journal_050913

Vol. 25 No. 18 www.cnic.navy.mil/bethesda/ May 9, 2013

By Bernard S. LittleWRNMMC Journal

staff writer

Two Soldiers assignedto Walter Reed NationalMilitary Medical Center(WRNMMC) and Fort Meade(Md.) Warrior TransitionUnits (WTU) will competein the 2013 Warrior Games,beginning Saturday untilMay 16, at the U.S. OlympicTraining Center and U.S. AirForce Academy in Colorado

Springs, Colo.In his Warrior Games de-

but, Army Sgt. Sean Karpf iseyeing gold in the pool andon the track, while ArmyCapt. Lacey Hamilton is re-turning to the Games look-ing to do even better thanshe did in 2012 when shecycled her way to a bronzemedal in women’s cyclingand earned another bronzein the women’s 200-metersprint. This year, she willagain compete in cycling as

well as track and field.“I hope to achieve a great-

er reward than the one ob-tained during my participa-tion in the previous WarriorGames,” said Hamilton, whoreceived care at WRNMMCand is assigned to the WTUat Fort Meade Md. “Thismeans that I will returnhome with three gold med-als and a lifetime of knowl-edge that I have learnedfrom fellow warriors, coach-es and supporters alike,”

the captain added.Karpf, a native of Jack-

sonville, Fla., has excelledat competing in adaptivesports and was on the sledhockey team, which earnedthe USA Hockey Sled Clas-sic B Division championshipin November in Buffalo,N.Y. He also participatedin a four-day bike ride withother wounded warriors inApril, receiving a presiden-tial send-off at the WhiteHouse by President Barack

Obama and Secretary ofVeterans Affairs Eric K.Shinseki.Adaptive sports “has giv-

en me a since of belongingto a team again,” said Karpf,injured in June 2012 by animprovised explosive devicein Afghanistan. The explo-sion claimed his left legbelow the knee. He’s alsotraining to compete in atriathlon, and recently par-

Local Soldiers Prepare to Compete in 2013 Warrior Games

U.S. Army Photo by Patrick Cubel

Master Sgt. Rhoden Galloway (left), Warrior Transition Unit, Fort Sam Houston, Texas, and Sgt. Sean Karpf, Warrior Transition Unit,Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Md., wait to start the 50-meter freestyle swim trial at the 2013 Warrior GamesArmy Cycling and Swimming Assessment and Selection Clinic. The clinic was conducted Jan. 7-12 at Fort Bliss, Texas.

SeeWARRIOR page 8

2 Thursday, May 9, 2013 The Journal

Published by offset every Thurs-day by Comprint Military Publi-cations, 9030 Comprint Court,Gaithersburg, Md. 20877, a pri-vate firm in no way connectedwith the U.S. Navy, under ex-clusive written contract with theWalter Reed National MilitaryMedical Center, Bethesda, Md.This commercial enterprise news-paper is an authorized publication formembers of the military services. Contentsof The Journal are not necessarily the of-ficial views of, nor endorsed by, the U.S.Government, the Department of Defense,or the Department of Navy. The appearanceof advertising in this publication, includinginserts or supplements, does not constituteendorsement by the Department of De-fense or Comprint, Inc., of the products orservices advertised. Everything advertisedin this publication shall be made availablefor purchase, use or patronage without re-

gard to race, color, religion, sex,national origin, age, maritalstatus, physical handicap,political affiliation, or anyother non-merit factor of thepurchaser, user, or patron.Editorial content is edited,prepared and provided bythe Public Affairs Office, Naval

Support Activity Bethesda, Md.News copy should be submitted to

the Public Affairs Office, Building 11, lowerlevel, Room 41, by noon one week pre-ceding the desired publication date. Newsitems are welcomed from all installationsources. Inquiries about news copy will beanswered by calling 301-295-1803. Com-mercial advertising should be placed withthe publisher by telephoning 301-921-2800.Publisher’s advertising offices are locatedat 9030 Comprint Court, Gaithersburg, Md.20877. Classified ads can be placed by call-ing 301-670-1700.

Naval Support Activity (NSA) BethesdaCommanding Officer: Capt. Frederick (Fritz) Kass

Public Affairs Officer NSAB: Joseph MacriPublic Affairs Office NSAB: 301-295-1803

Journal StaffStaff Writers MASNApril Beazer

MCSN Brandon Williams-ChurchSarah MarshallSharon Renee TaylorCat DeBinderDavid A. DickinsonJeremy Johnson

Managing Editor MC2 Nathan Parde

NSAB Editor MC2 John HamiltonWRNMMC Editor Bernard LittleWalter Reed National Military Medical CenterOffice of Media Relations 301-295-5727

Fleet And Family Support Center 301-319-4087WRNMMC OmbudsmanJulie Bondar 443-854-5167

NSAB OmbudsmanJojo Lim Hector 703-901-6730

Visit us on Facebook:Naval Support Activity Bethesda page:https://www.facebook.com/NSABethesda

Walter Reed National Medical Center page:http://www.facebook.com/pages/Walter-Reed-National-Military-Medical-Center/295857217111107

Uniformed Services University of the Health Sci-ences page:http://www.facebook.com/pages/Uni-formed-Services-University-of-the-Health-Sciences/96338890888?fref=ts

Peace is one thingthat we all desire.As we look around,our families, friends,and loved ones de-sire peace. A lifewithout peace is amiserable life in-deed. Therefore, Ibelieve in spite ofour situations, it isimperative that wepursue peace to at-tain harmony withinourselves and withothers. There arethree points I’d liketo share with youconcerning peace.

