Volume 42, No. 8 MAY 2015
A worldwide publication telling the Army Medicine Story ARMY MEDICINE MERCURY CONTENTS
DEPARTMENTS 12 Performance Triad
04 TSG Speaks!
13
14
15 Around Army Medicine
06 AMEDD Global
25 Recognitions
2 MERCURY | ARMYMEDICINE.MIL ARMY MEDICINE MERCURY US ARMY MEDICAL COMMAND ARMY MEDICINE PRIORITIES Commander Lt. Gen. Patricia D. Horoho COMBAT CASUALTY CARE Army Medicine personnel, services, and doctrine that save Service members’ and DOD Interim Director of Civilians’ lives and maintain their health in all operational environments. Communications Craig Dyer READINESS AND HEALTH OF THE FORCE Chief, MEDCOM Public Army Medicine personnel and services that maintain, restore, and improve the Affairs Officer Kirk Frady deployability, resiliency, and performance of Service members.
Editor READY & DEPLOYABLE MEDICAL FORCE Dr. Valecia L. Dunbar, D.M. AMEDD personnel who are professionally developed and resilient, and with their units, Graphic Designer are responsive in providing the highest level of healthcare in all operational environments. Jennifer Donnelly HEALTH OF FAMILIES AND RETIREES The MERCURY is an Army Medicine personnel and services that optimize the health and resiliency of Families authorized publication and Retirees. for members of the U.S. Army Medical Department, published under the authority of AR 360-1. Contents are not necessarily official views CONNECT WITH ARMY MEDICINE of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government, Department of Defense, Department of the CLICK ON A LINK BELOW AND JOIN THE CONVERSATION Army, or this command.
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3 | ARMYMEDICINE.MIL
CONNECT WITH ARMY MEDICINE TSG SPEAKS! Surgeon general warns of damage to MEDCOM under sequester By J.D. Leipold, AR News
force -- despite aggressive hiring actions and quality of care to our Soldiers, our since 2014 --has still left a shortfall of Families and those retiring,” she added. over 1,800 civilians. “The review showed that we are either “While many think of MEDCOM above or comparable to the best health as green-suit healthcare providers, the care systems in the nation.” reality is Civilian employees comprise Horoho said Army medicine’s 60 percent of the workforce – they are focus was based on four priorities – the backbone, stability and glue of our deployment medicine and casualty care; system,” she said. readiness and health of the force; the Speaking about the 2016 defense capability to keep a ready and deployable health program budget, Horoho first medical force and to assure the health of highlighted the accomplishments of Families and Retirees. Army Medicine, citing the development “However, all the lessons learned and of a ground-breaking vaccine for Ebola; progress we have made as a result of the the promotion of the Performance Triad last 13 plus years of persistent conflict Lt. Gen. Patricia D. Horoho and increasing the impact of readiness and our focused efforts at continuous touch points that include embedded improvement along our four priorities Another sequestration could mean providers, Soldier-Centered Medical are at risk of being slowed, halted and the loss of more than 6,000 medical Homes, dental clinics and garrison reversed, given an unstable environment personnel from the Army, the service’s medical facilities. and the detrimental second- and third- surgeon general told senators March 25. “Our Soldiers’ readiness remains our order effects of sequestration.” Lt. Gen. Patricia D. Horoho number-one priority,” she said. “We (For more ARNEWS stories, visit testified to the Senate Appropriations added combat power back to the force www.army.mil/ARNEWS, or our subcommittee on defense about the by reducing the number of Soldiers Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ fiscal year 2016 budget request and who were non-deployable due to health ArmyNewsService) its potential impact on Army Medical reasons – we made tremendous strides Command. in our transformation from “The Army is preparing to draw a healthcare system to a down to an active-duty end-strength System for Health.” of 450,000 Soldiers that will result in a She said the journey reduction of more than 800 active-duty Army medicine is moving MEDCOM personnel,” Horoho said. “If along has made it a highly sequestration returns, the Army may be reliable organization for compelled to reduce active-duty strength safety and healthcare to 420,000 -- leading to an anticipated delivery through the use reduction of greater than 3,000 active- of evidence-based practice duty MEDCOM personnel.” and cutting-edge research In her written testimony she wrote which now delivers care far that based on Army Medical Command’s forward through tele-health experience from the 2013 sequester, efforts. MEDCOM expects to lose an additional “The Military Health Army Surgeon General Lt. Gen. Patricia D. Horoho testifies before the Senate Appropriations subcommittee on defense, March 25, 2015, 3,000 civilians across the command. System review validated our about the fiscal 2016 budget request and the potential impact of Further, the damage to the civilian work pathway to improve safety another sequestration on Army Medical Command.
4 | ARMYMEDICINE.MIL TSG SPEAKS! Surgeon General Affirms Health Readiness at ANC Award Event By Mike O’Toole, Army Medicine
At the Army Nurse Corps’ Colonel CJ Veteran who notably mentored many Reddy Award of Excellence Dinner held who later assumed leadership positions in Fort Belvoir, Va., on April 1st, Lt. Gen. in the ANC. Col. Reddy was also the Patricia Horoho asked her audience: “If I first male nurse to hold key leadership asked you what our core business is, what positions at several major Army medical would you say?” treatment facilities. The surgeon general of the Army In keeping with the event’s theme of and U.S. Army Medical Command celebrating traditions, cultivating leaders (MEDCOM) commander said she hoped and creating transformation, Horoho the response would be health readiness pointed out that “our AMEDD continues (From left) Army Surgeon General, Lt. Gen. Patricia Horoho; Retired Brig. Gen. William Bester, 21st chief because “Army Medicine is more than to transform into a System for Health of the Army Nurse Corps; Retired Brig. Gen. Clara healthcare delivery. Our mission of focused on maintaining and improving Adams-Ender, 18th chief of the Army Nurse Corps; maintaining a Ready and Deployable health, on improving health literacy and and Maj. Gen. Jimmie Keenan, deputy commanding general (operations), U. S. Army Medical Command Force requires Health Readiness.” maintaining the Health Readiness of our and chief, U.S. Army Nurse Corps; are photographed Horoho’s remarks came at an event that Army Family.” during the U.S. Army Nurse Corps, COL (Ret.) C.J. Reddy Award of Excellence Dinner held April 1 at recognizes junior officers in the Army Nurses play a key role in this Fort Belvoir, Va. Nurse Corps (ANC) who have made transformation, the surgeon general significant contributions throughout added, because they, “more than any on and trust you to be advocates for a sustained period of excellent other member of the health readiness their well-being and safety across the performance. The award recipient for team … see people at their most continuum of health.” 2015 is Capt. Anthony M. Sabatini. vulnerable. You stand at the frontlines The award is named for a 30-year of patient care. Your patients depend
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5 | ARMYMEDICINE.MIL AMEDD GLOBAL PHOTO OF THE MONTH 69 USAREUR, allied medics earn prestigious medical badge
At 6 o’clock on the morning of March 27 in Grafenwoehr, Germany, 74 candidates began the last event of the U.S. Army Europe (USAREUR) Expert Field Medical Badge (EFMB), a 12 mile ruck march in three hours or less. The ruck march event requires that candidates wear a loaded ruck sack for 12-miles while carrying their individually assigned rifle and a CBRN (chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear) protective mask. Candidates were allowed one service member from their chain of command to pace them during the exhausting ruck march. (U.S. Army photo by Capt. Robert Gallimore) More on page 27. To access the full article and more photos visit: http://www.army.mil/ article/145532
‘Mending the alliance:’ 21st TSC, Bundeswehr medics build interoperability through combined training By Sgt. 1st Class Jeremiah Delrio
Members of the 160th Forward Surgical Team (FST) of the 212th Combat Support Hospital, 30th Medical Brigade, 21st Theater Sustainment Command gather for a group photo following completion of an interoperability exercise with ten soldiers from the Bundeswehr Operational Medical Support Command March 9-12 at Miesau Ammo Depot, Miesau, Germany. “This exercise was a good way to showcase our capabilities and for them to integrate into how we operate, and After the combined training event, the 160th FST and the BOMSC gather for a group photo. (Photo by Capt. vice versa,” said Sgt. Daniel Dela Cruz, a Robert Gallimore) medic who runs 160th’s advanced trauma said German Navy Commander Elias It was a great opportunity for German life support section. Al-Ghabra, who played an important and American medics to learn about The exercise was aimed at helping role in the exercise. The medics from the each other’s medical capabilities and the German team to construct a two countries also exchanged best clinical equipment, and it opened the door for similar forward surgical capability. “It is practices and identified redundancies continued partnership. wonderful to learn the FST and see how and other operational challenges. They See more photos at: http://www.army. tactical and combat medicine works,” exercised patient care and flow scenarios. mil/article/145275
6 | ARMYMEDICINE.MIL AMEDD GLOBAL Military Recognizes Nace as top Female Physician Leader By Health.mil
