Vol. 26
No. 22
www.cnic.navy.mil/bethesda/
June 5, 2014
CDC Bethesda – Providing Care to Support the Mission By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Brandon Williams-Church NSAB Public Affairs staff writer “100 years from now it won’t matter what kind of car I drove, what kind of house I lived in, how much money I had in the bank or what kind of clothes I wore. But the world may be a little better because I was important in the life of a child.” Ms. Jamila Aziz, director of the Child Development Center (CDC) Bethesda spoke these words of Forest Woodcraft at the ribbon cutting event of the new additions to the CDC June 2. These words encompass the essence of what the CDC is about and as child care providers, “the CDC is a safe and quality program that is the model for child care of the nation,” said Aziz. The CDC will welcome two new building additions including a 24/7 child care facility which is tentatively looking to open its doors during fall/winter of 2014. The CDC Bethesda will be the first within Naval Support Activity Bethesda (NSAB) and the Naval District Washington region to provide around-the-clock child care for its service members. To go along with the energy-efficient buildings, the capacities of the entire NSAB Child and Youth Program will more than double with the new additions. Commandant of Naval District Washington Rear Adm. Markham K. Rich, Director of Walter Reed National Military Medical Center Brig. Gen. Jeffrey B. Clark, Commanding Officer of Naval Facilities Command Washington Capt. Antonio Edmonds and Commanding Officer of NSAB Capt. David A. Bitonti were among distinguished guests to participate in the ribbon cutting. “We are so pleased and ex-
Photos by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Brandon Williams-Church
(From left) Director of Morale, Welfare and Recreation Bethesda Courtney Silvestre, Commandant of Naval District Washington Rear Adm. Markham K. Rich, Commanding Officer of Naval Facilities Command Washington Capt. Antonio Edmonds, Director of Walter Reed National Military Medical Center Brig. Gen. Jeffrey B. Clark, Commanding Officer of Naval Support Activity Bethesda Capt. David A. Bitonti, Project Manager for Whiting-Turner George Stamoulis, Director of the Child Development Center (CDC) Bethesda Jamila Aziz and several children enrolled in the CDC cut the ribbon of the new additions. cited to open the new CDC, the 24/7 home and complete the renovation in our original CDC,” said Bitonti. “As I regularly remind our staff, support is in our name and there is no better or more important example of that support than the services provided within our CDC system. While it’s nice to have these wonderful facilities to house the children during their care, it’s the staff of the CDC that provides the most important ingredients to the recipe for quality child care — that being love, a caring attitude and a genuine kindness to the children. They provide that and so much more. They
care for your children as if they were their own.” Highlighting the ceremony were several songs performed by the pre-school section of children enrolled in the CDC, remarks from distinguished guests and the ribbon cutting involving honored guests and children enrolled in the CDC. The goals and priorities of the CDC are to support the mission and to create a comprehensive and safe environment for the children to come to every day, Aziz attests. “Our goal in military childcare is to provide a safe and Pre-school children enrolled in the Child Develop-
ment Center Bethesda perform nostalgic songs as See CDC page 7 part of the ribbon cutting ceremony June 2.
