November/December 2010

Executive Job Shadowing Engaging With the Public First VA/DoD Health Care Center Rural Health Initiative Features

A.O. Miner: Speeding Benefits to Vietnam Vets 6 New tool embodies VA’s transformation into a 21st-century organization Engaging With the Public 8 VA increases its social media presence 14 A Blending of Missions 10 Nation’s first VA/DoD federal health care center launches in Illinois A New Home for the Bloedner Monument 12 Nation’s oldest existing Civil War memorial is relocated A Hero’s Welcome for a Fallen Warrior 14 A Vietnam veteran is finally laid to rest in Oklahoma Making Waves in San Diego 16 Newly injured, disabled veterans learn skills at the Summer Sports Clinic Slipping the Surly Bonds of Earth 18 16 San Juan engineer pursues his lifelong dream to become an astronaut Living the Life of a Busy Executive 20 Field CIOs witness change in the making through job shadowing Taking Roads Less Traveled to Bring Care to Vets 22 Rural Health Initiative takes hold in North Carolina and Virginia Back in Service: The Phoenix Rises Again 24 Forgotten patch is resurrected at Indianapolis VA Medical Center It’s About Time at Togus National Cemetery 25 19th-century artifacts found during monument restoration 24 Departments

VAnguard 3 Outlook 33 Have You Heard VA’s Employee Magazine 4 News You Can Use 36 Honors November/December 2010 26 Around Headquarters 39 Heroes Vol. LVI, No. 5 30 Introducing 40 Veterans Day 31 Medical Advances

Editor: Lisa Gaegler Assistant Editor/Senior Writer: Gary Hicks On the cover Photo Editor: Robert Turtil Damian Zebrosky, left, a network chief Staff Writer: Amanda Hester information officer based at the St. Paul (Minn.) VA Regional Office, spent two weeks Published by the Office of Public Affairs (80D) at VA Central Office shadowing Assistant Secretary for Information and Technology U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Roger Baker, right. The shadowing program 810 Vermont Ave., N.W. concept developed out of Baker’s desire Washington, D.C. 20420 to fully understand the opportunities and (202) 461-7427 challenges the 210 facility and network CIOs E-mail: [email protected] in OI&T face every day. Participating CIOs www.va.gov/opa/publications/vanguard.asp experience the professional life of VA’s top CIO. photo by Emerson Sanders

2 VAnguard • November/December 2010 FEEDBACKOUTLOOKOUTLOOK ‘Greening’ VA: Serving Veterans Sustainably James M. Sullivan Director, Asset Enterprise Management

In my capacity as VA’s senior portantly, for veterans. mental Design program and management; and GHG emis- sustainability officer and direc- The Department has set 21 through the Green Globes sions reduction, which cuts tor of Asset Enterprise Man- some ambitious greening goals program. As of 2009, all new across all program areas and agement—with the support of at the corporate level. We are major construction projects re- organizational elements. staff across the Department—I aiming for a 30 percent reduc- quire LEED silver certification These program areas rep- oversee VA’s large capital asset tion in our Scope 1 and Scope in project specifications. resent our corporate approach portfolio (buildings, land and 2 greenhouse gas (GHG) To increase the energy to sustainability. Under the infrastructure) and promote emissions by 2020, and a 10 efficiency of our buildings, auspices of these programs, environmentally sustainable percent reduction in our Scope we are replacing windows, VA centrally administers and practices at every level of our 3 emissions. (Scope 1 and 2 roofs and other building com- coordinates Department-wide organization. In short, we emissions are those that result ponents with energy-saving policy and greening initiatives. work collectively and collab- directly or indirectly from VA products, and improving the Just as important as these oratively to “green” VA and activities; Scope 3 emissions existing energy infrastructure, large-scale measures is the maintain the Department’s are those that occur as a result including heating, cooling, grassroots approach to green- federal leadership role in sus- of agency activities, such as ventilation, steam and electri- ing VA promoted through the tainability. employee travel.) cal distribution systems. VA Green Routine initiative. Sustainability is the capac- To accomplish these has already reduced its energy This initiative harnesses ity to endure—to preserve the goals, we have developed a intensity by 12.3 percent since the participation of employees potential for long-term main- Strategic Sustainability Perfor- 2003, and we plan to achieve at all levels by promoting and tenance of health and well-be- mance Plan (available on our a further 3 percent reduction recognizing green practices in ing, which extends beyond our Web site, at www.green.va.gov) each year. daily actions and decisions. If physical infrastructures and that details the mission-specific We are also greening the Department’s approach environment to our way of challenges we face and our our fleet of motor vehicles. to sustainability were limited life. To promote sustainability is to actively choose to make To promote sustainability is to actively choose to make green practices part of our green practices part of our culture through our daily culture through our daily ac- tions and behavior—at work, actions and behavior—at work, at home, and everything at home, and everything we do we do in between. in between, from traveling and commuting to the purchases approach to addressing them. VA has already acquired 400 only to large-scale, highly vis- we make. On a larger scale, VA is install- hybrid sedans and nearly 150 ible projects such as solar panel VA has a clear, uncom- ing solar, wind, geothermal alternative-fuel vehicles. The and wind turbine installations, promising mission: to care for and other renewably fueled en- Veterans Health Administra- our greening efforts would be and provide quality benefits ergy systems on-site at facilities tion and National Cemetery incomplete and fall short of and services to veterans and nationwide—15 percent of the Administration are planning to our goals. their families. I believe incor- Department’s electricity con- substantially increase the use of Such simple steps as porating sustainability into sumption will be clean energy, electric vehicles at their facili- printing double-sided, turning our capital asset management fueled by renewable sources, ties. To meet the fueling needs off your PC monitor when not practices is simply a better by 2013. For a map and loca- of this green fleet, VA has in use, recycling, and purchas- approach to the stewardship tions of these renewable energy begun the installation of up to ing green products and energy- of the resources the American projects, visit our Web site. 91 ethanol-based fueling sta- efficient electronics contribute people have entrusted to us. VA is greening its build- tions at facilities nationwide. to VA’s sustainability goals. Going green means safeguard- ings, both new and existing, VA’s sustainability goals Remember, by helping ing our national security by with the goal of reaching a 15 are administered through the VA go green, you are helping reducing our reliance on fossil percent sustainable inventory Green Management Program, us do the right thing every fuels and, more basic than by 2015. Currently, 25 facili- which is comprised of five pro- day. We ask you to engage that, doing the right thing ev- ties have received independent, gram areas: energy and water with us in greening VA, and ery day—for the environment, third-party certification as management; environmental if you have suggestions, ideas the communities in which we green—four through the Lead- management; fleet manage- or questions, e-mail us at live and serve, and most im- ership in Energy and Environ- ment; sustainable buildings [email protected].

VAnguard • November/December 2010 3 NEWS YOU CAN USE

Reaching Out to Veterans? Try Using a Phone-a-Thon

In communications circles term “telethon” was not used this to help veterans get the have gone unanswered without these days, there’s a lot of talk because, for many, it implies care they deserve. I’d like to our staff members answering about social media, such as Fa- that the primary purpose is to get 50,000 new vets enrolled, the phones. cebook, Twitter and numerous raise money). and I’m willing to talk with “Our staff also coordi- other outlets, and the newest Local television stations any medical centers who want nated the timely enrollment of technologies available for use provided a 90-second segment to know how we did this.” eligible veterans, ensured expe- by those charged with reaching every half-hour throughout the More than 700 calls were dient appointment scheduling, out to their various customers day. The station sold the air- received, and more than 465 and directed questions outside or constituents. time to a commercial sponsor, applications were sent to the the scope of eligibility to the But it’s important to and the Syracuse VA received veterans who called that day. appropriate departments and remember that creative ap- the airtime at no charge. Hoffman took care of agencies for follow-up.” plication of some of the “old “Everyone was a winner,” the business side of the event, “The Syracuse phone-a- tools” on the communicator’s said Sclar. “The station sold scheduling employees to man thon was an excellent example workbench can be equally ef- the commercial time. The the phones, mailing the appli- of staff working together to fective. sponsor positioned itself as an cations, and the all-important recruit veterans to enroll in One day last December, entity that cares about veter- Gordon Sclar, the public af- ans, and the Syracuse VA was fairs officer at the Syracuse able to reach out to veterans (N.Y.) VA Medical Center, and their family members who read an e-mail item about a might not otherwise be aware unique media event held by of the VA health care mes- the VA Salt Lake City Health sage.” Care System. The first phone-a-thon “The e-mail caught my took place on March 13. The eye because I knew instantly phones began ringing at 6 a.m. that this idea, with modifica- that Saturday and continued tions to fit our local televi- to ring until the conclusion at sion market, would educate 6:30 p.m. veterans about the latest VA VA informational seg- benefits, while at the same ments were scheduled time increase our veteran en- throughout the day, one every rollment,” said Sclar. half-hour. Each segment dealt A call to Jill Atwood, the with a different program: Op- Salt Lake City PAO, yielded eration Enduring Freedom/ specifics about a successful Operation Iraqi Freedom; susan b. george event she coordinated on quality of care; behavioral Veteran and VA patient Mike Otis, a local broadcaster, hosted the phone-a- Veterans Day 2009. Atwood health; adult day care; GI Bill; thons in central New York. shared the details of how she women’s health and more. arranged a telethon-type event Sclar brought in a former task of follow-up phone calls the VA health care system,” on the local CBS affiliate. The broadcaster and owner of to veterans who responded. By said Hoffman. “By partnering initiative had drawn more than Media One Communications, mid-August, more than 230 with public affairs staff and 400 calls. Michael Otis, a veteran who new veteran appointments had the Veterans Service Center, Recognizing the pos- is also an enrolled patient at been scheduled. we were able to pull together sibilities for his market, Sclar the Syracuse VA, to host the The Syracuse VA’s Vet- a very impactful media-driven brought the idea to Syracuse event. erans Service Center played a outreach event. Leadership VA Outreach Coordinator Bill Area veterans and their major role in the event’s suc- at the Syracuse VA is firmly Hoffman. They brainstormed family members responded by cess, with staff answering the committed to veteran outreach to develop a new and effective calling a special phone num- phones. “Callers had the abil- in the community, and this way to reach large numbers of ber to request an application ity to speak to health care eli- support allows us to develop eligible veterans who have yet from the VA staff manning the gibility experts immediately,” outreach initiatives on a much to enroll for VA services. phones. said Veterans Service Center bigger scale.” Their discussions paid off. “I was amazed at the Manager Michael Van Zum- On the heels of this Sclar suggested a unique com- number of veterans who don’t meren. “A significant number success, a second phone-a- mercial television campaign: know they are eligible for VA of questions were addressed thon took place on July 22, an all-day phone-a-thon (the care,” Otis said. “I had to do during the event that may covering the east side of the

4 VAnguard • November/December 2010 NEWS YOUOUTLOOK CAN USE

Syracuse VA’s coverage area, ket. Again, the staff worked achievements that teamwork These individuals, along with focusing on the cities of Utica, the phones for 12-and-a-half among public affairs, outreach our own VA staff, played a Rome and Herkimer. hours, from 6 a.m. to 6:30 and the Veterans Service Cen- major role in promoting the The results? Another out- p.m., drawing an astounding ter can produce. event, weeks in advance. The standing success—more than 1,000 calls and sending out “Collaboration is key to total veteran community must 800 calls received, with 650 more than 800 applications. phone-a-thon success,” said be aware and involved. Phone- applications sent out to veter- Reviewing the success Sclar. “To help communicate a-thons, like so many other ans that night. of the events, Sclar noted the the VA message, local con- VA initiatives, require col- Meanwhile, Canandaigua lessons learned by everyone gressmen, county executives, laboration, the teamwork that VA Medical Center PAO involved: the value of sharing and state and county veterans makes it happen.” Dan Ryan produced a phone- ideas; the effective relation- service officers participated in Sharing, adapting and a-thon on July 20 for the ships VA medical centers have both live and taped segments teamwork—the best kind of Canandaigua/Rochester mar- with their local media; and the telecast throughout the day. “social media.”

Hiring Reform Will Make it Easier to Apply for Federal Jobs

On May 11, President Obama mandate. The taskforce has ter a “black hole.” Applicants timeframe can be reduced even signed a memorandum to already begun work to make will receive feedback on the further. VA launched a new transform federal government job announcements shorter status of their application at a Intranet site, vaww.va.gov/ recruitment and hiring prac- and easier to understand. Job minimum of four points in the hiringreform, that includes tices as well as deliver on his announcements of 10 to 12 process: receipt of application; easy-to-digest information pledge to transform VA into a pages are being reduced to qualification determination; customized for managers, ap- 21st-century organization. about three pages. referral status; and result. plicants and HR specialists, The memorandum calls, Rather than departmental “This reform will make it and is conducting webinars in part, for the elimination of jargon, the announcements are easier for veterans to seek and and other training to make the lengthy application processes, written in easy-to-understand obtain federal jobs,” said Dep- transition easier. including essay-style questions terms. Instead of assessments uty Secretary W. Scott Gould. demonstrating knowledge, that require long essay re- “It does for veterans what skills and abilities (KSAs) for sponses to a list of knowledge, it does for every federal job initial applicants; a reduction skills and abilities, modern seeker: It speeds up the whole in the time it takes to hire assessment tools with quick process and greatly simplifies mission-critical and commonly questionnaires will be used. the initial application, relieving filled positions; and greater in- Applicants will be able to use a veterans of having to write a volvement by managers in the simple resume and cover letter book just to apply for a job. hiring process. to apply for a job instead of All they’ll need is a resume.” “Americans must be pages-long resumes that bog For managers, the reform able to apply for federal jobs down selection processes. will put the focus on partner- through a common-sense hir- “I’m excited that govern- ing with HR practitioners to ing process, and agencies must ment-wide hiring reform will develop staffing plans, with be able to select high-quality make it easier for members of the overall aim of reducing candidates efficiently and the public to apply for jobs,” hiring timelines and providing quickly,” the President wrote said Associate Deputy As- access to the highest-quality in the memo. “The ability of sistant Secretary for Human candidates. Lack of job analy- agencies to perform their mis- Resources Policy and Planning sis and workforce planning at The winning entry in a VA hiring sions effectively and efficiently Annie Spiczak. “The American the front end of the staffing reform poster contest, designed depends on a talented and en- public deserves the best and process may result in a lack of by Andre Purnell and Yang Zhao of the Bronx VA Medical Center. gaged workforce, and we must brightest in the federal work- qualified applicants. reform our hiring system to force.” The taskforce is also look- The President charged further strengthen that work- VA will be using USA ing at how they can reduce the Office of Personnel Man- force.” Staffing, an automated talent timelines on tasks such as can- agement with working with A team of human re- management system, and Web didate assessments, referral list agencies to ensure that best sources professionals and line HR, a tracking system for re- development, and interviewing practices are being developed managers across the Depart- quests for personnel actions, to candidates. VA’s goal is to and used throughout govern- ment were gathered to create streamline and automate the reduce the time it takes to hire ment. Visit www.opm.gov/Hir- the VA Hiring Reform Task- hiring process. Hiring process- new talent by 10 percent. ingReform/Index.aspx for more force, which is charged with es are being revised to ensure However, VA senior information on hiring reform implementing the Presidential that applications no longer en- management believes that the across the federal government.

