Vol. 25 No. 12 www.cnic.navy.mil/bethesda/ March 28, 2013

By Mass CommunicationSpecialist 2nd Class

Nathan PardeNSAB Public Affairs

staff writer

First Lady MichelleObama brought the Easterspirit and the White Housedog, Bo, to visit militaryfamilies and children atFisher House No. 4 on thecampus of Naval SupportActivity Bethesda March20.

As a part of the JointForces initiative – a na-tional program to mobilizeall sectors of society to giveservice members and theirfamilies the opportuni-ties and support they haveearned – it was the FirstLady’s second annual visitto the Fisher Houses atBethesda, but not her sec-ond time at a Fisher House.

“The Fisher Houses, asyou all know, are just so im-portant to families who arerecuperating,” said Obama.“They’re doing some greatstuff. As you can see, thehouses are beautiful. Andall around the country, theyare as beautiful and as wel-coming and as comfortingas you guys are experienc-ing here.”

Obama had a few sur-prises in store for the fami-lies at the Fisher House.The first, she said, was inappreciation for the FisherHouse Foundation and itsmission, which is to providea home-away-from-homefor family members of criti-cally ill patients while theyreceive care at Walter ReedBethesda.

“We are so supportive

First Lady Brings Cookies, Easter Spirit to Fisher House

Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Nathan Parde

First Lady Michelle Obama greets military family members during a visit to theFisher Houses for an early Easter celebration. Fisher House 4, located at NavalSupport Activity Bethesda, Md., provides a “home away from home” for thefamilies of military members receving medical care.See FISHER page 4

By Bernard S. LittleWRNMMC Journal

staff writer

The Army’s top enlistedSoldier and his wife vis-ited Walter Reed NationalMilitary Medical Center(WRNMMC) March 13,meeting wounded warriors,their families and staff.

After visiting with inpa-tient wounded warriors andfamilies, the 14th Sgt. Maj.of the Army (SMA) RaymondF. Chandler III and his wife,Jeanne, were greeted in theClark Auditorium, wherethey hosted a standing-roomonly town hall for Soldiers,Sailors, Marines, Airmenand civilian staff and fami-lies.

“Jeanne and I travel quitea bit [to meet with servicemembers and their fami-lies], listening to what yourconcerns are, and then pro-viding that back to the se-nior [military] leadership,”the SMA explained.

Chandler began the townhall discussing the Army’ssuspension of the tuition as-sistance (TA) program, andthe 72-hours notice givento Soldiers before it ended.“It’s not the right way to dobusiness,” he said. The SMAexplained the suspension inthe TA program was due tocurrent budget challengesposed by the continuing res-olution and sequestration,impacting other areas withinthe force as well. He encour-

aged troops to continue theireducation by seeking othergrants and scholarships,including those offered bythe Army Emergency Relief(AER) and Association of theUnited States Army (AUSA).

In discussing troopstrength, Chandler saidthere are about 170,000troops deployed around theworld, and the U.S. mili-tary is reducing its presencein Afghanistan, as well asdrawing down in general.With the current fiscal en-vironment, he said prioritieswill be on ensuring thosedeployed troops have “ev-erything they need to exe-cute their assignments,” and

Army’s Top Enlisted Soldier Visits Walter Reed Bethesda

See SOLDIER page 7

Photo by Bernard S. Little

Sergeant Major of the Army Raymond Chandler andhis wife, Jeanne, visited Walter Reed Bethesda onMarch 13 to meet with staff and patients and par-ticipate in a town hall with service members of allbranches.

2 Thursday, March 28, 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 MC2 John Hamilton

MASNApril BeazerSarah MarshallSharon Renee TaylorCat DeBinderDavid A. DickinsonJeremy Johnson

Managing Editor MC2 Nathan PardeWRNMMC Editor Bernard Little

Walter Reed National Military Medical CenterOffice of Media Relations 301-295-5727Fleet And Family Support Center 301-319-4087

WRNMMC 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

Perhaps you’ve heardthe axiom: “Never put a pe-riod where God has put acomma.” This thought pro-voking sound bite has beenused by philosophers, teach-ers, preachers and politi-cians over the last 40 years.The source of this profoundstatement is believed to beGracie Allen, one of Amer-ica’s most beloved come-dians. Though Gracie diedthe year I was born, I grewup watching her hilariousantics on the “Burns and Allen” televisionshow and other old movies. If you don’t re-member “Allen,” you will surely remember“Burns” as in George Burns - the little cigarsmoking man who played God in the popu-lar 70’s movies with John Denver.