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Thursday, June 5, 2014
The Journal
Bethesda Notebook
Commandant’s Corner
It seems like just a few short weeks ago we were all wondering if winter was ever going to let up as I lost track of the Office of Personnel Management announcements of federal government shutdowns, but now here I am to discuss summer safety among a few other things. That is right; we are now in the “101 Critical Days of Summer.” The “101 Critical Days of Summer” is that time period from Memorial Day to Labor Day each year. During this time with the warm weather we all spend more time outside. Often, that time outside is spent doing things that while enjoyable, can be dangerous without some simple precautions. As always, application of simple Operational Risk Management techniques can go a long way to minimize the risk of accidents or injury. First and foremost among the things you can do in my view to stay safe is to use alcohol responsibly. If you drink alcohol, know your limits and stay within them. Never drink and drive or operate a boat or motorcycle. If you are going to drink, always have a plan about how you are going to safely get home or wherever you are going. No cab fare is anywhere close to the cost of a DUI. You should assume that any decision you make under the influence of alcohol is likely to be a bad one. Bad decisions made under the influence of alcohol can ruin your summer, your career, or your life or that of a friend, loved one or a stranger. Do not leave it up to chance, please – always have a plan before you take the first drink. If you see a shipmate, coworker or family member about to make a bad decision, be brave enough to step in and help them. Your safety is important to the organization, and important to me. Take care of yourself, your family and your shipmates. As you and your family hit the road this summer keep in mind that last year the Navy lost 63 service members due to motor vehicle accidents – that is 63 too many. One of the most important things to do before departing or returning from a trip, especially before
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-
Pride Month Observance
The Bethesda Multicultural Committee will present a Pride Month information fair tomorrow from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in Building 9’s mezzanine. Various organizations with educational material are scheduled to participated in the event. The information fair will be followed by a presentation with guest speakers Brig. Gen. Tammy Smith and Lt. Col. Victor Fehrenbach, who will share their career and cultural experiences from 1 to 2 p.m. in Memorial Auditorium. For more information, contact Megan Joan Willingham at megan.j.willingham.mil@health.mil.
a long car ride, is to have a plan that includes an alternate route, plenty of time to get there and getting plenty of sleep. We have also officially entered the hurricane season. Have an emergency plan for you and your family. A plan should include updating your information in the Navy Family Accountability and Assessment System, and before an emergency happens, sit down with your family and decide how you will get in contact with each other, where you will go and what you will do in an emergency. Keep a copy of this plan in your emergency supply kit or another safe place where you can access it in the event of a disaster. Your emergency supply kit should include emergency batteries, flashlights, radios, blankets, food and water. Being prepared in the first crucial minutes and hours after a severe weather event strikes is important. For information on how to build a kit, make plans and stay informed on emergency news, I encourage you to visit www.ready.navy.mil. Families may also take a readiness quiz on the site to test their emergency preparedness knowledge. It is extremely important that our NDW community learns to prepare for a severe weather event. The past few hurricane seasons have had little impact on our area, but you never know when that powerful storm is going to come. The thing about hurricanes is, you cannot predict how bad the impact will be when it reaches you. Most installations will have a safety stand down within a month or so, to discuss how to be safer this summer, if they have not already. Please attend and pay attention, the information presented could literally save your life. Thanks you and keep charging!
Cedar Lane Closure
Tomorrow morning through Aug. 22, Cedar Lane between Elmhirst Parkway and MD 355 (Rockville Pike) is scheduled to be closed for construction. The State Highway Administration will redirect traffic around the work zone on Cedar Lane 24 hours a day, seven days a week via the approved detour route of MD 355 (Rockville Pike), MD 547 (Strathmore Avenue/Knowles Avenue) and Summit Avenue. Motorists should plan ahead and add extra travel time. Electronic message boards will advise motorists about the temporary closure of Cedar Lane. Pedestrians will be directed to safe crossing areas via orange construction signs, cones, barrels and fencing. More information is available at www.roads.maryland.gov/D3.
WRNMMC Town Hall Meetings
There will be a Town Hall meeting at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC) June 10 at 7 a.m., noon and 3:30 p.m. in the Memorial Auditorium. All WRNMMC staff members should attend at least one of the meetings.
