Vol. 25
No. 17
www.cnic.navy.mil/bethesda/
May 2, 2013
Child Development Center Celebrates Military Families
Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Nathan Parde
The Child Development Center’s carnival and cookout, held Friday at Naval Support Activity Bethesda, featured live music and dancing to songs such as “La Cucaracha” and “Ring Around the Rosie.” “These events are for the children, to show them we are proud of what their parents are doing and to honor what they do for us every day,” said Jamila Aziz, Child and Youth Program director The Child Development at NSAB. Center (CDC) at Naval The CDC’s mission is to Support Activity Bethesda support military and civil(NSAB) held a carnival and ian staff who work on the cookout Friday to conclude installation and surrounda month long celebration of ing areas, said Aziz. To celemilitary families. brate the Month of the MiliBy Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Nathan Parde NSAB Public Affairs staff writer
tary Child, the CDC chose a theme and planned various weekly events around it. “This year we chose the theme ‘It’s a Small World After All.’ Each classroom picked a country to celebrate and display what that country is all about: the language they speak, the religion they have, the authentic food, and things like that, to educate each other and honor the people from that country.”
The kids were excited to learn about different cultures from around the world and share their experiences with their parents, said Aziz. “The kids did skits and games and learned numbers and words from their country,” she said. “Every week, we had a special event and invited the parents. One week, we had authentic food from five countries, and the
parents helped us cook and feature activities from those countries.” Aziz said the month of activities emphasized themes of diversity and unity. “We wanted to let the children know that even though we come from different places and countries, we are still the same. Our parents protect our country,
See CDC page 7
2
Thursday, May 2, 2013
The Journal
Bethesda Notebook
Commander’s Column On M o n d a y, May 6, we begin our weeklong celebration of our invaluable members of Walter Reed Bethesda’s healthcare team – nurses. The celebration of National Nurses Week will kick off with an opening ceremony in the chapel on Monday at 10 a.m. Although National Nurses Week is observed once a year, each and every day at the Nation’s Medical Center we appreciate all of our nurses. There is no way we could accomplish our mission of providing quality worldclass care and create extraordinary experiences for patients, families and staff without them. Nurses at Walter Reed Bethesda, we salute you and honor and admire your dedication and tenacious spirit. It is because of your strong commitment to serving others here at the Nation’s Medical Center and in far off countries that you are vital part of our health care team. We are proud of the fact that you have positioned yourself to assume leadership roles in health care and provide primary care services to meet increased demand, as well as implement strategies to improve the quality of care. The key role you play in innovative, patient-centered care delivery models and improving patient outcomes is an example of many reasons why Col. Ramona Fiorey, a nurse, was selected to be your chief of staff. It is no surprise that in 2012,
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-
Wounded Warrior Town Hall
The acting commander of Joint Task Force National Capital Region Medical and commanding officer of Naval Support Activity Bethesda will host a joint town hall today from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. in the Building 17 gymnasium. A resource fair will follow the town hall.
Americans, again, voted nurses as the most trusted profession in America for the 13th time in 14 years in the annual Gallup poll, which ranks professions for their honesty and ethical standards. Also, nurses have an extra special meaning to me. My grandmother, who raised me, was a nurse; my wife is a nurse; and my daughter, a freshman at the University of Florida, is considering a career in nursing. Next week, during National Nurses Week, activities will include: A meet/greet and hail/farewell on Tuesday from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m., Building 9, First Floor Mezzanine. We will hold our quarterly DAISY ceremony honoring our extraordinary nurses, on Wednesday at 10 a.m. in the Memorial Auditorium, and nursing grand rounds at noon on Thursday in the Clark Auditorium. We encourage you to attend as many events as your schedule can permit to show your appreciation. Here at the Nation’s Medical Center, What You Do Matters, and what our nurses do each and every day, certainly matters. Commander sends, Rear Adm. Alton L. Stocks MC, USN Walter Reed National Military Medical Center
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.
National Prayer Breakfast
Walter Reed Bethesda’s Department of Pastoral Care hosts a National Prayer Breakfast today from 7 to 9 a.m. in the Warrior Café in Tranquility Hall (Building 62). For more information, call Chaplain (Capt.) Jeremiah Catlin at 301-295-1510.
John Flynn to Perform
Singer/guitarist John Flynn performs in the America Building lobby at noon on Monday as part of Walter Reed Bethesda’s Stages of Healing. For more information, call Dr. Micah Sickel at 301-295-2492.