In 1964, when Gracie was ill and closeto death, George was in such grief he couldbarely function. They had been togethersince their 20s, spending their entire adultlives together. George told her that hecouldn’t live without her. In her death, hesaw the end of everything he loved or caredabout in life. In that moment, he only saw abig fat period … no hope, no future, at leastnot one worth living. As the story goes,when she realized she was loosing her fightagainst heart disease, Gracie wrote a noteof comfort to her devastated husband. In itshe said simply: ‘’George, never put a pe-riod where God has put a comma.’’ Georgewould later share those words with numer-ous friends throughout the rest of his life,and many have been blessed by powerfultruth which simply says: “It is OK … Godis in control.” George must have listenedto Gracie’s advice, because he lived for an-other 32 years, reaching a century of life,and we all benefited from it.

During Holy Week, Christians mark thefinal days of Jesus’ earthly life, from histriumphant entry into Jerusalem on PalmSunday, to his trial and death on Good Fri-

day. Many people thoughtthe words, “It is finished,”placed a period after JesusChrist. Easter however, de-clares that Good Friday andits terrible ending was just acomma. At the crack of dawnon Easter Sunday, Christianscelebrate Jesus resurrectedfrom the dead! Early Chris-tian Creeds declare: “Christhas died, Christ is Risen,Christ will come again.” Notewhere the period is in thatstatement, and where we are

in history. This is the message and hope ofEaster.

There are seasons in life where we feela big fat period has been dropped on us …opportunities blocked, relationships end,doors close, hopes dashed. There are timeswhen all that we can see are dead ends. Af-ter 10 years largely spent as a Chaplain incombat arms units, and now as a Chaplainat the medical center, I have learned (andcontinue to learn) that God decides thepunctuations of life, setting the commas,question marks, exclamations, periods, andso on. Thankfully, He never misplaces a pe-riod, comma or any form of punctuation inour lives. No matter how difficult or hope-less it seems, the punctuation marks areplaced and used for our ultimate benefit.The message of this holy season of Easteris that God is in control and he has a plan.

As Gracie Allen lovingly told her grievinghusband ... “don’t let anyone or anythingput a period where God has put a comma… and don’t ever put a comma where Godhas put a period.” Regardless of the punc-tuations you are currently facing in life,know this: It’s going to be OK. God is stillin control.

Chaplain (Maj.) Stephen PratelDepartment of Pastoral CareWalter Reed NationalMilitary Medical Center

Chaplain’s Corner Easter Sunrise ServiceEaster Sunrise Service at

Walter Reed National MilitaryMedical Center (WRNMMC) willbe held Sunday at 7 a.m. in theAmerica Building lobby. All arewelcome to attend. For more in-formation, call Chaplain (Capt.)Sergio Daza at 301-295-1433.

The Hindu Festival of HoliThe Hindu Festival of Holi

will be celebrated on April 4 atnoon in the chapel, Building 8,first floor. The observance willbe followed by food and fellow-ship. Everyone is invited to at-tend. For more information, callthe Department of Pastoral Careat 301-295-1510.

Ask Your LeadershipAsk Your Leadership is a new

staff communication tool for youto view and post questions andcomments for official responsesfrom the Walter Reed Bethesda(WRB) command leadership.The tool is on the WRB Intranetpage. Click on the Town Hall/Leadership Forum icon, and thenclick on Ask Your Leadership.

Alcoholics Anonymous MeetingAlcoholics Anonymous (AA)

meets Mondays (except for thefirst Monday of the month),Wednesdays and Fridays fromnoon to 12:50 p.m., and Tuesdaysand Thursdays from 7:30 to 8:30p.m., in Building 8, Rm. 2230(Chaplain’s Conference Room).For more information, call 301-503-1210.

Bethesda Notebook

The Journal Thursday, March 28, 2013 3

By Sarah MarshallWRNMMC Journal

staff writer

Editor’s Note: This is thefirst installment in a two-partseries as part of Brain InjuryAwareness Month. You canread the second installmentnext week or read the full ar-ticle online at http://www.dcmilitary.com/section/news11.

Traumatic brain injury(TBI) has become an increas-ing concern among militarymembers and their familiessince the start of the war,a decade ago. Walter ReedBethesda continues makingadvancements in treatmentwhile educating patients,families and providers.

