Table Of Contents DoD contracts with Citibank for travel cards ...... 4 ESGR Awards ...... 4 Emergency Medic Simulation ...... 5 Maj. Gen. Strom Thurmond Award ...... 6 Units Return to States ...... 6 NASA LARSS Internship Program ...... 6 AR Takes Care of Soldier, Family ...... 7 Wear-out Date for Uniform Items...... 8 Medics Educate Students at Career Fair ...... 8 Consultant Teaches Reserve Soldiers about Arab People, Culture ...... 9 VA Extends Care for Vets to Five Years ...... 10 Marriage Retreat ...... 10 From Iraq to North Carolina...... 11 Army Short on Physician Assistants ...... 12 Chaplains Train for PTSD ...... 12 Recruiter Assist Program in Full Swing ...... 13 Surgeon Pursues Reserve Position...... 13 Boy’s Wish Comes True ...... 14 Retention Bonuses ...... 15 Vets, Reservists May See Small-business Aid ...... 16 Army Reserve Turns 100...... 16 100 Years of Constants and Change...... 17 DoD Announces New Reserve Component Deployment Support and Reintegration Office ...... 17 Department to Phase Out Full Social Security Numbers on IDs ...... 18 339th CSH Mobs ...... 18 Word from the War ...... 19 Rock Star Mobs ...... 20 Husband, Wife Deploy Together...... 20 345th CSH Heads to Iraq ...... 21 Rule change widens access to space-A travel ...... 22 More Family Support ...... 22 Army Salutes Last Doughboy ...... 23 Aurora Unit Mobs...... 24 Loan Repayment Update...... 24 Army Re-checks Soldiers’ Health ...... 25 Combat Nurse Says Lessons from War Help Her with Work at Home ...... 26 CAR Seeks Industry Partners ...... 26 Campaign Stars Honor Service in Afghanistan, Iraq ...... 27 New Armed Forces Institute of Regenerative Medicine to Lead Way in Caring for Wounded ...... 27 AARR-M-MMMEEDDCCOOMM RReeccrruuiittiinngg && RReenntteennttiioonn 772277-5-5556633-3-333773377 4 An Army Reserve Medical Command Publication Words from the Wise

From the Big Boss... uniform. But you must answer them hon- support your Leadership in making your If I was General estly. You will fool no one but yourself if unit one to be proud of. Strive for self for a Day I would . . . you do not. Others around you see you for improvement; establish a set of personal that is what you to ask what you are, for what you do. Are you a goals for yourself. When a task needs to be yourself and let me good honest hard working Leader in their done, don't be the one to run and hide, know what your idea is. eyes? Do your Soldiers look to you with stand tall with your fellow Soldiers and take I want to hear from respect and a desire to take on the mission on each and every task as if your unit's you. The “Voice of the knowing that you will demand the most entire future depended on it. The culmina- Soldier” program was from them but will also treat them fairly? tion of all the little things will make you and started here at the Do your Superiors have enough confidence your unit one that is respected and can be Headquarters to solicite ideas from each and in your abilities to allow you to take charge? counted on when the time comes. everyone of you on how to make our Army Now that you have done your self The Key to your success? Look in the Reserve better. assessment, how do you go about taking Mirror and see what is truly looking back at It can be MOS related, general training corrective action to your Leadership style? you; is that a Leader you see? suggestions, leadership develpoment, any- What are the Keys to success? As we all thing. know, we must be technically and tactically Command Sgt. Maj. Roger Schultz, If you believe it can improve the way proficient in our Warrior Tasks and Drills. CSM, AR-MEDCOM we do business, I want to review it. Soldiers respect a Leader who knows what We are all volunteers in the Army. Why he or she is doing. Remember when you From the Chaplain... not help make it even better that the entity looked down at the center of your ACU Now that your kids it is today. shirt? If you saw all kinds of stripes there are in school. What's it Email your suggestions to the “Voice then you are responsible for training and like for them? Do they of the Soldier” Liaisons, mentoring your junior NCOs'. It is your enjoy it? Are they nerv- [email protected]; responsibility to ensure they have the ous or afraid? Let me [email protected]. knowledge and skills to lead our Soldiers. suggest 10 ways you can Remember that your ideas do count Both formal training such as NCOPD and help your children have and can improve they way we operate! on the spot corrections are needed to a great experience in Thank you for your service! ensure our NCO Corps stays strong. Your school this year - and NCOs' need to be able to draw from your for the rest of their educational life! Maj. Gen. James Hasbargen, experience, they need to be able to do their 1. Talk with them about what's going Commanding General job while knowing that you are watching on inside them. Most family experts say that AR-MEDCOM and willing to assist when needed. talking with your children is one of the best Junior NCOs', you touch the Heart and ways to help them prepare for starting From the CSM... Soul of our Army; the Soldier. You are the school, or for going back to school to start Take a Look in the First Line Leader, The Beginning of the a new year. Mirror Chain of Command, The Foundation that 2. Go to their classroom with them. all Leadership is built on. Your Soldiers It's important for our children for us to All we do at Battle look to you for guidance and support. They know where they spend their time. It com- Assembly is sit around; will do great and wonderful things if they forts them and provides stability to know the Soldiers are not get- know that you care enough to stand by that Mom or Dad has been there. ting trained. No one is them. Get the education you need to be 3. Go to school events. Your participa- getting a School quota. successful, draw from the strengths of your tion let's your children know that school is Section NCOER's are chain of command. Demand the most important, meaningful, and normal. It's a not completed. No one from your Soldiers but treat them with good place for them to be. wants to even show up for Battle Assembly respect. Call them before a training event, 4. Tell them stories from your child- anymore because it's to boring. Sound inspect them and their equipment, and hood. Kids love to hear about what their familiar? Does it sound like your unit? ensure they have the tools to be successful. parents did when you were younger. Do it So what are YOU doing about it? Train them, guide them make them better in a fun, interesting manner. Not as part of When was the last time you took a good Soldiers and future Leaders. a lecture. long look in the mirror and gave yourself an OK, for those of you who looked 5. Make yourself vulnerable. Talk honest evaluation? Are you wearing ACU's, down at their ACU shirt and saw something about the fears you had as a child. How you good, now look down at the center of your other then NCO rank, you are not off the felt when various things happened to you. chest. What do you see? Is there some hook. You too play a key role in the suc- 6. Encourage them. Don't berate them type of Sergeant Stripes there? What does cess of your unit. or criticize them for being wimps. They that truly mean to you? Are you just a bet- Officers, I need you to support the need their parents to understand and to ter paid Soldier? OR are you a Leader? Do NCO Corp. Give them good guidance and encourage them. you have what it takes to change things? direction, and then let them do their job. 7. Go to bat for them. Nothing does Can you take responsibility for your actions Mentor them, hold them to standards, fight more for children than for parents to stand or is it easier to blame someone else? Do for the resources needed to train your unit. up for them. To your children, this proves you truly believe in the NCO Creed? Do Weed out the ones that do not live by the you love and care! you live by the Army Values? What have NCO Creed. Build a solid relationship with 8. Have an evening family study time. you done to make things better for your your NCOs' and your unit will succeed. So it's not just the kids who have to read or Soldiers and your unit? Soldiers, as I stated earlier, you are what study! When the parents also take time to These are all good questions you it is all about. I need you to believe in the read or study then the kids don't feel like it's should ask yourself when you put on the Warrior ethos, live by the Army Values and a punishment. It's a normal part of life - 5 An Army Reserve Medical Command Publication Words from the Wise even for the parents! They'll do better in Support) to include Combat Support ers in areas that require training or hands-on school! Hospitals, Forward Surgical Teams, Dental assistance. The CRT also provides com- 9. Keep a dictionary, encyclopedia, or Companies, Medical Logistics, Veterinarian, manders at all levels with critical readiness computer in the kitchen or dining room. Preventive Medicine, Evacuation, Combat trends and metrics analysis. When topics come up in discussion during Stress, and Battle Command. Overall our Since the DCR/CRT was formed in breakfast or dinner, you can take turns look- Soldiers comprise over 50% of the total January 2005, ninety six Army Reserve ing up the details or the answers. This U.S. Army Medical Force. The complexity deploying or sourced medical units have becomes a great way to demonstrate that of our medical force, with six separate been assessed and assisted in preparation learning can be a fun, normal part of every- Corps, 99 Officer Areas of Concentration for mobilization. The CRT is the readiness day life. (AOCs) and 17 Enlisted Military "advance party" working far ahead of the 10. Keep school in perspective. Give Occupational Skills (MOS), require long- actual mobilization so issues can be your children a time limit for homework, term training, critical sustainment training addressed as early as possible once a unit especially younger children. School is and licensing requirements. This creates a has been identified for a mission. The staff important, but it's not the most important significant clinical challenge in addition to at AR-MEDCOM and each subordinate thing in the world. Quality family time is unit and individual Soldier readiness require- level work directly with units up and more important, so make time every day for ments. through the mobilization period. In April time together as a family, even if it means Previous to AR-MEDCOM establish- 2008 AR-MEDCOM Commanding putting the books aside for a while! ment, maintaining readiness of medical General, MG Hasbargen, placed the CRT All across America kids are going back Soldiers and units was the responsibility of under Operational Control of the Medical to school. Some kids are veterans. Others each Army Reserve Command (ARCOM) Readiness Training Command (MRTC). are just starting out in this adventure we call and later the Regional Readiness Commands Several additional Medical Readiness education. Kindergarten and 12th grade can (RRC). Without a centrally managed Training Teams (MRTT) are being devel- be an overwhelming, daunting experience! approach to maintaining readiness, the oper- oped to add to the core readiness team. You can to help make it a tremendously ational tempo began to take a serious toll on The core team will be termed Medical positive experience for your children. both the availability of certain clinical spe- Readiness Team (MRT). The addition of cialties and unit readiness capability. The the MRT to MRTC has filled the missing Col. Michael C. Metcalf, activation of AR-MEDCOM in Pinellas "Readiness" leg of the Medical Readiness Command Chaplain, AR-MEDCOM Park, FL in 2005 came "none too early". Training Command structure. The MRT is AR-MEDCOM leaders acting on the vision: currently conducting semi-annual Readiness Readying the Nations Première "provide an integral and skill rich compo- Training Workshops with MRTC and Medical Force nent of the nations' premier military med- Medical Deployable Support Commands The Army Reserve began as a Medical ical force" went right to the first priority - (MDSC) personnel to better prepare our Reserve Corps on 23 April 1908. On 16 readiness sustainment and improvement. medical force to deploy and perform their October 2005, the Army Reserve Medical To ensure this medical force was fully mis- wartime missions. force joined under one central command sion capable, the Deputy Commander for The DCR hit the ground running prior and control headquarters with the activation Readiness (DCR) was established under the to the formal activation of AR-MEDCOM of the Army Reserve Medical Command Deputy Commanding General. The pri- and has never slowed the pace, even with (AR-MEDCOM). Even before the activa- mary mission of the DCR is to improve the transformation of AR-MEDCOM. The tion of AR-MEDCOM and the assumption mobilization readiness. A successful readi- team has crisscrossed United States con- of responsibility for over 260 units, with ness improvement program requires the ducting workshops, and providing readiness more than 29,000 Soldiers assigned, the ini- analysis, assessment, and assistance of all improvement support to nearly 100 medical tial staff of AR-MEDCOM was assessing areas including recruiting, retention, leader- units. The experiences derived from work- the mobilization readiness of the force and ship, personnel management training, and ing at the ground level with mobilizing units applying readiness improvement strategies. logistics (equipping and maintaining the and Soldiers has produced a wealth of With a continuous and high operational force). This is accomplished by conducting readiness information and an arsenal of tempo, in the United States and abroad, both standardized assessments and by readiness tools for the future. As AR- there was no ramp-up time to prepare for teaching, coaching, assisting and mentoring MEDCOM transforms, there will be no the new responsibilities. AR-MEDCOM, personnel at all levels of command. The deliberate pause in the effort to continue the largest medical force in DOD, was heav- DCR Command Readiness Team (CRT) is the readiness pursuit for the "integral and ily engaged in support of the Global War comprised of subject matter experts in clini- skill rich component of the nations' premier on Terrorism (GWOT) with the imperative cal readiness, medical logistics, personnel military medical force". to maintain a high readiness state during the management, and training management. command and control transition. Army The CRT provides Commanders with on- Col. Allen C. Schmift Reserve medical units include all medical site assessment of their units' mobilization Deputy Commander, Readiness, war fighting functions (except Area Medical readiness, and assists the unit staff and lead- AR-MEDCOM

Commander, AR-MEDCOM Associate Editor/ Warrior Medic Magazine is an unofficial publication authorized by Army Regulation AR 360-1. Maj. Gen. James A. Hasbargen Writer/NCIOC This is an authorized publication for members of the Army. Contents of Warrior Medic STAFF Magazine are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government, Chief of Public Affairs Master Sgt. Enid Ramos- Department of Defense, Department of the Army or the Army Reserve Medical Command. Maj. Gen. Kevin J. Bergner Mandell It is written, edited and published by the Public Affairs Office, Army Reserve Medical Army Reserve Journalist Command, 2801 Grand Avenue, Pinellas Park, Fla. 33782; telephone number 1-877-891-3281, ext. 3730 or 3962; Fax (727) 563-3625. Command PAO/Editor-In-Chief/ 1st Lt. Michael Meyer Do you have a story to tell? The goal of the Army Reserve Medical Command’s Public Affairs Writer/ Layout & Design Army Reserve Journalist Officer is to feature stories in this publication that represent units from each of the eight states in Maj. William D. Ritter Sgt. Kirk Bell the command’s region of responsibility. We are always seeking stories that would be of interest to Senior Editor/Writer Army Reserve Journalist our readers. Contributions are welcome. Story ideas as well as written articles and photos for consideration should be submitted to [email protected]., or call 1-877-891-3281, Ms. Tish Butts Sgt. Eric Jones extensions 3730. Warrior Medic Magazine 6 ESGR Awards Soldiers Nominated Supervisors for Patriot Award

