Vol. 25
No. 8
www.cnic.navy.mil/bethesda/
February 28, 2013
Stevens Talks Sequestration, Military’s Future with Patients, Staff By Bernard S. Little WRNMMC Journal staff writer
Photo by Sharon Renee Taylor
Army Staff Sgt. Travis Mills, 25, who lost all four limbs while serving in Afghanistan in April 2012, talks with Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) Michael D. Stevens in the Military Advanced Training Center at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on Feb. 22.
Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) Michael D. Stevens, saluted wounded warriors, their families and staff at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC) and Naval Support Activity Bethesda (NSAB) last week during his first visit to the campus since becoming the Navy’s top enlisted Sailor on Sept. 28, 2012. During his visit on Feb. 22 to Walter Reed Bethesda, the 13th MCPON toured the state-of-the-art Military Advanced Training Center (MATC), where injured service members rehabilitate using the latest in cuttingedge equipment and technology, as well as Tranquility Hall, the outpatient resident for wounded warriors and their families specifically tailored to meet their special needs. The MCPON spoke with wounded warriors and their family members while touring the MATC and Tranquility Hall, and he made bedside
visits to services members who are inpatients in the medical center. Stevens concluded his visit by hosting an all-hands call to a standingroom only crowd in the Memorial Auditorium on base, where he discussed a number of issues and answered questions from the audience ranging from sequestration to what he sees as the future for the military. “Everybody who works here does a magnificent job,” Stevens said to the Walter Reed Bethesda community. “As I go around the fleet and run into folks who have had the experience of being here before as wounded warriors, I hear nothing but good things. They always say [they received] firstclass treatment, whether it [was] on the medical side or the support side. They always say the people here are the best in the world, and they are professionals beyond professionals.” He said his visit to WRNMMC, and discussions with beneficiaries and staff, will enable him to take
See FUTURE page 6
Military Day Celebrated at Special Olympics D.C. By Master-At-Arms Seaman April Beazer NSAB Public Affairs staff writer Members of the military, including five Naval Support Activity Bethesda (NSAB) members, volunteered on Feb. 21 at AMF Capital Plaza Bowling Center for the Special Olympics D.C. bowling competition. Anthony Sokenu, associate director of sports, spoke of the passion he has for working with the Special Olympics team. “We give [the athletes] what they deserve, not what they need. They are the epitome of what an athlete should be,” he said. At the end of a game, regardless of their scores, they are always proud of themselves and the team members they compete with, said Sokenu. “Not only do they come out and
do their best and show their amazing talents, they really show a great spirit,” said Sokenu. “Any athlete is about doing their best and hopefully getting the gold, silver or bronze, but the majority of my athletes, even the athletes that place fifth and sixth are equally as happy as the athlete that comes in first. So, not only are they excited for doing the best they can, they are excited for you to do the best you can.” The bowling competition takes place every winter. There are four competition dates each year that many volunteers attend, including the military. Sokenu said the athletes at the Special Olympics look forward to the day that military members come in to volunteer. “From the very first day when my athletes come in, the first questions they ask are: ‘Is today the military day? Are they coming today? Are the
men and women going to be in their uniforms?’ For the last 11 weeks, all I’ve been hearing about is ‘when is the military coming?’ So, the last time they are with me, I say, ‘next week is military week’ and they go crazy,” said Sokenu. The help the military provides and the spirit they bring is something the Special Olympics can’t do without, said Sokenu. “All of you coming together to work for this event – it shows. We can’t thank you guys enough, and we honestly can’t do this without you. Not only do you guys come to volunteer, you bring the spirit, you bring the joy – you are clapping, you are excited. You make this championPhoto by Master-At-Arms Seaman April Beazer ship for our athletes a highlighted event, and that’s not us, that’s you A participant in Special Olymguys. We thank you very much,” said pics D.C. throws a ball down the
See OLYMPICS page 10
lane at AMF Capital Plaza Bowling Center, Feb. 21.