A TBI can occur when anexternal force on the bodycauses some structure orphysiologic change to thebrain, according to LouisFrench, chief of TraumaticBrain Injury Service, De-partment of Rehabilitation,at Walter Reed NationalMilitary Medical Center(WRNMMC).

“The way we typically seethat, is through some changein level of alertness or con-sciousness,” French said.

At WRNMMC, servicemembers with mild brain in-juries are often seen in thecontext of other injuries theymay have endured on the bat-tlefield, he explained, addingthat explosions are the mostcommon cause of brain injuryin the population served atWRNMMC.

“We worry about identify-ing and treating the braininjury that occurs with thoseother [injuries] because itmay have an impact on theirrehabilitation,” he said. If apatient has memory prob-lems because of a TBI, theymay not remember their ap-pointments, wound care ormedications, he continued;therefore, upon arriving atWRNMMC from combat,each patient is screened forTBI, he said.

“We’ve been doing that formany years,” he said. “Wealso have a system of carenow that is assessing peoplein theater, [and] assessing inGermany as they go throughthe evacuation process. There

are lots of opportunities tocapture those [injuries].”

Providers evaluate loss ofconsciousness after the trau-matic injury, to determinethe level of severity. Loss ofconsciousness for less thanan hour is generally consid-ered a mild TBI, while lossof consciousness for a weekis severe, and anywhere inbetween may be diagnosedas a moderate TBI, Frenchexplained.

“In general, the more se-vere the brain injury, thelonger we can expect symp-toms to last, and the moresignificant the impairmentsof functioning,” he continued.“We see the full range of se-verities here.”

In addition to measur-ing consciousness, a TBI canbe identified by a numberof symptoms, such as head-aches, memory loss, dizzi-ness, nausea, blurred vision,light sensitivity and seizures.In urgent conditions, an indi-vidual may not be able to rec-ognize people, or have weak-

ness in their limbs, slurredspeech, double vision, orhave a declining neurologicalexam.

Regardless of severity,French went on to explainthat care encompasses a widevariety of services, and treat-ment is based on an individ-ual’s needs.

“Not everybody has all thesymptoms, and some peopledon’t have any of the symp-toms,” he said.

Generally, symptoms areviewed in three areas: cogni-tive, physical and behavioral/emotional. Cognitive symp-toms may include disruptionsto memory, problem solvingand language. Treatmentstargeted towards recover-ing cognitive function, mayinclude working with occu-pational therapists (OTs),speech pathologists and neu-ropsychologists, he explained.

Physical symptoms mayinvolve changes in motorfunction, vision, balance, vi-sion and sleep, as well as themost common, headaches.

For headaches in particular,there are physicians avail-able, who are experts inpharmacology, French said.Physical therapists, as wellas physical medicine andrehabilitation doctors workwith patients suffering physi-cal impairments from a TBI,while OTs may teach how towork around these physicallimitations.

Behaviora l / emot ionalsymptoms may be more com-plicated, as it may be difficultto disentangle from other cir-cumstances the patient oftenencounters during treatment,French explained. Often,these individuals are youngand healthy, and being in thehospital can make them ir-ritable, frustrated and sad,he said. It can be a challengeto differentiate these symp-toms from those actually re-lated to the brain. Emotionalsymptoms, though rare, mayinclude depression, anxiety,agitation, irritability and im-pulsivity, he said. Providersoffer a number of methods to

help patients cope, such asrelaxation techniques, acu-puncture and biofeedback,using one’s thoughts to con-trol their body.

Education is also an essen-tial component in a patient’sTBI treatment atWalter ReedBethesda, French said. Partof the U.S. military healthsystem, the Defense and Vet-erans Brain Injury Center(DVBIC) is the TBI opera-tional component of the De-fense Centers of Excellencefor Psychological Healthand Traumatic Brain Injury(DCoE), explained French,who is also director of theDVBIC site at WRNMMC.

DVBIC has sites at mili-tary medical centers acrossthe globe, with the one atWalter Reed Bethesda be-ing the largest in the U.S.and Germany, according toDVBIC’s website.

“Since there are similarDVBIC sites at Landshtuland across the U.S., care iscontinuous and educationis standardized for servicemembers from the point ofinjury overseas, and through-out their recovery,” said Lau-ra Wolf, a DVBIC regionaleducation coordinator atWRNMMC.

DVBIC educators meetwith each patient after theyarrive off the medevac, andthey continue to offer sup-port over the course of eachpatient’s recovery, Wolf ex-plained.