Rear Adm. Markham K. Rich Commandant, Naval District Washington
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 301-400-1381. 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. David A. Bitonti Acting Public Affairs Officer NSAB: John Epperson Public Affairs Office NSAB: 301-400-2488
Staff Writers
Sexual Assault Response Coordinator Hotline
Journal Staff
Managing Editor WRNMMC Editor
MC2 Ashante Hammons Sarah Marshall Katrina Skinner Julie Smith Sharon Renee Taylor
MC3 Brandon Williams-Church Bernard Little
NSA Bethesda Fleet And Family Support Center
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NSA Bethesda Holds Frocking Ceremony By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Ashante Hammons NSAB Public Affairs staff writer Eleven Sailors assigned to Naval Support Activity Bethesda were advanced to the next rank at the command’s frocking ceremony in front of shipmates, coworkers and family members May 30. As part of Navy tradition, the frocking ceremony precedes actual advancement. The ceremony grants the Sailor the right to wear the petty officer rank and assume the responsibilities of the next rank. This tradition of becoming a petty officer has changed as well. In the beginning, petty officers were appointed by the ship’s captain. They did not have a specific uniform to wear or even a rank insignia
that distinguished them from other Sailors on the ship. In 1841, Navy petty officers wore as their first insignia on their sleeve device an eagle perched on an anchor. The three classes of petty officers were recognized by the Navy in 1885. The following year, petty officers started to wear the rank insignia of chevrons with the points down under a spread eagle and rating mark. Advancing as petty officers were: Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Robert Baker, Culinary Specialist 2nd Class Adam Blevins, Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Phillip McCohnell, Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Brandon WilliamsChurch, Master-at-Arms 3rd Class Robert Cutinella, Master-at-Arms 3rd Class Cassandra Garcia, Master-at-Arms 3rd Class Ethan Murray, Master-at-Arms 3rd Class Cesar Rebolledo-Valencia, Masterat-Arms 3rd Class Mallory
Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Ashante Hammons
Newly frocked Sailors stand with Naval Support Activity Bethesda Commanding Officer Capt. David A. Bitonti (front center) after the promotion ceremony May 30. Spaeth, Master-at-Arms 3rd Class Shane Tanksley, and Master-at-Arms 3rd Class Arron Waldron. “I am thrilled that we have this opportunity to be together and to recognize some of our shipmates who do a good job every day and they will be
rewarded for that by getting frocked today,” said Bitonti. Overall, advancement this spring cycle dropped approximately four percent for all active duty Sailors. All pay grades from E-4 through E-6 saw a decrease in the chance to “rank up.”
“When I saw the quotas for second class, I didn’t think I made it. I congratulated everyone else,” said Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Phillip McCohnell. “This was my third time taking the second class exam. I guess third time is a charm.” Bitonti thanked the family and command members for coming to the ceremony and showing their support for the newly frocked petty officers. He also thanked the frockees for taking the installation to the next level. Bitonti encouraged everyone to continue to make a difference and to take care of each other. “As all of us know, none of us got to this point in our careers without the guidance and the support of our shipmates and most importantly, our family members. So thank you all for what you’ve done to allow them to succeed and to advance in order to make our Navy a better Navy,” said Bitonti.
Walter Reed Bethesda to Celebrate Army’s 239th Birthday
Sailors to be Frocked Following June 12 Colors Ceremony By Bernard S. Little WRNMMC Public Affairs staff writer
Photo by Bernard S. Little
Soldiers at Walter Reed Bethesda raise the American flag during last year’s colors ceremony celebrating the Army’s birthday. This year’s celebration for the Army’s 239th birthday begins at 8 a.m., Thursday in front of the Tower (Building 1) onboard Naval Support Activity Bethesda.
The Army will celebrate its 239th birthday Saturday, and Walter Reed Bethesda plans to honor that great birthday with a special colors ceremony at 8 a.m. June 12th in front of the Building One Tower. As part of the morning festivities, 76 Sailors will be frocked and advanced to a higher rate, according to Army Sgt. Maj. Jeffrey Zak, chief clinical noncommissioned officer for Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC), command. “The Walter Reed Bethesda leadership congratulates its Sailors who were notified of their selection for promotion,” stated Master Chief Maria Fernandez, senior enlisted leader at WRNMMC. “The advancement rate for personnel here at WRNMMC was 15 percent for E-6 (10 selectees); 12 percent for E-5 (23 selectees); and 12 percent for E-4 (43 selectees).” The ceremony will also include the U.S. Army Fife and Drum Corps and a cake cutting following the raising of the nation’s colors.
According to historian John R. Maass of the U.S. Army Center of Military History, the U.S. Army has its roots in the Continental Army, formed June 14, 1775 to meet the demands of the American Revolutionary War before the United States was established. “When the American Revolution broke out, the rebellious colonies did not possess an army in the modern sense,” Maass stated. “Rather, the revolutionaries fielded an amateur force of colonial troops, cobbled together from various New England militia companies. The American volunteers were led, equipped, armed, paid for and supported by the colonies from which they were raised,” he added. June 14, 1775, the Second Continental Congress established the Continental Army to defend the new colonies, adopting the forces already in place outside Boston (22,000 troops) and New York (5,000). The Second Continental Congress raised the first 10 companies of Continental troops on a oneyear enlistment, riflemen from Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware and Virginia.