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The Journal
Bethesda Notebook
The Journey to the Future Has Begun
I arrived at National Naval Medical Center in December 2008, and I’m departing f r o m Wa l t e r Reed National Military Medical Center in February 2013. During my four years and few months, I have enjoyed serving at this unique command. In my early days, I remember hearing about the joining of two historical institutions and integrating them into one. I thought what a grand opportunity. There was lots of excitement in the air and I saw this as a once in a lifetime opportunity. We were going to change and become the future model for military medicine. As chaplains, we said to ourselves, this change won’t be that difficult, with us having the awareness that change is necessary and inevitable. We were ready for what it would bring us. But, I don’t think we were ready for what happened when the Army Religious Ministry Team arrived on Aug. 31. When we all came to work on Monday morning, most of our work spaces had been flooded and we had limited use of them. Due to flooding, at one point all 25 chapel staff personnel were working out of the Chapel. This
Published by offset every Thursday by Comprint Military Publications, 9030 Comprint Court, Gaithersburg, Md. 20877, a private firm in no way connected with the U.S. Navy, under exclusive written contract with the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Md. This commercial enterprise newspaper is an authorized publication for members of the military services. Contents of The Journal are not necessarily the official views of, nor endorsed by, the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense, or the Department of Navy. The appearance of advertising in this publication, including inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the Department of Defense or Comprint, Inc., of the products or services advertised. Everything advertised in this publication shall be made available for purchase, use or patronage without re-
Patient Safety Awareness Week
National Patient Safety Awareness Week begins Sunday, and Walter Reed National Military Medical Center’s Patient Safety Office will celebrate the observance Tuesday, Patient Safety Awareness Day, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with activities in the America Building lobby. There will be a cake cutting, games and giveaways focused on this year’s theme of “Patient Safety 7/365.” For more information about Patient Safety Awareness Week, visit the National Patient Safety Foundation’s website at www.npsf.org.
is how the Department of Pastoral Care began our integration. As the Command Chaplain, I was a little embarrassed, but we had to make the best of our situation. Most of us have our stories and impressions of the integration. When we reflect on the process of integration, we can find something that made it difficult and became an obstacle to a smooth transition. As a chaplain, I have heard from many of you about how difficult this integration has been. From my perspective, I’m happy to say that the Department of Pastoral Care and other departments have adjusted to the changes that we encountered during the integration. One of the things that helped us was faith. We had faith in God and ourselves. I would like to encourage you to keep your eyes on the prize and continue the journey. We don’t know what lies ahead of us, but with faith, we can deal with the ups and downs of the journey.
Stages of Healing
Walter Reed Bethesda’s Stages of Healing hosts the Bunnell Strings on Wednesday at noon in the America Building lobby. Music of the string quintet of siblings has been described by critics as fresh and energetic. Stages of Healing events provide a respite for patients, families, visitors and staff, according to organizer Dr. Michal Sickel. For more information about Stages of Healing, call Sickel at 301-295-2492.
Building 62 No Cover Area
The area between Building 11 and Building 62 at Naval Support Activity Bethesda is a cover-free area. Military covers should not be worn, and military salutes are not required in this area.
Free Financial Counseling
Free financial coaching for all service members, federal employees, contractors and family members is available at the Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC) in Building 11. Assistance is available to analyze your credit report or credit scores, discuss retirement, including Thrift Savings Plan options, and create a budget. To schedule an appointment, or for more information, call 301-319-4087, or email ffsc@med.navy.mil.
Capt. Roosevelt H. Brown Chaplain Corps, U.S. Navy
gard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation, or any other non-merit factor of the purchaser, user, or patron. Editorial content is edited, prepared and provided by the Public Affairs Office, Naval Support Activity Bethesda, Md. News copy should be submitted to the Public Affairs Office, Building 11, lower level, Room 41, by noon one week preceding the desired publication date. News items are welcomed from all installation sources. Inquiries about news copy will be answered by calling 301- 295-1803. Commercial advertising should be placed with the publisher by telephoning 301-921-2800. Publisher’s advertising offices are located at 9030 Comprint Court, Gaithersburg, Md. 20877. Classified ads can be placed by calling 301-670-1700.
Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bethesda Commanding Officer: Capt. Frederick (Fritz) Kass Public Affairs Officer NSAB: Joseph Macri Public Affairs Office NSAB: (301) 295-1803
Journal Staff Staff Writers
Managing Editor WRNMMC Editor
MC2 John Hamilton MASN April Beazer Sarah Marshall Sharon Renee Taylor Cat DeBinder David A. Dickinson Jeremy Johnson MC2 Nathan Parde Bernard Little
Walter Reed National Military Medical Center Office of Media Relations 301-295-5727 Fleet And Family Support Center 301-319-4087
WRNMMC Ombudsman Julie Bondar
443-854-5167
NSAB Ombudsman Jojo Lim Hector
703-901-6730
Visit us on Facebook:
Naval Support Activity Bethesda page: https://www.facebook.com/NSABethesda Walter Reed National Medical Center page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Walter-ReedNational-Military-Medical-Center/295857217111107 Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Uniformed-Services-University-of-the-HealthSciences/96338890888?fref=ts
The Journal
Thursday, February 28, 2013
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JTF CapMed, WRNMMC Sweep DOD-Wide CFC Competition By Sarah Marshall WRNMMC Journal staff writer The Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) 2012 Campaign Contest recognizes agencies throughout the Department of Defense (DOD) for increasing charitable giving with their marketing efforts. The Joint Task Force National Capital Region Medical (JTF – CapMed), which competed as one entity, encompassing CFC marketing efforts at Walter Reed Bethesda, Fort Belvoir Community Hospital (FBCH) and the Joint Pathology Center (JPC), placed first in several categories this year. The commands were recognized for their communications efforts during the CFC season, at a ceremony Feb. 11 at the Pentagon. Contestants were judged based on the size of their agency and overall fundraising goal: small, medium or large. Each contestant could enter a submission into each category, including: best special event, such as a rally or kickoff, best website/ electronic communications, best poster/display, best campaign writing or publication, best photography
Courtesy photo
During a ceremony at the Pentagon on Feb. 11, the Joint Task Force - National Capital Region Medical (JTF CapMed) was awarded for its remarkable marketing efforts during the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC), September through December. From left to right: The Honorable Ashton B. Carter, Deputy Secretary of Defense; Maj. Gen. Steve Jones, Commander, JTF CapMed; Air Force Lt. Col. Angela Thompson, CFC manager for JTF CapMed; and Michael L. Rhodes, Director of Administration and Management in the Office of the Secretary of Defense. and best overall communications program. Within the “large” DOD group, JTF CapMed took first in three of the six cat-
egories: Best Poster/Display, Best Campaign Writing or Publication, and Best Overall Communications Program.
A panel of experts at the CFC of the National Capital Area (CFCNCA) judged the contestants based on total funds raised, as well as the
total number of payroll contributions and overall participation rate. Additionally, entries were judged on presentation quality, creativity and uniqueness, and perceived level of effort. During the ceremony at the Pentagon, the Deputy Secretary of Defense, the Honorable Ashton B. Carter, presented the awards. He noted those who led CFC campaign efforts have “undoubtedly” exhibited their devotion to the public service. “Today, we celebrate you, the individuals at the organizations that again made the department’s (DOD) participation in the Combined Federal Campaign a success,” Carter said. The CFC campaign kicked off in September and ran through Dec. 15 – the only time organizations can solicit federal workers for donations. Staff members could choose from about 4,400 charitable groups, whichever they felt most strongly about. These groups supported a number of causes, such as medical research, church groups, child advocacy and animal rights, and donations were accepted
See CFC page 4
Oscar and a Movie: Another Kind of Medicine for Wounded Warriors By Sharon Renee Taylor WRNMMC Journal staff writer A visit to the Motion Picture Association of America in Washington, D.C., Feb. 7, proved to be a chance of a lifetime for a handful of wounded warriors from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC) — an opportunity to screen a new movie before it opened in theatres, and to hold an actual Oscar statuette. “No one really gets a chance to hold an Oscar. This is the first time the Oscars have ever let one of these out of their sight,” explained comedian Angie Greenup, one of two Oscar Road Trip reporters hired by the Academy Awards to bring the gold statuette to fans across the country on a 21-day tour before it arrived on the Hollywood red carpet for the 85th Academy Awards pre-
sentation Feb. 24. Greenup called the trip to Washington and visit with wounded warriors one of the most memorable of the 12city tour. “This, here, is pretty amazing,” she said. “What wounded warriors have done for everybody here and for our country, just doing something like this and making everyone smile means a lot to us.” And a smile goes a long way for Olga Page, who joined her husband Army Col. Benjamin Page at the movie screening coordinated by the Warrior Family Coordination Cell (WFCC) at WRNMMC. “I haven’t laughed in a long time,” said Page, who explained she has spent the last year with her husband during his recovery at Walter Reed Bethesda. She said they take the tiring, stressful recovery day-by-day, with gratitude. The military spouse explained she can-
celed an appointment for herself to bring her husband to the movies for another kind of medicine: a dose of laughter. The colonel flashed a quick smile with a twinkle in his eyes as he held the golden Oscar statuette in his left hand with help from his wife, a walking cane in his right. “It’s a release to me to … get him smiling and have a good time,” explained the native of Panama. “To see my husband smile makes me happy,” said Page, who participates in WFCC movie outings with her husband once a month. Alexandra Bitonti, an event coordinator with the WFCC, estimated the department offers between four and ten different events each week for wounded warriors and their families. She recalled a particularly mem-
See OSCAR page 10
Photo by Sharon Renee Taylor
Olga Page, and her husband Army Col. Benjamin Page, an outpatient at Walter Reed Bethesda, hold a golden Oscar statuette at a movie screening coordinated by the Warrior Family Coordination Cell. The Oscar was awarded to one of the winners during last Sunday’s Academy Award Ceremony. Page said outings coordinated by the WFCC are beneficial in the care of her husband and to her as his caregiver.