“We’ll go through the dif-ferent steps, what a TBI eval-uation is, and then after that,we’ll discuss the diagnosis,treatment, the process,” shesaid.

Treatments must be thor-ough, addressing the widerange of symptoms, andWRNMMC’s multidisci-plinary TBI team providesseveral layers of treatment,French said. Not every meth-od of treatment works forthe same people at the sametime.

“We have to address theproblems people are havingfrom head to toe,” Frenchsaid. “We have to deal withthe whole range, and if we’renot successful in addressingall [problems], people justdon’t get better the way wewould like.”

TBI Awareness Month:Walter Reed Bethesda Furthers Education, Treatment

file photo

At the National Intrepid Center of Excellence, patients suffering from traumaticbrain injuries and psychological health issues use state-of-the-art equipment aspart of their rehabilitation, including a driving simulator, that helps prepare themfor real world scenarios.

4 Thursday, March 28, 2013 The Journal

of all the efforts that theFisher Houses do, and we’regrateful to the Fisher fam-ily. So, I like to come andhang out, number one, tobring cookies. Anybody likecookies here?”After an enthusiastic

response from the kids,Obama revealed her nextsurprise.“We do this really cool

thing at the White Housearound Easter every year.It’s called our Easter EggRoll. We do it in the back-yard of the White House onthe South Lawn, and thereare thousands of peoplewho come. We’ve got greatentertainment … bandsplaying, athletes who come,Easter bunnies and char-acters, face painting, andlots of running right onthe South Lawn. Does thatsound fun?“I brought tickets for

all of you to come … so,the Monday after Easter,you guys are invited to my

house to hang out,” shesaid.The First Lady revealed

her final surprise when shecalled “Bo,” a PortugueseWater Dog, out to meet thefamilies and children.“Bo is a sweetheart, but

he’s big … he’s really a bigbaby. He can do tricks ifhe’s paying attention.”The First Lady and Bo

spent approximately anhour visiting with the fami-lies – listening to their sto-ries and reading the Eas-

ter cards they made her.WRNMMC Fisher HousesManager Becky Wood saidit was an experience thefamilies will never forget.“It was a wonderful event

enjoyed by all the familiesof the wounded, ill and in-jured. We are grateful tothe First Lady and her staff

for her kindness and gener-osity for our Fisher Housefamilies,” said Wood.After spending time with

the Fisher House families,the First Lady left the Fish-er House to visit woundedwarriors hospitalized atWalter Reed Bethesda.

FISHERContinued from 1

Photos by Mass Communication Specialist Nathan Parde

First Lady Michelle Obama shares a laugh with mili-tary family members at Fisher House 4, March 20.

Bo Obama, a male Portuguese Water Dog, visits fam-ilies at the Fisher Houses at Naval Support ActivityBethesda recently.

1038055 1031850

The Journal Thursday, March 28, 2013 5

By Bernard S. LittleWRNMMC Journal staff writer

Walter Reed Bethesda celebratedIrish-American Heritage Monthwith a performance by the HurleySchool of Irish Dance in the Ameri-ca Building atrium recently.“Irish-American heritage is an-

other people and culture we cele-brate at Walter Reed Bethesda, and

they have contributed to the suc-cess of our great nation,” said Sgt.1st Class Jason Zielske, Equal Op-portunity advisor and chair of theBethesda Multicultural Committee,who sponsored the event.The Hurley School of Irish Dance

troupe that performed at WalterReed Bethesda included youth

Irish-American Heritage Celebratedat Walter Reed Bethesda

Photo by David A. Dickinson

The Hurley School of Irish Dance helps Walter Reed Bethesda cel-ebrate Irish-American Heritage Month in the America Buildingatrium recently.

See IRISH page 10

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Navy Exchange Bethesda Hosts “Eggstravaganza”

Giuseppe Trinca, 19 months old, searchesfor Easter eggs to put in his basket duringthe Eggstravaganza egg hunt.

Parents watch as children try to launch rub-ber frogs into buckets.

Danny Jaure-gui, 4, paintseaster eggswith his dadbefore an Eas-ter egg hunt.

Photos by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class John K. Hamilton

Will Pearson, 4, gets his face painted during the Easter Eggstravaganza at the Navy Ex-change parking lot Saturday.

Nicole Ulloa, 5, rolls a bowling ball at pinsduring the Easter Eggstravaganza.

The band “Bad Influence” provided musicalentertainment for the evening.