To support the Continental Army, the Continental Congress established the Army hospital headed by a “Director General and Chief Physician,” July 27, 1775, marking the origins of the Army Medical Department and the Medical Corps. In 2003, the U.S. Army Surgeon General sponsored the world’s largest Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) vaccine trial. The Walter Reed Army Institute of Research researchers developed a camouflage face print with insect repellent included that is aimed at reducing insect transmitted diseases. After the war, the Continental Army was disbanded in a reflection of the republican distrust of standing armies. State militias served as the nation’s sole ground army, with the exception of a regiment to guard the Western Frontier and one battery of artillery guarding West Point’s arsenal. On June 3, 1784, the Congress of the Confederation officially created the U. S. Army to replace the disbanded Con-
See BIRTHDAY page 10
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The Journal
Prayers for Safety at NSAB’s First Blessing of the Bikes By Julie Smith NSAB Public Affairs staff writer Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Jason Manason doesn’t remember where he heard it, but he abides by a very simple philosophy when it comes to riding his motorcycle: four wheels move the body, two wheels move the soul. That’s why he took part May 31 in Naval Support Activity Bethesda’s (NSAB) first ever Blessing of the Bikes, an event meant to encourage motorcycle safety over the summer riding season. Blessing of the Bikes has become an annual tradition for motorcycle and bicycle clubs across the nation, said NSAB Commanding Officer Capt. David A. Bitonti, with prayers said for the safety of riders. Army chaplain Maj. Stephen Pratel performed blessings on four motorcycles, including his own, by praying aloud for each individual bike and its owner. Manason appreciated the opportunity to have his new 2014 Victory Cross Country motorcycle blessed, since what he enjoys most about owning a
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Photo by Julie Smith
Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Jason Manason (middle) and Navy HM1 Select Ivan Alston (right) stand near their motorcycles while Army chaplain Maj. Stephen Pratel (left) offers prayers for their safety May 31 at NSAB’s first Blessing of the Bikes. MWR Director Courtney Silvestre said she’d like to make Blessing of the Bikes an annual event. motorcycle is the exhilaration he feels when he’s riding. “As a service member, you sort of strive for that adrenaline rush,” he said. “The bike satisfies that.” Navy Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Select Ivan Alston
agreed. He said he tries to get out on his 2012 Yamaha R-1 as much as possible and just enjoys the ride, regardless of where he’s going. “Every morning the instant I open my eyes, I’m checking my phone for weather updates, es-
pecially since it was such a long winter,” Alston said. “I like the open road, the freedom and the speed.” In the armed forces, motorcycles have had a long history of use and service in combat and other military operations,
Bitonti said. The military also supports active duty motorcycle owners by providing free motorcycle safety courses at most installations. That safety training would cost hundreds of dollars elsewhere, Manason said. Those attending Blessing of the Bikes also celebrated the official opening of the Warrior Café patio in Building 62, and were treated to a free barbecue. The new patio offers an outdoor dining area for Warrior Café patrons and will provide extra space for special events, like Mother’s Day or Father’s Day brunch, said Nick Gordillo, Warrior Café food and beverage assistant manager. The patio also provides a shaded outdoor sitting area for Building 62 residents. Morale, Welfare and Recreation director Courtney Silvestre hopes NSAB’s Blessing of the Bikes will grow into a more large-scale event next year. “We want to make it bigger and tie it into a whole motorcycle safety event and maybe have some stunt riders,” Silvestre said. “We’re always looking to do something different.”