The Defense Department’s Military Health System is honoring the 2015 winners of the Female Physician Leadership Award. In its sixth year, the award recognizes women physicians for their contributions to military medicine and for their work mentoring others, and inspiring young women working in the fields of medicine and science. The top award went to Army Col. (Dr.) Mary Catherine Nace, director of medical education in the Office of the Army Surgeon General. She is an assistant professor in the department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences and serves as the Army surgeon general’s consultant for The “Building Stronger Female Physician Leaders” awards program previous year’s winners and honorable mentions pictured at a ceremony held in their honor at the 2011 MHS Conference (Front from left to right) women’s health, a position she has since Army Col. Kelly Murray, Navy Cmdr. Meena Vythilingham. (Back from left to right) Air Force Lt. Col. Leslie relinquished. Knight, Navy Cmdr. Ashley Schroeder and Coast Guard Cmdr. Erica Schwartz. (MHS photo by Mike Oliver) “I am very honored, very humbled to receive this award,” said Nace. “But this a relatively junior officer, for positions empowerment of Soldiers and their award is not really about me. It speaks that are generally reserved for more Families, optimization of global health to the dedication and commitment that senior physicians in the civilian world,” and readiness of the Force,” said mentors have shown me over the years Nace said. “I’m so very thankful for Powell-Dunford who is also deputy and what I hope to pass along to those I the many doors military medicine has commander, Clinical Services at U.S. try to help along the way. I would never opened for me, and I hope all women Army Health Clinic, Schofield Barracks, have had the leadership opportunities if military physicians can continue to help Hawaii. not for these mentors and role models, guide and promote others who would Other 2015 honorees include: Army both men and women, military and want to follow similar paths.” junior award, Lt. Col. (Dr.) Patricia A. civilian.” Lt. Col Nicole Powell-Dunford Short; Navy junior award, Lt. Cmdr. Nace has national visibility of women recently assumed responsibilities as (Dr.) Aileen Cangiano-Heath; and leaders in the military through her the Army Surgeon General’s women’s Air Force junior award, Lt. Col. (Dr.) roles in military graduate medical health consultant, replacing Nace. “I am Lauren J. Wolf. The award of Honorable education for nearly 20 years, as an honored and humbled to follow in the Mention goes to Cmdr. (Dr.) Renee American Medical Association delegate footsteps of Col. Cathy Nace who has Mary Pazdan from the Public Health for the past 13 years, and through her contributed so greatly to women’s health Service. work with the American College of initiatives. Her wealth of knowledge, This article was modified from its Graduate Medical Education where she tireless advocacy and dedication made original version located at: http://www. has participated in both national and her a role model consultant and superb health.mil/News/Articles/2014/11/03/ international medical education efforts champion for women’s health,” said Military-Recognizes-Female-Physician- and residency accreditation. Powell-Dunford. She continued, “I will Leaders “As a military physician, I was able work diligently with our key women’s to take advantage of opportunities, as health stakeholders to ensure continued
7 | ARMYMEDICINE.MIL AMEDD GLOBAL U.S. Army Medical Department Center and School designated an Army Center of Excellence (CoE) By Mr. Phillip Reidinger, Army Medicine Public Affairs
On February 19, 2015, Headquarters, the command to establish Department of the Army, designated the a university model and Army Medical Department Center and degree granting authority School (AMEDDC&S) as the Army’s for the AMEDDC&S as an Health Readiness Center of Excellence academic institution. (CoE). An Army Health Readiness As an Army Health Readiness CoE, the CoE, under the U.S. Army AMEDD Center and School will play an Medical Command, the expanded role supporting the Army to lead command maintains a focus U.S. Army Medical Department Center and School, the design, integration, education, and on combat casualty care and JBSA Fort Sam Houston, Texas (U.S. Army Photo) training of new and innovative approaches aligns with other Training to health and the Army Health System. and Doctrine Command Readiness CoE establishes a partnership The designation enables the command to (TRADOC) Centers of Excellence in with TRADOC while maintaining focus on medical capability development terms of the authority and responsibility the uniqueness of the Army Medical and integration functions and serve the for developing medical readiness and health Department. This distinction recognizes Army as a single agency with which concepts, identifying medical readiness and that the AMEDD Center and School plays to coordinate the medical and health health capability gaps, and defining and an integral and critical role in supporting needs of Soldiers and their Families. The refining future Soldier medical and health Army global engagements and the Army Health Readiness Center of Excellence requirements established by TRADOC. future force. also establishes operational conditions for The designation as the Army Health
AMEDDC&S Army Health Readiness CoE earns Army Star Strong Flag
Maj. Gen. Jimmie Keenan, deputy commanding general (operations), U.S. Army Medical Command and chief, U.S. Army Nurse Corps; Maj. Gen. Steve Jones, commanding general, U.S. Army Medical Department Center and School, U.S. Army Health Readiness Center of Excellence; and Command Sgt. Maj. Andrew Rhoades, AMEDDC&S, HRCoE, join the commands Additional Duty Safety Officers and the AMEDDC&S Safety Office staff members for a group photo with the Army Safety and Occupational Health Star Strong Flag, unveiled at a ceremony on March 27 at Blesse Auditorium, Willis Hall, AMEDDC&S, HRCoE. (U.S. Army Photo)
8 | ARMYMEDICINE.MIL AMEDD GLOBAL Army athlete ‘shoots’ for spot on Team Army By Marlon J. Martin, U.S. Army Medical Command
At 6’4,” 270 lbs., Sgt. Barry T. Crawford, or “Bear” as he is affectionately called, is one of the top athletes here vying for a spot on Team Army. He placed first in the air rifle event of the regional trials hosted March 2-6 at Fort Hood, Texas, to be selected among the Army’s top 100 athletes in adaptive sports. A combat engineer currently assigned to the Community Care Unit at Fort Hood, Texas, Crawford is among the approximately 80 wounded, ill and injured Soldiers and Veterans from across the country who traveled here to train and compete in various athletic events at the Army Trials, including archery, cycling, Using an Air Arms s400 10 meter indoor air rifle, Sgt. Barry T. Crawford aims for the 10 ring while training for the air rifle shooting event. Approximately 80 wounded, ill or injured Soldiers and Veterans are at Fort track and field, shooting, sitting volleyball, Bliss to train and compete in a series of competitive athletic events including archery, cycling, shooting, swimming and wheelchair basketball. sitting volleyball, swimming, track and field, and wheelchair basketball. Army Trials competition, March29- April 2, is conducted by the Army Warrior Transition Command and hosted by Fort Bliss. Army Trials help The Army Trials, March 29 – April 2, determine who will get a spot on the Department of Defense Warrior Games 2015 Army Team in June at are conducted by the U.S. Army Warrior Marine Corps Base, Quantico, Virginia. Transition Command and hosted by Fort Bliss. Army Trials help determine got worse. He deployed twice more, group of 40 athletes will be called upon to which athletes will advance to represent leaving for Iraq in 2006 and Afghanistan represent the Army at the Department of Department of Defense Warrior Games in 2012. When he could no longer deal Defense Warrior Games. Crawford aims 2015 Army Team at Marine Corps Base with the pain, he went back to see a doctor. to be among those selected. While he is Quantico, Virginia, June 19-28. Crawford joined the Warrior Transition scheduled to compete in the archery, shot Crawford is one athlete who truly Unit at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, in May put and discus events, he particularly looks appreciates what the Army is doing with 2013. Six months later, his left shoulder forward to excelling in the air rifle and air adaptive reconditioning. Having endured was replaced with titanium. He said he pistol shooting events. pain and discomfort for more than a feels much better and credits the Adaptive “I was raised on a farm in Locust Grove decade, he recalls a time when wounded, ill Reconditioning Program for his success. with guns, and was taught how to shoot or injured Soldiers did not receive this same He is back to engaging in athletics, and and handle guns at an early age. I always high level of support. is happy to be here doing what he enjoys used to go shooting, did a lot of shooting. “In 2004, I injured my left shoulder most. I’ve always loved shooting for as long as I in Iraq and was medevac’d up to Balad. “Engaging in adaptive sports calms me, can remember,” said Crawford, who now Warrior Transition Units didn’t exist at the it really does. Mentally, to me, it’s just resides in Oklahoma, with his new bride time. You were simply put in a med-hold relaxing and very therapeutic because I Christina and 17-year-old daughter. type company because the Army didn’t can block everything out,” Crawford said. With more than 20 years of combined know what to do with you,” said Crawford, “And, literally, to be good at shooting, service in the Army -- three years on active explaining his shoulder injury. “So, they you focus on closing the bolt, lining up duty and 17 years in the National Guard, did a surgery on it, patched it up, and sent the sights, exhaling, focusing on the front respectively, he was pleased to hear that he me back to my unit. They told me at the sights, and squeezing the trigger. You block can finally retire. time that ‘you’ll get 7 to 10 years use out everything else out, and you do this one Before he departs the service; however, of your shoulder,’ and since it made it to single step at a time.” he has his mind set on fulfilling one more 2013, I’d say they were about right on During the Army Trials, all athletes goal -- helping Team Army bring home the that.” are required to participate in more than gold. Crawford remains unsure of how he one sporting event. After being graded injured his arm, but said it progressively on their overall athletic ability, a select
9 | ARMYMEDICINE.MIL AMEDD GLOBAL Combat medic graduates from Army Enlisted Commissioning Program By U.S. Army Medical Recruiting Brigade
After eight years serving as a combat participants. That is done by Medical medic then Staff Sgt. Clinton Bunker Recruiting Brigade recruiters throughout decided to advance in his career and the U.S., Germany, and Puerto Rico. obtain his nursing degree and become However, once in the program Campbell an Army officer. As a nurse in the U.S. advises the student on all AECP Army, 1st Lt. Bunker now works in the requirements and mentors them about intensive care unit at Blanchfield Army opportunities and responsibilities as a Community Hospital on Fort Campbell, U.S. Army nurse. Kentucky. Since the program can take anywhere “I wanted to work in a hospital,” from 14 to 24 months to complete, Bunker said, “and (as a combat medic) the move to a university is considered a I worked with a couple of physician Permanent change of station. Currently, assistants who advised me to go into those in school will receive up to the Interservice Physician Assistant $18,000 per year for education. In Program. But, when I compared that addition, they continue to receive the program to the AECP (Army Enlisted pay and benefits matching their rank. Commissioning Program) I decided the “Each prospective candidate must AECP was a better fit for what I wanted have a conditional letter of acceptance to do. from an approved university,” Campbell “The nursing program allowed me the explained. “Once accepted their ability to choose the school I wanted,” application packet is then sent to a one- Bunker continued. “It also gave me a time-a-year board for approval. This way, 1st Lt. Clinton Bunker graduates from Arkansas Technical University Nursing School and the Army chance to get my Family together. I once a person is accepted into the AECP Enlisted Commissioning Program at the same time. chose to go to a school near my home they already have the college approval.” The AECP allowed Bunker to transition from working as a combat medic to a nurse in the U.S. Army. (Pho- town of Cabot, Arkansas.” According to Campbell all AECP to courtesy of Clinton Bunker) Bunker graduated with a bachelor of graduates enter the U.S. Army Nurse science in Nursing from the Arkansas Corps as a medical-surgical nurse. After installations. However, it is not necessary Technical University Nursing School. one-and-a-half to two years they are to wait for the briefing to begin the With a grade point average of 3.7, he eligible to move into a nursing specialty process. To find an MRB recruiter near was inducted into the International if they so choose. you just go to www.healthcare.goarmy. Honor Society for Nursing upon The AECP is open to members of the com and select the “Contact a Recruiter” graduation. National Guard (NG), the Army Reserve option. Then choose AMEDD “Maintaining your grades while in (AR), and the active-duty Army. While (medical) in the “My Interest” drop nursing school is critical to remaining being a Soldier is a requirement of the down menu, put in your zip code and in the program,” said Maj. James program, having experience in a medical click on the “Search” button. Campbell, AECP manager, Health field is not. Anyone with a desire to Upon completion of the program Services Directorate, U.S. Army become a nurse can apply as long as the AECP graduates owe the U.S. Army Recruiting Command, Fort Knox, required prerequisites are met. four years of service. Although NG, AR Kentucky. “While in school the student Contacting a recruiter with the and active-duty Army service members retains the rank they held when entering Medical Recruiting Brigade is the are all eligible to enter the program, the program. They are assigned to a first step in this process. Campbell Campbell states that the four years company at Fort Sam Houston, Texas, recommends interested candidates after graduation must be completed as but their only job is to be a student.” contact the local medical recruiting an active-duty U.S. Army healthcare As a program manager Campbell isn’t center which will provide several provider. responsible for recruiting the AECP briefings on the AECP at military