Ethics Symposium
Walter Reed Bethesda’s Ethics Committee and Department of Pastoral Care will host the 2nd Annual Healthcare Ethics Symposium May 14-16 at Naval Support Activity Bethesda. The symposium includes a banquet at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences on May 14, and plenary sessions in Walter Reed Bethesda’s Clark Auditorium. It will focus on the symposium’s theme “Embracing the Principle of Justice in Healthcare,” honoring the 50th anniversary of Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream” speech. For more information, contact Chaplain (Maj.) Stephen Pratel Sr., at 301-4002224 or stephen.pratel@health.mil.
Correction
The article in last week’s Journal, “Observances Focus on Sexually Transmitted Infections Awareness,” was written by Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Kristofer Gonzalez, and not Sgt. 1st Class Gladys Fraticelli as attributed.
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 MC2 John Hamilton MASN April Beazer MCSN Brandon Williams-Church Sarah Marshall Sharon Renee Taylor Cat DeBinder David A. Dickinson Jeremy Johnson Managing Editor
MC2 Nathan Parde
WRNMMC Editor Bernard Little Walter Reed National Military Medical Center Office of Media Relations 301-295-5727
Fleet And Family Support Center WRNMMC Ombudsman Julie Bondar NSAB Ombudsman Jojo Lim Hector
301-319-4087 443-854-5167 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, May 2, 2013
3
Military Medicine Benefits All By Bernard S. Little WRNMMC Journal staff writer Six months after losing his left leg below the knee to a roadside bomb in Afghanistan, Army Spc. Calvin Todd is smiling, holding his 7-month-old son, Angus (“Gus”), during a break in the Soldier’s rehabilitation in Walter Reed National Military Medical Center’s Military Advanced Training Center. “I’m almost back to new,” says Todd, 26, who also plays sled hockey and runs eight-minute miles. Army Staff Sgt. Travis Mills, 26, is one of only five quadruple am-
putees from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan to survive his injuries. Critically injured on April 10, 2012 by an improvised explosive device while on patrol during his third tour of duty in Afghanistan, Mills is walking again and able to hold his 18-month-old daughter, Chloe. He also snowboards, swims, waterskis, and rides a bicycle. “Everything you do is adapted,” said the Soldier, who describes his life now as “a new normal.” “I’m very fortunate the research that has been done has benefitted me through my injuries,” Mills said. “I know that if I would have
got hurt like I did 10 years ago, I probably wouldn’t have made it off the battlefield,” he added. Since 2001, there have been approximately 1,600 service members that have sustained major limb amputations as a result of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan; roughly 300 remain on active duty and more than 50 have returned to combat operations, according to Army Capt. Bradley Ritland, chief of the physical therapy amputee section at Walter Reed Bethesda. Army Col. (Dr.) Chester “Trip” Buckenmaier, head of the Defense and Veterans Center of Integrative Pain Management, said, “war is a catalyst for positive medical change.” He added this positive medical change has not only benefitted warriors injured on the battlefield, but society at large, and pointed to first responders at the Boston Marathon explosions, who knew to use tourniquets to help save lives. More than 260 people were injured after two bombs went off
Photo by Bernard S. Little
Army Spc. Calvin Todd holds his 7-month-old son, Angus (“Gus”), during a break in the Soldier’s rehabilitation in Walter Reed National Military Medical Center’s Military Advanced Training Center on April 26. Todd said his son is an inspiration for him to keep pushing himself in his rehabilitation six months after losing his left leg below the knee to a roadside bomb in Afghanistan.