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Naval Base Guam Commemorates Battle of Midway By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Timothy Wilson Joint Region Marianas Public Affairs Dozens of Sailors and Soldiers observed the 72nd anniversary of the Battle of Midway at the T. Stell Newman Visitor Center in Santa Rita June 3. U.S. Naval Base Guam (NBG) held the ceremony to commemorate the Battle of Midway, which occurred June 4 through 7, 1942. Historians called the battle a decisive turning point in World War II where the allies gained a strategic and tactical advantage over the Empire of Japan in the Pacific. On the tail end of the attack on Pearl Harbor six months prior, allied naval assets secured an offensive position after permanently crippling the Japanese navy at Midway. “The concept of the aircraft carrier and its strategic imperative to the nation was born at the Battle of Midway,” said Capt. Mike Ward, NBG com-
U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kiona Miller
Former Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Gary Roughead, Brigadier Gen. John Bullard, Rear Adm. Peter Neffenger and Rear Adm. Patrick Lorge render honors during the wreath laying ceremony, located at the Navy Memorial in Washington D.C., commemorating the 69th anniversary of the Battle of Midway. manding officer. “This battle seized the strategic initiative despite our dramatic defeat on Dec. 7, 1941.” Ward said the aftermath of Pearl Harbor left the U.S. fleet in complete disarray and the Battle of Midway was a singular statement on the importance of naval power.
“A vastly outgunned and outnumbered U.S. fleet defeated the finest of the Imperial Japanese Navy,” said Chief Master-at-Arms Daniel Damico from Naval Security Forces. “Their daring combination of intelligence, tactics, courage and sacrifice forever changed
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the course of the war.” Ward said the Battle of Midway is about more than just carrier aviation but about the Navy’s legacy and history. Although the allied victory was epic and momentous, it came at severe cost, he added. “Adm. Nimitz called this
battle a glorious page in our history and the stories of heroism and courage at Midway are remarkable in every sense,” Ward said. “To the stories of those Sailors who stayed at their post until the bitter end to the stories of those who rescued shipmates from the carrier Yorktown that sank during the battle.” Yeoman 3rd Class Akeem Williams said participating in this ceremony hopefully served an important purpose in the lives of service members. “Sailors need to understand our naval history to understand and feel the pride of being a Sailor,” Williams said. “A lot of that pride started here in Guam. The people of Guam and the military accomplished so much because of that common pride.” Ward said the ceremony not only venerates those who have served and made the ultimate sacrifice but also to help the current generation understand the significance and lessons Battle of Midway holds for the Navy of today.
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MWR Hosts 2nd Annual Character Brunch
Characters and Operation Champs volunteers smile for the camera during the 2nd Annual Character Brunch May 31. By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Brandon WilliamsChurch NSAB Public Affairs staff writer Naval Support Activity Bethesda’s Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) department hosted their second annual Character Brunch May 31 in the Building 62 Warrior Café.
The brunch served as an opportunity for young children to experience a day in the life of their own fantasy world as they ate, sang and danced with their favorite characters from movies, television shows and comic books. Characters from Disney movies such as Frozen and Aladdin, to superheroes Green Lantern and Batman highlighted the feature attractions
for the children to interact with throughout the day. “This event is so rewarding to see the reactions on the children’s faces when they see their favorite characters come to life,” said MWR Marketing Director Jenny Charlson. Photos by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Brandon Williams-Church More than 250 parents Elmo gives brother and sister Holden (3) and Alexandria (4) Fosand children showed up sum a hug during the 2nd Annual Character Brunch sponsored by for the event that was Naval Support Activity Bethesda’s Morale, Welfare and Recreation
See BRUNCH page 7
department.