10 | ARMYMEDICINE.MIL AMEDD GLOBAL Immunization support is a phone call away, from anywhere in the world By Chris Orose, Defense Health Agency Immunization Healthcare Branch
The Immunization Healthcare Branch of Infectious Diseases. This is also done or after immunization. Our clinicians (IHB), formerly the Military Vaccine through the one-day Standards of Quality can also provide assistance to individuals Agency-Vaccine Healthcare Centers Immunization Practices Course and the undergoing a Medical Board or applying Network (MILVAX-VHCN), is now part two-day Immunization Program Leaders to either the Vaccine Injury Compensation of the Defense Health Agency (DHA) Course, conducted by the IHB monthly at Program or the Countermeasures Injury Public Health Division, and stands ready various locations both in the continental Compensation Program. Subject-matter to serve the entire Defense Department U.S. (CONUS) and overseas (OCONUS). experts on vaccine storage and handling are Family with top-notch immunization The IHB’s regional offices provide also available 24/7 by pressing option #2. healthcare and policy, education, research support, evaluation, research, education SMEs on immunization policy, deployment and informational services. and clinical consultation with vaccine- requirements, travel vaccinations, ACIP The DHA IHB is headquartered in related adverse events and exemption guidelines and other vaccine-related issues Falls Church, Va, at the Defense Health counseling to the entire DOD population. are available Monday through Friday from Headquarters (DHHQ). Its staff is made The regional offices are based at Walter 0800-1800 through option #4. You can also up of several offices, including Clinical Reed National Military Medical Center, get technical assistance with online training Operations, Clinical Investigations, Bethesda, Md; Fort Belvoir, Va; Fort Bragg, modules through both Project Immune Education and Training, Policy and NC; Wilford Hall, San Antonio, Texas; Readiness (option #3) and Immunization Program Management, Vaccine Safety Portsmouth, Va; and San Diego, Ca. University (option #4). and Evaluation, Communications Contacting the Immunization You can also follow the IHB on Synchronization, and Regional Support Healthcare Branch has never been easier Facebook at www.facebook.com/ Operations. or more efficient. Patients, providers, DHAImmunizationHealthcare, and on The organization’s regional support is or parents can call the Immunization Twitter at www.twitter.com/DHA_IHB. provided by 19 Immunization Healthcare Healthcare Support Center at The DHA IHB serves Active Duty, Specialists (IHS) and five regional 877-GETVACC (438-8222) and be Guard and Reserve personnel, as well as offices, strategically located around the connected (option #1) 24/7 to a licensed their Families, Retirees and other DOD world to provide hands-on support for healthcare provider with specialized vaccine beneficiaries, to include government immunization programs and ensure expertise to answer questions of possible Civilians and contractors. understanding of the Standards of adverse events following immunizations, Keep connected Military Immunization set forth in the or concerns involving bio-defense as well as Follow DHA Immunizations on Joint Instruction on Immunizations and routine pediatric and adult vaccine efficacy, Facebook and Twitter from our homepage at Chemoprophylaxis for the Prevention safety, or acceptability whether before vaccines.mil.
Fort Hood shooting survivor receives highest non-combat honor for valor Maj. Gen. Jimmie O. Keenan, Army Medical Command’s deputy commanding general- operations, presents the Soldier’s Medal to Army 1st Lt. John M. Arroyo Jr. as his wife, Angel, looks on during a ceremony at the Warrior and Family Support Center, April 6, 2015. (U.S. Army photo by Robert Shields) Full Article: http://www.army.mil/ article/145947/
11 | ARMYMEDICINE.MIL PERFORMANCE TRIAD Army health leaders advocate for importance of nutrition By David Vergun, AR News
“We encourage each of you to renew a it is also important to stay within one’s readily available, she said, is commitment to achieving your personal calorie limits. To find one’s nutritional especially important when a person is Performance Triad goals,” said Army needs and calorie limits, visit those experiencing emotional roller-coasters Surgeon General Lt. Gen. Patricia websites or see the installation’s like stress, boredom, happiness and Horoho. The Performance Triad focuses registered dietitian/nutritionist, usually depression. on the importance of sleep, activity and located at the medical treatment facility. A lot of Soldiers, especially those nutrition as a way to boost Soldier and Unit master fitness trainers are also engaged in high-performance fitness Family performance and resilience, said schooled on nutrition basics and are programs, have questions about taking Maj. Bethany A. Belanger, Ph.D. and another resource, she added. supplements, she said. registered dietitian. She serves as the Belanger said she and many other They might be looking for “that magic nutrition lead for the System for Health dietitians use the free app Fooducate, pill or food that’s going to give them all and Performance Triad at the Army which provides a food tracker option the energy they need to perform, lose Office of the Surgeon General. and gives nutritional ratings. For weight or be stronger,” she said. The reason nutrition is part of instance, a food logged might receive Supplements can range from Performance Triad is that there is a a D or F if it is highly processed and bodybuilding powders to multivitamins, proven interaction among sleep, activity loaded with sugars and unhealthy and advertisers do a good job promoting and nutrition, meaning a healthy or fats. The app will also provide similar, them, she said. unhealthy choice in one impacts the healthier alternatives and works by Unfortunately, the industry is not others, she said. scanning in a food or beverage barcode regulated and many supplements do not For Soldiers looking to improve or finding a product using the food do what they advertise and some are their physical fitness, cognitive database. Food and beverages not found even dangerous to take, she cautioned. performance or manage their weight, in the database can also be manually She encouraged Soldiers to be smart those three factors should be considered entered. about their supplements and question synergistically, Belanger added. A number of activity monitors like the ingredients and the quantity For example, she said, lack of sleep personal readiness devices also track of those ingredients. Also, choose can result in a person’s tendency to crave food, activity and sometimes even sleep, supplements that have been third-party unhealthy foods like those that have a she said. “They are great motivators and tested and visit the Human Performance high fat or sugar content, which in turn can be real eye-openers.” Resource Center website for more leads to weight gain and lack of physical information. fitness. HEALTHY EATING TIPS If still in doubt, see a registered Belanger provided a few healthy dietitian/nutritionist, she said. STAY INFORMED eating tips she said she hopes people Belanger said in her own opinion that Getting back to the basics of healthy will remember. eating healthy food is the best approach eating and making more informed and While eating three meals a day is and for many, supplements are probably healthy food choices is easier now than standard fare for most, she suggests light not even necessary. “Ask yourself if you it’s ever been, Belanger said, noting a snacking between meals to keep the really need it. We suggest utilizing food proliferation of healthy eating websites blood-sugar level up, as it tends to drop first.” and apps that are helpful. after four hours, and can signal cravings. The best places to begin, she said, Instead of junk food from vending DINING FACILITIES are visiting ChooseMyPlate.gov and machines, she suggests preparing More and more, healthy food choices EatRight.org. ArmyFit also provides healthy snacks that are loaded with are being offered at installation dining information and personalizes it with essential nutrients, such as calcium, facilities, Belanger said, adding that it is Soldiers and Family members’ Global protein and fiber. These could be nuts, still a work in progress. Assessment 2.0 scores. fruits, veggies, even half of a peanut- Several years ago, the Go for Green It is not only important to eat a butter sandwich. Program gave a big boost to that effort, nutritious and balanced meal, she said, Having these healthy snacks
12 | ARMYMEDICINE.MIL PERFORMANCE TRIAD
she said, explaining how it works: can positively impact a Soldier’s Virginia, as well as Army G-4, she said. Go for Green is a nutritional performance and foods labeled red are Their goal is to “make choices easy and recognition labeling system providing performance-inhibiting foods which convenient for the Soldier and Army Soldiers with a quick assessment of the can negatively impact a Soldier’s communities.” nutritional value of menu offerings. performance. The program has posters Lastly, Belanger advocates for making Food items are labeled green (eat and menu cards for the serving line small changes to healthier eating over often), amber (eat occasionally), and providing explanation of the color- time and making those changes a red (eat rarely) based on the impact coding system. lifelong commitment. “There will be the food can have on a Soldier’s The Army is also working to improve times when you fall off the healthy performance. nutrition through its Joint Culinary nutrition wagon. When that happens, For example, foods labeled green Center of Excellence and Army the best thing you can do is just pick are high performance foods that Quartermaster Corps, both at Fort Lee, yourself up and get back on.” MEDCOM’S MAY OBSERVANCES Please join the Army Medical Command in recognizing the following observances for May.