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CFC Continued from 3 through payroll deductions or via a one-time contribution. “Through contributions to over 4,000 charities, you’ve been able to impact the lives of tens of thousands of people, here at home and abroad. You’ve helped extend access to medical care. You’ve assisted in the fight against hunger and poverty. You’ve helped promote women’s rights, [and] you’re helping provide emergency relief to disasterstricken areas,” Carter explained. “Thank you, all of you, for your generosity, which has done so much for so many people, and once again, made the Department’s participation in the Combined Federal Campaign a resounding success.” JTF CapMed raised approximately $314,000, according to Air Force Lt. Col. Angela Thompson, JTF CapMed’s CFC campaign manager. JTF CapMed Headquarters, alone, raised nearly $8,600 in contributions, she said. Walter Reed Bethesda raised about $191,000 in contributions; FBCH raised almost $87,000; and the JPC raised nearly $23,000. Thompson said the amount of funds raised may not have fully reached 100 percent of their set goals, but it’s important to note contributions increased from last year. For that, the JTF CapMed received two additional awards: the Summit Award, presented to agencies that achieve a 3 percent increase in total dollars raised, and the Participation Award, for those who achieve a 2 percent increase in participation over the previous year’s campaign. Army Capt. Michael Baker, Walter Reed Bethesda’s CFC campaign manager, explained the various communication efforts used to ensure the campaign’s suc-
cess. In addition to a kick-off event, a CFC Fair was held to allow several charitable organizations to inform staff about their benevolent efforts. Several articles were also published in the base newspaper, “The Journal;” social media was used regularly to put out messages; and intranet “pop-ups” were
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The Journal a constant reminder to staff about the on-going campaign. Additionally, large posters were constantly on display, and the “CFC on Wheels,” an informational cart, often pushed throughout the medical center by key workers who answered CFC questions. Baker said staff members were able to see the CFC key work-
ers, walking around and handing out information, then notice the posters, read the articles, and make a connection to the campaign. The efforts, altogether, truly made an impact, and were unique to the command, he said. The impact was also far-reaching, Baker added. Placing in the
competition meant “other people outside the organization recognized our contributions,” he said. Baker added the campaign would not have been a success without support from the key workers, organizational managers, and the medical center’s Strategic Communications depart-
ment, who generated signs and articles for the base paper. He also noted the efforts were a collaboration of all services. “It was a team effort,” he said. Thompson added, while the contest is geared to keep workers motivated, what’s most important is the contributions going to help those in need.
The Journal
Thursday, February 28, 2013
Five Bars Project Aims to Improve Cell Communications By Jeremy K. Johnson NSAB Public Affairs staff writer If you’re constantly going outside or to a window just to get a cellphone signal at Naval Support Activity Bethesda (NSAB), you may be in luck. A stronger signal may soon be coming to your location. The “5 Bars” project, dedicated to expanding the reach of cellular service to predetermined problem areas with a pressing need, is steadily rolling out in buildings across NSAB. The project began in the fall of 2011. According to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center’s (WRNMMC) Information Technology Department Telecommunication Branch Chief Stephen Ngeke, the purpose of the project is to give doctors and other NSAB employees better access to mobile communications by installing a Distributed Antenna System (DAS) in these locations. “This helps with health care. For example, [WRNMMC] doctors will go down to the galley to have lunch, and they get called or get paged. They have SkyTel [pagers], which is also part of this project. Because they don’t have a signal, they won’t get that call or that page until after they leave,” he said. The system does not differentiate between personal or private devices and will eventually enable AT&T, Verizon and other carriers’ users to receive “5 bars,” he added. The priority during rollout, however, is AT&T. Ngeke said when planning began, it was determined that AT&T
has the highest concentration of users at NSAB. The DAS works by running fiber-optic cable from a base station to multiple antennas installed in the areas where signals are normally weak or nonexistent. These points are often located in ceiling panels with a white cone. Not all of them are DAS points, says Ngeke, but this is how they get the signals beyond concrete and steel, and into the building. The DAS points act as local antennas and rely on the fiber-optic cable to communicate back and forth with the base station, which communicates to normal transmission points outside of the buildings without the same interference. WRNMMC Chief Information Officer Lt. William Walders said the project has progressed with few hiccups. “It’s been slow moving,” he said, “but by design. It takes a lot of work and coordination to run an antenna array through functional spaces while they maintained their operations. We’ve faced some funding challenges as the scope of the project increased from what was originally anticipated. However, WRNMMC Resources Department saved the day and was able to allocate some additional funding which allowed for the addition of Buildings 17 and 54 into the project.” The installation, testing and activation of the DAS points is expected to be completed by the end of the year. This includes Buildings 1 through 11, along with 19, 62, 17 and 54. The locations were selected based on a combination of factors, includ-
ing need and cost. Once the DAS points are installed and tested, the next phase will be activation by each provider. As each step is completed, Ngeke said, notifications corresponding with the rollout will be posted by email via Postmaster.