Civilians Recognized for Decades of Service, Dedication By Sarah Marshall WRNMMC Public Affairs staff writer More than 30 civilian employees retired last week at Walter Reed Bethesda, and to recognize their years of service and dedication, command leadership held a ceremony after morning colors in their honor May 30. The 36 retirees served anywhere from 20 to almost 40 years of service, explained Brig. Gen. Jeffrey Clark, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC) director. Most had beyond 20 years of service, and their combined years of service was pushing 1,000 years, he said. “That is very, very special. I’m very happy for the individuals who are retiring today,” Clark
said. After congratulating the retirees individually, the director said he came to find many plan to spend time with family, while some will go back to work, or take some time to decide what they want to do with their retirement. “It’s a wonderful place to be in our lives. We’re incredibly happy for you. We’re also incredibly grateful for your service.” David Rohrbaugh, civilian representative to the Board of Directors, also expressed his appreciation for their dedication, and said the ceremony would be long remembered by the retirees. “You’re an inspiration to many of the younger people here, who have been here five years, 10 years,” Rohrbaugh said, addressing the retirees. “I hope your retirement, the
next phase of your life, is everything you’re hoping for. Thank you so much for everything you’ve done to help lay the foundation of this building, this facility and the patients we will serve for the many years to come.” Cat D e B i n d e r, Rohrbaugh’s predecessor as civilian representative, was among the retirees. After 37 years, she looks forward to spending more time with her dog. She’ll also be able to help plan a June 2015 wedding for her daughter, Brittany, who was baptized as a baby at the former National Naval Medical Center (NNMC), prior to integration with the former Walter Reed Army Medical Center (WRAMC). DeBinder worked in a number of offices, including the Medical Construc-
Photo by Sharon Renee Taylor
Civilian staff members at Walter Reed Bethesda, many of those retiring as part of VERA/VSIP, pay respect to the nation during a special colors ceremony May 30 in front of the Tower (Building 1) onboard Naval Support Activity Bethesda. tion Liaison Office, when Buildings 8 and 9 were under construction; the Fitness Reports Office, the Community Health Director’s Office, and later worked as the secretary to the commander, before working in the Public Af-
fairs Office, where she worked from 2007 until her retirement. Over the last nearly four decades, DeBinder saw 14 admirals, one general, and five commanding officer captains. She also had the opportunity,
years ago, to shake President Jimmy Carter’s hand when he was leaving after a visit. “It has been an adventure, and I’ve met some of the most wonderful people on the planet. It will forever remain a huge part of my personal history … It’s been ‘home’ for so many years,” DeBinder said. Veronica Brown shared the same sentiment. Brown worked in Nursing at WRAMC, prior to integration, and retired Friday after 29 years of service. She said she enjoyed the transition to the new WRNMMC, and she has been fortunate to work with respectful colleagues. In her retirement, she plans to travel and be even more involved in her church out-
See SERVICE page 7
The Journal
BRUNCH Continued from 6 supported by the MWR family, Operation Champs, Busch Gardens and the Warrior Café staff. The event was in high demand selling out tickets in only ten days, solidifying the annual brunch for years to come. “This was another successful event where we are able to bring smiles from the MWR family,” said MWR Marketing Coordinator Edward Kenny. “This high demand experience brings families together in a great environment at the Warrior Café, and we could not have done this event without the Warrior Café staff and Operation Champs volunteers.” The joy and excitement radiating from each child’s face could be easily seen from anyone in attendance.
CDC Continued from 1 welcoming learning environment for our children,” said Aziz. “Parents can go to work each day focused on their job. Our mission is to support their mission. The parents are important; however, it is the children after all who are the focus of our efforts. They are our greatest joy and the future of this country. They are the senators, congressmen, doctors, educators and scientists. Our “tomorrows” are dependent on the work we do here today. We are proud and excited of what we do and we love what we do. Since the majority of our staff are mothers, we know what it takes for a child when it is not touched, loved or even communicated with to give them what they need to flourish.”
SERVICE Continued from 6 reach. “I won’t be getting up at 4:30 anymore,” she added. After 39 years of service, Bruce Reinmuth who worked for the Organ Transplant service, first at the former WRAMC prior to integration, also retired. It will be an adjustment – not getting up for work every day as he has been since he was 22 years old, he said. He looks forward to having more time for one of his most beloved hobbies, hiking. In addition to the people, Reinmuth said he will miss being a part of the unique service that has made so many advancements over the last 30 years. Noting one of the most interesting things about the transplant service, Reinmuth stated during the 1960’s the founder was the first African American transplant surgeon, continuing, “We’re very unique in that aspect.” Also, retiring last week, Aleta and Bob Keck each worked a total of 17 years at the medical center, first at the former NNMC prior to integration. The married couple commuted each day from Gettysburg, Pa., and will now have more time to spend at home, gardening and traveling, they said. Bob worked in the Eye Clinic from 1997 to 2003, before serving the remainder of his tenure in Pharmacy Supply. One of his most proud achievements was helping create the Laser Center, ordering the parts for the surgery suite. Aleta worked in General Surgery, and said she most enjoyed working with residents, and seeing them earn their promotions over the years. “We’re both going to miss the people,” Bob said.