1038405
April 15 near the finish of the Boston Marathon, resulting in amputations for at least 14 victims. Todd and Mills agreed that while those victims face challenges, both emotionally and physically, there is hope. “Stay positive and set attainable goals,” Todd said, “the sky’s the limit.” He aims to compete in a triathlon, and run a road race and a half-marathon or a marathon before the end of the year. According to Todd, the first couple of months are tough. “It’s not going to happen overnight, but you have to work at it. You’re still the same person,” he said. Dr. Harold Wain, chief of the psychiatry consultation liaison service at Walter Reed Bethesda, explained all troops returning from deployment in combat zones receive a mental health assessment, and added amputees must learn to accept themselves just as wounded warriors do. “In order for them to have a [positive] recovery, they
See MEDICINE page 10
4
Thursday, May 2, 2013
The Journal
Recognizing an Invaluable Asset: Volunteers By Sarah Marshall WRNMMC Journal staff writer Donating tens of thousands of hours, American Red Cross volunteers provide care and support each day to the patients, families and staff at Walter Reed Bethesda. Paying tribute to their contributions and humanitarianism, the medical center observed National Volunteer Week, April 2226, by holding a ceremony April 23 in the Red Cross office. During the ceremony in Building 8, Walter Reed Bethesda Commander Rear Adm. Alton Stocks and several senior leaders expressed their gratitude for the American Red Cross staff and volunteers, presenting them with a letter of recognition. The letter noted Red Cross volunteers collectively donated more than 55,000 hours in the last calendar year and their “gift of time and energy” has helped individuals and families realize hope. When referring to per-
Photo by Sarah Marshall
A portion of the nearly 300 active Red Cross volunteers currently at Walter Reed Bethesda gathered for a photo during a Volunteer Recognition ceremony as part of Volunteer Recognition Week. sonnel at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC), Stocks explained how he ensures volunteers are included, as they are very much a part of the medical center. “We’re all one team here,” Stocks said. The commander also addressed the volunteers’
concerns, and encouraged them to attend the regular town hall meetings, where they can continue to stay informed on how the command is mitigating these points of interest. “You’re invited to those. You’re part of the staff,” he said. Stocks added he en-
joys seeing the volunteers throughout the facility. “Thank you so much for what you do,” he said. “Keep doing what you’re doing.” Serving in various capacities, Red Cross volunteers can be seen working throughout the medical center, as well as the National Intrepid Center of Excel-
lence, Fisher Houses and Tranquility Hall, explained Bob Lowery, senior station manager for WRNMMC’s Red Cross chapter. Prior to coming aboard in his position, in 2010, Lowery volunteered at a number of military installations, such as the former National Naval Medical Center (NNMC), and at the Spangdahlem and Ramstein Air Force bases in Germany. He also volunteered during Hurricanes Katrina and Rita disaster relief efforts. At WRNMMC, Lowery said there’s usually an average of about 275 active volunteers in any given month. Currently, there are more than 370 active volunteers, he added, and more than 400 prospective volunteers seeking opportunities at the medical center. “We’re providing 55,000 hours per year, and that is growing,” he said. “We’ve got some outstanding volunteers.” Among those individuals is long-time volunteer Betty Byrd, who dedicates two days each week to Wal-
See VOLUNTEER page 10
You Are Not a Bad Parent: Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention By Master-at-Arms Seaman April Beazer NSAB Public Affairs staff writer Child abuse occurs too often in our culture, both within society at large, as well as in the military. Military service presents additional family stressors like deployments and permanent change of stations, which necessitate moving away from friends and support systems. However, there are ways to reduce the risk of child abuse. “Families are so busy these days,” said Kimberly Lahm, counseling and advocacy supervisor for Naval Support Activity Bethesda (NSAB). “It’s important for people to know themselves and to know when they feel like they are getting stressed. “Military families are incredibly strong and resilient, but they have a lot of chal-
lenges. Sometimes, it is a little bit more challenging for parents to navigate [through life] and it is also more challenging for children to transition, depending on their age,” she said. “Noticing your own schedule and noticing when you yourself are feeling short-tempered is very important. It is never the time to address behavioral issues with your children when you are feeling stressed and when your children are feeling the same way.” Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC) is a great place to get the advice you need to help with stressmanagement or child abuse prevention, said Lahm. “We offer a lot of help here [at FFSC.] We have stress management classes and a scream-free parenting group, which is a fabulous group for parents. It is really all about yourself and how to regulate your own emotions [and]
stress to make you a better parent and learn some additional skills,” said Lahm. Managing a child can be very stressful. Cindy Hurd, clinical case manager for the Counseling and Advocacy Program at FFSC, offers tips and disciplinary advice on how to take action if you or someone you know is considering child abuse. “First and foremost a caregiver must calm their own anxiety,” said Hurd. “Many times a parent believes they must rush in and discipline a child immediately. This is only necessary if a child’s safety is at risk. On most occasions, a parent may need to take a few moments, calm down, then become strategic about what non-physical discipline technique is needed. Whether it is time out, redirection, or taking something away, a parent can take a few moments to decide. If a parent acts too quickly and
