Vol. 32, No. 4
October 16, 2015
USAMRMC Holds Change of Responsibility Ceremony Crystal Maynard
USAMRMC Public Affairs
During a change of responsibility ceremony, the U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command bid farewell to Command Sgt. Maj. Cy B.K. Akana and welcomed Command Sgt. Maj. David M. Rogers as the command’s senior enlisted advisor Oct. 2 at the Fort Detrick Auditorium. Before a crowd of leadership, Soldiers, family and friends, Akana relinquished responsibility to Rogers by passing him the noncommissioned officer’s sword. The passing of the sword signifies the relinquishing of responsibility and authority from the outgoing and incoming command sergeant major. The sword represents the “cutting edge” of professionalism and the living spirit of the organization and its mission. Maj. Gen. Brian C. Lein, commander of the USAMRMC and Fort Detrick, praised Akana and his work ethic
during his remarks. “You can tell the quality of command sergeant major by the amount of time he is at his desk,” said Lein. “Command Sgt. Maj. Akana was never at his desk. He was out, interacting with the community. He was a mentor and role model for all.” Akana enlisted in the Army in 1983 to serve as a combat medic. During his career, Akana has served in every leadership position from squad leader to command sergeant major. In his role as the USAMRMC command sergeant major, Akana was the top enlisted Soldier in Fort Detrick’s medical command units and worked as an advocate for other enlisted Soldiers. “I have been very privileged to work with this command where their work has eased human suffering and saved lives across the globe,” said Akana in his brief and heartfelt comments. “It has been a true honor to serve this command and community.”
Akana, who arrived at the USAMRMC in November 2013 from his previous position at Western Regional Medical Command in Washington, will be retiring from the Army in the coming months. In his first address as the USAMRMC’s senior enlisted advisor, Rogers thanked Akana and said he was well aware of the responsibility he was undertaking. “Command Sgt. Maj. Akana, I will not let you down, and I will continue to build on your successes during my time here at the USAMRMC,” said Rogers. “And to the command, I promise to keep lines of communication open as your senior enlisted advisor, and we will accomplish the mission through teamwork.” The Seattle native, who holds a bachelor’s degree in computer information systems and a master’s degree of business administration, Rogers comes to the USAMRMC from the U.S. Army Medical Department Activity — Alaska.
Command Sgt. Maj. David M. Rogers (left) the U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command’s new senior enlisted advisor during a change of responsibility ceremony Oct. 2.
Photo by USAG VI
Brosch Awarded Major Jonathan Letterman Award for Medical Excellence Crystal Maynard
USAMRMC Public Affairs
Dr. Laura Ruse Brosch (center), Ph.D., R.N., received the top honor at the National Museum of Civil War Medicine’s eighth annual Major Jonathan Letterman Award Dinner Oct. 8 in Bethesda, Maryland.
Courtesy photo
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The U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command’s Dr. Laura Ruse Brosch, Ph.D., R.N., received the top honor at the National Museum of Civil War Medicine’s eighth annual Major Jonathan Letterman Award Dinner Oct. 8 in Bethesda, Maryland. In addition to Brosch, the other USAMRMC subordinate commands and employees recognized as 2015 Letterman nominees were: • Dr. John Frazier Glenn, Ph.D., USAMRMC principal assistant for Research and Technology • Dr. Charles Gary Hurst, M.D., U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense director of the Chemical Casualty Care Division
• Col. Bryan Smith, M.D., USAMMDA product manager for Intravenous Artesunate • Dr. Jason M. Wilken, MPT, Ph.D., U.S. Army Medical Department’s Brooke Army Medical Center director of the Military Performance Lab • Col. Kirby R. Gross, M.D., USAISR director of the Joint Theater Trauma System • Joint Trauma System - U.S. Army Institute of Surgical Research • U.S. Army Medical Material Development Activity The Letterman Award was established to celebrate Maj. Jonathan Letterman’s visionary work as medical director of the Army of the Potomac. He is credited as being the originator of the modern methods
