For employees, volunteers and patients Vol. 4, No. 2 of Zablocki and our community clinics June 2013

COPS Rest easy, VA, your police are on watch Photo by Gary Kunich S P E C I A L 2 5000 West A day in the life and then some BY REBECCA OMICK 5000 West staff writer For the last month I’ve shadowed the Milwaukee VA police. I was curious about Photo by Paul Bachmann what they do during the day, how they are Public Affairs intern Rebecca Omick takes aim during firsthand VA police training. different from the other local forces and Omick spent several weeks with Milwaukee VA police to learn more about them for do they really all love donuts, you know? this special 5000 West. The stories are real. The names have not been changed. I went in to this totally excited but kind of nervous. In my experience, cops can Thanks to Sgt. Paul Bachmann’s patient They’re relentless and it’s hilarious. be mean. What I found was these officers and effective tips, I wasn’t horrible while They didn’t even get mad when I asked have some awesome personalities. They’re trying it out. I even learned some tactics to if they love donuts. By the way, most of funny, they’re genuinely caring and they try before drawing the gun. them do — one is even a master baker get to see and do some pretty cool stuff. Did you know the cops have to write a — but they have no idea where that myth And they let me tag along everywhere full report every time they draw their gun? came from. with them! I don’t have an actual badge or No wonder they do so much verbal judo I got to witness some really touching certifications, but I’m legit part-cop now, training too. Just really take a second to things, too. A few calls involved veterans and I’ve got the stories to prove it. say that out loud: verbal judo. How cool who were apprehensive about giving up I’ve never fired a gun before, video does that sound?!? their independence for care. You can’t games aside. But they gave me a firsthand I picture words flying out of a cop’s fake the concern I saw in the eyes of these view of their training. Suddenly I’m mouth like an old-fashioned comic cloud officers. They really, genuinely care about watching a guy with a knife, calmly to combat an angry person. people. slicing his already bloody hostage to HI-YAH! It was moving to spend time with pieces so I draw my gun and fire. “Now we have something in common honestly good people who take the time to It was a dead shot … between the eyes and you are magically calmer.” talk to each person like an individual, who of the hostage. Well, OK, something like that. wouldn’t hesitate to jump into a moving My redeeming fact: The system was I also got to ride in the police cars car to save someone or who keep a couple not calibrated. Once it was ... while they did patrols and no, not in the extra bucks in their back pocket just in BAM! backseat. Why does everyone always case someone is short a few dollars for the Bad guy takes a bullet. assume that first?!? bus or a meal. Angry guy with a knife comes rushing We got to ride around and laugh at how They do these things every day without at me? you can totally tell people get all proper a second thought, which is probably why BAM! with their hands at 10 and 2 on the wheel it seems so awesome to me. At the end of I blow out his knee. when a cop is behind them. every single day, I hope each of them goes It was all done in an advanced And oh man, are these guys funny! home feeling like the true hero I think they computerized simulator called MILO, and They’re serious when they need to be are. I hope you feel the same way after all very cool. but they pick on each other all the time. reading their stories.