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Cellular phone users around the installation may soon see a signal in areas where one has previously been nonexistent. The “5 Bars” project, dedicated to expanding the reach of cellphone service to predetermined problem areas with a pressing need, is steadily rolling out in buildings across the installation.
Photo by Jeremy K. Johnson
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The Journal
Get Financially Fit With Financial Football By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class John K. Hamilton NSAB Public Affairs staff writer Navy Federal, in conjunction with Visa Inc. and the Navy Exchange, held a financial football game in the Navy Exchange recently with Redskins players London Fletcher and Alfred Morris to raise financial awareness. “Navy Federal has a strong commitment to financial education,” said James Horner, Navy Federal branch manager. “The event is a fun way to promote our ideas of financial education among our members and base personnel. It’s more important than ever that people pay attention to their financial well-being and takes care to save, especially in this economy where there is a lot of uncertainty about the future. It is vitally important and something that Navy Federal promotes for all of its members.”
Fletcher and Morris each took the stage to welcome everybody in attendance and talk a bit about the reason they think it is important to save your money. “I’m glad I made the right decisions so I can stand in front of you guys and talk a little bit about being smart with money,” said Morris. “If you don’t hear anything else I say today, remember this: save, save and save your money. That’s something I learned a long time ago.” “This is my fourth opportunity to play financial football,” said Fletcher. “It’s a lot of fun and believe me, you will learn a lot about financial responsibilities. For me, I learn something each and every time I play this game.” Morris believes you don’t have to spend money just because you have it. He said having a budget in place is important, no matter how much you make. “People think all NFL
Photo by Master-at-Arms Seaman April Beazer
Washington Redskins team members London Fletcher and Alfred Morris sign autographs and take pictures with fans during the financial football event held See FINANCIAL page 7 recently at the Navy Exchange.
FUTURE Continued from 1 their concerns back with him to be addressed with the military senior leaders, whom he works with daily, as well as members of the U.S. Congress when he testifies before them. As the MCPON, Stevens explained he’s focused on “zeroing in on excellence” in three areas: developing leaders; good order and discipline; and controlling what we own. “No organization can be successful without successful leadership,” Stevens continued. He said developing successful leaders encompasses providing excellent leadership training across all branches of the service, and is critical in order for the U.S. military to remain the dominant world force it is. “Good order and discipline is about first and foremost, being the standard,” Stevens said. “If you want those under your charge to do that which is right, that which is good and decent, then you yourself
Photo by Bernard S. Little
Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Michael D. Stevens speaks with service members during an allhands call on Feb. 22 at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. Stevens addressed a number of issues and questions from service members at the allhands call. must be that person. I call that, ‘leadership spillover.’” The Navy senior enlisted leader explained controlling what you own means “putting on your uniform; going to your assigned place of duty; doing the tasks you are asked to do; carrying out the orders you are asked to carry out; maintaining yourself physically, mentally, morally and spiritually; taking care of your family; and maintaining good order and discipline.
“If we do those things, we are going to be in a far better place,” he continued. “But if we allow our imaginations to run too wild, it takes away from those things we need to be focused on and the things we control.” In responding to a question about the future of the military, Stevens said, “I think we’re on a trajectory we’ll probably sustain for a long time, and that is we have steadily become more joint.