National Nurse’s Week, May 6-12 Better Speech & Hearing Month National Physical Fitness & Sports Month
National Mental Health Month Women’s Health Month
The National Mental Health Month and Women’s Health Month Posters can be downloaded at: https://mitc.amedd.army.mil/sites/CMIO/STRATCOM/Pages/test.aspx Communication Resources > Communication Plans
13 | ARMYMEDICINE.MIL In observance of Women’s Health Month, Army Medical Command has released the first special edition of its monthly publication, MERCURY. The focus of this special edition is on women’s health advancements and innovations in the military health system. Access the full article and download the publication at: http://www.army.mil/article/147658 AMEDDC&S AMEDD CENTER & SCHOOL NEW TOOLKIT SERVES AS A PRACTICAL RESOURCE FOR TREATING PATIENTS WITH MILD TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY By The Borden Institute
More than a decade of war in comprehensive toolkit. a fall, a rough tackle on the football field, Afghanistan and Iraq has produced an The toolkit includes assessment and or an automobile accident. The authors unprecedented number of brain-injured intervention techniques to address and subject-matter experts who compiled casualties. Mild traumatic brain injury mTBI effects on the vestibular system, this toolkit are among the professionals (mTBI), more commonly known as balance, vision, posttraumatic headache, striving to understand mTBI to better a “concussion,” is one of the hallmark temporomandibular dysfunction, treat it, both acutely and for the long injuries of these recent wars. In response cognition, dual-tasking, life roles term. The new mechanisms of injury to the large number of service members (including self-management and social, and treatment modalities learned as a returning home with mTBI among school, and work roles), fitness, and result of recent wars are well represented their injuries, the Rehabilitation and health-related quality of life. Each chapter in this leading-edge toolkit, which will Reintegration Division of the Army of the is written by practicing experts in the field, undoubtedly become an essential resource Office of the Surgeon General was tasked and many include reproducible patient for caregivers as the struggle to understand with developing occupational and physical handouts, questionnaires, and in-office and treat brain injury continues. therapy clinical practice guidance for testing protocol. Complete references Published by Borden Institute, individuals with mTBI. are also included to help readers find The Mild Traumatic Brain Injury A diverse team of civilian and additional information and tools. Rehabilitation Toolkit can be ordered government speech-language pathologists, Although this toolkit is geared towards through the Borden website (below) and along with occupational and physical treating service members with mTBI, it will soon be available on the site in PDF therapists, critically reviewed existing will also be useful to caregivers treating and ebook formats. research and current best practices related head-injured civilian patients. Thanks in The Borden Institute is an agency of the to treating mTBI and developed an part to the experience of service members U.S. Army Medical Department Center authoritative document to guide caregivers in recent conflicts, it is now easier to and School. More information can be working with patients who have sustained screen for and recognize mTBI in the found at www.cs.amedd.army.mil/borden. mTBI. From that document sprouted this civilian world as well, whether caused by
Demonstration of the Dynamic Visual Acuity test found in chapter 2 of the Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Rehabilitation Toolkit.
15 | ARMYMEDICINE.MIL ASBP ARMED SERVICES BLOOD PROGRAM Military Blood Program Director Delivers Keynote Speech at Blood Safety Forum By Jessica Pellegrini, ASBP Staff Writer
Armed Services Blood Program director, Navy Capt. Roland Fahie, delivers the keynote speech at the 2015 Global Healing International Blood Safety Forum Friday, March 20 in Washington, D.C. Fahie spoke of the ASBP’s presence and impact on blood safety on a global level. Normally, our warfighters and beneficiaries associate the Armed Services Blood Program (ASBP) with providing blood and blood products to support them. However, the ASBP plays a tremendous role providing blood and blood products during humanitarian missions, Fahie said. “Our program provides subject-matter expert exchanges and technical assistance Navy Capt. Roland Fahie, director of the Armed Services Blood Program, delivers the keynote speech at the to aide other countries to develop 2015 Global Healing International Blood Safety Forum March 20 in Washington, D.C. and maintain a safe, quality blood system. The beauty of this is that these can better support the blood needs in centers designed with ASBP assistance. subject-matter expert teams working in their countries.” This type of support is expected to developing countries consist of officers, Fahie noted that the ASBP has helped expand to countries in the U.S. European enlisted, and Civilian personnel working developed five blood safety centers in Command. together from all three military services,” Vietnam, which is now a model country According to Fahie, the ASBP specific Fahie said. for blood safety in the Pacific. Navy Lt. support includes assisting developing Fahie explained how the ASBP works Cmdr. Frederick Matheu, the U.S. Pacific countries with establishing national through the Combatant Commander’s Command joint blood program officer, policy for blood and blood products, programs such as with the Theater has also coordinated with the U.S. Army quality assurance, blood donor selection, Security Cooperation Programs, U.S. Corps of Engineers and in-country teams blood collection, infectious disease President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS to design and build three regional blood testing, compatibility testing, blood Relief, and military exercises with donor centers in Laos and Cambodia administration, recognizing adverse other global health organizations and using World Health Organization transfusion reactions, donor notification partners to assist countries like Vietnam, guidelines. and look back guidelines. He also Laos, Cambodia, Philippines, Thailand, Navy Lt. Cmdr. Jonathan Hoiles, addressed common challenges and Mozambique, and Ethiopia. chief of Blood Services at the Walter barriers when establishing a blood safety “The Armed Services Blood Program Reed National Military Medical Center program such as leadership, technology, helps these nations create their own in Bethesda, Md., is coordinating in equipment, logistics, food, culture and sustainable blood programs,” Fahie said. the U.S. African Command to provide language. “We help bring together civilian and support in Ethiopia, a country that military blood program stakeholders both is receiving technical support for five government and nongovernment so they transfusion services and two blood donor
16 | ARMYMEDICINE.MIL ERMC EUROPE REGIONAL MEDICAL COMMAND LRMC PAO’s Career Spans 37 Years of National Media Spotlight By Shane Sharp, Europe Regional Medical Command Public Affairs
She was born and raised as an only child the following events: on a working farm in a small village in Ath, • 1981 - Iran hostage rescue attempt Belgium. Her father didn’t have or need the resulting in the death of eight U.S. help of sons to manage the farm -- he had service members Marie. • 1983 - Beirut barracks bombing Marie Shaw (center) assists a news team from CNN Marie Shaw tended chores before school, killing 299 U.S. and French service sent to cover the arrival of Wounded Warriors at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center during the early rode her bike home at lunch in bitter cold members stages of the war in Iraq. (U.S. Army Photo) weather to help out more, and continued • 1983 -- Terrorist bombing of USAFE helping out after school and on weekends Headquarters at Ramstein Air Base covering the wartime mission at LRMC. tending livestock, baling hay and harvesting • 1985 -- Terrorist bombing of the La Reporters from 29 countries were among sugar beets in the dead of winter. When Belle Disco in Berlin killing two and the approximately 80 labor-intensive she landed a job in Kaiserslautern a few injuring 79 U.S. service members media engagements Shaw contended years after graduating from college, she • 1988 - Ramstein Air Show disaster with annually. CNN, USA Today and continued to drive home on weekends to killing 70 and injuring 346 spectators the Washington Post were among major help out on the family farm. • 1990-1991 - Operation Desert Shield media outlets requiring coordination to It was that kind of work ethic & Operation Desert Storm film and interview patients, doctors, nurses, that followed her into a 41-year U.S. • 1993 - Battle of Mogadishu resulting chaplains and behavioral health specialists. government career, 37 of those as chief in 18 deaths and 73 wounded “The work was tedious, but the rewards of public affairs at Landstuhl Regional • 1995 - Sarajevo Market Place bombing were great,” said Shaw. “I was very Medical Center where she retired March killing 43 and injuring 75 civilians, fortunate to have the opportunity to work 27. Her dedication and commitment to the and subsequent establishment of a with so many senior media representatives, job resulted in 24 career awards, including refugee center at the Landstuhl gym patients and devoted staff members under the Legion of Merit for the German Army, • 1996 -- Khobar Towers terrorist attack so many diverse situations the past decades. the Order of Military Medical Merit, and killing 19 U.S. service members and There are so many memories I will cherish two times as the U.S. Army in Europe PAO injuring 498 the rest of my life.” of the Year. • 1998 - Kenya Embassy terrorist In addition to media engagements, “It is difficult to describe the influence, bombing Shaw also made an impact through hospital compassion, and professionalism of Marie • 2000 - USS Cole suicide attack killing community relations programs designed Shaw,” said retired Maj. Gen. Bryan 17 and injuring 39 Sailors to enhance the medical work relationship Gamble who served as Landstuhl Regional • 2003 - Repatriation of Pfc. Jessica between the various countries, allow for Medical Center (LRMC) commander Lynch the development of friendships, and the from 2005-2007. “As a nation at war for • 2014 - Repatriation of Sgt. Bowe exchange of information on medical issues the last 14 plus years, at a center for all ill, Bergdahl important to the U.S. and Europe. injured and wounded to evacuate to, Marie Shaw has been the lynchpin and most “What a wonderful, warm, positive voice has deftly managed the complexities of crucial link between the U.S. military and face for Army and military medicine media, political, medical, and international medical community and the national and throughout these challenging times,” said relations. No one does it better than international media in Europe. If a major former Army Surgeon General retired Lt. Marie.” event occurred in Europe or downrange Gen. Eric Schoomaker. “Was there anyone There was a much to do and numerous that involved the likelihood of injured who did it better than Marie Shaw? She opportunities for success and failure. Americans, Shaw was among the first to will surely be missed badly. We wish her During her tenure, which included 15 be contacted by international media, to nothing but peace and joy in her new phase change of command ceremonies, Shaw include late-night calls at home. of life.” was directly involved with intense media After 9-11, Shaw faced a decade of coverage of patients treated at LRMC for continued intense media interest in