for medical organization in armies or battlefield medical management. His system or organization enabled thousands of wounded men to be recovered and treated during the Civil War. The award recognizes those who keep his tradition of medical innovation alive today. “I was so surprised and honored to win this award,” said Brosch, adding that she sees the award as really a recognition of her entire team rather than herself as an individual. A retired Army Nurse Corps colonel, Brosch is the director of the Office of Research Protections at the USAMRMC. Brosch was nominated for her work by Col. Todd RasmusSee AWARD, continued on page 6
What’s Inside
Flashback Friday, p. 3
Cancer Claims Crusader Against Veteran Suicides, p. 4
Traveling Exchange Program for Regenerative Medicine, p. 5
Depressed? Be Courageous, Ask for Help For far too long, depression has been something that people, especially Service Members, have been embarrassed to discuss. It is time for this to change. October is National Depression Education and Awareness Month, and it is time to start talking about depression and the resources that exist to offer assistance. Depression is an illness, and it can affect anyone regardless of age, ethnic background, socioeconomic status or gender. It has no single cause; often, it results from a combination of things. Depression can affect your job, relationships or home life. The good news is that depression can be treated. Psychological health problems are the second leading cause of evacuation during prolonged and/or repeated deployments. Of returning Warriors, 20-40 percent has behavioral health problems after deployment, mostly related to PTSD, depression and interpersonal conflict. Symptoms of depression may include persistent sadness, difficulty concentrating, feelings of hopelessness or helplessness, fatigue, changes in appetite, insomnia, irritability, persistent aches and pains, and in some instances, thoughts of suicide. While everyone feels sad or low at some time in their life, it is time to seek help when these feelings persist and begin to interfere with everyday life. Significant strides have been made to better protect, identify and restore the psychological and behavioral health of our Warfighters, but make no mistake, even with these advances there is always room for improve-
ment. The Army is conducting research to learn more about depression and ways to help afflicted Service Members. One of those programs is the U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command’s Military Operational Medicine Research Program. Their Psychological Health and Resilience research is focused on prevention, treatment and recovery of Soldiers and families behavioral health which are critical to force health and readiness. Research like this is a driving force to protecting our Warfighters, our most important asset. The earlier treatment begins for depression, the more effective it is and the greater the likelihood that recurrence can be prevented. If you are experiencing depression or suspect that a family member or friend may be depressed, contact your primary care physician or a behavioral health professional for screening and to get the care needed. The Department of Defense offers anonymous behavioral health assessments for Soldiers, family members and civilians 24 hours a day, seven days a week online at www.militarymentalhealth.org, and the Fort Detrick Barquist Army Health Clinic has an internal behavioral health consultant that can do screening, education, referrals for medication and cognitive behavioral therapies. Appointments can be made through your primary care manager, or by calling (301) 619-7175. If you are depressed getting help is the courageous thing to do, and the Army and your Fort Detrick community are here to support you.
Army Family Action Plan Conference The AFAP conference this year will be held Nov. 2-4. The AFAP provides active and reserve component Soldiers, Army civilians, family members, survivors and retirees a voice in shaping their standards of living by identifying issues and concerns for Army senior leadership resolution. If you want to submit an issue, please contact (301) 619-3171 to get a form. The conference is also in need of delegates to participate in the conference. If you are an employee on Fort Detrick/Forest Glen and would like to participate in the conference as a delegate, then the conference will be considered your place of duty. If you are not employed, but are a volunteer and would like to participate as a delegate, you can count your participation as volunteer time. For more information, call (301) 619-3171.