That’s the continuum we’re on, and I think it will be driven by the necessity to be the most effective war-fighting organization we can possibly be, and being joint, I’m sure, has a role in that.” He encouraged people to be flexible “in this extremely busy time to serve,” and explained the current budget situation won’t affect military member’s pay and entitlements (retirement, medical coverage, tuition assistance, and family programs) which are “fenced off.” “We’re extraordinarily dedicated to ensuring that those things supporting families are protected. Anything outside of pay and entitlements is to some degree vulnerable. As far as pay raises and those sorts of things, we’ll have to wait and see,” Stevens said. The MCPON added when he began his Navy career more than 30 years ago, he didn’t necessarily set out to become its top enlisted Sailor, he explained in responding to another question. “Sometimes, it’s just about the right time, right place and right opportunities, but there
are keys to success. No one makes you successful; people provide opportunities, and you have to use those keys to unlock those opportunities. I try to live by three things: work hard every single day; stay out of trouble; and be a good and decent person. “It’s the honor of my lifetime to be able to do what I’m doing ... to stand before you, to have a conversation with you, to provide leadership and make decisions, advice and recommendations on those things I believe will support you and your families today and into the future,” the MCPON concluded. “Continue to do what you do. Continue to serve.” Army Spc. Edward Tjaden said the all-hands call provided him with a lot of good information. “I appreciate [the MPCON] coming out and talking to not only the Navy people, but also the Army people. We’re a joint service now, and it’s good to hear from a senior leader of us all.” For more information about the MCPON, visit h t t p : / / w w w. n a v y. m i l / mcpon/index.asp.
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Emancipation Proclamation, March on Washington Celebrated By Bernard S. Little WRNMMC Journal staff writer Observing the theme “At the Crossroads of Freedom and Equality: the Emancipation Proclamation and the March on Washington,” the Walter Reed Bethesda community celebrated Black History Month with music, poetry and food during a program on Feb. 21 in the America Building atrium. “Black History Month is not just a one month of celebration, but a 365-day recognition,” said Navy Capt. Constance Evans, before reading passages from the Emancipation Proclamation. She explained the proclamation, issued by President Abraham Lincoln on Jan. 1, 1863, freeing slaves in those states rebelling against the Union during the Civil War. “[The end of slavery] didn’t happen overnight,” Evans continued. “The proclamation may have been signed and presented to Congress, but 100 years later [when the March on Washington occurred], we were still in a fight for freedom. We’re in 2013, and I would debate you that we’re still in a fight for freedom.” Following Evans’ remarks, Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Donnell Proctor sang “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” written by James Weldon Johnson in the early 1900s, which has since come to be known as “The African-American National Anthem.” Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Brittany Weathersby
FINANCIAL Continued from 6 players are millionaires, but we’re not,” said Morris. “My contract is public information, so if I did keep my contract now, I wouldn’t see a million dollars until my four years is up. Even then, with the expenses I have: agent fees and financial fees and all that stuff, I still wouldn’t be a millionaire. You just got to be smart. “I learned from observing others and from getting thrown in the fire that
followed with a reading of her poem entitled, “I Refuse,” reflecting her racial and cultural pride, and then Maya Angelou’s poem, “Still I Rise.” Army Spc. Trinity Eubanks, accompanied by Paul Ruskin and members of the U.S. Army Band, entertained the crowd by singing renditions of George Gershwin’s “Summertime,” “What a Wonderful World,” first recorded by Louis Armstrong, and Beyonce’s “I Was Here.” Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Ryan Smith then gave a spoken word presentation, “God, Why did you make me black?,” to which he answered, “I didn’t make you in the image of darkness, I made you in the likeness of me.” Command Master Chief Clinton Garrett and other Sailors from the Navy Medicine Professional Development Center, provided those in attendance with what he called, “edutainment — a little bit of education and a little bit of entertainment,” in the form of a rap. Saluting the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., in his rap, the command master chief encouraged people to dream and work to achieve those dreams. Garrett rapped, “A dream is something no man can take; you and I should have a dream.” Army Sgt. 1st Class Derrick Brown followed with his performance of songs indicative of the turbulent 1960s (Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On”), of inspiration (Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes’ “Wake Up Everybody”) and hope (Donny Ha-
thaway’s “Someday We’ll All Be Free”). Col. Wanda Jenkins concluded the program with remarks focusing on the March on Washington, which occurred 100 years after the Emancipation Proclamation, was issued, and marks its 50th anniversary this year on Aug. 28. The march was one of the largest rallies for human rights in U.S. history, and took place in the shadows of the Lincoln Memorial, the national monument honoring the 16th president who signed the Emancipation Proclamation. Dishes of African-American influenced foods were also served to those in attendance. “It’s important we celebrate different cultures to bring awareness and recognition to all people who have had an influence in molding our country into the diverse nation that it is,” said Sgt. 1st Class Jason Zielske, chair of the Bethesda Multicultural Committee. Throughout the year, the committee celebrates diversity, hosting monthly events at the medical center. “I encourage staff and beneficiaries to attend all of our cultural awareness observance,” stated Rear Adm. Alton L. Stocks, commander of Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC) who was in attendance at last week’s Black History Month observance. “At WRNMMC, we appreciate, respect and honor the contributions of our African American staff members, and all cultures represented at our medi-