17 | ARMYMEDICINE.MIL MRMC U.S. ARMY MEDICAL RESEARCH AND MATERIEL COMMAND Army Researchers Return to Norway for Nutrition, Cold-Stress Study in Arctic Extremes By Kelly Field, U.S. Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine
The U.S. Army Research Institute of not have the time to eat all the food they Environmental Medicine (USARIEM) are given. For example, Soldiers threw away once again partnered with the Norwegian about a third of their food rations, causing Defence Research Establishment to study a severe calorie deficit throughout training nutrition and physiological responses to during Pasiakos’ previous study in Norway. cold-weather training. Researchers divided the Soldiers into This is the second time in three years, three intervention groups, aimed at testing For the second time in three years, researchers from the U.S. Army Research Institute of Environmental researchers from the USARIEM traveled whether supplementing existing rations Medicine partnered with the Norwegian Defence to Norway to study Norwegian soldiers. with a protein or carbohydrate-based snack Research Establishment to study nutrition and physiological responses to cold-weather training. About 75 Norwegian soldiers, from the 2nd product would improve these various (Photo courtesy of the U.S. Army Research Institute Battalion, Brigade North, Norwegian Army, markers of nutritional status. USARIEM of Environmental Medicine) stationed on Skjold Garrison enrolled in this partnered with the Natick Soldier Research, randomized controlled trial. Development and Engineering Center’s said Castellani. “The information that “The results of our last study showed Combat Feeding Directorate to develop and we collected is important because it will that short-term winter training alters create nearly 5,000 snack products for use in allow us to build biophysical models that nutritional requirements,” said Dr. Stefan this study. will enable Soldiers to choose the correct Pasiakos, a nutritional physiologist with the “The groups were each given their cold-weather clothing ensembles as well as USARIEM’s Military Nutrition Division. standard combat ration allotment for evaluate if the Army’s cold-weather doctrine “We observed decrements in several their training exercise. One group served for injury prevention is accurate. markers of nutritional status, including as the control and received no additional “This study will enable the USARIEM to protein retention, suggesting muscle mass food,” said Pasiakos. “The other groups provide Soldiers with practical solutions in is compromised during short-term military received their three rations plus four either extreme environmental temperatures so that training in the cold.” carbohydrate or protein-based snacks, like a they continue to perform their mission with Pasiakos said this gave researchers the First Strike Ration bar or a crispy rice bar. a low risk of cold injury,” said Castellani. information they needed to design a “By providing easily accessible snacks, we Both Pasiakos and Castellani said targeted nutrition intervention to attenuate were trying to see to what extent we could these types of field studies are extremely those effects in Soldiers participating actually offset the physiological decrements important for them as scientists because in a similar winter training program. that occur during severe calorie deficit. they provide a level of reality that cannot The research team expected to produce If we are able to develop a food product be re-created in the laboratory. While the physiological decrements that mirrored that Soldiers like to eat and also promotes information collected during this trip is those observed in their last study. recovery, this would allow us to make some just beginning to be analyzed, USARIEM “Our primary objective was to determine positive changes to our combat rations,” said researchers are excited for the results. the efficacy of an optimized recovery food Pasiakos. “Typically, field studies give us the most product designed for combat rations,” said USARIEM researchers also examined realistic model to test our hypotheses. When Pasiakos. “We were trying to identify ways the risk of frostbite on peripheral areas such military units provide us the opportunity to to effectively use nutrition to promote as the fingers, wrists, calves and toes. Dr. conduct a study, our mission is to execute recovery and resistance to muscle loss during John Castellani, a research physiologist with strong science without being disruptive military operational stress.” the USARIEM’s Thermal and Mountain to their operations,” said Pasiakos. “The Pasiakos said that oftentimes Soldiers Medicine Division, said these areas are the USARIEM has a long history of doing just can experience severe calorie decrements most susceptible to frostbite, but they are that and, most importantly, it gives us the during training because they either quickly the least understood. operationally relevant evidence we need to strip down rations and remove food with “Currently, we have limited information improve science and, ultimately, Warfighter nutritional value because they do not want on finger and toe skin temperatures in health and performance.” to carry the extra weight, or they simply do the field or in an operational setting,”
18 | ARMYMEDICINE.MIL NRMC NORTHERN REGIONAL MEDICAL COMMAND Medical staff trains to enhance performance By Shannon Lynch, Womack Army Medical Center Public Affairs Womack Army Medical Center About six months ago, WAMC conducted a three-day, Team Strategies coordinated with U.S. Army Medical and Tools to Enhance Performance Command to offer this training to and Patient Safety training session for staff. Physicians, nurses, surgeons, all surgery product line staff members, anesthesiologists, technicians, March 31 through April 2. orthopedics, ophthalmology, central The team structured training focused sterile supply and many other staff on communication, leadership, members conducted the training. situation monitoring and mutual “It is all part of national training support. designed to help medical staff at Womack Army Medical Center hosted a MEDCOM TeamSTEPPS Surgical Simulation Training March During the event, WAMC certified Womack improve communication 31-April 2 to enhance teamwork and communica- 40 master trainers and trained 240 in the operating rooms,” said Col. tion. Forty Womack staff were certified as Team- teammates. The operating suites were Jeff Morgan, deputy commander for STEPPS Surgical Simulation Trainers including one physician champion from every surgical service. closed for a day to dedicate that time Clinical Services. “Patient safety is More than 200 members of the surgical staff were to the training. our priority and the training is a tool trained reinforcing a culture of safety and enabling the efforts toward becoming a High Reliability This is the first time WAMC offered to help the team communicate better Organization. the training, which was a hands-on, throughout the hospital.” simulated exercise. Experts from MEDCOM led the the scenarios and resolve issues. “Previously, similar training scenarios, which included a surgeon As part of the exercise, Morgan, the was offered through lectures in a trying to rush nursing staff through a mock surgeon in the scenario, was classroom,” said Phyllis Toor, nurse Team STEPPS time-out checklist, to challenged by the staff for trying to consultant for patient safety and Team a bio-burden on surgical equipment. rush the time out process. STEPPS program manager. Teams were split up and sent to “It’s okay to challenge the surgeon, The training is mandated by the different operating rooms to complete everyone is empowered for patient Department of Defense and is usually the scenarios under the instruction of safety regardless of rank,” said Morgan. offered on an as-needed basis. the trainers. The staff had to adapt to
19 | ARMYMEDICINE.MIL PRMC PACIFIC REGIONAL MEDICAL COMMAND War hero revisits road to healing By Ana Allen, Pacific Regional Medical Command
It’s been 20 years since Col. Cirilito being very well known Sobejana, the Armed Forces of the among the surgical staff Philippines (AFP) Philippine Army at TAMC and says he G3, visited Tripler Army Medical was often greeted with a Center (TAMC). “welcome back” from staff During his first visit, then Capt. just before undergoing his Sobejana, wondered if doctors here later surgeries. would be able to save his nearly severed “I was very impressed right arm. with the care and the way He recently got to shake hands and they treated me as a battle extend his thanks to TAMC staff for casualty,” he said. the medical treatment that allowed him Sobejana then received to continue his career in the AFP and post-operative care at the use of his arm. Brooke Army Medical Sobejana is a recipient of the AFP’s Center (BAMC), in San equivalent to the U.S. Medal of Honor Antonio Texas. for actions taken against a terrorist The transfer allowed organization in January of 1995. him to continue care After sustaining gun-shot wounds with his primary during a five-hour fire-fight, Sobejana physician who had since was medically evacuated to a local transitioned to the major hospital in the southern region of the medical facility there. Col. Cirilito Sobejana (right), the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Philippine Army G3, visited Tripler Army Medical Center (TAMC) April Philippines and remained for four days “I reported to the 7, 2015, and visits with Staff Vascular Surgeon Maj. Farhan Ayubi until he was stable enough for transfer hospital every day, (left), DO, TAMC Vascular Surgery Department. Sobejana expressed to a medical facility in Manila. Monday through Friday gratitude for treatment he received 20 years ago at TAMC that saved his career in the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the use of his Sobejana was then informed by his for my rehabilitation ... right arm. Sobejana is a recipient of the AFP’s equivalent to the U.S. military superiors that he would be for four months.” Medal of Honor for actions taken against a terrorist organization in 1995. (U.S. Army photo by James Guzior, Tripler Army Medical Center sent abroad for advanced medical care After undergoing Public Affairs) at TAMC. The U.S. military hospital rehabilitation, Sobejana provided his care because of the U.S. eventually regained his Although much has changed since and the Philippine alliance with over strength and his competitive edge. his stay at TAMC, there is one thing he 70 years of deep military-to-military “Now I can do pushups. I can do 50 says is exactly as he remembered. “The ties. to 60 pushups in one minute.” color is still the same. It’s still a pink “[My arm] was nearly severed. It was Sobejana, who was in Hawaii as part hospital.” shattered ... At that time, our hospitals of a high-level planning conference He says he hopes to convey to the didn’t have that capability yet to treat between officials from the U.S. Army medical staff at TAMC and BAMC my injury,” recalled Sobejana. Pacific and the AFP, says he has enjoyed the deep gratitude he feels for the care After landing on Oahu, Sobejana was his 39-year career and looks forward to he received.” I will not forget them. I escorted via ambulance to TAMC. the next seven years before mandatory always treasure the things that they did Sobejana spent ten months receiving retirement. “I am happy now. I am for me just to save my arm.” care at Tripler where he received happy doing my job, serving the people almost a dozen separate operations, to and securing the land. include reconstructive surgery, which During the visit to TAMC, Sobejana ultimately saved his hand. toured Vascular Surgery, Orthopedics Sobejana light-heartedly recalls and other clinics.
