).

Command Sgt. Maj. Anthony McAdoo of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) Resolute Support Sustainment Brigade participates in the sprint/drag/ carry event for the Army Combat Fitness Test in Bagram, Afghanistan 14 August. (U.S. Army photo by Service members stand in line waiting for their turn to participate in the hand release push up event. The event began 1st Lt. Verniccia Ford , 101st Airborne Division (AA) with leaders conducting the ten physical readiness training (PRT) preparation drills to get them warmed up. (U.S. Army Sustainment Brigade). photo by 1st Lt. Verniccia Ford , 101st Airborne Division (AA) Sustainment Brigade).

[Continued from page 30] 40,000 Soldiers from all three components to which began operations July 1 and will be the only nation that benefits from an eco- see it. headquartered in Austin, Texas. This new nomy and the intellectual capacity to build "What you grade becomes important," said four-star command will complement the things anymore, so we have to maintain that Dailey. "The new fitness test is designed to pro- Army's other four-star headquarters – Forces tactical edge." ve that you can complete your combat mission." Command, Training and Doctrine Command The meeting gave Dailey the opportunity Dailey also voiced his support for moder- and Army Materiel Command – and is sche- to address Soldiers' issues firsthand, and pay nizing the force and reshaping the Army's duled to reach full operational capability in gratitude to them for serving their country. image. Topics ranged from the new "pink summer 2019. "You all chose to be Soldiers, so thank and green" uniform to improving Soldiers' "We are working on modernizing every- you," said Dailey. "We couldn't do what we do tactical equipment. thing from the weapon you hold, to the vest as an Army without our National Guard and Spearheading the Army's modernization you wear, to the tank you drive, to the heli- Reserve forces." efforts is the new Army Futures Command, copter you fly in," said Dailey. "We are not

MERCURY 31 [Continued from page 25] expeditionary medical force that can rapidly deploy when the Nation calls. "The results of this competition will identify where we have gaps throughout the spectrum," said Sgt. Maj. Litt Moore, Chief Medical NCO, Capability Development and Integration Directorate, Army Medical De- partment Center and School. "This will be an opportunity to get a better level on how we as an organization are preparing for the future." In years past, the competition has been segmented, with each task standing on its own with its own theme. This year's compe- tition is scenario-based resulting in a more streamlined concept. "In the past, you had to go through the mo- tions of medical application," said Command Spc. Jakari Ford, with 1-229 Attack Reconnaissance Battalion, 16th Combat Aviation Brigade, competes for the Regional Sgt. Maj. Buck O'Neal, Army Medical Depart- Health Command-Pacific Best Medic competition at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., August 7, 2018. The U.S. Army Best Medic Competition finals were held Sept. 16-20, 2018, at Camp Bullis, Texas. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Maricris ment Center and School command sergeant C. McLane). major. "This year's competition will test your knowledge in an actionable practice of medi- competition, the real results are the bonds enlisted in the U.S. Army -- the second largest cine with immediate and recurring feedback." forged between competitors, as well as estab- military occupational specialty in the Army What that exactly means is still under lishing esprit de corps. behind infantry. Competitors are not requi- wraps. Leading up to the Army Best Medic "When you bring in the best the Army has red to be 68W; anyone who has earned the Competition, the two-Soldier teams have to offer, and you look across at each other Enlisted Field Medical Badge or the Combat competed at their local units and regions, and you know you're competing against the Medical Badge can compete in Best Medic with the best teams advancing to the finals in best, there's a level of respect and there's a competition. After narrowing the field at the Texas. While the Soldiers have gone through level of camaraderie that's forever built," said local and regional levels, we will know exactly scenarios at their local level, competitors are O'Neal. "When you see that individual five, 10 who the very best medic is in the entire U.S. left in the dark about exactly what they can years down the road, that's a common bond Army Sept. 20. expect from this final test to ensure everyone between you forever and an appreciation for "Everyone will compete as a winner," said is on an equal playing field when they arrive. what you've shared through this competition." O'Neal. "But only one team will earn the title O'Neal said that while this is an individual Nearly 15,000 combat medics (68Ws) are Best Medic." HEALTH Tips for a Healthy Holiday Season By Air Force Capt. Jennifer Brown, Chief of Medical Nutrition Therapy, Landstuhl Regional Medical Center