First , Psalms34:14 reads, “seek peace and pursueit.” This particular scripture encour-ages us to strive for and to continueto look for peace. Sometimes we donot have peace within ourselves orwith others. Sometimes we can havedisagreements and conflicts withothers but the question is, how canwe have peace with ourselves andwith others? As we think about ourpast conflicts and reactions, I be-lieve we can reflect back and askourselves, “What approach can Iimplement that will bring about amutual understanding and peacebetween us?” Granted, there aretimes when people will have dif-ferent opinions but we can agree todisagree and still have respect foreach other.

Second, peace comes from within.Mother Teresa said, “Peace beginswith a smile.” A smile projects kind-ness, helpfulness and a peacefulintent with others. When someoneapproaches me with a smile, I smileback. Of course, I am aware that ev-eryone does not mean you well, but

most of the time, forme, it is a pleasantexperience. A smileallows me to conveyto others I care. Ina hospital setting, Iam more than will-ing to smile. I be-lieve when I smileI can make a dif-ference in some-one’s life. For me,it conveys to othersthat I am willing tohelp and that I careenough to acknowl-edge their presence.

Third, peace isan action word. If Iwant peace, I must

try my best to figure out a way tohave peace in a situation. I knowthat many times in our lives ourpeace will be challenged or disturbedby some event but it will not last for-ever. Continue to pursue peace. Iftalking with someone helps you toattain peace in your life then talk.If listening to music calms you, thenlisten to music. If praying or meditat-ing helps you have peace then prayand meditate. Eventually and happi-ly our lives will change for the betterbecause we are pursuing peace withourselves and with others. I praythat God will bless you today withpeace.

“It isn’t enough to talk aboutpeace. One must believe in it. Andit isn’t enough to believe in it. One

must work at it.”By Eleanor Roosevelt

(Maj.) Denise HaglerChaplain, Pastoral Care Dept.Walter Reed National MilitaryMedical Center

Chaplain’s Corner Ethics SymposiumWalter Reed Bethesda’s Ethics Committee

and Department of Pastoral Care will host the2nd Annual Healthcare Ethics SymposiumTuesday through Thursday at Naval SupportActivity Bethesda. The symposium includes abanquet at the Uniformed Services Universityof the Health Sciences on Tuesday, and ple-nary sessions Wednesday and Thursday inWalter Reed Bethesda’s Clark Auditorium, fo-cusing on the symposium’s theme “Embracingthe Principle of Justice in Healthcare,” honor-ing the 50th anniversary of Dr. Martin LutherKing Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech. For moreinformation, contact Chaplain (Maj.) StephenPratel Sr. at 301-400-2224 or [email protected].

Asian American, Pacific Islander HeritageThe Bethesda Multicultural Committee cel-

ebrates Asian American and Pacific IslanderHeritage Month on May 16 beginning at 11:30a.m. in the America Building atrium. The freeprogram features the Natananjali School ofDance, an authentic vocal and instrumentalperformance, and sampling of food from India.All are welcome to attend.

Adaptive Sports ExpoThe Department of Rehabilitation presents

the Adaptive Sports Expo on Wednesday inthe America Building Lobby from 10 a.m. to3 p.m. Come and learn about the TherapeuticRecreation & Adaptive Sports programs atWalter Reed Bethesda. Lunch will be providedfor wounded warriors and participants.

Prostate Cancer Support GroupThe Walter Reed Bethesda Prostate Cancer

Support Group meets twice on May 16 from 1to 2 p.m., and 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., in the RiverConference Room, third floor of the AmericaBuilding (Building 19) adjacent to the Centerfor Prostate Disease Research. For more infor-mation, contact Vin McDonald at 703-643-2658or [email protected].

Bethesda Notebook

The Journal Thursday, May 9, 2013 3

By Bernard S. LittleWRNMMC Journal staff writer

Based on job performance, lead-ership skills, military bearing andcommunity involvement, three ser-vice members in the Joint Task ForceNational Capital Region MedicalCommand (JTF CapMed) recentlyearned the JTF CapMed EnlistedService Members of the Year Awardsfor 2012.

Air Force Master Sgt. Carlos Ra-mos, Hospital Corpsman 2nd ClassJessica Bowie and Hospitalman Mi-chael J. Haws were recognized as theJTF CapMed’s top enlisted servicemembers of 2012 for Tiers 3, 2 and 1respectively, during a recent banquetat Fort Belvoir, Va.

Master Chief Petty Officer of theNavy Michael D. Stevens, guestspeaker at the affair, commendedthe winners and nominees, and gaveeach his official coin. The winnersand nominees also received rec-ognition coins from JTF CapMedCommander, Army Maj. Gen. SteveJones, and JTF CapMed Senior En-listed Leader (SEL), Air Force ChiefMaster Sgt. Alexander Perry.

For earning the JTF CapMed’s En-listed Service Members of the Yearhonors, Ramos, Bowie and Haws alsoearned a plaque with images of Wal-ter Reed National Military MedicalCenter (WRNMMC), Fort BelvoirCommunity Hospital (FBCH) andMalcolm Grow Medical Clinic andservice coins on it, as well as theJoint Service Achievement Medal.

Perry, who oversaw the recogni-tion program, explained the threehonorees excelled on and off thejob, and when they came before theboard of senior enlisted leaders whochose the winners, the bearing ofRamos, Bowie and Haws, “matched”their nominations.

“You could clearly see in each oneof their nominations, and the waythe nominees presented themselvesbefore the board, their military dressand bearing, communication skillsand how they responded to ques-tions, they matched,” Perry said.