The Journal Thursday, March 28, 2013 7

some non-military occupa-tional specialty (MOS) spe-cific training and serviceswill be cut back, unless it in-volves “health, life or safety.”The Army will continue to

use the Qualitative ServiceProgram (QSP) to shapethe force, retaining the bestleaders and eliminatingover-strength in most MOSsand promotion stagnation,Chandler explained. QSPuses formal enlisted cen-tralized board processes toidentify NCOs for involun-tary separation in order tomanage force size, maintain

NCO readiness and compe-tence, and sustain viable ca-reer paths across MOS skilllevels in the all-volunteerArmy, according to the SMA.A number of uniform

changes in the Army arealso on the horizon basedon survey responses fromSoldiers, as well as to savemoney, Chandler said. Healso discussed the Armyphasing out promotionpoints for deployment, inpart because fewer Soldierswill be deploying. In ad-dition, the SMA stressedthe importance of Soldierscompleting their respec-tive structured self-devel-opment (SSD) level, a re-quirement before Soldiersare able to attend coursesunder the NCO Education

System, and promotion willsoon be impossible withoutcompleting the requiredcourses.“Train to the best of your

ability with the resourcesthat are available,” Chan-dler said. “Do the best youcan with what we give you.Maintain and sustain yourequipment. Be more efficientwith the dollars we have.Maintain esprit de corps andthat sense of teamwork.”He called on teamwork

to help tackle the challeng-es of suicides in the mili-tary, which haven’t seen areduction in this calendaryear from the same time in2012. “It’s a huge tragedyfor us, and we’re looking foranswers.” He said more re-sources and training have

been added to the military’ssuicide prevention pro-grams.The SMA challenged lead-

ers to really get to knowtheir troops, “what makesthem tick and their chal-lenges,” in order to note anychanges in their behaviors.He stressed leaders be en-gaged and take seriouslythe responsibility of takingcare of their Soldiers. “Youcan influence things by be-ing engaged.”The National Suicide

Prevention Lifeline can bereached at 800-273-8255(TALK) and the NationalSuicide Hotline is availableat 800-784-2433 (800-SUI-CIDE).The SMA also addressed

the issue of women in combat

jobs, explaining people whoare able to meet the samestandards should have thesame opportunities and possi-bilities, regardless of gender.In January, former Secretaryof Defense Leon Panetta andChairman of the Joint Chiefsof Staff Army Gen. MartinDempsey, signed a memo tolift the ban on female servicemembers in combat roles andto serve in MOSs now openonly to males.Chandler said less than 1

percent of American peopleserve in the military. “Sobe proud of who you areand what you do,” he toldthose in attendance at theWRNMMC town hall. “TheAmerican people are genu-inely grateful for what youdo.”

SOLDIERContinued from 1

By Bernard S. LittleWRNMMC Journal

staff writer

Saluting women and theiraccomplishments, the U.S.Army Band “Downrange”and Spc. Trinity Eubanksperformed at Walter ReedBethesda’s Women HistoryMonth observance on March21 in the America Buildingatrium.Sgt. Maj. Carol Warren-

Clark, deputy command se-nior enlisted leader at Wal-ter Reed Bethesda, said thisyear’s theme for the obser-vance is “Women InspiringInnovation through Imagi-nation: Celebrating Womenin Science, Technology, En-gineering and Mathematics(STEM).”“This year, we honor gen-

erations of women who,throughout history, haveused their intelligence,imagination and tenacity tomake extraordinary contri-butions to the STEM fields,”explained Sgt. 1st Class Ja-son Zielske, Equal Oppor-tunity advisor and chair ofthe Bethesda MulticulturalCommittee, who sponsorscultural diversity events atthe medical center.Kicking off the salute to

women, Warren-Clark readPresident Barack Obama’sproclamation for Women’sHistory Month 2013. “Formore than two centuries,our nation has grown underthe simple creed that eachof us is created equal. It isa notion that makes Amer-ica unlike any other placeon earth — a country where

no matter where you comefrom or what you look like,you can go as far as your tal-ents will take you. Women’sHistory Month is a time toremember those who foughtto make that freedom as realfor our daughters as for oursons,” the president stated.WRNMMC Commander,

