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Vol. 32, No. 18

September 4, 2015

Installation Commander Hosts Town Hall to Emphasize Current and Future Priorities SHANNON BISHOP

USAG PUBLIC AFFAIRS

U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command and Fort Detrick Commander Maj. Gen. Brian C. Lein addressed installation staff during a town hall Aug. 27, discussing results of the command’s most recent climate survey.

“The challenge we are facing is information-overload,” said Lein, in response to data from the command climate survey that indicated people’s biggest concern is communication. “We need your help to tell us what information you need and what medium you want it in.”

Lein went on to discuss where the workforce should be looking for their information, including the AtHoc mass notification

system, Facebook, the Standard and the Fort Detrick website.

“Those of you who are not on the AtHoc system, you need to get on it,” said Lein.

“Work with your leaders to make sure you have access to this system.”

Lein also discussed manpower and resources. Though the audience wasn’t surprised, Lein explained that resources are limited and we need to better articulate how and where our resources are being allocated.

“We are trying to do too much with too little people and too many missions,” said Lein. “If we can effectively communicate what our priorities are, we are less likely to be told that we are having more money taken away from us.”

According to Lein, there are three pots of

money in order of priority for the Chief of Staff of the Army: readiness, the future and infrastructure.

“We are taking a stringent look at the programs we have to make sure they are falling in these three priorities,” said Lein. He explained that we have to understand these priorities to be able to communicate our local priorities at Fort Detrick.

“Sequestration is here,” added Lein. “We have not received guidance about how and if this will affect the workforce the way it has in the past, but when we do, you all will be the first to be notified.”

Lein continued the town hall discussing the impact that communication issues and lack of resources can impact the morale of the workforce.

“These two things [communication and

resources] really impact morale,” said Lein.

“If you’re not getting the information you need or the resources, it can be a rough day to come to work.”

Lein went on to describe resources that employees have access to during times of stress, including the chaplain, military life family consultants, EEO counselors and behavioral health assets such as the Barquist clinic for military members.

“If you are having challenges within your office, the command climate survey is a great way to address that,” said Lein.

To provide feedback or receive answers to questions you may have about these topics, visit: http://ice.disa.mil/index. cfm?fa=site&site_id=438&dep=DoD to leave an Interactive Customer Evaluation comment.

Naval Medical Logistics Command Continues Tradition with Local School Donations JULIUS L. EVANS

NMLC PUBLIC AFFAIRS

A tradition, started many years ago, continued this week as personnel from the Naval Medical Logistics Command contributed supplies to a local elementary school Aug. 26.

Stationed at Fort Detrick in Frederick, Maryland, and headed by Capt. Mary S. Seymour, NMLC personnel hand-delivered hundreds of dollars of donated school supplies to Lincoln Elementary School in Frederick.

The NMLC and the school have enjoyed a long partnership where both military and civilian personnel donate their time, efforts and talent to students there.

As summer ends, the NMLC started the new school year by contributing book bags, notebooks, paper, pencils and a large assortment of other school supplies that elementary school students typically need throughout the year.

“I don’t ever recall anyone coming to my school and giving me supplies. I remember not always having what I needed and feeling left out because my family could not afford these items,” said Paul Flemings, an NMLC procurement business process manager in the Operational Forces Support Directorate. “I give because I know what it feels like to not have what’s needed for school. If I could, I would make sure every child has what they need.”

One Lincoln Elementary School third grade class concurred with the notion that school supplies are sometimes in short supply and at some point during the school year, those supplies become a needed commodity that aren’t always available to them.

“Words cannot express my excitement when I received a big box of school supplies at my classroom door a few days ago. I always run out of pencils and glue by November or December and now, I am all set,” the letter stated.

See DONATIONS, continued on page 10

Social Media

Find the U.S. Army Garrison Fort Detrick: www.facebook.com/DetrickUSAG www.twitter.com/DetrickUSAG www.flickr.com/DetrickUSAG www.facebook.com/ForestGlenAnnex www.twitter.com/ForestGlenAnnex Find the U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command www.facebook.com/USAMRMC www.twitter.com/USAMRMC www.flickr.com/people/usamrmc

A tradition, started many years ago, continued as personnel from the Naval Medical Logistics Command contributed supplies to a local elementary school Aug. 26.

Pictured from top to bottom: Hospital Corpsman Command Master Chief David Hall, Commanding Officer Capt. Mary S. Seymour, OS2 Blair Dial, HM1 Michael Danis, LS2 Jossani Josiah, HM1 Veronica Burleson, Mr. Paul Flemings and one of Lincoln Elementary School’s third grade classes. Also pictured is Principal Kathy Golightly.

Photo by Julius Evans, NMLC Public Affairs

What’s Inside

USAMRMC Awards Medical Technology Consortium, P. 4

USAMRIID Soldier Tries Out for All Army Softball Team, P. 5

Military Health System Research Symposium Roundup, P. 6

Announcements Rosemont Gate Closure Effective Oct. 1 the Rosemont Gate will close permanently. For more information on gate operating hours, visit: http://www.detrick.army.mil/ pmo/index.cfm#gates.

Forest Glen Annex PMO Number Change Forest Glen Provost Marshall Office (Police Station) phone number has changed from (301) 619-0063 to (301) 319-5501.

After Duty Numbers Important After Duty Hour Numbers Provost Marshal Office (301) 619-7114 Fire and Emergency Services (301) 619-2528 Near Miss Hotline (301) 619-3164 USAG Network Enterprise Help Desk (301) 619-2049 Balfour Beatty (240) 379-6518 Directorate of Public Works Trouble Desk (301) 619-2726 Barquist Army Health Clinic (866) 379-3981 Gen. Mark A. Milley 39th Chief of Staff of the Army

File photo

Display ad sales Frederick County Montgomery County Classified ads Circulation Editorial Printed on recycled paper Recycle when finished

301-921-2800 301-921-2800 1-888-670-7100 ext+. 2684 301-670-2591 301-619-3319

The STANDARD is an authorized unofficial newspaper, published every two weeks under the provisions of AR 360-1 for the military and civilians at Fort Detrick. Circulation is 7,000. The STANDARD is a commercial enterprise newspaper printed by Comprint Military Publications, 9030 Comprint Court, Gaithersburg, Md., 20877, a private firm, in no way connected with the United States Government or Department of Defense. The contents of the STANDARD do not necessarily reflect the official views or endorsement of the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense or the U.S. Army. The appearance of advertising in this publication, including inserts and supplements, do not constitute endorse-

ment of DoD. Everything advertised in this publication shall be made available for purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation, or any other nonmerit characteristic of the purchaser, user or patron.

Editorial content is prepared and edited by the Fort Detrick Public Affairs Office, 810 Schreider Street, Fort Detrick, Md. 21702-5000. Editorial Offices are in Bldg. 810, Suite 004, telephone 301-619-2018; e-mail: usarmy.detrick.usag.mbx. pao@mail.mil.

Visit our Web site at: www.detrick.army.mil

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Fort Detrick Standard September 4, 2015

Post Operator (301) 619-8000

Sustaining a community of excellence through restoration, environmental stewardship and workforce development

Command Staff Maj. Gen. Brian C. Lein

Commanding General, U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command and Fort Detrick

Col. Robert O’Brien IV U.S. Army Garrison Commander

Editorial Staff PAO Staff

Chaplain’s Corner #Flashback Friday SGT. GREGORY HAWKINS USAG CHAPEL

“Great leaders inspire and encourage; they help people become more than what they have been, maybe even more than they thought they ever could be.”

Unfortunately, this is not always the type of leadership that people experience. In my experience in the military, many leaders have stood before our formations and delivered messages that got people excited to go out and complete the mission at hand, but excitement is entirely different from inspiration. As Soldier’s, we are mission driven by nature. I will always place the mission first. I will never accept defeat. I will never quit and it is engrained from day one.

I would not begin to place a timeline on how long it takes before people start to trust a new leader. Every person is different, and in the same way, every leader is different. My priority is earning the trust of those I lead.

Trust begins with clarity. People are very open to what they understand. Therefore, if as a leader you can provide clarity to what your common goals are, you have already taken to first step in earning your subordinates trust.

Secondly, as a leader, you must communicate compassion for those you serve, and not just at face value. They must see true, transparent investment, if this is waking up at 3 a.m. or driving 100 miles just to sit with them in the middle of a crisis, this is what must be done to communicate compassion.

Thirdly, and this one is very important, you must be a person of character. It is not easy to be the person who says and does the

right thing, especially when nobody else wants to, but it must be done.

In my opinion, and to me personally, character is the absolute critical aspect to being an effective leader. It will not only effect those you are in charge of, but often creates the opportunity to influence those who are over you as well. Mentorship is often unintentional and communicated through character.

The fourth pillar of earning the trust of your subordinates is competency. This is not just doing your job, and doing it well, but more so the manner in which you do it. What it communicates to your subordinates is invaluable to building the relationships in which you inspire them are they willing to follow you, because above all else they trust you.

The last two pillars go hand in hand and they are commitment and consistency.

There is nothing more important to the relationships you build than proving you are consistent and committed to them, the team and the mission.

Fort Detrick switch engine parked over the pit in the repair house, which became the post Chapel. The engine pulled supplies on post from the Montevue siding of the former Trolley line to Yellow Springs. The engine was retired when Fort Detrick converted to oil and the electric company could no longer compete with the trucking industry in cost. The switch engine was declared excess and retired to Fort Holabird, Maryland, in 1958.

File photo

National Preparedness: Make Your Emergency Plan Today GARTH PHOEBUS

USAG EMERGENCY MANAGER

Across the U.S., hundreds of thousands of people will use September as a month to review their personal plans to communicate and prepare for, respond to and recover from emergency situations or incidents. Ready.gov, partnering with Ready Army, provides online resources in order to assist in preparing your family, vehicles and work with kits and materials to last up to 72 hours after an incident.

The Ready Campaign establishes four universal building blocks of emergency preparedness: Be Informed, Make a Plan, Build a Kit and Get Involved. With that focus in mind, the senior leadership of the Fort Detrick community encourages everyone to get involved.

The Emergency Management partners will take this time to setup tables outside of the Commissary and AAFES Exchange in order to

provide free materials for your use.

We will also be there to answer any questions you may have about preparedness.

Be on the lookout on Facebook and Twitter for tweets about preparedness with the #PrepareAthon!. There are weekly themes discussing specific situations to prepare for, such as: Week 1: Flood Week 2: Wildfire Week 3: Hurricane Week 4: Power Outage(s) The final day of “PrepareAthon!” will be Sept. 30.

There will be tips that will help you succeed in becoming involved in preparedness. This information will save lives and that is the most important mission that we can accomplish. Remember to be on the lookout for our tables around the installation and “Don’t Wait. Communicate. Make Your Emergency Plan Today.”

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Fort Detrick’s Post-Retirement Services Move to Fort Meade NICK MINECCI

USAG PUBLIC AFFAIRS

The U.S. Army Garrison Fort Meade will now provide all postretirement services to Fort Detrick’s retiree population.

The change comes as a directive of AR 600-8-7, Retirement Services Program, Appendix B. Retirees are still eligible to use

Fort Detrick’s ID card office and other Fort Detrick services afforded to all ID card holders, including the Directorate of Family, Morale, Welfare, and Recreation facilities, the post exchange, commissary, Barquist Army Health Clinic and legal services.

However, all post-retirement support for annuities and retirement

pay/benefits are now supported

by Fort Meade, according to Kenny Daniels, USAG Fort Detrick’s chief, Military Personnel Division and Retirement Services officer.

Fort Detrick will no longer host its own annual Retiree Appreciation Day or All Services Council, according to Daniels.

Members of the previous Fort

Detrick All Services Council may seek reorganization of the council under the direction of the Fort Meade Retiree Council and Retirement Services Officer.

The Fort Meade Retiree Council is an All Services Retiree Council.

For more information about Fort Meade Retirement Services contact: Chief, Retirement Services:

Sustaining a community of excellence through restoration, environmental stewardship and workforce development

(301) 677-9603 Retirement Services Counselors: (301) 677-9600 or 9434; Fax: (301) 677-9666 Email: usarmy.meade.usag.mbx. fort-meade-retirement-services-officers@mail.mil.

Retirement Services Office Address: ATTN: IMNE-MEA-HRM-X, 2234 Huber Road, Rooms 007-009 (Basement), Fort Meade, Maryland 20755.

Fort Detrick Standard September 4, 2015

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USAMRMC Awards New Medical Technology Enterprise Consortium ELLEN CROWN

USAMRMC PUBLIC AFFAIRS

The U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command announced Aug. 19 that it has signed an agreement to create a firstof-its-kind Medical Technology Enterprise Consortium, which will be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation designed to organize and conduct advanced applied research for prototype development addressing a range of military capability needs.

SCRA Applied R&D will serve as the prime contractor for the MTEC and will include teaming partners RTI International, Tunnell Government Services, Changing Our World and Innovation Financing Roundtable.

The MTEC will focus on prototype advanced development, from material solution analysis through engineering and manufacturing for prototype and testing.

The technology domains where the MTEC intends to operate include military infectious diseases; combat casualty care; military operational medicine; clinical and rehabilitative medicine; medical chemical, biological and radiological defense; advanced medical technologies and medical training; and health information sciences.

“The MTEC’s mission is to assist the USAMRMC and others by providing cuttingedge technologies to transition medical solutions to marketplace,” said J.B. Phillips, the project officer with USAMRMC’s principal assistant for acquisition and lead for the MTEC. “These technologies will protect, treat and optimize the health and performance of Service Members across the full spectrum of military operations.”

The MTEC will also engage in biomedical

The U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command announced Aug. 19 that it has signed an agreement with SCRA Applied R&D to begin organizing a first-of-its-kind Medical Technology Enterprise Consortium, which will be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation designed to conduct advanced applied research for prototype development addressing a range of military capability needs.

Photo by Melissa Myers, USAMRMC Public Affairs

research in prototyping; capitalization of private sector technology opportunities; technology transfer; and commercialization of intellectual property and follow-on production.

“We are thrilled to join with the U.S. Army medical research professionals in this innovative approach for maintaining and restoring the health of our service men and women,” said SCRA Applied R&D President Chris Van Metre.”We look forward to leveraging the experience we have gained from

managing similar government and industry enterprise partnerships and applying it to this important endeavor.”

As the MTEC ramps up over the next six months, SCRA Applied R&D will work to organize the new consortium and attract additional partners. Membership in the MTEC is open to qualified large and small businesses, venture capital firms, academia and other non-profit entities engaged in biomedical R&D focused on dual-use tech-

1051553

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Fort Detrick Standard September 4, 2015

Sustaining a community of excellence through restoration, environmental stewardship and workforce development

nologies improving Service Member health and performance.

Phillips said the MTEC is expected to be fully operational by February 2016. The MTEC’s first awards will likely be made in mid-2016, focusing first on regenerative medicine and vision restoration.

For more information on membership, visit FedBizOpps: https://www.fbo.gov/index?s= opportunity&mode=form&id=f672c161114aa c832a9e8b41fcdbd8bf&tab=core&_cview=0.

USAMRIID Soldier Tries Out for All Army Softball Team SHANNON BISHOP

USAG PUBLIC AFFAIRS

Staff Sgt. Jeramy Aponte, non-commissioned officer in charge of medical supply at the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, is at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, trying to earn a spot on the 2015 All Army Softball Team.

“It’s a humbling experience to get to do this,” said Aponte. “It’s six weeks away from home, but to be out there and be part of the ‘top 25’ is pretty cool.”

According to Aponte, Soldiers from all over the world fly in for try outs where they compete in scrimmages and tournaments before the final cut. The team goes on to compete against other services in a tournament.

“The Army has won three years in a row,” said Aponte. “It’s really just for bragging rights, but it’s a neat experience. It’s great having a command that supports being in the Army sports program.”

Aponte currently plays second base or shortstop, both middle infield positions. He has played softball since joining the Army in 2004. During the year, Aponte travels all over the country competing with other military teams, mostly on the weekends.

The father of three said, “It’s nice that my family has the opportunity to travel with me when I compete,” said Aponte.

Staff Sgt. Jeramy Aponte, non-commissioned officer in charge of medical supply at the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, is trying to earn a spot on the 2015 All Army Softball Team at Fort Sill, Oklahoma.

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Meet Your Child, Youth and School Services School Liaison Officer TOMOKO T. DANGERFIELD CHILD, YOUTH & SCHOOL SERVICES COORDINATOR

With the beginning of a new school year right around the corner, there is someone everyone who has school age children should know. Linda Vollentine, Fort Detrick’s Child, Youth and School Services School Liaison Officer, is committed to promoting communication and partnership between the CYSS and the local schools in both Frederick and Montgomery counties.

The program’s basic function is to reach out and assist military families during their Linda Vollentine, Child, Youth and School transition period to their new duty station Services Liaison Officer at Fort Detrick. and give support during their assignment Photo by Ellen Crown, to Fort Detrick, and Vollentine strives to USAMRMC Public Affairs promote and collaborate with local community agencies and schools for the adTo continue meeting the growing needs vancement of youth and education. of our children, youth and families VollenVollentine has formed close partnertine’s focus is squarely on communication ships with the schools through communiand partnership with parents, children and cation with the administration, providing seminars on the military lifestyle to the community education and related organistaff of schools and the Adopt-A-School zations on Fort Detrick and in the greater partnership. She also provides information Maryland community.

If there is anything you require relating and support to families regarding local schools and encourages positive relation- to your children’s educational needs, conships between parents and schools to ben- tact Linda Vollentine, CYSS School Liaison efit the children, as well as providing anti Officer, at (301) 619-3247 or come by her bullying information to children and youth office at 1520 Freedman Drive, Room 155, Fort Detrick, Maryland. to help keep our kids safe.

Honoring Our Fallen Heroes

Members of the Directorate of Public Works and Directorate of Family, Morale, Welfare, and Recreation place flags and placards with the names and ranks of fallen heroes along Porter Street Sept. 3. The Fort Detrick U.S. Army Garrison and the Fort Detrick Survivor Outreach Services will host a placard display and reception at the Fort Detrick Auditorium, 1520B Freedman Drive, Frederick, Maryland, at 2 p.m. Sept.

13. The ceremony will honor the brave men and women of the Armed Forces who gave their lives in defense of our Nation.

Photo by Crystal Maynard, USAMRMC Public Affairs

Suicide Prevention Starts With You: Learn to Identify and Act on Warning Signs ANITA SPIESS DR. EREN WATKINS LT. COL. DAVID BOWERMAN ARMY PUBLIC HEALTH CENTER (PROVISIONAL)

Your boss gives you a poor performance review. Your girlfriend says, “That’s it. I’m gone.” You’re afraid your pay won’t stretch to cover both your rent and your credit card bill. We have all experienced blows to our self-esteem, problems at work, losses of people important to us and anxiety about how to pay our bills. If these things are happening to a friend, you can understand how they are feeling. But how do we recognize when that friend is con-

sidering suicide?

Here are some scenarios that illustrate warning signs and some stressors that might put someone at risk for suicide: Mike was always punctual, safe and careful. These days he is often late to work and has been missing meetings. He’s also driving his motorcycle irresponsibly as if it was a game, cutting in and out of traffic.

He had set his sights on Ranger school, but recently learned he was not accepted. Major changes in behavior and reckless behavior may signal that a person is contemplating suicide.

Jane usually has a glass of wine with dinner. Now, she is putting

away a pint of bourbon every night.

It’s solitary drinking; she is not hanging out with friends like she used to. Her mother died a couple of months ago, so maybe it is related to that. Withdrawal from friends may be a sign of suicidal ideation, and self-medication with alcohol or drugs increases the risk of negative moods and impulsive behavior.

Recently, every conversation with George ends up with a story of some death he has heard about.

He even tried to give his guitar to Graham. That seems weird: he used to talk about how proud he was to have such a beautiful instrument. His wife has been threatening divorce this last year.

Brooding on death may indicate suicidal thoughts and giving away treasured possessions suggests the threat of suicide is imminent.

Warning Signs of Suicide: ● Changes in behavior ● Increases in drug or alcohol use ● More frequent talk about death ● Mood swings ● Reckless behavior or risky activities ● Anxiety or agitation ● Giving away possessions ● Withdrawal from friends ● Rage, desire for revenge ● Hopelessness ● Feeling trapped ● No reason for living, no sense of purpose Suicidal intent or behavior of-

Sustaining a community of excellence through restoration, environmental stewardship and workforce development

ten occurs following a number of stressful events and circumstances.

There is no magic solution or special indicator to determine when someone is suicidal. However, learning to identify and act on warning signs can be the first line of defense for a battle buddy who may be in need of extra support during a difficult time. Although Army leadership continues to implement programs and strategies to address this issue, the pulse of the force remains at the grass roots level. Suicide prevention starts with you and your attention to the Soldiers you know best. You may not know why someone is having problems, but you are close enough to ask, care and escort if necessary.

Fort Detrick Standard September 4, 2015

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2015 Military Health System Research Symposium Roundup Joint Combat Casualty Research Team Discusses Future Field Work

Blood Without Borders: The Emerging World of Cold-Store Platelets RAMIN A. KHALILI

USAMRMC COMBAT CASUALTY CARE RESEARCH PROGRAM KNOWLEDGE MANAGER

Members of the Joint Combat Casualty Research Team gather for a group photo at the 2015 Military Health System Research Symposium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Aug. 19.

Photo by Melissa Myers, USAMRMC Public Affairs

RAMIN A. KHALILI

USAMRMC COMBAT CASUALTY CARE RESEARCH PROGRAM KNOWLEDGE MANAGER

Lt. Col. Jennifer Hatzfeld, director of the En Route Care Portfolio for the Combat Casualty Care Research Program, sat at the front of a small conference room, flipping through slides on the projector. Up on the screen flashed pictures from the Middle East, various memories from a warzone, snapshots of team members gathered together in Afghanistan, Iraq or some military base far from home.

“Oh, I remember that day,” said audience member Lt. Jacob Norris, a research psychologist at the Naval Medical Research Center, pointing to one of the images.

“Yeah,” said Maj. Ian Dews, military deputy director of the Combat Casualty Care Research Program, seated on the other side of the room, “you forget how hot it gets over there.”

“Everyone forgets,” said Cmdr. Gail Chapman, Navy liaison with the Military Infectious Diseases Research Program, shaking her head. “I probably should’ve taken more pictures, huh?”

It was a lot of chatter for a small group, but that’s how things tend to go when members of a military unit talk shop.

In this case, that unit is the Joint Combat Casualty Research Team, or JC2RT. From 2006 to 2014, the JC2RT existed as a small group of scientists and clinicians tasked with facilitating ethical and operationally relevant medical research while in the overseas theater of operations. Deployments for team members rotated every six months.

This year, for the first time, more than a dozen members of the JC2RT gathered on Aug. 19 at the annual Military Health System Research Symposium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to not only talk about their shared past, but also to plot a course for the unit’s future.

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Fort Detrick Standard September 4, 2015

“It always felt like what you were doing over there was so important, but so difficult,” said Hatzfeld. “So getting together like this, in this way, it’s almost like a support group.”

During the recent conflicts in the Middle East, various iterations of the JC2RT were deployed to help facilitate in-theater research on such conditions as traumatic brain injury and various bleeding disorders. The relatively small size of the group -- usually only a handful of people per deployment - required members to juggle multiple tasks on their own, including data collection, sample reporting and the review and approval of multiple research protocols.

“When you’re working like that, you capture the good, the bad and the ugly parts of the whole process,” said Dews, describing the ‘one-man band’ style of approach to research.

In addition to recounting the past, the group also tried to carve out a path for the future of the program, including efforts to develop policies to interface with other existing research labs and create the infrastructure that can adequately support future deployed research teams.

“We need to keep the light burning,” said Col. Todd Rasmussen, director of the U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command’s Combat Casualty Care Research Program, “which is why the home of the JC2RT should be the CCCRP.” With such high-level support now stabilizing the team, the collective focus of the JC2RT shifts to the future, to the next time they’re needed in a war zone, to the next time they’re needed for the sake of the Warfighter.

“We’re going to need to keep doing this to ensure that this kind of medical research can continue in the middle of a war zone,” said Hatzfeld. “It’s one of the best ways we can learn to provide the best possible combat casualty care and improve trauma care in the process.”

Sustaining a community of excellence through restoration, environmental stewardship and workforce development

After moderating a lengthy session on blood products at the 2015 Military Health System Research Symposium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Aug. 18, Dr. Heather Pidcoke summed up two hours of dense technological conversation into just five words.

“Ultimately, it’s about saving lives,” said Pidcoke.

Simply put for such a complicated issue, and yet words that sum up decades of emerging research at the same time.

With the June 2015 ruling by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration clearing the use of cold-stored apheresis platelets for the resuscitation of bleeding patients, the effort to stretch the limits of cold platelet storage has gained renewed traction.

Platelets are the component in blood that team with red blood cells and plasma to form clots that can help stop or minimize blood loss. Medical teams can transfuse trauma patients with platelets to assist with blood coagulation if they are suffering from severe hemorrhage.

Pidcoke, the deputy task area manager of the Coagulation and Blood Research Program at the U.S. Army Institute of Surgical Research, is one of the researchers leading the charge.

“Down the line,” she said, “extra ‘life’ from platelets could easily translate into fewer lives lost on the battlefield.”

Statistics show that blood loss remains the number one cause of death on the battlefield, a problem further exacerbated by the fact that, up until the recent protocol change by the FDA, only room-temperature platelets were allowed for use in trauma patients. Room-temperature platelets are stored for up to five days due to risk of bacterial growth and hospitals must test them prior to transfusion. Cold storage allows clinicians to use platelets immediately, without testing.

“A bigger, better supply of platelets could reduce health

Armando Rodriguez draws platelets to prepare them for a series of tests to determine platelet function at the U.S. Army Institute of Surgical Research, Fort Sam Houston, Texas.

Steven Galvan, USAISR Public Affairs

Kristin Reddoch presents her research findings during the 2015 Military Health System Research Symposium on Aug. 18.

Steven Galvan, USAISR Public Affairs

care costs,” said Kristin Reddoch, American Heart Association graduate research fellow at the University of Texas, San Antonio.

In addition, Reddoch, who presented her findings during the same MHSRS session, also said emerging platelet additive solutions could extend the life of cold-store platelets for up to 15 days. Pidcoke says without any additional aid, studies show the presence of active and functional cold-stored platelets after 14 days.

“At the start of the war in Iraq, we had almost no platelets on the battlefield,” said Pidcoke.

“We can see a scenario where

that won’t be the case during the next conflict.”

The MHSRS is DOD’s premier scientific annual meeting, which combines three previous conferences, including the former Advanced Technology Applications for Combat Casualty Care Conference; the Air Force Medical Service Medical Research Symposium; and the Navy Medicine Research Conference. By combining these conferences into one event, the meeting serves as a critical strategy session for leaders to set future milestones for the Department of Defense’s deployment-related medical research programs, centered on the needs of the Warfighter.

Brain Trauma Experts Talk Impact, Emerging Care Options RAMIN A. KHALILI

USAMRMC COMBAT CASUALTY CARE RESEARCH PROGRAM KNOWLEDGE MANAGER

The health and longevity of the human brain took center stage at the 2015 Military Health System Research Symposium during a media roundtable event Aug. 19 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, featuring several of the country’s premier experts on traumatic brain injury.

The roundtable, entitled “TBI Research Across the Spectrum of Severity: From the Battlefield to the Athletic Field,” focused chiefly on emerging techniques in both diagnosis and care of TBI in both military and athletic settings.

“The mechanisms are similar,” said Dr. Thomas McAllister, co-chair of the joint NCAA-Department of Defense Concussion Assessment Research Education Consortium, referring to a landmark $30 million initiative to study head injuries in both student-athletes and military Service Members. “In both cases we’re dealing with young, healthy, highly-trained people engaging in high-risk behaviors.”

“These problems are so complex that they require large studies, and that’s exactly what the military needs,” said Col. Dallas Hack, senior medical advisor to the principal assistant for research and technology for the U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command. Hack addressed the DOD’s stated intent to continue funding TBI research efforts despite the conclusion of combat operations in the Middle East.

Col. Todd Rasmussen, director of the Combat Casualty Care Research Program, added, “Historically, the major advances that have been made to improve the health and welfare of our society have often taken decades. They haven’t just been short-term scientific projects.”

With regard to emerging care options for people suffering from TBI, the assembled experts agreed with the DOD’s current multi-pronged approach, which uses both pharmacological and materiel solutions to combat the effects of TBI. Products such as the Defense Automated Neurobehavioral

Experts from across the Department of Defense took part in a roundtable discussion focused on traumatic brain injury research at the 2015 Military Health System Research Symposium Aug. 19 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Courtesy graphic Assessment, or DANA, tool, which essentially acts as a brain thermometer, are developed alongside more clinically-based efforts such as light therapy, in which TBI patients are exposed to low levels of near-infra-red light for a set period of time in an effort to restore damaged tissue or cells. A clinical trial phase for the first-ever blood test for TBI is set for completion in March 2016, according to Hack.

“It’s kind of like managing your 401(k) portfolio,” said Dr. Terry Rauch, director of Medical Research for the Office of Health Affairs, regarding the multi-pronged strategy, “You want to be somewhat diversified in your approach.”

According to the assembled experts, increased focus and attention on TBI will be just as important in the coming years as the systematic approach used to combat the problem.

Added Katherine Helmick, deputy director of the Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center, “It’s the brain that makes us who we are, even more so than the heart.”

Fast Drones, Faster Decisions: the Future for Combat Injured RAMIN A. KHALILI

USAMRMC COMBAT CASUALTY CARE RESEARCH PROGRAM KNOWLEDGE MANAGER

During a break between meetings at the 2015 Military Health System Research Symposium, Lt. Col. Jennifer Hatzfeld spoke about the concept of innovation in the field of mobile trauma care.

“I’m excited because I think we’re at a point where clinicians can see solutions,” said Hatzfeld, manager of the U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command’s En Route Care Portfolio.

Tasked with developing both the knowledge and the tools required to help stabilize and transport Warfighters injured on the battlefield, Hatzfeld points to four specific ongoing efforts that she says could help close a number of portfolio gaps.

The first development, according to Hatzfeld, is expanding medical capabilities for combat injured in a transport environment. This involves assessing and then delivering the correct therapies for a patient in a stabilizing environment.

The second is the integration of so-called “intelligent tasking,” which uses factors such as physiology to determine patient need.

“Instead of ‘Do we need to move this patient - yes or

no?,’ it’s moving toward ‘What kind of care does this person need?’” said Hatzfeld of such tasking.

Telemedicine - specifically those cases involving virtual ICU environments - and unmanned patient movement, which may involve the use of drones and other types of automated equipment including robotics, are also emerging care areas according to Hatzfeld.

“Soon, machines will be able to sense how the patient is doing and act from there,” said Hatzfeld of the latter.

With a strong vision, Hatzfeld is constantly looking to leverage the En Route Care Portfolio’s unique lines of effort in order to stay on the leading edge of innovation.

“We’re on the right track,” said Hatzfeld of those efforts.

The MHSRS is DOD’s premier scientific annual meeting, which combines three previous conferences, including the former Advanced Technology Applications for Combat Casualty Care Conference; the Air Force Medical Service Medical Research Symposium; and the Navy Medicine Research Conference. By combining these conferences into one event, the meeting serves as a critical strategy session for leaders to set future milestones for the Department of Defense’s deployment-related medical research programs, centered on the needs of the Warfighter.

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USAMRMC Awards Contract to Streamline Medical Acquisition Process CRYSTAL MAYNARD

USAMRMC PUBLIC AFFAIRS

The U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command awarded four new contracts July 31 for the development of its military-relevant medical products including drugs, vaccines, devices and biologics.

The contracts will speed the process in which military medical products move through the development process and progress through U.S. Food and Drug Administration clearance or approval prior to fielding the product or knowledge to the Warfighter.

“In order to better protect our Warfighters, save lives and restore function after injury or illness, the USAMRMC must be able to move medical devices, drugs and vaccines forward to FDA approval and commercial availability as efficiently as possible,” said Dr. Kenneth Bertram, USAMRMC principal assistant for acquisition. “In the

past we have had to contract each piece of this process individually.

With these new contracts, we will be able to ‘bundle’ the work efforts and streamline the process, resulting in quicker delivery of needed medical solutions to the Warfighter and our medical teams.”

The contract awardees include Dynport Vaccine Company, Leidos, Pharmaceutical Product Development and Engility.

Prior to the award of the contract, completing the product development lifecycle included a variety of contracting vehicles at the USAMRMC. Now, the new contracts’ scope of work allows the four awardees to complete various tasks without the USAMRMC preparing separate contracts for each portion in the product development lifecycle.

“The Army will be saving time, money and resources with these contracts,” said Bertram. “The Warfighter, the Army and the Nation will all benefit.”

Deputy Commander for Acquisition at the U.S. Army Medical Materiel Development Activity Kathy Berst talks about the new Medical Product Research and Development Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity contract during a kick off meeting on Fort Detrick Sept. 2.

Photo by Ellen Crown, USAMRMC Public Affairs

Celebrating Women’s Right to Vote Junior Soldiers No Longer Need

Commander’s Signature for AER NICK MINECCI

USAG PUBLIC AFFAIRS

During the Aug. 21 women’s equality event, displays show the timeline of women’s rights since the early 1900s.

Photo by Lanessa Hill, USAG Public Affairs

LANESSA HILL

USAG PUBLIC AFFAIRS

Fort Detrick leadership hosted a Women’s Equality Day event at the Community Activities Center Aug. 21.

The event celebrated the day the 19th Amendment to the Constitution became a law, which was Aug. 26, 1920, giving American women the right to vote. Rep. Bel-

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la Abzug (D-N.Y.) later introduced a Joint Resolution to Congress designating each Aug. 26 as Women’s Equality Day. This year marked the 94th anniversary.

In a letter written by Maryland Sen. Barbara Mikulski, she told her personal story of her mother not being able to vote.

“As an immigrant to this country, finally being given

that opportunity proved to her that America was a great place to live,” wrote Mikulski.

Keynote speaker Melanie P. Cox, of the Frederick County League of Women Voters, spoke to the attendees about the evolution of the bill and overcoming obstacles along the way.

“Does anyone know by how many vote s this bill passed?” asked Cox. “By one.”

Starting Sept. 9 Soldiers in the enlisted ranks of E-1 to E-4 no longer need approval from their commander or first sergeant before requesting a loan through the Army Emergency Relief program. The new policy allows any enlisted Soldier, who has served at least a year, completed basic and advanced individual training and not considered a high financial risk, to apply directly to AER for a loan.

Army leadership made this change in an effort to keep young Soldiers from going to payday lenders and making it easier for them to get cash in an emergency, according to Thomas Withrow, Fort Detrick Army Emergency Relief & Financial Readiness program manager.

“One thing this change will help with is that Soldiers in the ranks of E-1 through E-4 are usually hesitant to seek aid from AER because they think there’s a negative stigma associated with asking for financial help,” said Withrow. “There is also the perception that officers and senior non-commissioned officers will judge them, this can be intimidating.”

With this change, “Now Soldiers can come directly to us for the assistance they need,” said Withrow. “The Soldier can come in to our office, fill out a request form and provide documentation proving their need.

There is no cap on the amount of the loan,

Sustaining a community of excellence through restoration, environmental stewardship and workforce development

but Soldiers are limited to two AER loans per year without command approval.”

Army Emergency Relief is a private, non-profit that has delivered more than $57 million in loans and nearly $16 million in grants and scholarships in 2014.

AER provides Soldiers with interest-free loans or grants for items such as emergency travel, food, utilities, rent or medical expenses.

Withrow said AER’s funding comes from a variety of sources, including paycheck donations from individual Service Members and donations from private organizations and for-profit companies.

For more information about the AER program, call (301) 619-2197.

Soldiers to Represent Fort 3rd Annual National Cancer Detrick at Army Ten-Miler Institute and Leidos Softball Game MARILYN FLYNN

FAMILY, MORALE, WELFARE AND RECREATION

Now in its 31st year, the Army Ten-Miler, produced by the Military District of Washington, takes place each October in Washington, District of Coumbia. All race proceeds benefit Soldier Morale, Welfare and Recreation programs. The mission of the Army Ten-Miler is to promote the Army, build esprit de corps, support Army fitness goals and enhance community relations.

Fort Detrick held qualifying races Aug. 8 and 15 to select teams to represent Fort Detrick, with 20 Soldiers competing for 16 spots. Fort Detrick will send two teams of eight Soldiers each, with Team One comprised of active-duty men and Team Two made up of active-duty mixed.

Below are the team selections based on times.

Active-duty men’s team and times: Pfc. Dickson Kurgat - USAMRIID 1:03:31 Spc. Demmaje Brownfranklin - USAMRMC 1:05:45 Spc. Michael Aponte - USAMRIID 1:07:17 Pfc. Ibrahim Hamilton - 21st Signal Brigade 1:08:50 Capt. Dennis Kim - USAMMA 1:10:14 Maj. Gen. Brian Lein - USAMRMC 1:11:04 Spc. Emmanuel Amoah - USAMRIID 1:13:32 Spc. John McBrearty - USARIID 1:13:37 Active Duty Mixed team and times: Cmdr. Christopher Duplessis - NMRC 1:14:26 Sgt. 1st Class Manuel Taveras - NCMI 1:15:38 Maj. Jeffrey Froude - WRAIR 1:15:46 Capt. Justin Talley - USAG 1:19:32 Spc. Alisha Shrestha - USAMRIID 1:31:07 Capt. Kathryn Buckland - USAMMA 1:31:23 Staff Sgt. Levis Castro - 21st Signal Brigade 1:34:18 Capt. Marietta Squire - USAMRIID 1:35:34

Rose Bradley heads toward second base during the 3rd Annual National Cancer Institute and Leidos Softball games held at the Fort Detrick Nallin Farm ball fields Sept. 26. NCI won the event with an undefeated record.

Photo by Paige Kefauver, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc.

For more news from other bases around the Washington, D.C. area,

visit www.dcmilitary.com

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DONATIONS, continued from page 1

“Thank you so very much for donating to our wonderful students here at Lincoln. Your service to our country combined with your service to our students makes me thankful for you all each day.”

One command member expressed her thoughts about why she continues to contribute to the children each year.

“How can you not give when you know the circumstances these children face? The price of a composition book is fifty cents, most of us have that amount on our car floor mats,” said Rachel Pardo, an NMLC management and program analyst, Research and Services Contract Division. “As federal employees, we are fortunate to be educated, well employed and in a great place in life. I owe a lot for the good that I have and I am very cognizant that it could be all gone in the blink of an eye.”

An active-duty member shared his thoughts when he expressed that the military is not all about fighting wars far away from home.

“We have responsibilities at home as well that include supporting the communities in which we live. We are an active part of neighborhood organizations, we take part in local festivities and we have children in local schools,” said Operations Specialist Petty Officer 2nd Class Blair Dial, NMLC’s assistant security manager.

“Committing time to Lincoln Elementary School not only assists students and teachers, it contributes to a community as a whole. Helping to guide these young minds and standing out as role models in these formative years can have a lasting impact on a child’s life.”

Yet, another NMLC representative had a more personal perspective on charitable giving as she once attended Lincoln Elementary school.

“I recently returned to the NMLC after having spent four years with another agency and one of the things I missed most was the community spirit and support. Not only does this provide a direct connection to our community, for me, it’s a small way to give back just a little,” said Teresa Lamb, an NMLC contract specialist team lead. “It was not a big deal for me to purchase supplies, but it is a big deal for these students. This particular elementary school is dear to my heart. I attended Lincoln Elementary School (then called South Frederick) in the first and second grades and it seems only right that I should give something back.”

Flemings, who not only makes donations to the school, but who also volunteers by mentoring one of the children, explained why there is a sense of responsibility in being a member of this community.

“Education at this level is free and it is really the only thing that some of these children have. To help make sure they get what they need is very important to me and the reason I give now and always will,” he said.

USAMRMC Research Supports Performance Triad’s Goals CRYSTAL MAYNARD

USAMRMC PUBLIC AFFAIRS

For years, moms have been saying – “Go to sleep, you need your rest. Eat your vegetables to be healthy and strong.

Get off the couch and go play outside!”

The Army is backing that advice with the Performance Triad, which promotes a healthy and fit force.

The Performance Triad is a comprehensive plan to improve Soldier readiness and increase resilience through public health initiatives and leadership engagement.

The U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command’s Military Operational Medicine Research Program’s research portfolios support the Performance Triad’s goal of maximizing warrior health, performance and fitness by developing evidence-based guidelines that can be incorporated into Performance Triad education and training materials.

“MOMRP’s physiological health and injury prevention research portfolios help the Army protect, sustain and optimize the Soldier by providing scientifically validated ways that the Army can enhance and refine how Soldiers are training, what they are eating and how they are managing sleep and fatigue,” said MOMRP Director Lt. Col. Dennis McGurk. “Everything we do supports the well being and performance of the Soldier and aims to prevent injuries resulting from operational stressors.”

Physical fitness, activity and injury prevention are crucial to ensuring U.S. Soldiers perform physically as elite athletes. Practicing principles of safe and effective training are vital to maintaining physical readiness, preventing injuries and improving general health. MOMRP researchers are reviewing the order and intensity of physical training exercises to discern if more injuries occur in a certain order or level of exertion and what recommendations can be made to mitigate the risk of injuries.

Musculoskeletal injuries – sprains, strains, dislocations and fractures – are a concern for the Army. A high percentage of active-duty Soldiers are on some form of prescription nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication to control musculoskeletal stress and strain. Additionally, during basic training, 30 percent of males and 60 percent of females require medical attention due to musculoskeletal issues.

“We are looking at practical and safe countermeasures that can be implemented in doctrine and policy for Soldiers to improve physical performance, prevent deterioration of muscle function and bone integrity during injury and training, as well as reduce susceptibility to injury,” said Dr. Valerie Trabosh, MOMRP Physiological Health Program Area

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The U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command’s Military Operational Medicine Research Program’s research portfolios support the Performance Triad’s goal of maximizing Warrior health, performance and fitness by developing evidence-based guidelines that can be incorporated into Performance Triad education and training materials. Improving dietary intake is an essential step toward improving health and performance, and reducing rates of obesity and risk of chronic disease.

File photo

manager. “This could be through changing how or when training is performed or designing individualized training platforms that are optimized based on personal attributes of an individual Soldier.”

Even though sleep is a critical piece in achieving optimal physical, mental and emotional health, the demands of training, work and operations often make it difficult to get good, quality sleep. Poor or inadequate sleep leads to poor performance and impairs many abilities that are essential to the mission.

Current and foreseeable military operations are characterized by limited sleep opportunities, often coupled with nighttime missions. Insufficient sleep and working through the night impair mental acuity. However, these impairments cannot be objectively factored into operational decisions unless they are quantified, and this is where the MOMRP’s research is key. Providing leaders with actionable information regarding current and future Soldier cognitive performance allows for more informed decision making.

“The MOMRP is developing a smartphone-based app that allows quantification of individual mental acuity based on prior sleep patterns as well as anticipated sleep and caffeine usage,” said Trabosh. “This will help Soldiers and leaders decide how to most effectively prepare for a mission, but it can be used at any time by the Soldier to enhance their overall health through optimized sleep timing.”

The Performance Triad is centered on Soldiers making informed choices to achieve overall fitness. Improving dietary intake is an essential step toward improving health and performance, and reducing rates of obesity and risk of chronic disease. In addition to obesity, adequate nutritional intake is a concern in military personnel during their preparation for a mission.

In order to maintain a healthy body weight and consume an adequate amount of nutrients, dietary guidelines advise consuming a diet of of lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy products. However, the 2008 Department of Defense Survey of Health-Related Behaviors indicated that less than 20 percent of military personnel consumed these five key foods groups at least three times daily.

The MOMRP is looking into a variety of strategies that may positively impact the decisions that are made in military dining facilities and strategies for military dining facilities to promote healthy choices through food arrangement and education materials.

“We are currently managing research to see if using omega-3 enriched eggs and meats as a replacement for non-enriched products and has cost and health benefits that would improve Warfighters’ nutritional status, especially their fatty acid status,” said Trabosh. “This potentially cost effective change in military dining facilities would help to ensure Warfighters are getting the nutrients needed to help fight inflammation, but doesn’t require them to take a cumbersome regimen of dietary supplements.”

Some of the research that the MOMRP oversees provides validated scientific findings that confirm what is recognized anecdotally to be true such as how Soldiers should load up on healthy foods in the dining line before grabbing the sweet stuff. Through this research and advanced development of knowledge and materiel products, the MOMRP is working to support the wellbeing of the most integral part of the Army – the Soldier.

“The MOMRP and the Performance Triad have the same end goal,” said McGurk. “Guaranteeing that Army leaders and Soldiers have the information they need to make decisions for optimal health and performance.”

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