The commands within the JTFCapMed nominated one servicemember for each of the three awards-- Tier 1 for E-4s and below; Tier 2for E-5s and E-6s; and Tier 3 for E-7sand E-8s, Perry explained. Nomineesthen went before the board consist-ing of senior enlisted leaders fromWRNMMC (Master Chief Petty Of-ficer Pietro Matrone), the 79th Medi-cal Wing at Joint Base Andrews, Md.(Chief Master Sgt. Kevin McCoy),and FBCH (Master Sgt. Jason Alex-ander).

Nominees were given a series ofstudy areas before going before theboard, Perry added. “Though it wasnot like the traditional Army, Navyor Air Force boarding process, we didevaluate how they handled them-selves in responding to questions.We

evaluated how [the nominees] pro-cessed the situation as young lead-ers, and future leaders,” said the JTFCapMed SEL.

He said it was challenging select-ing the winners, but it was helpfulhaving the various services repre-sented on the selection board, whoworked well together to choose thethree worthy honorees.

“There weren’t any distinct differ-ences between what [the winners’]supervision and leaders said abouttheir performance, and their actualpresentation about those achieve-ments,” Perry added.

Ramos is the SEL for the Criti-cal Care Nursing Department atWRNMMC. “I’ve been involved inmaking the [Base Realignment andClosure] transition a success for ourstaff and patients alike. I am in-volved in the enlisted education andtraining, ensuring our Airmen, Sail-ors, and Soldiers perform to theirhighest scope of practice,” said themaster sergeant.

As SEL for the 50-bed intensivecare unit and 26-bed cardiac telem-etry unit at WRNMMC, Ramos su-pervises and mentors service mem-bers from all branches. “I enjoy tak-ing care of our service members andhelping them achieve their goals,”said the master sergeant, who is orig-inally from Guayama, Puerto Rico.

Ramos said he makes it a point tolisten to customers and his troops,and asks questions before making adecision. “I learned this early in mycareer, and it is something I’ve prac-ticed when dealing with situationsthat arise,” said the 16-year servicemember. He also describes himselfas dedicated. “No matter what taskis in front of me, I stick to it until Iaccomplish it.”

Ramos, Bowie and Haws all ex-plained it’s humbling to have earnedthe JTF-CapMed Service Member ofthe Year award. “I’m only here todaybecause I’ve been given opportuni-ties to adapt, overcome, and make

my environment better for the nextservice member,” Bowie added.

Also named WRNMMC’s Sailor ofthe Year for 2012 in December, Bow-ie deployed overseas as an indepen-dent physical therapy technician tothe Horn of Africa from August 2011until March 2012. She then servedas the assistant leading petty officerat the optometry clinic, and man-aged career development and train-ing for the Directorate of Medicineat WRNMMC. She is currently theleading petty officer of the CommandFitness Office, where she managesthe Fitness Enhancement Programand coordinates the Physical Readi-ness Test (Personal Fitness Assess-ment) for Navy members.

“My ability to adapt in every set-ting has really helped me developas a leader and gain valuable expe-rience,” said the native of Buffalo,N.Y., who has served in the militaryfor seven years.

Like Ramos, Bowie also stressedlistening is very important in pa-tient care and customer service. “Ibegan true patient care as an E-3working in the Emergency Room, somy approach comes from my expe-rience within that setting. It takespatience, listening, and truly caring,”she said.

Bowie takes her concern for othersoutside of the office. She is a volun-teer for two local nonprofit groups,assisting vulnerable residents in theWashington, D.C. and MontgomeryCounty areas with comprehensiveservices including food, education,clothing, medical care and legal andsocial needs. She will also beginteaching Latin dance aerobic classesat one of the nonprofits this month.

“My outlet at the end of the day ismy son, whether it’s taking him tojujitsu or having him workout withme in our living room,” Bowie added.

Hospital Corpsman 1st Class ScottBondar, Bowie’s supervisor, said,“Once you meet HM2 Bowie, youknow she has ‘it.’ She is a difference-

maker at WRNMMC. In the PFA of-fice, she hit the ground running bydeveloping fitness requiems. Also,she brings the Sailors around her upwith her take-charge attitude.”

He added Bowie sets the tone forthe office. “Not only is she the lead-ing petty officer, but she holds thefastest Navy female run time of9:25 and scored the maximum onher push-ups and sit-ups on her fallPFA cycle. She leads daily fitness en-hancement sessions, and proves as agreat example of Navy Physical Fit-ness standards.”

Haws’ performance on and off thejob were also instrumental in himearning the JTF CapMed EnlistedService Member of the Year Awardfor Tier 1. Haws works in FBCH’soccupational therapy clinic. He iscredited with assisting more than1,000 patients during 2012. “I treat avariety of injuries through therapeu-tic exercises, modalities, splints, andmassages. In total, I see about ninepatients a day, ranging from frac-tures to carpel tunnel,” he explained.

In the Navy since February 2009,Haws said he enjoys the relation-ships he’s able to build with hispatients. “I’ve had a lot of patientswalk away from OT my friends rath-er than patients,” said the Sailor.

Originally from Fort Wayne, Ind.,Haws also raised $700 for the FortBelvoir Community Hospital Holi-day Ball, created a civic, cultural,social and moral welfare club at theFBCH, and mentored 22 junior ser-vice members last year.

Army Lt. Col. Michael A. Robert-son, chief of Occupational Therapy(OT) Service at FBCH and Haws’supervisor, added, “HN Haws hasbeen a phenomenal Sailor withinthe [OT] service and in the commu-nity. He has worked extremely hardto become an accomplished occupa-tional therapy technician and fre-quently sees the most patients per

JTF-CapMed Names Top Enlisted Service Members of 2012

Hospital Corpsman 2nd ClassJessica BowieMaster Sgt. Carlos Ramos Hospitalman Michael J. Haws

See CAPMED page 10


By Mass CommunicationSpecialist 2nd Class

Nathan PardeNSAB Public Affairs

staff writer

The Saint Andrew’s Soci-ety of Mid-Maryland is spon-soring its 13th annual fes-tival Saturday to honor andbenefit wounded warriors.