Story and photo by Master Sgt. Enid Ramos-Mandell, Army Reserve Medical Command Public Affairs.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -With ing room (OR) director. “My supervisor has him,” she said. the establishment of the given me the ability to keep my Army job. Logodny’s boss, Liz Satterfield says she Employer and Support of the She verbally supports the Army, my mission understands his military responsibilities and Guard and Reserves (ESGR) and what I do in the reserves,” stated when duty calls. She also added that they S in 1972, the military sought to Logodny. were fortunate to have him and believes recognize employers for their According to Heskin, “All I need to that everyone should support our Reserve support through the use of the Patriot do is give Tami a set of military orders and Soldiers. Awards. my battle training assembly (BTA) schedule, “Zachary is a great anesthesia techni- Two Army Reserve Soldiers (ARS) and she will excuse me from my hospital cian and sets up rooms for cases in the OR. nominated three of their supervisors at the responsibilities.” Though he would be missed if he had to All Children’s Hospital and presented the “I took the time to nominate my deploy, the OR would be able to manage in Patriot Award to them for their outstanding supervisors for the ESGR Patriot Award his absence,” she said. support of them and other employees who because they deserved to be recognized for “She told me that my job is secured. serve in the U.S. Army giving me the ability They’ve been supporting me even before I Reserve. to do both jobs. I knew about the ESGR program,” he added Staff Sgt. Timothy wanted to let every- proudly. “Liz makes my job easier. It’s Heskin is a patient one know how sup- tough to have me as an employee, because administrator in the portive they have duty calls me away from my civilian respon- 345th Combat Support been in the almost sibilities. That’s why she deserved to be Hospital (CSH) B five years we’ve been nominated. I’m glad she got selected to get Company, and an inten- working together,” this award.” sive care unit technician he added. Mrs. Donna Altaff, the mother of Tami for the All Children’s “Things run Lawrence was present for the ceremony. Hospital. He nominat- very smoothly due to “I am so proud that others see what I ed, Tami Lawrence, her caring support. It see in my daughter-that she is appreciated assistant director of Two Reserve Soldiers nominated their supervisors for the “Patriot makes it easy to do by others and recognized,” she said. Award” for their outstanding support of employees who serve in the the Patient Intensive Army Reserve. (From left to right) Pfc. Zachary Logodny, Ms. Liz what I need to do “It was wonderful being nominated. I Care Unit and Alice Satterfield, Retired Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Edward Apodaca with a supervisor like didn’t know about it,” said Lawrence. Pengra, Pediatric (ESGR Rep), Ms. Tami Lawrence and Staff Sgt. Timothy Heskin. her,” Heskin said The Patriot Award recognizes employ- Intensive Care Unit A Veteran of ers who go beyond the legal requirements Nurse 1 and 2 for their support of his mili- almost 20 years in the Army Reserves, of supporting their military reserve employ- tary service. “Tami and Alice understand Heskin is preparing to mobilize for the first ees; explained Retired Air Force Chief what Soldiers go through, the stress and time. “I feel very nervous being deployed. Master Sgt. Edward Apodaca who present- pressures of doing my military job, training This is my first time and it’s very difficult to ed the ‘Patriot Award’ on behalf of the and having the mental conflict of worrying grasp,” he said. ESGR to the recipients who provided about my civilian job. They never question Lawrence added, “We’ve worked unwavering support to reserve Soldiers. my duty to the Army,” said Heskin. together four to five years, and he is my Heskin and Logodny are part of the Pfc. Zachary Logodny, an anesthesia right hand.” 345th CSH headquartered in Jacksonville. technician also with the 345th CSH and a “I’m going to miss working with him If you would like to nominate your surgical technician at the All Children’s during his deployment, but we know he’ll be employer, contact the ESGR at 800-336-4590. Hospital, nominated Liz Satterfield, operat- back. He knows his job will be waiting for 7 An Army Reserve Medical Command Publication Emergency Simulations for ARS Medics Hospital Trains in Aurora Facility

Story and photos by 1st Lt. Michael Meyer, Army Reserve Medical Command Public Affairs AURORA, Colo. - Army sions could make the difference between life says that the Soldiers responded with posi- Reserve Soldiers recently com- and death in a real-life situation. tive remarks at the conclusion of the train- pleted skill enhancing medical Pony Anderson is the simulation coor- ing. Many graded the training as an out- training at the Community dinator at the ACC’s Simulation Studio. standing experience. A College of Aurora (CCA), in “What we do here is unique as far as “Soldier skills were definitely put to the Aurora, Co. The Soldiers, of the simulation education. As far as we know, we test in the training. Many Soldiers wanted 5502nd U.S. Army Hospital are the first in the world to implement this to carry a full combat load and experience a (USAH) in Aurora, spent their annual train- type of training,” she said. combat environment in future simulations,” ing using the college’s Simulation Studio to Since 2005, the center has provided he said. enhance their medical and decision- making emergency medical personnel with a chance According to Pony Anderson, “this is skills under the stress of real life situations. to train in a dedicated facility. just the beginning of what CCA can pro- Capt. John Eller, the training officer of Using the latest technology, instructors vide. The college has the potential to add the 5502nd USAH, coordinated with the can leave students alone in the environment. any environment that the military may CCA to make the training available to his A control room allows instructors to change require including an urban combat environ- Soldiers. the environment and evaluate student per- ment, aircraft disasters, or individual explo- formance. sive device (IED) scenarios. Program administrators hired profes- The CCA is also exploring the possibil- sional Hollywood set builders to create mul- ities of creating simulations for police, fire tiple environments that simulate realistic and government officials. The simulations emergency medical experiences in the home, would focus on cooperation a real-time on the street, a in a busy lounge or restau- communication challenges between first- rant responders and multiple government The simulation tested medics on their departments. technical skills, as well as their situational “For the future we are exploring an awareness and site security. Medics interact- incident comma theater, if we are able to ed with actors from the college posing as secure the technology we would like for bystanders, photographers, and potential that. The idea is that we would be able to threats. create anything from a Katrina or a 9/11, In one simulation, Sgt. Richard down to a 2- car accident in that room,” Hammel and his team reacted to an emer- said Anderson. gency call at a patient’s home. Upon arrival, The CCA offered this training to the 20 A combination of actors from the drama college, professionally-bbuilt they encountered an intoxicated Family medics of the 5502nd USAH at no charge. Hollywood set, and robotic mannequins provide realistic scenarios. member wielding a knife. Sgt. Hammel suc- Staff Sgt. Reynolds said that plans are cessfully talked underway to “This year, we are preparing to mobi- the uncle down, conduct lize, so we need to do everything possible to and evacuated future annual get ourselves ready for that deployment,” the patient training at the Eller said. “I felt we needed some training without serious facility. that really addressed those skills needed in incident. “It is combat, and this Sim-Center helps,” he Some of actually more added. the victims in cost effective The Soldiers conducted their annual the scenarios for us to train Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) edu- are actors from here in cational requirements at the college’s the college; oth- Aurora, than Simulation Studio. ers are high- to send the Spc. Amber Bachmeier said this was tech man- Soldiers to the most realistic EMT training she has ever nequins. another loca- received. “In my sce- tion in the “I think this training should be initiat- nario, [the country when ed throughout the Army. Otherwise the patient] was an you factor in first time we get actual trauma training may actual sim-man. airfare, food, be in Iraq or Afghanistan,” she said. It was sort of and lodging Bachmeier, an Army Reserve medic, like a robot. It costs,” he responded to the scene of a simulated traf- could breathe, it Spc. Amber Bachmeier providing life-ssaving care to the victim of a car crash in the street side café said. fic accident where a vehicle crashed into a could talk, it had scenario. Leaders street side café causing several casualties, breath sounds, are currently ranging from serious to critical. This simu- and it had a pulse. I could even check vital reviewing the effectiveness of the training, lation allowed Bachmeier’s instructors to signs on it,” said Hammel. and discussions are underway as to how to test her decision-making skills in a con- Staff Sgt. James Reynolds, the training best utilize this training in the future. trolled, monitored environment. Her deci- non-commissioned officer of the 5502nd, Warrior Medic Magazine 8 Mobilization Will Benifit Soldier Soldier Bound for Iraq will be “Better Nurse” Because Deployment

Story by Amanda Hartle, Staff Writer, Coraoplis-Moon Record CORAOPOLIS, Pa - Growing After leaving Cornell his junior year, he But he is keeping his mindset opti- up in Coraopolis, Glenn Potts graduated from Montour High School in mistic, despite missing the comforts of knew that someday he would 1987. home, like watching his favorite football defend the red, white and He decided to train as a registered team next season. C blue. nurse and enrolled at Ohio Valley Hospital “I’m taking a Terrible Towel (Pittsburg At age 38, the Belleville, School of Nursing until he became ill and Steelers item) with me,” Potts said. Mich. resident with deep airport-area roots financial issues halted his higher education. “(But) I love the military. It was always will finally have his chance to fight for “I knew the Army had an LPN pro- something I wanted to do and I did it later Uncle Sam. gram, so I took the exams and went to on in life. It gives me a great sense of “I’m excited to go over there. I’m excit- basic training,” Potts said. accomplishment.” ed to help people,” said Specialist Potts. He finished the 15-month program in That same sense of pride also strikes Potts was one of 16 U.S. Army September 2006, and was studying to be a fellow Soldiers who have seen comrades Reservists honored during a farewell cere- registered nurse when the deployment call deploy for Operations Enduring and Iraqi mony for the 339th Combat Support came. Freedom, says Command Sgt. Major Hospital Unit at the U.S. Army Reserve The experience of treating other Richard Castelveter of Moon. Center in Moon Township. Soldiers will certainly benefit him, he says. He took over the unit’s command cen- Drawn from across the country, the “I’ll be a better nurse because of it. It’s ter around two months ago, and Thursday’s unit includes troops from Florida, West a good opportunity.” event was one of his first at the helm. Virginia and New York who will provide But that life lesson comes at a cost. He “It’s never easy to send Soldiers away, health care to other Soldiers fighting in Iraq. had to leave his wife, an Aliquippa native, at but I feel confident in deploying these In the group are a 23-year veteran their suburban Detroit home with two of Soldiers with these skills coming from all Reservist on his third tour, as well as a 20 their four children. different parts of the United States.” year old being sent into a combat region for His sister, Melissa, who drove two And for the smattering of Family the first time. hours from Deep Creek, Md., for the cere- members who hugged and cried with their Each has his own story of arriving for mony, and a plethora of Coraopolis and brothers and sons, he gave comfort, equat- this deployment, which first takes them to Moon relatives could have to wait up to a ing the older Soldiers to elder brothers and Fort Riley, Kan. year to see his face again. the first-timers to younger siblings. Potts is no different. Those relatives include his 84-year-old “We watch out for each other. We are Though he always intended to be part aunt, Lucille Kirk, who he stays with when Family. That’s who we are.” of the armed forces, life had other plans. visiting his hometown. War Skills Valuable for Nurse Combat Veteran Says War Helped Her with Work at Home

Story by The Sun Chronicle ATTLEBORO, Mass. - Combat field. to talk with young men and women who are nurse says lessons from war “The heroes are the kids out there who considering nursing careers, such as a group help her with work at home are fighting the battles.” of 100 high school students who toured A Gloria Vignone is a nurse Vignone is in her 20th year in the Sturdy last week. educator and emergency care reserve. While her training prepared her to deal improvement specialist at A wound care nurse at Sturdy earlier in with wounded Soldiers, Vignone said the Sturdy Memorial Hospital. But for a year in her career, she said she’s been able to trans- sight of badly injured children in Iraq was Iraq and during a previous tour in Kosovo, fer some of her knowledge to aiding those disconcerting. Vignone was on the front lines dealing with wounded in combat. But she’s also been One child, she said, was killed by a bul- the worst emergency trauma that the battle- able to bring some of her military training let fired in the air in celebration by Iraqi field has to offer. to bear in helping the hospital to meet goals adults.”Of course, you don’t want to see That’s because Vignone, in addition to for emergency care and to ready contin- anyone injured, but when it’s a child it really being a highly experienced nurse, is also a gency plans for dealing with bioterrorism hits home,” she said. lieutenant colonel serving in the Army and manmade disasters. Vignone said she is particularly thank- Reserve. “As a wound care professional, Gloria ful for the large numbers of cards and gifts Vignone supervised medical personnel has been able to bring the benefits of her sent to her unit and other Soldiers in Iraq, at the 399th Combat Support Hospital’s nursing career into the military, and as a mil- which served to boost morale and reassure facility in Al Assad, Iraq, which provided itary person she’s also brought back knowl- servicemen and women that people at home medical services to wounded U.S. and Iraqi edge that helps us at the hospital,” said were thinking of them. troops, as well as local civilians and children. Maureen Metters, director of ambulatory “We received so much that we gave “I’m proud of all the people on my and emergency services at Sturdy. clothes, candy and shoes to Soldiers who team,” said Vignone, who said it was a privi- Vignone, who lives in Johnston, R.I., were going outside the wire to give to local lege to be able to support Soldiers in the particularly enjoys occasional opportunities children,” she said. 9 An Army Reserve Medical Command Publication AR Takes Care of Soldier, Family Army Reserve Aids Kansas Soldier and Family