you have to budget your money. You have to set up boundaries and you have to be disciplined enough to stay within those boundaries. You have to take these financial responsibilities seriously, because if not, what is the point of setting up budgets and wanting to save money if you’re not going to stick to the plan.” Fletcher talked about the financial hardships that some of his teammates were going through due to poor money management and not budgeting wisely. “I had a friend of mine who I played with several years ago, who called me a
couple seasons ago during the off season and needed to borrow some money,” said Fletcher. “This is a guy who had been in the league for six or seven years and here he is, in the off season needing to reach out to me to borrow money. That just lets you know, it doesn’t matter how much money you have, you have to live on a budget and you have to understand financial responsibility. Take it seriously and know most importantly to save your money.” The game of football requires playbooks and game plans to become victorious.
Photo by Bernard S. Little
Army Spc. Trinity Eubanks entertains the crowd with her singing of renditions of George Gershwin’s “Summertime,” and “What a Wonderful World,” first recorded by Louis Armstrong, and Beyonce’s “I Was Here,” during Walter Reed Bethesda’s Black History Month celebration on Feb. 21. cal center. It is because of [their] dedication and great effort we are able to deliver the highest quality of health care to our military popula-
tion and beneficiaries.” For more information about the Bethesda Multicultural Committee, contact Zielske at 301-400-3542.
According to Horner to be successful in the financial world, you must also get a game plan together. “You definitely need a strategy for financial success; it’s not something that just happens,” said Horner. “If you’re at the Navy Federal branches, online, or over the phone, we have trained representatives that can help our own members create a strategy to reach financial success and their own financial goals. A strategy should come in to play; just hoping that you have enough money is not enough to do it. Being aware of your
credit, setting up a budget, helping members create a savings plan, utilizing our products, most of which have pretty good rates and zero fees, all plays into that strategy.” Horner was excited about the event and the energy created by it. “We hope it helps to build awareness of financial education for our members, the staff and command,” said Horner. “We’re hoping to stay involved in the community here and help to build financial awareness, financial education and financial strategies for the future.”
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Thursday, February 28, 2013
The Journal
NMHM Features Heart Illustrations During American Heart Month By Melissa Brachfeld Public Affairs Specialist, National Museum of Health and Medicine In recognition of American Heart Month and Valentine’s Day, the National Museum of Health and Medicine (NMHM) is featuring a series of heart-related medical illustrations in a new temporary exhibit, “The Army’s Artist: Medical Illustrations of D.K. Winter.” NMHM’s Otis Historical Archives maintains a collection of approximately 150 original artworks, a monograph and an unpublished manual on medical illustration by Duncan K. Winter, a gifted illustrator who worked for the Armed Forces of Institute of Pathology’s (AFIP) Medical Illustration Service between 1952 and 1968. He was trained at Johns Hopkins University’s School of Art as Applied to Medicine under pioneering medical il-
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lustrator Max Brödel. Very little is known about Winter, but his talent is evident in the medical illustrations he created for the organization. Featured prominently in
the exhibit are seven illustrations of the human heart showing heart defects from different angles. These illustrations are part of a collection of 100 anomalous hearts completed by
Winter between 1958 and 1968. William C. Manion, M.D., a pathologist at AFIP, requested the work to illustrate an “Atlas of Anomalous Hearts.” However, Manion died unexpectedly in 1970, and his atlas was never completed. Winter’s artwork was never published and the collection was returned to the NMHM in 2011. The exhibit includes drawings of a human skull, a placenta from a quintuplet birth, a muscle incision and more. One case features Winter’s unpublished manual on medical illustration. In a letter to the AFIP Librarian, Winter wrote, “…some years ago I promised I would write down for [the AFIP librarian] the principal drawing techniques and procedures which I had learned from Max Brödel and others.” Winter was disappointed that the book was not published for a general public, but felt that it was important to document “this bad-
ly needed information” for medical illustrators, and hoped to get a pamphlet made by the Government Printing Office. Laura Cutter, assistant archivist at NMHM, said she is glad that Winter’s work is being shared with the public, but wishes more was known about the illustrator. “What fascinates me about Winter is that we know so little about him,” she said. “His work is so compelling, and exquisite. Yet there is no indication that he was an artist in his private life. As a historian, I find myself wondering why that is— was the work lost, or did it never exist? What else was he doing?” Elizabeth Lockett, collection manager of NMHM’s Human Developmental Anatomy Center and a trained medical illustrator, said she appreciates the amount of thought and de-
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The Journal
Peyton Manning Pays a Visit to the MATC
Photo by David A. Dickinson
NFL Superbowl champion Quarterback Peyton Manning played to a full house in the Walter Reed Bethesda MATC on Monday. Manning joined World Series winning Pitcher Curt Schilling and Tampa Bay Buccaneer star Wide Receiver Vincent Jackson to sign autographs, take pictures and speak with wounded warriors, family and staff.