harshly, they may get what they want in the short term, but in the long term they have damaged the parent child relationship.” Taking care of yourself as a parent is the key when managing stress, especially when you are at your “whits end,” and don’t know what else to do, said Lahm. “I think it is really important for parents to pay attention to self care themselves,” said Lahm. “I think that can be a really challenging concept. Sometimes, I think parents feel they are being selfish if they do things for themselves. Parents are like buckets in some sense. Things are being taken from their bucket all the time. The children are taking from their bucket, their work responsibilities, and everything else in their lives is taking from their bucket. If they don’t work to replenish what is in their bucket, it is going
to ultimately be empty, which is going to make it harder to cope with the challenges.” Having a child abuse case doesn’t necessarily make you a bad parent. With the right resources, you can get the help that you and your child(ren) need, said Lahm. “Most of the child abuses we see are caring parents who make poor decisions,” she said. “A lot of times those poor decisions are out of stress, frustration and challenges. It is really important to be the best parent you can and be sure to take time for yourself. “At family advocacy, we see child abuse cases as situations where its caring, wellintentioned parents who maybe make not great judgment, or are frustrated or at their wits end. We don’t see cases as parents who are bad
See ABUSE page 9
The Journal
Thursday, May 2, 2013
5
See a lot for a little: Plan a D.C. Staycation By Jeremy Johnson NSAB Public Affairs staff writer Warmer weather is finally arriving in Washington, D.C., a place densely populated with museums, parks and attractions. With a quick internet search, anyone can plan weekend spring and summer outings in D.C. that include a lot to see and do for minimal cost. Even better, some of the most popular museums and attractions are free and located along the National Mall in D.C. The National Museum of American History offers exhibits on military history, the presidents, transportation history, energy, and other special rotating exhibits. The National Air and Space Museum documents the history of flight and space travel. The National Museum of Natural History offers a look at geological curiosities like the Hope Diamond and biological specimens from around the world, including a live butterfly garden and living bee colony. The National Archives, housing the U.S. Constitution, Declaration of Independence, and Emancipation Proclamation, is also
near the National Mall and free to visit. Each of these is open all summer long. Other popular free sites are outdoors and also open year-round, including the United States Botanic Garden. With the exception of the Washington Monument - under repair after an earthquake in 2011 - the Lincoln Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, U.S. National
World War II Memorial, Korean War Veterans Memorial and other monuments sites are accessible every day, including the new Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial. For paid attractions, the Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) Information, Travel and Tickets (ITT) office, located in Building 2, Rm. 1448, offers a list of discounted tickets and military-friendly attrac-
Drop Arm to be Lowered Soon
Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Brandon Williams-Church
On, or about, Monday, May 6, the drop arms at Building 54 and Building 32 (Multi Use Parking Structure) will be in operation. To enter these garages, you must have a proximity card issued by Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bethesda Security to open the gate. Those eligible to receive a proximity card include all Red parking placard holders, handicap drivers, motorcycles and carpool groups for Building 54. If you belong to one of these groups and do not currently have a proximity card, please visit NSA Bethesda Security in the basement of Building 17 on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
1038410
tions, including the International Spy Museum and Madame Tussauds wax museum. Richard Moy at ITT ticket sales says they have access to a variety of resources, such as discounted tickets to Disney World for active and retired personnel. “People can come in and purchase up to six,” he explained, “but they have to be used by Sept. 28.” Locally, ITT also has discounted tickets for a number of amusement parks including Hershey Park, Busch Gardens and Six Flags America. Traveling to and from any attraction in D.C. can be done via cab, bus or subway. The majority of the most popular attractions in the city are located within walking distance of Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (Metro) train stations. Walter Reed Bethesda is located across the street from the Medical Center station on the system’s Red Line. Android, iOS and Windows Phone users can find applications for their smartphones that provide maps, real time schedules and service alerts for navigating the Metro system. Printable maps and schedules are also available via download on Metro’s website, http://www. wmata.com.
6
Thursday, May 2, 2013
The Journal
Youths Join the WRNMMC, NSAB Workforce For A Day
Photo by Sarah Marshall
Sgt. Maj. Carol Warren-Clark, deputy command senior enlisted leader at Walter Reed Bethesda, pays respect to the nation’s colors along with other staff members at the NaPhoto by Sharon Renee Taylor tion’s Medical Center and its “newest workers” for the day, during “Take Your Child To Jah Adeyemi, a nurse on 4-East, and her Work Day” on April 25. daughter Arlyn, 13, take a photo with Marine Staff Sgt. Glen Silva as he leaves after a three-week stay at Walter Reed Bethesda. Arlyn got up at 5 a.m. to join her mom at work on April 25, and said she was surprised to learn, “how much she walks all day!”