Fall weather and the holiday season would may also be tempted to pile large portions of should be creative and plan for it. Maybe not be complete without warm beverages on your favorite dishes on your plate just in case it’s a family walk after dinner to a nearby a cool evening and meals shared with friends they are everyone else’s favorite too. If you’ve park or playing some friendly football in the and family we love together around the din- ever caught yourself taking oversized bites and backyard. Staying active doesn’t require a gym ner table or a crackling fire. Many of these loading up the fork for the next bite before membership or even fancy home equipment, familiar holiday flavors and smells help us you’re even done chewing, you’re not alone. but to simply find activities that you enjoy. relax and reminisce about our favorite chil- However, if we are aware of this tendency Choose beverages wisely dhood memories. Following the tips below and try to practice mindfulness while eating, Many fall or holiday beverages, while good will help you enjoy some of your favorites we can enjoy the food more thoroughly while for the soul, do not have exemplary health without overindulging. potentially eating less of it. Put your fork down benefits. This certainly doesn’t mean we have Budget your meals between bites and take your time to enjoy the to pass on the eggnog or hot chocolate but If possible, determine which meal of the special flavors of the season. we can practice moderation and drink them day will be the largest or most tempting. If you Don’t demonize food guilt-free. Beverages rarely fill us up but do are able to identify challenges and think about Create a positive relationship with food contribute calories to our meals. Consider this them in advance, before the food is in front of and try to avoid thinking about food as good and choose wisely. Budget for these drinks you, it will be easier to make a smart choice. or bad. While calories matter, the nutrient just as you do for any other treat. Sip rather If the most challenging meal is dinner, then density of foods is just as important. A regis- than gulp. Consider using a smaller glass. consider eating a lighter breakfast and lunch tered dietitian can help you discover nutrient Add lemon or mint to drinks for flavor rather but don’t skip the meal altogether. Skipping dense foods that you enjoy eating. Emphasize than loads of sugar or syrup. Perhaps stir with meals may seem like it is saving calories but it plant-based foods such as nuts, seeds, beans, a cinnamon stick or candy cane. If you are will almost inevitably lead to overeating when fruits, vegetables and whole grains like quinoa, preparing your own eggnog or other mixed your next meal comes around. couscous and brown rice. Include lean meats drink, add the alcohol sparingly. While a little Bring a healthy dish to the party such as baked turkey, chicken and fish and flavor goes a long way, calories from a gram of If you bring a healthy dish, you are delicious dairy like low-fat Greek yogurt, and alcohol are almost as high as calories from a guaranteed to have something to eat that low-fat milk. Focus on increasing the nutrient gram of fat. And while diluting your wine may fits into your meal plan. Remember to take density of what you eat and you will discover seem unforgiveable, it has been done for cen- home your healthy leftovers, if there are any, flavorful foods whose fiber and protein content turies and many believe it enhances the flavor. rather than something that will tempt you can leave you more satisfied and might just be Simply mix sparkling mineral water with your for the next few days. lower in calories. favorite wine. Eat slowly, take small bites and chew a lot Include activity in your plans These tips can help you feel good about Those higher-fat and sweet dishes stimulate If your family is like mine, activity doesn’t enjoy the flavors of the season while minding your brain to want more and want it now. You magically find its way into our routine. We your health.