This cultural heritageevent provides the commu-nity with the opportunity toexplore the rich culture andtradition that resulted fromthe movement of many Irishand Scottish immigrantsto the United States. Thisyear’s festival was expandedto include a British car showand evening Celtic concert.

Proceeds from theseevents will be donatedto charities that supportwounded warriors, said Jo-seph Wiggington, presidentof Saint Andrew’s Society ofMid-Maryland and chairmanof the festival.

“Any and all wounded war-riors are invited to attendthe day and night events asour guests of honor,” saidWiggington. “They may bring

their immediate families atno charge as well. We willbe providing them free foodand beverages in our Spon-sor’s Hall. For those still inhospital and rehabilitationcenters, we are coordinatingtransportation for them.”

The event will be kickedoff with an opening ceremo-ny that will feature a colorguard marching to the soundof pipes and drums.

Professional and ama-teur athletes, including fourwounded warriors donningkilts in the U.S. Army cam-ouflage, will compete on theathletic field in traditionalScottish games, such as cab-er tossing, heavy stone, ham-mer, and keg throwing.

There are many otherevents and activities sched-uled for the day.A tent will beset up with Scottish-themedevents for kids. TraditionalScottish food and drink, in-cluding whole turkey legsand shepherd’s pie, willbe available for purchase.There will also be dog eventsat the festival, showcasingskills and training such assheep herding, terrier races,

service dogs and rescue doggroups. Well-behaved dogswith responsible owners arewelcome at the festival.

Wiggington said The SaintAndrew’s Society of Mid-Maryland is very excited topresent the festival this year,with so many volunteer staffsigned up for the event thatthey had to create a waitinglist. He added the “grati-tude that has poured out forthese brave men and women

[wounded warriors] is some-thing that has left a perma-nent mark on my emotions.”

“To sum it up, we want toraise a shed full of moneyto help now and in their fu-ture,” said Wiggington. “Wewant to put on an awesomefestival for them and theirfamilies to enjoy the day,and we want to give an op-portunity for some of them toget out there on the athleticfield and throw heavy stones,

weights, kegs, and logs justbecause they can!”

Tickets for the festival are$13 for active duty servicemembers with ID or throughadvanced sale on the web-site. Tickets at the gate willcost $18, and children under12 are free admission.

For more informationabout the festival, visit thewebsite at http://www.fred-erickcelticfestival.com/.

Frederick Celtic Festival Honors Wounded Warriors

Courtesy Photo

The Frederick Celtic Festival will kick off Saturday with an opening ceremonythat features the Scottish American Military Society color guard, massed pipesand drums.

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By Mass CommunicationSpecialist SeamanBrandon Williams-

ChurchNSAB Public Affairs

staff writer

Located in room num-ber 45 on the lower level ofBuilding 11 at Naval Sup-port Activity Bethesda, theMulti-Use Learning Facil-ity (MLF) computer lab isoffering service members,spouses, wounded warriorsand civilians free internetaccess, printing, copyingand faxing capabilities dur-ing the workweek.Hours of operation for the

MLF are Monday throughFriday opening at 8 a.m.and closing at 4 p.m.With 16 computers in use,

users do not have to have acommon access card (CAC)to utilize the machines, but,if users require a computerfor use of a website thatasks for CAC access, theMLF has four machines touse.“We consider it as assis-

tance to our wounded war-rior population and for ev-eryone including civilians,members of all services andwe set up as basically a net-work of computers whichare open-source computerswhere you don’t have to usea CAC to get into the sys-tem,” said Craig Branagan,educational services officer

for the Army Education Ser-vices (AES). Since Bethesdais such a small post, havingeverything easily accessibleand convenient is key, saidBranagan.“Many people in transi-

tion often have no place togo so if they know they cancome down to the learningfacility and continue their

college courses, access theiremails, check their accountsand get things they needfor in-processing done, it’sa real boom. We operate ondifferent levels, one is for aresource center for educa-tion and the other is a utili-tarian role for the generalpopulation. We felt it wasreally important to continuethis service and we’ve triedto make it as easily acces-sible as possible.”Not only does the MLF

provide computer and inter-net access, it also is a gate-way for service members,spouses, wounded warriorsand civilians to seek the op-portunity of special coursesoffered by Fleet and FamilySupport Center (FFSC) andAES.The Army has a Basic

Skills Education Programand the Navy has their“Smooth Move” course avail-able for anybody transfer-ring to a new duty station.Jamie George, transpor-

tation assistant for house-hold goods, and Fred Sher-

ris, relocation coordinatorfor FFSC, teach the “smoothmove” class. “We’ve devel-oped [the class] so that wecan walk people through in-stead of doing a three hourcourse where they wouldhave to figure it out on thecomputer system at homeon their own,” said Sherris.“It could cost them money ifthey did it wrong.”“We teach the class Mon-

day at 1 p.m. and Tuesdayat 8:30 a.m., which bothclasses are for continentalU.S. moves,” said George.“Wednesday at 1 p.m. is aclass for out of the continen-tal U.S. moves for anyonegoing overseas, and Thurs-day at 8:30 a.m. for anybodyretiring or separating fromtheir respective branch ofservice.”Without the support

from the Army ContinuedEducation System (ACES),the course would be non-existent, said Sherris. “Thepartnership between FFSC

Computer Lab Offers More than Just Internet

Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Brandon Williams-Church

Spc. Matthew Winans uses a computer in the Multi-Use Learning Facility to check his Army KnowledgeOnline account.