friends. Views expressed do not necessarily reflect the official policy of the medical Robert Beller center. While 5000 West encourages Medical Center Director submissions for future editions, we cannot guarantee publication, and reserve the Editor — Gary J. Kunich 5000 West is a recurring publication right to edit all copy so it conforms to Copy editor — Christa Holland produced by the Public Affairs Office editorial policy and guidelines. To submit Staff writer — Brian Walker and Medical Media of the Zablocki VA information, e-mail: Gary.Kunich@ Staff writer -- Rebecca Omick Medical Center, and is intended for va.gov, or call the Public Affairs Office at employees, volunteers, patients and 414-384-2000, ext. 45363. S P E C I A L 5000 West 3 names.” away with breaking traffic “If I’m going to stop Allen is also a fan of being laws. social at work. “I hate when people disobey “Meeting new people is my traffic laws when I’m sitting you, you probably favorite part of being a cop,” right there,” Johnson said. Allen said. “When people see cops they Patrolling the VA grounds think we’re just sitting there deserve it ... ” is an around-the-clock job for not paying attention, but we the VA police. Although there’s are.” always at least one officer They’re not just watching to From traffic tickets to patient patrolling outside, they do try see who comes to a complete safety and serious crimes, VA to add extra focus on certain stop at the stop signs. They’re areas during high traffic times. checking to see who is in police remain vigilant “From 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 which parking space. a.m., we try to focus a lot “Parking space is one of the BY REBECCA OMICK “unrealistic view of what on the parking lots because biggest employee complaints 5000 West staff writer police are.” They are not just that’s when a lot of people are but we have limited visitor “I’m gonna pull this guy there to be mean. In fact, coming in,” Sharbutt said. space so employees just over and see where he’s going seemingly small courtesies Patrol officers aren’t have to walk a little further,” and if I can help him. He looks are common from the 29 expected to just drive around Sharbutt said. a little lost.” Milwaukee VA officers whose the grounds all day. They While he drives through Those aren’t words you mission is to provide a safe are frequently in and out of parking lots, Sharbutt isn’t expect to hear from a cop’s and secure environment for buildings for quick patrols and just watching the road; he’s mouth, but for Milwaukee VA veterans, members and to help with various situations. paying attention to the decals Police Officer Nick Sharbutt, employees. They also have shift breaks on the cars to make sure people it’s a big part of all in day’s While they may be here every four hours. are parked in the right areas. work. to “Protect,” they take the “It’s nice because it breaks In fact, paying attention to “It’s a courtesy that takes, “Serve” part just as seriously. it up so that you’re not just everything all at once is a skill what, five minutes to get them Just ask Officer Kiana driving in circles all day,” police officers must have at all where they need to go on Johnson, who carries a big Sharbutt said. times. time?” Sharbutt asked. “It’s a smile with her badge and gun. While the VA police have “You have to be pretty simple thing that goes a long “I’m a people person,” all the same arresting and smart to be a cop,” Sharbutt way.” she said while patrolling the ticketing authority as any other said. “You have to know Officer Joseph Allen hallways. “I like to say ‘Hi’ to police force, they aren’t here exactly what you’re doing.” feels many people have an everyone and get to know their to make anyone’s life more He’s not just referring to difficult. memorizing laws. VA police “If I’m prefer candidates already have going to stop college credits and experience you, you prior to the VA. Police also probably need to have knowledge of deserve it,” laws and statutes in addition Sharbutt said. to the VA specific policies “We’re not and paperwork that they need trying to give to become familiar with. out tickets. It doesn’t hurt to be very We don’t articulate either. have quotas. “And that’s all in addition A lot of the to Police Academy training,” people we Sharbutt said. pull over are Milwaukee VA Police people we Chief, Tim Jantz, expects the work with best from his officers. Between every day. the hospital, cemetery, regional We want office and Miller Park traffic to maintain that they deal with, Jantz said it a good really “adds to the complexity working of responsibilities and issues” relationship.” Milwaukee VA officers deal That with daily. doesn’t mean “This is a small community they’ll let and we have issues,” Jantz Photo by Rebecca Omick people get said. “But we’re built to deal Officer Nick Sharbutt runs some plates during his morning patrol. with that.” S P E C I A L 4 5000 West They call it Judo, Verbal Judo BY REBECCA OMICK “The biggest thing is to make our 5000 West staff writer Police have some presence known,” Sharbutt said. “That’s Really, they just want to talk. why we drive the cars around a lot, if A huge part of the training VA police special speaking people see us, they know we’re watching officers go through is to try to focus on and there’s less crime.” voluntary compliance. skills in their belts Less crime however, does not mean no “We take lots of communication and skills classes,” Officer Nick Sharbutt said. “We really want to handle a situation without having to use force. There may be times when a situation gets a little hostile and maybe someone’s yelling and “We work hard to provide screaming at you and calling you every not just law enforcement, name in the book, but in the end they’re walking out on their own.” but friendly outreach and Verbal Judo is a term used to describe peace of mind and the how the police attempt to redirect the conversation if it’s becoming too heated. officers here go out of their All but one of the 29 employees of the way to make that happen.” VA police force are veterans which helps — VA Chief of Police them with people over shared military experiences. Tim Jantz “Being a vet helps you relate to them,” Photo by Rebecca Omick VA Chief of Police Tim Jantz. Sharbutt said. In any incident, tempers can escalate quickly but the VA police don’t take the stereotypical hard cop attitude. They “We go see people when they’re at crime. start with introducing themselves to the their worst,” Brown said. “But I just see “Break-ins do happen,” Sharbutt people involved, telling them why they’re someone who needs help, not color or any said. “People tend to leave their stuff out there. Then the police make an attempt to other label.” like their iPods, GPS, wallets or other understand all sides of the situation. Officer Nathan Johnson says his valuables and it attracts attention.” Anger and high stress aren’t the only ability to befriend and relate to people has Paying attention to details is part of a situations the VA police handle. They also really helped him on the job. During one cop’s job but sometimes they need a little particular case, he was helping a younger take a proactive type of care to heart. help. That’s where the VA security system “I can read people pretty well,” Officer veteran enter treatment during a rough comes in. Kiana Johnson said. “Sometimes they time. Milwaukee VA Police Chief, Tim Jantz want someone to talk to but are unsure of “It’s a sad thing when it happens to how to start, so I just ask them if they’re such young people,” Officer Nathan is proud of the state-of-the-art equipment OK.” Johnson said. “Drugs and alcohol really they have. Oftentimes, veterans may be hesitant to messes up their lives and sometimes you “The camera system is exceptional,” talk, but using their communication skills just can’t imagine what they’ve been Jantz said. “We are fortunate to have the has allowed many VA police to help a through.” cameras which are located at many places veteran find someone to talk to. Confronting any issue can be scary, but on the property. We can look at your “We’ll even call their provider or bring the VA police are willing to help someone license plates as you drive in, watch you them in for treatment if they need it,” get started however they can. Sometimes park and follow you down any hallway. Johnson said. they go out of their way to be extra helpful “When you put both together — the Officer Brian Brown loves working to the VA staff as well. high-tech equipment and a great group of for the Milwaukee VA police because “I like to learn a department’s lingo officers, it makes a difference. We work each time they respond to a call, they are because it can help us help them a lot hard to provide not just law enforcement, able to go the extra mile and utilize the quicker,” Nathan Johnson said. but friendly outreach and peace of mind many resources of the VA to really help The quickest way to help every and the officers here go out of their way to someone. department is by being there and being make that happen.” seen.