Story by Ms. Tish Butts, Army Reserve Medical Command Public Affairs Office PINELLAS PARK, Fla. - In “They were my Family overseas and great team effort to take care of this an effort to unite a Soldier supported me through everything that was Family.” with his ailing son, the Army going on until I could get home,” he said. Douglas said his Family was very excit- P Reserve transferred one of its “My commander, 1st Lt. John Resko, has ed about the news of the transfer and tem- own from a medical lab in really been there for us if we needed any- porary change of station, which allowed Iraq to a recovery room in thing. Also my sergeant in Iraq, Sherwin him to be closer to his Family. Wichita. Sapasap, made sure my Family was taken His first permanent active-duty station Sgt. Joshua Douglas mobilized with the care of even after I was no longer a part of is Fort Sam Houston, Texas. 325th Combat Support Hospital (CSH) in the 325th.” Although there were many ups and June 2007. While home on leave for his Soldiers in the states were also feverish- downs during the process of getting a new two-week R&R (rest and relaxation) period, ly working on behalf of Douglas, trying to duty station, maintaining healthcare benefits his two-year-old son Conner fell ill. His keep him on active-duty, so his healthcare and transitioning to the active component, “fun-loving, happy-go-lucky” child began benefits would continue. Douglas said he, “would recommend the showing typical flu-like symptoms of fever, Standard protocol for a Reserve Soldier Army specifically to all others and would vomiting and nausea. returning home from overseas is each gladly do it all again.” Douglas and his wife, Heather, admit- Soldier is discharged from active duty after a “I plan on doing, at least, my full 20,” ted their son to the hospital for care, where transition period. And while Douglas want- he said. “It’s not like any other job on earth. everything seemed to return to normal. ed and needed to be with his Family in It’s the best, and I will continue to do it for Conner’s primary care manager thought his Wichita, he did not want to be discharged as long as I can.” condition was viral and ordered fluids. and lose his insurance. After his recovery, Connor returned to Shortly after Douglas, a medical labora- “The Army was trying to do right by playing with his big sister, Caidence, 4, tory technician, returned to his colleagues in this Soldier,” said Maj. William Ritter, Public counting to six and playing with anything Al Asad, Iraq, Conner’s health diminished Affairs officer for the Army Reserve’s that has buttons. quickly. He again developed a fever and Medical Command, the next higher head- Heather said the toddler has not slowed lethargy. quarters of the 325th CSH. down at all. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) “Our first priority was getting the “Connor is a daily reminder to me that and Computer Tomography (CT) scans Soldier home to be with his Family. The miracles do happen and that hope is never uncovered a rare type of tumor in cells that second priority was finding a way to best really lost.” support and protect nerve cells, on his brain assist this Soldier with the best possible stem. solution for his situation.” When Douglas and his wife heard the Transferring Douglas from news of the tumor, they were “scared to the reserve component to the death,” having lost Connor’s twin, Christian, active component was the best at three months of age to Sudden Infant answer suited for him and his Death Syndrome (SIDS). Family. “He has helped us heal from the loss of The solution seemed simple his brother,” said Heather. “From the day but required a lot of paperwork he was born, Connor has gone through from many Army entities to com- every hurdle that this world put in front of plete the transfer in a short period him and never even realized that they were of time. there.” First, Douglas had to obtain Following the removal of 95 percent of his release from active duty, the mass, a tissue pathology exam revealed a assigning him back to the reserve Grade 2-3 (moderately to highly aggressive) component. These orders were malignant tumor was removed from the effective March 5. He then out- toddler’s brain. processed at Fort McCoy, which The two-year-old will have 28-30 officially ended his tour with the rounds of localized radiation therapy, and 325th CSH. From there, he enlist- according to Douglas, the program will save ed active component on March 10 Connor undo brain damage from the radia- to start his career as a full-time tion. Soldier, keeping his health insur- Douglas and Heather were also con- ance intact and funding all of cerned about finances. The 325th CSH was Connor’s medical expenses. scheduled to return to the United States in “Many Soldiers were working June 2008, ending Douglas’ tour on active on behalf of Sgt. Douglas assist- duty and his Family-covered health insur- ing his initial transfer from Iraq to ance Fort McCoy, Wis., to the hospital During Conner’s recovery, the 325th at Fort Reilly, Kan.,” said Ritter. CSH continued to support Douglas, by rais- “Everyone wanted the best for ing $1,500 to help cover expenses. him and his Family. It was one Warrior Medic Magazine 10 Medics Educate Students at Career Fair Army Reserve Soldiers Teach Charlotte Students Warfare Trauma

Story and photos by Maj. William D. Ritter, Army Reserve Medical Command Public Affairs Office

CHARLOTTE, N.C. - Army the Army Reserve in October 1989, they Reserve Soldiers showed stu- too helped me further my career and educa- dents from the Berry Academy tion.” how Army medics worked on According to Reis, “It was important The Army Reserve’s 874th Forward Surgical Team work work with C local Charlotte Fire and Rescue teams to demonstrate realistic trams to the front lines, during the for me to be here today, so I could share my the students of the Berry Academy during their recent third annual career school’s medical career day. personal experience with the students. They day. Berry invited the Army to participate in need to be aware of what their 3rd Annual Career Day to give stu- the Army Reserve can do dents first hand knowledge of what medical for them educationally, careers are available in the Army. financially and career wise.” The Army Reserve’s 874th Forward To help Berry students Surgical Team (FST) set up hospital tents understand those opportu- outside the school and treated the “casual- nities better, Capt. Scott ty” role players in the facilities. Students Schmidt, an Army Medical were able to watch the life-saving techniques Command recruiter for and ask questions of the seasoned military North Carolina, set up a medical professionals. display near the tents of Maj. Donald Reis, was one of those the 874th. Recruiters were professionals. available to answer specific “The military has gotten me to where I questions. am today,” he said. “We are planting the “I’ve been in the medical field since seeds of tomorrow,” 1980, when the Air Force Reserve trained Schmidt said. “Some of me as a surgical technician. From that train- these students are out of ing, I was able to secure a job in the civilian our demographic range sector. They also provided me with tuition today, but if they like what assistance,” he added. they see here, they’ll “When I received my commission from remember us tomorrow.” semester, so I wanted to participate in the One of those career day to talk to the doctors first hand students of tomor- and hear what it is like as an Army medic,” row is ninth grader he said. Patrick M. After Soldiers of the 874th treated their DeLoach. He is “patients,” unit members joined Capt. part of the Berry Schmidt in the induction of the Army’s Academy’s medical newest nurse. curriculum and Keesha Abarca, a recent graduate of wants to be a radi- Duke University’s nursing program, took ologist after he her oath as an Army officer. graduates. “I joined the Army Medical Corps He volun- because I wanted to do more than I can do teered to be a casu- at a local hospital,” said Abarca. “I wanted alty so he could to travel the world and help people all earn time toward around the globe.” Berry’s community The new second lieutenant is awaiting service require- orders to report to officer basic school for ments, but he also medical Soldiers. wanted an opportu- In addition to the 874th FST, the nity to talk with Charlotte Fire Department and local para- Army medics. medics took part in “rescuing and treating” “My father is the casualties. in the Navy, and I Approximately 150 students turned out am starting JROTC to talk with the Army Reserve Soldiers and (Junior Reserve members of other healthcare organizations. Pfc. Chad E. Kicklighter (left), Capt. Garry B. Zuebert (center) and Maj. Donald G. Reis (right), members of the Officer Training Army Reserve’s 874th Forward Surgical Team work on trauma “patient” Patrick M. Deloach, during the Berry Corps) classes next Academy’s recent third annual career day. 11 An Army Reserve Medical Command Publication Consultant Teaches Reserve Soldiers About Arab People, Culture Army Reserve Unit Prepares for Deployment

Story and photos by Sgt. Kirk Bell, Army Reserve Medical Command Public Affairs Office

HAMMOND, La. - During a recent Battle Assembly, Army Reserve Soldiers from H Hammond, La. learned about Middle Eastern cultural traits and how to best interact with Arab people, as they prepared for a deploy- ment to the region. Soldiers from the 4010th United States Army Hospital (USAH) listened to Middle Eastern consultant and Louisiana resident, Ann O’Conner, discuss the qualities of Arab culture the unit will encounter over- seas. O’Conner challenged the Soldiers not to use the media as a baseline to learn about Middle East culture and people. “The best thing for Soldiers, before they even get on the plane is education. They must know what to expect and how to understand the culture before they leave,” Soldiers from the 4010th U.S. Army Hospital participate in Mrs. O’Conner Lecture by dressing up in traditional Saudi Arabic clothing, as Mrs. said O’Conner, who lived in the Middle O’Conner explains how Arab dress symbolizes religious commitment. East for 10 years and is married to an Egyptian man. healthcare professionals to interact with unique for my unit and the roles we are O’Conner spoke on such topics as their patients, is new. going to be play.” Arabic values, attitudes, verbal communica- “One thing I thought was very helpful, O’Conner, who speaks fluent Arabic, tion, body language, dress, social structure that I’ve never seen before, was the medical brings the added advantage of not only hav- and Arabic phrases. specific aspect that Mrs. O’Conner offered”, ing lived in the Middle East for 10 years but “My favorite part was learning some of said Lt. Col. James Mason, commander of experience as an administrator in Arab hos- the language,” said Spc. the unit. “When she pitals. This created a close working relation- Royal Benjamin, a medical began to talk about the ship for her with Arabic nurses and patients. supply specialist with the interaction techniques Having that experience as a civilian unit. “If I deploy to the between the healthcare administrator helps O’Conner give Soldiers region, I’m now able to provider and the patient, a different perspective into the Arab world. understand the language she was very focused on “Coming in as a non-governmental better as well as their man- what words and actions worker and having done work in the region nerism.” you need to start the before, gives her a very different perspective Soldiers’ learning about procedure properly and on the culture and people than we as cultural sensitivity is not respectfully. I thought Soldiers previously obtained,” said Mason. new to the Army, but the that training was very “She has a much more personal view of the training is normally taught helpful and particularly people and culture, where we in the military by Soldiers with experience approach it as a mission first. I think an in the area of operation. opportunity like this is important because it Since the start of the offers another more personal dimension to Global War on Terrorism, our training.” Army training guidance has The Soldiers that took Mrs. O’Conner’s required Soldiers to learn 12 class were a mixture of Soldiers that have Arabic phrases to help com- TOP: Spec. Royal Benjamin wears traditional and have not deployed to the Middle East. municate with Arab individ- Arabic clothing to include an Agal or head- O’Conner offered the training at no cost to uals. Soldiers studied com- band, a Ghutra or headdress, and a thobe or robe. the Army as she felt personally compelled mon greetings as well as by pride to assist our nation. emergency phrases such as RIGHT: Mrs. O’Conner (playing the role of “stop” or “get down.” a man) holds hands with 2nd Lt. Kelvin Scott of the 4010th U.S. Army Hospital to show The introduction of how two Arabic men will hold hands while For a DVD copy of this training, language training in medical having a discussion and walking. contact this office at 727-563-3730. terminology, essential for Warrior Medic Magazine 12

Jeff and Nicole Matney discuss their core values that benefit their Marriage Retreat marriage Soldiers Attend to Strengthen Relationships

Story and photo by 1st Lt. Michael Meyer, Army Reserve Medical Command Public Affairs SALT LAKE CITY, Utah- As dozens of cities across the continental “The spouse is nervous because they are the Army continues to deploy United States throughout the year. not sure what role they are going to play. troops in support of the Chaplains from the Army Reserve Medical After deployment, the Soldier comes back S “Global War on Terrorism”, Command chose Salt Lake City as the host and they may not know what they are sup- Army leaders have identified city its most recent retreat. The retreat posed to be doing. ‘Strong Bonds’ gives that the relationship between included various practical exercises and couples communication techniques so they Soldiers and their spouses could benefit games to keep the experience informative can talk about these issues.” from reinforcement. and entertaining. “It’s hard when you come back from a As a way to help Army families’ deal “When we all came together, the first deployment. You might have some time off, with the stresses of wartime deployments, thing they did was get us all up talking to but you have a lot of things to do,” said 1st Married Soldiers have the opportunity everybody, in a group assignment.” said Sgt. Lt. Brian Chapple who has deployed three to attend marriage retreats as part of a pro- Jeff Matney “Coming into a group of times in support of Operation Iraqi gram called “Strong Bonds”. strangers you could feel uncomfortable, but Freedom. “Strong Bonds’ is a program that was it wasn’t that way,” said Matney recently “The first deployment was pretty developed by the Army 10 years ago to give married to his wife Nicole only nine months tough; our son was only nine months old at couples, an opportunity to spend a weekend ago. the time,” said Jen Chappel. “The second together with no worries, no kids, in a nice The next day Army chaplains taught time, we kind of knew what to expect.” hotel. All meals and lodging are reimbursed marriage enrichment classes that touched on “I think this type of training should be and they also have an opportunity to work such subjects as communication and prob- a priority before and after a deployment,” on communication techniques to enhance lem solving, and forgiveness. said Brian Chapple. “It really helps people their relationship,” said Chaplain (Capt.) “One of the most important things we understand how to interact with each other Scott Hagen. learned was the speaker/listener technique. better.” The “Strong Bonds Program” is based For example, one person speaks, the other At night, couples planned a date in the upon the copyrighted “Prevention and listens and paraphrases back what they city. For Brian and Jen Chapple, a night out Relationship Enhancement Program”, also heard. I think that gives us a better tool to in Salt Lake City gave them chance to get known as PREP. These Education products overcome obstacles rather than one of us out of the house and away from the kids. are the result of 25 years of research in the just getting mad and leaving,” said Matney The last day of the retreat, ended with field of marital health and success. who is preparing to deploy later this year. couples having the option to renew their “This is an enrichment program. We The course placed special emphasis on vows before a chaplain. are here to take marriages that are pretty couples that have spouses that are deploying Soldiers or their spouses interested in secure and sound, and try to build on that or returning from combat zones. attending a marriage retreat can contact and make them better,” said Chaplain (Col.) “Prior to deployment everybody is their local chaplain or visit their website at Stephen Boyd. nervous. The kids are nervous because www.strongbonds.org . Couples attend the three-day retreat in mom or dad is going away,” said Hagen.” 13 An Army Reserve Medical Command Publication From Iraq To North Carolina Face to face, after life-saving surgery