See COMPUTER page 10

1038246 1038414


By Jeremy K. JohnsonNSAB Public Affairs

staff writer

The Fleet and Family Sup-port Center (FFSC) is add-ing the web to its list of toolsfor providing classes aimedat improving life skills forpersonnel attached to NavalSupport Activity Bethesda.According to Kaprece

James, a life skills trainer,FFSC is offering the CouplesCommunication class as awebinar, tentatively sched-uled for May 14 from 11:00a.m. to 12:30 p.m.The class, designed to help

people in romantic relation-ships communicate more ef-fectively is normally taughtin person and has an averageattendance of fewer than 10.James says the smaller classsizes are actually beneficialto the purpose of the class,encouraging people to com-municate better. “I find thatwhen you have only a fewpeople, people are more like-ly to open up.When you havea large group, people don’twant to talk about their per-sonal issues,” she explained.With the webinar, she

continued, the advantage ofanonymity can amplify thecomfort level of the attendeeso they can get the biggestbenefit from the materialand the discussion. “Peopledon’t have to identify them-selves,” she said, “and theycan communicate directlywith me while I’m conduct-ing the course.”Potential enrollees in the

course must first registerby calling or emailing theFFSC. James will then sendan email with a link to sign-up online at the portal wherethe webinar happens. “Oncethey get the link, it takesabout five minutes to get setup the first time on the site,”she added. “And they mighthave to install a plug-in ontheir computer. After that,for future sessions it shouldtake even less time.”After registration, attend-

ees can log in from home orwork, and listen as Jamesconducts the hour-long classusing virtual slides. Thereis no video feed, and partici-pants can add their voice tothe conversation using eithera computer microphone or bydialing in to a conference lineby phone. Instead of giving “a

show of hands” to answer aquestion in person, they canparticipate in online polls cre-ated by the instructor.James emphasized that

participants do not have tobe a couple to enroll. She saidshe believes someone who isbetween relationships canalso benefit from the class.“I encourage people who hada bad break up to attend be-cause they may be able tolearn something about theway they communicate witha partner or spouse and pre-vent problems in the future,”she said.Additionally, any couple

can participate, whetherthey are dating, engaged ormarried, and couples can beeither opposite or same-gen-der relationships. “We havehad same-gender couples inthe class before,” said James.“All that matters is that theywant to learn about betterways to communicate.”Couples Communication

class will still be held in per-son, but James said she ishoping the webinar will pro-vide more flexibility for par-ticipants who find it difficultto break away from work forthe mid-day session.

Anyone looking to find outmore about the class or reg-ister can contact the FFSC

by calling 301-319-4087, orby emailing [email protected].

FFSC Hosting Its First Couples Communication Webinar

U.S. Navy file photo by Mass Communications Specialist 1st Class Jeffrey Jay Price

By Sarah MarshallWRNMMC Journal

staff writer

Health care providersfrom Walter Reed Bethesdaand across the globe recent-ly had an opportunity to dis-cuss the latest in wound caretreatment during a three-day wound care conference.Held at the National In-

trepid Center of Excellence,April 23-25, the sixth annualWound Management Confer-ence allowed subject matterexperts from Walter ReedNational Military MedicalCenter (WRNMMC) to sharetheir knowledge about cur-rent trends in wound care,applicable to their units,wards, as well as on deploy-ment and in the civilian sec-tor, explained Army Maj.Teresa Yabar, division offi-cer for WRNMMC’s GeneralSurgery Clinic.“This was the first time it

was done utilizing VTC (vid-eo teleconferencing), whichwas a major endeavor,” Yabarnoted.While saving traveling

costs, the VTC capability atthis year’s Wound Manage-ment Conference allowedproviders from 14 militaryinstallations to participate,including Landstuhl Re-gional Medical Center inGermany, Naval Base Guam,Army Base Fort Bliss in Tex-as, and Marine Corps BaseCamp Lejeune in North Car-olina, Yabar said. Addition-

ally, conference participantsearned 12.5 training hours,helping to maintain their an-nual credentialing require-ments, Yabar added.“We addressed nutri-

tion, [and] pain manage-ment. There’s always painin wounds,” said Maria PazAquino, a wound and ostomyclinical nurse at WRNMMC.“We [also] highlighted cer-

tain wounds that are in-herent in every practice,called pressure ulcers,” sheexplained, which may formwhere pressure on the skinreduces blood flow. A pres-sure ulcer may form when apatient has been in a wheel-chair or bed for a long periodof time, or when a patienthas a disease that affectsblood flow, such as diabetesor vascular disease.Nurses and doctors also

discussed amputee care, andtopical products used fortreating such wounds. Theyshared the latest wound caretechniques, she continued,such as negative pressurewound therapy (NPWT),turning an open wound intoa sterile, closed wound, whileenhancing circulation.“There’s probably nowhere

else in the world where[NPWT’s] use is as widespread or as intelligent as itis here,” said Col. (Dr.) JerrySvoboda, a vascular surgeon,who shared his expertiseduring the conference.A reservist currently mo-

bilized to WRNMMC, Svobo-

da regularly practices in thecivilian sector, in Rochester,N.Y. He gave a presenta-tion on diabetic foot ulcers,which he explained may beprevented by using soap, wa-ter and petroleum jelly. Thismethod may help decreasethe number of diabetic am-putations across the nation,he said.The surgeon added the

conference was an opportu-nity to share modern treat-ments, and ways to usewound care products bothproperly as well as economi-cally. He also noted the “col-lection of talent” at WalterReed Bethesda.“[WRNMMC] is an ex-

tremely high-speed facilityfor taking care of compli-cated wounds,” he said, notonly for wounded warriors,but patients of all ages. “I’mlearning a lot here.”A testimony to the knowl-

edge at WRNMMC is themedical center’s staff mem-bers having developed theoriginal Department of De-

Wound Care Conference Educates Providers Locally, Abroad

Photo by Sarah Marshall

Director of the Clinical Nurse Transition Program atWalter Reed Bethesda Cynthia Goldberg gave a pre-sentation on pain management during a Wound Man-agement Conference April 23-25, held at the NationalIntrepid Center of Excellence.