By David A. Dickinson WRNMMC Journal staff writer The work landscape at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC) and Naval Support Activity Bethesda (NSAB) took on a different look on April 25. That’s because, like other organizations and businesses throughout the United States and Canada, WRNMMC and NSAB participated in the 20th annual “Take Your Child to Work Day.” The day began with morning formation led by Army Col. Ramona Fiorey, WRNMMC chief of staff, in front of the iconic Tower. She welcomed the “newest workers” to WRNMMC and NSAB for the day. “You wonder what happens when your mom and dad go to work every day? Hopefully, today you will find out.” The purpose of Take Your Child To Work Day is to inspire youth by bringing them into workplaces to explore the many life choices they have, according to the event organizers. Army Spc. Saskia Dula-Klontz, who works as a social worker at WRNMMC, brought her sons Avant and Pierre to spend the day with her at the medical center. Pierre said a visit to the occupational therapy department was the highlight of his day, and being able to hang out with his mother was a close second. Coordinators for the event at Walter Reed Bethesda created an a la carte program that allowed children to choose which events interested
Photo by Sharon Renee Taylor
A group of kids along with their parents, guardians and mentors, take a tour of the Walter Reed Bethesda Military Advanced Training Center. The children learned the different ways patients workout and how equipment is used on their road to recovery.
Master Chief Hospital Corpsman Maria Fernandez, senior enlisted leader, deputy commander for Administration, straightens her cover on her son Javier Guidry. The 9-yearold rose at 5 a.m. to join his mom at Walter Reed Bethesda for “Take Your Child to Work Day.”
them. This year’s program provided several motivating opportunities for youth to experience a variety of professions. Children met therapy dogs, toured NSAB and the National Museum of Health and Science, at nearby Forest Glen. They also got a chance to see the work done by staff in WRNMMC physical and occupational therapy clinics. Frederick Kelly said he was excited to have his daughter join him at work. “I really wanted to bring her on the tour of the museum, and go myself.” When the day was done, the youth had a greater understanding of a day at the Nation’s Medical Center and NSAB, according to Patricia Crawford, an organizer of the event at WRNMMC. She explained although Walter Reed staff
members typically invite their own children and relatives to join them at work, in recent years program organizers encouraged employees to invite children from residential programs or shelters who may not be exposed to adults in skilled professions on a daily basis. Fiorey thanked parents who brought their children to the event. “This is important because we’re raising the next generation of us, and that’s important.” In 1993, Gloria Steinem and the Ms. Foundation for Women founded the event, first known as “Take Our Daughters To Work Day.” The program expanded to include young men in 2003. Organizers estimate more than 25 million young people have participated in the event since the year 2000.
Photo by David A. Dickinson
The Journal
Thursday, May 2, 2013
7
Photos by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Nathan Parde
The Guitar Man, John Henry, performs for children as part of a month long celebration with the theme, “It’s a Small World After All.”
CDC Continued from 1 and they are from all over the place, but yet we all come together under one umbrella. We really don’t get to thank the parents enough for what they do for us.” One parent who was able to join in the celebration was Logistics Specialist 3rd Class Alycee Campbell, who is stationed at WRNMMC and has two kids enrolled at the CDC: Samson, 3, and Maximus, 2. “My kids love the teachers and all of the activities. The staff here is always so welcoming, and they will sit down and review with you everything that happened during the day,” said Campbell. “My kids have been here since they were six weeks old, and it’s the best place ever! I wouldn’t want to go anywhere else.” The CDC is open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily for children from 6 weeks to 5 years old. The cost is variable, based on total family income. The wait list for enrollment can be anywhere from a few days to a year, said Aziz. Anyone who is interested in enrolling their children can stop by the CDC for an application or call 301-295-0167 for more information.
Anthony Bonin, 2, goes for a slide during the Child Development Center’s (CDC) carnival and cookout Friday.
Logistics Specialist 3rd Class Alycee Campbell, top left, joins other parents and staff at the CDC to aid her son, Maximus, and other children in creating sand art.
During the month of April, the CDC had each classroom learn about a different country’s culture. The children then created artwork about their country to Aidan White, 2, dunks a bouncy ball during the CDC carnival Friday. decorate the halls of the CDC.