MERCURY 33 Soldier takes hobby to next level, competes in Armed Forces Triathlon

By Ashley Patoka, Regional Health Command-Europe

Some people's hobbies include reading, sewing, or even online shopping, but for Maj. Justin DeVanna, his hobby includes a 1500-meter swim, a 40-kilometer bike ride and a 10-kilometer run. DeVanna, who is the Veterinary Medical Center Europe director and a veterinarian, completed his first triathlon in 2002 and it was that race that he says was the stimulus for his addiction. "I could barely run a 5K," DeVanna said, "I had just gotten a road bike and had done very limited training. But that race acted as a stimu- lus because afterwards, I thought, maybe I can do this -- and I went back the following year to do the race again." And while he didn't take much time to pre- pare for this first triathlon, over the last year, DeVanna cycled 2,800 miles, ran 600 miles and swam more than 200,000 meters, with one goal in mind -- competing in the Armed Forces Triathlon, again, and beating his time from the previous year. DeVanna's first Armed Forces Triathlon, as Maj. Justin DeVanna, Veterinary Medical Center Europe part of the All-Army team, was in June 2017. director and a veterinarian, exams a pet at the Pulaski Veterinary Treatment Facility recently. In June, DeVanna Maj. Justin DeVanna, Veterinary Medical Center Europe Unlike other sports, members of the All- competed in his second Armed Forces Triathlon as part director and a veterinarian, competes in the 2018 Armed -Army Triathlon team don't compete for a of the All-Army team. DeVanna placed 5th in the Mas- Forces Triathlon. DeVanna placed 5th in the Master's ter's category. (U.S. Army photo by Ashley Patoka). spot, they are selected through an all-paper Category this year. (Photo courtesy of Justin DeVanna). process. Applicants submit information with the triathlons they have completed along with members from around the world compete for "I just encourage him to go out and have their times and other background information the top spot. fun," Devanna said. "That is the most impor- related to the sport. DeVanna says he couldn't do the training tant thing for me -- have fun, enjoy the peo- Going into his first Armed Forces Triathlon, and competitions without the support of his ple around you, be a good sportsman and do Devanna said he had high hopes and aspira- wife, Jenny. your best. If I can get him to have fun I will tions for himself. "She is actually the one who found the Ar- have someone to bike with for a long time!" "But I got foiled by illness and anxiety," he med Forces Triathlon, and encouraged me to He also hopes he can share some of the said. "The month leading up to the race I had go for it," he said. "I wouldn't be able to do it lessons he has learned through the years. Bronchitis and I knew as soon as I hit the cold without her support." "I've learned that I doubt myself, a lot," water my lungs were going to tighten up. So I In order to get in the hours of training, whi- DeVanna said. "And I sometimes undermine did not do as well as I would have liked." ch DeVanna says was about 12 hours a week, he my ability to be where I want to be. But I've But that attempt pushed him to try again. had to learn to manage his time and the hours proved to myself I could do it -- it's about "My goal was 2 hours and 12 minutes for in the day. knowing yourself and knowing you can do it. 2018," DeVanna said. "Balancing it all can be tough, I've got two Anybody can do what they put their mind to." He completed it in 2 hours, 12 minutes, kids at home, I've got to make sure I have time While DeVanna doesn't currently have and 40 seconds, and says he is happy with for my wife -- and I have my job." plans to try for a spot on the 2019 All-Army his results. In order to fit it all in, DeVanna said he would Triathlon team, he hasn't ruled it out. He says "I asked for clarity at the start this year," ride his bike to work, or would do his bike ride he is a little more focused on cycling right DeVanna said. "And I have never had a clearer at 5:30 a.m. --while his family was still asleep. now and hopes to complete a 100-mile ride. moment than standing on that line this year. He would also get creative during the day. But right now, he said he is really proud of I knew I could do it. I knew I had put in the "My soldier's all know I do [triathlons]," De- how he did the last two years and honored to work, so I was going out there and just trying Vanna said. "They see me go for a run during have been able to participate. to push myself even harder." lunch, come back and eat my lunch at my desk. "I am honored to have had the opportunity DeVanna's 2018 time put him in 5th place "It's a challenge to balance it all, but it is my to represent the Army," DeVanna said. "To in the Master's category (the 40 and over ca- hobby," he said. "When I don't do it I am grumpy." meet and compete against [the other com- tegory), two slots away from competing at the DeVanna isn't the only one in his family com- petitors] was a huge honor and it will be a International Military Sports Council (CISM) peting in triathlons though - his 10 year-old son highlight in my career." Triathlon. In the CISM competition, military has already completed two kids' races.

MERCURY 34 MERCURY 35 Medical readiness is military readiness, New York Army Guard healthcare providers told By Cpt. Jean Marie Kratzer, New York National Guard

Col. Michael Pelzner, National Guard Bureau Surgeon General, speaks at the 3rd Annual New York Army National Guard Medical Department and Behavioral Health Workshop at Stratton Veterans Affairs Medical Center, in Albany on September 13, 2018. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Capt. Jean Marie Kratzer)

Medical readiness is military readiness, the explained Lt. Col. Luis Garcia, New York Army state Medical Command, told conference atten- National Guard’s top surgeon told 200 New York National Guard Deputy State Surgeon. dees that each one of them played an important Army National Guard medical and behavioral “Our goal was to encompass all medical per- part in caring for Soldiers. health personnel who attended a workshop in sonnel to receive beneficial lectures to expand “It’s our confidence and care that allows us Albany, Sept. 13-14. their knowledge in the medical field,” he added. to do what we do as medical professionals,” “In our units we must sustain medical The Medical Command personnel throu- Green said. readiness, if our Soldiers are not ready we ghout New York have the primary mission of Col. Matthew Liepke, New York Army Na- cannot deploy them, emphasis on medical building medical readiness in order to support tional Guard State Surgeon, told the attendees readiness is more important than ever,” said the force and to provide medically ready that there was more to this conference than Col. Michael Pelzner, the National Guard Soldiers to fulfill the New York Army National just the speakers. Bureau Surgeon General. Guard’s mission, Garcia said. “This is your conference, we need to teach “We have to be ready to meet tomorrow’s "The conference provided a venue for each other by our years of experience, your fight,” Pelzner emphasized. collaborative discussion and education on key patience here will allow you to learn more and Pelzner was one of several guest speakers topics involved in resolving medical issues. spend the time to learn and learn from each who presented at the two-day meeting held at Discussion included best practices, working other,” Liepke said. Stratton Veterans Affairs Medical Center. with recruiting and retention and the roles “I had a great experience at the two-day con- The workshop, organized by the New York of medical assets in domestic operations," ference, it’s been very informative and a great Army National Guard Medical Command, was Garcia said. networking experience especially those giving intended for military and civilian personnel "The opportunity to speak to medical presentations and leaving us their personal con- who encounter service members’ medical and providers will better enable Army Natio- tacts for the future,” said Pfc. Jazmin Anthony, a behavioral health concerns. nal Guard medicine to prepare for future 3rd Battalion, 142nd Aviation combat medic. “It’s a challenge to get people together from challenges in support of the Army and the all across the state. But this conference is a great Joint Force," he added. opportunity for guidance and networking,” Col. Richard Green, the commander of the