Thursday, June 5, 2014 Children laughed, hugged, talked and took pictures with characters they have only seen from a distance. The sheer delight of being able to look at their favorite character face-to-face was expressed by several children who attended. “I was really excited to see Green Lantern. He’s my absolute favorite,” said Giovanni Malone. “I got to high-five and take a picture with him. It was really cool!” Holden Fossum said he was so happy to be at the event and was able to meet and hug Elmo. For the kids, this event brings their imagination to life — to have real life interactions with the characters said Charlson. Kenny agrees with the notion of a child’s imagination growing with this kind of event. “For the kids, it is creating an experience where their favorite characters are being brought to life. It
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grows the friendship between kids and their favorite characters and inspires imagination.” Not only did the children enjoy spending time with the characters, parents were just as excited to experience this opportunity with their kids. “For the parents, creating smiles and enjoyment for their children has to be something truly special,” said Kenny. “I know at MWR, we strive to bring families closer and this event is one that especially does that. This event brought smiles to parents and their children. Parents bring their children to MWR events to get their children to enjoy being a kid.” “When the kids see their favorite characters running around and interacting with them, they are just in awe,” said Charlson. “It’s like their dreams and fantasies come true all in the moment of giving Batman a high-five or giving Elsa a hug. It’s truly an extraordinary experience to see.”
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BIRTHDAY Continued from 3 tinental Army. Currently, the U.S. Army’s total force, which is comprised of active duty, Reserves, National Guard and Army civilians, is approximately, 1.1 million personnel. About 15 percent of the Army is comprised of women. Gen. Raymond T. Odierno is the chief of staff of the U.S. Army, and Sgt. Maj. Of the Army is Raymond F. Chandler III. According to the U.S. Army Center of Military History, U.S. Army wheels have left tracks wherever Soldiers have been throughout history. Army wheels have an imprint on all seven continents, the Arctic and even the moon. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers researchers evaluated, tested and designed wheels for NASA to use on the Lunar Roving Vehicle that Apollo 15 carried to the moon in July 1971. Also, on Jan. 10, 1946, the U.S. Army Signal Corps made man’s first contact with the Moon, according to the U.S. Army Center of Military History. The Army Signal Corps modified a World War II radar set to send a signal from the Earth to the moon. It took the “Project Diana” radar approximately three seconds to reach the moon and return. This proved the feasibility of extraterrestrial radio communications and ushered in the Space Age. In 1958, U.S. Army scientists developed solar cells for satellite power use. The solar cells developed at Fort Monmouth, N.J., powered the Vanguard one satellite in space for more than
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five years. Explorer one was the first successful U.S. satellite launched into Earth orbit by the Army Jan. 31, 1958, at Cape Canaveral, Fla., four months after Russia orbited Sputnik one. In the late 1980s U.S. Army scientists discovered the first practical low temperature electrolytes for Lithium Ion rechargeable batteries. This discovery enabled the fielding of high energy density batteries for the Army. For more than 80 years, the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center’s Coastal and Hydraulics Laboratory has been the nation’s federal laboratory for hydraulics and coastal engineering research. In addition, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is responsible for the majority of our nation’s federal water resources projects involving navigation, flood risk reduction, water quality, environmental stewardship and recreation. The Army motto is “this we’ll defend,” and its colors are black and gold. There are more than 180 streamers attached to the Army flag, denoting the campaigns fought by the Army throughout its history. Each streamer embroidered with the designation of the campaign and the year in which it occurred. The colors derive from the campaign ribbon authorized for service in that particular campaign. When the U.S. Army flag is not being carried, the streamers are arranged in such a manner that the first (Lexington 1775) and the last streamers are in the center facing forward and completely identifiable. For more information about the 239th Army Birthday celebration at WRNMMC, call Sgt. Maj. Jeffrey Zak at 301-400-2957.
The Journal
Thursday, June 5, 2014
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Thursday, June 5, 2014
The Journal
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