20 | ARMYMEDICINE.MIL SRMC SOUTHERN REGIONAL MEDICAL COMMAND
“I Was There” film workshop mentor Sean Mannion, left, advises filmmaker Spc. James Bomar II, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, during the final edits of a collaborative film project. (U.S. Army photo by David E. Gillespie) Workshop uses filmmaking as healing process for Veterans By David E. Gillespie, Blanchfield Army Community Hospital
Lacking only the glitz and glamour aimed at helping Veterans connect with said Fort Campbell marked her seventh of Hollywood’s red carpet, Veteran each other, interpret traumatic experiences workshop. filmmakers were stars in their own right as and substantially reduce symptoms of “We live by three principles – listen, a four-day “I Was There” film workshop posttraumatic stress (PTS). For many of collaborate and empower. The first two are culminated in a packed-house screening the 25 participants at Fort Campbell, the the key ingredients, and the third is the event at Cole Park Commons Thursday. results were quite evident as the task of result,” Sears explained. “Every Veteran’s With a unique approach to treating filmmaking required social interaction and story matters and deserves to be heard. the psychological damages of war, the gave some a voice that had been silent. Participants can safely engage with others free workshop encouraged Soldiers to “We’ve done about 30 of these who will listen. In collaboration, they each share their experiences through mentored workshops over the last couple of years, have had common experiences and now filmmaking classes at Fort Campbell’s and this was one of my favorites,” have this filmmaking experience together. Warrior Transition Battalion. In half-day Workshops Director Jeanette Sears told They accomplished a mission together sessions, participants began March 23, the crowd of Soldiers and Family members with this shared objective.” with an introduction to film theory and during the screening of short films. Collaboration is the most remarkable practical techniques, and collaborated The Ohio native turned New York part of the process, Sears said, because all week from concept to shooting and transplant has been a cinematographer for many forms of therapy can be somewhat editing, all while grouped with fellow most of her adult life and mentored her isolating. “A lot of narrative therapies like Veterans. first workshop with Patton at Fort Drum writing and painting are all solo. With this Founded by Ben Patton, grandson of a year ago. A full-timer behind the scenes workshop, participants have to make a Gen. George S. Patton, the workshops are on coordination and preparation, Sears
21 | ARMYMEDICINE.MIL SRMC SOUTHERN REGIONAL MEDICAL COMMAND
film together. They have to make it with someone.” The workshops are hosted exclusively on military bases and participants range from those who want to learn about filmmaking to Soldiers dealing with posttraumatic stress, brain injuries and other service- related stresses, Sears said. All Veterans are welcome to attend, which normally includes active duty and nearby Retirees, but Sears noted that one participant came all the way from Northwest Indiana to attend Fort Campbell’s workshop. Other organizations helped by assisting with hotel and fuel costs. “He was just that passionate about Pfc. Robert Blackmore, B Co., Warrior Transition Battalion, films a scene for the short film “Come Back,” as attending this workshop,” Sears said, “and Yessica Curiel Montoya reacts to news from a doctor played by Spc. John Russino, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division. The film is a collaborative project created during an “I Was There” film workshop at he put so much into this; his group’s film Fort Campbell. (U.S. Army photo by David E. Gillespie) was extraordinary.” With intense eyes piercing from beneath Bishop said he went through intensive “Twenty-two Veterans commit suicide the bill of camouflaged cap, the stern- treatment, which incorporated prolonged every day. Eight-thousand a year. I don’t faced, bearded, and impeccably fit Caleb exposure therapy, characterized by re- care who you are; if you’ve experienced Bishop said it was a privilege to attend. experiencing traumatic events rather than trauma, it’s going to affect you. So don’t He was born and raised in Arkansas. His avoiding triggers. “I remember being ignore it … That’s why I want this film brother was already deployed to Iraq when around those other Vets, collaborating to show how it affects everyone, from all Bishop joined the Army after high school, comfortably about our experiences. So angles,” Bishop said. or right out of the gate, as he put it. He when I heard about this workshop, I “He has been through so much and was assigned to 3rd Brigade Combat thought, ‘I need this.’” has an amazing story,” Sears said. “I Team, 101st Airborne Division and “Just being around other Vets [in this know we’ll stay in touch through our deployed to Eastern Afghanistan. workshop] gives me that feeling of stability alumni program. After participants do “We were on a combat outpost on the and security. I don’t feel like an outsider, this workshop, we don’t want that to be border with Pakistan – no running water and I can talk and express my emotions.” the end. We want to stay a part of these or electricity. We played dice with the devil Aptly titled “Come Back,” the short Soldiers’ lives.” every day, sometimes getting 30 or 40 film made by Bishop’s group is intended The workshops can help the entire rockets a day. You could hear the rockets to portray his experiences. “I wanted to spectrum of participants, depending on and mortars coming in, but you never show not just what Soldiers go through, how much they put into it, Sears added. knew where they were going to land.” but how it affects Family members. With “We have proven it does move the That anxiety eventually became this film, I wanted to get it out there for needle on some symptoms of PTS. numbing, Bishop said, something he people to recognize what is going on.” On average, we see about a 20 percent learned to just “turn off.” The film shows how Bishop experienced reduction in PTS symptoms over the As a civilian now, he’s a welder and nightmares, frequently waking abruptly, course of these workshops. So this does electrical technician. But soon after leaving kicking and fighting. His “character” work.” the Army, a devastating car accident served transitions from being in a close For more information on “I Was There” as a wake-up call to address issues he had relationship to living in isolation, followed film workshops, visit www.iwastherefilms. tried to ignore. “I was going through some by a traumatic car wreck. But he emerges org. really hard times. In the hospital, I realized on the other side, seeking treatment for his I needed a lot more help.” emotional scars.