MERCURY 36 MEDICAL READINESS Realistic training brings readiness to U.S. Army Reserve Soldiers at Global Medic exercise By Staff Sgt. Eric W. Jones

U.S. Army Reserve Soldiers from across the country came to central California to test and sharpen their professional and tactical skills at Global Medic, Combat Support Training Exercise 91-18-01, at Fort Hunter Liggett, Cali- fornia, July 23, 2018. The overall goal of the exercise is to ensure that America's Army Reserve units and Soldiers are trained and ready to deploy on short-notice and bring capable, combat-ready, and lethal capabilities in support of the Army and its joint partners anywhere in the world. "The purpose of this training is to simulate the treatment of battlefield injuries in real time, as realistically as possible and with as many details as possible," explained Col. Ran- dy Rizor, the observer coach/trainer observing the training, who is also an anesthesiologist for the U.S. Army Reserve. "Common staged sce- narios often ignore the reality of coordination and timing when you have trauma like this, [and] timing is critical." As part of the CSTX, two Combat Support Hospitals, or CSH, are present and training in their tactical proficiencies along with their clinical skills. To help train and teach in an austere field environment, the Army Reserve Medical Command's Medical Readiness and Training Command has placed observer coa- U.S. Army Reserve Soldiers with 228th Combat Support Hospital, based out of San Antonio, Texas, provide medical ch/trainers, or OC/T, on the ground to analyze care for a simulated patient in a surgical cut suit during Global Medic CSTX 91-18-01, at Fort Hunter Liggett, Calif., July 21, 2018. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Eric W. Jones). mission operations and provide feedback to Soldiers assigned to the 369th CSH from Vancouver, Washington, and the 228th CSH supporting both traditional and new training tasks and battle drills, and coordinates them from San Antonio Texas, in their medical and strategies that produce units of action and in- with their clinical proficiencies." clinical readiness. dividual Soldiers who are trained and equipped "We focused on clinical and warrior task One of the goals of the medical training is to meet mission requirements of Geographic training as well as making sure our inventory, to give the CSH's realistic training in terms of Combatant Commands. equipment, and vehicles are ready for deploy- common trauma scenarios, rather than just A smaller specialized unit, the 315th ment," said Capt. Sarah Staley, 315th Medical talking through injuries and response. One of Medical Detachment (Optometry), based Detachment unit commander, after the unit's the scenarios using a surgical cut suit involves out of Fort Dix, New Jersey, assigned as a validation. The OC/T with MRTC helped us fo- a live role player that is outfitted with a latex subordinate unit to the 228th CSH for Global cus on warrior task training and how we inte- suit that goes over the role player's body and Medic, carried out their training and valida- grate that with our critical skills. The clinicians forms a second layer of skin and organs laid on tion requirements in preparation for possible and technicians are exceptional, being able top of the role player. This allows training per- deployment as a Ready Force X unit. The to build on that with our warrior task training sonnel to safely perform surgical procedures 315th Medical Detachment is participating is helping us to be deployment ready. Being while the live human role player underneath in the CSTX in order to be evaluated as ready integrated with the CSH was a very positive remains unharmed. for deployment with the assistance of MRTC's experience because we were able to expand "MRTC [Medical Readiness and Training OC/T's and support staff. our scope and provide integrated services with Command] works with the team that supplies Staff Sgt. Antionette Alberto, an OC/T the CSH," she said. the suit in coordinating the actual injuries, then supporting the 315th Medical Detachment Approximately 325 personnel assigned to as the cut suit role player comes through, we ob- explained her role with the training audience support MRTC are serving as both OC/Ts and serve and coach the training audience on their and the total scope of the validation process. support staff to run Global Medic Fort Hunter response throughout the process of the patient "MRTC provides an avenue that creates Liggett, part of the CSTX 91-18-01, which moving through the hospital," Rizor said. scenarios that help [the training audience] supports a medical training audience of appro- MRTC is a one-star command that helps the think critically and incorporate their tactical ximately 1,775 personnel. U.S. Army Reserve maintain a ready status by proficiencies learned through their warrior

MERCURY 37 TAKING CARE OF EXCEPTIONAL FAMILY MEMBERS BY KIRSTIN GRACE-SIMONS, MADIGAN ARMY MEDICAL CENTER

ilitary families deal with possible. Whenever a a lot of transitions, which family is going to be can be especially tough for moving someplace, people with special needs. we want to make sure The Department of Defen- the most up-to-date se’s Exceptional Family information can be ob- MemberM Program exists to ensure dependents tained,” said Williams. with special needs get the care and services they “It’s to their advantage to need, and to help make transitions easier. make sure the care can “We are here for the service members and be available in that next their families. We are ready to serve them in duty station.” any way that we can. This is a team here and we This is the process are available for our service members to assist,” when a family is alrea- said Sabrina Williams, an EFMP case coordina- dy established in the tor and special needs advisor at Madigan Army EFMP. What if a condi- Medical Center. tion is suspected with a With more than 4,000 enrolled members, Joint family member?