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tail Winter put into his work. “Aside from the beauty of the drawings, Winter considered every aspect of the illustration process — from selecting the appropriate technique to its final reproduction methods,” she said. “When he did that, he ensured the message that his client
The Journal was trying to convey was always clearly presented.” “The Army’s Artist: Medical Illustrations of D.K. Winter” is on exhibit through the end of February, and can be found in the “Anatomy and Pathology” gallery. The Museum is open to the public every day (except December 25) from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and admission is free. For more information about the Museum, visit http://www.medicalmuseum.mil or call 301-319-3300.
Photo by Master-At-Arms Seaman April Beazer
A Special Olympics participant cheers for excitement after receiving the gold medal at AMF Capital Plaza Bowling Center.
OLYMPICS Continued from 1 Sokenu. Master-At-Arms 2nd Class Alyssa Rivera was one of the five NSAB volunteers to attend the event. Rivera said she really enjoys vol-
OSCAR Continued from 3 orable outing to a Washington Nationals baseball game that gathered the wounded warriors and service members with their group behind home plate, to a standing ovation and applause from the stadium. “I think it shows them their country is proud of them and recognizes the sacrifices they’ve made,” Bitonti said. There are two important aspects of outings his department coordinates for wounded, ill and injured service members and their family members, according to Navy Capt. Thomas A. Craig, director of the WFCC. The first is re-immersion back into society. “Our microcosm on [the medical] campus is not like the community
unteering with the Special Olympics. “I have done it before and I enjoyed it a lot last time, so I was happy when the opportunity came up again for me to do it.” Rivera added that she loves engaging with the athletes. Her favorite part is “interacting with kids and seeing their smiles on their faces.”
outside the fence. Excursions like this help our warriors travel as a group, a custom that military service members are comfortable with, into various social situations,” Craig said. “Allowing our warriors to go out in support groups of warriors and family members, allows them to gradually immerse themselves into our community.” Re-forming bonds with family members and forging bonds with other warriors is the second important aspect of events sponsored by WFCC, Craig explained. Spc. Kerry Bartholomew, an activated Army reservist with the 72nd Field Artillery Brigade at Fort Dix, N.J., attended the Oscar/movie screening. “I’m kind of an isolator, so it helps me to socialize, gets me out of my room, gets me out into the sunshine and meet new people, people that I have stuff in common with,” he said.
The Journal
Thursday, February 28, 2013
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Thursday, February 28, 2013
The Journal
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NOMINATIONS NOW OPEN! Know an outstanding caregiver or non-profit organization that deserves to be recognized? Nominate them for our Wounded Warrior Caregiver of the Year Award presented by DCMilitary Family Life. Write a short essay about an individual or organization that has provided exceptional assistance to a Wounded Warrior during their time of need over the past year. Submissions will be collected and judged based upon their recent sacrifices and contributions made in order to care for Wounded Warrior(s). 5 finalists from each category will be chosen by a panel appointed by Comprint Military Publications and all will be invited to attend an awards luncheon where the winners will be publicly announced. All finalists will appear in the June issue of DCMilitary Family Life magazine. Cash prizes will be donated to the winners and top finalists.
Visit www.dcmilitary.com/award for more information or email your essay to caregiver@dcmilitary.com Enter by March 29, 2013! SPONSORS INCLUDE: