The Journal v. 29, no. 1, January 12, 2017

2.8 MB·English

by  U.S. Navy. Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bethesda

Vol . 29 No. 1 www.dcmilitary.com/journal/ January 12, 2017
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2 Thursday, January 12, 2017 The Journal
Commander’s Corner
By Capt. Marvin Jones as “Strike-Out Sexual Assault” at the Lastly, the Bethesda Energy is produced and distributed.
Commanding Officer, NSA Bethesda Bowling Center. Efficiency and Water Conservation I strongly encourage you to take the
NSAB Family – Happy New Year and The Family Health and Fitness project steered the installation of time — right now — to get on your
welcome back! I hope your holidays Fair and MWR-sponsored events Ground Source Heat Pump systems to smart phone, tablet, laptop or desktop
were safe, memorable and rewarding. like Eggstravaganza, Breakfast with some NSAB buildings, lessening our computer and let your voice be heard.
This issue of The Journal is a special Santa, Fall Fest, the Freedom 5k dependence on external heat sources The team of writers at NSAB, Walter
one, for two very important reasons. Run/Walk, Bike to Work Day, the 5th and resulting in reduced energy costs. Reed-Bethesda and the Uniformed
First, as the installation’s “Year in Annual Army–Navy Flag Football With so many exciting things Services University, work hard to tell
Review” issue, it helps us reflect on some game, Thanksgiving Day meals at the emerging in 2016, I can’t wait to see YOUR stories — the stories of those
of our most special moments and events Warrior Café – these activities conjure what amazing accomplishments we who work hard and devote themselves
of 2016 that exemplify why being a part up a huge smile as I reminiscence on will achieve in 2017! to improving the quality of life for our
of this team is such an incredible honor them. The other reason why this issue is service members, veterans and their
and privilege, as well as an unique and And who could forget the Gary Sinise special is because it offers you, our families. Every day, you impact lives
enriching experience. Foundation’s Invincible Spirit Festival NSAB staff, mission partners and with your incredible work, and we
As you flip through the pages, I trust and the multitude of exciting events customers, a chance ascertain what want to tell the world about it.
that you’ll see events that bring back and happenings hosted by our fabulous The Journal means to you personally. It’s important that we know how
some fond memories. And if you’re new USO Warrior and Family Center? Is it helpful? Do you value it as to help you stay connected with the
to our NSAB family, I hope these photos All of these come to mind as key a source of information? It’s very stories that interest you and keep you
give you a vision for the year to come. contributors to an unforgettable and important that you let us know. informed.
Looking back over 2016, I fondly successful 2016. Here’s why: As always, thank you for all of your
remember some remarkable moments. Our mission accomplishments were The Journal is rapidly becoming a dedicated service and the things you
I proudly recall NSAB’s MWR program underscored as construction began member of an exclusive club in our do each day to make this installation
successfully achieving accreditation, on a new 650-car parking garage and region. It is one of the few remaining one of the best in America’s fleet.
the Fleet & Family Support Center the installation received a new cooling base newspapers still being produced. Your efforts truly matter and make a
receiving their first certification tower structure. Over the last two years, at least three difference.
visit with minimal findings, and Additionally, the Green Road Project military installations in our region have
the Child Development Center was dedicated in September, providing discontinued their base newspapers On The Cover
receiving 100% on their 2016 higher Wounded Warriors an outdoor space in favor of going exclusively to social
headquarters inspection, an immense in which they can heal through media and DoD-owned websites.
Celebrity Chef Robert Irvine
accomplishment in maintaining meditation and enjoy the tranquility of For this reason, it’s time we get a
visited the USO Warrior and
their 5-year National Association the outdoors. better picture from you on how you
Family Center at Bethesda Sept.
for the Education of Young Children NSAB’s Security Department held use this paper. On this page, you’ll find
20. The visit included lunch for
accreditation. its 2nd annual National Night Out, information on how to access an online
service members, Wounded
I remember the strong partnership the Navy Gateway Inns and Suites survey to give us feedback on how you
Warriors and their families
forged by our Army and Navy Sexual commemorated its first complete year engage with The Journal.
along with the chance to speak
Assault Prevention and Response of operations and in November they This readership survey takes less
and take photos with Irvine.
programs and their efforts in planning celebrated Navy Lodging Appreciation than 10 minutes, but the collective
PHOTO BY MC3 WILLIAM PHILLIPS
installation-wide events together such Day along with the Fisher House. results will impact on how The Journal
Online Readership Survey
NSA Bethesda is conducting a survey of The Journal readers. Tell us what you think! The 5-10 minute survey is open
through January 18th. Participate now at:
www.surveymonkey.com/r/journal17
Published by offset every Thurs- national origin, age, marital sta- Naval Support Activity Bethesda
day by APG Media of Chesa- tus, physical handicap, political
peake, LLC, 301-921-2800, affiliation or any other non-
Commanding Officer: Capt. Marvin L. Jones NSA Bethesda
a private firm in no way con- merit factor of the purchaser,
nected with the U.S. Navy, user, or patron. Editorial con- Public Affairs Officer: Jeremy Brooks Fleet And Family Support Center 301-319-4087
under exclusive written con- tent is edited, prepared and
tract with Naval Support Activity provided by the Public Affairs Public Affairs Office: 301-295-1803 NSAB Emergency Info 301-295-6246
Bethesda, Md. This commercial Office, Naval Support Activ-
NSAB Ombudsman
enterprise newspaper is an au- ity Bethesda, Md. News copy
Journal Staff
thorized publication for members should be submitted to the Pub- Dedra Anderson 301-400-2397
of the military services. Contents of lic Affairs Office, Building 17, first Managing Editor PO3 William Phillips
NSAB Chaplain’s Office 301-319-4443
The Journal are not necessarily the official floor, across from PSD, by noon one week
WRNMMC Editor Bernard Little
views of, nor endorsed by, the U.S. Gov- preceding the desired publication date.
301-319-4706
ernment, the Department of Defense, or the News items are welcomed from all instal-
Department of the Navy. The appearance lation sources. Inquiries about news copy Installation SARC
Writers Andrew Damstedt
of advertising in this publication, including will be answered by calling 301-295-1803.
Kimberley Agnew 301-400-2411
inserts or supplements, does not constitute Commercial advertising should be placed Kalila Fleming
endorsement by the Department of Defense with the publisher by calling 301-848-0175. Troop Command SARC
PO2 Hank Gettys
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The Journal Thursday, January 12, 2017 3
Heimall Becomes WRNMMC’S Director; Lane To Lead NCR-MD
By Bernard S. Little while supporting the readiness requirements of the
WRNMMC Public Affairs Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps.”
Editor’s Note: This story originally ran June 2. In order to do this, WRNMMC must not think of
Army Col. Michael S. Heimall became director itself as one hospital with 41,000 patients to care
of Walter Reed National Military Medical Center for, Heimall continued. “We must think of our role
(WRNMMC) May 26, assuming responsibilities within the National Capital Region health system
from Navy Rear Adm. (Dr.) David A. Lane, who as one of 13 practice locations caring for more than
will become director of the National Capital Region 270,000 lives while ensuring a ready medical force
Medical Directorate (NCR-MD). of nearly 11,000 Sailors, Airmen and Soldiers,” he
During the change of authority ceremony in front concluded.
of the historic Tower on Naval Support Activity Lane, as NCR-MD director, explained his sphere
Bethesda, home to WRNMMC, Heimall said he’s of responsibility will increase in overseeing those
excited for the opportunity to lead “the President’s 13 medical facilities, and he will remain focused
Hospital,” although he’s not new to commanding a on people, staff and beneficiaries and providing the
military treatment facility. best services. Lane added during his brief tenure as
“After 29 years, I’ve had the privilege of WRNMMC director, he was able to learn there are
PHOTO BY BERNARD S. LITTLE
commanding three hospitals including two medical “7,000 smart, passionate health-care professionals
Army Col. Michael S. Heimall assumes the
centers, serve as the interim [WRNMMC] director, working at [WRNMMC] who either care for patients
directorship of Walter Reed National Military
and now, the privilege of leading our nation’s every day, or care for people who care for patients.
Medical Center (WRNMMC) during a change
flagship medical center,” Heimall said. “I cannot tell Nearly every one of our staff is truly dedicated and
of authority ceremony May 26. He accepts the
you how humbled and honored I am,” he added. committed to ensuring that every patient has an
WRNMMC flag from Navy Vice Adm. (Dr.) Raquel
Heimall, who came to WRNMMC last August extraordinary experience of care every time. You can
C. Bono, director of the Defense Health Agency.
after serving as commander of William Beaumont feel that as you walk through the hospital.”
Army Medical Center at Fort Bliss, Texas, was I am committed to continuing that focus and look Navy Vice Adm. (Dr.) Raquel C. Bono, director of the
interim director of WRNMMC from November to forward to learning and working with you as we go Defense Health Agency, who officiated the change of
January prior to Lane becoming director. Heimall forward and continuing what you started, in the authority agreed. “It’s not easy leading during a time
commanded U.S. Army Medical Department months ahead.” when there is a significant amount of change. I think
Activity and Irwin Army Community Hospital at Heimall added the Military Health System is at the measure of your success is really evident in the
Fort Riley, Kan., and he was the medical company a crossroads. “Our patients, our parent services patients who have had the benefit of the care and
commander of the 93rd Evacuation Hospital and and Congress are demanding we live up to the support you’ve given them every day,” she said.
the detachment commander, U.S. Army Dental commitment our nation has made to those who She added the change of authority is “an
Activity at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo. The colonel was have sacrificed so much for our freedoms. They are important aspect of what we do at WRNMMC. It’s
also deputy commander for administration at U.S. demanding a health care system that is responsive not something that needs to be taken lightly. There’s
Army Medical Department Activity and Blanchfield to the needs of our patients, and a system that a very profound responsibility each and every one of
Army Community Hospital at Fort Campbell, Ky. He increases the readiness of our force, and sustains you holds in taking care of our patients. Part of this
has deployed as the Medical Operations Officer for and improves upon the trauma and critical care change of authority is going to allow the WRNMMC
the Combined Forces Special Operations Command skills we have developed over 14 years of war,” he staff to collectively concentrate on what’s best for
Central. explained. our patients.
Saluting Lane for his leadership, Heimall “Here at the flagship of military medicine, we have “You’ve already done great tremendous work,”
said the admiral, in 115 days as the WRNMMC the opportunity to define that narrative that will Bono said to the WRNMMC staff. “We need to build
director, “placed a keen focus on improving staff dominate this debate,” the colonel continued. “We on that,” she added. “In order to do that and do it
engagement as key to ensuring an extraordinary are leading the change, proving that we can expand well, we need the continued leadership that we have
patient experience for every patient, every time. access, improve readiness and operate efficiently in Colonel Heimall and Admiral Lane.”
NSAB Hosts National Night Out
By MC3 William Phillips Montgomery County Police Officer Dana Stroman. “It
NSAB Public Affairs is important for the community and law enforcement
Editor’s Note: This story originally ran Aug. 11. to have a positive relationship with one another.”
Tuesday Aug. 7, 1984 ushered in the in the According to Stroman, it is important for a local
inaugural National Night Out, and every year after, community and the police to keep an eye out for
the National Night Out has been celebrated the first each other.
Tuesday of August in 16,124 communities from all For some the National Night Out was a way to
fifty states, U.S. Territories, Canadian cities, and advertise services that they offered.
military bases worldwide. “This is a great event to promote the SHARP and
Naval support Activity Bethesda (NSAB) hosted its SAPR program, it gives us the ability to connect with the
National Night Out Aug. 2 on the front lawn of the staff that we don’t get to see regularly,” said Rosemary
USO Warrior and Family Center at Bethesda. Galvan Sexual Assault Response Coordinator. “It is a
The National Night out is a way for law enforcement great way to get to know the local law enforcement
and the public to interact. that we have to work with. It’s a chance to see them for
“We [police officers] are able to show face in a a fun reason rather than business.”
way that isn’t just pulling people over and writing Galvan stated that it is important for people to
tickets,” said MA3 Shannell James, NSAB’s know what resources are available for them.
PHOTO BY MC3 WILLIAM PHILLIPS
installation crime prevention officer. “We just want The National Night Out was to show people that
Naval Support Activity Bethesda hosted the
everyone to know that we aren’t the bad guys that law enforcement officers are people too.
National Night Out at the USO Warrior and
are only here to get you in trouble.” “With everything that is going on around the
Family Center at Bethesda Aug. 2.
For some the National Night Out is a way to foster country, it’s important to let the public know that
a relationship with the local community they serve. we are here to help and not just pull you over,” said For more information about the NSAB Crime
“We are able to come together to build relationships James. “We want to show unity with the public, and Prevention Unit contact MA3 Shannell James at
in the community and help with prevent crime,” said let them know that we are people too.” [email protected]
4 Thursday, January 12, 2017 The Journal
Looking Back 2016
PHOTO BY MC2 HANK GETTYS
A worker shovels snow during the only major snowstorm last winter in
the National Capital Region.
PHOTO BY MC3 WILLIAM PHILLIPS
People take photos of celebrity chef Robert Irvine during the Invincible
Spirit Festival May 20 that was sponsored by The Gary Sinise Foundation
and the Lt. Dan Band.
PHOTO BY MC3 WILLIAM PHILLIPS
A group of motorcyclists rode from Naval Support Activity Bethesda to
Washington, D.C. May 29 to participate in Rolling Thunder.
PHOTO BY MC3 WILLIAM PHILLIPS PHOTO BY MC3 WILLIAM PHILLIPS
The Washington Nationals visited the USO Warrior and Family Center Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) hosted the 2016 Eggstravaganza
at Bethesda for a meet and greet with service members aboard Naval at the MWR Sports Complex for the children and family of personnel
Support Activity Bethesda April 27. on Naval Support Activity Bethesda March 19.
The Journal Thursday, January 12, 2017 5
Looking Back 2016
PHOTO BY MC3 WILLIAM PHILLIPS
A runner is doused with colored powder during NSAB’s Morale Welfare
and Recreation Color Run June 11.
PHOTO BY MC3 WILLIAM PHILLIPS PHOTO BY MC3 WILLIAM PHILLIPS
Many children and adults dressed as some of their favorite characters at Naval Support Activity Bethesda’s Navy Exchange held their annual
Morale Welfare and Recreation’s Fall Fest Oct. 25. Chief Petty Officer Fashion Show Aug. 17.
PHOTO BY MC3 WILLIAM PHILLIPS
Children join their parents aboard Naval Support Activity Support Bethesda and Walter Reed National Military Medical Center during Take Our
Daughters and Sons To Work Day April 28.
6 Thursday, January 12, 2017 The Journal
Active Shooter Drill Tests NSAB Security Response
By Andrew Damstedt the entire facility.”
The Journal Another reason the drill was at USU
Editor’s Note: This story originally was that higher education facilities
ran Feb. 11. have become frequent targets for
The cries for help came from the active shootings. A 2013 FBI report on
stairwell. active shooter incidents in the United
Two security personnel were clearing States lists educational environments,
Bldg. A on the Uniformed Services government facilities and health care
University of the Health Sciences facilities as three of 11 categories
(USU) campus when they heard where the public is at risk, all three of
someone yelling. which are housed within NSAB.
“Help! I’ve been shot. I think my “Our chances, statistically speaking,
friend is dead!” shouted one of the of that being a realistic threat for us
wounded actors in this active shooter are high,” Cales said. “Yes, the Navy
drill held onboard Naval Support does say that we will conduct active
Activity Bethesda (NSAB) Feb. 4 shooter exercises annually, and that
during the Navy-wide Solid Curtain- we will do annual training for active
Citadel Shield. shooters. However, it’s not just a check
The two officers went down the in the box. It is us practicing for a very
stairwell and passed the wounded and realistic threat that we face every day.”
dead actors in this simulated scenario All the objectives were met during
to make sure the building was clear. the drill, which had base security
The shooter, played by Master-at- responding as if it were an actual
Arms 1st Class Nate Cable, had made event, Cales said.
his way through the building and “We’re meeting our objectives and
down to the USU security office where we’re learning from it at the same
he shot the pre-planned targets. time,” Cales said. “Nothing is ever
PHOTO BY MC2 HANK GETTYS
After he was apprehended by security, Naval Support Activity Bethesda Security personnel respond during an expected to be perfect … had I just
the officers went through the buildings active shooter drill Feb. 4 as part of the Navy-wide Solid Curtain-Citadel stood downstairs in the USU security
to make sure the area was secure Shield exercise. office and said ‘Okay, activate the
before an announcement was made (exercise) now’ and made the call
over the base’s loudspeakers that the learning from it as well. through hallways. myself, my guys really aren’t getting a
exercise had been completed. Not only does Solid Curtain-Citadel “When it comes to an active shooter, lot out of the training.”
This active shooter drill was one of Shield help Security learn, but Cales if you can hear gunshots and you can Notices went out via Everbridge
many exercises during the two weeks said it helps those who come to the hear screaming then you kind of get and the base’s loudspeakers that an
of Solid Curtain-Citadel Shield 2016, installation to know how to act in a a sense of which direction you need to active shooter exercise was happening
a Navy-wide exercise that assesses real-world event. go,” Cales said. “In the event that you and instructing people across the
law enforcement response in several USU hosted the active shooter respond on scene and you don’t hear installation to shelter-in-place.
different scenarios. scenario this year because of the that, then you have to systematically “I walked upstairs and it seemed that
Master-at-Arms 1st Class Jonathan tough environment law enforcement clear every floor, which means every everybody sheltered in place – doors
Cales, leading petty officer of NSAB’s would face if an actual incident room, every hallway, every staircase, were locked where they could be and
Security Training Department, said all occurred there, Cales said, pointing until you clear the entire building. everyone did what the appropriate
the objectives of Solid Curtain-Citadel out several rooms and stairwells and Then you would go from building to steps were for an active shooter,” said
Shield are being met and they are how the buildings are all connected building to building until you can clear Chris Mottler, USU security director.
Giving the Gift of Life
Blood, Platelet Donations Needed “It is extremely important for people to donate
Year-Round because there is no substitute for human blood, and
it is only good for 35 to 42 days after collection,”
By Bernard S. Little Trowell explained. “Platelets have to be used within
WRNMMC Public Affairs five days after collection. Also, every day brings
Editor’s Note: This story originally ran July 7. advances in lifesaving techniques, many of which
As Chief Petty Officer Roy Jaquez walked through require blood or blood products,” she continued.
the mezzanine level of Bldg. 9 at Walter Reed “It is also important to donate with the ASBP
National Military Medical Center with his family, because our mission is the troops, their families and
the Sailor noticed personnel from the Armed veterans. We serve those who serve,” Trowell said.
Services Blood Program (ASBP) hosting a blood The summer can pose an additional challenge for
drive. He decided to stop to donate “the gift of life.” blood and platelet donations because of vacations
“I walked by and they had it set up,” Jaquez said and other seasonal activities which can keep people
with a laugh in explaining his simple reason for busy, donor center officials explained. They remind
PHOTO BY BERNARD S. LITTLE
donating. His young son proudly watched his father regular and potential donors the need for lifesaving Chief Petty Officer Roy Jaquez donates blood
donate. blood and platelet donations is constant to maintain June 29 during a two-day Armed Services Blood
During the two-day blood drive at WRNMMC June a sufficient supply for patients. Program blood drive at Walter Reed National
29-30, ASBP staff serviced 90 donors and collected Trowell added there are two ASBP donor centers in Military Medical Center.
more than 60 units according to Shawntel Trowell, the area. In addition to the WRNMMC donor center,
public affairs specialist/blood donor recruiter for there is one at the Pentagon. Those interested in “We are the official blood program of the U.S.
the Armed Services Blood Bank Center-National hosting a blood drive can call Trowell at 240-271- military,” Trowell stated. For more information, visit
Capital Region/ASBP at WRNMMC. 8108, or Donna Onwona at 202-294-6674. the ASBP site at www.militaryblood.dod.mil.
The Journal Thursday, January 12, 2017 7
Women’s History Month: NSAB Sailor Tackles Her Goals
By Andrew Damstedt
The Journal
Editor’s Note: This story originally
ran March 24.
Navy Master-at-Arms 1st Class
Colleen Dibble knows about being the
only female in the room as she works
in a male-dominated field and is part
of the 15 percent of women who are
active-duty U.S. military.
She was the only woman master-at-
arms during her first assignment to
Misawa Air Base in Misawa, Japan
for 11 months and has been one of
the few women to work in Naval
Support Activity Bethesda’s Security
Department since she came to the COURTESY PHOTO
installation in 2013. Dibble makes a tackle during a
But she views herself as just another Washington Prodigy Women’s
member of the team. Football game.
“You can’t have bias,” Dibble said.
“You have to see yourself as an family to enlist and her reenlistment
equal and you have to be an equal. is set to take place at a Washington
So you’re in the same boat. We’re all Capitals game at the Verizon Center
Sailors – not male, not female – we’re in April.
all Sailors, we’re all trying to get the Dibble always has been interested
mission accomplished.” in sports, but it wasn’t until she
Dibble still sought out a female came to NSAB that she actually
mentor to work through challenges decided to play football, which is
she has faced as a woman working one of her favorite sports. Before
in a male-dominated field. As her playing on a team she coached a
leadership is all male, she had to go youth football team and was the
outside her command to find Navy coach of the Naval Air Facility
Lt. Cmdr. Melissa Burke, a former Misawa Command Team.
master-at-arms who now works with “I never felt that I was good enough
the Warrior Family Coordination to play football,” Dibble said. “I
Cell, to guide her through some of the always thought of football as a guy’s
challenges Dibble has faced. sport.”
Burke said she gives Dibble advice That changed after she played on
on how to handle stressful situations her Purdue alumni flag football team
and passes on advice she received where she saw a flyer to try out for the
from female colleagues when she was all-women’s tackle football team: the
a master-at-arms in the ‘90s. Washington Prodigy. She now plays
Burke said she’s seen Dibble grow left guard on the offensive line for the
COURTESY PHOTO
during her time at NSAB and that Master-at-Arms 1st Class Colleen Dibble attends an outdoor Washington team and said she likes being able to
she’s honored to be her mentor. Capitals hockey game at Nationals Park January 2015. get in hits and tackles during each
“She’s branched out from ‘I’m a Sailor play.
and now let me think what needs to be “She networked with so many people That event was a major “I’ve gone against some people that
done,’ to ‘Let me think about my fellow out in the local community, inside the accomplishment for Dibble, not are three times the size of me,” Dibble
Sailors and how I can mentor them base populations and she far exceeded because it was a big event but because said. “It’s just such a good game –
and how I can help them,’” Burke said. anyone’s expectations,” said NSAB it got the Sailors excited about that’s why I love playing it.”
March is Women’s History Month – Security Dept. working in the Dibble will only be able to play half of
and the theme this year is “Working Leading Petty Dibble always has been community. this year’s season since she is moving
to Form a More Perfect Union: Officer Master- “The Sailors to Rhode Island, but said she plans to
Honoring Women in Public Service at-Arms 1st interested in sports, but it e n j o y e d continue being involved with the sport
and Government.” Class Raymond themselves in some fashion.
wasn’t until she came to NSAB
Another woman Dibble said she Herrera. “There and they keep Dibble and Burke both said they’ve
looks up to is Navy Vice Chief of Naval was food, asking me, seen changes in allowing woman to
that she actually decided to
Operations Michelle Howard, who vendors, and so ‘When’s the perform roles in the military that
became the first woman Vice Chief many things put play football, which is one of next event?’” were traditionally done by men.
of Naval Operations and four-star together that it she said. “We continue to break down barriers
admiral in 2014. completely blew her favorite sports. Dibble, 28, and show we actually have a lot
“She speaks a lot on different people’s minds said she joined to bring and a lot to offer to those
leadership traits which I like,” Dibble … she didn’t the Navy [security] fields,” Burke said.
said. “I look up to her. She comes here have to do that. She could’ve done because her goal is to join the Judge When asked if she sees herself as a
often, but I haven’t seen her yet.” something really small, but she took it Advocate General’s Corps. She is role model, Dibble said she wouldn’t
During her time at NSAB, Dibble has upon herself and said ‘I want this to be a step closer to that goal as she is necessarily call herself one.
been tasked with starting the base’s huge, I want it to be lasting, and I want cross-rating to legalman and leaving “I just try to set [my Sailors] up for
crime prevention program and one of it to continue on even when I’m gone NSAB to go to Naval Justice School in success,” she said. “I make sure that
her biggest responsibilities was putting from this installation.’ She set the bar Newport, Rhode Island. the other Sailors are motivated and I
on a National Night Out event. really high.” She is the first member of her want everyone to succeed.”
8 Thursday, January 12, 2017 The Journal
Looking Back 2016
PHOTO BY AIRMAN MATTHEW HOBSON
A Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences third year medical
student travels across a one rope bridge.
PHOTO BY AIRMAN MATTHEW HOBSON
Sailors and civilians aboard Naval Support Activity Bethesda participate
in multiple events recognizing Earth Week throughout the week of April
18-22.
PHOTO BY MC3 WILLIAM PHILLIPS
The Warrior Transition Brigade aboard Naval Support Activity Bethesda
held an adaptive combatives workshop Aug. 17-18. The workshop was a
way for service members to learn adaptive martial arts and self defense.
PHOTO BY ANDREW DAMSTEDT
Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Zane Kentner looks at a map as he assesses PHOTO BY BERNARD S. LITTLE
the situation during a suspicious package training exercise onboard Naval Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and civilians participate in a two-mile run on July
Support Activity Bethesda Feb. 10 during Solid Curtain-Citadel Shield 28, celebrating Army medicine’s 241st birthday at Walter Reed National
2016. Military Medical Center.
The Journal Thursday, January 12, 2017 9
Looking Back 2016
PHOTO BY AIR FORCE STAFF SGT. STEPHANIE MORRIS
The Honorable Peter Levine, performing the duties of the Under Secretary
of Defense for Personnel and Readiness, presents the ceremonial mace to
Dr. Richard W. Thomas, president of the Uniformed Services University of
the Health Sciences, officially installing Thomas as the university’s sixth
leader.
PHOTO BY MC1 CHRISTOPHER KRUCKE
Service members and civilians roll out part of the Rapid Response Shelter
(RRS) during setup in front of Walter Reed National Military Medical
Center’s historic Tower on June 13. The RRS is an inflatable, modular
design, self-sustaining tent that has the capacity to serve as a 25-bed
hospital in a controlled atmosphere, external to the main hospital in case
of emergencies.
PHOTO BY MC2 HANK GETTYS
PHOTO BY MC3 WILLIAM PHILLIPS A kayak football player speedily turns his kayak during one of the
The Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences held its kayak football games in the tournament held at Naval Support Activity
Advanced Combat Medical Experience (ACME) Training Exercise aboard Bethesda’s Fitness Center pool March 12. The tournament was hosted by
Naval Support Activity Bethesda July 26. NSAB’s Morale Welfare and Recreation.
10 Thursday, January 12, 2017 The Journal
Capstone Field Exercise Tests USU’s Medical Students
By Sarah Marshall
USU External Affairs
Editor’s Note: This story originally
ran Nov. 3.
Complete with helicopter evacuations,
mock explosions, reality-based
missions – even canine casualties –
medical students from the Uniformed
Services University of the Health
Sciences (USU) recently experienced
the challenges of caring for patients in
a simulated combat environment.
The fourth-year medical students
participated in a field exercise,
known as Operation Bushmaster,
or Medical Field Practicum 202,
which took place Oct. 10-21 at Fort
Indiantown Gap, an Army National
Guard post nestled in the mountains
just north of Harrisburg, Pa. The
exercise aims to teach future military
medical officers the skills they need
to perform their duties in operational
assignments after medical school,
while preparing them to become
leaders in the military health care
system, explained Army Col. Francis
O’Connor, Professor and Chair of
Military and Emergency Medicine
(MEM) at USU.