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October is National Depression Education and Awareness Month, which aims to raise awareness about the causes, treatments and realities of depression, affecting one in 10 U.S. adults, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Reaching out is a sign of strength and the sooner service members and veterans reach out for treatment, the sooner they can recover. U.S. Army photo illustration by Pfc. Paige Pendleton, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs Office
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Fort Detrick Standard October 16, 2015
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 Be Kind
By Matthew Jeffries USAG Chaplain
Today, I received an email with a packet of information to promote anti-bullying in the workplace. The theme for this year is “Choose Respect.” I was surprised to receive it as I was not aware that bullying in the workplace was an issue. I have been fortunate in my career to have worked with great people who continually set the example as professional Soldiers and government service employees. I have known some who have had to deal with toxic leadership that abused their position of authority and made other’s lives miserable. However, I have been very fortunate to have worked with great people over the years. I wish this was the experience for everyone. In reading through this information, I also began to wonder when we lost the ability to be kind to each other. As adults it seems odd to have to be reminded to treat each other with respect and kindness. I guess I always thought the rules of kindergarten still applied: Keep your hands to yourself, don’t take someone else’s cookies and if you don’t have something nice to say, don’t say anything at all. I know the world is not always that simple, but if we apply the larger principle of respect and kindness I think we could make progress towards doing away with bullying, harassment and abuse. As a person of faith, the lessons of scripture reinforce the idea of being respectful to others by following the “golden rule.” “... You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets,” Matthew 22:37-40 ESV. My faith teaches me to share kindness and charity for
those who are not as fortunate as I am. Matthew 25:35-36 instructs me to care for the sick, feed the hungry, give the thirsty something to drink, welcome the stranger, cloth the naked and visit the prisoner. Thank you to my parents, school teachers and Sunday school teachers who took the time to teach a kid growing up in Georgia to treat others with kindness and respect. I am fortunate to have been taught to choose respect from an early age. This month, and every other month of the year, take time to be kind. Do something special for someone else and take time to give to a charity that supports a cause that is important to you. I sponsor a child through an international organization and give to various causes through the Combined Federal Campaign. These are easy ways to give back to those that haven’t necessarily been as fortunate as I have. I encourage you to give to one of the charities supporting the disaster relief efforts in South Carolina. As we work together to stop abuse whether it is bullying at work or domestic violence at home, let us commit ourselves to making our communities a place of respect and kindness towards one another. Don’t forget there are a lot of great activities happening on post this October. Oktoberfest is Oct. 17 and is sponsored by the Family, Morale, Welfare and Recreation directorate. The U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command will be doing Trunk or Treat behind the gym on the evening of Oct. 30. The Chapel will have a Harvest Fest at the chapel on the afternoon of Oct. 30. Between FMWR, the USAMRMC and the chapel, the kids of Fort Detrick should have plenty of fun and plenty of candy!
Flag Football Playoff Brackets
Cuban Missile Crisis Impact on Fort Detrick Nick Minecci
USAG Public Affairs
It was 53 years ago today when President John F. Kennedy was informed that reconnaissance photographs revealed the presence of Soviet missile bases in Cuba. On Oct. 22, 1962, Kennedy gave a televised address and informed the public about the missiles and that he ordered a naval blockade around Cuba, prepared to use military force, if necessary, to neutralize this perceived threat to national security. The world watched with many believing the U.S. and Soviet Union were on the brink of nuclear war. Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev avoided war with the U.S. when he offered to remove the missiles in exchange for the U.S. promising not to invade Cuba, and the U.S. secretly agreed to remove their own missiles from Turkey. Following the crisis, in August 1963 the U.S. and Soviet governments established a “hotline” via undersea cable to avoid any future crisis. In the early 1970s, the U.S. and USSR signed an agreement utilizing satellite communications in the “hotline” system and a special earth station was built at Fort Detrick to operate over the Russian satellite system. After an extended test period in August 1978, the Detrick Earth Station became part of the “hotline” system, and in August 2013 celebrated its 50th anniversary.