VAnguard • November/December 2010 5 A.O. Miner: Speeding Benefits to Vietnam Veterans New tool embodies VA’s transformation into a 21st-century organization.

hen Secretary Eric K. Shin- related to Agent Orange. Basing his when they need more information, seki took the helm of VA, he decision in part on the Institute of and most importantly, which VA Wreiterated President Obama’s Medicine’s 2008 Update on Agent hospital the information resides in challenge to transform the Depart- Orange, Secretary Shinseki added and how they can get it. The goal is ment into a 21st-century organization, Parkinson’s disease and ischemic to help VBA staff adjudicate veterans’ adding that VA should be “veteran- heart disease to the list of conditions, claims under the newly added Agent centric, results-oriented, and forward- and expanded chronic lymphocytic Orange presumptive conditions with- looking.” leukemia to include all chronic B cell out requiring them to be scheduled for Twenty-seven employees span- leukemias, such as hairy cell leukemia. a medical exam. ning the Veterans Health Admin- His action will offer veterans exposed The A.O. Miner project will scan istration, Veterans Benefits Admin- to herbicides while serving in Viet- VHA health records to see if a vet- istration, Office of Information and nam an easier path to access quality eran has a diagnosis or treatment in- Technology, Office of Public Affairs, health care and qualify for disability formation in their health record that Office of General Counsel and Of- compensation. matches one of the new presumptive fice of the Secretary collaborated on In practical terms, veterans who conditions. The results will be stored a project this year that embodies all served in Vietnam during the war and in a central location where adjudica- three of those principles—it’s called who have a “presumed” illness don’t tors can find the information they are “Agent Orange Electronic Health Re- have to prove an association between looking for quickly and easily. cord Miner,” or A.O. Miner in short their medical problems and their mili- “As a whole, the A.O. Miner form—an exciting initiative designed tary service. By helping these veterans project is veteran-centric in that it to help break the back of the benefits overcome evidentiary requirements focuses not only on expediting new backlog. that might otherwise present signifi- claims, but also automatically exam- “The way the Agent Orange Elec- cant challenges, this “presumption” ines the electronic health records of tronic Health Record Miner works is simplifies and speeds up the applica- thousands of VA patients searching that we run queries against national tion process and ensures that veterans for those with the newly defined pre- data already extracted from the VistA receive the benefits they deserve. sumptive conditions,” said VA Chief electronic health record,” said John More than 150,000 veterans are of Staff John Gingrich. “This allows Quinn, director of national data sys- expected to submit Agent Orange VA to be proactive and take action tems in the VHA Office of Health claims in the next 12 to 18 months, on the veterans’ behalf to provide the Information, whose staff coordinated and VA will review approximately health care and benefits they need the project. “We combine that data 90,000 previously denied claims based and deserve.” through a manual process and then on the additions to the list of condi- The use of the A.O. Miner proj- post in a database where VBA staff tions. ect furthers the transformation of VA can look up the coded medical infor- Enter the “forward thinking” of into a 21st-century organization by mation, such as diagnosis codes and the A.O. Miner project. With such a being “results driven”—using informa- procedure codes (ICD-9 and CPT), in high number of expected claims and tion technology to gather and analyze one place.” thousands more to review, VBA and data, as opposed to traditional manual The A.O. Miner project stems other employees looked to develop approaches to processing and review- from a new rule on Agent Orange the tool to speed up the process and ing claims and medical records. published in the Federal Register in reduce potential backlogs. Technology notwithstanding, the August. The new rule expanded the Essentially, the new process will key to the development of the A.O. list of conditions VA presumes to be help claims adjudicators recognize Miner project was the collaboration

6 VAnguard • November/December 2010 Agent Orange was the most widely used of the herbicide com- binations sprayed over Vietnam to remove the foliage providing cover for the enemy; millions of gallons were sprayed on trees and vegetation by the military. AP file photos between VHA, VBA and the dozens Management Office, VHA; Kerry Deputy Under Secretary for Health, of offices the employees represent. Baker, Compensation and Pension VHA; Jeffrey Littrell, AITC; Thomas “What you saw take place here was Service, VBA; Maddox, M.D., Cardiology, VHA; groups across VBA and VHA shar- Jacki Bebb, Office of Health Linda Nugent (retired), Office of ing the load in tackling a problem,” Information, VHA; Roger Bragg, Health Information; Brian Olinger, said Tom Kniffen, Compensation and Austin Information Technology Office of Health Information; Michael Pension Regulations staff section chief Center (AITC); Vincent Calabrese, Palmer, Compensation and Pension in VBA. “Each person brought the M.D., Neurology, VHA; Dean Chris- Service; Tom Pamperin, Office of Pol- strengths of their part of VA, not the topher, Compensation and Pension icy and Program Management, VBA; boundaries that limited perspectives. Service; Ethan Coble, AITC; Scot Karla Porter, Office of Health Infor- So claims specialists from VBA, clini- Dingman, VISN Support Service mation; Julie Presley, VSSC; John cians and coders from VHA, and data Center (VSSC), VHA; Raye Anne Quinn, Office of Health Information; analysts from both administrations Dorn, Oncology, VHA; Gail Graham, Troy Sherrill, VSSC; Brian Stephens, each contributed a share, and together Health Information Management, Compensation and Pension Service; they built something that is working VHA; Shawn Hardenbrook, Chief Suryapratap “SP” Thakur, VSSC; and and that will work for veterans and for Business Office, VHA; Susan Hickey, Michael van Gaalen, Compensation VA.” Office of Health Information; Larry and Pension Service. Those employees are: Leslie Ar- Hughes, Office of Health Information; win, M.D., Disability Examination Robert Jesse, M.D., Principal By Gary Hicks

VAnguard • November/December 2010 7 VA increases its social media presence.

f you don’t know what Facebook is, count your- Iself as one of the few. The latest statistics show the popular social media Web site has more than 500 million members— that’s equal to the entire population of the United States plus an additional 200 million people, give or take a few. With numbers like that, it’s easy to understand why VA maintains a presence on the popular site and other fast-growing social media forums. “Since fall 2009, VA has made a concerted effort to reach and converse with a younger cohort of veterans through the use of social media, in- cluding Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Flickr and blogs,” said Director of

Engaging With the Publicrobert turtil

New Media Brandon Friedman. “Cur- Labs, 84 percent of all Facebook users nology are spearheading the creation rently, VA has the fastest-growing were between the ages of 18 and 54. of a comprehensive, Department-wide Facebook page, and largest following, From 2008 to 2009, users ages 18 to social media policy to further develop among Cabinet-level agencies—with 24 increased by 21 percent; those ages the Department’s new media presence more than 68,000 subscribers, most of 25 to 34 increased by 102 percent; and reach the growing number of vet- which have been gained since Veter- those between the ages of 35 and 54 erans using Facebook and other sites. ans Day last year.” increased by 276 percent; and users Friedman said the intent is to provide About 1,000 people subscribe over the age of 55 grew by 194 per- VA employees with a framework for to VA’s Facebook page every week. cent. using social media as part of their jobs. It’s numbers like that and favorable While the 18 to 34 age group still “The way I see it, we have nearly demographics that have the Depart- accounts for more than half the users 300,000 employees who can act as ment increasing its presence on the on the site, the older demographic is ambassadors to veterans. But we need Web, and it’s not just intended to starting to take notice. VA’s Office of to make sure everyone has a firm un- reach younger veterans. According to Public and Intergovernmental Affairs derstanding of the do’s and don’ts,” a study conducted in 2009 by Strategy and Office of Information and Tech- Friedman said. And that’s what the

8 VAnguard • November/December 2010 Opposite: Director of New Media Brandon Above: VA now has an ac- Friedman, right, with blogger Alex Horton. tive and growing presence Both are Army combat veterans of Iraq— on Facebook, Twitter, You- Friedman also served in Afghanistan—and Tube and Flickr. experienced bloggers. policy will lay out. VA has begun—as with Facebook—to to improving its blogging presence to Currently, each administration expand to all medical centers in 2010. reach more veterans and better com- (Veterans Health Administration, We also launched the first official municate news and important mes- Veterans Benefits Administration and Twitter feed for a VA principal in sages pertaining to benefits and health National Cemetery Administration) January 2010, when Assistant Secre- care. “We are launching an online has its own Facebook page for topic- tary for Public and Intergovernmental communications hub that will feature specific conversations, as do 51 VA Affairs Tammy Duckworth began a central VA blog, topical blogs, and medical centers—with plans to launch engaging with the public via her own have a section for guest pieces— individual pages for the remaining 102 VA Twitter account.” submitted by VA staff and the public medical centers by the beginning of VA has also embraced video- and alike,” said Friedman. next year. photo-sharing media with the use of For more information, visit: VA is in a similar situation with YouTube (videos) and Flickr (photos). n www.facebook.com/VeteransAffairs Twitter, with four separate official In November 2009, VA launched a n twitter.com/DeptVetAffairs Twitter feeds for both the Department Department-wide YouTube channel, n www.youtube.com/user/ and each of the three administrations. which has now integrated video capa- DeptVetAffairs “Since Veterans Day 2009, VA’s bility for VHA, VBA and NCA. The n www.flickr.com/photos/ primary Twitter feed has gained channel currently has more than 160 VeteransAffairs nearly 8,000 followers,” said Fried- veteran-centric videos that have been n www.blogs.va.gov man. “While 27 VA medical centers viewed more than 180,000 times. currently have active Twitter feeds, The Department is also dedicated By Gary Hicks

VAnguard • November/December 2010 9

The nation’s first VA/DoD federal health care center launches.

uring a ceremony in front of more than 1,500 people Oct. D1, congressional, civic and government leaders showed the na- tion why integrating medical facilities and resources from the Department of Defense and VA makes sense. The 85-minute ceremony culmi- nated years of planning and marked the completion of a three-phased process to integrate the former Naval Health Clinic Great Lakes and North Chicago VA Medical Center into the Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center. “Our gathering here today marks a major milestone, capping several years of hard work—planning, design- ing, programming and activating the first-ever joint VA/DoD federal health care center,” said Patrick Sullivan, the new center’s director. “Today, we are no longer proud staff and volunteers of the North Chicago VA or Naval Health Clinic Great Lakes, but proud staff and volunteers of the Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center. We are part of a much larger mission.” As the director of the na- tion’s first federal health care center, Sullivan is the first VA leader with a combined mission of military readi- ness and caring for veterans.

paul engstrom A Blending of Missions

Capt. Thomas McGue, the last McGue addressed the audience and McGue. “What I’d like to assert today commanding officer of Naval Health welcomed the most important people is that both this change of command Clinic Great Lakes, was honored at at the ceremony. and the dedication of the federal the ceremony for his dedication and “Good afternoon to the active health care center is not about those years of service. Just before being duty beneficiaries and veterans of of us on stage today, but about hon- awarded the Legion of Merit medal, North Chicago and Great Lakes,” said oring a commitment to those of you

10 VAnguard • November/December 2010 who have given so much to serve this ners, the official partnership began in “veteran care” under a single gov- country while proudly wearing the October 2002, when the Executive ernance structure. This means the uniforms of the Navy, Army, Marine Council Decision Memo was signed,” health care center will see active duty Corps, Air Force and Coast Guard.” said Sullivan. “That memo directed military, veterans, military family Met with a standing ovation, the partnership and outlined the three members (including children) and retired naval officer and NASA as- phases of integration.” military retirees. tronaut James A. Lovell approached Sullivan explained that the first The facility will serve patients at the microphone with the confidence phase of the partnership was accom- five distinct locations in northern Il- and perseverance that have made him plished in October 2003, when the linois and southern Wisconsin. These renowned. Navy shifted inpatient mental health include the 107-acre West Campus “Ladies and gentlemen, the day to the North Chicago VAMC. at 48 buildings in North Chicago; has finally come,” said Lovell. “The The second phase of the partner- five branch medical clinics on the opening of a first-of-its-kind—a fed- ship was supported by a $13 million East Campus at Naval Station Great eral health care center to serve the VA renovation and modernization Lakes; and three community-based members of the armed forces, both project to expand the emergency and outpatient clinics, in Evanston and past and present. I am greatly hon- surgery departments at the North Chi- McHenry, Ill., and Kenosha, Wis. ored and deeply humbled to have my cago facility. As part of this phase, the “Our integration is truly a win- name associated with this institution. Navy transferred all operating room, win-win for all parties involved,” said I’ve always felt that the welfare of our intensive care unit and emergency Sullivan. “It’s good for taxpayers, it’s veterans and active duty personnel is room services from Naval Station good for staff members, and most im- an essential ingredient in providing a Great Lakes to the North Chicago portantly, it’s good for our patients.” strong military.” VA Medical Center—including Sullivan explained that taxpayers As nearly a dozen speakers ad- pediatrics, the first for any VA medi- are saving approximately $20 million dressed the crowd that filled the cal center. In addition, all inpatient annually by integrating operations. entrance to the new ambulatory care center, a common theme among the “Our integration is good for taxpayers, it’s good presenters was the notion that getting to the point of complete integration for staff members, and most importantly, it’s was far from easy or quick. good for our patients.” As many at the podium acknowl- edged, the path to integration began medical and surgical services were He noted that staff members are able many years ago with a concept that transferred. The second phase was to care for a larger population of pa- it would be financially beneficial and completed in June 2006. tients, and that by combining staffing more convenient for patients to have The final phase of the partner- and resources, patients are able to a single health care center, instead of ship included a $130 million Depart- benefit from robust, state-of-the-art two that are less than two miles from ment of Defense project to build a health care. one another. 209,000-square-foot ambulatory care While the ceremony commemo- Several factors drove the integra- center at the West Campus in North rated years of work and progress, it tion: the Base Realignment and Clo- Chicago, renovate more than 45,000 was by no means a conclusion. In fact, sure Committee’s recommendations in square feet of existing space, and many at the ceremony appropriately 1995; Executive Order 13214 of 2001 construct a new parking garage and noted that it was the metaphoric (Presidential Task Force to Improve surface parking area. “launch” of the health care center. Healthcare Delivery for our Nation’s The final phase was completed “While the ceremony was an Veterans); the Capital Asset Realign- when the governance of the Captain absolute success, I really feel like it fit- ment for Enhanced Services study of James A. Lovell Federal Health Care tingly set the tone for the goals we’re 2001; the Center for Naval Analysis Center stood up Oct. 1. Although ad- striving towards,” said Sullivan. “Our recommendations of 2002; and ongo- mittedly complex and challenging at team brings years of experience and ing congressional and civic support. times, the goal at the end of the phas- passion to the table. While we have “While we have had a longstand- es remained clear and unified: Deliver rich naval and VA traditions that we ing relationship with our Navy part- the absolute best patient-centered share, at the end of the day it’s our care in the nation. common goal of patient care that Opposite: In front of an audience of more The unique nature of the Lovell truly remains our guiding beacon.” than 1,500, the flag of the new Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center FHCC means a blending of missions is raised by the facility Honor Guard Oct. 1. for “military medical readiness” and By Jonathan Friedman