S P E C I A L 5000 West 5 Detectives on the job until the end hearing, and the court will set a date for the case. As it turned out, the person who allegedly committed the crime in question For Zamborini, waived his rights to the hearing and pleaded not guilty, which means the court it’s not necessarily will have to schedule future court dates. about going after Although he does not necessarily have to appear in court again for this the bad guys but case, it could happen, so Zamborini stays helping those who prepared. need it. Once back at the VA, he dissected two federal statutes down to the difference “Helping victims between “in” and “on” federal property to of crimes,” he said, ensure all parties are on the same page. While he’s considered the “resident “is my favorite part expert” on statutes, Zamborini doesn’t of my job.” have them all stored in his brain. He pulls out a book with highlighted areas and signs of a lot of use. “There are too many to memorize,” Photo by Rebecca Omick Zamborini said as he flipped through the Detective Mark Zamborini book. “But I have a good idea of what most of them are or where to find them.” Finding things, and people, is of course preliminary hearing and appearances. one of the big parts of the job description In this case, the person alleged to have for a detective. Go-to guy for rules committed the crime was facing his first “I’m in charge of the investigation hearing. of complex criminal cases,” Zamborini and regs puts “In Wisconsin, you have to show said. “I’m responsible for every piece of probable cause, so the preliminary evidence and maintaining their pristine finishing touches hearing is to prove a crime was probably integrity.” committed by that person,” Zamborini Record keeping is another one of the on police work said. responsibilities. Zamborini pulled out a Despite the myth that all courtrooms file drawer full of color-coded cases. BY REBECCA OMICK are like the ones seen on TV shows, “I draft subpoenas, search warrants and 5000 West staff writer preliminary hearings are not usually very write many of the follow-ups,” Zamborini Even after an arrest, a police officer’s dramatic. said. job isn’t done. Assistant District Attorney Paul Between investigations, meetings, court That’s why Detective Mark Zamborini Hauer explained some of the differences dates and record keeping, Zamborini also and Officer Joseph Allen found themselves between what is seen on TV, what happens participates monthly in a review of all driving to the Milwaukee Courthouse when there is a jury present and why a the tickets written that month from VA recently in case they had to testify about preliminary hearing is different. officers. someone who allegedly brought a weapon “It’s far more relaxed than a jury While this sounds like a lot, Zamborini onto the VA campus. trial,” Hauer said. “It’s presided over by a says he dislikes the myth that cops aren’t And when it comes to testimony, commissioner, not a judge and really it’s the same as other humans. Zamborini said, it’s important to know all about proving there is plausible probable “We aren’t machines,” he said. “We the nuances of laws, and go over every cause.” get up tired, we have kids, we have good aspect of the case ahead of time, just to Probable cause is extremely important days and we have bad days and we make make sure they have all the details. in any scenario a cop handles and is the mistakes.” Allen and Zamborini made their way arrest standard. Mistakes aren’t very prevalent for into the courtroom and sat on the other Zamborini defined it as, “When a the Milwaukee VA police thanks to their side of the bulletproof glass separating the reasonable cop believes a crime has been meticulous care and passion for justice. court proceedings from the audience. committed and the person you’re arresting For Zamborini, it’s not necessarily From there it’s a lot of hurry up and probably committed it.” about going after the bad guys but helping wait. If the defendant wants to fight the those who need it. After VA police make an arrest, charge, the police are ready to provide “Helping victims of crimes,” he said, they may be called to testify or provide testimony or witnesses but the defendant “is my favorite part of my job.” information to the courts during the may also waive their right to a preliminary S P E C I A L 6 5000 West

They don’t stop when they drop The VA officers take their training as seriously as their jobs — focusing on how to take down the bad guys and even Photos by Rebecca Omick how to fall if they hit the ground Sgt. Bachmann aims during a MILO target practice.

BY REBECCA OMICK the easiest task. 5000 West staff writer This is why part of the training for the Milwaukee VA police It only takes a second for normal to become chaos. involves using a shoot house -- a warehouse-like plethora of Amidst alarms, screams of terror, gun shots and chaotic rooms, each containing an adrenaline-charged scene located at uncertainty, an officer bravely heads towards the scene, gun the Milwaukee Area Technical College campus. drawn, trying to keep his breathing even and eyes attentive to any Volunteers act out different scenarios that may include a movement. hostage situation or a hostile person hidden behind the door Officers never know what they’re going to see or if they’ll be or a piece of furniture. In any case, the officer must assess the attacked the second they get through the doorway. situation and react accordingly. Prepping people to stay calm while running into danger isn’t “I stress them out as much as I can during training so that they’re prepared and inoculated to the real thing,” said Sgt. Paul Bachmann, who oversees training for the Milwaukee VA police. Officers use bullets with soap-filled tips called sim rounds for shoot house training. Don’t think they don’t hurt though. Being shot with a sim round leaves welts and bruises and is said to feel much like being shot at a fairly close range by a paintball gun. “Part of the goal is to quell that bravado that many have,” Bachmann said. “We want it to hurt enough that they always are thinking, ‘Hey, I don’t want to get shot again. It sucks!’ but not really injure them.” Another bonus of this training is the rapport it helps the VA police build with outside communities as they train with their counterparts from Oak Creek, West Allis, and West Milwaukee. Bachmann feels it’s important to train with the latter two departments because if the VA police ever needed outside backup, they would be the first responders. Training alongside them helps them all to get to know each other and how each department works. “Something like eight or nine thousand people walk through the front door daily and we have to be prepared for anything,” Bachmann said. It’s crazy how quickly something that seems normal can turn bad.” That’s why, even on their days off, the Milwaukee VA police are constantly training. Of his five recent vacation days, Bachmann spent more than half his time off on the job doing what he does best — training himself and others. Officer Johnson (left) practices baton moves during a training Continued on Page 7 session with Sgt. Bachmann (right). See Training S P E C I A L 5000 West 7

VA police also have a training house they use on the grounds. It’s set up similar to the shoot house, but also has heavy bags and an Training impressive, computerized training system called MILO. Continued from Page 6 MILO is an interactive training simulator that comes with more than 480 preprogrammed scenarios and the ability to create “We are civilly and legally liable if we are not trained on any your own. A ceiling-to-floor screen covers the entire wall and a part of our jobs,” Bachmann said. “Almost everything we do is a projector plays whichever scenario has been chosen. perishable skill.” The officer is armed with an actual police gunwith a laser To keep them on their toes, Bachmann does not just have barrel and pepper spray can filled with a pressurized air container. officers go to training seminars or read things; he’s been known During the scenario, the officer must react as they would in a real- to give pop quizzes. life situation while the moderator decides how the scenario will “If we identify something our officers are weak at or haven’t turn out. dealt with recently I try to develop some training in that for The moderator can make the suspect comply or make an them,” Bachmann said. assault happen just by clicking their choice. A mark will appear on The PowerPoints and quizzes he creates are in addition to the the screen where the pepper spray or bullet would have hit and the Law Enforcement Training Center’s written tests that officers whole thing is recorded for a debriefing afterwards. must also pass. MILO also offers various target practices which the police take Getting an A on an exam is only a fraction of what Bachmann advantage of in between their days at the shooting range. expects. In the lesson plans he created for the officers,there are “My goal is to make these guys better than me,” Bachmann a total 149 hours of law enforcement training he requires each said. “I don’t just stand there with my arms crossed yelling at officer to complete this yearwhich is an addition to the facility them. You don’t ask people to do something you’re not doing mandatory education. yourself.” Officer Nick Sharbutt summed it up well when he said, “If That goes for the latest training push at the VA as well. The you’re not working, you’re training.” Active Threat Response and Ground Defense and Recovery While showing off the extra blank page of the mandatory training have cops falling, literally. training log that is already a quarter full with additional training “As silly as it sounds, you’ve got to learn how to fall before hours, Bachmann stressed his reasoning behind so much training you learn how to fight,” Bachmann said. “The main point in GDR is officer safety. is to not be on the ground.” With all of the unknown possibilities that could occur in any Being familiar with the names of the GDR moves is as given situation they are a part of, it’s important for them to stay important as knowing the move itself since it all has to be detailed sharp and back each other up. in a report if it is ever used. “There’s no reason any of our officers should have to do “What gets cops in trouble most often is not using the tools anything alone for more than a few seconds,” Bachmann said. they’re given at the right times,” Bachmann said. “We want to In addition to training online and off-campus facilities, the know how to effectively use our tools.”