This Aug. 30, 1963, file photo shows the White House-to-Kremlin “hot line” providing direct communication for emergency use by the Chief of Staff in Washington and Moscow, becoming operational. Air Force Sgt. John Bretoski, left, and Army Lt. Col. Charles Fitzgerald, right, operate the equipment in the Pentagon during a test run. File Photo
In and Around Fort Detrick BAHC Closed Barquist Army Health Clinic will be closed on Oct. 23 from 12 - 4:30 p.m. Barquist Army Health Clinic Flu Vaccines Oct. 26-29 Barquist Army Health Clinic will begin offering flu vaccinations Oct. 26 for all eligible Tricare beneficiaries and current DOD civilians. No appointment necessary. Stop by the flu clinics taking place at Odom Physical Fitness Center Gymnasium, Building 1507: Oct. 26-29 from 10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Oct. 30 from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Nov. 4 from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Protect yourself and others. Get your flu vaccine. *Common Access Card or DOD Beneficiary ID card required. *Military beneficiaries will be vaccinated as scheduled Oct. 19-23, schedules have been distributed. Toastmasters Club Looking to develop speaking and leadership skills? Win that job interview? Ignite your career? Join the Fort Detrick Toastmaster club. Meeting schedules: 2nd and 4th Tuesdays from noon - 1 p.m. at the NCI Library, Cafeteria & Conference Center, 549 Sultan Drive.
Sustaining a community of excellence through restoration, environmental stewardship and workforce development
TRICARE Education Booth There will be a TRICARE education booth at the following places and times: Oct. 28 - Barquist Clinic Atrium Nov. 5 - Fort Detrick Commissary Nov. 19 - Barquist Clinic Atrium Trunk or Treat Trunk or Treat will be held Oct. 30 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. in the parking lot behind Odom Fitness Center/Bldg. 1520 To reserve a spot, please email melisa.e.natapraya.mil@mail.mil or kathryn.l.buckland.mil@mail.mil by Oct. 23. Oktoberfest Saturday, Oct. 17 | Noon - 4 p.m. Nallin Pond Recreation Area Dig out your Dirndls and Lederhosen and join us as we celebrate the German tradition of Oktoberfest. The event will kick off with a Volks Run/Walk starting/ending at Nallin Pond. Run starts at 8 a.m. Open to families and pet (stroller friendly course). No preregistration required. Other activities include: Pumpkin Patch • Pumpkin Chunkin (registration required) • Face Painting • Fire Prevention Awareness • Moon Bounces • Pony Ride • Photo Booth • Balloon Artist For more information, visit http://detrick.armymwr. com/us/detrick/detrick-events/oktoberfest/?eID=284919 or call (301) 619-4079/3237. Fort Detrick Standard October 16, 2015
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Cancer Claims Crusader Against Veteran Suicides Bob Reinert
USAG Natick Public Affairs
A retired Army major, who had devoted the final months of his life to raise awareness of veteran suicides, died of colon cancer after a long, courageous fight. Retired Maj. Justin Fitch, 33, the former Headquarters Research and Development Detachment, or HRDD, commander at Natick Soldier Research, Development and Engineering Center, died in his hometown of Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin, Oct. 3. Fitch used his own story to shed light on veteran suicides. While serving in Iraq in 2007, Fitch had contemplated taking his own life. He got to the point where he was sitting in his shipping-container sleeping quarters with the barrel of his M-4 rifle in his mouth. “It’s OK to seek help,” said Fitch later. “You can get help. Look at me.” His victory over suicide and subsequent three-plus-year cancer fight became a compelling human interest story that attracted national media attention, giving a platform from which he pointed out that 22 veteran suicides were occurring daily. He often noted that some 8,000 veterans — more than all those Service Members who had died in the entire Global War on Terrorism — had killed themselves each year. “We’re raising awareness, and that’s very important,” said Fitch last April. “Part of fixing a problem is knowing that a problem exists. [Suicide is] a very taboo topic with a lot of stigma. It’s just not talked about.” Fitch endured dozens of chemotherapy treatments and numerous surgeries while continuing his duties as HRDD commander at Natick, serving as a powerful example for his Soldiers. In his off hours, Fitch participated in long ruck marches as the leader of “Team Minuteman,” part of the “Carry the Fallen” organization that works to raise awareness of veteran suicides. Though doctors once gave him just months to live, Fitch shrugged off their estimates to