Story by Karen Cimino, photo by John D. Simmons, Charlotte Observer

CHARLOTTE, N.C. - Bill after they recovered, said he didn’t know Giles and Dale Beatty last met what to expect: Would Beatty be in a wheel- three years ago in an operating chair? How was he handling his injuries? S room in Mosul, Iraq, after an Would he remember their conversation? C Right before going into emergency surgery in Iraq in 2004, Statesville res- explosion tore through Beatty walked through the door on two ident Dale Beatty (left) found a face from home – nurse anesthetist Bill Beatty’s armored Humvee. prosthetics. And Giles felt inspired all over Giles of Huntersville. Three years later, they meet again. Their brief encounter on Nov. 15, again, he said. 2004, made a lasting impression on both “All of us have had patients you will feet 11. He said he can adjust his prosthetics men, who reunited for the first time never forget, and you are No. 1 for me,” to his original height when he’s ready, but Wednesday at CMC-Northcross and remi- said Giles, holding back tears as he spoke. just hasn’t done it yet. nisced over coffee, juice and bagels. As they reminisced, Beatty said he was He’s been busy, working hard just to Giles’ face was the last face that Beatty, seated in the passenger seat of the Humvee learn to walk and do many of the things he an Army National Guardsmen, saw before when an anti-tank mine went off under loved before being wounded, he said. He is life-saving surgery. And it was a face from him. Fire and heat seared his face as it playing the drums again in his band, home. flashed through the vehicle. But everyone Southern Fried Musician’s Association. In Beatty was an inspiration among the survived. the fall, he rode his bicycle 26.2 miles in the hundreds of patients that Giles, a nurse A Soldier in a vehicle ahead of his Marine Corps Marathon in Washington, anesthetist with the Army Reserve, helped came to his aid, Beatty said. D.C. in Iraq. Even with part of his leg missing, “I kept asking him where all my guys Beatty is working again as a civilian the other one mangled and burns on his were because I didn’t see them. Everyone contractor for the N.C. National Guard, and face and on one eye, Beatty was calm, Giles got thrown out of the vehicle,” he said. “I still living in Statesville. He’s also director of remembered. didn’t want to scare him by screaming.” community and military affairs for a non- Giles was worried about the possibility So Beatty, 26 at the time, tried to stay profit group, Project American Spirit, which of brain injury, too, so he asked the Soldier calm. plans to help build homes for wounded vet- where he was from. “I can remember the top of your boot erans starting this year. “North Carolina,” Beatty said. was still there and the rest of your foot was “It’s just made my day just to meet this “I said, Well, no kidding. I’m from the just gone,” Giles said. “If it was me, I guy,” said Giles, who will soon begin serving Charlotte area,” Giles said. would have been yelling and screaming.” three months at Tripler Medical Center in “Me too,” Beatty replied, adding that he But Beatty’s heart rate was a reasonable Hawaii. grew up in Statesville. 80 beats per minute, Giles remembered. It’s guys like Beatty who inspire him to After the surgery, Giles flew in a Black Beatty eventually went to Walter Reed keep going back, Giles said. Hawk helicopter with a sedated Beatty to Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C., “Everyone wants to make a difference another medical facility. where he remained for about a year recover- in their life,” Giles said. “Being in Iraq and Beatty was taken to Germany for fur- ing from his injuries. He was featured in a taking care of wounded Soldiers, you feel ther treatment after his emergency surgery, front-page Observer article on Jan. 18, like you’ve done something.” and always wanted to talk to Giles again. 2005. Giles said he wants to stay in touch Giles, who lives in Huntersville and works Giles said he saw a photo of Beatty with Beatty. He’ll go see Beatty’s band play at CMC-University, wondered how Beatty with President Bush and first lady Laura this weekend, and he has invited Beatty and was. Bush in the Army Times, and was proud he his Family to come to Hawaii while he’s Wednesday’s reunion came about when had helped him survive. there. CMC-University spokesman Lee Brower Beatty said the hardest thing has been “You take care of thousands of talked with Giles about his upcoming pro- knowing how much stress his wounds patients in your career,” Giles said. “The motion to colonel and his return next week caused his Family because he couldn’t do thing I remember about Dale was how calm to active duty. Giles told him about Beatty, anything about it. he was, how devastating his injuries were and Brower arranged the reunion. Beatty was about 6 feet 2 inches tall and how he’s taken it in stride in his life. Giles, who rarely saw injured Soldiers before the blast, and now stands about 5 He’s just an inspirational guy.”

Pvt. Latish D. Young, of the 380th Medical Company (Dental), shakes the hand of Lt. Gen. Jack Stultz, Chief of the Army Reserve (CAR). Young was selected by the CAR to accompany him to the House Arms Service Committee Capitol Hill Hearing on 1 April 1, 2008. Warrior Medic Magazine 14 Aurora Unit Mobs Reserve Unit To Help With Troop Mental Health

AURORA, Colo. -- An Army other individual, emotional issues. unit. Pfc. Lauren Dougherty will be heading Reserve unit committed to the “It could be that they’re homesick, that over for the first time. emotional needs of service- they’re dealing with a loss of a Family mem- “I’m anxious and nervous,” Dougherty A men and women in Iraq gath- ber, or it could be a coping skill of ‘what do said. ered with Family and friends I do for a year in Iraq?’” Belarde said. Both of Dougherty’s parents have Wednesday ahead of a year- The 1835th will be seeing troops in served in the U.S. military. long deployment. clinics and in the field, according to Belarde. “I just hope they’ll be doing OK when “We’re individuals who have a back- Belarde’s Family joined her and her fel- I’m gone,” Dougherty said. ground in mental health,” said Maj. low Soldiers for a farewell ceremony The Combat Stress Control unit will Madeline Belarde, a psychiatric nurse and Wednesday at the American Legion 23 in head for a month of additional training at commander for the 1835th Medical Aurora. Fort Lewis in Washington, D.C, Thursday, Detachment Combat Stress Control. “It helps knowing she’s anxious to get before working in and around Iraq for Belarde said the primary mission is to out there,” said Chris Aguilar, Belarde’s son. about a year. reach out to troops who may be struggling Belarde said the deployment is the sec- with combat stress, anger management and ond tour of duty for the majority of the CAR Seeks Industry Partners Army Reserve Chief Seeks Private Industry Partners to Help Soldiers

Story John J. Kruzel, American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, D.C - than 50 years old. Couple this aging work principles instilled in young officers, Proctor The general in charge of force with a shortage of qualified drivers, and Gamble and other companies eager to the Army Reserve has a the general said, and young, employable tal- employ managers heavily recruited junior W deal for U.S. employers: If ent is hard to pass up. military officers, Stultz recalled. you agree to hire qualified “I’ve got Soldiers in my ranks that are “There were a lot of headhunter com- employees, he’ll help you truck drivers,” Stultz said he tells employers panies that would go around the military recruit them. at trucking companies. “They’ve already installations saying, ‘If you’re thinking about Lt. Gen. Jack Stultz said the passed a drug test; they’ve already passed a leaving active duty, let us talk to you,’” he “Partnership for a Shared Workforce” initia- background check; they’ve already passed a said. tive emerged as a way to help the reserves physical; they’ve already scored high enough At the first national Proctor and and the private sector attract young talent. on an aptitude test; and I’ve trained them Gamble meeting he attended, Stultz said, it Stultz said the concept was born of similar how to drive a truck. All you’ve got to do is was virtually a military homecoming. challenges facing the entities -- namely, that hire him.” “Everybody there was like, ‘Who were you only about three in 10 young men ages 17- Stultz said similar pitches to place with? What unit were you in? Where were 24 are fit to join the ranks of military or reservists in civilian positions are gaining you stationed?” he recalled. “Nowadays you industry. traction with industry employers around the really don’t see that.” The reasons people are precluded from country. He plugs the reserve’s cadre of X- The general said he would like the two service -- from failure to meet educational ray technicians to health care providers forces -- military and civilian -- to work or physical requirements, to a criminal back- looking for help; he sells signal Soldiers -- together again as they did when he started ground -- often are grounds for non- trained and experienced in using fiber optics at Proctor and Gamble, where Stultz, an employment in the private sector too, the -- to communications companies; he sug- operations manager, has worked for nearly general said. gests military police troops for jobs in civil- three decades. “Employers of America are having the ian law enforcement. “Just like in 1979 when Proctor and same problem (as the Army),” Stultz said. “We’re getting a lot of synergy there Gamble was looking for new potential man- “They’re looking at that same work force now, being able to tell a potential Soldier, agers and they saw the military as a great out there and saying, ‘How many of those ‘How would you like to come work for us in source, I’m telling the employers of kids can pass a drug test who don’t already the Army Reserve and go to work for this America that hasn’t changed,” Stultz said. have some kind of conviction in their company in your local community at the “We produce some of the finest quality records? And how many have the aptitude same time?” he said. individuals in America. to do the task we’re needing in a much more The initiative hearkens back to Stultz’s “If we can get that partnership togeth- technological age?’” experience as a young man transitioning out er, it’s the way we’re going to sustain this all- Among other enterprises, Stultz said, of the active-duty Army in 1979 into a volunteer reserve force for the future,” he the partnership has received particular inter- “dual-hatted” role as a reservist and a civil- said. “It’s going to be us and the employers est from America’s trucking industry, where ian employee at Proctor and Gamble. together succeeding.” the average long-haul truck driver is more Placing high value on the training and 15 An Army Reserve Medical Command Publication Recruiter Assist Program in Full Swing AR-RAP Turns 1-Year Old

Story and photo by Ms. Tish Butts, Army Reserve Medical Command Public Affairs. SAN ANTONIO, Texas - as well as the people who make up the More than 770 new Soldiers organization. have signed up since the With occupations ranging from engi- United States Army Reserve neers to military police to surgeons, the AR S (AR) started handing out cash has more than 120 different jobs for indi- rewards for recruiting. viduals from across the market spectrum. “We pay $2,000 bonuses when they join “The Army Reserve is evolving. Young the Army Reserve -- $1,000 when they sign Soldiers have a greater say so in the Army up and $1,000 when they go to basic train- Reserve, and newer Soldiers are more intel- ing,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Leon Caffie, lectual,” he said. Command Sgt. Maj. Leon Caffie, Command Sgt. Maj. of the Army Senior Enlisted Leader of the Army “We need to showcase what the Reserve Command, talks with Soldiers about the AR-RRAP program Reserve. “Soldiers make $2,000 for every Reserve has to offer. People don’t under- while attending the All-AAmerican Bowl. new recruit.” stand what their options are. You can serve Through the Army Reserve Recruiting in any capacity.” component.” Assistance Program (AR-RAP), the AR Publicizing AR career opportunities is On average, the Army Reserve main- encourages Soldiers and military civilians to important in attracting high school gradu- tains career senior Soldiers of 15 years or promote service enlistments into the AR. ates who are entering the job market as well more, according to Caffie. With the Reserve’s presence in 20 as adults who are searching for a career or a “The Army Reserve’s (strength) is countries around the world, the need for career change. around 195,000 Soldiers and approaching more Soldiers is ever increasing, but zealous Caffie said he has met attorneys, phar- 206,000. We expect many more by 2010,” he recruitment is not enough to build numbers. maceutical developers, biochemists and even said. Soldiers must also entice recruits by millionaires who serve their country Individual efforts promoting the AR increasing public knowledge of diverse through the Reserve. through the AR-RAP program is essential career opportunities in the AR. “They serve because they are patriots to obtain the projected strength. Caffie said Soldiers should educate and not merely for money,” said Caffie. “We prospects about careers the Reserve offers bring exceptional skills to the fight as a Surgeon Pursues Reserve Position Doctor Learns About Opportunities Through AR-RAP

Story and photos by Maj. William D. Ritter, Army Reserve Medical Command Public Affairs Office

PINELLAS PARK, Fla. - For “Joining the Army Reserve is a very daughter) and I, should he deploy,” she love of his country and his selfish decision, as it affects my Family more added. desire to honor his Family lin- than me and I never considered myself a To aid in answering these questions, P eage, Dr. Micah Lissy is pursu- selfish person.” Sgt. 1st Class Hines brought Dr. Lissy, his ing a commission as an ortho- “My grandfather served as a dentist in wife, and their eight-month-old daughter to pedic surgeon in the Army World War II, and I too wanted to serve. Atlanta, Ga. to meet the senior leadership of Reserve. But the effects of a military career on one’s the Army Reserve Medical Command dur- Lissy, from White Plains NY, was intro- Family are great, and I want to make sure ing their recent Senior Leadership Battle duced to the Army Reserve through the my wife and I have all the information we Workshop. Army Reserve Recruiter Assist Program. could before I joined,” he added. There, the Lissy’s were able to address He works with Capt. Susan Hopper at Lissy has the support of his wife Razzi, some of their concerns with many general the Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, were a fifth-grade teacher who moved from Israel officers including the Commanding the two discussed Army Reserve opportuni- only eight months ago. General, Maj. Gen. James Hasbergen and ties for doctors. Hopper then introduced “I support Micah in the pursuit of any the leadership of the Family readiness Lissy to Col. Martin Blank to discuss the ins Army career. He is very patriotic, and I group, Mrs. Barb Hasbergen. and outs of an Army medical career in an believe it is the right thing to do” said Razzi. Lissy, who would enter the Army as a informal environment. “But as a wife, I do have some concerns. senior captain, left the conference with Blank met Lissy and his wife, Razzi, for How risky will it be as an Army Reserve much more information. He will continue dinner one evening. Dr. Lissy liked what he doctor? Will the Army Reserve be reliable in to work with Sgt. 1st Class Hines in the pur- heard and Blank linked him up with Sgt. 1st honoring what we are being presented? suit of an Army Reserve medical career, but Class Kenneth Hines, a healthcare recruiting How will it affect his civilian career? Things the entire process would not have been initi- specialist. of this nature.” ated had it not been for the Army Reserve Dr. Lissy liked what he heard, but his “All of my husband’s Family lives near Recruiter Assistant Program and a casual main concern with joining the Army us in White Plains. They too have been conversation with Capt. Hooper, his col- Reserve was the effect it would have on his supportive of Micah’s pursuit and would be league, and friend. Family. readily available to support Amelia (their Warrior Medic Magazine 16 Boy’s Wish Comes True Army Medics Honor Boy’s Wish to be a Soldier