Base Lewis-McChord has the largest and most It all starts with the Ellen Hamm, an occupational therapist, engages in play therapy with Avery Shutka complex EFMP enrollment across the DOD. Ma- PCM. and Samuel Rairigh during a June 11 group speech and occupational therapy digan manages the medical side of the program “They are directed session at the Joint Base Lewis-McChord Center for Autism, Resources, Education for each of these enrollees. to engage EFMP,” said and Services, commonly known as JBLM CARES, a joint installation partnership between Madigan Army Medical Center and the JBLM Directorate of Personnel and Given the annual rate of Army personnel Williams, explaining Family Readiness that provides care and services for exceptional family members turnover is 25 percent on JBLM, there are many that beyond DOD with autism and their families. (U.S. Army photo by Kirstin Grace-Simons). families new to the area who will need to be and Army guidance, engaged with Madigan’s EFMP office, especially Madigan has a commander’s directive that ins- map based on the subject or area of need. To help this time of year. tructs providers to screen family members for a family get the lay of the land, this site throws a EFMP enrollment is required when an active possible enrollment during routine health care net wide enough to include the community outsi- duty service member has a dependent who services, annually examine for conditions and de the base, and pertinent laws and information is diagnosed with a condition that is covered to engage the EFMP office for enrollment when specific to Washington. under the Americans with Disabilities Act. any is diagnosed. The program posts information on social An Army booklet on the program available on While Madigan’s EFMP office is concerned media from across the community to make base explains an exceptional family member as with the medical side of a family member’s families aware of all the resources, activities someone, “who has a physical, emotional, deve- enrollment, the base EFMP engages more on the and programs that will connect them with other lopmental or intellectual disorder that requires educational and resource side of things, focusing families and ensure that all kids and families get special treatment, therapy, education, training on the overall needs of a family. to partake in educational activity enrichment. or counseling.” Under the auspices of the Directorate of Per- Interested in an activity posted on Facebook? When a service member with an exceptional sonnel and Family Readiness, formerly known Sign up early, they always sell out. family member is up for reassignment and JBLM as Armed Forces Community Service, base Check out the pages below to find the many is a potential duty station, the Army Human EFMP system navigators reach out to newcomers resources available to JBLM EFMP families and Resources Command (or other service’s equiva- to provide the family the support it needs. see what care is available at Madigan. lent) will reach out with an inquiry to determine “You serve this country, we’re going to keep DOD resources website: whether the exceptional family member’s needs the promise – we’re going to take care of your www.militaryonesource.mil will be met here or not. Given that Madigan has family,” said Megan O’Day, the manager of the JBLM EFMP Facebook: a significant slate of specialties, the likelihood of JBLM Exceptional Family Member Program. www.facebook.com/efmpjblm assignment is high. Since O’Day recently took over as the base JBLM EFMP webpage: Upon assignment, Madigan’s EFMP office EFMP manager, she’s focused heavily on en- jblm.armymwr.com/programs/EFMP will handle enrollment locally and assist with suring a profound customer service approach to JBLM DPFR Facebook: transferring care within TRICARE. A primary care newcomers especially. More system navigators www.facebook.com/JBLMAFCS manager will be assigned and that provider will are being added to the staff, who are now making JBLM Family Advocacy Program: move forward with any consults and referrals for courtesy calls to enrolled families as they are jblm.armymwr.com/programs/FAP care. Nurse case managers will review and engage moving into the area to extend support. Madigan Pediatric Specialty Clinic: with high level cases that require complex care. “Much of what the EFMP system navigator www.mamc.health.mil/Clinical/pediatrics/ Williams is one of the professionals who helps does is help families move more smoothly throu- pediatric-specialty-clinic.aspx families establish themselves upon arrival and gh transitions,” said O’Day. Madigan EFMP email: mailto:usarmy.jblm. ensures all records are kept current and accurate. The program’s website has been redesigned to [email protected] “We always want to keep it as accurate as make it mobile-friendly and to be like a concierge

MERCURY 38 The 2017 MEDCOM Employee of the Year (EOY) Winners The Chief of Staff announced the 2017 MEDCOM EOY Award Winners as follows:

Category I Category II Category III Mr. Richard Arocho, Administrative Ms. Cheryl M. Broussard, Training Dr. Craig R. Bottoni, Orthopedic Sports Specialist, Capabilities Development and Policy Manager, Professional Surgeon, Department of Orthopedics, and Integration Directorate (CDID), Education and Training Department, Tripler Army Medical Center, Regional U.S. Army Medical Department Center Directorate of Training and Academic Health Command-Pacific, Honolulu, and School, Health Readiness Center Affairs, AMEDDC&S HRCoE, Joint Base Hawaii. Dr. Bottoni generated the of Excellence (AMEDDC&S HRCoE), San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston, Texas. highest relative value units per full- Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Through Ms. Broussard's efforts, time equivalent in the Orthopedic Houston, Texas. Mr. Arocho recognized the annual tuition cap for the Long Surgery Service and, based upon the a significant process shortfall and Term Health Education and Training latest 12-month report, he generated volunteered to process CDID Essential (LTHET) students was increased from the most RVUs of all civilian Orthopedic Characteristics documents through $15,000 ($10,000 less than other Army Surgeons in MEDCOM, and the highest the U.S. Army Medical Materiel Agency students) to $25,000 per year. This production of all Orthopedic Surgeons to commit resources in the medical resulted in improved education and an in the Army, both military and civilian. materiel life-cycle replacement increased applicant pool. Due to her In 2017, he averaged 2,990 encounters, program. He also volunteered and persistence and direct involvement, resulting in an approximately 16% successfully completed the Capability the timeline and approval process increase from the previous year. Dr. Development Course, normally for students to attend no longer takes Bottoni performed 372 operative attended by GS-11s and above. He months past the normal assignment procedures, the most of all surgeons utilized his recently acquired skills cycle. The timeline is now directly in the entire Department of Surgery, and his newly found knowledge aligned with assignments and, for and over 95% of these were Active of capabilities development in the first time ever, has been approved Duty Service members, resulting in orchestrating staff actions throughout by TSG prior to the upcoming LTHET a force multiplier for the combat CDID and the command suite. Selection Panel. readiness. Given the recent focus on productivity, this remains one of the Selection for this prestigious award is based upon contributions that enhance the organization, professional attitude, commitment to excellence, personal initiative, and customer service most noteworthy accomplishments during Calendar Year 2017. This year's recipients have made outstanding and truly significant and solidifies his commitment to contributions to the Army Medical Department and the entire Army enterprise that will continue excellence as a civilian staff member to benefit Army Medicine for years to come. in the Orthopedic Surgery Department.

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Maj. Gen. Jeff Clark, Medical Corps Chief, meets with members of the CCC class July 27, 2018, to celebrate the Medical Corps' 243rd Birthday. Clark cuts the cake with Capt. Simon Sarkisian, the youngest member of the class. (U.S. photo by Col. Darrin Cox).

MERCURY 39 MEDICAL HISTORY Worldwide flu outbreak killed 45,000 American Soldiers during World War I By Eric Durr, New York National Guard