continue what he always called his “final mission,” reducing the number of daily veteran suicides to zero. He would go to any lengths to tell that story — even if it meant allowing a TV crew in to shoot video while he received chemotherapy. More than once during a media interview, Fitch had to apologize, stop suddenly, and allow a wave of pain to wash over him. He would then collect himself and continue to answer more questions. Because his own story of near-suicide was playing out so publicly, Fitch was often approached by other veterans who were at risk. He gave out his cell phone number freely, and he answered that phone whenever it rang — day or night. “If all we do is just save one life, one that wouldn’t have been saved otherwise,” Fitch often said, “I say that’s mission success.” Soldiers and civilians at Natick Soldier Systems Center, or NSSC, Fitch’s last duty station before his medical retirement in December 2014, paused for a moment of silence, Oct. 5, at the flagpole in front of the NSSC headquarters building. Many also took time to share their favorite memories of him. “He was a commander who took care of his Soldiers,” said Brig. Gen. William Cole, NSSC senior commander. “He took the time to get to know them, learn about them and share with them. He gave them wise counsel on how to succeed in the Army and also in life. “If anyone represented what Ready and Resilient means ... it was Justin Fitch. Our Army is better because Maj. Fitch served. The Natick Soldier Systems Center is better because Maj. Fitch touched so many here.” Kristen Heavens said it was difficult for her to find enough words to describe Fitch. “He woke up every morning knowing that he would be in pain, yet he made the decision to not only fight it head on, but to have a positive outlook,” said Heavens. “This man embodied each of the Army values deeply, and I’m honored to have known him.”
Retired Maj. Justin Fitch, 33, the former Headquarters Research and Development Detachment commander at Natick Soldier Research, Development and Engineering Center, died in his hometown of Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin, Oct. 3. File photo
His former first sergeant, Brian Gemmill, recalled how Fitch always went the extra mile to achieve what others thought couldn’t be done. “His mental resiliency far outmatched his physical state, and he never let his cancer slow him down,” said Gemmill. “I think that everyone who knew him feels the same way. Justin Fitch lived his life and died trying to solve complex problems, never giving in to common excuses and absolutely never taking no for an answer.” Staff Sgt. Shaun Morand spoke of Fitch’s leadership qualities, which he witnessed at Natick. “He didn’t stop leading Soldiers when their military time was done, or even when his
was,” said Morand. “He just took care of them with every bit of strength he could muster and until his final breath. I’m proud to have known him, and I hope to carry on his mission and make him proud. His legacy carries on in the lives he saved and the lives he changed.” Note: Natick is also home to the U.S. Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, internationally recognized as the DoD’s premier laboratory for Warfighter health and performance research and focuses on environmental medicine, physiology, physical and cognitive performance, and nutrition research. The USARIEM is a sub-command of the U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command.
Military-Friendly Modifications to the Maryland Divorce Process Yosefi Seltzer
Legal Assistance Attorney Fort George G. Meade
The process for filing for divorce in Maryland is not quick or easy compared to other states. Currently, a “no-contest” divorce requires the parties to reside apart for at least 12 months without interruption and for at least one of the parties to reside in Maryland for a one year before filing. Changing the laws is no easy task. Many legislators and advocates have attempted for many years to make it easier and faster to get divorced, without success. This year, two pieces of legislation were introduced and passed by both chambers of the Maryland legislature, and were signed into law by Governor Larry Hogan, becoming effective Oct. 1. Both will make it easier and faster for some military Service Members and spouses to file for divorce in Maryland. The first bill, SB 472 Family Law —
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Fort Detrick Standard October 16, 2015
Grounds for Divorce — Mutual Consent, will allow parties without children of the marriage to file for an Absolute (final) Divorce after entering into a Marital Separation Agreement, eliminating the need for 12 months of legal separation. The second bill, HB 1185 Family Law — Application for Divorce — Residency Requirement, reduces the Maryland residency requirement from 12 to 6 months. Together, the bills reduce the length of time the parties must reside in Maryland and wait in order to file for divorce. Until now, the most challenging difficulties were the 12-month residency requirement and the 12-month legal separation Maryland requires in “uncontested” filings for divorce. Military couples are transient by definition: spouses often are in Maryland simply because they were living with the Service Member but seek to move elsewhere for family support, education or job
opportunities, but are often stuck in Maryland until their absolute divorce is finalized. Moreover, service members who deploy or receive permanent change of station orders must to move out-of-state. In both situations, residency requirements to file for divorce would be in jeopardy, which could prevent either party from filing here. Starting Oct. 1, SB472 allows parties without children of the marriage to enter into a marital separation agreement, then immediately proceed with filing for an absolute divorce without having to wait an entire year of legal separation-assuming at least one of the parties meets the residency requirement to file, which will be reduced to six months, thanks to the enactment of HB1185. Although each addresses different requirements to file for divorce in Maryland, both would make it easier for certain military couples seeking to file in
Sustaining a community of excellence through restoration, environmental stewardship and workforce development
