Vol. 30, No. 28
October 4, 2013
First ‘Thought-Controlled’ Bionic Leg Funded Through Army Medicine Research ELLEN CROWN USAMRMC PAO
Researchers unveiled the world’s first thought-controlled bionic leg Sept. 25, funded through the U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command’s Telemedicine and Advanced Technology Research Center and developed by researchers at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago Center for Bionic Medicine. Zac Vawter, a lower-limb amputee, served as the “test pilot.” Photo courtesy of RIC
What’s Inside
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Researchers unveiled the world’s first thought-controlled bionic leg Sept. 25, funded through the U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command’s Telemedicine and Advanced Technology Research Center and developed by researchers at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago Center for Bionic Medicine. The New England Journal of Medicine highlighted the project that marked a milestone for prosthetics. Until now, this type of technology was only available for arms. While the bionic legs aren’t for sale yet, researchers are hoping they may be available commercially in as little as five years. “More than 1,600 service members returning from Iraq and Afghanistan have sustained amputations,” said Col. John Scherer, director of USAMRMC’s Clinical and Rehabilitative Medicine Program. “Our goal is to help these men and women participate fully in life.” Scherer added that may mean returning active-duty or gainful employment to the civilian sector. “This research is an important step to make the choice theirs, rather than the injury being a deciding factor,” said Scherer. “While we want to keep as many of these individuals on active duty as possible, we recognize that some of them must move on to civilian lives due to the severity of their injuries.” In fact, this technology can apply to civilian leg amputees as well. According to the National Limb Loss Information Center, there may be more than one million amputees in the U.S. One such civilian amputee is 32-year-old Zac Vawter, who served as RIC’s “test pilot” for the project’s first bionic leg. Vawter is a software engineer who lives in Seattle with his wife and two children. In 2009, he lost his leg in a motorcycle accident. Vawter first underwent a cutting-edge procedure called “Targeted Muscle Reinnervation” developed by RIC and Northwestern University. Surgeons redirected nerves from
Vawter’s damaged muscle in his amputated limb to healthy muscle above his knee. Vawter then started learning how to use the thought-controlled bionic leg. The leg is controlled using a computer chip that is similar to those in modern smartphones. As muscles contract, they generate signals that are detected by sensors and analyzed by the computer chip. A specially-designed computer program analyzes these signals and data from sensors in the leg. It instantaneously decodes the type of movement Vawter is trying to perform and then sends those commands to the leg. Using muscle signals, in addition to robotic sensors, makes the system safer and more intuitive, according to researchers. Using the bionic leg, Vawter can walk up ramps and stairs, and transition between these activities without stopping. He is also able to use his thoughts to change the position of his lower leg while sitting down, something that cannot be done with current motorized leg prosthetics. “This new bionic leg features incredibly intelligent engineering,” said Levi Hargrove, PhD, the lead scientist of this research at RIC’s Center for Bionic Medicine. “It learns and performs activities unprecedented for any leg amputee, including seamless transitions between sitting, walking, ascending and descending stairs and ramps and repositioning the leg while seated.” Vawter’s bionic leg is a prototype. When he is not working with the research team, Vawter uses a regular prosthetic. “The bionic leg is a big improvement compared to my regular prosthetic leg,” said Vawter. “The bionic leg responds quickly and more appropriately, allowing me to interact with my environment in a way that is similar to how I moved before my amputation.” The bionic leg may also help prevent falls. Vawter’s robotic leg had an error rate of about 12 percent. This was reduced to less than two percent with the bionic leg, according to researchers. Vawter added, “This is a huge milestone for me and for all leg amputees.”
Shutdown Information, p. 2
Preparedness is Key in Preventing Disasters, p. 4
Fort Detrick Gathers for Fall Fest 2013, p. 6
Gov Shutdown letter from SECARMY
Government Shutdown Information for Fort Detrick
SECRETARY OF THE ARMY
The following services will remain open until further notice: All gates at Fort Detrick will remain operational Family and Morale, Welfare & Recreation services (Fort Detrick and Forest Glen) Child Development Centers and Child, Youth & School Services Army Emergency Relief offices (Fort Detrick and Walter Reed National Military Medical Center) Post Exchange Military Personnel Division ID Card Services Employee Assistance Program Barquist Army Health Care Facility and Dental Clinic Veterans Affairs Community Based Outpatient Clinic Police, Fire, and Emergency Services Personnel Staff Judge Advocate Sexual Harassment/ Assault Prevention (SHARP) Security Office Public Affairs Office Work Order Submissions (emergency work orders) Fitness Center Post Library Chapel Services Community Activity Center Services closed: Education Center (Counseling, Tuition Assistance) Commissary Equal Employment Opportunity Visual Information /DA Photo support Barquist Occupational Health Clinic
WASHINGTON
OCT 01 2013 TO THE MEN AND WOMEN OF THE UNITED STATES ARMY: It
is with deep sadness that I write you regarding the government-wide shutdown, and the actions the Department of the Army must now take to come into compliance. This great disruption of our operations was made necessary after Congress failed to enact either a FY 2014 budget or a temporary funding measure that would have allowed normal operations to continue after the 2013 fiscal year ended on September 30. While Congress and the President have taken prudent steps to protect military pay for our men and women in harm’s way, our civilian workforce will likely be deeply and personally impacted. A large number of our civilian workforce will be temporarily furloughed beginning today. As Secretary of Defense Hagel noted recently, decisions about who will be furloughed are dictated solely by law. Please know that if you are furloughed, it in no way diminishes the importance of your work to the Army or our mission. Coming so soon after a six -day furlough required by budget sequestration, this furlough will create a tremendous hardship on both our workforce and their families. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers, and that we hope for a speedy resolution to this impasse. Thank you for all you have done, and will continue to do, for the United States Army.
There are many offices closed or minimally staffed during the shutdown. Visit http://www.detrick.army.mil for updated information.
After Duty Numbers
Important After Duty Hour Numbers Provost Marshal Office Fire and Emergency Services Near Miss Hotline USAG Network Enterprise Help Desk Balfour Beatty Directorate of Public Works Trouble Desk Barquist Army Health Clinic Post Operator
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301-921-2800 301-921-2800 1-888-670-7100 ext+. 2684 301-670-2591 301-619-3319
(301) 619-2652 (301) 619-2528 (301) 619-3164 (301) 619-2049 (240) 379-6518 (301) 619-2726 (866) 379-3981 (301) 619-8000 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-
Domestic Violence Awareness Month Lisa J. Homer, Family Advocacy Program manager, Chad Dehoff and Brian Dixon decorated a tree on the Blue, and Gray Field with purple ribbons in support of October, which is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The Army’s theme this year is, “End Domestic Violence - Recognize it, Report it, Prevent it.” Photo by Sidney Hinds
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 October 4, 2013
Sustaining a community of excellence through restoration, environmental stewardship and workforce development
Command Staff
Maj. Gen. Joseph Caravalho Jr. Commanding general, U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command and Fort Detrick
Col. Steven P. Middlecamp U.S. Army Garrison commander
Editorial Staff
Fort Detrick Public Affairs Office
Physicist Delivers Final 6th Medical Logistics Imaging Talk of 2013 NICBR Summer Management Center Student Seminar Series Hosts the Medical Stability Operations Course NICBR PUBLIC AFFAIRS AND COMMUNITY RELATIONS SUBCOMMITTEE
Travis Betz from the Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance within the U.S. Agency for International Development provided information on international disaster response logistics during the Medical Stability Operations Course.
Photo by Capt. Seungho Kang
CAPT. SEUNGHO KANG 6TH MEDICAL LOGISTICS MANAGEMENT CENTER
The 6th Medical Logistics Management Center hosted the Medical Stability Operations Course to enhance military health support during stability operations, Sept. 10-12, at the Reserve Center, Fort Detrick, Md.. MLMC partnered with the Defense Medical Readiness Training Institute at Fort Sam in Houston, Texas, to bring the MSOC team to Fort Detrick. This move maximized training dollars and enabled the majority of the unit to attend the course. Organizers extended an invitation to other units and agencies across Fort Detrick to add a variety of student experiences to the course. In all, 36 military personnel and civilians from the 6th MLMC, the U.S. Army Medical Materiel Agency, the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Air Force Medial Operations Agency, and the Joint Vaccine Program completed the course. “We’ve been maintaining five ready-todeploy teams at all times to provide strategic medical logistics expertise to major Combatant Commands,” said Col. Anthony R. Nesbitt, commander of the 6th MLMC, told course attendees. “Understanding strategic concepts of military-to-military and military-to-civilian health engagements, stability operations, and U.S. government humanitarian and disaster response efforts is very important to accomplish that mission.” The MSOC was developed in response to increasing demands from deployed and returning military health support personnel for more deliberate preparation for military health support for stability operations. Engagements in Iraq, Afghanistan, and responses to humanitarian needs around the globe have moved military ac-
tion toward a new paradigm. This paradigm supports national security through the development of stable environments that enable durable peace, and political, economic and human security. The Department of Defense acknowledged the role of the U.S. military in preventive diplomacy with the passage of DODD 3000.05 in Nov. 2005. This directive elevated stability operations to a priority level comparable to combat. It also defined stability operations as an overarching term encompassing various military missions, tasks and activities conducted outside the United States. DoD coordinated this effort with other instruments of national power to maintain or reestablish a safe and secure environment for essential governmental services, emergency infrastructure reconstruction, and humanitarian relief. “The MSOC curriculum was designed to build a healthcare force that possesses the knowledge, skills and abilities to support military health support for stability operations including humanitarian assistance in the global arena and to ensure geographical combatant commanders have the capabilities for integrated stability operations,” said Dr. Diana Luan, Education Director of MSOC. Attendee Sgt. 1st Class James T. Baker from the 6th MLMC expressed his satisfaction with the course stating, “this three-day course helps me better understand the dynamic requirements of supporting stability operations and the complexity of military medical diplomacy within the context of the U.S. strategy and international relations.” The MSOC course is open to all military and civilian personnel. More information about the class can be obtained by calling the Defense Medical Readiness Training Institute at (210) 221-9608 or visiting http:// www.dmrti.army.mil.
The last of this year’s Summer Student Seminar Series, which featured leading scientists discussing their current research, was held on Aug. 6. Sponsored by the National Interagency Confederation for Biological Research, the Series allowed summer students to meet one another and hear about the broad range of research being carried out at the Frederick campus. Students from the Frederick community, as well as the National Cancer Institute at Frederick and Fort Detrick, were welcome to attend. The program was started around 1996 by Dr. Howard Young at the NCI, a demonstration of his dedication to training all levels of the next generation of scientists. The lectures were held in Bldg. 549, from noon to 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday. There are generally about 60-100 attendees. In this final event of the summer series, Dr. Lauren Keith treated attendees to pizza and spoke about her role as Imaging Physicist for the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. NIAID is part of the National Institutes of Health and has an Integrated Research Facility at Fort Detrick. The NIAIDIRF manages, coordinates, and facilitates emerging infectious disease and biodefense research on vaccines, countermeasures, and animal models that could lead to improved patient outcomes in human medical care. As explained in Keith’s presentation, the IRF is also exploring medical imaging as a tool for infectious disease research, an emerging discipline. As an undergraduate student majoring in physics at the University of Wisconsinwhere, she quipped, “It doesn’t snow all the time!”-Keith worked in a magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI, research laboratory. She went on to obtain both her master’s degree and doctorate in medical physics. This field of science encompasses medical imaging, which involves non-invasive visualization of the body’s internal organs and tissue density. Images are produced when energy, depending on where it falls on the electromagnetic spectrum, is passed through, injected into, or transmitted into and absorbed by the body. Keith explained how technologies like x-rays, computed tomography (commonly known as a CAT scan), and single photon emission scans work, and are used in healthcare to diagnose musculoskeletal or head trauma, dis-
orders of the heart and lungs, cancer, and other conditions. Turning to potential research applications, Keith explained that medical imaging could identify biomarkers, such as metabolic activity and blood flow, that are objectively measured and can indicate the presence and/or severity of disease. Her medical imaging research at the IRF involves infectious disease organisms that require special precautions-which she detailed-because there are currently no vaccines or treatments available for those diseases, and they are often fatal. Medical imaging enables fewer subjects to be used for these studies. Following her presentation, Keith took questions from the audience. She observed that she “really enjoyed the opportunity to speak to such an engaged, interested audience. It was inspiring to see self-motivated young adults explore and get involved in the scientific community through [the Summer Student Seminar Series]. Their level of interaction throughout the talk, and during the Q&A, made it clear that the students were thinking critically and independently - two essential abilities of great scientists, young and old.” Other speakers in the 2013 Summer Student Seminar Series were Drs. Jay Schneecloth, Barry O’Keefe, David Wink, and Shyam Sharan, all of NCI; Dr. Paul Tooley, U.S. Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service; Dr. Kei Amemiya, U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases; and Dr. Stephen Cendrowski, Department of Homeland Security-National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures Center. Staff from NICBR partner agencies are invited to speak at the 2014 Summer Student Seminar Series. If you are interested in speaking, please contact Julie Hartman at hartmanjb@mail.nih.gov. For more information, please visit http://ncifrederick. cancer.gov/Programs/Student/SummerStudents/Seminar. The mission of the NICBR is to develop unique knowledge, tools, and products by leveraging advanced technologies and innovative discoveries to secure and defend the health of the American people. In addition to NIAID, NCI, DHS-NBACC, USDAARS, and USAMRIID, the NICBR partners include the U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command, Naval Medical Research Command, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Food and Drug Administration, and U.S. Army Installation Management Command.
Wellness at Fort Detrick
CAPT. PATRICIA ALVAREZ BARQUIST HEALTH CLINIC
Barquist Health Clinic is leveraging the Army Surgeon General’s strategic vision to move from a health care system to a system for health through its Wellness at Fort Detrick campaign. The Surgeon General’s vision, called the Performance Triad, dictates that activity, nutrition and sleep are essential for improving the Army family’s health, readiness and resilience. It uses a tiered prevention strategy to ensure soldiers, family members, retirees and civilians receive the education and/or services they require to help them maintain, improve or restore health. The Wellness at Fort Detrick initiative
Sustaining a community of excellence through restoration, environmental stewardship and workforce development
will keep personnel apprised of available services tailored to help them improve nutrition, increase physical activity, reduce obesity, manage stress, and other tactics. Many initiatives are underway. Here are just a few taking place this month and early November: Nutrition: Small changes in diet and exercise are often all it takes to lose weight and increase fitness levels. Given this fact, the health clinic will have a nutritionist available once a week to offer personalized information to patients. Women’s Health: The clinic is emphasizing women’s health throughout October and is encouraging female patients See WELLNESS, continued on page 8 Fort Detrick Standard October 4, 2013
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Preparedness is Key in Preventing Natural Disasters GARTH C. PHOEBUS
USAG EMERGENCY MANAGER
U.S. Army Garrison and mission partners participated in an annual, full-scale exercise designed to test and validate current shelter-inplace plans and procedures Sept. 24, at Fort Detrick, Md.. This year participants responded to the touchdown of a tornado. The exercise was conducted to ensure personnel in the Fort Detrick community understand the importance of being prepared before an incident occurs, especially those incidents that can occur without notice, like a tornado. Exercise participants acknowledged that their performance during an exercise reveals both areas for improvement as well as best practices. As testament to the progress the area’s emergency management community has made with disaster preparations, CBS Money Watch ranked the Bethesda-Rockville-Frederick, Md. region at number five in its list of the top 10 U.S. cities safest from natural disasters. CBS Money Watch also reported that hurricanes are the most likely disaster to occur in this region, but noted that the area is far enough inland
Staff shelter-in-place during exercise at the Joint Medical Logistics Functional Development Center. Photo by Siegfried Bruner
from the Eastern shore that the full impact would be reduced. While the National Weather Service can recognize when storms may transform into potential tornadoes, there are no systems in place to predict the timing or path of a tornado. Tornadoes form without notice and last up to 30 minutes. Hurricanes, on the other hand, do provide a signature for weather patterns to be predicted, however, the paths can also change. The Fort Detrick community is likely to feel the effects of a winter storm, flash flooding, heavy rains, and strong winds. Visit http://www. fema.gov or http://www.ready.gov to learn more about what you can do to prepare your home, work, and car against these disasters. Preparedness starts with you. Be your own hero.
Staff activate the Emergency Operations Center at Fort Detrick in support of the exercise.
Photo by Siegfried Bruner
Armed Forces Institute of Regenerative Medicine II Cooperative Agreement Awarded to Warrior Restoration Consortium CAREY PHILLIPS USAMMDA PAO
The Armed Forces Institute of Regenerative Medicine: Warrior Restoration Consortium, under the Wake Forest University School of Medicine (Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center) entered into a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command, the Office of Naval Research, the Air Force Medical Service, the Office of Research and Development - Department of Veterans Affairs, the National Institutes of Health, and the Office of
the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs. The AFIRM II program will focus on five key areas: - extremity regeneration - craniomaxillofacial regeneration - skin regeneration - composite tissue allotransplantation immunomodulation - genitourinary/lower abdomen reconstruction Regenerative medicine is a science that takes advantage of the body’s natural healing powers to restore or replace damaged tissue and organs. Therapies developed by the AFIRM II program are in-
tended to aid traumatically injured service members and civilians. The goals of the program are to fund basic through translational regenerative medicine research and to position promising technologies and therapeutic/restorative practices for entrance into human clinical trials. “When warriors come back from the battlefield with serious life-changing injuries, it is our job to find new and innovative ways to help them. Ultimately, we’d like to create new treatments to repair these severe injuries as if they never happened,” said Maj. Gen.
Joseph Caravalho Jr., commanding general of the USAMRMC and Fort Detrick. “The science of regenerative medicine is one of the ways we fulfill our promise to service members who put themselves in harm’s way, that we will work our hardest and do our very best to take care of them.” The original AFIRM cooperative agreements, awarded in 2008, focused on limb repair, craniofacial repair, burn repair, scarless wound repair, and compartment syndrome. Research under the AFIRM was conducted through
two independent research consortia working with the U.S. Army Institute of Surgical Research in Fort Sam Houston, Texas. One research consortium was led by Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, and the Cleveland Clinic (RutgersCleveland Clinic Consortium) while the other was led by Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center and The McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine in Pittsburgh (Wake Forest - Pittsburgh Consortium). Learn more about AFIRM II online at: http://www.afirm.mil
October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month SHENIQUA BUSH
FORT DETRICK INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITY PROGRAM MANAGER
October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month. Held each October, this national campaign raises awareness about disability employment issues and celebrates the many and varied contributions of American workers with disabilities. The theme for 2013 is “Because We Are Equal to the Task.” Fort Detrick is recognizing this year’s observance Oct. 16, at the Community Activity Center from
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11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The entire Fort Detrick community is welcome to attend. The post also will host a variety of activities to educate the Fort Detrick community on disability employment issues and the role they play in fostering a disability-friendly work culture throughout the month. For many with disabilities, employment opportunities often require accommodations that provide a safe and productive workplace. Employers know accommodations must be made for people with physical disabilities,
but may not know how to accommodate people with disabilities that cannot be physically seen. It is the responsibility of disabled individuals to be aware of their needs and communicate them to employers. Do not be afraid to ask if it will help you perform your job better. Anyone with a disability can request an accommodation at any time during the application process or while employed. To request an accommodation simply inform your employer of the need. There are no mandatory key words
to use when making the request, and neither the American with Disabilities Act nor the phrase “reasonable accommodation” has to be mentioned. All requests sent directly to a manager or supervisor by an employee must be forwarded to a disability program manager within two business days. When an employee makes a request for reasonable accommodation that involves job performance, the Disability Program Manager will work with the employee’s supervisor to ensure that an appropriate accommodation is provided that meets
Sustaining a community of excellence through restoration, environmental stewardship and workforce development
the needs of the individual and enables that person to perform the essential functions of the position. NDEAM’s roots go back to 1945 when Congress enacted a law declaring the first week in October each year as “National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week.” In 1962, the word physically was removed to acknowledge the employment needs and contributions of individuals with all types of disabilities. In 1988, Congress expanded the week to a month and changed the name to “National Disability Employment Awareness Month.”
SavingMinutesandLiveswithLitterAssistonMine-ResistantAmbulance MERRIE AIKEN
USAMMDA MEDICAL SUPPORT SYSTEMS PROJECT MANAGEMENT OFFICE
The terrain in Afghanistan is tough. Hairpin roads down treacherous hillsides, sandy valleys between tree-spotted ranges, snow-chilled mountains and plains, mud from snowmelt, narrow passes filled with boulders, and rivers, and more mud. Add in extremes of temperature, the danger of flash flooding and earthquakes, and the expectation of unexploded land mines and improvised explosive devices. Add in sniper gunfire, heavy artillery, and wounded warriors. How can the United States military safely evacuate its casualties without endangering the rescuers? Given the mountainous terrain and inclement weather, which restrict the use of MEDEVAC helicopters, reaching casualties is one thing. Treating them while getting them off the battlefield, under fire, to combat support hospitals is another. Minutes saved using litter assist to load wounded warriors into a mine-resistant ambush-protected ambulance can make the difference between life and death. The Medical Support Systems Project Management Office at the U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command’s Medical Materiel Development Activity works with military, government, and industry partners to improve equipment and evacuation capabilities, giving minutes back, saving lives. MRAP vehicles are armored vehicles with a blast-resistant, V-bottomed hull designed to protect the crew from mine blasts, fragmentary and direct-fire weapons. “The existing litter loading system on MaxxPro Plus solid-axle ambulances used in Operation Enduring Freedom does not fully meet objective requirements for safe and easily accessible litter loading,” said Jaime Lee, Medical Support Systems Project Management Office product manager. “The current MaxxPro Plus ambulance re-
Loading a casualty into the back of an MRAP MaxxPro ambulance now requires four men ascending a step ladder.
Photo by U.S. Army
New MaxxPro Plus ambulance configuration, with litters side by side. Litters fold down over seats. Note patient on litter at left. Seat at the end of the aisle is for the medic. The Plus ambulance can accommodate two litter patients or up to five ambulatory patients. Photo courtesy of Navistar Defense quires four soldiers to lift and load, so that medics and casualties remain safe during medical evacuation.” Loading a casualty into and out of the back of a current MRAP MaxxPro ambulance is a time- and labor-intensive task. The back of the ambulance is elevated and requires a step ladder to enter the back hatch.
Whether it’s making an interception,
Uparmored MRAP MaxxPro Plus ambulance with independent suspension and dual rear wheels. Photo by U.S. Army
or intercepting your toddler...
See ASSIST, continued on page 10
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www.mdsportscare.com Fort Detrick Standard October 4, 2013
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Fort Detrick Community Gathers for Fall Fest 2013 NICK MINECCI USAG PAO
Hundreds of members of the Fort Detrick community, Soldiers, families and friends, gathered under blue skies and warm autumn weather on the Blue and Gray Field Oct. 29 for Fort Detrick’s Fall Fest. Attendees had a variety of activities to take in; two moon bounces, animals for feeding and petting, pony rides, face painting, games, food and music provided by The Jazz Ambassadors of the U.S. Army Field Band.
The Jazz Ambassadors played a variety of songs, including big band swing, Latin, contemporary jazz, standards, Dixieland and patriotic selections. At the end of the day they played Retreat as the flag was lowered. “This is such a great day, I can’t believe they were able to put together something that has everything for people from grandparents to grandkids,” said Shawn Coulter, a senior program analyst with the U.S. Army Medical Materiel Development Activity. “It’s such a beautiful day, this is something really special. I’m glad I brought the family here today, and will be looking forward to it again next year.”
When Americus, a 2-year-old potbelly pig, isn’t entertaining kids at Fort Detrick’s Fall Fest, she lives on a farm in Jefferson, Md.
Photo by Ellen Crown, USAMRMC PAO
4-year-old Brooke has the bounce house to herself at Fort Detrick’s Fall Fest, Sept. 29. Photo by Ellen Crown, USAMRMC PAO
Tracy Chrovian, a Fort Detrick MWR volunteer, organizes garden herbs with her husband and daughter. They distributed the plants to Fall Fest attendees, hoping to encourage a new crop of gardeners. Photo by Ellen Crown, USAMRMC PAO
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The U.S. flag is lowered in front of Bldg. 810 as The Jazz Ambassadors play Retreat during the Fort Detrick Fall Fest, Sept. 29. Photo by Nick Minecci, USAG PAO
Sustaining a community of excellence through restoration, environmental stewardship and workforce development
Seymour Takes Helm of Naval Medical Logistics Command JULIUS L. EVANS NMLC PAO
Capt. Mary Seymour replaced Capt. James B. Poindexter III as Commanding Officer of the Naval Medical Logistics Command on Sept. 5. In a ceremony featuring special guest speaker Rear Adm. Donald R. Gintzig, Deputy Surgeon General (Acting), Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, Capt. Seymour accepted the reins of command with the simple phrase, “I am ready to relieve you sir.” Rear Adm. Gintzig explained NMLC’s unique role at the event, sharing that the command ensures that all forces remain afloat and military treatment facilities around the globe have world-class medical equipment on-hand to treat our nation’s warfighters and their families. He thanked the outgoing commander for his dedicated service stating, “Bernie has done everything we have asked of him and he has done it efficiently, on schedule, and in many instances, on or under budget.” During his tenure, Poindexter oversaw the acquisition of three mobile Magnetic Resonance Imaging systems sent to Afghanistan to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of mild traumatic brain injury. “Nothing like this had ever been attempted before and Bernie ensured it went off flawlessly,” said Gintzig. “It has truly been an extraordinary honor and privilege to serve as the commanding officer of the Naval Medical Logistics Command over the last three years and I could spend considerable
Capt. Mary Seymour thanked ceremony attendees. time today talking about our significant accomplishments and value to Navy Medicine,” said Rear Adm. Gintzig presents Capt. James B. Poindexter III with a Legion of Merit Award for his Capt. Poindexter said in a heartsuccess as the outgoing NMLC Commanding Officer. Photos courtesy of NMLC felt speech. He expressed his confidence in Seymour’s ability branch head for all officer selec“NMLC has proven that it is an challenges and opportunities. to lead the command along its Seymour admitted that, for tion boards, in Millington, Tenn. agile force capable of providing lojourney towards continued progistics and acquisition support to now, those challenges and oppor- She was Director for Resources at cess improvement and enhanced Navy and Marine Corps customers tunities will include re-acclimating the U.S. Naval Hospital Rota, Spain operational relevance. at home and abroad and a willing herself to the day-to-day activities and U.S. Navy Bureau of Medicine Seymour accepted her posi- partner to its Air Force and Army of overseeing the administration of and Surgery. tion having previously served counterparts, ensuring that today’s individualized, state-of-the-art soSeymour attended the Naval as Comptroller at the Annapolis warfighters are always the first pri- lutions to meet customers’ medi- Postgraduate School in Monterey, Naval Medical Clinic, and as De- ority,” said Seymour stated in her cal materiel and healthcare service Calif., earning a Master of Science partment Head for the Materials remarks. She added that as the com- needs world-wide. degree in Management specializManagement and Management mand embarks on its new journey, Prior to working in Annapo- ing in financial management. She Information where she noted she resource constraints and the De- lis, Seymour served as the Navy earned her second Master of Scideveloped a passion for being a fense Health Agency transition will Personnel Command’s technical ence degree in National Security logistician, or “logtroller,” as she inevitably impact the way it con- advisor for all staff corps promo- Strategy from the National War ducts business, presenting unique tion selection boards and as the College in June 2013. jokingly referred to the role.
Forest Glen Fire Department Staff Recognized On Oct. 2, the staff at Forest Glen Fire Department were recognized for their actions during a fire on Apr. 2, where mutual aid was provided to Montgomery County for an apartment building fire with the report of persons trapped. On arrival, the crew from Engine 754 assisted with rescue and evacuations of the building occupants. For their life saving efforts, pictured from left to right, firefighter Karen Montgomery, firefighter Curtis King, firefighter Jon Hollen and Captain George Keefer, were recipients of a unit citation award presented by Chief Steve Lohr, Montgomery County Division of Fire and Rescue. Photo by Fire Chief Brian Wheeler
Sustaining a community of excellence through restoration, environmental stewardship and workforce development
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WELLNESS, continued from page 3
due for a pap smear or mammogram to schedule an appointment Oct. 21-25, by calling 301-619-4674. Flu Vaccination: DOD civilians and eligible military beneficiaries may receive influenza vaccinations in building 1507, Oct. 15-17 from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Eligible dependent children and families may receive vaccinations Oct. 18, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Group Discussions: The clinic will begin offering discussion groups starting Nov. 6, on topics ranging from pain management to coping with chronic illness. For more information please contact Capt. Patricia Alvarez at 301-619-4674. Army Wellness Center Assessments: On Nov. 7, the clinic is hosting personnel from the Carlisle Barracks Army Wellness Center at Fort Detrick. Staff will be available to meet with soldiers, dependents, retirees and DA civilians to assess their health and nutrition and provide management techniques empowering participants to maintain a healthy lifestyle, prevent illness and seek care as required. Individuals interested in enrolling in the program may contact Sgt. 1st Class Randolph Canzater at 301-619-4661.
Pooch Plunge
Bike Night Brings Experienced and New Riders Together CHARLES HARRIDAY
USAG INSTALLATION SAFETY MANAGEMENT OFFICE
Family and MWR hosted “Pooch Plunge” on Sept. 21 at the Fort Detrick outdoor pool. The event brought more than 25 canines that enjoyed one last dip before the pool is winterized and closed for the season. Photo by Alisa Hill
The Fort Detrick Installation Safety Management Office and Telemedicine and Advanced Technology Research Center co-hosted the first ever Fort Detrick Bike Night on Aug. 29. The night brought together retired or active duty military, and Department of Defense civilian motorcyclist enthusiasts. Organizers sponsored Bike Night to provide a fun and social environment for motorcyclists of all ages, experience and affiliations. The gathering provided senior motorcyclists the opportunity to mentor new riders and share their riding encounters and knowledge. Most riders believe that sharing stories and exchanging safety information will lower high-risk behavior. Riders also enjoyed competitions including a slow roll and bragging rights for the cleanest ride.
Company A, 53rd Signal Battalion Host International Partners to Discuss Satellite Communications CAPT. MARK T. ANDERSON
CO. A, 53RD SIGNAL BATTALION COMMANDER
International partners from Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and New Zealand, joined United States representatives of Company A, 53rd Signal Battalion, at the Alpha Company Global Satellite Center on Fort Detrick, Sept. 23, to discuss a memorandum of understanding between the international partners related to global satellite communications. The MOU is a 20-year agreement, established in January 2012, with three main objectives: to cooperatively enhance the WGS System capability through addition of a ninth satellite; to enhance the basis for long-term cooperation in military satellite communications that is mutually beneficial and promotes interoperability amongst strategic allies; and to develop and document cooperative concepts of operation, operating instructions and procedures. The agreement provides the foundation for Canada, Luxembourg (and Belgium as a Third-Party via Luxembourg sponsorship), the Netherlands, and New Zealand, to become partners in the Wideband Global Satellite System. Alpha Company executes transmissions and satellite control for WGS satellites. By providing these control capabilities, Alpha Company supports assured access to WGS system resources for the International Partners. The MOU provides these international partners access to WGS resources commensurate with their contribution to the program. This means each international partner contributed funding that correlates with the amount of WGS system resources provided. Alpha Company enables the MOU partnership by providing transmissions control capabilities. In addition to hosting the Project Status Review, Alpha Company led an operational controller discussion. Participants from each nation engaged in a dialogue with WSOC Controllers, which included best practices and lessons learned.
For more news from other bases around the Washington, D.C. area,
visit www.dcmilitary.com 01040290
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Headquarters Celebrates Quarterly Awardees RestorativeTransplantation Research Cooperative Agreement Awarded
HEATHER MCDOWELL DUONG USAMRMC PAO
The U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command hosted its quarterly awards ceremony followed by a potluck at Bldg. 810, Sept. 23, handing out awards to more than 25 military and civilian recipients. Maj. Gen. Joseph Caravalho, Jr., kicked off the ceremony emphasizing the importance of recognizing the extraordinary achievements and dedication of awardees, or “super stars,” as he proudly referred to them. Awardees received honors ranging from the prestigious Meritorious Service Medal, presented to Col. Dan Kral, Lt. Col. Philip Smith, and Maj. Sarah Goldman, to certificates representing five years of service. Other awards handed out at the ceremony included the Army Achievement Medal, the Commander’s Award for Civilian Service, the Certificate of Appreciation, and several other awards. Honoree Dr. Katherine Moore, who received the Commander’s Award for Civilian Service, echoed the sentiments expressed by other recipients when she remarked how she attributes her successes to a strong and enthusiastic team.
CAREY PHILLIPS USAMMDA PAO
USAMRMC hosts its quarterly awards ceremony Sept. 23 at its headquarters in Bldg. 810. Walter Orellana (center), joined by his daughter Adriana Orellana, accepted his Certificate of Achievement presented by Capt. Kathryn Repucci (right) and handed out by Maj. Gen. Joseph Caravalho, Jr. (left).
Photo by Heather McDowell Duong
Reflecting on his award, Walter Orellana shared, “I would like to thank my MRMC family for the support they have shown me, enabling me to receive this recognition of achievement. This award exemplifies ‘team’ because the combination of the command and
my family made this all possible.” Ceremony attendees continued to celebrate team camaraderie at a tailgate-themed potluck immediately following the ceremony. Staff members brought their favorite foods, from chicken and sandwiches to cupcakes and brownies.
The U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command announced the award of eight cooperative agreements to two consortia in support of the Restorative Transplantation Research Program. This program, which is part of the Clinical and Rehabilitative Medicine Research Program, is funded through the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs, Defense Health Program Research and Development Office. As part of its regenerative and restorative research, USAMRMC has supported 10 hand transplants and four face transplants during the past five years. “This innovative work has the potential to make a significant impact on improving the function, wellness, and overall quality of life for injured military service members, veterans and the American public,” said Kathleen Berst, acting director of the Regenerative
and Restorative Medicine Management Team at the U.S. Army Medical Materiel Development Activity. The first consortium is led by Emory University and supported by the University of Maryland, the Christine M. Kleinert Institute for Hand and Microsurgery at the University of Louisville and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. The second consortium is led by Johns Hopkins University and supported by the Massachusetts General Hospital and the McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh. The consortia will focus on several research topics, including immune tolerance to enhance the patient’s acceptance of the transplant, new techniques to lengthen the time surgeons have to transplant the tissue, and processes to make monitoring of such transplants uniform across the institutions that perform the surgeries.
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“A time trial, using a four-man team without gear in a secure environment to load a litter bearing a 200-pound soldier, took more than four minutes and involved some safety issues, such as the litter team losing balance while ascending the step ladder,” said Lee. “Once the litter is inside the ambulance, maneuvering the casualty and litter on to the litter support arms is very awkward, because space is limited,” said Lee. If soldiers did not need to climb the stairs while loading the litter and then readjust the litter onto the litter support arms, the physical demands would be lessened on the litter team.” The MSS PMO mission is to develop, procure, and sustain the best medical evacuation, combat casualty care support, and operational and preventive medicine solutions for the combat soldier. “The solution is the MRAP MaxxPro Plus long wheel base vehicle with the litter assist system retrofitted from the MaxxPro Dash DXM variant of MRAP vehicles,” said Lee. “The loading and unloading takes less than a minute and is much safer and easier to use than the current system. Using the Dash ambulance litter loading system would eliminate the difficulty of climbing stairs to load the litter.” The Army Medical Department verified the load time at a review in Detroit, when the kit was first installed.
The Vice Chief of Staff of The Army selected the MRAP III study course of action on Mar. 14. Currently, 301 MaxxPro Plus vehicles with independent suspension systems will be converted to ambulances. AMEDD worked with the Joint MRAP Vehicle Program and found that the MRAP Dash litter loading system was an acceptable course of action for the Plus ambulance. “AMEDD has a contract in place through Tank Automotive Research, Development, and Engineering Center to install a retrofitted Dash system into a government-owned Plus ambulance for user evaluation, coordinated with the Joint MRAP Vehicle Program,” said Lee. “Work is expected to be finished 4th quarter of FY13.” Why not use the very maneuverable MaxxPro Dash ambulance itself? The Army Test and Evaluation Command completed the limited user test of the Dash DXM ambulance with the independent suspension system in November 2011 at Yuma Proving Ground, Ariz., in accordance with the Director of Operational Test & Evaluationapproved test plan. The ambulance kit was inserted into the Dash MRAP vehicles in FY12. DOT&E provided an operational assessment of the Dash DXM ambulance in August 2012: The patient compartment is small, and litter births are not long enough to accommodate patients taller than 5 feet 11 inches. The small interior does not store enough medical equipment and hampers the ability of the medic to treat patients. Aligning the litter into the
rail system is often difficult while loading patients into the Dash ambulance. On the other hand, the Dash ambulance vehicle is reliable and survivable. The Dash litter loading system will be retrofitted into a government-owned MaxxPro Plus vehicle with independent suspension for test and evaluation. The MaxxPro Acquisition Program Management team plans to take the demonstrator vehicle design and complete an engineering change proposal in January 2014 for potential production of retrofit kits. AMEDD and Navistar Defense, builder of the MaxxPro line of vehicles, through TARDEC/Primus, are working together to create a demonstrator Plus ambulance retrofitted with a Dash litter loading system to conduct a limited user test. To better handle the tough terrain, USAMMDA worked with Navistar Defense to retrofit vehicles with an independent suspension system that dampens the rough ride and is critical to prevent further damage to wounded warriors, especially to those with traumatic brain injuries. According to John Akalaonu, deputy program manager for the Navistar Defense MaxxPro family of vehicles, the solid axles were replaced by putting the MRAP MaxxPro Base vehicle body onto a new rolling chassis with independent suspension and bigger engine to create the long wheel base MaxxPro Plus that will be used for the 301 new ambulances. The Dash, which was designed to be lighter, smaller, and with a shorter turning
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radius, has a shorter wheelbase. “The chassis swap gained 18 inches in length,” said Scott Zion, MaxxPro chief engineer. The litter can comfortably carry Soldiers taller than 6 feet 3 inches (the Army standard). “The litter loading sequence takes about 15 seconds,” said Akalaonu. “Unloading is about the same, with a maximum of 20 seconds. Two people are required to load and secure a patient in the long wheel base ambulance.” The litter trolley is wider in the prototype to handle more kinds of litters, and the alignment is adjustable. Magnets along the trolley rails help keep the litter aligned and in place. The landing brackets have been increased, and the litter arms are stationary. The rear dual-wheeled design helps carry increased payload, such as the ambulance kit. The Plus was further modified to accommodate additional armoring for more protection against explosively formed penetrators. “Medical Research and Materiel Command has always worked closely with the program managers at Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command to design, develop, build, test and field ambulances for the DoD,” said Lee. “The MaxxPro Plus ambulance with this new litter loading system is truly a state of the art vehicle for medical evacuation.” “We have now achieved our objective requirement,” said Hawbecker. “The MaxxPro Plus ambulance retrofit is a move forward to safeguarding medics and their wounded warriors at point of injury.”
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