“My goal is to make these guys better than me. I don’t just stand there with my arms crossed yelling at them. You don’t ask people to do something you’re not doing yourself.” — Sgt. Paul Bachmann

Sgt. Bachmann (right) teaches Officer Johnson (left) the correct way to fall without causing injury. 8 S P E C I A L 5000 West

Since most doors of the read a “super thick” policies Milwaukee VA are locked at and procedures book. Then The quieter night, Blockton’s face is one came the tests for clearance. most everyone entering or Prospective dispatchers must exiting the building sees. score at least a 90 percent or “Nothing goes on without the system will boot them out commander me knowing about it,” and make them retake it. If Blockton said. they do pass, they then spend And that suits her just fine. two weeks alongside a current Third shift dispatcher has eyes “I like to know what’s going dispatcher for two weeks on around me,” Blockton said. before working on their own. and ears on entire VA at once “I think it’s because I’m nosey. “And you have to have And let me tell ya’, I am nosey customer service skills or BY REBECCA OMICK in distress, she relays that and I like telling people what you’re not gonna make it,” 5000 West staff writer information to the officers who to do.” Blockton said. When an alarm sounds in only have two minutes to get to It’s a good thing then, Watching her chat with the middle of the night, most the area of the call, no matter since Blockton is responsible coworkers and greet everyone people jump out of their skin where they are on the campus. for keeping eyes and ears on passing by the window, it’s and panic. After all the officers arrive, four separate phone lines, easy to tell Blockton’s got Not Komesha Blockton. Lt. Andre Callender informs maintaining contact with great people skills and a big She’s the overnight them this had been their officers through the walkie- heart. dispatcher for the Milwaukee monthly response time test and talkies at least once every

“Last year on St. Patty’s Day, one guy came in — we’re talking a big dude — with a plastic hat and those green waving shamrocks on top with green lipstick. He told me he needed to go to the ER and I asked why. He said, ‘A bee peed in my eye.’ ”

— Komesha Blockton Third shift dispatcher

VA police and this is just there was no threat. 30 minutes, five intercoms, “The hardest part of this another night at work for her. “We have to test every light, all alarm systems and 14 TV job is not being able to help Although most people alarm, button in the hospital monitors of cameras all split somebody you wanna help,” are asleep around 1 a.m., and response time monthly,” into four or five areas per Blockton said. “Sometimes the hospital alarm continues Callender said. TV screen. Oh yeah, and the they can’t be helped and it just to blare, and a wide-awake That may sound time window too. hurts my heart.” Blockton is on the phone, consuming but the overnight “When you sit here you’re Not everyone who comes in calling the floor in distress and crew have a little more time the main communicator and at night has an emergency they almost simultaneously alerting than officers on-duty during nothing can happen without need help with. Some just want every officer on duty. the day. you. It’s an exciting job,” attention. “We’ve got a duress call “At 8 p.m. all the doors are Blockton said. “I love it “Last year on St. Patty’s from 3C, all officers report. locked so we have full control because you get to work with Day, one guy came in — we’re Repeat, a duress on 3C, all of the building,” Blockton so many different people and talking a big dude — with a officers report,” Blockton says said. “At night we’re more it’s something new every day.” plastic hat and those waving calmly into the walkie-talkies. about physical security like In order to fill her seat, shamrocks on top with green As she learns more patrolling and making sure Blockton had to go through two months of training and Continued on Page 11 information from the floor doors are locked.” See Dispatcher 5000 West S P E C I A L 9

Ready! Aim! Bake! Life’s sweet for off-duty officer BY REBECCA OMICK 5000 West staff writer She may carry pepper spray during the day, but when Officer Kiana Johnson is off duty, she’s using a whole new spice rack. When she isn’t fighting crime or keeping the peace at the Milwaukee VA, working on her local county executive board or spending time with her family, Kiana Johnson delves into her other love — baking. “I’ve just always loved doing it,” Johnson said. “I could eat and sleep baking.” The self-proclaimed chocoholic has been stirring things up in the kitchen since she was about 6 years old. “Every holiday my grandma would throw a bunch of ingredients on the table and she wouldn’t tell me how to make anything, so I had to just keep testing and trying till I got it right.” Johnson said their family specialties were sweet potato pies and pumpkin pies. On her days off, Johnson runs her own made-to-order bakery, Simple Kaykes, with the help of her business coach and best friend since ninth grade, Brent Oglesby. “When I talk to people, I try to find their passion and bring it out in them,” Oglesby said. For Johnson, that passion was baking so Oglesby helped her get started. “It takes support for other people to grow,” Oglesby said. When she’s not on patrol Johnson said Oglesby’s support is what helped for the VA police, Officer her get in tune with herself and what she wants to do. Kiana Johnson is busy Someday, Johnson hopes to open her own bakery. baking up all these awesome desserts in her Continued on Page 11 kitchen. Her dream is to See Bake one day open a bakery. P E O P L E 10 5000 West Officer Brian Brown Prior Service: Marines and certified canine officer. Random facts & Favorite food: Lasagna Hobbies: “Making my own soap, shaving cream and lip balm; guilty pleasures woodwork and gardening.”