VAnguard • November/December 2010 11 A New Home for the Bloedner Monument The nation’s oldest existing Civil War memorial is relocated.

he nation’s oldest existing “Today, the Frazier International Railroad. On Dec. 17, 1861, the 32nd Civil War memorial is now History Museum will become [the Indiana Infantry, a regiment com- Tin its new home at the Frazier Bloedner Monument’s] new home, prised entirely of German Americans, International History Museum in Lou- where it will be preserved to be appre- skirmished with Confederate forces isville, Ky. The 32nd Indiana Infantry ciated by future generations,” Duhart consisting of Terry’s Texas Rangers, Monument, also known as the “Bloed- said, “to honor the sacrifice that these the 7th Texas Cavalry and the 1st ner Monument,” is of exceptional soldiers made on the battlefield so Arkansas Battalion. While the results historic significance as the country long ago.” were indecisive, the Union forces approaches the start of the 150th an- The Bloedner Monument was protected the Louisville & Nashville niversary of the Civil War in 2011. It carved after the Battle of Rowlett’s Railroad, ensuring that troops and was carved in the first weeks of 1862 Station in Munfordville, Ky. About supplies would continue to move to memorialize several early casualties 70 miles south of Louisville, Union through central Kentucky. of the war. forces were charged with protecting a After the battle, Pvt. August In 2008, the National Cemetery bridge over the Green River to ensure Bloedner and the 32nd Indiana Infan- Administration moved the monument the passage of soldiers and supplies try bivouacked near Munfordville for out of Louisville’s Cave Hill National along the Louisville & Nashville about two months. During this time, Cemetery because it was Bloedner carved the monu- severely deteriorated and ment to mark the graves required professional con- of his fellow soldiers who servation. It was housed fell in the battle. It was at a storage facility at the installed near Munfordville University of Louisville in late January or early for a year-and-a-half, February 1862. where it was conserved Since it was carved while awaiting approval early in the Civil War, it is of the loan agreement the oldest existing monu- between NCA and the ment dedicated to soldiers museum. from that conflict. Records The monument was exist of a monument dedi- moved into the lobby cated in September 1861 of the museum, where to a Confederate officer it will be on display to killed at the First Battle of the public free of charge. Manassas, but it was either Three speakers were on lost or destroyed soon after hand for the move Aug. it was erected. 18: Madeline Burnside, The Bloedner Monu- executive director of the ment is carved from St. Frazier Museum; Mark Genevieve limestone, Dennen, executive di- probably from a local out- rector of the Kentucky crop. It is approximately Heritage Council and the 60 inches wide, 49 inches state historic preserva- high, and 16 inches deep. tion officer; and Karen In relief, there is a carved Duhart, acting director of image of an eagle with NCA’s Memorial Service its wings outstretched, Network IV. alec bennett clutching in its talons two

12 VAnguard • November/December 2010 Opposite: Moving the Bloedner Mon- ument through the doorway of the Frazier Inter- national History Museum; right: The new location of the Bloedner Monument, in the lobby of the Fra- zier International History Museum.

alec bennett cannons resting on cannonballs. The ing reinterred in the cemetery, the 11 the Bloedner Monument stopped de- eagle is flanked by two American soldiers received individual markers. teriorating. flags, along with an olive sprig and an At that time, a German inscrip- Three area museums were con- oak branch. tion was carved above the frieze of the sidered to display the monument, Below the relief panel, the monu- monument that reads: “Brought here but based on several criteria—such ment is inscribed in a fraktur-like from Fort Willich, Munfordville, KY as visitation, visibility, security and script in German with a brief descrip- and reinterred on 6 June 1867.” In mission—the Frazier Museum was tion of the battle, and the names, addition, it was installed on a base of selected. The loan is for 10 years with birth dates and birthplaces of those Bedford limestone inscribed in Eng- options to extend the term. who fell. In part, the inscription reads: lish: “In memory of the first victims of In fall 2011, a new monument “Here lie men of the 32nd First Ger- the 32nd Regiment Indiana Volun- will be installed at Cave Hill National man Indiana Regiment sacrificed for teers, who fell at the Battle of Rowl- Cemetery that will resemble aspects the free institutions of the Republic of ett’s Station, December 17, 1861.” of the original Bloedner Monument, the United States of North America. The St. Genevieve limestone, but will be clearly marked as a re- They fell on 17 Dec. 1861, in an which is so soft and porous that it is placement. The new monument will Encounter at Rowlett Station, in no longer used for sculpture or build- feature the German inscription with which 1 Regiment of Texas Rangers, ing purposes, was beginning to fail by an English translation, so cemetery 2 Regiments of Infantry, and 6 Rebel the 1950s. Moisture was seeping up visitors will see a likeness of the oldest Cannons, in all over 3000 men, were from the ground through the stone, existing Civil War monument in its defeated by 500 German Soldiers.” causing the surface to flake off. historic location and understand its Little is known about those sol- By the early 2000s, about half significance. diers: 11 were privates; two were of- of the inscription was lost. NCA at- By conserving the fragile original ficers. According to the monument tempted to stabilize the monument at monument and fabricating a new one inscription, all were either born in the cemetery, but by 2008, it was clear for the cemetery, NCA continues to Germany or the Lorraine region of that these measures were ineffective. honor the memory of those soldiers France on the German border. As a dramatic step to save the monu- who immigrated to the United States In 1867, the Bloedner Monument ment, it was temporarily moved to the and gave their lives to protect their was moved to Cave Hill National University of Louisville in December adopted homeland almost 150 years Cemetery along with the remains of 2008, after which it was treated by ago. 11 of the 13 soldiers whose names are Conservation Solutions Inc., a materi- inscribed on the monument. After be- als conservation firm. Once indoors, By Alec Bennett

VAnguard • November/December 2010 13 nathan schaeffer

A Hero’s Welcome ore than 39 years ago, the area, the U.S. military was never “The pain the family must have Army Chief Warrant Of- able to recover the remains of Wann felt all these years not knowing; 40 Vietnamficerfor Donald Lynna veteranWann Fallenand Magers. isBut onfinally Aug. 11, Warriorthe laidyears is a long to time rest.to feel that pain,” was killed in Vietnam, the day after Department of Defense announced said Kirk, a retired Navy commander his 34th birthday. On Aug. 21, Wann that remains found in 2008 had been who served on ships in support of the wasM finally laid to rest in his home positively identified as theirs through Vietnam War. “A lot of the family state of Oklahoma. DNA testing done by the Joint POW/ members have passed on not knowing On June 1, 1971, Wann, an MIA Accounting Command. what happened to their loved one. So AH-1 Cobra helicopter pilot with the Seven days later, Wann finally this is very significant. For the family, 158th Aviation Battalion, and co- returned to Oklahoma when his re- it’s closure.” pilot/gunner 1st Lt. Paul Magers, were mains were transported from Hawaii Kirk, who has worked as a VA shot down in Quang Tri province fol- to Tulsa International Airport and chaplain since 2002, performed more lowing a rescue mission for an Army then to Muskogee to await burial at than 250 funeral and burial services Ranger team. Enemy forces had the Fort Gibson National Cemetery. in 2009. But he’d never officiated ser- Ranger team surrounded, and Wann Forrest Kirk, a chaplain with the vices for a veteran who was listed as and Magers are credited with rescuing Jack C. Montgomery VA Medical missing in action. every member of the team that day. Center in Muskogee, officiated the “I’m a Vietnam-era veteran my- Because of enemy activity in funeral and burial services. self,” said Kirk. “I joined the Navy in

14 VAnguard • November/December 2010 1969. But even if I hadn’t, it’s still an 21-gun salute, those in attendance talion and spent most evenings in the honor to be asked to do this.” put their hands over their hearts and officer’s club at Camp Evans rehashing Hundreds of people, including 24 saluted as taps was played. missions with Wann, reflected on Op- Vietnam veterans who served with When the caisson made its way eration Lam Son 719, which kicked Wann, traveled from across the coun- to Wann’s final resting place, three off right after Wann arrived in Viet- try to attend his services. Black Hawk helicopters flew low over nam for his second tour. During the funeral service at the cemetery in a traditional missing- “It was a major incursion into Southeast Baptist Church in Musko- man formation, a final tribute from Laos where we cut the Ho Chi Minh gee, Vietnam veterans, current ac- the current generation of American trail, delayed the (enemy) supplies tive duty soldiers and local citizens troops to a fallen warrior from a previ- long enough to give us time in the paid tribute to Wann, and those who ous conflict. south to do an orderly withdrawal,” served with him spoke of his fearless- Following the burial service, Viet- said Butler, who traveled from Vir- ness in the face of danger and his pro- nam veterans who served with Wann ginia to attend the funeral. “That was fessionalism. joined his family and friends for a the plan. We flew several hours every Following the service, the funeral meal at the American Legion and day in that operation.” procession, which was escorted by reflected on the day and their service Butler described Wann as the more than 400 motorcyclists, traveled with Wann. consummate professional who also about 15 miles from the church to the Jeff Bulmer, who served with made sure other pilots knew what to cemetery for a burial service with full Wann in the 158th Aviation Bat- do in any situation. “I was fortunate military honors. Along much of the enough to be a team leader like Don, way, people young and old lined the and it was always good to go on sta- streets, waving flags and saluting as tion behind Don, because he had the procession passed by. done it right. “It was really powerful, all 15 “At night, he would sit around miles of it, all the way to the cem- and make sure we knew what the etery,” said Jay Riseden, who served heck we were doing. He would actu- with Wann in the 128th Assault ally grill us. Guys would be playing Helicopter Company in 1968. “It was cards and he’d put his hand on the just unbelievable, a wonderful com- table and say, ‘So, what would you do munity.” with a low-side DC generator failure,’” Skip Butler, who served with nathan schaeffer he recalled with a laugh. Wann in the 158th Aviation Bat- Opposite: A caisson escorted by an Okla- For the Vietnam veterans, the talion, was also moved by the show of homa National Guard honor team transports homecoming of Wann and the show a casket carrying Army Chief Warrant Officer support. “I grew up in Alabama, where Donald Lynn Wann to his final resting place of support by the local community was patriotism reigned,” he said. “But they at Fort Gibson National Cemetery on Aug. 22; the welcome home celebration they showed me something here today.” above: A Vietnam veteran salutes during taps never got. at the burial service. A local Little League baseball “I had a cousin that was an Army game even stopped play, and the talion, piloted the UH-1 Huey that aviator, killed in Vietnam in 1969,” youngsters in their uniforms clutched transported U.S. troops into and out said Riseden. “When he came home, flags and joined the crowd honoring of landing zones. Bulmer and Wann he had a full military funeral, but Wann as the procession went by. flew many combat missions together it was a very quiet affair. It was just After arriving at the cemetery in Vietnam, with Wann’s AH-1 Co- immediate family. To me, this was gate, an Oklahoma National Guard bra providing protection while Bulmer almost like the big celebration for all Honor Guard team transferred off-loaded and on-loaded troops in those who didn’t get the big welcome Wann’s flag-draped casket from a hostile territory. home. It really felt special.” white hearse to a military caisson “Don was always there for me Wann was awarded the Silver pulled by a pair of Clydesdales. when I needed somebody, going into Star, Distinguished Flying Cross, The caisson slowly transported or out of LZs (landing zones), protect- Bronze Star, and Purple Heart with Wann to a pavilion while hundreds of ing me as I flew basically unarmed,” two Oak Leaf Clusters, among other people stood in silence. said Bulmer, who drove from New military decorations. He also served During a short service, the Honor Jersey to attend the funeral. “As an in the Navy from 1955 to 1966 as a Guard presented flags to Wann’s two airman, he was one of the best.” photographer. daughters, Shannon Wann Plaster Butler, who also piloted the AH1- and Michelle Wann. Following a Cobra in the 158th Aviation Bat- By Nathan Schaeffer

VAnguard • November/December 2010 15 Making Waves in San Diego Newly injured and disabled veterans learn and refresh skills at the Summer Sports Clinic.

he 2010 National Veterans Summer Sports Clinic corporate sponsors, the Clinic promotes rehabilitation of started off with a splash—literally. A fun-filled day both body and spirit by teaching summer sports to veterans at SeaWorld, along with a special Shamu show, with significant physical or psychological impairments. kickedT off the 3rd annual opening ceremonies for the Participation is open to veterans with orthopedic amputa- Clinic. tions, traumatic brain injuries, burn injuries, psychological Held Sept. 18-24 in San Diego, the Clinic split 76 trauma, certain neurological conditions, visual impairment veterans into 10 teams. With team names like Calypso, Apollo, Neptune, Poseidon, Nautilus, Phoenix, Mercury, Titan, Vulcan and Olympus, veterans were encouraged to follow the theme of the Clinic, “Setting Your Course for the Future.” Presented by VA and funded with help from a host of

jeff bowen

paula berger

Above: Claudia Perry, 33, of Silver Spring, Md., ups her skill level by surfing on her knees. It was the visually impaired Air Force veteran’s first time on a surfboard; top right: Army National Guard veteran Greg Reynolds, 24, of Dighton, Maine, survived combat in Iraq only to be hit by a car while riding his motorcycle. Here he motivates his team by doing push-ups before kayaking; bottom right: Navy veteran Mitchell Guyon, 34, of Morrow, Ohio, learns how to right himself if the kayak tips over. Guyon, who served in Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom, was injured in combat. jeff bowen