SeeWOUND page 10


By Bernard S. LittleWRNMMC Journal

staff writer

High school students in-terested in medical careersare given the opportunityannually to observe medi-cine practiced at its fin-est at the Nation’s MedicalCenter, Walter Reed Nation-al Military Medical Center(WRNMMC), through a pro-gram offered by the ThomasEdison High School of Tech-nology in Silver Spring, Md.For more than 25 years,

WRNMMC, and one of itspredecessors, the formerNational Naval MedicalCenter, have played host to11th and 12th grade stu-dents from public schoolsthroughout MontgomeryCounty as part of ThomasEdison’s Medical Careersprogram, which began in1985.“This award-winning

community partnership hasbeen a win-win,” explainedKristine Mansky, MedicalCareers instructor and reg-istered nurse clinical super-visor, who has worked withthe program for more than20 years.“We learn from amazing

military medicine role mod-els, and the staff demon-strates their leadership andmedical prowess as theywork with the students andfuture medical profession-als,” Mansky added. “The re-spect these [students] gainfor WRNMMC is palpableand leads to many choosingto join the military medicalteam.”“This program is excel-

lent exposure to the medi-cal field for these youngstudents,” said Navy Cmdr.Rhonda Hinds, service chieffor Staff and Faculty Devel-opment at WRNMMC, whocoordinates the internshipsat WRNMMC for the highschoolers.“I have been working with

this group for the last threeyears, and they have trulybeen a pleasure to workwith,” Hinds added. “Thisprogram connects us to thecommunity and allows usto give back. We have had afew students go a step fur-ther and join the military inthe medical profession. It’struly an eye-opening experi-ence for them.”Mansky said approxi-

mately 25 students, whoearned A’s and B’s in biol-

ogy and chemistry courses,participate in the programeach year. The first semes-ter of the program focusedon “rigorous” coursework,and included medical termi-nology taught by a collegeinstructor for credit. Thestudents also took coursesin anatomy, physiology, dis-ease processes, patient careskills and CPR.To participate in the sec-

ond semester internship atWRNMMC, students mustpass their first semestercourse requirements, be-come certified in CPR (basiclife support for health care

providers), and earn the in-structor’s recommendation,Mansky explained.Maj. Carolyn H. Wat-

son, perioperative clinicalnurse specialist and clinicaleducator main operatingroom (OR) at WRNMMC,explained the students’ in-ternships at WRNMMC, “isa time for them to explorethe vast opportunities inmedical careers and wit-ness professionals at work.For example, most studentsnever get to go behind the‘red’ line of the OR suite.Here, they have the chanceto observe surgery, learn

how ‘sterile technique’ is ap-plied, and what that meansto a patient undergoing asurgical procedure. Know-ing why something is doneand then experiencing orobserving it, can open theireyes and provide new goalsor solidify those they al-ready have.”Mansky agreed the

student internship atWRNMMC is for approxi-mately two months and in-cludes “engaging in precep-torships that offer mean-ingful patient and medicalstaff learning experiencesthroughout the hospital,OR, and in various depart-ments and clinics.”Army Staff Sgt. Irving

Carlisle, a surgical tech-nologist at WRNMMC whoworked with the studentsduring their internships,said, “It’s very rewardingto know that they are go-ing to be our future, and itappears the future is goingto be bright for us. The pro-gram is geared toward de-veloping these high schoolstudents into becoming pro-ductive citizens, and thiswill pay off for their futureand ours.”“They are energetic and

eager to learn, which moti-

vates me to keep doing whatI am doing,” added Petty Of-ficer 2nd Class LeobardoCarbjal, a surgical tech-nologist at WRNMMC whoworked with the studentsduring their internships atWalter Reed Bethesda.Chris Rahimi, an 18-year-

old senior at WinstonChurchill High School inPotomac, said he will ma-jor in biology in college andhopes to pursue a medicalcareer, possibly in radiology,because of the Medical Ca-reer program and his expe-riences at WRNMMC. “I’velearned a lot of vocabularyand crucial information,such as CPR, first aid, whatit takes to digest food andhow the body works.”“I knew I wanted to do

something medical, andonce I began the programI realized I really want todo physical therapy,” saidKayleigh Matthews, an18-year-old senior at Rock-ville High School. “You do alot of hands-on work, whichis my best way to learn, andyou do a lot of labs. It letsyou see what exactly youwill be doing. There is a lotof homework and a lot to do

Walter Reed Bethesda Gives High Schoolers Extraordinary Experiences

Oliver Marroquin, Kayleigh Matthews and EmelyCanaza, work on their operating room skills in thesimulation center.

Photos by Bernard S. Little

Kayleigh Matthews (left) and Viky Alvarez, high school students in Thomas Edison High School of Technol-ogy’s Medical Careers Program, learn to properly put on operating room gowns in the simulation center atWalter Reed Bethesda on April 29.