Maryland to do so before one or both relocate out-of-state. By definition, marital separation agreements are a way to eliminate conflict in divorce cases. They achieve amicable results and minimize court time replacing the costs and time involved with litigation and legal jurisdictional challenges that are created if the parties relocate out of Maryland before the divorce proceedings are completed. In uncontested cases, marital separation agreements and divorce pleadings can be prepared by many military legal assistance offices within the Military District of Washington for Service Members, retirees and dependents free of charge. Active and retired members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families may call (301) 619-2221 for an appointment with an attorney in the Fort Detrick Legal Assistance Office to discuss questions about divorce and other family law matters.
Traveling Exchange Program for Regenerative Medicine Erin Bolling
USAMMDA Public Affairs The U.S. Army Medical Materiel Development Activity’s Tissue Injury and Regenerative Medicine Program Management Office managed a Regenerative Medicine Traveling Exchange Program in mid-September. The program provides an opportunity for medical fellows to visit medical research sites across the United States to learn in-depth about regenerative medicine research. The medical fellows who were selected are Army, Navy and Air Force physicians with an interest in regenerative medicine research. The five fellows selected this year were: • Lt. Cmdr. Matthew Bradley, assistant professor at Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences, and trauma surgeon at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland • Lt. Col. Megan Burgess, plastic surgeon at University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio, Texas • Lt. Cmdr. Daniel Grabo, trauma surgeon at Navy Trauma Training Center at Los Angeles County and University of Southern California Medical Center • Col. Booker King, director of burn unit at the U.S. Army Institute of Surgical Research and general surgeon at Brooke Army Medical Center, San Antonio, Texas • Lt. Col. John Oh, chief of General Surgery Service at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland “This is the second Regenerative Medicine Traveling Exchange Program. The first was held in 2011,” said Dr. Wendy Dean, TIRM medical advisor at the USAMMDA, as she explained the details of the program. “The intention is for this effort to be biennial, if not an annual event, so that military surgeon scientists remain engaged in guiding product development and in shaping clinical trials.” “Fellows were selected through each service’s Office of the Surgeon General,” said Dean. “We requested
Regenerative Medicine Traveling Exchange Program fellows at Brigham and Women’s with the Regenerative Medicine team and three of their patients.
Courtesy photo
that the nominees be mid-career, with a trauma specialty and with interest in regenerative medicine research.” Participating sites included Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine in Winston-Salem, North Carolina; Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts; University of Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania; and Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland. The sites selected are a part of the Armed Forces Institute of Regenerative Medicine, which is a multi-institutional, interdisciplinary network of universities, military laboratories and investigators. Tissue reconstruction, facial muscle and craniofacial reconstruction, vascularized composite
allotransplantation, hand and arm transplantation - these are some of the discussions shared among program fellows and regenerative medicine experts. Much of this medicine and research appears be something of the future, but it is in fact a part of current regenerative medicine efforts. Sharing this knowledge and research with the fellows provides the opportunity to raise awareness of the current regenerative medicine program and educate future medical experts. The ability to transplant new hands or arms on an amputee, or transplant a new face onto a patient, to regrow healthy skin from previously burned and scarred skin; the need for skilled medical expertise in regen-
erative medicine is critical. “The goals of the program are: to educate military surgeon scientists about the products in development by academic partners to address gaps in care; to provide opportunities for collaboration between the military clinicians and academic partners; and to develop leadership champions in each of the services for regenerative medicine efforts,” said Dean. According to Dean, feedback is still coming in, but the consensus from travelers was that this year’s program was absolutely worthwhile, and that the program should be offered each year. The five selected fellows received first-hand experience into some of
the country’s leaders in regenerative medicine. As each of these medical professionals grows at their own respective institutions, they will carry this experience with them. They will carry the knowledge of the doctors that are working across the country, performing medicine some would describe as science fiction. These fellows will remember the patients they met; with missing limbs, the scarred faces, and the stories to go along with each one. This experience will be a part of their medical history and our countries future medical professionals. The Traveling Exchange Program is an example of how military and academia collaborate to advance regenerative medicine.