Story by Phil Reidinger, Special to American Forces Press Service FORT SAM HOUSTON, mand retention noncommissioned officer, wish Gavin well and present their own Texas - Cox could have trav- presented the Cox Family members, includ- badges to him. He left the dining facility eled to any exotic locale or ing sister Jade and brothers Chandler and with air assault and expert medic badges tried any profession in the Zane, with Warrior Ethos packs, recognizing added to his uniform. F world, but this 5-year-old with their role in helping their father, Troy, and At his next stop on the training sched- leukemia had just one wish: to mother, Melissa, ule, he visited the Department be a Soldier. during Gavin’s of Combat Medic Training “He could have chosen any activity chemotherapy. and watched Soldier-medics during this break in his treatments, to The training training with a human patient include Disney World,” said Gavin’s father, day for Sergeant simulator. He completed the Troy Heminger. “He wanted to be a Cox began with a day learning how patients are Soldier.” trip in a tactical loaded on a Stryker ambu- During a solemn ceremony in the vehicle to the ES lance and transferred to hos- Army Medical Department Center and 2000 weapons pital units. School command conference room, the lit- training facility, During the day, Gavin’s tle boy stood proudly on the conference where he earned parents watched their son Army Maj. Gen. Russell Czerw, Fort Sam Houston, Texas, room table surrounded by Soldiers of all his marksmanship installation commander, teaches 5-yyear-oold Gavin Cox how to talking to Soldiers and enjoy- ranks. Dressed in an Army combat uniform, badge. He then shoot an M-99 pistol at the ES 2000 weapons training facility. ing his day with them. Troy Gavin was promoted to the honorary rank took a break from Gavin also trained on an M-116 rifle and walked away with a Heminger served on active marksmanship badge. His wish was granted March 18 when of sergeant in the Army Medical training to join he became a Soldier for the day here.. duty for nine years with Department by the installation commander, Soldiers at the Photo by Ed Dixon 1110th Support Battalion and Army Maj. Gen. Russell Czerw. Rocco Dining 58th Signal Battalion as a Contacted by the Make-a-Wish Facility. microwave systems operations and mainte- Foundation, Czerw agreed to honor the Army Sgt. 1st Class Joey Wrinkle stood nance specialist. “He is having fun,” he said, boy’s request, planning a day for him to outside with a platoon of Soldiers assigned watching the boy interact with Soldiers. “He train with the Army’s medics. to 187th Medical 7d by the battalion. is forgetting about his illness for a while.” After reciting the Army’s enlistment Assigned to the platoon for lunch, Sergeant After spending the day with Army oath with him, Czerw pinned the rank of Cox led the guidon bearer and the forma- medics, Gavin and his Family left San sergeant on his uniform and emphasized to tion into the dining facility. Antonio the next day for Fort Hood, Texas, the young man standing at attention, “This “I presented him with my airborne where honorary Sergeant Cox would spend is a great day. Thank you for making this wings. He is strong and brave like an air- another day in the Army as a Soldier with day special for us.” He then inducted Gavin borne Soldier, and he deserves to be recog- the Army’s combat units. as an honorary member of the AMEDD nized. This is about what we do as Soldiers,” Following his week as a Soldier, Gavin Regiment. Wrinkle said. was scheduled for intensified chemotherapy Army Master Sgt. Maurice Sims, com- During lunch, Soldiers stopped by to at Dallas Children’s Hospital. Loan Repayment Update Student Loan Repayment is Now Self-service

WASHINGTON, D.C - SLRP claims to the USAR Pay Center record their loan information. Since The Army Reserve imple- (UPC). Soldiers will use the SLRP web site February 1, Soldiers within 60 days of their mented a new self-service to print DD Form 2475s to initiate their SLRP anniversary date have received an W web site for the Student annual loan repayment application, manage AKO email prompting them to visit the site Loan Repayment Program their loan information, inquire on the status to initiate their SLRP claim. The SLRP site (SLRP) on February 1. of payments, or view information on the also contains an on-line user’s guide and the The site includes a variety of educational SLRP. As of April 1, this will be the only ability for users to submit questions and programs accessible to Soldiers, including acceptable mechanism for Soldiers to initiate repayment inquiries. Tuition Assistance, REAP, MGIB and now their SLRP payments. The USAR Pay Despite these changes, units will con- SLRP. Soldiers can access the site by visiting Center will not accept payment claims from tinue to use the current manual procedures https://rcms.ocar.army.pentagon.mil/Educa other than the web site. for processing claims for Health tion and using their AKO user ID and pass- The web site receives information on Professional’s Loan Repayment until further word. After logging in, select the “My Loan SLRP-eligible Soldiers from the Recruit notice. Repayment Program Home Page” link. Quota System (REQUEST) and the POC for this article is Mr. Scott With the activation of this web site, Retention Management System (RMS). Rhode, USARC, G-8, Pay Policy and units are no longer responsible for the certi- Newly-eligible Soldiers will receive an AKO Operations, [email protected]. fication of DD 2475s or the forwarding of email prompting them to visit the site and 17 An Army Reserve Medical Command Publication Retention Bonuses Critical Skills and Army Reserve Captain Bonuses Available

WASHINGTON, D.C. - you accept the bonus, your request will be ™ Field Surgeon 62B Critical Skills Retention verified by the Army Reserve G1 and ™ Army Public Health Nurse 66B Bonus - Army Reserve processed within 72 hours within receipt of ™ Health Services 67A W (CSRB-AR), US Army the signed written agreement. You can ™ Optometry 67F Reserve (USAR) Captain expect payment within three weeks of ™ Aeromedical Evacuation 67J CSRB Army Reserve G1 verification. You may ™ Health Services Systems Are you a USAR TPU Captain? and periodically log onto: Management 70D Do you hold a critical area of concen- https://rcms.ocar.army.pentagon.mil/Incent ™ Patient Administration 70E tration (AOC) as outlined in the CSRB-AR ives to check the status of your CSRB-AR ™ Health Services Human Resources 70F Implementation Memorandum? and request. ™ Health Services Plans, Operations, Will you have less than 25 years of Your unit administrator will not be able Intelligence, Security, and Training 70H active duty or service in an active reserve to process for payment or answer specific ™ Health Services Materiel 70K status by the end of the three year bonus questions regarding this bonus. Any addi- ™ Clinical Laboratory 71E period? tional questions regarding this email mes- ™ Chemical, Biological, Radiological and If so, you May be eligible for a specially sage or about the CSRB-AR that the imple- ™ Nuclear (CBRN) 74A tailored retention bonus. mentation guidance on the website is unable ™ Chemical Operations and Training 74B Why is the Army Reserve offering this to answer should be directed to the Army ™ Chemical Munitions and Materiel bonus? The Army Reserve recognizes and Reserve incentives team via e-mail at: Management 74C appreciates your experience and expertise. [email protected]. ™ Transportation, General 88A In order to retain seasoned professionals The Army Reserve continues work to ™ Traffic Management 88B with critical skills and capabilities, the Army offer the CSRB-AR to portions of its val- ™ Marine and Terminal Operations 88C Reserve is offering a special bonus. For ued enlisted and warrant officer popula- ™ Motor/Rail Transportation 88D those who qualify, CSRB-AR for USAR tions. ™ Explosive Ordnance Disposal 89E Captains offers a payment of up to $20,000 ™ Logistics 90A in a lump sum or periodic installments (50 DESIGNATED AOCs ELIGIBLE ™ Ordnance, General 91A percent upon agreement and 50 percent on FOR CSRB-AR BONUS ™ Quartermaster, General 92A the 2d anniversary date). To accept the ™ Aerial Delivery and Materiel 92D bonus, you must execute a written agree- ™ Aviation Combined Arms ™ Petroleum and Water 92F ment to serve in active status for not less Operations 15B than three years in specified AOC designat- ™ Aviation All-Source ed as critical for CSRB-AR purposes. Intelligence How do I know if I qualify? Officers Aviators 15C who are eligible will receive an email ™ Engineer 21A through AKO with a hyper-link to the web- ™ Combat Engineer 21B based application process. Soldiers who do ™ Field Facilities/ not receive an email but believe they are eli- Contract Construction gible can log into the following website to Management review eligibility criteria: Engineers 21D https://rcms.ocar.army.pentagon.mil/Incent ™ Military Police 31A ives. If you are eligible, the site will take ™ Imagery Intelligence you to the forms necessary to apply for (IMINT) 35C your bonus. If you are not eligible, the site ™ All-Source Intelligence will inform you of that fact and, by access- Officers 35D ing the CSRB-AR link at the lower right ™ Counterintelligence corner of the page, you can read the imple- 35E menting memorandum and applicable regu- ™ Human Intelligence lations. (HUMINT) 35F The only way to apply for this bonus is ™ Signals Intelligence/ to sign into the above account and complete Electronic Warfare the CSRB-AR agreement online. You are (SIGINT/EW) 35G required to read and sign the Written ™ Psychological Agreement and either electronically upload, Operations 37A mail, or fax the Written Agreement to the ™ Civil Affairs 38A address or number provided on the website. ™ Human Resources 42B The preferred method, and quickest way to ™ Information Systems receive payment, is to upload your Written Management 53A Agreement. You must Accept or Decline ™ Command and Unit the bonus before exiting the website. Once Chaplain 56A Warrior Medic Magazine 18 Army Reserve Turns 100 Ceremonies Honoring Soldiers and Veterans held in Capitol

WASHINGTON, D.C. - selfless service, and they are the pride of The United States Army the nation they serve.” Reserve today commemo- America’s Army Reserve Veterans were rated its 100th Anniversary, remembered during a wreath-laying at the W honoring its Soldiers and Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington Veterans who have played a National Cemetery, followed by a tree plant- vital role in every major U.S. military con- ing and plaque dedication on the grounds flict and humanitarian mission of the past nearby. 100 Army Reserve Soldiers reenlist on the grounds of Capitol Hill to 100 years. “We are always reminded of the sacri- commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the Army Reserve On the West Lawn of the United States fices of our Army Reserve Soldiers who Capitol, 100 Soldiers from throughout the went into harm’s way over the past 100 vital role in the Global War on Terror, United States participated in a mass re- years to make our world safer, especially applying specialized civilian capabilities to a enlistment ceremony. The Chief of the those who made the ultimate sacrifice,” said wide range of missions in Afghanistan and United States Army Reserve, Lt. Gen Jack Stultz. “Our thoughts of gratitude are also Iraq. Approximately 190,000 Army Reserve C. Stultz, presided over the ceremony, which with America’s families. Their unflagging Soldiers have been mobilized in support of was attended by Army Reserve and other support for our Soldiers makes their service the War on Terror since 9/11, with 26,000 military leaders, Members of Congress and possible.” currently serving on active duty. 19,000 the Family members of the re-enlisting The Army Reserve traces its origins to Army Reserve Soldiers are deployed over- Soldiers. the now little known Medical Reserve seas today, while 7,000 are supporting “There can be no greater expression of Corps, created by Congress on April 23, homeland security missions. patriotism on this historic 100th 1908, and initially composed of just 160 For more information about the Army Anniversary than by the oaths of these 100 civilian physicians. This small force was Reserve and its 100th Anniversary, please Soldiers who are renewing their commit- formed to provide the nation with a reser- visit the Army Reserve 100th Anniversary ment to serve their country,” said Stultz. “In voir of trained medical officers in times of Web site at www.ArmyReserve100th.com. this time of war, these brave men and war. Please visit the Army Reserve Web site, as women epitomize personal courage and Today’s Army Reserve Soldiers play a well, at www.ArmyReserve.Army.mil. Chaplains Train for PTSD AR-MEDCOM Complete Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Training

Story and photos by 1st Lt. Michael Meyer, Army Reserve Medical Command Public Affairs CLEARWATER, Fla. - of trauma. Department. Chaplains from the Army At the request of the Army Medical “Dr. Parker’s presentation tied together Reserve Medical Command Department (AMEDD) in Fort Sam a lot of different approaches to practical are learning to identify symp- Houston, she is providing courses of care of the traumatized patient and veter- C toms of Post Traumatic Stress instruction to Army health-care providers, an,” said Bishop. “What we have here is also Disorder (PTSD) and provider psychologists, and chaplains at various mili- a broad spirituality that can fit into to many fatigue as a tary installations around different faith groups, as well as a good way to better serve their the United States. understanding of psycho-social develop- comrades in arm. “The purpose of this ment that helps tie the two together.” According to studies training, is to provide mili- Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Paul Linzey, from concluded in January tary Chaplains the infor- the United States Army Reserve Command, 2008 by the Rand mation that will help them concurs. Corporation, approxi- assess military members “A lot of my experience in the past had mately 19percent of and professional col- to do with very practical pragmatic side of Soldiers returning from leagues”, said Parker. it. This provided the scientific and technical Operations Iraqi and “They are looking for background, which is very helpful in filling Enduring Freedom are signs of combat related in the gaps. What was new to me was the suffering from depres- Rev. Doctor Chrys Parker teaches a course about Post- stress, compassionate technical information, that provided the Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) to Army Reserve sion, anxiety or stress Medical Command (ARMEDCOM) Chaplains. provider fatigue, and post rationale, the documentation,” he said. related illnesses. traumatic stress disorder. “The more that we get in touch with In April the Reverend Chrys Parker In addition it’s going to give them a lot of what our Soldiers and families are going taught a specialized course to the Army tools to intervene to try to help people.” through; the more we are able to help Reserve Chaplains to help understand and Many of the chaplains in attendance them,” said Linzey. It doesn’t matter if we recognize PTSD symptoms amongst today’s had extensive experience caring for Soldiers are medical professions, chaplains, or simply Soldiers. suffering from PTSD. Chaplain (Col.) acting as caring fellow Soldiers,” these tech- Parker is the Executive and Clinical Brenson Bishop from the 332nd Medical niques can help us care for our Soldiers. Director of the Burn Recovery and Brigade in Nashville, Tenn. attended the Research Foundation in San Antonio, Texas course. He is also a Chaplain at the and specializes in the psychosocial treatment Veterans Administration’s Psychiatry 19 An Army Reserve Medical Command Publication 100 Years of Constants and Change A Message From the Chief