See STUDENTS page 10


ticipated in an adaptive lacrosse clinic at WalterReed Bethesda.“I have realized that I need to push myself

and not feel sorry for myself. Losing a leg chang-es your life, but if I can stay busy, stay active… it helps. It’s like therapy for me,” Karpf ex-plained.He added that participating in adaptive re-

conditioning activities and sports helped himregain a sense of confidence and perspective ashe learned to walk again.Karpf said he’s proud of his career and help-

ing other young service members develop intoleaders on and off the playing fields. He encour-ages other wounded warriors to participate in

adaptive sports because it has helped in hisrecovery, both physically and mentally. He alsolooks forward to mentoring other wounded war-riors in his internship with the physical therapydepartment at Walter Reed Bethesda.The noncommissioned officer said in addition

to bringing back gold at the Warriors Games, hehopes to earn a spot on the Army’s World ClassAthlete Program to train as a hopeful for theU.S. Paralympic swim team.Hamilton, a native of New Castle, Del., has

high goals for herself too, both on and off thesport field. She explained that since January,she has been in “intense training” which has in-cluded running four days, cycling three days aweek, and throwing the discus twice a week.Off the field, the Army captain has set her

sights on earning either a jurist doctorate de-gree, or an academic doctorate degree in domes-tic policy or diplomatic studies.An intelligence officer, Hamilton was injured

during her deployment to Afghanistan. “I wasinjured in Western Afghanistan in December2010 when my vehicle was involved in a Mo-tor Vehicle Accident with a local Afghan truckdriver. My vehicle rolled off the road and I wasejected from the vehicle.”Despite sustaining a fractured vertebra; right

hand trauma; bone, tendon and nerve damage;as well as moderate traumatic brain injury,Hamilton described her deployment in Afghani-stan as rewarding. There, she assisted Afghanwomen with medical services and education.“I am most proud of the impact that I made

with the women in the Sanowghan Village, Zer-ekoh Valley, Afghanistan,” she said. “Given theopportunity, I would do it all over again.”Although her rehabilitation, which began at

Walter Reed Bethesda, has been challenging,Hamilton explained she has earned a master’sdegree, and competed in the Army Ten-Milerand Baltimore half-marathon.“I was determined to not let my injury get in

the way of living life,” said the captain. “I havelearned that I am a much stronger-willed personthan I ever imagined.“I became interested in competing in the War-

rior Games after countless cadre members fromthe Fort Meade WTU motivated me to try out forthe 2012 Warrior Games,” Hamilton explained.“The encouragement that I received from theWarrior Transition Unit during that time aidedin my healing process and boasted my confi-dence.”In its fourth year, more than 200 athletes

from all branches of the military qualified tocompete at the 2013 Warrior Games, May 11-16.The Paralympic-style competition for wounded,ill and injured service members allows athletesto compete for gold medals in shooting, swim-ming, archery, sitting volleyball, cycling, trackand field and wheelchair basketball.The Warrior Games showcase the resilient

spirit of wounded, ill and injured service mem-bers from all branches of the military who haveovercome significant physical and behavioralhealth challenges, according to its organizers.“I mostly look forward to seeing the love and

support that the American citizens, family mem-bers and fellow warriors show during such amonumental event,” Hamilton added. “The War-rior Games seem to unite the public and remindthem of the sacrifices that each warrior has of-fered for the freedom of American Citizens. Itwas an honor to be selected as one of the heroesthat made the Army team and I intend to makemy service proud when I medal in each of myevents,” she added.

Courtesy photo

Former Secretary of Defense Leon Pa-netta congratulates Capt. Lacey Hamiltonfor earning two bronze medals at the 2012Warrior Games.

WARRIORContinued from 1

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By Mass CommunicationSpecialist Seaman Brandon

Williams-ChurchNASB Public Affairs

staff writer

May is designated as Mili-tary Spouse Appreciation Month(MSAM), and Fleet and FamilyServices Center (FFSC) is celebrat-ing every service member’s “betterhalf ” at Naval Support ActivityBethesda, by hosting events suchas an appreciation luncheon on May17.

Dedra Anderson, spouse employ-ment coordinator for FFSC and amilitary spouse herself, and CaitlinMullins, spouse employment spe-cialist and military spouse, planand regulate specific events andprograms that target the militaryspouse.

“Spouse Appreciation Day wasstarted to honor spouses who servewith their service member becausethey also help in a special way inthe sacrifices they give up to via de-ployments, being away from homeor just being away from their knownenvironment,” said Anderson.

“It’s really important to recognizethe spouses because they typicallymove a lot and might be in and out

of a job because of orders that takethem to different places,” said Mul-lins. “They make sacrifices as well.”

An appreciation luncheon forspouses is scheduled for May 17 atthe Glenn Haven Housing in Whea-ton. The last day for spouses to signup is May 10.

“The luncheon is being held from11 to 2,” said Mullins. “At the begin-ning of the day we are going to beoffering a yoga session to the spous-es and then we will have lunch.The United Service Organizationpartnered up with us and is go-ing to be sponsoring cupcakes andpunch. Lifeworks at the housing inWheaton is providing the food andthe venue. Plus, we are also givingout gift bags to the first 50 spousessigned up.”

The address of the luncheon willbe given with the spouses sign upverification.

FFSC also provides other usefulprograms to service members andtheir spouses.

“During the year there are a lotof activities that go on for spouses,”said Anderson. “It’s about gettingthem to come and participate be-cause we post things everywhereand the events are free. We haveparenting, resume writing, deploy-

ment, marriage counseling andrelocation classes. We also have aschool liaison for new people whohave come to the area. He guidesthem on what schools are aroundthe area and what they have to of-fer.”