22 | ARMYMEDICINE.MIL USAPHC U.S. ARMY PUBLIC HEALTH COMMAND Can supplements improve your mood? By Jessica Ford, Ph.D., Psychologist, Psychologist, U.S. Army Public Health Command
Most people do not plan on feeling depressed, but depression is called the “common cold” of behavioral health issues. Almost one out of five people will have depression during their lives. Some signs of depression are losing interest in things you used to enjoy or feeling sad most of the time for two or more weeks. If you are concerned about your mood, you may wonder what to do. In fact, finding help for behavioral health issues, like depressed mood, is an important part of maintaining personal readiness. When you are seeking out resources, you may feel overwhelmed with information. Oftentimes, people seek advice from friends, Family, coworkers and the Internet. This can be confusing. Some recommendations will be helpful, but others could be harmful. Some sources may recommend dietary supplements as a quick and easy fix. Dietary supplementation may seem like an easy fix because you do not have to invest a lot of time or money into Ultimately, only you and your healthcare team (which may it and they can be taken without anyone include your primary healthcare provider and a behavioral health knowing. Unfortunately, there is no quick fix for depression. Although there is some specialist) can make the best decision regarding nutritional evidence that having low levels of certain supplementation and treatment planning for mood concerns. nutrients (for example, folate, B-12, U.S. Department of Agriculture’s dietary and normal, everyday sadness related to calcium, vitamin D, iron, selenium, zinc, guidelines for Americans advise that a stressful situation. The best person to and N-3 fatty acids) contribute to some nutrient needs be met primarily through discuss changes in mood is your primary mood problems, there is very little evidence the food that you eat. These guidelines only healthcare provider, who can help you that dietary supplements help most people recommend supplement use in addition determine if your mood change or who are depressed. to a nutrient-dense diet if you are over the problem is the result of depression, a Scientists have found that vitamins age of 50, a woman of childbearing age normal situational response or a physical can be helpful for some women with or if you have dark skin/are not exposed problem. If they do find that you have a hormone-related depression symptoms, to enough sunlight. The Food and Drug mood disorder, like depression, the current and for those who do not have a nutritional Administration warns against taking in too gold standard treatment for depression is a deficiency or depression, multi-ingredient many vitamins since there are upper limits type of therapy called cognitive-behavioral vitamin supplementation has been shown of safety. therapy along with a prescription to improve mood and reduce stress and At the end of the day, taking antidepressant. Additionally, you may want anxiety. Despite evidence that vitamin supplements without a healthcare to have lab tests to check for a deficiency supplementation can be helpful for people provider’s help may result in wasted and discuss the use of vitamins or perhaps without depression, the Department of money or time because it is hard to tell herbal remedies with your provider. Health and Human Services and the the difference between a mood disorder
23 | ARMYMEDICINE.MIL WRMC WESTERN REGIONAL MEDICAL COMMAND New bone marrow donor walk-in service By Ms. Suzanne Ovel, Army Medicine
Potentially saving a life just got that bone marrow match, a much easier now that Joint Base Lewis- more intensive health McChord, Wash., has a walk-in center to screening is done at that register bone marrow donors. time. The Armed Services Blood Bank The rates of deferrals Center -- Pacific Northwest (located in the for donating blood can Madigan Army Medical Center Annex) be high here given the recently paired up with Sgt. Stephanie number of Soldiers Smals, a Madigan licensed practical who’ve served north of nurse, to allow Department of Defense the demilitarized zone ID cardholders to sign up for the bone in Korea, which is the marrow registry in the same center where case for many Soldiers they can donate blood. at JBLM, said Maj. After conducting a one-time bone Gerald Kellar, the chief Capt. Jackie Hammelman gets her mouth swabbed at Madigan Army Medical Center, Tacoma, Wash., in Fall 2014 in order to register to be- marrow registry drive at Madigan last fall, of the Armed Services come a potential bone marrow donor. Madigan recently collaborated with “I wanted there to be an opportunity for Blood Bank Center the Armed Services Blood Bank Center- Pacific Northwest to establish potential donors to be able to walk in,” -- Pacific Northwest. permanent walk-in bone marrow donor registration services. said Smals. Being able to sign up Soon after, a blood bank representative to be a potential bone “It’s almost like a Rubik’s Cube,” said contacted Smals with the same idea. The marrow donor gives them another option Kellar. “Your Rubik’s Cube has to look center went on to train its staff to also to give back, and can keep their spirit like someone else’s Rubik’s Cube before register bone marrow donors, a simple of giving alive while they wait out their the two of you can be matched up for process that consists of a few minutes of deferment. donation.” paperwork plus swabbing one’s mouth. “If we can give those Soldiers an Given the diversity of the military, they The bone marrow registration is run alternative to register with the bone hope that minority donors are also well through the C.W. Bill Young Department marrow program, more than likely once represented at the walk-in center. of Defense Marrow Donor Program, their deferral is up, we get a better chance “The best potential match is within which feeds into the National Marrow of getting them back,” Kellar said. your own ethnic group, and currently Donor Program. The military has a By offering the walk-in center and the way that the registry is now, there’s separate donor program because it is by incorporating bone marrow donor a very, very small minority percentage uniquely qualified to track military registration drives with mobile blood on the registry,” said Smals. The bone donors, many of whom move often. drives, Kellar and Smals hope to vastly marrow registry has a proportionally small While only DOD ID cardholders can sign increase the numbers of people signing up percentage of ethnic minorities registered, up for the bone marrow registry through to be potential donors. said Smals, especially African Americans the DOD program, potential donor “We want to get as many people as and Latinos. recipients can be anyone who needs a we can because it’s so difficult to find a However, JBLM donors could help bone marrow transplant. compatible match for people,” said Smals. increase these numbers, said Kellar, since, Because the health screening Unlike matching blood types, finding “We’re a good cross-section of society and requirements are different for bone a match for bone marrow can be very we’re a giving people.” marrow donor registration than they complex, and it can become even more so Anyone from 18 to 60 years old may be are for donating blood, many people if a close match isn’t found within one’s eligible to become a bone marrow donor. who may be ineligible to donate blood family. According to the DOD Marrow Walk-in bone marrow registration is immediately may still be able to sign Donor Program, more than 70 percent of located at the Armed Services Blood Bank up for the bone marrow registry. If patients can’t find a bone marrow match Center -- Pacific Northwest. someone is later found to be a potential within their families.
24 | ARMYMEDICINE.MIL WTC WARRIOR TRANSITION COMMAND Job Fairs Boost Career Opportunities for Fort Hood WTU Soldiers By Gloria Montgomery, WTU Public Affairs
Employment prospects were bright for Fort Hood Warrior Transition Unit Soldiers who will soon be transitioning into the civilian workforce, thanks to the WTU job fair, held March 12 at Club Hood. More than 40 federal, state and private employers were on hand eager to hire the transitioning Soldiers, in addition to providing work from home opportunities for spouses and caregivers. Human resource specialist and WTU Soldier, Sgt. 1st Class Kavita Harry, called the job fair a wonderful insight into her future. “Honestly, this is a difficult transition,” Sgt. 1st Class Kavita Harry and Staff Sgt. Frantz Gourge talk to AW2 representatives during the WTU’s job the former 36th Engineer Soldier said, fair, held March 12 at Club Hood. (Photo by Gloria Montgomery, WTU Public Affairs) admitting it’s going to be hard not wearing her Army uniform when she Logistics. “A lot of the values military who aren’t sure what they want to do transitions because she is so ‘pro-Army.’ Veterans have are the same qualities that when they get out. “This is a great start “This job fair, though, has given me hope built Wal-Mart such as honor, discipline, because they can come here and get a that there is life after the military.” values and ethics.” picture of what the workforce is going to One promising lead Harry discovered According to Anthony Thomas, be out there.” was with the Army and Air Force WTU’s transition coordinator, the job Gourgue, along with Harry, praised Exchange Service (AAFES) headquarters fair also had another purpose: helping the WTU for its numerous programs, in Dallas. the unit’s caregivers and spouses. especially the career-transitioning events. “They have an excellent human “Some of the companies were “This is a great program,” he said, resource internship program,” she said, specifically invited to provide ‘work from adding that it demonstrates the Army’s “so it’s great to learn that I can get a job home’ opportunities for the spouse or commitment to taking care of its and continue doing what I enjoy.” caregiver who can’t leave their home wounded, ill and injured Soldiers before Representing AAFES was Dino Castro, because they are caring for a spouse or they exit the military. who said he was impressed by Harry. a loved one,” he said, adding that more Harry, who said she didn’t know “She’s very professional,” the Fort than 150 Soldiers, spouses, caregivers what to expect when she arrived at the Hood employee said, adding that and Veterans attended the event. WTU earlier this year, said she has Veterans are a plus in the workforce. Even though Staff Sgt. Frantz Gourge been pleasantly surprised and grateful “They’re positive, confident and, most already has been offered a job, he at everything made available to WTU importantly, they are trainable,” the attended the job fair to explore other Soldiers. retired Soldier said. options. “This is a wonderful investment the Another employer ready to hire the “I’m in transportation, so there are military is providing to our wounded soon-to-be Veterans was Wal-Mart several companies here that I also wanted Soldiers,” she said. “And now, for the “Veterans think on their feet, plus to talk to,” he said, adding that this first time in my career, I can focus on they’re used to change” said Kay Murphy, job fair was a great opportunity for the me.” human resource manager for Wal-Mart Soldiers in Transition, especially those
25 | ARMYMEDICINE.MIL RECOGNITIONS USAMRICD Scientist Receives Visionary Mentorship Award By Cindy Kronman, USAMRICD Public Affairs