Story by Lt. Gen. Jack Stultz, Chief, Army Reserve WASHINGTON, D.C. - ues. fight for our The Army Reserve’s 100th When Army Reserve units mobilize, nation, and anniversary validates our during both war and peacetime, they bring they are also nation’s enduring need for significant support and concern from their citizens, but W such a force, and the event communities with them. Like our National their involve- gives Americans the oppor- Guard counterparts, Army Reserve Soldiers ment in mili- tunity to recognize the contributions of provide an enduring connection between tary operations hundreds of thousands of men and women the military and local communities across has been who served our nation for a century. our nation. tremendously Further, our anniversary recognizes At the same time, each time Army expanded. that the force has changed dramatically over Reserve Soldiers deploy overseas, they bring Young 100 years to meet the needs of our nation. part of America with them. They often men and It began as a small reserve force of about deliver the best of America to the children women serve Lt. Gen. Jack Stultz, Chief, Army 160 medical professionals. It became a of a country as they demonstrate our coun- in today’s Reserve much more capable force that provided all try’s generosity and concern for them and Army Reserve types of combat arms, combat support, and people in other nations around the world. because they want to defend our country. combat service support capabilities. And Another constant is the value of civil- They fully expect that they will be called today it is an operational, expeditionary and ian-acquired skills Army Reserve Soldiers upon - on a regular basis - to do just that. domestic force that is an essential piece of bring to help make the U.S. Army the most They know they must maintain a high state the Army. powerful and sophisticated military force in of readiness, both physically and mentally. What hasn’t changed in 100 years is the the world. Army Reserve Soldiers play criti- They know they will be asked to make great commitment, selfless service, and personal cal roles in supporting combat troops, and sacrifices - to leave their Families and their courage of our men and women who vol- they are a vital part of full-spectrum opera- civilian jobs - to serve our nation. untarily put their lives on hold - and on the tions necessary in any major campaign or Today’s Army Reserve Soldiers repre- line - to defend our country and our free- operation. sent the values upon which our country was doms. They drive trucks in supply convoys, founded. They are citizens who are willing Since terrorists slammed hijacked airlin- provide security as military police and staff to lay down their plows and pick up their ers into New York’s World Trade Center, hospitals as doctors and nurses. Reserve rifles when called upon. They’re proud of the Pentagon and a field near Shanksville, civil affairs specialists also help set up police their service. They’re proud to say they’re Penn., Sept. 11, 2001, the men and women and fire departments and local govern- part of the Army Reserve. of the Army Reserve have served on the ments, key efforts in stabilizing countries Today’s Army Reserve is no longer a front lines of the War on Terrorism at such as Iraq and Afghanistan. strategic reserve; instead, it is an operational home and abroad. More than 190,000 Today, as we mark our 100th anniver- force and an integral part of the world’s Army Reserve Soldiers have mobilized to sary, our transformation to an operational greatest Army. Today’s units are prepared serve in Iraq, Afghanistan and more than a force continues. It has resulted in the most and available to deploy with a full comple- dozen other countries. Today, about 23,000 dramatic changes to Army Reserve struc- ment of trained Soldiers and equipment Army Reserve Soldiers serve on active duty. ture, training and readiness since World War when the Nation calls. Army Reserve About 17,000 serve overseas, while another II. Soldiers are members of the best trained, 6,000 support homeland defense missions The days when Army Reserve Soldiers best led, and best equipped fighting force at training centers, mobilization sites, and committed one weekend per month and any nation has fielded. medical centers. About 15,000 serve in Iraq two weeks in the summer to soldiering They are ready for the next one hun- or Afghanistan. duties are gone. The weekend warrior is no dred years. Throughout the history of the force, more. Army Reserve Soldiers who served our Today’s Army Reserve Soldiers are nation brought with them unique added val- “Warrior-Citizens.” They are warriors who

DoD Announces New Reserve Component Deployment Support and Reintegration Office

WASHINGTON, D.C. - designed to provide support and outreach service members with families and commu- Undersecretary of Defense services to Reserve component service nities for successful reintegration following David S. C. Chu today members, their families and communities deployment. W announced the formation throughout the deployment cycle. Reintegration program capabilities are of the Deployment Support This program places particular empha- already underway with services provided and Reintegration Office sis on preparing service members and their through the Joint Family Support Assistance within the Office of the Assistant Secretary families for the stresses associated with sep- Program and are currently being pilot tested of Defense for Reserve Affairs. aration and deployment, educating members in 15 states. DoD plans to expand this pro- The office, mandated in this year’s and families about resources available to gram beyond the pilot phase to all 54 states defense authorization act, is an integral assist them, and connecting members to and territories. piece of the Yellow Ribbon Reintegration service providers before and during deploy- Program. DoD’s Yellow Ribbon Initiative is ments. The focus shifts to reconnecting Warrior Medic Magazine 20 Family Support Gets More Funds Army to Focus More on Family Support

Story by Sgt. Sara Moore, American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON,D.C - the Army will use its expanded budget to economy and use the virtual economy to The Army is doubling its hire full-time support personnel for Family help spouses, whether their employment investment in Family sup- readiness groups to help spouses who also skills are blue collar or professional.” port programs in the 2009 have to balance career and Family responsi- Geren also addressed improvements W budget and will use that bilities. The Army also will hire more staff the Army has made in medical care for money to hire support per- for child care and youth services, he said. wounded Soldiers since last year, when sonnel for Family readiness groups, improve Another important issue the Army is problems were revealed at Walter Reed child care, and expand educational opportu- working on is improving career opportuni- Army Medical Center. The Army has estab- nities for spouses and children of troops, ties for spouses of Soldiers as they have to lished 35 warrior transition units, which are the Army secretary said today. relocate around the country, Geren said. aimed solely at helping wounded Soldiers The Army has been building on several The Army has started the spouse employ- recover, and has hired about 2,500 person- years of emphasis on better support for ment partnership, working with industry nel to man those units, he said. Every families, Pete Geren told online journalists across the country to provide greater Soldier assigned to a warrior transition unit and “bloggers” during a conference call. spousal employment opportunities, he said, has three people who are responsible for The 2009 budget for Family support and the secretaries of defense and labor him -- a squad leader, a nurse case manager programs will be $1.4 billion, up from $700 have entered into a joint venture to expand and a primary care physician -- to ensure all million last year. Through traveling to dif- employment opportunities for military that Soldier’s needs are met, both physically ferent Army bases and talking with Soldiers spouses. and mentally, Geren said. and spouses, Army leaders have learned that Geren added that the Army is seeking “The whole concept of the warrior child care and Family support are important to better manage the force so Soldiers and transition unit is to provide this triad of issues for troops, he said. their families face fewer moves throughout support that meets the full range of a war- “So much of the Family support over their careers, to give spouses more opportu- rior in transition’s care and needs,” he the years has been based on volunteers, nities for education and professional devel- explained. where you have spouses that carry the heav- opment, and to work with employers to This summer, the Army is launching a iest burden for Family support initiatives,” identify more opportunities for Army program to educate all Soldiers on suicide Geren said. “One deployment, perhaps that spouses. prevention, Geren said. This program is fol- works; two deployments, that’s starting to “With the economy that we have now, lowing on the success of the education pro- be too much to ask; and three deployments ... there are opportunities today for spouses gram on post-traumatic stress disorder and is pushing those volunteers to the breaking that wouldn’t have existed a very few years traumatic brain injury, he said, and every point.” ago,” Geren said. “And as an Army, we need Soldier will be required to take the course. To remedy this problem, Geren said, to explore how we can use the Internet

www.americasupportsyou.mil

1-800-336-4590 21 An Army Reserve Medical Command Publication Word from the War Doctor-legislator Says Reality of Iraq Conflict Sets in Quickly

Story by Col. Joe Heck, Army Reserve Medical Command, Special to the Los Vegas Review-Journal AL ASAD, Iraq - We are him inside we worked him hard. We did had a mini-mass casualty incident when a approaching day 30, one-third things that would have been considered building collapse from poor construction of the way through the tour. I heroic and “last-ditch” efforts in the States, resulted in five Iraqi army casualties. One am stationed at Al Asad in but we decided before he arrived that we was dead at the scene from head trauma, A Anbar province, which is in would do everything humanly possible. and the other four were brought to us. Most the western desert of Iraq. It Unfortunately, we couldn’t save him. I of the injuries were broken bones, but there is a large base that supports several forward was crushed. This 20-year-old kid looked were some abdominal organ injuries as well. operating bases throughout the western part like he could have been on the Marine They have all done well. of the country. Corps recruiting poster: rugged face, chis- On the personal side, it is tough being My departure was emotional -- the Blue eled body, blond hair. You could just tell he away from the Family, as you can well imag- Star Mothers arranged a surprise send-off was a Marine’s Marine. The entire ER staff ine. Especially my 10-year-old son -- he for me and were at the airport pre-dawn became somber and sullen. Without a word, started playing lacrosse this year and I with a group of supporters. They presented the charge nurse and two of my young helped coach before I left, but the season my mom with a Blue Star flag. medics began to clean the body to remove will probably be over by the time I get First stop was Fort Benning, Ga., for the blood and grime. Then, without anyone home. Internet access is pretty good, so I in-processing. For the first time, the harsh saying anything, these two medics sponta- am able to e-mail with them and I get to call reality of this adventure sank in -- the briefs neously carefully draped the body with an every so often. Things have settled into a on improvised explosive devices (IEDs) American flag and took up positions at the routine, as much as that is possible. There is made the hair on the back of my neck stand foot of the gurney, standing at parade rest -- not a whole lot to do when you are off up. It’s amazing how many ways the insur- “never leave a fallen comrade” -- until the shift, although I am on call 24-7 for trauma. gents have found to turn ordinary looking mortuary affairs team came to retrieve the I am hoping to start flying with the items into deadly weapons, and how many remains. medevac crews shortly. My secondary mili- ways they have developed to detonate them. I was never, simultaneously, more tary occupational specialty is as a flight sur- Casualties from IEDs are the greatest threat proud and heartsick -- proud of my medics geon, so I would like to get outside the wire right now. and their actions, yet heartsick over the loss and fly a little while I am here. Next was 20 hours of flying to get to of this Marine. He was the first combat We are succeeding in our goals for the Kuwait, where the clock started for my 90- trauma that we received since our arrival in Iraqi people. Unfortunately, only the vio- day tour. theater, and we lost him. His face and name lence is covered in the media and not the We spent another five days reviewing are etched in my brain forever. I have lost humanitarian progress that is being made. what we did at Fort Benning. (You know the many patients in the ER back home, but Many of the workers on the base are Iraqi Army, if they don’t tell you the same thing this one was different. And it affected me nationals, and they are very grateful that we at least three times, they haven’t told you.) much more than any other patient I have are here and have liberated their country. But I was glad to get another briefing on lost. They are constantly expressing their grati- IEDs. About 30 minutes after we finished that tude. Finally, I got to my duty station at Al case, we received another call that we were Our troops are remarkable, which is Asad. I am working in a combat support getting a detainee who was shot. Incredible, something I have always felt, but have now hospital as the chief of emergency services. I thought to myself, we just lost a Marine to seen. They believe in the mission and We have an emergency room with trauma insurgent actions, and now they are bringing morale is high. There is no griping or com- capabilities. Fortunately, it is fairly slow in us an insurgent. plaining. They are the consummate profes- the ER, which means the good guys aren’t He sustained a gunshot wound to the sionals, just getting the job done. getting hurt. We see a fair number of buttock that went into his abdomen and minor-moderate illnesses and injuries, which required surgery. From is fine. the time he hit the ER The Army Medical Department’s motto door until the time he is “To Conserve the Fighting Strength,” so was in the OR was 20 getting these troops with minor-moderate minutes -- a feat that ailments back into the fight is priority No. 1. many U.S. hospitals can- We also see quite a few civilians and Iraqi not achieve. He sur- army, which is all part of the mission to vived, and was nursed “win the hearts and minds.” back to health by the But we have had some major trauma as fabulous nursing staff well. Feb. 21 was a terrible day. We received and then sent to the a radio report that the medevac was detainee facility. We inbound with a Marine who sustained a learned later that he was gunshot wound to the chest. from a separate incident We got our team ready and were wait- where he and three ing for his arrival. Then we got word from other insurgents were the helicopter that they were five minutes placing IEDs. His com- out and they just lost a pulse. I felt my heart rades were killed. drop. As soon as they landed and we got A few days later, we Warrior Medic Magazine 22 Rock Star Mobs 345th CSH Sergeant Deploying on First Tour a Real Rock Star