Support Available to New Parents at Fort Detrick Shannon Bishop
USAG Public Affairs
Being a parent can be a challenging job, but being a new parent can be especially challenging with sleepless nights, hourly feedings and recovering from childbirth. The Fort Detrick New Parent Support Program exists to provide support and education to military families from pregnancy until their child turns four. You don’t have to be a first time
parent to participate in the program; for every time you become a parent you are a “new” parent, according to Kathleen Sullivan, New Parent Support Program home visitor. The program offers the opportunity to learn new skills as parents and improve old ones. “The program is designed to strengthen parents’ knowledge and skills so that they can then provide environments where their children can thrive,” said Sullivan. “It also
seeks to reduce stressors that can increase the risk of child abuse and neglect. Our services are confidential and free. The NSPS is a reliable source for answers to your questions in the privacy of your home.” The NPSP offers a weekly playgroup for parents to meet one another, provide support to one another and allow their children to interact with others their age. The playgroup meets every Friday from 10:15-11:15 a.m. unless the Friday falls on a fed-
eral holiday. Sullivan, also a military spouse, understands the importance of networking with other military spouses as a way to have support in being a new parent. “I enjoy watching the kids learn the songs and have often heard that certain songs are favorites among the kids and get sung when on a long road trip, killing time at the doctor’s office or while out to eat. It should be important to parents, not just
Sustaining a community of excellence through restoration, environmental stewardship and workforce development
new parents, because sometimes it is helpful to know you are not alone with the challenges that you face as a parent, especially in the military,” said Sullivan. The NPSP also provides free educational material on subjects related to being a new parent and classes offered by the NPSP include infant massage which will be returning to Fort Detrick Nov. 2 and Nov. 9. For more information about the NPSP, call (301) 619-0323. Fort Detrick Standard October 16, 2015
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And the Award Goes to…
USAMRMC Soldiers Earn Coveted Expert Field Medical Badge
Jenni Benson
USAG Public Affairs
Three Fort Detrick Soldiers participated in the German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge competition held over a two-day period culminating in a ruck-march Sept. 21 in Dulles, Virginia. The GAFPB is a decoration of the Bundeswehr, the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Germany. The decoration can be awarded to German Soldiers of all ranks. Allied Soldiers also have the opportunity to earn the badge. In the U.S. military, the German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge is one of the few approved foreign awards, and it is one of the most sought after awards to achieve. There are three levels of the GAFPB: bronze, silver and gold. The overall score is the average of each event scored separately. The better the performance per event, the more points the participant receives, bringing them closer to the gold badge. Testing is broken into two categories: a basic fitness test and military training. The basic fitness test includes three separate events that must be completed in the following order within 2 hours from start to finish: 11 x 10 meter sprints; flexed-arm hang, which consists of holding the chin-up position for as long as possible; and a 1000-meter run. Military training includes five separate events; first, the participant must complete a 100-meter swim in uniform with a bathing suit underneath, and, without holding on to the edge of the pool, the participant has to shed the uniform in deep water and throw it out of the pool. The participant then must take both a Combat Lifesaver written test and a Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Mission Oriented Protective Posture test. Following both exams is a 9mm Pistol Qualification, followed by a final road march up to 7.4 miles carrying 33 pounds, which must be completed in 2 hours. Maj. Nancy Heath, U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command secretary to the general staff, Capt. Justin Talley, U.S. Army Garrison Fort Detrick staff judge advocate office and Capt. Leisa Schwab, USAMRMC office of the staff judge advocate, earned the gold badge. “I really feel a sense of achievement obtaining the Gold German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge. A lot of hard work and training went into this event,” said Talley.
