Doctors Perform First Hand Transplant in DOD Commentary 2 by Staff Sgt
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A PUBLICATION OF THE 502nd AIR BASE WING – JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE, TEXAS • www.lackland.af.mil • Vol. 68 No. 10 • MARCH 12, 2010 INSIDE Doctors perform first hand transplant in DOD Commentary 2 By Staff Sgt. Vanessa Young Recognition 6 Defense Media Activity-San Antonio What’s Happening 21 A team of military and civilian doctors News & Features performed the first-ever female hand transplant in the U.S. at Wilford Hall Medical Center recently. On Feb. 17, retired Master Sgt. Janet McWilliams became the 10th person in the U.S. to undergo the procedure and the first to have it done in a Department of Defense facility. E-8 promotions 3 Almost nine years ago, the former first sergeant of Lackland’s 342nd Training Squadron lost her left hand and severely injured her right hand when a package bomb exploded in her office. After years of surgical reconstruction and failed attempts to find a suitable prosthesis for her left arm, doctors asked MWD Adoption 8 Sergeant McWilliams if she was willing to be put on a waiting list for a hand donor. Since the incident, Sergeant Mc- Williams has undergone more than 25 surgeries for her injuries, but when her Photo by Staff Sgt. Bennie Davis III doctor suggested a hand transplant, she Retired Master Sgt. Janet McWilliams became the first woman to undergo a hand transplant didn’t stop to think; she immediately Feb. 17 at Wilford Hall Medical Center. She is the 10th person to undergo the procedure in the Drum & Bugle Corps14 said, “Yes.” On Feb. 16, a hand donor U.S. and the first to have it done at a Defense Department facility. was identified. “I received a gift, a hand,” she said. Service at Wilford Hall. However, he said, and the patches of her former units. She “In the back of my mind, I’ve always it would take at least six months for her said she hopes the news of this proce- wanted to have a hand. This wonderful to regain any feeling in her new hand. dure gives wounded warriors another family gave me that gift. I’m so honored This transplant, Sergeant Williams choice and helps them decide if this type to have this hand.” said, is not only a significant occasion for of procedure is for them. MLRS wins opener 22 In contrast to an organ donor, select- her, but for all wounded warriors. To date, no active-duty individuals ing a donor for a hand transplant recipi- “I am hoping that I can open the door have undergone this procedure, said Col. ent involves additional emphasis on for other wounded warriors who are James Ficke, the chairman of Wilford matching skin tone color, gender and the coming back from Iraq, Afghanistan and Hall and Brooke Army Medical Center size of the hand, said Dr. Joe Nespral, the other areas of the world who’ve lost Integrated Departments of Orthopedics director of Clinical Services at the Texas hands (or) arms,” she said. “Hopefully and Rehabilitation. Organ Sharing Alliance. this will provide hope for them as well as There are about 50 wounded warriors Two weeks after the surgery, Sergeant receiving something back that is who have an injury and may be eligible McWilliams already experienced move- absolutely priceless, and that is our dig- for this type of procedure. Along with ment in her thumb and fingers, said Maj. nity.” Sergeant McWilliams, only one former (Dr.) Dmitry Tuder, who was part of the Whenever she’s in the hospital, Marine has received a hand transplant, View the Talespinner online surgical transplantation team and is the Sergeant McWilliams dons a hospital at www.lackland.af.mil chief of Hand and Upper Extremity gown with her former first sergeant rank See HAND P2 PAGE 2 TALESPINNER MARCH 12, 2010 COMMENTARY Great leaders share common traits By Master Sgt. David Harvatin Editorial staff 344th Training Squadron “Rather than rule, a leader guides a team. He charts a course, BRIG. GEN. LEONARD PATRICK, 502ND AIR BASE WING COMMANDER My time as a mobile training gives direction and develops the social and psychological environ- team instructor is coming to a OSCAR BALLADARES, ment. A coach must give some responsibility to Airmen in order to DIRECTOR, 502ND ABW OL-A close. Over the years, I’ve PUBLIC AFFAIRS learned many characteristics go foster independence.” JOE BELA, hand in hand with truly out- - Master Sgt. David Harvatin CHIEF OF INTERNAL 344th Training Squadron standing leadership and I want- COMMUNICATIONS, 671-4111 ed to share what I feel are the SHANNON CARABAJAL, most important qualities of a They select the right strategy for being timid will not get them potential. Supervisors, along MANAGING EDITOR, 671-1786 great leader. the right situation, even when where they want to go. This with their Airmen, must set MIKE JOSEPH, Leadership is the process of the pressure