Story and photo by Samantha L. Quigley, American Forces Press Service CAMP BUEHRING, Kuwait - reunited the sergeant with Richard Patrick, Now, it’s back to soldiering for It’s hard to imagine that Frank Filter’s only remaining original member and Cavanagh, at least for the next year. Cavanagh, a tall thin Army lead singer. “Of course, in a year, I would love to Reserve sergeant with a shaved MySpace social networking Web site come back and play with Filter,” Cavanagh C head, once had hair nearly to his presented the show yesterday with coopera- said. “The itch to play music and be in Filter shoulders and played bass for tion from Armed Forces Entertainment, a will never leave me.” the rock band Filter. group that brings entertainment to deployed Cavanaugh said he didn’t tell anyone troops, and America Supports You, a Husband, Wife Deploy Together he’d gone through basic and advanced indi- Defense Department program that connects vidual military training for some three years. citizens and companies with servicemem- Story by News 4 Jacksonville, Photo by Bob Self, He also didn’t tell anyone in his reserve unit bers and their families worldwide. The Times-Union that he had been in a successful rock band. “We really wanted it to happen. It’s a “I didn’t want either positive or nega- bridge between the two worlds,” Patrick JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - An Army couple said. “We’re coming over here to play plan to head overseas and serve their coun- rock music, and Frank’s in the military. try together even though they will have to Let’s bridge the two worlds and let every- be away from their 1-year-old boy for a year. body know it’s really one world.” Yvette and William Sims will soon be Though it was a happy compromise, heading to Iraq as members of the Army the reunion in Kuwait wasn’t quite what Reserve’s 345th combat-support hospital. Patrick had originally hoped for. While that means they’ll be together “I’m a reservist, and (Rich) had called overseas, it also means the couple only have me up about five months ago and was a few more play dates with their 1-year-old like, ‘Hey, I’m putting a new record out, son, Connor and I want you to come help me with it “It’s going to be and go back on tour,” Cavanagh said. “I heartbreaking to leave was like, ‘Buddy, I’m going on a different him,” Yvette Sims said. kind of a tour. It’s gonna be a hot one, “We’re going over there, too.’” Richard Patrick (left), lead vocalist for the band Filter, and former band of course, to support mate turned Army Reserve Sgt. Frank Cavanagh share the stage for a Cavanagh’s decision to enlist was no the mission over there reunion song during the Operation MySpace concert at Camp Buehring, surprise to Patrick, however. The singer Kuwait. and to take care of knew his buddy loved his country and the Soldiers.” military. The Sims have tive attitudes,” he said. “I just wanted to be “Knowing everything about Frank, ... been deployed in the a Soldier and get along, just because we’re Frank’s a patriot and he’s going to be exactly past, but have never all Soldiers; we’re all equal.” who he is,” Patrick said. “(The hiatus) gave gone together. It may be hard to believe that a verifi- Frank a lot of time off ... to sit and think Deploying married able “rock star” would give up a successful about what else is out there. It was the couples together is a relatively new practice, career for a Soldier’s life, but Cavanagh had (right) time for him to just go, ‘Look, I have Channel 4’s John Dunlap reported. his reasons. “I’ve done everything I wanted this opportunity, I’m going to do it.’ However, with the amount of stress on a to do in life with music,” he said. “After the “He decided to go into the military and Family that a lengthy stay overseas can cre- band went on hiatus, I was like, ‘What have serve his country. I think that’s great,” ate, the deployment of couples seems to be I not done in life?’ I’ve got a beautiful Patrick added. the direction in which the military is head- Family, beautiful kids. I love music, but I The fact that Cavanagh was going to be ing. love my country.’” at the concert made it all the more meaning- “Most of the married couples will be So, at 35, Cavanagh, followed in his ful for Patrick and the other members of together. In fact, there’s a couple getting father, uncle and brother’s footsteps and Filter. In fact, playing for the troops was the married today. They’ve been together for volunteered to serve his country. He’s a “27 first goal on his list when he decided to put eight years, and they also have a child,” said Delta,” Army-speak for a paralegal, and said his band back together. Sims. “I think the Army in particular has he loves his job. “There’s nothing more “It’s a total honor,” he said. “You’re changed its view with that 60 percent important to me, really, than what a Soldier traveling over here, and it’s time zone divorce rate. They want to change that does,” he said. “You get called upon to do changes, and you feel like a zombie, but image.” things, and sometimes you don’t like it. But, when you see the people you came for, it’s The Sims said Connor will celebrate his hey, that’s alright. There’s a higher purpose instantly worth it,” he said. “It’s a hell of an second birthday with other Family mem- for it.” experience.” bers, but his greatest present won’t come The rock star turned Soldier soon will The experience paid off big for the until this time next year when his parents come back through Camp Buehring on his troops when Cavanagh, sans his rock star return home just in time for his third birth- way to Iraq for his first tour. But first, he hair, joined his former band for one song day. had one more concert to get out of the way. during the concert that also featured come- “I’m just hoping that he’s proud of us Cavanagh was in Kuwait to reunite with dian Carlos Mencia, actress/singer Jessica and what we’ve done,” Sims said. his old band, Filter, during “Operation Simpson, the bands Disturbed and the MySpace.” More specifically, the concert Pussycat Dolls, and DJ Z-Trip. 23 An Army Reserve Medical Command Publication 345th CSH Heads to Iraq Combat Support Hospital Mobilizes

Story by Kaylee LaRocque, Editor, Jax Air News, Naval Air Station Jacksonville; Photos by Maj. William Ritter, Army Reserve Medical Command

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - A Thanks for all that you will do. And, to the deployment farewell ceremony families here today, thank you so much for was held at NAS Jax Saturday your sacrifices and allowing your loved ones S to say goodbye to 480 mem- to do so much good.” bers of the 345th Combat Col. Danny Baldwin, commander of Support Hospital who are the 345th Combat Support Hospital also headed to Iraq for the next year. Hundreds praised his troops. “Soldiers of 345th of Soldiers and their families packed Combat Support Hospital, you’ve gone and Hangar 117 for the special event to give a done so many big training events to get rousing send off to the troops who will yourselves ready for this mission that we’re spend time training at Fort Hood, Texas about to go on. To our Family members, I before deploying to Iraq. assure you that the Soldiers of 345th The ceremony featured several speakers Combat Support Hospital are trained and Family members of the 345th await for their mobilization ceremony to including Brig. Gen. Margaret Wilmoth, ready to take care of American Soldiers and begin as the unit forms-uup in the background. commanding general, 332nd Medical save lives and come back safely to you,” he Brigade, Congresswoman Corrine Brown stated. (D-Fla.) and other city and state representa- Brig. Gen. Margaret Wilmoth, com- tives. manding general, 332nd Medical Brigade, Several members of the also praised the unit. “It’s Jacksonville Jaguars and The been a long year of training. Roar were also on hand to You have not let anything greet the troops. deter you from the mission The guest speaker for of getting to this day so you the event was retired Army can go and take care of our Capt. Jonathan Pruden, who wounded Soldiers,” said was one of the first impro- Wilmoth. “You would not be vised explosive device casual- here today without the sup- ties while serving during port of your families, col- Operation Iraqi Freedom in leagues and your employers. Sgt. Michael Webster sleeps with his daughter, Ladina Boyer, while 2003 and who now works for The past year has only been awaiting the arrival of his plane to take him to Fort Hood. the Veteran’s Administration the beginning for you are and the Wounded Warrior about to fulfill your commit- Project. ments to our Army. You are “I’m here today to tell you that the sac- going to provide high quality medical and rifices you will be making for the next year nursing care to our wounded warriors. are not in vain. Whatever your views are There is no higher quality in our Army.” about the war, you’re here today and that She also stressed that the Soldiers need makes you heroes. You are prepared to to write their mothers and that the families serve and sacrifice so others can live. You should bond together and join the Family will profoundly impact countless lives, Iraqi support group. and Americans. I wouldn’t be here today if The unit drills at the Armed Forces it weren’t for people like you.” said Pruden. Reserve Center at NAS Jax and is com- “As we were driving one day while prised of Soldiers from all over the country. patrolling in Iraq, the whole world suddenly “As a combat support hospital we do every- Members of the 345th catch some sleep in the early morning as they wait exploded. When I tried to use the brakes, I thing that a civilian hospital does. We have to board their plane to Fort Hood. realized my legs weren’t working. My team surgeons, nurses and medical support staff got me to the closest medical unit and and do everything that a civilian hospital applied basic lifesaving techniques. I was does. A lot of these Soldiers are volunteers then flown to the combat support hospital. who are going back for a second time. As soon as I reached the hospital, I was Doctors are only required to be overseas for rushed into surgery. 90 days at a time, so many are choosing to For the next 48 hours, they kept me go back for a second tour,” explained Maj. alive and did two more surgeries to stabilize William Ritter, the unit’s public affairs offi- me. I also received 12 units of blood and cer. “This unit mobilized in 2003 at the from what I heard, there was not enough beginning of the war so some of these blood, so hospital staff members donated Soldiers have been there before.” to save my life. I am forever grateful to After the ceremony, the Soldiers spent them for donating so much of themselves,” time with their families before flying out Pruden continued. early the next morning. “Without the Soldiers at combat sup- Family members of the 345th say their final goodbyes as the unit pre- port hospital, I would not be alive today. pares to board their plane to Fort Hood. Warrior Medic Magazine 24 Army Salutes Last Doughboy Last WWI Veteran Honored

Story and photo by Elizabeth M. Lorge, Soldier Media Center

WASHINGTON - The last and received a standing ovation from the Winchester, England, driving officers on a American known to have standing-room-only crowd. motorcycle with a side car. served in France during He never expected to be alone, Buckles After pestering everyone he could think S World War I was on hand had said Tuesday during an interview at his of and several unsuccessful schemes to sim- W to help Secretary of farm in West Virginia, but since he is, he ply fall in line and board a troop ship across Defense Robert Gates and will serve his generation as best he can. the channel, Buckles eventually made it to Secretary of the Army Pete Geren unveil a Only 16 when the United States France, but never near the trenches. As an new portrait exhibit at the Pentagon declared war on Germany in 1917, Buckles ambulance driver, he saw plenty of casual- Thursday. had to lie about his age several times to ties, but never any combat. The life of former Cpl. Frank enlist -- although he insists “lie” is too Unforgetable ‘Black Jack’ Woodruff Buckles, now 107, mirrors the strong a word -- and was rejected by the After the war, he helped escort hun- 20th century and he remains the only repre- Marines because he was too small and by dreds of German prisoners of war home sentative of 4.7 million troops who marched off to fight the Kaiser 90 years ago - a generation of veterans now in dan- ger of being forgotten. Secretary Gates praised Buckles’ service and noted that while World War I lacks a national memorial and has failed to capture the American consciousness the way later conflicts have, it set much of the modern world stage. “The 20th century truly began with an archduke’s assassination in Sarajevo on June 28, 1914,” he said. “The war, which started as a fight over Balkan independence, left in its wake a redrawn map of Europe and the Middle East - including the demarcation of a land in Mesopotamia called Iraq. From Baghdad to Belgrade, the places that mat- tered then are in the forefront of our con- sciousness today.” Helping America Remember In 2006, photographer David DeJonge set out to help America remember a war that was neither great nor ended all wars, by documenting remaining World War I veter- Two honor-gguard Soldiers help unveil David DeJonge’s portrait of Frank Buckles, the last American World War I veteran during a Pentagon ceremony ans. By the time he could finance the proj- March 6. Nine portraits of World War I veterans, including Buckles, will remain on permanent display at the Pentagon. Buckles is seated as DeJonge and ect, four had died. Five more died within Secretary of the Army Pete Geren (right) look on. weeks of their sessions, and today only Buckles and Canadian-native John F. the Navy because he had flat feet. before returning to Oklahoma and meeting Babcock are alive. The collection of nine An Army recruiter in Oklahoma finally Gen. John “Black Jack” Pershing, com- portraits will remain on permanent display took him after Buckles said the only record mander of U.S. forces during World War I, at the Pentagon. of his birth was in the Family Bible in which Buckles still recalls as one of the “For those of us here today, we will Missouri. He joined the First Fort Riley highlights of his life. forever put the face of Corporal Buckles on Casual Detachment, serial number 15577, “After I’d given the general a snappy the Great War and the nine wrinkled and and sailed for Europe on the HMS salute and passed on, he said to the sergeant aged faces so masterfully captured by the Carpathia, the ship that had rescued the sur- to come back, he had some questions to ask artistry of our photographer, David vivors of the Titanic in 1912. me. He knew about the four gold bars on DeJonge. And when we put a human face Anxious to Reach Frontlines my sleeve, which indicated I’d been in on a heretofore faceless war, we are remind- He went to all that effort to serve, he Europe two years. He noticed the cut of my ed and convicted of the personal debt that said, “Because it’s an important thing. The jacket was better material than that issued each of us owes to those who have secured whole world was interested in this. Why by the Army. He also would have noticed the blessings of our liberty,” said Secretary shouldn’t I be?” my Missouri accent and asked me where Geren. An old sergeant had told Buckles that was I born. I said, ‘On my father’s farm... Unexpected Honor the fastest way to get to the action in France in Harrison County, Mo.’ He said, ‘I was Wearing the Legion of Honor he was was to join the ambulance corps, as ambu- born...in Linn County, just 43 miles, as the awarded by French President Jacques lance drivers were desperately needed at the crow flies, from Harrison County where you Chirac, Buckles simply thanked the room on front, but to Buckles’ dismay, his unit was were born.’” behalf of his fellow World War I veterans rerouted and he found himself in continued from page 25 25 An Army Reserve Medical Command Publication Army Re-checks Soldiers’ Health PDHRA Double-checks Deployed Army Reserve Soldiers’ Health

Story and photo by Sgt. Eric W. Jones, Army Reserve Medical Command Public Affairs Office