16 VAnguard • November/December 2010 and spinal cord injuries incurred within the last six years. race a Martin 16, an adaptable two-man sailboat, testing The first morning of the Clinic, veterans woke bright new skills and building confidence along the way. and early, hitting some of the venues by 7 a.m. On the Former Marine Shane Kruchten just enjoyed being sidelines, family members, therapists, volunteers and VA out on the water. “There are no motors, no anything. It’s employees gathered to cheer, support, encourage and assist just real relaxing knowing that the wind is pushing you as the day heated up. around—it’s really cool.” The first stop for some was the 150-acre U.S. Olympic The nearby surfing venue, where many days the Pacific Training Center complex in Chula Vista, site of the track Ocean waves were strong and challenging, brought out the and field events. The complex offered discus, javelin, shot- fearlessness in some veterans. Claudia Perry, a 33-year-old put and track, and several Paralympians, already on site for Air Force veteran from Silver Spring, Md., who is visually their own training, came to watch and guide the veterans. impaired and also a surfing rookie, said that it was a little While many veterans were adjusting to the feel of a javelin scary not being able to see the waves coming, but she was in their hands for the first time, others were reminiscing up for the challenge. about their high school and college track and field days. “In the beginning I was scared because I can’t see, but For Greg Reynolds, an Army veteran of Operations I put my trust in my team and I didn’t fall off [the board]. I Iraqi and Enduring Freedom and past participant at the was very impressed with myself,” said Perry. She knows all Summer Sports Clinic, the track and field events at the too well that trust in those around her providing instruc- Clinic opened up a whole new world for him. “I wasn’t a tion and support is critical to her success—not only at the runner, but I ran the 100-meter and made some connec- Clinic but in everyday life as well. She plans to continue tions with the U.S. Paralympic representatives and was surfing as well as scuba diving and skiing at the upcoming then able to join the team,” said Reynolds. “I’ve already Winter Sports Clinic. competed in a couple of competitions, the Desert Chal- Over at the kayaking venue, the Mission Bay Yacht lenge in Arizona, and the Endeavor Games in Oklahoma, Club, veterans had their choice of adaptive kayaking where I took second place in my class.” equipment. “We have a veritable bevy of boats, of all types “The opportunity to visit an Olympic Training Center and sizes,” said Ralph Marche, VA’s venue coordinator for is a one-of-a-kind experience,” said Tom Brown, direc- the third year running. tor of the National Veterans Wheelchair Games and an Stephen Bruggeman, a Coast Guard veteran from instructor in the field events at the Clinic. “After all, if Sioux Falls, S.D., was a Clinic participant in 2008 and you can throw a javelin a decent distance at an Olympic 2009. But this year Bruggeman was back in a different Training Center, you just may consider getting involved in capacity—as a kayaking volunteer, having discovered his a local softball team or tennis club back home.” love for the sport at his previous Clinic experiences. To some veterans, just making it through the event without major injury was an accomplishment. “I walked away from the javelin without hurting anyone,” joked “In the beginning I was scared Mike Buck, a Navy veteran from Crescent City, Calif. because I can’t see, but I put Meanwhile, over at Silver Strand State Beach, the my trust in my team.” morning cycling session involved a 10-mile bike trek on Coronado Island. In addition to hand and tandem cycling, “The first year piqued my interest, but the second year the veterans got a chance to take on the rock-climbing I discovered my passion,” he explained. Starting in a sit- wall, where many tested their strength, both mental and upon kayak, he took it up a level last year to a whitewater physical. model. In January, he kayaked down waterfalls in Mexico Tony Cox, a 51-year-old Marine Corps veteran from and is now helping get a Team River Runner kayaking Baltimore, used a hand crank to hoist himself up, con- chapter started back home. quering the climbing wall that was brought to the event. The next Summer Sports Clinic will again be held in Participants must lift one-fifth of their body weight to the San Diego in September 2011. Recreation therapists are top of the wall, and Cox, a wheelchair user and first-time encouraged to pass registration information on to inter- participant, successfully rang a cowbell to signal comple- ested veterans and volunteers. tion. “Doing all these things I have never done before is To keep the Clinic small and intimate, attendance is great,” said Cox. “It brings back the camaraderie. You just limited to a maximum of 100 participants, retaining the don’t get this in the civilian world.” focus on one-on-one guidance and support. Participants Over in sailing, riding on the Stars and Stripes USA- are limited to two trips to the Clinic to allow the many 11, a former America’s Cup boat and one of the fastest veterans eligible to participate to rotate through. For more sailboats ever made, was one of the highlights of this year’s information on the 2011 Clinic, visit www.summersports- event. In addition, all of the veterans got the chance to clinic.va.gov.

VAnguard • November/December 2010 17 San Juan engineer

pursues his lifelong dream aime Quinones, a senior resident four years. Quinones applied six or engineer at the San Juan VA seven times, every year that NASA Medical Center in Puerto Rico, opened up for applications. In a tohas been becomeon a mission to become an an typicalastronaut. application year, NASA will astronaut. A lofty mission, but one receive 10,000 submissions from inter- Jhe has chipped away at steadily and ested applicants worldwide. From that surely, never losing sight of his dream. pool, they narrow it down to 2,000 “I always wanted to fly,” says Qui- applicants, then to 120. The top 20 nones. “I wanted to be an astronaut, of those applicants go to the Space so I read up about the program. The Center for physicals, panel question- first thing they list as a requirement is ing and more. Quinones became one prior military experience. So I joined of those top 20. the military.” “I was amazed when NASA sent Quinones enlisted in the Air me a letter saying that I was selected Force and served four years. When as a candidate for the space shuttle that stint was ending, he decided the program and I needed to report to Army might offer a change of pace as Johnson Space Center in Houston,” well as a wealth of new experiences. Quinones recalls. “After a week of “I’ve always believed experience interviews with a panel of 20 cur- leads to opportunities,” he says. rent and former astronauts, a week Now a two-branch veteran, Qui- of physicals, tests, boarding the space nones looked toward the private sec- shuttle, 12- to 16-hour days, I finished tor to continue checking off require- the trials. I felt so blessed; just being ments to become an astronaut, the there was so big for me.” second of which was technical experi- According to Quinones, the test- ence. But he wasn’t willing to let go of ing trials were brutal. “You feel like the military entirely, so he joined the a lab rat. You never know what to Air Force Reserve so he could contin- expect in the next room, and most of ue to serve while gaining experience the time, they don’t talk to you. They and furthering his education. test everything—I can’t stress that On down the checklist he went. enough. There are 16 different tests “Third, you need to have an en- on your eyes alone. It’s both physical gineering/scientific degree,” Quinones and psychological.” says. “I also learned additional degrees But even though he still wants will give you additional training. to experience outer space, Quinones So I went to school and earned my knows it might not happen. bachelor’s, then my master’s, then my “This year is the last year flying doctorate. Then I went on to earn a the old systems,” he says. “Now they second of each.” are using new rockets, and upgrading Back in the ’80s and ’90s, rocket systems. Before the big space NASA’s application process was every shuttle accident, they used to recruit

Slipping the Surly Bonds of Earth other year. Today, it’s every three to in the range of 30 to 37 astronauts.

18 VAnguard • November/December 2010 Jaime Quinones works as an engineer at the San robert satcher Juan VA Medical Center; inset: Quinones completed trials to become an as- tronaut at Johnson Space Center in Houston.

carlos montenegro Now they recruit only a few people, project managers, contracting officers, Virgin Islands veterans. Ground will of which only 11 get to fly.” Although engineers and administrative profes- soon be broken on his newest project, the NASA space program is not re- sionals,” he says. “But I get to manage a six-story, state-of-the-art administra- cruiting much anymore, Quinones the entire project—protocol, safety, tion building. Destined to be LEED still insists, “If they call me, I’m ready. meetings, specifications, documenta- gold-certified, an environmental stan- It’s still my passion.” tions, payments, requests for informa- dard that is tough to achieve, he is In the meantime, Quinones con- tion, changes in design, all aspects. ready for the challenge. tinues to serve in the Air Force Re- We merge blueprints and designs into “I tell people to always strive for serve as a lieutenant colonel, and puts reality.” education because it makes you grow his engineering skills to work at the After a design review that can last more as a person,” he says. “Lots of San Juan VA. anywhere from six months to a year, people don’t have the opportunities As an engineer in Construction Quinones meets with representatives, we have to do this. The only way and Facilities Management for the and then he is responsible for making to become a better engineer is to last 10 years, Quinones makes sure the right decisions for the right prod- practice, get on-the-job training, and contractors follow the design of the ucts. A building is typically three to you’ll get better and better. Be some- job and complete the mission on time. four years in the making, and Quino- one special, be multifaceted. Don’t Working alongside other engineers nes is involved in every part of it. just follow in others’ shadows. Leader- and administrative personnel, Qui- One recent project he worked on ship skills plus experience help you nones is fully responsible for making was a new bed tower at the medical gain confidence and promote the best decisions on behalf of VA. center. The six-story structure houses values of every person.” “In my job, everything depends more than 300 acute care beds, ben- on a teamwork concept, composed of efiting many Puerto Rico and U.S. By Amanda Hester

VAnguard • November/December 2010 19 Living the Life of an Executive Field CIOs witness change in the making as part of OI&T’s Executive Job Shadowing Program. o you ever wish you could get a peek inside VA Central DOffice while vital meetings are conducted and important deci- sions are made? That wish is becom- ing reality for the field-based chief information officers within the Office of Information and Technology who have been selected to participate in Assistant Secretary for Information and Technology Roger Baker’s Execu- “We had very frank conversations,” tive Job Shadowing Program. said David Olivera, right, of his time shadowing Roger Baker, left. “I realized Developed as a collaborative ef- we deal with many of the same issues, fort between the Quality, Performance just on a different scale.” emerson sanders and Oversight office and the National Information Technology Training tween his usual management style of and competency model. With Cinna- Academy, the Executive Job Shadow- walking around and visiting with his mon’s help, the team collaboratively ing Program is an intense two-week employees, and the demanding sched- built a structured job shadowing pro- resident learning experience. Partici- ule of meetings requiring him to spend gram that maximizes the value of ev- pating CIOs experience the profes- most of his time in Washington, D.C. ery minute a CIO spends with Baker. sional life of VA’s top CIO by spend- “I quickly recognized that I wasn’t From application through invitation ing two weeks by his side—attending going to be able to use some of my to acceptance and beyond, the result- meetings, sharing office space, eating main strengths, which are getting out ing Executive Job Shadowing Program meals and living the life of this busy and communicating,” he said. “I real- prepares the CIOs to feel welcome executive. ized that we were going to have to and to be fully engaged during their The executive job shadowing do it in reverse. If I can’t get out to two weeks at VACO. concept was born out of Baker’s desire the field, then we’re going to have to James Nichols, facility CIO at the to fully understand the opportunities bring the field in here.” Syracuse (N.Y.) VA Medical Center, and challenges the 210 facility and Martha Orr, Baker’s chief of staff, was the first candidate selected for the network CIOs in OI&T face every and Maria Weingardt, program man- Executive Job Shadowing Program. day. When he first accepted the posi- ager, Quality, Performance and Over- After arriving at headquarters on his tion of VA CIO, Baker planned to get sight, reached out to Terri Cinnamon, first day, he was waiting for Weingardt out in the field and personally talk to director of IT Workforce Develop- to meet him in the main lobby when as many CIOs as possible. Not long ment, to learn more about the work he noticed two men reading and after taking the position, however, he being done by Cinnamon and her staff pointing to a large sign on an easel. realized he needed a compromise be- on a CIO professionalization program Curious, Nichols moved closer and

20 VAnguard • November/December 2010 was surprised to discover that the sign extremely pleased at the level of folks Olivera also spent time shadow- was welcoming him to Washington we’ve been able to grow and the level ing Stephen Warren, principal deputy and to the Executive Job Shadowing of folks we’ve been able to hire into assistant secretary for information and Program. “As fast-paced as that place those jobs.” technology. “Mr. Baker and Mr. War- is,” said Nichols, “everyone still took So, what is life really like as an ren believe in what they’re doing,” he the time to make me feel welcome executive shadow? Baker’s day usu- said. “When they say they are there to and involved. They all really went out ally begins at his desk at 7:30 a.m. for help VA achieve its goals, they mean of their way to include me.” a “mail call” with Orr, who presents it. I feel like they really are trying to The efforts to fully integrate the documents requiring his signature and move the organization.” visiting CIOs into Baker’s routine mail prioritized for his attention. It is After witnessing Baker at work seem to be succeeding. “I felt like I during this time each day that the cur- for two weeks, Nichols also left Wash- was part of the wave of progress,” said rent CIO shadow usually joins him. ington with an appreciation of the David Olivera, CIO at the Provi- After mail call, the pair attends a direction the assistant secretary is tak- dence (R.I.) VA Medical Center and standing daily meeting with Secretary ing OI&T. “There are clearly defined the eighth program participant. “I Eric K. Shinseki before they launch goals for OI&T,” he said. “Addition- never at any time felt like I was in the into the myriad of meetings on the ally, there are clearly defined methods shadows. I felt like I was part of every- day’s agenda. With a quick break for by which he (Baker) wants us, as an thing. I want to go back!” lunch, Baker and his CIO shadow join organization, to achieve these goals. As the latest CIO completed his afternoon meetings until 4 p.m., when He is doing everything within his two-week stay in Washington, Baker they retire to Baker’s office to respond power to make these goals a reality.” took time to reflect on the program to e-mail and finish out the workday, In addition to a better under- and the benefits he has seen as a which usually ends between 5 and standing of what happens in Wash- result. “What’s great about this is get- 6:30 p.m. ington, Baker believes CIOs leave the ting a dose of reality on how things “One of the great things is, I don’t Executive Job Shadowing Program are going to play in the field,” he think there is a typical day,” Baker with something that will improve said. “If we make a decision, I need to said. “Every CIO that’s come in has the work they’re doing at their own know what the impact is going to be had a different experience, because facilities and enhance their personal at the working level.” For Baker, the some weeks are heavy on Capitol Hill, careers. “I think all of the CIOs [who Executive Job Shadowing Program is some weeks have a fair amount of have participated] so far will tell you a perfect opportunity to collect feed- White House interaction, and some that it was fun, that it was enlighten- back. As initiatives are deployed, he weeks it’s all right here dealing with ing,” he said. “I like to think they see has a direct pipeline to the field, and things going on inside VA. The first a lot of things that will help them in he is able to gauge honest, immediate thing I tell them is to wear their track their job long term and in understand- reactions. shoes. It can be a challenge to keep up ing how to communicate with the Olivera appreciated the oppor- sometimes.” folks in VA Central Office. tunity the program provides for open As each CIO leaves Washington “If they use what they learn here, communication. “I think it’s a natural to go back to their facility, Baker it can be a career enhancer, as in communication channel,” he said. trusts they gain a better understand- ‘wow, I never thought of things that “Unfiltered feedback can go both ing of the decision-making process at way.’ If it is a great career enhancer to ways. We had very frank conversa- the executive level. “The main thing I be a CIO at VA, then we’ll continue tions. I realized we deal with many hope they take away is that we’re try- to get quality folks for the job.” of the same issues, just on a different ing hard to do the right things,” said The graduates of the shadowing scale.” Baker. “It’s a more complex environ- program are validating Baker’s hopes. The program is also meeting ment to do the right thing in than “This has been the single best expe- Baker’s desire to get to know the they might perceive from the field. rience of my career,” Nichols said. CIOs who work for him. “In two “I try to insulate the organization “When I returned to Syracuse, I was weeks, you can get a feel for somebody from the politics so we can just be a excited to implement changes based that you don’t get in a half-day visit good IT organization. For those who on what I learned—changes that to their facility,” he said. “One of spend a lot of time on the Hill with will take Syracuse to the next level. I the most important things that I get me, they see the pressures and the know that what I’m doing out in the out of this is an understanding of the questions coming from the Hill per- field is right in line with what Mr. quality of the individuals we have at spective. I think when CIOs from the Baker expects us to do.” the facility CIO level. Mid-level of field see that, they understand why we IT management is very strong. I’m make some of the decisions we make.” By Becky Stanley

VAnguard • November/December 2010 21 VA’s Rural Health Initiative takes hold in North Carolina and Virginia.

A rural byway in Mathews County, Va.