Principal investigator John H. long commitment to STEM education, McDonough, Ph.D., a research mentorship and support of scientific psychologist at the U.S. Army Medical learning,” noting that McDonough was Research Institute of Chemical Defense, one of the first USAMRICD scientists at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, to employ college students during the received a 2015 Visionary Award from summer through the student contractor the Northeastern Maryland Technology program. Later, McDonough hired college Council, for his mentorship of high school students and recent college graduates Dr. John H. McDonough discusses brain wave data and college students. through the Oak Ridge Institute of Science from a test of an anticonvulsant drug with Sergiu Costinas. Costinas, who will start medical school later Upon learning of his selection, and Engineering (ORISE) apprenticeship this year, was mentored by McDonough through his McDonough said, “It is a great reward to program. senior Capstone project and has worked as an Oak Ridge Institute of Science and Engineering intern in be able to encourage the next generation to McDonough has mentored more than McDonough’s lab. (Photo by Stephanie Froberg) engage in STEM careers.” 60 ORISE participants. Many have gone “I am very proud of how our Institute on to medical and veterinary schools conduct an independent research project allows students to become directly involved or to earn other graduate and doctoral under the mentorship of an established with everything from the conceptualization degrees. Several current ORISE interns scientist. Additionally, when Aberdeen of a research project, to preparing for all are doing their master’s thesis research in High School initiated its SMA in 2008, phases of it, performing the hands-on McDonough’s lab, while another has been McDonough opened his lab to students, bench work and finally presenting and accepted to dental school. each year mentoring one or more of them interpreting the results,” McDonough McDonough has also been a long- through their Capstone projects. Among continued. “A number of the students’ time champion of encouraging scientific McDonough’s former Capstone students, projects have been published in peer- pursuits at the high-school level, and many one is currently in medical school, one is in reviewed scientific journals and/or given of his ORISE interns began their STEM a pre-med program and another has earned as research presentations at national careers in his lab as high school students, a master’s in biochemistry. scientific meetings such as the Society through the Science and Engineering The NMTC honored 16 individuals for Neuroscience and the Society of Apprenticeship Program (SEAP) or the with a Visionary Award to recognize Toxicology.” Science and Mathematics Academy at their “contributions to the advancement McDonough was nominated by Dr. Aberdeen High School. of STEM education and technology,” Douglas Cerasoli, fellow MRICD principal SEAP, for which McDonough has served according to a council press release. investigator and 2012 winner of the as a co-coordinator at the USAMRICD Award categories included: visionary, NMTC Visionary Award for mentorship. for 14 years, provides high school students leader, innovator, mentor, rising star and Cerasoli highlighted McDonough’s “life- with an 8-week summer internship to technology advancement. 2014 Debt Collection Assistance Officer and Beneficiary Counseling and Assistance Coordinator of the Year Award Ms. Lynda Guzman, a beneficiary Command. As her nomination than 1,500 beneficiaries with 985 of counseling and assistance packet states, Ms. Guzman shows the most complicated assistance and coordinator and debt collection genuine concern, caring and debt collection cases documented assistance officer at Brooke Army diligence in assisting military in ART. Ms. Guzman loves what Medical Center was chosen as the beneficiaries seeking help with their she does and it is reflected in the 2014 Debt Collection Assistance TRICARE issues, whether it is a many responsibilities she has Officer and Beneficiary Counseling question concerning their benefits and the services she provides our and Assistance Coordinator of claim or negative credit report. In beneficiaries. the Year for U.S. Army Medical the last year she has assisted more
26 | ARMYMEDICINE.MIL RECOGNITIONS
First Lt. Tabatha Trice of 160th Forward Surgical Team, 212th Combat Support Hospital, 30th Medical Brigade, crossed the finish line at 2 hours, 58 minutes as she was cheered-on by Europe Regional Medical Command’s Command Sergeant Major, Cmd. Sgt. Maj. Ly Lac, and a fellow officer of the 212th CSH and EFMB recipient, Capt. Benjamin Wunderlich. Bystanders were allowed and encouraged to motivate candidates as they completed the final lap of the grueling 12-mile ruck march on March 27. (U.S. army Photo by Capt. Robert Gallimore) Maj. Gen. John O’Connor (left), the 21st Theater Sustainment Command’s commanding general, was the guest speaker for the U.S. Army Europe’s Expert Field Medical Badge graduation ceremony. The CG personally pinned the honor gradu- ates, 1st Lt. Kristen Pasch of LRMC (middle left), 2nd Lt. James Prairie of the 173rd Abn. Bde Combat Team (middle right), and Sgt. Steven Zesati of the 173rd Abn. Bde Combat Team (right). (U.S. army Photo by Capt. Robert Gallimore) 69 USAREUR, allied medics earn prestigious medical badge By Capt. Robert Gallimore, 30th MED BDE Public Affairs, Maj. Jason Hughes, and Capt. Kenneth Koehler, 421st Medical Battalion (Multifunctional) Public Affairs
Some 69 remaining Soldiers among in historic context and praised the of testing, 172 U.S. military and 11 183 competitors received the prestigious units - the 421st Multifunction Medical international military candidates from Expert Field Medical Badge (EFMB) Battalion and the U.K.’s 1st Armoured Germany and the United Kingdom were March 27 during a ceremony held in Medical Regiment in particular - in contention for the badge. Tower Gymnasium after a grueling week responsible for the success of the event. Historically, EFMB events award the of intense testing during the U.S. Army Along with allies from the U.K.’s 1st badge to approximately 17 percent of Europe EFMB competition. Awardees Armoured Medical Regiment, the U.S. candidates, and as little as five percent included five allied personnel from and British service members deployed of international candidates. Of the the United Kingdom and Germany in over 300 cadre and support personnel 189 candidates who began training on addition to 64 U.S. service members. to establish, maintain and train for March 13, 183 tested for the badge and “The EFMB is a true mark of success validation by the Testing Control Office 69 attained the badge--a success rate of among military medical personnel, and of the U.S. Army’s Medical Department. 38 percent overall and 36 percent for these personnel before you have reached Successful candidates completed international candidates, stated in his that mark,” said Maj. Gen. John R. six days of rigorous training, called address to the graduates, O’Connor, commanding general of “standardization,” and five grueling days More photos at: http://www.army.mil/ 21st Theater Sustainment Command, of testing to earn the highly coveted article/145532 who presided over the award ceremony. badge during this year’s USAREUR- O’Conner placed this year’s competition sponsored competition. At the start
27 | ARMYMEDICINE.MIL RECOGNITIONS Madigan staff named top MEDCOM counselor By Suzanne Ovel, Army Medicine Public Affairs
When Rey Javier works with a patient, he thinks nothing of going beyond what most might expect: he takes it upon himself to renew an 89-year-old’s Medicare card, he seeks special mileage funding for a patient in a high-risk pregnancy, he helps a spouse who doesn’t speak English to pay an enrollment fee. Not exactly the typical image one might have of someone who works in insurance. While Javier is quick to point out that TRICARE is unlike other insurances in that it focuses on health benefits’ capability instead of money, Javier’s self- imposed levels of customer service made Mr. Rey Javier receives the Army Medical Department 2014 Beneficiary Counseling and Assistance Coor- dinator of the Year award from Maj. Gen. Thomas R. Tempel, Jr., while Mrs. Javier and Col. Ramona Fiorey him stand out enough to be recognized at cheer him on. (U.S. Army photo by John Liston) the U.S. Army Medical Command level. In fact, Javier was named the 2014 about their health benefits, whether he’s some special patients he’s been able to Army Medical Department Beneficiary educating Soldiers who are medically help travel to get specialized medical Counseling and Assistance Coordinator of separating, Guard or Reserve Soldiers care they need. For instance, he’s helped the Year (BCAC of the Year). Maj. Gen. who are transitioning off of active duty send several Madigan babies to Stanford Thomas R. Tempel, Jr., Western Regional orders, or patients who become eligible University, Calif., to get cardiology care Medical Command commanding for Medicare. Javier and his counterparts through TRICARE. general, presented Javier with his award at are the in-house TRICARE experts at “We fixed a lot of babies’ hearts, who Madigan Army Medical Center on March Madigan, and while they help answer are alive and well today because of it,” he 12, noting that Javier’s exceptional work questions about benefits, they also see said. made him a representative of the entire themselves as advocates for patients who But when asked how he feels about Army Medical community. need a little extra help. being named the best BCAC in the “It wouldn’t be possible if you didn’t do “If it’s within our abilities, we help these Medical Command, Javier is quick to it every day, and care so much for what folks out,” said Javier. say that he is not more worthy of the you do,” Tempel said. Oftentimes, a little bit of help is just award than any other of his coworkers in Called “one of the most compassionate what’s needed for patients who are the Managed Care Division’s TRICARE and customer-focused BCACs” in the missing a bit of knowledge about their Operations Branch here. Several of his command by his leadership, Javier got his health benefits. coworkers have received this and other start in providing compassionate medical While some patients feel they high-level awards in the past, and Javier care as an Army medic who also worked understand their medical benefits, Javier credits them for mentoring him and directly with the Washington National said, “They’re just a little wrong, but setting the standard of quality in his Guard’s surgeon general. Although Javier they’re wrong enough to cause them to office. had several job options when he left have bills or just make wrong decisions As a whole, he says that what sets his service, he said he purposely chose his or to waste money in the sense of buying office apart is that they simply care about position as a BCAC. insurance that they don’t need.” patients. “You’re helping and their issues are His job is to fill in the missing “I think we all have the same mindset resolved by you or by the system, and information on what other options of just helping people,” he said. “A lot of you know that you helped do that,” he patients need to make the best health times, this help is saving lives.” said. As a BCAC, he primarily serves benefits decisions for themselves. as an educator in teaching patients Javier lights up when he speaks about
28 | ARMYMEDICINE.MIL RECOGNITIONS
Congratulations to Northern Regional Medical Command (NRMC)Best Warrior NCO of the Year Sgt. Alexander Seeds, Keller Army Community Hospital, and Best Warrior Soldier of the Year Spc. Ashley Irmak, McDonald Army Health Center. The two winners are photographed with Col. Bruce Syvinski, (left) NRMC Chief of Staff, and Sgt. Maj. Edward Ellis Kelsey, (right) acting NRMC command sergeant major NRMC names Best Warriors By Ms. Gigail Cureton, Northern Regional Medical Command
Noncommissioned Officer of the Year will compete against the best in Army their accomplishments. (NCO of the Year) Sgt. Alexander Seeds, Medicine. “It (the MEDCOM-level “Despite the challenges, the Soldiers Keller Army Community Hospital, West event) is going to be a challenge but I were motivated throughout the Point, N.Y., and Spc. Ashley Irmak, will be ready.” competition,” said Sgt. 1st Class Shawn Soldier of the Year, McDonald Army All NRMC Best Warrior candidates Pemberton, noncommissioned officer Health Center, Fort Eustis, Va., bested a received Certificates of Achievement for in change of the react under fire event. field of fifteen highly-motivated Soldiers surviving the physically and mentally “You can tell the units sent the right from across the Northern Regional challenging event consisting of a written people here to compete.” Medical Command (NRMC) during test, an Army Physical Fitness Test, Being named the NCO and four days of competition at Fort A.P. rifle qualification using the indoor Soldier of the Year is a significant Hill, Va. Engagement Skills Trainer, a day/night milestone in a Soldier’s career. It “I’m really happy my hard work paid land navigation course, a six-mile road demonstrates an impressive knowledge off,” said Irmak. “I just wanted to push march, a command sergeants major of military subjects, performance and myself during the regional competition board appearance, and various warrior professionalism. and I am looking forward to taking it to tasks and battle drills relevant to today’s Seeds and Irmak will represent the next level.” operating environment. the region during the Army Medical Seeds also recognizes that being Both Seeds and Irmak were awarded Command Best Warrior competition NRMC’s best warrior now means he the Army Commendation Medal for May 1-8 in Texas.
29 | ARMYMEDICINE.MIL Serving To Heal...Honored To Serve