Officer Philip Brown Prior Service: Air of the VA Police Force Favorite Food: After spending the better part of a Training Sgt. Paul Bachmann Italian month following around our police, it’s Prior Service: Guilty Pleasure: unfortunate that all the quotes, quips and Marines “Dunkin’ Donuts — personalities can’t make it into print. Hardest part of coffee, that is!” But that didn’t stop our intrepid intern being a cop: “The Hobbies: Traveling, reporter, Rebecca Omick, who filed this time away from your playing softball, final piece to give a few final insights from family, and all the golfing, and riding his those who stand watch on the thin, blue record keeping.” motorcycle. line: Favorite police movie: “End of Officer Nathan Johnson Chief Tim Jantz Watch.” Prior Service: Prior service: Seven years in the Marines Officer Kiana Johnson Marines, Air Force and Favorite food: Prior Service: Air Army. Grilled salmon Force School Smarts: Favorite song: Favorite Song: Degrees in criminal Anything from the 80s. Mickey Mouse justice, psychology and Hobbies: Traveling, Clubhouse theme. currently obtaining a camping, cutting Favorite Color: master’s in intelligence down trees for winter Purple studies. firewood and spending as much time Favorite Food: Addicted to: Cherry Chap-Stick. outside as possible during the summer. Chocolate Favorite part of being a cop: Guilty pleasure: “Eating too much ice Hobbies: Baking Investigations and getting people to cream on the back deck with the daughter confess. unit.” Officer Nick Sharbutt Officer Nicholas Thorn Prior Service: Prior Service: Air Detective Lt. Mark Zamborini Heavy equipment Force Prior service: Air operator for the Favorite Food: Force Marines, and he Chicken Favorite food: worked at the Favorite Song: Chicken wings. Milwaukee County Jail “Try Me,” by James Hobbies: Golf, Sherriff’s Office Brown tennis, and spending Favorite food: Guilty Pleasure: time with his family. Pecan pie YouTube videos. Favorite movie Hobbies: Cycling line: “It’s supposed Komesha Blockton to be hard. If it were Prior Service: easy, everyone would be doing it.” — Tom Lt. Andre Callender Twelve years as Hanks from, “A Leage of their Own.” Prior Service: a casino security Believe it or not: “‘COPS’ is a pretty Marines supervisor and eight accurate cop show — for a reality TV Favorite Color: years as a medical show.” Black support assistant on Favorite Food: 4C.. Pasta Continued on Favorite TV show: Page 11 “The Walking Dead” See Facts S P E C I A L 11 says sometimes these types of visitors are phones ringing, Blockton also gets to joke just what she needs to break up her other around with her coworkers and they seem Dispatcher duties like trying to decipher some of the all be very close. officer’s handwriting and entering all the “It’s a fun, easy environment until it’s Continued from Page 8 day’s written tickets into the system. time to be serious,” Callender said. “What goes on around here really Blockton agreed and said she’s not lipstick,” Blockton said. “He told me he depends on the day, month, moon, weather planning on going anywhere. needed to go to the ER and I asked why. and whatever else is going on in the “I like everybody I work with,” He said, ‘A bee peed in my eye.’” world,” Blockton said. “But it’s all good Blockton said. “You’re with these people Blockton still finds this to be one of her because I hate doing repetitive stuff. more than your own family and all of them most memorable moments at work. She Between constant alarms sounding and will have your back to the end.”

Johnson even delivers the Bake product, free of Continued from Page 9 charge. “I just like “I’d want to open a seeing the end business in conjunction with results, seeing my current career,” Johnson people happy said. “How well I do would determine if I retire early from and having here!” them come No worries about Johnson back because I leaving the VA soon though. was reliable,” “Being a business owner is Johnson said. challenging,” Oglesby said. “It Until the day can be financially risky and for when Simple now we’re just doing it in baby Kaykes becomes steps until demand picks up.” Courtesy photo a walk-in café, Johnson goes all out on Hopefully you’ve eaten your lunch before we got you hungry for one more Johnson takes every order and makes each of Kiana Johnson’s delectable treats. orders and shows one different. off some of her “All of them have their “He didn’t know he was cakes but a big wedding, that’s finished products own unique styles,” she said. getting it and she made this just too big of a responsibility,” on www.simplekaykes.vpweb. “I used to be really good at basketball jersey with his name Johnson said. com . art and I’d draw a lot. Now on it on the cake,” Oglesby That’s not her toughest Anyone who knows I can just come up with my said. “To see his face light up batch of orders, though. Johnson, knows she usually own visions of what I want to when he saw the cake is my “Anniversary cakes have has a big smile on her face, and make.” favorite memory.” got to be the hardest to make she hopes she can do the same One of the most memorable Some orders are a little because I try to incorporate with her bakery work. items for Oglesby was the too big for her to dream up unique things about the couple “I just do it for fun on my birthday cake Johnson made however. into the cake.” off days and to make people for his son. “I can do medium wedding Once an order is done, happy,” she said.