Taking Roads Less Traveled to Bring Health Care Benefits to Veterans carvin harmon

riving south from Virginia them through VA and help them get vilian life,” said DeAnne M. Seekins, Beach, Va., in the fall, fruit the care and assistance they need.” director of the Hampton VAMC, who Dstands overflowing with the According to the VA Web site, noted that the veterans meeting with season’s traditional bounty start pop- more than 837,000 service members the RHI team span all age categories. ping up along the roadside within a have been deployed since 2002. Of Seekins explained that in addi- few miles. Fields overflowing with those, only 39 percent have used VA tion to the growing OEF/OIF veteran cotton ready to be harvested, ripened health care. For this reason, several population signing up for VA benefits, pumpkins and peanut plants dominate outreach programs were initiated to the Department has also recently the landscape. provide the nation’s veterans and made a regulation change that makes Health care can be a major issue their families vital information about it easier for all veterans to seek treat- for veterans who live in these areas. their VA benefits and the health care ment and disability compensation for Reaching out to veterans in the rural services they are eligible to receive. post-traumatic stress disorder and ex- communities surrounding the Hamp- With these numbers comes the panded the list of medical conditions ton (Va.) VA Medical Center is the uniquely specific care that the grow- related to exposure to Agent Orange. main mission of the hospital’s recently ing Operation Enduring Freedom/ The Hampton VAMC expects a 10 established Rural Health Initiative Operation Iraqi Freedom population percent growth in veteran numbers in team. requires. Every day, the Hampton 2011. “We’ve talked to numerous folks VAMC staff addresses both the physi- “We are still seeing a lot of Viet- who served in the military who just cal and mental scars of war. The RHI nam veterans with signs of PTSD,” don’t know what they qualify for program is just one more way for the said Carvin Harmon, social worker when it comes to VA health care ben- staff to find and help veterans in out- on the RHI team. “These veterans are efits,” said Kevin Amick, rural health lying areas. asking for help and don’t know where integrator at the Hampton VAMC. “The VA health care system to turn. Whether they are World “We spend a lot of time out in these recognizes that we have the best War II vets, Vietnam vets or OEF/ rural communities making sure vet- resources to help these veterans rein- OIF vets, our team is traveling to their erans understand what is available to tegrate from the military back into ci- communities to meet them in person,

22 VAnguard • November/December 2010 answer their questions and let them areas. “We want to make sure that RHI team participates in outreach know that VA is here for them.” those veterans are fully engaged in events throughout North Carolina At a recent outreach event in the VA health care system and don’t and Virginia every week in an effort Ahoskie, N.C., local veterans and feel that they have been left behind,” to find all veterans residing in those family members turned out in as- he said, adding that RHI fits that bill. communities. tounding numbers to apply for VA “It’s important to us to let them know “It’s exciting to see how veter- benefits. More than 45 people from we are here to help them no matter ans are really taking advantage of this small, rural farming community when they served in our nation’s mili- these seminars,” said Seekins, who showed up for the RHI two-hour tary. They are our heroes and they de- explained that both management and workshop hosted by local American serve the VA’s services. We owe it to veterans are regularly recognizing the Legion Post 102. Team members said them for what they sacrificed for us.” Hampton pilot program for its mile the numbers can vary from two people Since the Hampton VAMC ru- markers of success. Seekins said that to 40. On this particular summer day, ral health team began their outreach the team not only shares information everyone was surprised by the interest. events in June of this year, they have on VA services and helps the veterans The RHI team realized early in helped more than 350 veterans apply with eligibility requirements, they also their pilot program development that for health care benefits. Continuing introduce them to convenient pro- to get veterans to attend their events, down those roads less traveled, the grams such as MyHealtheVet, the on- they were going to need to partner line personal health record that helps with local veterans service organiza- veterans track their medical history tions—like Post 102, the heart and and much more. soul of the Ahoskie community. “This team is a great outreach “We didn’t really know how tool for both VA leadership and our many people were going to show up,” patients,” Seekins said. “It gives us said John Bracy, commander of Post peace of mind that we are moving 102, adding that he was elated by the toward identifying and caring for all of turnout. “We put the word out to our our nation’s heroes.”

members but we had no idea that we alvin thibodeaux In a May 2009 news release, VA would see so many vets!” Secretary Eric K. Shinseki announced During the event, Amick noted that VA had provided $215 million that there can be a lot of confusion to improve services specifically de- about benefits in the community, a signed for veterans in rural and highly task the RHI team tackles every day rural areas. “This funding signals a with determination. Reaching out substantial expansion of services ad- to find these veterans is top priority dressing the health care needs of our for this team, made up of a tenacious rural veterans,” he said. “These funds group of men and women who are will allow VA to establish new out- always working to improve an ever- patient clinics, expand collaborations evolving pilot process. james coty with federal and community partners, “Having these opportunities accelerate the use of telemedicine de- to meet with veterans—sit face-to- ployment, explore innovative uses of face with them, help them find out technology, and fund pilot programs.” what they qualify for and help them VISN 6 was selected as one of through the application process, is the pilot programs for VA funding as priceless,” Amick said. “By the at- part of an ambitious plan to improve tendance numbers here today, we access to quality physical and mental can definitely say that the RHI team health care for the nation’s veterans is meeting its goal and successfully living in rural areas. The plan empha- james coty reaching out to serve those men and sized the use of recruitment and reten- women who served us.” Top: RHI team members spread the word tion of a trained health care team, the to veterans at the Franklin Fall Festival in Talbot N. Vivian, rural health Virginia; middle: Lucretia Hardy, RHI health latest technology, and collaborations coordinator for the VA Mid-Atlantic educator, assists a veteran with paperwork with non-VA rural health community Health Care Network (VISN 6), ex- at the Watermelon Festival in Murfreesboro, partners. N.C.; bottom: Veterans learn about benefits plained that more than 53 percent of during the RHI team’s visit to the Tyrrell veterans live in rural or highly rural County Public Library in Columbia, N.C.. By James Coty

VAnguard • November/December 2010 23 Back in Service: The Phoenix Rises Again Forgotten VA patch is resurrected at the Indianapolis VA Medical Center.

n Indianapolis, a forgotten piece of care, and active duty military were According to material Wright gath- VA memorabilia has been resur- temporarily assigned to VA to assist ered, “the ‘phoenix’ is a Greek term Irected and put into use once again. federal civilian employees. The mili- for a mythological bird that builds its Originally used for military personnel tary workers wore the patches to help own funeral pyre, only to rise again stationed at the then-Veterans Ad- distinguish them from the civilian from the ashes. In medieval Christian ministration in the 1940s and 1950s, workers. writings, the phoenix is used as a sym- the historic VA shoulder sleeve in- Every active duty service member bol of death and resurrection.” signia patch is now being awarded to assigned to VA received the patch; Created and approved by the U.S. volunteers at the Richard L. Roud- even Gen. Omar N. Bradley (ap- Heraldry office in 1944, two official ebush VA Medical Center, thanking pointed VA Administrator in 1945) versions of the patch were worn: one them for their service to the facility. was issued one. The insignia’s design, depicted the flames of the phoenix’s According to Michael Wright, which depicts a phoenix rising from nest outlined in blue; the other ver- Indianapolis VAMC’s chief of Volun- the flames of war, alludes to the return sion had no outline color. tary Service, credit for the resurgence of the veteran from combat to resume Worn at VA medical centers of the patch belongs to from June 30, 1944, to Mike Gelfand, a volun- March 18, 1959, when it teer who stumbled on it. was rescinded, the patch “Mike happened to be was eventually phased out. browsing a local military Starting in early 1946, patch show and found it,” military personnel already said Wright. “But then on duty with VA, with he realized he hadn’t seen the exception of Medi- anything like it before. cal Corps officers, were “He brought it to me, gradually being withdrawn and after some research, from VA facilities. Later I finally found some in- that year, the remaining formation on it from The Medical Corps officers Institute of Heraldry. I were withdrawn, and by spoke with them and they 1947, active duty military confirmed the existence personnel were no longer of the patch and sent me scott mcgilvrey assigned to VA. copies of the historical Michael Wright would like to see other VA facilities revive the use of the The patch slowly patch. documents. I was excited! faded into VA history; The patch is a lost history of the VA.” his place as a citizen of the United it is not known how many service Throughout World War II, VA States. members received the original one. was headed by military personnel who According to a letter from the But with the recent discovery in In- were assigned to help operate facili- U.S. Quartermaster General’s office, dianapolis, Wright decided to revive ties. At the time, the population VA dated June 30, 1944, the design “is the patch and give them to all of In- served included an estimated 19 mil- representative of the restoration of the dianapolis’ VA volunteers as a thank lion veterans—16.5 million of whom veteran as a new and vigorous citizen you. The local Vietnam Veterans of were from World War II alone. free to engage in his useful pursuits.” America Chapter 295 donated a sup- In the late 1940s, the military Described as “a golden yellow phoe- ply of the patches. placed active duty service members nix rising from golden yellow flames “We hope our volunteers will on VA grounds as part of their duties. outlined in blue,” the 2 1/2-inch dark proudly display this patch as a re- According to Darlene Richardson, blue disc was worn on the left shoul- minder of the service they provide to Veterans Health Administration his- der of military uniforms. America’s heroes,” said Wright. torian, VA supplied backup support Each of the elements on the to the military by providing medical patch represents rebirth and renewal. By Amanda Hester

24 VAnguard • November/December 2010 It’s About Time at Togus National Cemetery 19th-century artifacts found during restoration of monument.

here’s something intriguing ery and Reinvestment Act provided staff X-rayed the copper box in an at- about a time capsule. Is it a funds to carry out preservation treat- tempt to determine the contents. The Tmeans for people to communi- ment on 49 of the oldest and neediest X-rays confirmed that the box was cate with future generations, or a way monuments. One of the monuments packed full of papers. to preserve their legacy? Whatever the selected for restoration was the Sol- On July 15, facilities maintenance reason, a time capsule captures the diers and Sailors Monument. staff, observed by curious onlook- imagination. A team of conservators began ers, carefully opened the copper box. A time capsule was the focal work on the monument in June. An Inside, packed very tightly, were a point of a special ceremony at Togus assessment revealed that it was neces- number of newspapers, annual reports National Cemetery in Maine on Sept. sary to dismantle the structure and of the National Home for Disabled 15. Acting Under Secretary for Me- rebuild it. Volunteer Soldiers, and a set of morial Affairs Steve Muro inserted While dismantling the monu- photographs, which were regrettably a modern time capsule ruined because of water into a niche underneath intrusion. the capstone of the Sol- Additionally, writ- diers and Sailors Monu- ten on the paper liner of ment, located in the the box were the names historic west section of of seven residents of the the cemetery. The 31- home who worked in the foot, rough-hewn, gran- engineering department. ite obelisk was erected The men served in vol- in 1889 by staff and unteer regiments from residents of what was Maine, Massachusetts, then the Eastern Branch New Hampshire and of the National Home New York during the for Disabled Volunteer Civil War. Soldiers, a precursor of Workers rebuilt the the Togus VA Medical granite obelisk on a stur- Center. dier foundation over the “We think back on summer, with work com- the people of 1889 who chris erbe pleted in late August. worked for veterans and The pyramidal capstone Acting Under Secretary for Memorial Affairs Steve Muro places the modern who wanted to tell us time capsule into the newly restored 1889 Soldiers and Sailors Monument at was placed back at the their story,” said Under Togus National Cemetery. top but was not mor- Secretary Muro. “And tared into place. today, as we place this modern time ment, masons discovered a time cap- On an early fall morning, Muro capsule into this monument, we’re sule in the upper base. Artifacts found rededicated the monument and placed saying that in 125 or 150 years, those included a sealed copper box; a green the new time capsule in the void un- future citizens will still be taking care glass bottle with a rolled paper inside; der the capstone—121 years to the of our veterans and looking back at a Boston newspaper dated Sunday, day after the original monument dedi- the work that we did.” Sept. 15, 1889; and the bowl of a cation. The new time capsule contains In 2009, the National Cemetery smoking pipe. All of the artifacts were local and national newspapers, a letter Administration contracted Heritage in good condition except the news- and keepsake coin from VA Secre- Preservation Services of Washington, paper, which was completely wet as a tary Eric K. Shinseki, NCA outreach D.C., to conduct condition assess- result of years of water intrusion into items, and photos of the contents of ments of many of the oldest monu- the core of the monument. the original time capsule. ments in the national cemeteries. At While awaiting the arrival of that same time, the American Recov- NCA historians, VA medical center By Jennifer Perunko and Chris Erbe

VAnguard • November/December 2010 25 AROUND HEADQUARTERS

New Video Outreach Message Encourages Veterans to Use Benefits

VA launched a new television advertisement in October encour- aging veterans to take full advantage of the benefits and services they have earned. The ad is one step in a robust outreach effort aimed at welcoming returning service members home and easing their transition from military to veteran status. The 30-second ad, entitled “What Lies Ahead,” focuses on today’s generation of veterans returning from Iraq and Afghani- stan, and shows the path a veteran might follow from boots on the battlefield to addressing possible health issues, going to col- lege, finding employment and buying a home. The ad empha- sizes the goal of a seamless transition between the Department of Defense and VA as military service members hang up their uniforms and enroll with VA. The ads are being shown in six cities—Norfolk, Va., Ra- leigh, N.C., Savannah, Ga., Seattle, Wash., Watertown, N.Y., The 30-second ad shows the path a veteran might follow from boots and El Paso, Texas—locations where a large number of veterans on the battlefield to addressing health issues, going to college, finding are returning from service this fall. employment and buying a home. The actor in the ad is Operation Iraqi Freedom veteran Robert Kugler, a former Marine currently pursuing an acting career in Los Angeles. The uniformed personnel in the background are also veterans, as are the students, the father and husband walking out of the house, and the doctor/instructor—an Air Force veteran who served in Vietnam. This is the first in a series of broadcast and cable television ads to be produced and aired over the next several months to inform returning veterans of the many benefits and services they have earned as a result of their military service. The ad can be viewed on YouTube at www.youtube.com/watch?v=dJneXGf5GAc.

NASCAR Weekend: Laying Rubber to Promote the Post-9/11 GI Bill

Under the northeast corner of full-fledged racecar was pushed sor TRG Motorsports’ No. may not know about the Post- VA Central Office lies one of slowly through the tent flaps 71 Chevrolet Impala, driven 9/11 GI Bill, and others who two exits that lead from the and then abruptly lit up the by Landon Cassill, for the Air have yet to take advantage of popular McPherson Square rear tires, laying rubber half- Guard 400 Sprint Cup series the benefits. NASCAR was a Metro Station to the busy way down the street, to the race held Sept. 11 in Rich- logical choice because of its streets of Washington, D.C. amazement and delight of VA mond, Va. demographics and the millions On an average weekday, thou- employees and tourists alike. “The Post-9/11 GI Bill of Americans that tune in to sands of local workers, VA em- The out-of-the-ordinary has had a positive impact on watch the races on live televi- ployees among them, emerge spectacle was a pre-race event a lot of people,” Cassill said sion. from the station onto Ver- for the “Post-9/11 GI Bill NA- prior to the race. “I have a “We are extremely mont Avenue. As the morning SCAR Weekend,” sponsored good friend who served in the pleased to partner with this rush winds down, workers are by VA and Richmond Interna- military, and he is currently all-American event to generate replaced by tourists on their tional Raceway. using the GI Bill to get his awareness of the Post-9/11 GI way to visit the White House, “We want veterans to education. In my outreach Bill and all of the opportuni- due south of VACO. be in the driver’s seat when to family members to see if ties available to our country’s On a normal day, the it comes to taking advantage anyone was using the GI Bill, I veterans and service men and traffic on this short stretch of the educational opportuni- actually educated a cousin who women,” said Keith Wilson, of Vermont Avenue is rather ties they’ve earned,” said VA did not know he was eligible director of VA’s Education quiet, but the second morn- Secretary Eric K. Shinseki. and is now looking into the Service, during the pre-race ing of September was far from “We want all veterans to know benefits that he is entitled to. I festivities. “There are many normal, and far from quiet. and use this important benefit. can see how the GI Bill can af- service men and women who Around 10 a.m., an ear- This NASCAR event will help fect someone’s life, as it has for are unaware of the beneficial splitting roar thundered from us reach millions of veterans my friend.” programs offered through the a tent set up at the far end of to inform them of the benefits VA’s sponsorship is the Post-9/11 GI Bill, and we the street, toward the White and services available to them.” latest tool in its toolbox to are eager to provide detailed House. A few moments later, a VA signed on to spon- reach out to veterans who information during NASCAR

26 VAnguard • November/December 2010 AROUND HEADQUARTERSOUTLOOK

Weekend.” After beginning the pre- TRG Motorsports’ team race activities at Central Of- principal, Kevin Buckler, said fice, TRG Motorsports took he is also proud to be associ- the No. 71 Post-9/11 GI Bill ated with the Post-9/11 GI My Story Chevy on a tour Bill and its introduction into of the East Coast, using the NASCAR Sprint Cup Racing. authentic racecar to help ex- Like Cassill, the GI Bill has plain the benefits that can be had a personal impact on his derived from the program. family as well. The 21-year-old Cassill “The GI Bill is a great ran his best Sprint Cup Series program to help those that race to date, finishing 33rd, have served in the armed ser- ahead of such notable names vices navigate their future, and as Dale Earnhardt Jr., and it has had a direct impact on Terry Labonte. The Cedar my life,” Buckler said. “My fa- Rapids, Iowa, native and the ther and uncle were in World No. 71 car completed 395 War II. My uncle was wound- laps in front of about 100,000 ed in combat, received the fans in attendance, plus the josh shirlen/AIM Federal Purple Heart, and got a full millions who watched the Nothing else looks and sounds like a real racecar, as VACO staff and tourists education under the GI Bill. race on ABC. VA representa- discovered when the GI Bill car screamed down the street. My father was a Navy medic, tives staffed an informational received his undergraduate de- display throughout the race al institution in the state where 340,000 people. For more in- gree, got graduate assistance as weekend, passing out informa- the school is located. The formation, visit the Post-9/11 well as housing for himself and tion and answering questions amount of support students GI Bill online at www.gibill. my mother as he went on to from veterans and the families may qualify for depends on va.gov, or call 1-888-442- become a medical doctor. and friends of veterans. their time in service and where 4551. “By carrying the Post- The Post-9/11 GI Bill they attend school. TRG Motorsports is 9/11 GI Bill colors on our provides financial support The bill also offers some based in Mooresville, N.C. NASCAR Sprint Cup car at for education and housing to service members the opportu- Currently the team fields a Richmond, we will help spread veterans with at least 90 days nity to transfer their benefits NASCAR Sprint Cup Series the word to our nation’s veter- of aggregate service on or after to dependents. entry as well as a limited ans and service members about Sept. 11, 2001, or individuals Since the inception of this Camping World Truck Series the benefits of this great pro- discharged with a service-con- historic new program, VA has effort and an ARCA RE/MAX gram. The Post-9/11 GI Bill nected disability after 30 days. issued nearly $4.8 billion in Series team. Detailed team in- will help a lot of people who Tuition is paid based on Post-9/11 GI Bill benefit pay- formation is available at www. have helped us to live our lives the highest in-state tuition ments and opened the doors trgmotorsports.com and www. free every day.” charged by a public education- of higher education to nearly theracersgroup.com.

NCA Official Named Patrick Hallinan, the former director of field programs for VA’s National Cemetery Administra- Arlington Superintendent tion, has been selected as Arlington National Cemetery’s superintendent. Hallinan, acting superin- tendent since June 10, was named permanently to the position on Oct. 10. Hallinan worked in NCA for more than 30 years. He began his career in 1977 as a temporary laborer at Long Island National Cemetery. “Pat Hallinan’s unique experience in national cemetery management, combined with his proven leadership and ability, made him the only choice possible for this important job,” Secretary of the Army John McHugh said. “I have every confidence in Pat and Executive Director Kathryn Condon to strengthen management and oversight, and restore America’s confidence in the opera- tion of this most hallowed ground.” In addition, McHugh announced that VA and the Army have entered into a formal agree- ment that will allow ANC employees to enroll in VA’s NCA Training Center. Open since 2004, the center provides technical, supervisory and leadership training to employees, including supervi- sors, equipment operators, groundskeepers and cemetery representatives, who manage and operate national cemeteries. “With 131 cemeteries nationwide, VA has tremendous experience in day-to-day cemetery op- erations, and we believe this unique professional development opportunity will help our employees Patrick Hallinan develop the skills needed to better meet their mission,” McHugh said.

VAnguard • November/December 2010 27 AROUND HEADQUARTERS

Charleston Psychologist Awarded 2010 Olin E. Teague Award

Dr. Peter Tuerk, clinical psychologist at the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center in Charleston, S.C., is the recipient of the 30th annual Olin E. Teague Award, rec- ognizing the VA employee or team whose achievements have been extraordinarily beneficial to the rehabilitation of war- injured veterans. He was cho- sen for his accomplishments treating post-traumatic stress disorder in combat veterans. Tuerk, who works with the Charleston VAMC’s PTSD clinical team and is an assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at the Medical University of South Carolina, runs the first VA clinic in the country to offer Prolonged Exposure therapy john c. baroody via telehealth or video telecon- Dr. Peter Tuerk, right, was recognized for his achievements treating post-traumatic stress disorder in com- ferencing technology to rural bat veterans. veterans. This evidence-based atry and the Journal of Trau- Health Services Prolonged Tuerk. “That’s recognition treatment has significantly im- matic Stress. His clinic was also Exposure rollout. To date, he enough for me.” proved outcomes for veterans the first in the United States to has trained more than 120 VA Tuerk accepted the pres- suffering from PTSD. provide and publish research mental health clinicians in this tigious Teague Award during a Tuerk broke new ground on in-home exposure therapy treatment. “It’s quite a thrill ceremony on Capitol Hill Oct. in VA providing this specialty for veterans with PTSD whose when a young Marine who 20. The award is named for a telehealth treatment to veter- symptoms and other circum- deployed three times tells you disabled veteran of World War ans that might not otherwise stances present a special need. he can feel his emotions again, II who championed veterans’ have access, while proving its Tuerk serves as a na- or when a Vietnam veteran programs throughout a long effectiveness in several research tional Prolonged Exposure has finally learned to enjoy congressional career, during studies published in top-tier consultant, and is one of 12 his family after 30 years, and which he served as chairman national journals, including national workshop trainers knowing you had a part in of the House Committee on the American Journal of Psychi- for the VA Office of Mental helping them get there,” said Veterans’ Affairs.

Four New VA Fisher Houses Open in Program’s ‘Busiest Year Ever’

Two new VA Fisher Houses It’s been a busy year for veterans can prepare meals, do Zachary Fisher and wife Eliza- were dedicated this fall, on the the Fisher House program, their laundry, rest, relax and beth to serve family members grounds of the medical centers which is celebrating its 20th visit with other families. Each in recognition of the special in St. Louis and Miami. Two anniversary. In fact, says Cindy Fisher House is professionally sacrifices men and women in others opened earlier this year, Campbell, community liaison, decorated and furnished to fit uniform make and the hard- in Hines, Ill., and Boston. And “this has been our busiest year the style of the region. There ships of military service. Asked three more houses are current- ever.” is no charge to stay in a Fisher once why they build these ly under construction, at the Fisher Houses, built on House, although donations to homes, Zachary responded, medical centers in Washing- the grounds of military hospi- the Fisher House General Post “Elizabeth and I believe it’s ton, D.C., Augusta, Ga., and tals and VA medical centers, Fund are accepted. important to show in tangible Minneapolis, where a second offer home-like environ- The program began in ways our feelings of apprecia- one is being built to meet the ments where families of ill or 1990 with the vision of New tion for our country and the needs of veterans’ families. injured service members or York real estate developer courageous, professional and

28 VAnguard • November/December 2010 AROUND HEADQUARTERSOUTLOOK

by the Zachary and Elizabeth more than 130,000 families Fisher Armed Services Foun- have been guests since the pro- dation. Zachary Fisher died in gram began. The Fisher House 1999, and the Fisher House program has made available Foundation assumed the mis- nearly 3 million days of lodg- sion of building new houses. ing to family members since They are constructed by the the program originated. foundation on government In addition to the three land. When they are com- new VA Fisher Houses now pleted, VA Fisher Houses are under construction, four donated to VA. more are pending construc- In 1994, the Fisher tion, at the medical centers House at the Samuel S. Strat- in Pittsburgh, Murfreesboro, ton VA Medical Center in Tenn., San Antonio and Salt Albany, N.Y., became the Lake City. The VA Secretary first to accommodate veter- provides the Fisher House ans’ families at a VA medi- Foundation a list of the De- mary waterman cal facility. Today, there are partment’s highest priorities President Obama dropped by a Memorial Day barbecue at the Hines VA 50 Fisher Houses located at and, in conjunction with the Hospital Fisher House outside Chicago. He visited with guests and staff over military hospitals in the U.S. foundation, has recognized bratwurst and baked beans. The house had been officially dedicated three and overseas, and at VA medi- a need for additional houses, days earlier. cal centers throughout the at the medical centers in Bir- dedicated men and women take for granted.” country. Three more are set to mingham, Ala., Long Beach, who protect and defend it, From 1990 to 1998, all open by the end of the year. Calif., West Haven, Conn., enabling the rest of us to enjoy Fisher Houses were given as Nearly 11,000 families stayed Gainesville, Fla., Cleveland the freedoms that we too often gifts to the federal government in Fisher Houses last year, and and Milwaukee. Client Service Initiative Bolstered With Modern Technology

CSI VA? No, it’s not another track it until it’s resolved.” issue are complete.” cal center. The CSR enters popular TV series spinoff. It’s Technically, it’s a custom- Tasked employees receive the veteran’s information and VA’s Client Service Initiative, er-off-the-shelf (COTS) prod- an e-mail message notifying specific complaint into Ex- kicked off in 2007, and now uct that has been tailored to fit them of the issue. The em- ecVA and assigns it to VHA. backed by a system called VA’s needs. Employee access is ployee then logs into the sys- Numerous VHA employees Executive Veterans Affairs through a secure Intranet site tem, performs the required ac- from that Florida VAMC may Contact Management System located on the VA network. A tion in their area of expertise, be sub-tasked to provide back- (ExecVA) that bolsters the username and password are re- and closes their task. Some ground information and other initiative with modern tech- quired to log into the system. issues may require action by data necessary to address the nology—preventing veteran Once a client service represen- more than one VA employee veteran’s complaint. callers from falling through the tative has successfully logged to resolve a particular prob- The goal is to quickly de- proverbial cracks. into the system, caller infor- lem, especially complex issues. termine if there is a legitimate And it’s not just for VA mation is entered on a form The system allows for the as- issue, identify the VA office Central Office employees, al- and assigned to pre-established signments, the tracking, and with the responsibility and though the system was initially groups, representing Veterans consistent reminders so tasks knowledge to address the is- purchased to be used by the Health Administration and remain active until resolution. sue, and fix it on behalf of the Office of the Secretary to track Veterans Benefits Administra- So how does this apply veteran. and handle incoming veteran tion organizations and offices. to VA employees outside of “What we’ve found so far calls about their benefit claims “When a call comes in, VACO? More often than not, is that the field is doing their and other issues. the CSR enters the informa- when a veteran calls VACO job and doing it extremely “ExecVA cross-cuts tion into the system and as- with a problem or complaint, well,” said Bevins. “The system through all business lines sumes ownership of the issue,” the CSR has to refer to the allows us to fact check, com- throughout VA,” said Debi said Bevins. “It is their respon- field for information. Here’s municate and resolve issues, Bevins, director of Client sibility to ensure the issue is re- an example. usually at the local level.” Relations in the Office of the solved. The system helps them Veteran John Q. Public However, ExecVA pro- Secretary. “It doesn’t matter track the issue, assign tasks, calls VACO complaining vides more than just resolution where the call originates or the and provides periodic remind- about the treatment he re- management; it can also save issue at hand, the system will ers until all tasks related to the ceived at his Florida VA medi- (continued on page 30)

VAnguard • November/December 2010 29 INTRODUCING

Ron Bergan INTRODUCING The Veterans Day National Veterans Day event sites. The Committee selected the design artwork is also featured as the of Ron Bergan, visual informa- cover of the official program tion and public affairs special- booklet for the Veterans Day ist with the VA Greater Los Ceremony at Arlington Na- Angeles Healthcare System, tional Cemetery. as this year’s winner of the Bergan’s design, which national Veterans Day poster depicts a listing of U.S. mili- contest. tary campaigns above a draped “I was pretty excited U.S. flag, was selected by the when I received the call and committee from more than 40 was told that the committee submissions. had met and unanimously “It’s great when you’re approved my design—who able to go through a concept wouldn’t be?” said Bergan. and then design something paula berger “I am sincerely appreciative that individuals can relate to A night visit to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., inspired to have the opportunity and and in some way connect with Ron Bergan’s winning poster design. would never have dreamed visually to communicate a of places where troops and vet- people like Ella Fitzgerald, that I would ever be involved feeling or idea,” said Bergan. erans had served throughout Frank Sinatra and Tony Ben- or allowed to contribute in “When I visited my brother my life all over the world. I nett,” he said, recalling that he even a small part to something in D.C., one night we did the just wanted to try to ultimately also worked with Peter Max this cool.” monument walk, and I was represent those individuals on designing a poster for the A new poster is developed really impressed with the Viet- who don’t have a memorial Grammys, and with Michael every year by VA to com- nam Veterans Memorial Wall or park dedicated to their ef- Jackson during the “Thriller” memorate Veterans Day and and how well it worked on so forts.” days. honor America’s heroes. The many levels. Before coming to VA 10 “My experiences in the poster and accompanying “It was functional, beauti- years ago, Bergan worked in recording industry were great, materials are shipped to VA ful and simple, and I could the recording industry in Los but I am sincerely proud and facilities nationwide, and it not comprehend all the names Angeles as a professional trum- grateful to have been a part is available for download on that were on it. When I was pet player and music executive. of another project that has the Veterans Day Web site, at thinking about the poster, I “I have had a very inter- real meaning and tradition,” www.va.gov/opa/vetsday/gallery. was thinking we have been in esting life, and was blessed Bergan said of his work on the asp. Additional distribution in- only a few declared wars that I with some creative and musical 2010 Veterans Day Poster. cludes federal buildings, mili- could remember from school, talents that allowed me to tour tary installations and regional but I could think of all kinds the world and perform with By Gary Hicks

CSI VA cont. a veteran’s life or protect the attempt. involves a previous issue. This phone number, claim number safety and security of other After a veteran’s informa- allows for better handling of or even Social Security number veterans and VA employees. tion has been entered into the current and future calls. to respond to specific inquiries Let’s take another hy- system, it remains there and “ExecVA is the best pos- and help resolve issues. The pothetical veteran caller with is updated throughout the sible advocacy system for authority to maintain these re- different circumstances. Susie process. Each person assigned veterans,” Bevins said. “It’s cords is title 38, United States Q. Public calls VACO and with a task updates the system a robust system that allows Code, section 501. says she’s distraught over her with information and the ac- for many uses, but remains The details of the call, treatment, thinks no one cares tions they took to help resolve extremely effective in ensuring including veteran personally about her problems, and states the issue. that all veterans’ issues receive identifiable information (PII), she’s very depressed and con- This information is useful an appropriate response in a are kept in a secure database sidering “ending it all.” in assisting with repeat callers. timely manner.” located in Austin, Texas. This The system can im- The initial CSR will imme- Callers are not required collection of data is used to mediately link the caller to diately notice the veteran is a to provide personal or contact better serve veterans by pro- the Veterans Suicide Hotline repeat caller and will be able information, but in some viding a searchable history of to talk with a counselor and to see previous issues or if the instances VA may need infor- their claims, requests, issues potentially thwart a suicide current call from the veteran mation such as name, address, and complaints.