is overwhelming. confidence and assertiveness obtainable yet demanding team STAFF WRITER, 671-4357 influencing team members to Great leaders are well organ- usually trickles down to their goals. Strong leadership is use- PATRICK DESMOND, commit to achieving team goals. ized, detail-oriented and, due to team members and the quality less if Airmen are disinterested SPORTS EDITOR/STAFF WRITER, There are two types of leader- their thorough preparation, and effectiveness of a great in the mission or goals. Super- 671-5049 ship: task-oriented or people- rarely caught off guard. Because leader will often show itself by visors should develop a strong PAUL NOVAK, oriented. Task-oriented leaders of their great knowledge, they way of the team’s effort as a rapport which involves trust and DESIGN/LAYOUT, 671-0478 focus on training, instructing are great educators and motiva- whole. confidence on both ends. behavior, performance and win- tors. They are also flexible, A supervisor’s confidence in Rather than rule, a leader Office: 1701 Kenly Ave. Suite 102 ning. People-oriented leaders understanding that they may the team can give team mem- guides a team. He charts a Lackland AFB, Texas are more interested in the inter- have to alter plans due to bers added strength to do course, gives direction and 78236-5103 personal relationships on the changing circumstances. extraordinary things. develops the social and psycho- (210) 671-1786; (fax) 671-2022 team. While great leaders are Successful leaders are highly Leaders also must have logical environment. A coach E-mail: [email protected] both task- and people-oriented, driven and intrinsically motivat- respect for their Airmen; if must give some responsibility to Commander’s Action Line: actionline@lackland. af.mil. they lean more toward being ed and they foster that same Airmen are not treated with Airmen in order to foster inde- Straight Talk: 671-6397 (NEWS) task-oriented. enthusiasm in their associates. genuine respect, they will not pendence. For advertising information: Leaders must possess the They have a high energy level, respect the supervisor. Excellence in leadership is Prime Time Military Newspapers 2203 S. Hackberry qualities they are trying to create task excitement and are The great leader is a master achieved by people who have a San Antonio, Texas 78210 incorporate into their team. If a catalysts for positive action. of communication. He is aware strong sense of vision, have pas- (210) 534-8848 leader wants his team to have To get Airmen to purse excel- of the strong need for actions to sion and are able to get Airmen (fax) 534-7134 confidence, self control and dis- lence and believe hard work match words. I have known sen- to commit 100 percent and take cipline, he must exemplify these pays off, supervisors must be ior NCOs and officers who the necessary actions to see that traits. Leading by example is good motivators with a gift of talked a good game but never vision become reality. Great This newspaper is published by Prime Time Military Newspapers, a important because leaders serve verbal persuasion. Motivation delivered on their promises. leaders are great communica- private firm in no way connected with the U.S. Air Force, under exclusive as an influential role model to shouldn’t be taken for granted. Leaders must possess a willing- tors, extend mutual respect, written contract with Lackland AFB, their team and everything they Even motivated Airmen can use ness to listen to input with an instill confidence and enthusi- Texas. This commercial enterprise Air Force newspaper is an authorized do is scrutinized. some additional motivation from open mind. Engaging in two- asm and consistently show cred- publication for members of the U.S. Great leaders are often schol- supervisors. They must be way communication, being ibility and integrity. military services. Contents of the Talespinner are not necessarily the ars in their field and are very encouraged to stay true to our approachable and having an Becoming a great leader official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. government, the Department of intelligent. They aren’t know-it- core values. open door policy enhances team takes time and hard work. But Defense, or the Department of the Air alls, they understand there is Great leadership encompass- relations and builds trust. as Vince Lombardi said, Force. The appearance of advertising in always more to learn and are es confidence, assertiveness and Airmen should know they can “Leaders are made, they are not this publication, including inserts or willing to admit mistakes. They mutual respect. Great leaders ask for him and communicate born; and they are made just supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the Department of make decisions based on facts, take calculated risks and are openly without fear of reprisal.