LEXINGTON, Mass. - Soldiers will then sit with a medical continued from page 24 Soldiers from the 399th provider for a private discussion about Wrong Place, Wrong Time Combat Support Hospital themselves and their health. If necessary, S recently completed Post the Soldiers can speak to a mental health Buckles’ next career in shipping Deployment Health Re-assess- professional if they have any concerns. brought him in contact with two of ment (PDHRA) during their If assistance is required, the Soldier can the Axis powers of the Second World Battle Assembly weekend, ensuring all receive a referral at that time to several War. He traveled frequently to the Soldiers within their ranks were receiving sources: Tri-care, the VA or their primary Germany of the Third Reich -- he the medical or mental care they need after care provider for treatment. A presumptive remembers a German officer telling having returned from Iraq. “Line of Duty” report (a military report him they were preparing for another The PDHRA is the Army Reserve’s that determines that active duty caused an war as early as the late-1920s -- and in process of “double-checking” that all ailment) is issued and treatment is pursued. a terrible example of being in the Soldiers who have returned from active duty The PDHRA was established to catch wrong place at the wrong time, was in deployments receive the appropriate health- injuries and illnesses that can show up after Manila when Japan invaded the care they may need. deployment with special regards to mental Philippines in 1941. In the past, Reserve Soldiers only went health issues that can take longer to surface. He had turned down a job in through a medical screening before they In the past, Soldiers have been reluc- Buenos Aires and expected to be in the deployed and again before tant to disclose illnesses Philippines for only six months. they were released from when they returned to the Instead, during three years of incarcer- Editor’s Note: ation, he nearly starved as he ate each active duty. Now, Soldiers U.S. for fear of being If you have not had a small, mush-like meal from a tin cup must undergo the PDHRA, retained longer at the demo- PDHRA screening the size of a coffee mug. from 90 to 180 days of their bilization site and miss antic- since you have returned Buckles still has that mug and said release from active duty, a ipated homecomings with from a deployment, call he lost more than 50 pounds in the second opportunity to get loved ones. 1-888-PDHRA-99 to prison camp. He said toward the end, military care for injuries from “At the beginning of the reach the PDHRA call the Japanese intentionally starved the deployment. war, Reserve Soldiers were center. prisoners and as the Americans got The process is simple, not complaining of anything close, they planned to murder them. but thorough. First, Soldiers because, if they did, they Paratroopers arrived just in time, and fill out a questionnaire with demographic might be stuck (for treatment) at the mobi- Buckles recalled being so happy to see information and questions pertaining to lization site and couldn’t get home,” said Lt. them that he dressed up in the their health. It is not mandatory that Col. Linda Moore, the Army Reserve starched shirt and pressed pants he had Soldiers answer the health questions, but it Medical Command PDHRA coordinator. saved for 38 months. is an opportunity to make any ailments that “They went back to their units and SecArmy: Vets Shape Future have developed since their returned to the brought up some of the issues there. But “This nation called and a country states known to the military. that made things harder as the unit had to boy from Missouri went,” said generate a Line of Duty, and it was harder Secretary Geren. “Today young men to get care. It became clear that we had to and women from our generation, the do a re-assessment, and the PDHRA pro- best of this generation too, are joined gram was developed.” in a war in a far-off land that will The biggest challenge for the 399th, shape their future and the world’s future for decades to come. As with and Army Reserve, is contacting all of the Frank Buckles’ war, some day this war Soldiers who deployed with the unit. Upon will end and all will come home with returning home, many Soldiers move into their lives and the world forever new residences or establish new phone changed and the vivid and searing numbers since they needed neither while memories of their war will live with deployed. This can make maintaining con- them throughout their days on this tact with each Soldier difficult. earth. For Soldiers who are not within com- “But for those who did not serve, muting distance or cannot attend a Battle today’s war soon will recede from the Assembly the review process can be com- front pages and into the mists of his- pleted on-line by following directions at the tory, as has the Great War, Corporal Army Knowledge Online (AKO) portal Buckles’ war. For most Americans it under the “My Health” section. There they will become little more than a chapter can fill forms and be telephoned by the in a high-school history text book and healthcare providers to finish the process. we quickly will forget the blood debt owed by the many to the few.” Capt. Linda Pascale completes a questionnaire as part of the 399th Combat Support Hospitals Post Deployment Health Re-aassessment con- ducted during a recent Battle Assemble. Warrior Medic Magazine 26 Business Care Plan Saves Company Pre-planning Saves Self-Employed Soldier’s Business

Story by Master Sgt. Enid Ramos-Mandell Army Reserve Medical Command Public Affairs Office NEW YORK, N.Y .- Sgt. That way, they can use your techniques to Ildefonso-Cruz believes that families Maj. Nelson Ildefonso-Cruz continue your businesses success in your have it the hardest when deployed. loves his business as much absence. Everything must continue as if the Soldier N as he does the Army Additionally, Ildefonso-Cruz recom- was still at home. Reserve. He has been self mends you get “Without employed for many years your replace- their support and though and knows all too ments out to understanding, well the challenges of each, including the meet with your we as Soldiers fact that he, and all Reserve Soldiers, who clients as often as cannot do our are self- employed, do not receive the same you can lead up jobs,” he stated. legal protection for their businesses as a tra- to your deploy- “I also could not ditionally employed Soldier. He knows it is ment. keep my business. up to the Soldier to implement the needed “So much Families do so procedures and practices to safeguard their of my business much more that business while they are deployed. He has a has developed miss your pres- plan. What he calls his 'Business Care Plan.' due to face-to- ents when you’re Ildefonso-Cruz, from the 8th Medical face interactions Sgt. Maj. Nelson Ildefonso-CCruz works on a patient during a recent annual training gone; they keep mission to Central America. Ildefonso-CCruz , part of 8th Medical Brigade out of Brigade out of New York, deployed to with my customer. New York, is a self employed business man. He developed a business care plan for his the world as you Kuwait in December 2004. With the on- They learn to family in order for them to run the business while he is away on military duty. knew it (before going Global War on Terrorism, he knows trust you and rely deployment) he could deploy again at anytime. on your service,” going round. His business provides medical services he stated. “When I got my deployment Asked if there was any one moment to the insurance industry. He employs and orders in 2004, I took my wife and daugh- when he thought he should just give up his manages nurses and lab technicians who ters around to all my clients and introduced business or the Army Reserve, he said, screen individuals seeking life and disability them. My customers must get to know them “Every business owner at one time or insurance coverage, collecting urine and and feel comfortable with them taking over another has questioned whether the pres- blood samples, medical history and records when he is not there,” he added. sures of running one’s own business are as well as administering Electrocardiograms “My family also needed to get use to worth it, I am no different, but I love work- (EKGs) and blood pressure screenings for their needs and idiosyncrasies.” ing for myself. I also love what I do in the insurance companies' underwriters. He recommends not waiting till you Army Reserve. I enjoy the mentoring and Ildefonso-Cruz advises anyone wanting receive your deployment orders, as he did, development of younger Soldiers. It makes to be self employed to start a 'Business to introduce your replacement to your my job worthwhile. They are the ones who Care Plan.’ from day one. He believes its clients. have inspired me to remain for 27 years. contents and tips can help keep your busi- “My family did great, as a matter of Fortunately, my ‘Business Care Plan’ has ness afloat if you are deployed. fact, one of our most demanding insurance enabled me to contuse doing both of these “So much of what I do is in my head, agents told my wife she could run the busi- loves. it is second nature. But for someone to fill ness in her sleep,” he said. “But I should Ildefonso-Cruz recommends all self- in and run a business for you, you need to have given them more opportunity to know employed Soldiers start their ‘Business Care take the time and write down everything my clients and vise-versa. Plan’ today because deployment orders you do on a daily basis for them to refer- Also included in his ‘Business Care might arrive in the mail tomorrow. ence later,” he said. Plan’ were as a list of contacts, suppliers, For more information on the protec- “I created my plan for my wife, Joann bill payments, power of attorney and emer- tion offered to the military reserve members and two adult daughters, but a good gency numbers. visit the Service Members Civil Relief Act, ‘Business Care Plan.’ can be implemented by “My wife Joann was used to running Employer Support of the Guard and anyone you trust”. the business for two weeks during annual Reserve partnership program, Small “It is just like an operations order in training, but I was only a phone call away Business Administration and the Dept of the military, it tells everyone ‘who must do then. Being mobilized for a year she would Labor in your state web sites. what, when’ to achieve success,” he added. not be able to reach me for quick solution, The ESGR or the Uniformed Services “He only difference is an operations order so I had to include anything and everything Employment and Reemployment Rights Act won’t tell you how, that is up to the individ- I thought she may need,” he said. “It is web sites also give you more information on ual leader. A ‘Business Care Plan.’ must always better for the binder to be spilling the current employment laws as they pertain include the how. Let your replacements over with unused information, than too to a Reserve Soldier. know how you achieve the success you do. emaciated due to the lack of material.” 27 An Army Reserve Medical Command Publication Vet Wins Mr. California USA Pageant AR-MEDCOM Iraq War Veteran Tops in Contest

Story by David Haldane, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer

LOS ANGELES, Calif. - The categories: Little Mr., ages 5 to 8; Junior And what of the inevitable teasing new Mr. California USA's girl- Mr., from 9 to 12; Teen Mr. from 13 to 17; from friends? friend had a suitably fond and Mr., ages 18 to 25. “I tell them there's nothing wrong with L comment after the gold crown Like their female counterparts, they are trying to get further in life,” Cyrus said. was placed on his head. judged in personal interviews, casual wear, Besides, said the 6-foot-3 contestant, “they “It's really neat,” Yahira Rojo, 20, said formal wear and, finally, on their answers to don't tease me as much as they would other when Jeremy Buraglia became the first questions asked onstage. One key difference kids because I'm bigger than them.” recipient of the title. “It's something new, is that males are not judged in bathing suits. No teasing was evident at the final but he's been there before; we were the “I didn't think it was appropriate,” event, attended by more than 200 people in prom king and queen” in 2005. Ahmadinia said. the Martha B. Knoebel Dance Theater at That was back at Anaheim's Magnolia Looks also Cal State Long High School before Buraglia, 21, became a aren't para- Beach. There sergeant in the Army, did a 15-month stint mount. “It's not was, however, in Iraq and returned to study law enforce- a beauty pag- lots of bragging. ment at Cal State Dominguez Hills. eant,” she As the con- Earlier this year he entered what was repeated. “It's testants, escorted then the Mr. Seal Beach pageant at the urg- about how they by beauty queens ing of his grandmother. “People label every- present them- wearing jeweled thing, and you don't have to match the selves. I tell the crowns and label,” Buraglia said of the all-male pageant. judges to look gowns, paraded “Everybody expects things to be cookie-cut, for someone gamely around and that's not how the world is.” who is genuine the stage dressed Somewhere along the line, the second and willing to first as baseball annual Mr. Seal Beach contest morphed into support the players, golfers the first-ever Mr. California USA pageant, community; we or surfers, and and, voila!, last weekend the future crime want a good role later in white fighter was crowned a king. model.” tuxedos and dark “We call it a scholarship pageant, not a During suits with ties, beauty pageant,” insisted founder Sarah their yearlong their fans Ahmadinia, who says she changed the reign, the pag- Jeremy Buraglia is all smiles as he is announced the winner of the first-eever Mr. cheered them event's name to broaden its range. eant kings and California USA pageant. Buraglia served a 15-mmonth tour of duty in Iraq as an Army on. The idea came to her, she said, while their runner-up sergeant and now is studying law enforcement at Cal State Dominguez Hills. “If you were watching her 21-year-old daughter Maryam princes are given a million become the 2007 Miss Seal Beach. “I saw it expected to participate in charitable events. dollars,” Cyrus was asked during the onstage was a good opportunity for the girls,” said They also represent the community at social questioning, “what would you do with it and Ahmadinia, 46, who also has a son. “My functions. Winners in each division receive why?” daughter enjoyed it; I saw how much it did scholarships ranging from $400 to $1,000. “Buy all the judges whatever they want- for her and thought, why can't boys do The money was a big motivator for ed,” he responded immediately in his bid this?” Buraglia. When friends expressed surprise at for the Teen Mr. California USA crown. Online research, she said, turned up his decision to compete, he'd tell them, He lost that title to Kennith, but the only one other “Mr.” pageant not based on “Well, do you want to give me money for would-be soccer star did manage to tie for bodybuilding or ethnicity; that one is in school?” the division's best-dressed sash by wearing a nearby Downey. So Ahmadinia put up Other contestants cited different rea- white suit and vest. Other sashes awarded in $30,000 to get the proverbial red carpet sons for entering. each division recognized the prettiest eyes, rolling, and aligned the Seal Beach pageant “On TV, all you see is girls doing pag- best hair, nicest smile and most congenial. with the Mr. USA franchise. eants,” said Kennith Salazar, 13. “I wanted The undisputed overall winner, though, Last year's pageant drew 35 partici- to show people that pageants aren't just for was Buraglia, who walked away surrounded pants, but they eventually dwindled to 14 girls.” by an entourage of beauty queens and sol- under the misguided sneers of their peers. Cyrus Mohseni, 14, said he hoped the diers. This year's field began with 22 entrants, event would further his goal of becoming a “It's exciting,” the new Mr. California gradually whittled down to a dozen, ages 7 professional soccer player. “I'll learn to be USA said of his unprecedented status. “I'm to 22. more responsible, be more of a role model ready. I think I won because I'm outside the The contestants are divided into four and meet new people,” he said. box.” Department Of The Army Standard Rate HQ, Army Reserve Medical Command U.S. Postage Public Affairs Office PAID 2801 Grand Avenue Birmingham, AL Pinellas Park, Fla. 33782 Permit No. 1798