8
Thursday, May 2, 2013
The Journal
First Annual SSC Wounded Warrior Run a Success By Rachel Ludlow
1036159
More than 400 runners ran to ‘care for those in harm’s way’ at the first annual Student Spouses Club (SSC) Wounded Warrior Run in Derwood, Maryland, last month. The run raised more than $9,000 for military members and their families. “The race came at the end of a tough week for runners and for the country,” said Cyndi Yoder, a military spouse and lead organizer for the race. “But the turnout we had this Saturday shows what a strong community runners have and the support for those that defend our country every day.” The five and 10 kilometer race was planned and organized by the SSC, an organization for the spouses and significant others of medical students at the Uniformed Services University. The school is inter-service and located at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland. The SSC Wounded Warrior Run proceeds will go to the non-profits SSC and Wounded Warrior Project. The race was held at the Agricultural History Farm Park in Derwood making it a challenging but scenic run. Some runners came out for the off-road challenge, some to support their school and others ran in memory
Dana Rene Photography
Team Tony stood out at the Student Spouses Club Wounded Warrior Run as a group of 80 runners in matching jerseys. They were running in memory of David Anthony (Tony) Johnson, Lance Corporal in the U.S. Marine Corps, 1st Recon Div. of a lost loved one. Team Tony turned heads as 80 runners in matching yellow jerseys ran in memory of David Anthony (Tony) Johnson, Lance Corp U.S. Marine Corps 1st Recon Div. “The medical students have put on a similar run in the past but when their schedules no longer allowed
them the time, we saw a great opportunity for us to bring it further into the community,” said Christine Kempsell, also a lead organizer for the race. “We had an amazing response from our community and we are already looking forward to next year!”
1038406
The goal of the SSC is to provide support, friendship, and community for student families through a variety of social and service activities throughout the year. For more information on the club or on the run, please contact Cyndi Yoder at sscwoundedwarriorrun@gmail.com.
The Journal
Thursday, May 2, 2013
9
NSAB Hosts Character Brunch and Health and Fitness Fair ABUSE
Continued from 4
Photos by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class John K. Hamilton
Sammuel Keller, 3, runs around the track with Sailors during the physical fitness test portion of the Fleet and Family Support Center Youth Health and Fitness Fair held at the Building 17 fitness center onboard Naval Support Activity Bethesda (NSAB). Dorothy from the Wizard of OZ was one of the characters on hand at the Character Brunch held at the Warrior Café onboard NSAB Saturday.
Minnie Mouse and Isabel Merideth, 4, dance together across the floor during the Character Brunch.
1036164
1038409
parents – we see parents as needing support, as needing assistance, and caring about their kids. ” There are many times when a person can’t see when they are getting stressed or almost to their breaking point, said Lahm. “It is always important to point it out to folks,” she said. “Sometimes it’s hard for us to know when we are really starting to feel stressed out. It’s the people around us who can sense it because they see the change in us. I really see it as everybody’s responsibility to prevent child abuse. We all need to talk with our friends when we see that they are stressed out.” The most important thing to know about child abuse prevention is where to turn and who to reach out to when it is needed. “Programs at FFSC can adequately meet the needs [of people who need advice or help],” said Hurd. “In the military community, if you suspect child abuse, call the Family Advocacy Program (FAP) at 301-319-4087. They are here to assist families experiencing abuse. FAP is also here to support families during times of stress and help parents choose effective strategies for promoting nurturing, healthy and happy families.”