By Crystal Maynard
USAMRMC Public Affairs
Maj. Gen. Brian C. Lein (center), commander of the U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command and Fort Detrick, with Capt. Justin L. Talley (left), trial counsel with the Fort Detrick Staff Judge Advocate and Maj. Nancy O. Heath (right), of the USAMRMC Secretary to the General Staff office, at the German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge competition. Lein attended to cheer on the Fort Detrick participants; and it paid off, as all three earned the gold badge. Courtesy photo
In order to participate, the chain of command must recommend his or her Soldier for the training and testing. A qualified German Physical Training instructor must administer elements of the testing for the GAFPB. The competition ended with an awards ceremony, a German-style buffet and music provided by a German Army band.
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Fort Detrick Standard October 16, 2015
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Six Soldiers from the U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command earned the Expert Field Medical Badge during the 2015 EFMB competition held Oct. 3-8 at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey. The EFMB is one of the U.S. Army Medical Command’s top honors and is intended to recognize Soldier medics who attain a high degree of professional skill and proficiency as a field medic — reserved for the best of the best. Earning the badge requires deliberate planning and focused training. Over the past 50 years alone, more than 150,000 Soldiers have attempted to earn the Army Medical Department’s most prestigious peacetime badge. The overall EFMB pass rate for 2015 was 18 percent. To earn the badge, candidates must complete a series of warrior and medical tasks. They must also successfully finish day and night land navigation tests, as well as a written exam and a final 12-mile road march. The Soldiers awarded the EFMB are elite field medics capable and ready to support the U.S. during combat situations. The USAMRMC Soldiers awarded the EFMB include: Staff Sgt. Alice Craig — U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases Sgt. Edwin Figueroa — 6th Medical Logistics Management Center Maj. Anna Mullins — Walter Reed Army Institute of Research Capt. Victor Zottig — Walter Reed Army Institute of Research Capt. Jangwoo Lee — Walter Reed Army Institute of Research Lt. Brian Morrison — Navy Research — Walter Reed Army Institute of Research AWARD, continued from page 1
sen, director of the Combat Casualty Care Research Program. In his nomination of her, Rasmussen stated that Brosch is “distinguished by her tireless work for the rights and well-being of patients ... Brosch is both a great leader and a great advisor in the field of military medicine.” Since beginning her career as a civilian nurse over 40 years ago, Brosch has worked to ensure high-quality care for recipients of military medical care. But it is her work in support of the Department of Defense’s combat casualty care mission that she considers among her proudest achievements. “During the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, we recognized the importance of conducting research in the field to answer important patient care questions, and at the time there was no mechanism in place to conduct research in theater,” said Brosch. “We not only established a Human Research Protections Program to oversee the DOD research in a combatant command, but we were also able to support 16 deployed combat casualty care teams to gather data and ensure that all studies were conducted with full research protections that complied with all federal and DOD requirements. “ The joint combat casualty care research teams supported by the USAMRMC were the first in-theater research team since the Vietnam War, and the research they conducted during those conflicts contributed to the lowest case fatality rate in the history of warfare. Widely recognized as a national expert in emergency research, she is considered by many in Army Medicine to be one of the Department of Defense’s most valuable resources for complex regulatory, human protection and ethical issues. “I love my job,” said Brosch. “The Army has provided me with so many opportunities to contribute to the DOD health care mission. I have been able to do everything from completing my doctorate as an active duty Army nurse, to conducting Army research, and now I have the privilege of supporting many researchers in doing their work to find better ways to care for our Service Members and retirees. I have the best job in the DOD.”
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Fort Detrick Standard October 16, 2015
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Fort Detrick Standard October 16, 2015
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