Officer Ryan Komers Facts Officer Elisa Navarette Prior Service: Air Continued from Page 10 Prior Service: Air Force Reserves. Force. Also under his Favorite Food: Tacos. Favorite food: belt: Fourteen years Biggest Pet Peeve of Job: “Cleaning I love tacos and as a cop and five up behind people or having to backtrack anything Mexican. years as a part-time because people didn’t give me the full Hobbies: working firefighter in Chicago. information I need.” out, playing sports Favorite Food: Hobbies: “Watching my daughter play and playing bingo. Pizza. basketball and soccer.” Favorite cartoon Hobbies: , dog: Definitely Brian camping, anything outdoors. from “Family Guy.” I could watch that Favorite song: “Paradise City” by show for hours! Guns N’ Roses Favorite song: “I Don’t Care,” by Remember: “Ignorance of the law is Icona Pop. not an excuse.” P E O P L E 12 5000 West

Sally Biedenbender Joyce Geske Ann Flera-Klein 25 years Ivira Davis Susan Gordon Jill Hansen In Robin Bautzmann Sonia Dumit-Minkel Dorothy Hayes Peggy Hardy Cindy Beck Nelia Ferrer Randal Jasniewski Michael Herrick Joseph Blaney Jr. Kevin Gray Cynthia Kautzmann Nicole Horstmeyer Service Carla Brockman Patricia Griffin Sandra Majors Cheryl Hughes Kim Chapman Congratulations Jennifer Herald Kathleen Patterson Vera Hughes Renee Chartrand Leon Jutrzonka Mark Roth Juwauna Johnson to the following Lisa Byron-Worzalla Zablocki employees Mark Kremer Janis Ruffolo Patrick Jozwiak Lori Haerle Denise Landmeyer Amy Sackmann who reached career Linda Kanno Lois Hawkins Laurie Lange Kristen Schnese Evelyn Keehan milestones, March Johnny Hickman Debra Lind Michael Torres Yolonda Klabunde through June: Dean Kroll Bonnie Lofgren Dianna Trush Daniel Lange Kristine Kulas Steven Maier Lisa Zamiatowski Kathleen Lemere 40 Years Theresa Kurkiewicz Sandra Maren Debra Zeman Kay Marsicek Rosa Williams Mary Otterson Shirley Probst Phyllis Mills Edward Zuperku Thomas Petaja William Prudlow Elise McGhee Jeffrey Preiser John Rogers 10 years Angela Nelson 35 years Monica Saggio Carla Schubert Allison Alatorre Ellyn Newman Calvin Lucas Robby Schopen Roberta Sharbutt Monica Andres Jennifer Penoske Sharon Mitchell Robert Shumaker Judith Weber Adama Bah Mary Perez Jill Snider-Meyer Janet Williamson Joseph Brown Gail Pestotnik Michael Stark Mark Zamborini Tamara Burkee Rachel Prodoehl 30 years Arlene Susek Susan Framberg Cheryl Butz Rudolph Ralian Daniel Toutant 15 years Shannon Cera Lynn Rezachek Diane Kilian Alan White Kay Haddenham John Bertschinger Kimberly Cherry Vicky Russell Jane Whitehouse Lizbeth Bradett India Crawford Carri Steinbrenner Rickie Kelly Jackie Zigan Jeffrey Neylon Cory Breu Frankie Dabney Caryn Stueber Schuyler Ramsey Anthony Carr Jennifer Delacruz Sharon Ternouth Russell Schneider Asriani Chiu Edwin Downing Amy Thompto Robert Schumacher 20 years Tiffany Cook Margaret Edelstein Sheila Walden Dagny Aiken Denise Costello Lauren Elling Roger Williams David Wagner Roberta Beland James Wallace Shirley Gebhard Katie Fells Nancy Washington

Jennifer Bartlein Hobbies: Motorcycles and weight lifting. Medical support assistant Why did you choose the VA?: Veterans Reporting Hometown: Greenfield, Wis. served us, I want to serve them. Prior military service: Army Reserves, First impressions: Friendly. six years. Aboard Hobbies: Volleyball, crafting and cooking. Jason Brenic Why did you choose the VA?: Because I Human Resources assistant Mary Avery am a Veteran myself and enjoy the idea of Hometown: Milwaukee, Wis. Registered nurse giving back to my fellow Veterans. Prior military service: Army, five years. Hometown: West Allis, Wis. First impressions: More to it than I Hobbies: Hunting, fishing and being Hobbies: Cooking. expected. outdoors. Why did you choose the VA?: Told by Why did you choose the VA?: I wanted other employees what a wonderful place Bryan Boland to help Veterans. the VA is! Supervisory Contract Specialist First impressions: I’m impressed with the First impressions: Everyone is super Hometown: Grand Rapids, Mich. way employees carry themselves. They friendly. Prior military service: Navy. seem to truly enjoy what they do here at Hobbies: Gold, bowling, volleyball, the VA. Jeremy Anders reading. Health technician Why did you choose the VA?: To service Jessica Buelow Hometown: Waukesha, Wis. our Vets and my family. Secretary Prior military service: Army, two years, First impressions: Squared away. Hometown: Bartlett, Ill. Afghanistan. Hobbies: Cooking, crafts, and furniture Hobbies: Motorcycling, hunting and Kelly Brand refurbishing. fishing. Registered nurse Why did you choose the VA?: I wanted Hometown: Milwaukee, Wis. Continued on Page 13 to help fellow Vets. See Reporting Aboard P E O P L E 5000 West 13 Reporting Aboard Continued from Page 12 Why did you choose the VA?: After five years with the Department of Homeland Security I was looking to move into a career that supports Vets, like my fiancé. First impressions: Large and very busy.

Lana Buttke Nurse practitioner Hometown: West Bend, Wis. Hobbies: Travel, sewing, and volleyball. Why did you choose the VA?: To give back to men and women who have given so much to me and my family. First impressions: Large organization that’s interconnected.

Mary Degenhardt Photos by Brian Walker Registered nurse Hometown: Brookfield, Wis. Memorial Day Hobbies: Culinary arts and vacations. Despite the rainy Why did you choose the VA?: I heard it day, more than 300 was a great place to work; closer to home. turned out for our First impressions: Welcoming place; annual Memorial Day everyone seems happy. ceremony in Wood National Cemetery. Anthony Dentice Color guards (above) Medical supply technician post the colors. Charles Hometown: Milwaukee, Wis. Fiddler VFW Post 9469 Prior military service: Air Force, four stand ready for the years. traditional rifle volley. Hobbies: Riding my motorcycles, autocross racing, and trap shooting. Why did you choose the VA?: I want to becoming more involved. First impressions: People are very nice. continue to serve my country by serving those who have served. Sarah Gray Nicole Heinritz First impressions: Very welcoming! Registered nurse Food service worker Excited to be here! Hometown: West Allis, Wis. Hometown: Milwaukee, Wis. Hobbies: Photography, working out, Hobbies: Reading, antiquing, and Antoinette Easterling crocheting, and reading. football. Program analyst Why did you choose the VA?: My father Why did you choose the VA?: I wanted Hometown: Milwaukee, Wis worked here previously and enjoyed it. to help those who helped to protect me Prior military service: Army, 16 years. Plus I had a very positive experience when and my benefits. Why did you choose to work at the VA?: I had a clinical rotation here in the past. First impressions: It is a very busy place. Advancement opportunity. First impressions: Warm, welcoming and First impressions: Difficult to get hired. friendly. Everyone has a smile on their Justin Howell face. Registered nurse Adam Follmer Hometown: Castroville, Texas. Speech language path intern Brigida Grochowina Prior military service: Air Force, four Hometown: Beaver Dam, Wis. Medical support assistant years. Why did you choose the VA?: I chose Hometown: Somewhere in Germany Hobbies: Rock climbing, camping, to work at the VA for the variety of Hobbies: Singing and watching my snowboarding, sailing. experiences that I plan on gaining. daughter dance. Why did you choose the VA?: The VA First impressions: I have really enjoyed Why did you choose the VA?: Both observing the high level of care by all parents are disabled Vets and two brothers Continued on Page 14 different departments and look forward to are active duty in the Army. See Reporting Aboard P E O P L E 14 5000 West impressed with the quality improvement Hometown: Presque Isle, Wis. efforts and the Magnet Journey the nursing Hobbies: Running, cooking, baking, Reporting department is undertaking. reading, Frisbee. First impressions: I love the mission of Why did you choose the VA?: I’m the VA. I bring my father here and I have proud to work for an organization that Aboard been impressed with the care. cares for Veterans and strives to be at the Continued from Page 13 forefront in providing the newest and best Kevin Kohlhagen treatments. Police Officer First impressions: I loved my experiences is my home for health care and I want to Hometown: Waukesha, Wis. at the Madison and Boston VA’s, I’m sure give back to Veterans. Hobbies: Work, computers, video games, I’ll love it here too! First impressions: I have had a great R/C airplanes. experience with the VA as a Veteran, Why did you choose the VA?: Brett Lieungh student, and hopefully as an employee. Transferred from Madison, Wis. VAMC. Medical support assistant First impressions: Everyone seems Hometown: Racine, Wis. Allison Jahn friendly. Everyone seems to know a lot of Prior military service: Navy, four years. Psychologist history of this VA. Hobbies: Fishing, camping, and Hometown: Mequon, Wis. volunteering. Hobbies: Running and volleyball. Julia Kozireva Why did you choose the VA?: Stability Why did you choose the VA?: An Radiology technician in an unstable economy. The friends that I opportunity to use my skills to serve Hometown: Wauwatosa, Wis. have working here like working here. Veterans. Hobbies: Read, knit, sew, and crochet. First impressions: Time will tell! So far First impressions: I have been training in Why did you choose the VA?: Good so good. the VA and enjoy both the challenges and reputation and very friendly environment. rewards of this work. First impressions: The city in the city. Seth Longley Food service worker Judy Klaver Jeffrey Krzyminski Hometown: Milwaukee, Wis. Nurse Food Service Worker Prior military service: Army, six years. Hometown: Dubuque, Iowa. Hometown: Evanston, Ill. Why did you choose the VA?: I went to Hobbies: Camping, walking, reading and Hobbies: Minecraft, Warhammer 40K, the job fair downtown. gardening. First impressions: Great! Why did you choose the VA?: I know several people who recently came to Sadie Larsen work at the VA and they love it. I am Continued on Page 15 Psychologist See Reporting Aboard

Photos by Rebecca Omick One for the history books Robert Beller, medical center director (right), unveils the National Historic Landmark plaque April 26 for our Milwaukee Soldiers Home, along with Mike Reynolds (left), the midwest regional director of the National Park Service and Michael Stevens, the State Historic Preservation Officer. More than 100 people were on hand for the event, including several who dressed in period garb to mark the special day. P E O P L E 5000 West 15

To honor my grandfather’s memory by activities. continuing to serve America’s heroes, just Why did you choose the VA?: To get Reporting as he did. back in the medical field. First impressions: The staff is very First impressions: Very big- friendly, especially the volunteer greeters overwhelming. Aboard at the front entrance! Continued from Page 14 Jennifer Scott Charles Puerzer Registered nurse Medical records administrator Hometown: Mayville, Wis. Tina Mansoorabadi Hometown: Milwaukee, Wis. Hobbies: Jewelry making, reading, kid’s Medical support assistant Hobbies: Bike riding, golf and fishing. sporting events. Hometown: Wind Lake, Wis. Why did you choose the VA?: To be part Why did you choose the VA?: To serve Why did you choose the VA?: Endless of an organization that provides quality those who have served us. possibilities. service to military Veterans. First impressions: Friendly, proud. First impressions: Historical. First impressions: Organized and professional. Chelette Simmons Bradley Mengel Nursing Assistant Plasterer Carrie Robinson Hometown: Milwaukee, Wis. Hometown: Gilman, Ill. Medical support assistant Prior military service: Army, four years. Prior military service: Marine Corps., Hometown: West Allis, Wis. Hobbies: Watching WWE. four years. Hobbies: Crafts, photography, watching Why did you choose the VA?: I wanted Hobbies: Reading, fishing and sports. professional indoor soccer. to work with people I had something in Why did you choose the VA?: It was an Why did you choose the VA?: The common with and give back to those that excellent opportunity to combine customer patient diversity. have served our country. service and plastering skills at the VA First impressions: I think the VA is First impressions: Everyone was friendly hospital. It was a positive place to work fascinating and the stories behind each and smiling. with opportunities for advancement. patient must be amazing. First impressions: Friendly, positive, Tammy Smart professional atmosphere. Martha Runge Nursing assistant Psychologist Hometown: Oak Creek, Wis. Kandy Nemetz Hometown: Thiensville, Wis. Hobbies: Hunting, fishing and gardening. Food Service worker Hobbies: Yoga, guitar, hiking. Why did you choose the VA?: To be able Hometown: Brookfield, Wis. Why did you choose the VA?: I feel it’s to give back to the Vets for what they have Hobbies: Cooking, collecting antiques. an honor to work with people who are done for me. Why did you choose the VA?: I love protecting us and have given so much to First impressions: Very friendly and working with and helping people. It’s what all of us. inviting. I do! First impressions: Welcoming. First impressions: Excellent! Maixiong Thao Alicia Sanchez Medical support assistant Angela Nyenhuis Registered nurse Hometown: Milwaukee, Wis. Registered nurse Hometown: Milwaukee, Wis. Hobbies: Priority now is spending time Hometown: Grafton, Wis. Hobbies: Family time, movies. with my daughters. Hobbies: Outdoor activities. Why did you choose the VA?: Many Why did you choose to work at the VA?: Why did you choose the VA?: Looking great things. I am a spouse of an active service member. for an opportunity to further my career. First impressions: Little city of its own. I want to do my part and give back to our First impressions: Exciting! Veterans Laurel Schach First impressions: A great place to work. Mary Piorier Medical support assistant A place to expand my knowledge but also Medical support assistnat Hometown: Greendale, Wis. to gain new abilities and skills in order Hometown: Milwaukee, Wis. Hobbies: Watching football, photography, to help me help the people who need me Hobbies: Traveling, wine tasting, reading, and camping. most. and spending time with family and friends. Why did you choose the VA?: I needed Why did you choose the VA?: I wanted a change of direction in my career and Trent Thom to work somewhere that offered a great wanted to do something meaningful. This Maintenance and operations supervisor future. was my chance to “give back” to our Vets Hometown: Hartland, Wis. First impressions: Awesome!! Great and their families. Prior military service: Army, three years. people!! Great place to be!! First impressions: Busy! For as busy as it Hobbies: Aviation. is, it’s a very friendly place. Why did you choose the VA?: Have Brigitte Pohren always wanted to work at a VA hospital. Nursing assistant Cindy Schindelholz First impressions: Impression good. Hometown: Omaha, Neb. Medical support assistant Hobbies: Volunteering and soccer. Hometown: Glendale, Wis. Continued on Page 16 Why did you choose to work at the VA?: Hobbies: Gardening, reading, family See Reporting Aboard P E O P L E 16 5000 West

Vets. It is an honor to take care of them. First impressions: Huge facility much First impressions: Always liked it and like the aircraft carrier I had been on. It Reporting wanted to work here. I feel fortunate. felt like being back in the Navy. Jessica Walls Katie “Wizzy” Wisniewski Aboard Dietician Registered nurse Continued from Page 15 Hometown: Kenosha, Wis. Hometown: West Miwaukee, Wis. Hobbies: Cooking, knitting and salsa Hobbies: Shopping and spending time Arleen Thukral dancing. with family and sports. Biomedical engineer Why did you choose the VA?: I Why did you choose the VA?: The Hometown: Germantown, M.D. transferred from Hines VA to be closer to opportunity to work with the men and Hobbies: Reading, movies, family and friends. Love working with the women that serve our country. All documentaries, tennis. Veteran population-it’s very rewarding. the wonderful feedback from current Why did you choose the VA?: Serve the First impressions: Friendly. employees. veterans, great learning opportunity, great First impressions: The open and friendly benefits. Nancy Wheatley environment. First impressions: Impressive. Registered nurse Hometown: Kenosha, Wis. Heidi Young Jerry Turner Jr. Prior military service: Army, four and a Registered nurse Vocational rehabilitation counselor half years. Hometown: Muskego, Wis. Prior military: Navy, four years. Hobbies: Spending time with family. Why did you choose the VA?: Hometown: Kinloch, Mo. Why did you choose the VA?: I worked Opportunity for advancement and I really Hobbies: Movies, , reading, here as an intern on 9C and loved it! I am enjoy working for Veterans. basketball. a Veteran and enjoy working with Veterans First impressions: Very friendly and Why did you choose the VA?: I and hope to enjoy a long career here. welcoming. understand the aspects of the VA and my First impressions: Welcoming! wife is employed here (North Chicago). Eric Zuelke Todd Witt First impressions: Great. What I Social worker Nursing assistant expected. Hometown: Falls, Wis. Hometown: Milwaukee, Wis. Prior military service: Navy, four years. Prior military service: Army National Benita Vásquez Hobbies: Wrestling, skydiving, hurling Guard, six years. Registered nurse (the Irish field sport) and soccer. Hobbies: Gym and staying fit. Hometown: Puerto Rico Why did you choose the VA?: Wanting Why did you choose the VA?: I want to Hobbies: Reading and crafts. to work with combat Veterans to provide give back. Why did you choose the VA?: I love my mental health and case management First impressions: Dedicated. services. VA Voices Question:Who is your favorite super hero cartoon character and why?

Carlos Ramos, Jim Schuh, Veteran: Noble Brown, Veteran: Nimrod Allen Jr., Veteran: Pipefitter, Facility “Dogbert, the evil director of “Believe it or not, I like “Definitely Superman. I was Management: “That’s Human Resources from the Charlie Brown the best raised with him and all the easy. The Incredible “Dilbert” comics because he because Snoopy is the man.” old school stuff. Old school is Hulk. He’s the man makes me laugh.” better than new school but I’m and he’s huge. Nobody excited to take my grandkids to messes with The Hulk.” see the new Superman movie this summer.”