10
Thursday, May 2, 2013
VOLUNTEER Continued from 4 ter Reed Bethesda, assisting with patient transportation. “This is my 44th year with the American Red Cross,” Byrd said. Helping others runs in her family, she said. Her mother was a nurse and teacher, and father a minister. Early on, Byrd knew she wanted to be a nurse as well, and after 10 years in the Army, as an
The Journal EKG technician, she could no longer stay in the military due to medical issues, she said. She longed to continue serving so she began volunteering where she was stationed, at Fort Campbell in Kentucky. Byrd volunteered at the former Walter Reed Army Medical Center, prior to its integration with NNMC, and said she hopes to serve next year at Fort Belvoir Community Hospital. “This is what keeps me going,” she said. At almost 70 years old, Byrd has
cared for wounded service members from the Vietnam War, as well as Desert Storm, and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. “This is my life. This has been my whole life,” she said. “I just enjoy helping people.” At the medical center, Red Cross volunteers can help in a number of ways, Lowery noted. Some deliver TV carts, with built-in DVD players, and videogame consoles, used to help patients in physical therapy, enhancing fine motor skills, as well as morale, he said. Others are involved in meeting medevac buses upon arrival, providing patients with information about resources, toiletries, blankets and phone cards. Red Cross volunteers are involved in a healing arts therapy program, providing art, music and storytelling therapies to patients, Lowery added. They also provide a variety of assistive technology equipment and electronics, as part of treatment plans for many of the
wounded warriors at WRNMMC. Twice a week, volunteers also provide coffee, donuts and bagels for “Coffee Mornings,” in various locations throughout the medical center, as a way of bringing together patients and families, Lowery said. There’s also a VolunTeen program, allowing teenagers, ages 14-18, to volunteer throughout the medical center, he added. To become a volunteer, individuals must submit an application, which can be done online through WRNMMC’s website. They’re also required to complete a background check and orientation, before requesting base access. For more information on becoming a Red Cross volunteer at WRNMMC, call 301-295-1538, or 877-272-7337 after hours, or visit www.wrnmmc. capmed.mil/PatientVisitors/SitePages/Career/Volunteer.aspx. For the full-length version of this article, please visit www.dcmilitary.com/section/news11.
MEDICINE Continued from 3 need to have a good perspective of who they are, they need to feel good about themselves, and they need to accept who they are. They are still whole, and can still function.” David Beachler, lead prosthetist at Walter Reed Bethesda, explained the latest innovation in prosthetics at Walter Reed Bethesda include powered knees, hands and ankles which allow amputees to walk better, run, pick up and grasp objects, type, and perform numerous other daily activities. “Service members have survived extraordinary blasts injuries and thrived and there’s no reason to think the victims of the Boston Marathon explosions will not do the same,” said Retired Army colonel, Dr. Paul Pasquina, chair of physical medicine and rehabilitation at Walter Reed Bethesda and the Uniformed Services University. “We’ve learned a lot in terms of taking care of individuals who have sustained injuries from a blast,” Pasquina said. “Typically from a blast, you have visible wounds and you have invisible wounds, and it’s very important to address all of those.” This is done by an integrated, interdisciplinary team of surgeons, physicians, nurses, rehab specialists, behavioral health specialists, peer visitors, and the family of the wounded, he added. Mills said it is just a matter of “continuing to move forward and realizing it will get better.” Todd agreed. “When you get out of bed and
Photo by Bernard S. Little
Army Staff Sgt. Travis Mills, is one of only five quadruple amputees from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan to survive his injuries. Critically injured on April 10, 2012 by an improvised explosive device while on patrol during his third tour of duty in Afghanistan, Mills snowboards, swims, waterskis, and rides a bicycle. start moving, it’s going to come back to you quick, and there’s a lot you can do,” Todd said. “You can do anything you want to do, you just got to work for it.”
The Journal
Thursday, May 2, 2013
11
12
Thursday, May 2, 2013
The Journal
Trout Tr out and Salmon Season has A rr rriv ived ed Again Arrived and I’m offering a
MILITARY DISCOUNT 10% and a
PURPLE HEART RECIPIENT
20% off on a day of fishing
Lodging available, multi-day trips available, located on Sodus Bay in Wolcott, NY. Website
www.mywaycharters.com My Way Charters
1038401
Capt. David Urban 315-729-2448
mywaycharters@gmail.com 1038403
Rental Townhomes
SPECIAL
Two Level, 3BR Town Homes Starting at
Less than 3 miles to WRNMMC
ONLY $1,875 PER MONTH!
Featuring: Oversized 2 & 3 Story Townhomes 21/2 & 31/2 Baths 3, 4 & 5 Bedrooms . 1,400 to 2,100 Sq. Feet
Included Amenities
q Pre-wired for FIOS cable & high-speed internet q Newly redesigned kitchen & appliances q Hardwood floors w/inlay q Ceramic tiled bath q 2" Plantation blinds q Cherry finish kitchen cabinetry q Self-cleaning ranges
q q q q q q q
Side-by-side refrigerator/freezer Garbage disposal Stainless steel sinks Built in Microwave Dishwasher Full-size washer & dryer Private entry patio w/additional storage
301-949-4466
1038404
1038109
11300 - 11476 Connecticut Avenue, Kensington, MD 20895 . www.rcptownhomes.com