Bushmaster is the capstone
event of the students military
medical education, challenging
their knowledge of military medical
practice, tactical combat casualty
PHOTO BY SHARON HOLLAND
care (TCCC), and leadership. The Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences incorporated a helicopter simulator at Operation
The exercise involves nearly 500 Bushmaster so students could experience the challenges of caring for an evac patient in flight.
personnel and puts in to patient
casualty play more than 2,000 lectures, small group sessions, tactical students were assigned various “They have to take a step back, reach
patient scenarios. A number combat casualty care training, and roles, such as triage officer, medical back from lessons learned over the
of volunteer faculty members practical exercises, focusing on needed logistics, litter bearers transporting prior four days, and within the chaos
supported the evolution, along skillsets and team building. As they patients, or patient administrators. of the environment, come up with a
with colleagues within the Military became a cohesive unit, they prepared They frequently rotated positions, plan, and attempt to create order and
Health System, including Walter to deploy to the notional country of allowing each student to practice balance, and most importantly, move
Reed National Military Medical Pandakar facing challenges from rebel different roles. A Pandakar “day” was the casualties. It’s very difficult, and
Center, Fort Belvoir Community forces, he said. four hours in duration real-time; with very realistic.”
Hospital, and the Walter Reed Army The students were then sent each day change came a new job and Overall, though, the students’
Institute of Research. Active duty sequentially, in two groups, to spend five responsibility. experience was both challenging and
and reserve units throughout the days on the Army post. Once there, they Meanwhile, the students were rewarding, he said. As they were
mid-Atlantic also assisted, including were assigned to one of four platoons – observed by faculty and graded constantly being thrown problems,
Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune. each undergoing the same scenarios, on how well they performed key they had to adapt in that environment
Graduate School of Nursing students planning and executing missions, while positions, including platoon leader, and work as a team. Everyone
participated, as well as international simultaneously caring for casualties. ambulance team leader, combat stress looked out for one another, making
military medical officers from Israel, The students were constantly faced control officer, preventive medicine sure they all stayed hydrated, had
the United Kingdom, Mexico, France with unfolding conditions, round- officer, or ambulance team leader. adequate rest, and did not overexert
and Canada. First-year medical the-clock, with scenarios involving Grades were based on a number of themselves – an important aspect of
students had a role, too. Donning improvised explosive devices (IEDs), factors, including communication and combat stress.
“cut suits” or moulage, they put on wide-spread disease outbreaks, leadership skills. “It’s an extremely important exercise,
their best potential Academy Award- simulated injured working dogs, and On the final day, the platoons – with and it definitely tests the students in
winning performances to portray triaging the wounded while arranging about 25 students each – responded to ways that cannot be accomplished in a
casualties, ranging from cardiac arrest for their evacuation and caring for a mock mass casualty with more than classroom,” he said. O’Connor credits
to gunshot wounds. them in flight. 30 wounded. Simulated gunfire and the leadership of Air Force Maj. (Dr.)
Before heading up to Bushmaster, “While patient care is a large part of explosions resonated through the air Kevin Semelrath, the exercise director,
the students went through a two- their training, communication skills as smoke billowed through the woods, and his non-commissioned officer-
week intensive military contingency and logistics are just as important – and casualties rapidly came from left in-charge, Army Sgt. 1st Class Alex
medicine course, during which they it’s essential to obtain the necessary and right. Menchaca, as well as all supporting
were presented operational problems, supplies and manage logistics,” “They might have thought they members in MEM, for Bushmaster’s
and were given pre-deployment O’Connor said. However, according knew what they were going to walk success.
training, just as they would have to O’Connor, the exercise is first and into, but when they see the sheer After the exercise, the students
prior to a real deployment, O’Connor foremost a test of leadership. magnitude and the sights – it’s a returned to their clinical rotations
said. This classroom phase included Throughout the exercise, the shock to the senses,” O’Connor said. across the country.