In September 1918 there were two killers in On March 4, 1918, the first influenza cases and Camp Upton had not been hit as badly as the world. were identified at Camp Funston. Within three other camps. World War I, which would claim 20 million weeks, 1,100 of the 56,222 troops at the camp But by the end of September 1918, there lives by its end, and the flu pandemic known were sick. And because men were constantly were 3,050 influenza cases at Camp Upton and as the Spanish Flu, is estimated to have killed moving among the Army's camps all across the 401 Soldiers suffering from pneumonia as well. between at least 50 million people. country, the virus spread. Fifteen Soldiers died on Oct.1, 1918, increasing The flu struck an estimated 500 million peo- On March 18, Camps Forrest and Greenleaf the total death number to 87. ple, some 28% of the world population. in Georgia reported influenza cases. By the end The virus outbreak at Camp Upton reached American combat deaths in World War I of April, 24 of the Army's 36 main camps were its peak on Oct. 4, 1918, when 483 Soldiers totaled 53,402. But about 45,000 American Sol- reporting influenza outbreaks. entered the hospital, according to a report diers died of influenza and related pneumonia In April 1918, influenza hit Brest, France, compiled by the base hospital commander. by the end of 1918. one of the major debarkation ports for Ame- On October 5 there were 4,371 cases of in- More than 675,000 Americans died of in- rican Soldiers who carried the flu with them fluenza at the camp, 20 men had died that day, fluenza in 1918. Based on today's population, to Europe. and Soldiers were instructed to wear gauze that would be the equivalent of 2.16 million Influenza was also reported among the masks to prevent infection, according to the Americans dying. civilian populations near Army camps. Civilians New York Times. The disease that launched the worldwide coming and going from the military camps, "Soldiers will not be permitted to sit opposite pandemic was known at the time as the Spa- either visiting or doing business, were infected each other at mess tables. Foodstuffs other than nish Influenza. and brought the disease home with them. in sealed packages will not be sold in the post Because Spain was not at war, newspapers During the spring of 1918 more than 11 exchanges, and no person unmasked will be there openly reported the virulent influenza. percent of the 1.2 million Soldiers in the United permitted in any YMCA or other welfare buil- In the warring nations of Europe, information States were hospitalized with flu, although the ding," the New York Times reported. about the flu was kept out of newspapers to not death rate was not unusual. The post hospital was overwhelmed, so me- hurt morale. The disease also jumped behind enemy lines. dical officers established temporary hospitals. But many medical historians say it's likely German Gen. Erich Ludendorff, who had Sheets were hung between beds to prevent the virus launched itself onto the world from just led Germany's last-ditch Kaiser Offensive further infection. Haskell County, Kansas, and the United States to defeat the allies before the U.S. Army ente- Medical officers expressed horror at the Army helped move it along to become a worl- red the war in force, remembered despairing sight of "the hopelessly sick and dying and at dwide killer. because so many troops were sick and not on the magnitude of the catastrophe," the Journal In January and February 1918, according to the front lines, he wrote in a book after the war. of the American Medical Society reported. the 2005 book "The Great Influenza," local physi- With the arrival of summer, the virus disa- Naomi Barnett from Brockton, Massachu- cian Loring Miner found people in the sparsely ppeared. But in the fall of 1918 it had mutated setts, traveled to Camp Upton to help care for populated county -- 1,720 people occupying and came roaring back. her fiancé, Jacob Julian, when he fell ill with 578 square miles - were coming down with a At Camp Devens in Massachusetts the influenza. She planned to marry her Soldier particularly violent strain of flu. Strong, healthy influenza virus appeared in September. By the before he shipped off. people died. end of the month, 14,000 Soldiers at the camp She died two days after arriving at Camp Miner was so concerned that in March 1918 were sick, a quarter of its population. 757 of Upton. Jacob Julian died 30 minutes after her. he let the U.S. Public Health Service know what those men died. The Camp Upton surgeon directed Soldiers he had seen and warned of a new type of flu. The Army quarantined the camp, but before to stay in their own area of the camp unless The disease burned itself out in March. In that happened, a contingent of troops was sent they were on urgent business. Companies were the past, it might well have never gotten beyond to Camp Upton on Long Island, just outside locked down in their barracks if one case of flu Haskell County. But in 1918 America was at war Yaphank. was reported. and people were moving around the country Camp Upton was where the National Guard's The measure, the surgeon reported af- more than ever. 42nd Division had assembled and where the terwards, worked when orders were followed. Young men from Haskell County were 77th Division--composed of draftees from New The camp's remount station--the troops res- training nearby at Camp Funston, what is now York City--had trained. The disease appeared at ponsible for providing horses--followed strict Fort Riley, Kansas. They reported to the camp Camp Upton Sept. 13. quarantine procedures and no men developed for duty and went back and forth from home Four days after the virus sent men to Camp the flu, he reported. But the 3rd Development when on leave. Upton's hospital, 171 of the 43,000 Soldiers were Battalion allowed officers and men to mingle The local paper reported numbers of local sick. Col. John S. Mallory shut down the camp to throughout the camp and "influenza was soon boys on leave from Camp Funston while Dr. civilian visitors and ended leaves for Soldiers. raging there." Miner was trying to figure out what was killing The action, Mallory told the New York Ti- By the time the epidemic was considered Haskell County residents in that fateful spring mes, was to avoid the spread of the disease and over at Camp Upton, on Oct. 22 when only 11 of 1918. he emphasized that there had been no deaths [Continued on page 41]

MERCURY 40 Soldiers suffering from influenza at the hospital in Camp Funston, Kansas in 1918. A 1917 photographs of Camp Syracuse, a recruit camp outside Syracuse, New York, Camp Funston was where the influenza epidemic which would kill more than shows Onondaga Lake in the background in this 1917 photograph. In 1918 2,900 of the 50 million people worldwide, including 675,000 Americans, first made a major 12,000 Soldiers had camp Syracuse developed influenza and 208 died. The virus spread appearance. Troops from the camp carried the virus to other Army bases during from the camp to Syracuse itself where 9,00 people died in the fall of 1918. (Photo Cred- World War I. (Photo Credit: National Archives). it: National Archives).

A New York City mailman goes about his business while wearing a gauze mask designed to stop infection during the fall of 1918. U.S. Army units mobilizing for World War I were struck hard by the virus which often This list of deaths from the Syracuse, N.Y. Herald in October 1918 illustrates the extent of the influenza epi- hit military bases first and then spread to civilians. demic which swept across the world in 1918. Camp Syracuse, a recruit camp outside the city on the grounds Camp Upton on Long Island was closed to visitors in of the New York State Fair, with 12,000 Soldiers stationed there, was one reason the disease hit the city hard. the fall of 1918 to prevent the spread of the flu. (Photo Soldiers moving from camp to camp spread the disease which became known as the "Spanish Flu." (Photo Credit: National Archives). Credit: National Archives).