30 VAnguard • November/December 2010 MEDICAL ADVANCESOUTLOOK

Pivotal Study Finds during a two-year period. Link Between PTSD Subjects who had received and Dementia a Purple Heart (with and Results of a study reported without a PTSD diagno- in the September issue of sis) were also identified to the Journal of the American provide a group with con- Geriatrics Society suggest firmed injuries and combat that veterans with post-trau- experience. A group with matic stress disorder have two visits, but no PTSD or a greater risk for dementia Purple Heart, was identified than veterans without for purposes of compari- PTSD, even those who suf- son. Outpatient data were fered traumatic injuries. gathered for all identified “We found veterans patients from 1997 through with PTSD had twice the 2008. chance for later being diag- “Despite the increased nosed with dementia than risk for those with PTSD, it veterans without PTSD,” is noteworthy that most vet- said Mark Kunik, M.D., a erans with PTSD did not psychiatrist at the Michael develop dementia during E. DeBakey VA Medical the period we studied,” said Center in Houston and Salah Qureshi, M.D., a staff senior author of the article. psychiatrist and investigator “Although we cannot at with the Houston VA Cen- this time determine the ter of Excellence and first cause for this increased risk, author of the article. “It will it is essential to determine be important to determine whether the risk of de- which veterans with PTSD mentia can be reduced by are at greatest risk and to effectively treating PTSD. determine whether PTSD This could have enormous induced by situations other Spc. 2nd Class Matthew D. Leistikow/Navy implications for veterans than war injury is also asso- More study is needed to determine why veterans with PTSD are more now returning from Iraq ciated with greater risk.” at risk for dementia than others, the researchers say. and Afghanistan.” The authors note there early marker of dementia, teristics in common. They The study included could be several explana- having PTSD makes a emphasize the need for 10,481 veterans at least 65 tions for their findings. person more likely to get further study with a broader years of age who had been It could be that cognitive dementia, or PTSD and sample in the civilian popu- seen at VA at least twice impairment in PTSD is an dementia have some charac- lation.

‘Medical Team’ advertent harm at times, de- work and communication cal procedures conducted Approach Reduces spite care from well-trained, skills—often referred to as at 108 of its hospitals from OR Mortality Rates experienced and conscien- non-technical skills—can 2006 to 2008. MTT had A VA study published Oct. tious health care providers,” be measured, learned, prac- been introduced at 74 of 20 in the Journal of the noted Dr. Douglas Paull, a ticed and enhanced,” Paull these hospitals. The study American Medical Associa- VA surgeon and co-director continued. “The MTT found that the decline in tion concludes that a con- of the Medical Team program improves these the risk-adjusted mortality cept called Medical Team Training program at VA’s non-technical skills among rate was 50 percent greater Training improves com- National Center for Patient providers, delivering on the in the MTT group than in munication, teamwork and Safety in Ann Arbor, Mich. promise of a safer health the non-MTT group. efficiency in VA operating “The cause in many such care system.” “MTT is all about rooms, resulting in signifi- instances is faulty teamwork VA’s nationwide study communication,” said Dr. cantly lower mortality rates. and communication. involved the analysis of Lisa Mazzia, who runs VA’s “Patients can suffer in- “Fortunately, team- more than 100,000 surgi- Medical Team Training

VAnguard • November/December 2010 31 MEDICAL ADVANCES program along with Paull. “MTT empowers every member of the surgical team to immediately speak up if they see something that’s not right. “When people talk and listen to each other, fewer errors occur in the operat- ing room. That’s the bot- tom line,” Mazzia added. Julia Neily, associate di- rector of the National Cen- ter for Patient Safety Field Office in Vermont and one of the study’s nine authors, said conducting briefings prior to starting surgery, much like pilot and crew work through a pre-flight checklist, proved to be a VHA key component in reducing “When people talk and listen to each other, fewer errors occur in the operating room,” said Dr. Lisa mortalities because it gave Mazzia, co-director of VA’s Medical Team Training program. the surgical team “a final surgery. Examples included while future surgeries were VA began implementing a chance” to correct potential fixing broken equipment in progress. nationwide MTT program problems. or instruments, ordering Pre-operative briefings in 2006. Post-operative debrief- back-up sets of instruments, and post-operative debrief- To find out more about ings also proved valuable, and improving collabora- ings are a fundamental Medical Team Training, the study found, because tion between the operat- component of VA’s MTT contact the National Center they led directly to the ing room and radiology program, which the Nation- for Patient Safety at 734- prompt resolution of glitch- department—all of which al Center for Patient Safety 930-5884 or go to www. es that occurred during led directly to fewer delays began developing in 2003. patientsafety.gov.

International Study Led by VA-Harvard Physician Yields Insight on Risks from Fatty Arteries An international study of clinical data led by a VA-Harvard University cardiologist found that patients with deposits of fatty plaque in their arteries are at especially high risk for life-threatening cardiovascular events if they have diabetes, disease in multiple arteries, or a history of heart attack or stroke. The findings, from a study of more than 45,000 patients in nearly 30 countries, were published in the Sept. 22 edition of the Journal of the American Medical Association. According to lead author Dr. Deepak Bhatt and colleagues, the findings may guide future clinical trials and help doctors decide which patients need more aggressive treatment. Bhatt is chief of cardiology at the VA Boston Healthcare System and director of the Integrated Interventional Cardiovascular Program at VA and Brigham and Women’s Hospital, a teaching affiliate of Harvard Medi- cal School. The four-year study included patients who had at baseline clinical evidence of atherothrombosis—in which fatty deposits break off from artery walls to form clots—or who had risk factors for the condition. Ruptured plaque deposits can form clots that block blood flow to the heart or brain, resulting in heart attack or stroke. Depending on their medical status and history, different groups of patients in the trial were at higher or lower risk for stroke, heart attack, or cardiovascular death. On the low end of the risk scale—7 percent—were those with no diabetes and only risk factors for atherothrombosis. The risk rose to as high as 25 percent for those with clinical evidence of atherothrombosis in multiple arteries and a history of heart attack or stroke. The presence of diabetes also raised the risk considerably. “Even stable patients with a previous heart attack or stroke are at particularly high risk of recurrence if they have plaque build- up in several different arteries or if they have diabetes,” said Bhatt. “These types of patients need aggressive preventive efforts to keep history from repeating itself.” Knowing that “not all atherothrombosis is equal,” wrote Bhatt and colleagues, can help doctors target therapies such as plaque- reducing and clot-busting drugs to those patients who will benefit most. 32 VAnguard • November/December 2010 HAVE YOUOUTLOOK HEARD

VA’s First Model Community Opens at Genetic Risk Washington, D.C., VA Assessment of Medical Center Colorectal Cancer The Washington, D.C., VA Course Debuts Medical Center celebrated The ability to determine a the grand opening of VA’s patient’s increased genetic first model community for risk of disease and provide veterans on Oct. 14. Called appropriate health care is “Independence Way™,” emerging as a component the community, meant to of personalized medicine assist in rehabilitation using in VA and is now available “real life” situations, simu- to VA clinicians for the first time in history. The lates a street, bank, home, Veterans Health Adminis- market, bus stop and sub- tration’s Employee Educa- way station. D.C. VAMC tion System and Office Designed and created The model community will offer “real life” situations to challenge of Research and Develop- by Patricia A. Moore, a re- veterans undergoing rehabilitation. ment, in partnership with nowned gerontologist and the Office of the Secretary an industrial and environmental designer, the community is part of the VAMC’s Physical and the National Coalition Medicine and Rehabilitative Service, Polytrauma Program. The community will help vet- for Health Professional erans with various medical conditions, including those who have neurological conditions Education in Genetics, that affect mobility and those who have suffered a stroke, better prepare for community recently launched a con- re-entry within the safe and therapeutic setting of the medical center. A unique rehabili- tinuing education course on genetics and colorectal tation tool for all veterans, Independence Way helps ensure the coordination of lifelong cancer. rehabilitation services as veterans progress from acute care settings to their home environ- This program is ments. intended to provide VA health care providers the information and skills necessary to undertake genetic risk assessment for colorectal cancer, identify Poster ads on busses, subway cars and in subway stations patients at increased risk, identified VA as “My Employer of refer appropriate patients Choice” and provided the mobile for genetic counseling and text messaging option “Choice” testing, and target screen- to 64444 as the source for more ing and management to information about VA jobs and careers. the patient’s risk status. It is the first comprehensive educational tool on genet- michael l. moore ics of heritable colorectal cancer for a broad category Recruitment Transit Ad Campaign Tested in Washington, D.C. of health care professionals How do you reach GenXers and Millenials with a powerful message that gets attention and re- in the United States. sponse? VA’s Office of Human Resources Management marketers think they have the answer and The course—targeted tested it this summer in Washington, D.C., with a new VA “Employer of Choice” transit ad cam- to physicians, nurses, paign throughout the D.C. Metro subway and bus systems. physician assistants, nurse The bright poster ads on busses, subway cars and in subway stations identified VA as “My practitioners, genetic coun- Employer of Choice” and provided the mobile text messaging option “Choice” to 64444 as the selors and the VA research source for more information about VA jobs and careers. When job seekers texted “Choice” to community—is now avail- 64444, they got an instant “call to action” message that sent them to www.vacareers.va.gov to apply able in the VA Learning for jobs. The texting option also allowed VA to track job seekers interested in VA. Management System at “We are reaching out to job seekers by branding VA as their ‘Employer of Choice’ and using www.lms.va.gov. Type technology they prefer to reach back to us,” said Debbie Kolen, director, Recruitment and Place- “colorectal cancer” in the ment Policy, OHRM. LMS search to access it.

VAnguard • November/December 2010 33 HAVE YOU HEARD

Rural Transportation Program Brings Veterans Employees Staff Closer to Health Care Veterans Pavilion at Veterans who need transporta- Blacks in Government tion in central Texas now have (BIG) Conference a new option for getting to VA had a large presence their medical appointments. On Sept. 17, the Central at this year’s Blacks In Texas Veterans Health Care Government (BIG) 32nd System hosted the launch of a annual national training new national rural transporta- conference, held Aug. tion program at the Olin E. 15-20 in Kansas City, Teague Veterans’ Center in Mo. The Department Temple. Temple Mayor Bill hosted numerous ac- Jones and VA Veterans Trans- brian gavin tivities at the conference, portation Service Director Da- Central Texas Veterans Health Care System Director Thomas Smith including a Veterans vid Riley were featured guests talks with disabled veteran Mike Campbell about the launch of the rural transportation initiative. Empowerment Forum at the ceremony. on Aug. 15. The forum The Central Texas Veterans Health Care System is one of four pilot sites across the nation se- lected to participate in the program, sponsored by the Veterans Transportation Service. The three supported the Secretary’s other sites are: Ann Arbor, Mich.; Salt Lake City; and Muskogee, Okla. The new program will use goal of being more veter- staff and volunteers to provide transportation for veterans who have difficulty getting to the medi- an-centric by promoting cal center for care. It is geared primarily toward veterans living in rural areas, women veterans and VA benefits and services disabled veterans. When the Texas site is fully operational, it will have a fleet of 12 vehicles and is to veteran attendees at expected to serve more than 21,000 veterans. the conference, and veterans in the Missouri VA Montana Health Care area in general. System Gets $40,000 Approximately 125 Donation from Car Rally people attended three It’s not often you see Jaguars, presentations given by Shelbys, Ferraris, Aston Mar- VA subject matter ex- tins and other valuable vintage perts and veterans service cars parked next to tanks and organization represen- helicopters on a military guard tatives. The first and base. On Sept. 11, members of second panels focused the “Going to the Sun Rally,” on homelessness, health a nonprofit organization out care, the Post-9/11 GI of Bozeman, Mont., gathered Bill, mental health, at the Fort William Henry Harrison Post located next to employment, and the the VA Montana Health Care jonna brenton Center for Faith-Based System during their sixth an- Vintage cars lined up near the VA Montana Health Care System for and Neighborhood Part- nual charity road rally. the 6th annual “Going to the Sun Rally.” nerships. The third panel The five-day vintage car rally across Montana and surrounding areas raises money for lo- addressed services and cal programs in need. This year’s beneficiaries happened to be Montana veterans, who received resources offered to vet- $40,000 from a 1982 Corvette that was donated and raffled off. The VA Montana Health Care erans in the community System plans to use the money to assist homeless veterans with items like bus tickets, phone cards, by veterans service orga- gas and furniture vouchers, rental and utility deposit assistance, dental care and food vouchers. nizations.

VA Oregon’s CycleSORCC Bike Riders Cycle for Healthy Living On Aug. 28, the VA Southern Oregon Rehabilitation Center and Clinics held its first CycleSORCC Cruise event. Thirty-three veterans, employees and volunteers rode up to 18 miles (based on the rider’s fitness level), cycling close to 500 miles total in the non- competitive bike ride. The cruise went through picturesque Eagle Point, Ore., taking riders across the town’s historic covered bridge and creek. Coordinated through the prosthetics department and the MOVE Weight Management Committee, the event was staffed by VA SORCC volunteers, who provided refreshments, snacks, prizes, T-shirts and CycleSORCC dog tag medallions. One lucky veteran even went home with the grand prize drawing—a new three-speed cruiser bike. The CycleSORCC Cruise, which organizers hope to make an annual event, was a big success, with riders joining in the spirit of camaraderie, healthy living and veteran unity.

34 VAnguard • November/December 2010 HAVE YOUOUTLOOK HEARD

International Chess Master Instructs at Tuscaloosa VA Medical Center Michael Ciamarra, a World Chess Federation-certified chess instructor with more than two decades of chess ex- perience, brought his skills to the Tuscaloosa VA Medical Center on Aug. 31. Visiting three of Alabama’s VA hos- pitals, Ciamarra arrived in Tuscaloosa ready to play, with chess sets on hand. After setting up in the recreation room, Ciamarra played exhibition games with veterans who al- ready knew the rules of the game. To cater to players of all levels, Ciamarra played three separate games at one time. According to Irene Thomas, recreation therapist at the Tuscaloosa VA, chess, like other table games, is good for patients because it encourages socialization, concentration and mental stimulation. “Chess is the king of all games,” dusty compton/tuscaloosa news Ciamarra said. “It’s a magical game that combines analysis, Instructor Michael Ciamarra, far left, plays separate chess games with Anthony Feltus, right, and Reggie Browder, second from right, as Mar- decision-making and consequences. My goal is to bring vin Lundy looks on. them the excitement and enthusiasm of chess and hope- fully make it a lifelong hobby.”