With programs and services likethese, service members and theirspouses have the ability to take ad-vantage of prime benefits.

“We want these spouses to knowthat we are here and that they canuse these services as well,” saidMullins.

FFSC provides an array of pro-grams and resources to help Navyfamilies adapt to the military en-vironment, become resilient and beknowledgeable on career develop-ment, financial management, emer-gency readiness and educationalprogression amongst other areas.

MSAM celebrates, honors andrecognizes all military personnelwho have served for our country,those who now serve in uniform andtheir families. MSAM also remem-bers those Americans who havegiven their lives in defense of ourfreedoms we all enjoy today.

For more information on the lun-cheon and other programs providedby FFSC, contact 301-319-4087.

FFSC Gives Military Spouses Appreciation Luncheon, Free Gift Bags

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1038417

1038415


month amongst my 10 providers.Our patients rave about his care.Additionally, he founded the nowthriving Lions Club at Fort Belvoirand volunteered to donate his bonemarrow to a non-family member. Heis an exceptional young man deserv-ing of the award.”“When I began the 2012 work

year with OT and the Lions Club,I never imagined this would be theend result,” Haws said. “I feel thestaff that coordinated the event

[for JTF CapMed’s Enlisted ServiceMembers of the Year] did an amaz-ing job and made the night wonder-ful.”Perry also said he’s proud of how

the program has evolved since be-ing established in 2011 by formerJTF CapMED SEL, Army Com-mand Sgt. Maj. Donna Brock, andnow U.S. Army Medical Commandsenior enlisted advisor. He addedjoint recognition programs, such asthe JTF CapMed’s initiative, serveto strengthen the value, contribu-tions and appreciation each mili-tary branch has for the others, and“what they bring to bear for themilitary health care facilities [inthe National Capital Area].”

CAPMEDContinued from 3

fense (DOD) wound care formulary,Aquino said.Wound and ostomy clin-ical nurses Aquino and Sharon Mayhelped establish the guidelines anddecision-making process for treatingwounds, used throughout the DOD.Under the General Surgery Clinic,

the Wound Care Management Ser-vices staff members are planning fornext year’s annual conference, hop-

ing to continue its growth. Through-out the year, they remain involvedin research efforts, while organizingtrainings, and producing a newslet-ter, available on the intranet, to keeppatients and staff informed of thelatest in wound care developments.“They’re constantly [networking]

to see if there are any changes orbetter products, or technology, avail-able,” Yabar said of the Wound Carestaff. “They’re very motivated, al-ways willing to learn, [and] alwayslooking for new and better treat-ments.”

WOUNDContinued from 6

in class. It’s a really good programfor those interested in the medicalfield because it definitely showsyou a lot.”An 18-year-old senior at Walter

Johnson High School in Bethesda,Oliver Marroquin has aspirations ofbeing a plastic surgeon, and said theMedical Career program has givenhim “a lot of insight into different

branches in the medical field.”“I plan to be an OB/GYN or an ob-

stetrician,” added Fiona Osei-Nsafo-ah, a 16-year-old junior at WinstonChurchill. “I’ve learned a lot aboutdifferent conditions of the body,different body parts and how theywork. I also learned a lot about thebrain,” she added.Another rewarding aspect of the

program for her, explained Osei-Nsafoah, is when students completethe program they received their cer-tification from Maryland as nursingassistants.“I felt the program would put me

ahead in my game, especially to getinto a good college,” added EmelyCanaza, a student at ClarksburgHigh School in Clarksburg. The16-year-old junior said she hopes toenter the dental field, and throughthe Medical Careers program shewas not only introduced to the “med-ical world,” but she will also earncollege credit.“To say this is an incredible op-

portunity for these students is anunderstatement,” Mansky said. “Themedical professionals in the variousinternships sites are respectful andcontribute greatly to the student in-terns’ professional development.”She added that alumni of the pro-

gram have become doctors, nurses,veterinarians, psychologists, para-medics, radiology technicians andother professionals in medical fields.Mansky recalled Ensign Thomas

Sarti completing the Medical Ca-

reers program. He has since earnedhis nursing degree, specializingin psychiatry, and works at WalterReed Bethesda.Lauren Scherer, whose mother

Elaine Scherer works as an OBnurse at Walter Reed Bethesda, isan alumnus of the Medical Careersprogram, and is now an Army trau-ma nurse in Hawaii, Mansky added.“Karina Clerge was our Medi-

cal Careers Outstanding studentof the year, and is currently work-ing as an OR nurse [at Walter ReedBethesda],” Mansky continued. “Shecompleted her advanced degree as anurse practitioner in family medi-cine.”“I knew I always wanted to be a

nurse and I was really excited be-cause [the Medical Careers pro-gram] gave me an opportunity toexplore what I really wanted to do,”Clerge said.

STUDENTSContinued from 7

and ACES is essential, becausewithout them we couldn’t do it.”With all the uses the MLF can

provide, it’s obvious to see why theimportance of such a facility exists.Spc. Matthew Winans, a medical

lab technician student at WalterReed Military Medical Center, usesthe lab around twice a week for per-

sonal uses. “I use the lab to checkmy Army Knowledge Online andemail because I only have CAC ac-cess and no other access to a com-puter,” said Winans. “It’s connectedto the main building through ‘thetunnel,’ and it’s pretty convenientto get here through Main Street inthe hospital.”Vincent Valenza, computer as-

sistant and manager of the MLF,over-sees the operations and main-tenance of the facility. Valenza in-tends to have scanning capabilitiessoon for the MLF.

COMPUTERContinued from 5

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