[Continued from page 40] new cases were admitted, 6,131 Soldiers had setts had shown up on Sept. 4, according to a There were 42 medical officers at Camp been hospitalized and 404 had died. report from the camp surgeon. Because the Syracuse (including two dentists) but a third of New York's other big Army camp in 1918 was camp was not a permanent facility, Soldiers those officers were sick themselves just after the just outside of Syracuse on the grounds of the lived in overcrowded tents. virus appeared. New York State Fair. The camp had no hospital, so ill Soldiers At Camp Syracuse the total number of flu Camp Syracuse was run by the 22nd Infantry were sent to civilian hospitals in Syracuse or to cases reached 2,289 out of an average strength Regiment. The regiment was responsible for Fort Ontario, a permanent Army post 35 miles of 12,000 people during the epidemic which training 10,000 to 12,000 recruits, most of whom away in Oswego, New York. ended officially on October 15. 208 of the sick were draftee Soldiers from New England. A total The camp had only three ambulances, one Soldiers died. of 14,000 Soldiers and civilians lived and worked borrowed from Fort Ontario and two from Unfortunately, the need to send Soldiers to at what was formally known as the Syracuse Camp Dix in New Jersey. Eventually the Yates local hospitals resulted in spreading the illness Recruit Camp. Hotel in Syracuse loaned the camp a bus that to Syracuse itself. By Oct. 4, 8,000 Syracuse Influenza appeared at Camp Syracuse in was used to move patients. residents were sick and the Syracuse Herald September. There had been some isolated cases Eventually, temporary hospitals were crea- was running a daily list of "plague victims." in August but the numbers began going up on ted in 12 existing buildings until 400 patients By the time the epidemic ended, 900 Syracuse Sept. 12 after 10,000 recruits from Massachu- were housed. residents had died.

MERCURY 41 [Continued from page 37] Influenza jumped outside the camps and influenza during 1918 while 227,000 Soldiers were The American Expeditionary Force was on went raging through the civilian population. in the hospital due to wounds suffered in battle. the attack in France. The Germans were retrea- Because of the way the virus worked it was In October 1918, as the American Army ting. But men were being killed and wounded particularly frightening because it killed young was locked in battle with the Germans in the and Gen. John J. Pershing, the commander of men and women. Normally the flu killed the old Meuse-Argonne offensive, 1,451 Americans the AEF, demanded reinforcements. and the very young. In 1918, the flu was killing died from the flu. More 3rd Infantry Division Stopping the reinforcement convoys would young able-bodied Soldiers. Soldiers were evacuated from the front with give the Germans breathing room, Army Chief One of those Soldiers was Pvt. James Down influenza than because of wounds suffered of Staff Payton March argued, so they had to who entered the Camp Upton hospital on Long in combat. go on. Wilson agreed. Island Sept. 23 and died Sept 26. An Army pa- German Gen. Ludendorf noted on Oct. 17 So troopships were loaded with Soldiers thologist clipped a piece of James Down's lung, that the fighting power of the allied forces "has who were well when they boarded but fell sick preserved it in wax, and sent it to the Army not been up to its previous level…the Ameri- during the 10-to 14-day journey to Europe. Medical Museum. cans are suffering severely from influenza." On board the S.S. Wilhelmina a sailor wat- In 1999 that section of Pvt. Down's lung The sickness and death at Army training ched as bodies were buried at sea from the S.S. helped doctors at the Armed Forces Institute camps even shut down the machinery of draf- Grant running next to his ship. He'd counted of Pathology determine what made the 1918 ting men and making new Soldiers. The Army 15 such burials on one day during a voyage virus so deadly. Researchers in 2007 theorized stopped the intake of new draftees in October from New York City to France. that the 1918 flu forces victim's over-stimulated until the epidemic ended. "I confess I was near to tears, and that there immune system to kill the patient as it tries to Army Surgeon General Charles Richard also was tightening around my throat. It was death, fight off the virus. recommended against shipping more Soldiers death in one of its worst forms, to be consig- In Europe, doctors of the American Expedi- to France until the flu epidemic stopped, but ned nameless to the sea," he recalled. tionary Force hospitalized 340,000 Soldiers for President Woodrow Wilson decided against it.

MERCURY 42 Halloween Rules of the Road As a parent or caregiver, there are a few important things you can do to protect your trick-or-treaters on the Halloween trail.

• Light the way. Bring glow sticks or a flashlight with extra batteries so your trick-or-treater can see (and be seen) in the dark. • Be visible. Put reflective tape on clothes, costumes, and trick-or-treat bags so your trick-or-treater can be seen by passing motorists. • Use the crosswalk. Cross the street at a crosswalk or intersection. Never cross the street from between parked cars and don’t assume you have the right-of-way. • Stay on the sidewalk. If available, use the sidewalk. Otherwise walk on the shoulder facing traffic. • Pay attention. Distracted walking can be as hazardous as distracted driving so watch where you are going. • Review traffic safety. Talk to your trick-or-treater about basic traffic laws before leaving the house.

Learn more at: https://blogs.cdc.gov/publichealthmatters/2017/10/halloween-rules

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