One VA in Atlanta Federal, state and local officials took part in a ribbon-cutting during the Grand Opening ceremony for the bridge connecting the Atlanta VA Medical Center and Atlanta VA Regional Office on Sept. 8. From left: Lawrence A. Biro, VA Southeast Net- work director; Al Bocchicchio, VARO director; W. Burrell Ellis Jr., DeKalb County chief executive officer; Pete Wheeler, Georgia Department of Vet- erans Service commissioner; Rep. Phil Gingrey (R- Ga.); and Orlando Dunson, VAMC associate director. ann hamilton

Navy Week Brings Brass to the Baltimore VA Medical Center Anchors aweigh! Baltimore Navy Week—in conjunction with the Maryland State Fair—brought many sailors from Navy vessels into the city’s Inner Harbor. Rear Adm. Scott Weikert, deputy commander of the First Naval Construc- tion Division, and crew members from the U.S.S. Mary- land, a submarine, and the U.S.S. Constitution, the Navy’s oldest vessel in use, arrived at the Baltimore VA Medical Center on Sept. 1 to visit hospitalized veterans. “Here is an opportunity to say thank you to the staff at the Baltimore VA Medical Center for what they do for our veterans on a day-to-day basis,” said Weikert during his visit. “It is also an opportunity for us to say thank you to our veterans.” Some hospitalized veterans smiled, while jordan denner others were brought to tears by the visit, learning that the Rear Adm. Scott Weikert, center, and crew members visit with two current generation of service men and women has not for- Navy veterans at the Baltimore VAMC: Lakisha Jones, 39, and gotten them. William Kuzmiak, 91.

VAnguard • November/December 2010 35 HONORS

Martinsburg VA Medical Center Team Southern Arizona Chief Honored With GreenGov Presidential of Staff Honored by Good Neighbor Award Physicians Group Employees from the Martinsburg (W.Va.) VA Dr. Jayendra H. Shah received Medical Center’s Nutrition and Food Services the American Association of team made a special trip to the nation’s capi- Physicians of Indian Origin tal on Oct. 7 to receive the first annual 2010 Most Distinguished Physi- GreenGov Presidential Good Neighbor Award cian Award during their 28th for their “Green Kitchen” initiative. The Green Annual Convention this sum- Kitchen has brought healthful, locally grown mer. The award cited Shah’s foods from veteran-owned farming businesses to “extraordinary service and the Martinsburg cafeteria. ann r. brown dedication to the medical pro- The initiative has decreased the VAMC’s Martinsburg VAMC employees traveled to Wash- fession.” ington, D.C., to accept the award honoring their landfill food waste by 86 percent, contributed “Green Kitchen” initiative. 265 pounds of weekly food donations to a nonprofit veterans’ transitional housing group, and increased collection of food waste for compost- ing. The project’s efficient kitchen equipment and operations have also improved energy and water conservation. The GreenGov Presidential Awards honor programs that exemplify President Obama’s charge to lead by example toward a clean energy economy. The Good Neighbor Award, one of six award categories, recognizes a federal agency team that is actively involved in community planning and sustainability initiatives and goals, and has demonstrated success in aligning policies and practices with community partners to achieve those goals. Selected from more than 300 nominations, the Martinsburg VAMC was one of eight federal winners.

Center for Women Veterans Director Named Air Force Association VA Employee of the Year Jayendra H. Shah, M.D. The Air Force Association named Dr. Irene Trowell-Harris, director of the VA Center Shah, who is chief of for Women Veterans, their VA Employee of staff at the Southern Arizona VA Health Care System in the Year. She received the award at the as- Tucson, was presented the sociation’s Air and Space Conference in Sep- award in recognition of his 40 tember. AFA honored Trowell-Harris for her years of exceptional service in leadership in helping VA develop policies and providing outstanding care to programs directed to meeting the needs of the veterans and promoting the rapidly growing number of women veterans Veterans Health Administra- as primary advisor to the Secretary on women tion mission of patient care, veterans issues. teaching and research. Shah’s She retired from the Air Force as a ma- contributions have resulted in jor general in 2001 after a 38-year National increased efficiency, patient Guard career. She was the first woman in the satisfaction, cost avoidance and alternative revenue generation. National Guard promoted to general officer Several innovative pro- rank. Prior to directing the Center for Wom- emerson sanders Irene Trowell-Harris grams he created have become en Veterans, Trowell-Harris served in the VA models for other VA facilities, Office of Inspector General. including: the implementation of a unique academic Primary Care program; Geriatrics Re- California Doctor Receives National Recognition for Decision Making habilitation Center; Blind Re- Douglas Owens, M.D., of the VA Palo Alto Health Care System in California, is the recipient of habilitation Center; Telephone the 2010 John M. Eisenberg Award from the Society for Medical Decision Making. He accepted Linked Care; Admission Refer- his award at the society’s annual meeting in Toronto in October. ral Center; Patient Admission The Eisenberg award is given “in recognition of exemplary leadership in the practical applica- Testing program; and five tion of medical decision making research.” The award is named for the former head of the Agency rural community-based outpa- for Healthcare Research and Quality and a leader in his field. tient clinics.

36 VAnguard • November/December 2010 OUTLOOKHONORS

Madison VA Hospital Honored for Jackson VA Project SEARCH Program Director Named Senior The William S. Middleton Memorial Healthcare Executive Veterans Hospital in Madison, Wis., was of the Year named an “Employment Champion” at the Linda F. Watson, director 4th Annual Project SEARCH International of the G.V. (Sonny) Mont- Conference in Miami this summer. The gomery VA Medical Center in Jackson, Miss., has been hospital was recognized as one of several named Senior Healthcare sites that found paid employment for 100 Executive of the Year by the percent of its Project SEARCH interns. National Association of Health Project SEARCH is a program that Services Executives. “I am provides job training for individuals with truly honored to receive this significant disabilities through internships recognition,” said Watson. or work rotations designed to teach students “I have the great fortune of meaningful job skills that will ultimately working with many outstand- lead to their employment either at the site ing employees throughout VA or with other employers in the community. who are truly dedicated to In late 2008, Madison became the first ensuring the men and women who served in the military re- VA medical center to begin a program. Mi- ceive quality health care.” chele Ritt, a teacher provided by the local michele ritt school district, is based full-time at the hos- Program participant Peter Ransom was recently pital and provides instruction to students hired as an employee in Nutrition and Food Ser- on a variety of general job skills as well as vices. specific job instruction. “Project SEARCH is the world as it should be,” Ritt said. “Every person has talents to share.” Students are currently working in several areas of the hospi- tal, and plans call for expansion into other areas. “The young adults in Project SEARCH bring joy and enthusiasm to the VA workplace,” said Dr. Eileen Ahearn, one of the hos- pital’s program liaisons.

Houston VA Physician Recognized by Peers With Landmark Community Choice Award Dr. Aimée D. Garcia, director of the Wound Clinic and Consult Service at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center in Houston, was one of 16 medical experts in the Linda F. Watson United States chosen by the 100,000-plus member Quan- Watson accepted the tiaMD® community to receive its esteemed Community award on Oct. 14 in Mem- Choice Award for “innovation and excellence in sharing phis, Tenn., at the organiza- knowledge.” tion’s 25th Annual Educa- “I am very pleased with this recognition of one of our tional Conference. Health physicians by QuantiaMD,” said J. Kalavar, M.D., De- care executives from across Bakey chief of staff. “Dr. DeBakey established the Hous- the country and VA staff from Jackson were on hand as Wat- ton VA as a teaching hospital in 1949 with an accredited son received the honor. residency program for the facility. With doctors like Dr. The National Association Garcia, we are able to continue his pursuit of excellence in of Health Services Execu- medical education and research.” tives was founded in 1968 QuantiaMD is an online physician-to-physician learn- Aimée D. Garcia, M.D. as a nonprofit association of ing collaborative where physicians engage, share and learn from experts and each other. black health care executives. Garcia, who is also an associate professor and the director of the Geriatrics Fellowship Its purpose is to advance and Program at Baylor College of Medicine, is an attending physician in the Extended Care develop black health care lead- Line and Medical Care Line at the DeBakey VA. ers, and elevate the quality of health care services rendered to minority and underserved communities.

VAnguard • November/December 2010 37 HONORS

VACO HR Employee Named First DAV Honors Three Runner-Up in Mrs. America Pageant Outstanding VA Raquel Riley Thomas, a marketing consultant Employees in the Office of Human Resources Management Three VA employees received in headquarters, was first runner-up in the Mrs. the National Commander’s America pageant, held in September in Tucson, Outstanding VA Employee Ariz. She was crowned Mrs. Maryland America awards from the Disabled this summer at the historic Avalon Theatre in Eas- American Veterans at the ton, Md. organization’s 89th National Thomas started her career in 1990 as a pho- Convention in Atlanta this tojournalist in the Army. Her supervisors noted summer. her professionalism, and soon thereafter she was Kathleen Hanley, a de- chosen to receive a Reserve Officers Training cision review officer at the Corps scholarship to Hampton University, where Togus (Maine) VA Regional she received a bachelor’s degree in psychology. Office, received the award for Thomas went on to become an ordnance officer in the Veterans Benefits Adminis- the Army and achieve the rank of captain. tration. She has spent 29 years “I served my country in the U.S. Army for serving veterans, but her asso- nine years with pride, dignity and respect,” said ciation with VA started when Thomas. “Winning Mrs. Maryland means the she was a child. Her father community rallies behind me and my platform was a VA employee, and she (veterans employment), enabling me to continue mrs. america pageant grew up on the Togus facil- my service to our country.” Thomas and her hus- Raquel Riley Thomas competed as Mrs. Mary- ity grounds. Today, she trains band, Ron, have two children, Maria and Sophia. land in the Mrs. America pageant. veterans service rating repre- sentatives in delivering earned benefits to veterans as part of Top VA Physician Appointed to Patient Care Board the claims process. In September, Dr. Robert Jesse, Principal Deputy Under Sec- Sarah Nowitzke, the Op- retary for Health, accepted an appointment to the first Patient- eration Enduring Freedom/ Centered Outcomes Research Institute’s Board of Governors. Operation Iraqi Freedom “Instead of simply asking what works, we will be determining program manager at the Ann what works best,” Jesse said of the 17-member board created Arbor (Mich.) VA Healthcare under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. “This is System, accepted the award for important work, as it will help standardize American health care the Veterans Health Admin- toward the best practices in the medical field, and we should see istration. She was a military better efficiency as a result.” wife for 13 years before her The board is charged with identifying comparative effective- husband was severely injured ness research priorities and establishing a research agenda. CER and later died. She knows the studies are head-to-head trials that compare different clinical heartbreak sometimes suffered practices and therapies to see how they stack up against each by the families of veterans and other for treating a defined patient population. Jesse also serves Robert Jesse, M.D. the vital need for compassion as a professor of internal medicine and cardiology at Virginia Commonwealth University School in the VA health care system. of Medicine. He has extensive experience in comparative effectiveness, cardiology, cancer and bio- Edward Holmes, who chemical research. received the DAV Oustanding VA Employee award for the National Cemetery Adminis- VA Finishes Second in Government-Wide Feds Feed Families Program tration, is a heavy equipment Thanks to the efforts of employees in headquarters, VA finished second among all federal agencies operator at Riverside (Calif.) in the government-wide 2010 Feds Feed Families program. VA Central Office employees contrib- National Cemetery. A Marine uted 225,825 pounds of food collected at drop-off boxes throughout headquarters. At last count, Corps veteran, Holmes has the Feds Feed Families program received 1,693,082 pounds of food across the federal government tremendous empathy for the in the Washington, D.C., metro area. families of deceased veterans. Suzanne Campbell coordinated VA’s efforts during the food drive, with the help of Robert He believes that no one can Ferguson, Terry Davis and Charles Hawkins. Together, the Human Resources and Administration care for a veteran better than employees retrieved food boxes from various building locations and delivered them to the Capital another veteran. Area Food Bank in a timely manner. Feds Feed Families was developed in June 2009 by the Office of Personnel Management to raise 1.2 million pounds of donated food for those who need it most.

38 VAnguard • November/December 2010 OUTLOOKHEROES

Prompt Action Saves At-Risk Veteran It’s not unusual for the Washington, D.C., VA Medical Center to receive calls from veterans and their family members from across the country. Many think they are reaching VA Cen- tral Office to express their concerns. But when D.C. VAMC budget technician Joseph E. Davis retrieved a voicemail message late this summer, little did he know he’d be saving a life. Davis, a 20- year Coast Guard veteran, promptly returned the call. The veteran said he was from Philadelphia and he wanted to “be better” before returning home to his fam- ily. He told Davis he was D.C. VAMC “mentally and emotionally Joseph E. Davis returned a call from a veteran in obvious distress, and helped point him to the treatment messed up and didn’t want he needed. to be a burden to his family.” Davis kept the veteran on the line and signaled to his supervisor. For almost 50 minutes, Davis passed information to his supervisor and kept the veteran talking. The suicide prevention hotline staff arranged an on-site intervention by the police. Davis continued talking to the veteran until police arrived at his home. An officer came to the phone to ad- vise Davis that they would take care of the veteran and get him to treatment. A few days later, the veteran called Davis and thanked him, saying he was grateful for his intervention.

Police Intervention Helps Save Veteran’s Life Early one morning this summer, a disoriented veteran was spotted walking the atrium at the Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center in Indianapolis. Staff members summoned police officers Travis Thompson and Bruce Randolph and voiced their concerns about the veteran’s mental state. The veteran admitted he had consumed a large amount of pre- scription drugs, along with alcohol, and when asked if he wanted to receive a medical evaluation, he refused. The officers recognized that the veteran was in grave danger, so they detained him and took him to the emergency department for evaluation and medical care. During the emergency intervention, it was determined that he needed to be admitted to the medical intensive care unit, where he remained until his mental state stabilized. By intervening and get- ting the veteran the treatment he needed, the officers helped save the veteran’s life.

Quick Thinking Helps Avert Possible Veteran Suicide When technician Daniel L. Stansberry of VA’s Austin Information Technology Center answers a phone, it’s usually to provide IT assistance to a fellow employee. But earlier this year, he received a call that was far from the norm. An emotionally distressed veteran was on the line, seeking help. As a veteran himself, Stansberry recognized the urgency of the situation. Keeping the veteran on the line and talking, Stansberry accessed the Veterans Assistance Web site and eventually VA’s suicide prevention hotline, conferencing the veteran with a suicide hotline counselor. He stayed on the phone with the veteran and the counselor for almost an hour to ensure they did not get disconnected. Ultimately, the veteran’s emotional state was stabilized due to Stansberry’s quick actions and the counselor’s training in suicide prevention.

VAnguard • November/December 2010 39