Rear Adm. Alton L. Stocks,also attended the ceremony,recognizing beneficiaries andcommending women as wellas his staff. “It’s our privilegeand honor to serve you,” hesaid to beneficiaries. “To mystaff, I’m pleased to representyou around the world, andalso to brag about you for theoutstanding job you do eachand every day. Thanks.” Healso thanked the BethesdaMulticultural Committeefor its efforts at the Nation’sMedical Center in bringingcultural diversity to the fore-front. “We truly are a teamhere who represent all cul-tures, all services and peopleof all walks of life.”The ensemble “Down-

range,” established in 2002of U.S. Army Band mem-bers who volunteered to go“downrange,” to entertaindeployed troops throughoutSouthwest Asia, performed avariety of rock, pop, country,and rhythm and blues songs,and Walter Reed Bethesda’sown Soldier, Eubanks, alsosang a number of contempo-rary songs, accompanied bypianist Paul Ruskin.Women’s History Month

had its origins as a nationalcelebration in 1981 whenCongress passed Public Law97-28, which authorized andrequested the president to

proclaim the week beginningMarch 7, 1982, as Women’sHistory Week. In 1987, after

being petitioned by the Na-tional Women’s History Proj-ect, Congress passed Public

Law 100-9, which designat-ed the month of March asWomen’s History Month.

Walter Reed Bethesda Celebrates Women’s History Month

Photo by Bernard S. Little

Sgt. Maj. Mercy A. Diez, of the U.S. Army Band “Downrange” performs at Wal-ter Reed National Military Medical Center’s Women’s History Month celebrationon March 21 in the America Building atrium.

8 Thursday, March 28, 2013 The Journal

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The Journal Thursday, March 28, 2013 9

By Jeremy K. JohnsonNSAB Public Affairs staff writer

The Bethesda office of the Navy Marine CorpsRelief Society (NMCRS) is reminding servicemembers that when they are in financial trou-ble, so-called payday loans and online revolv-ing line of credit loans are usually not the bestsolution.

In fact, said Julie Shepard, a relief servicesassistant for NMCRS, such loans can actuallymake things worse. “High interest rates makeit difficult to repay and they end up having toborrow again,” she explained.

If things are dire, she advised, service mem-bers should consider applying for a quick assistloan from NMCRS. Unlike payday and onlineloans, they are always interest free. Membersare given 3-10 months to repay the loan througha payday allotment. To be eligible, they cannothave an existing loan with NMCRS or be underdisciplinary action from their command.

Depending on individual circumstances, mem-bers may receive two loans a year up to $500each. Before February of this year, that amounthad been limited to $300. It was adjusted to re-flect the needs of today’s military families.

“These loans are for things that come up un-expectedly. It used to be that a family mighthave one car, and if it broke down, they wouldbe without transportation,” she said. “NMCRSnow sees families that might have two cars be-cause both parents are working. What if bothcars break?”

Current law prohibits “brick and mortar”(physical location) payday loan shops from ap-proving loans for military members.

According to Shepard, this doesn’t apply tolenders who operate exclusively online and offerrevolving lines of credit. “A service member cango online and get one of these loans fairly eas-ily,” she explained. “The problem is that onlinelenders can still charge a really high interestrate and it’s perfectly legal.”

The reasons applicants end up needing helpcan vary, she added, but there are some situ-ations that are somewhat common. “The D.C.metro area is very expensive. Sometimes, it’sbecause they’re very young and inexperienced,

and they come here from other parts of thecountry. Also, a lot of it is a lack of financialeducation, though some education is providedin boot camp,” said Shepard.

“When members come in to apply for a quickassist loan at NMCRS, we look at their LES(leave and earnings statement) and their bud-get. We then offer them other services and re-sources available to help them live within theirmeans. Our mission is financial education,” sheemphasized, “and unless they’re engaging in il-legal behavior or breaking the law, all consulta-tions are confidential.”

Because the program is designed for emergen-

cies, loans may be refused if it is determinedthat the member is living within a “deficit” bud-get, with more money being spent each monththan is earned. “For instance, we don’t give mon-ey for credit card debt,” she said

As a final note, Shepard pointed out that inworst case scenarios grants can be given, and ifa member is refused, it will always be after twoNMCRS staff members have reviewed the ap-plicant’s information.

For more information on Navy Marine CorpsRelief Society quick assist loans, visit: https://www.nmcrs.org and select “Quick Assist Loans”under the “Services” button.

NMCRS: Be Careful Before Using Payday or Online Loans

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ages 5 to 18, who performed vari-ous Irish-themed dance numbers,including championship-level cho-reography, Zielske said. Some ofthe members of this championshipgroup are children of WRNMMC’sstaff.

Since 1991, U.S. presidents havedesignated March as Irish-Amer-ican Heritage Month through aspecial proclamation to honor theachievements and contributionsof Irish immigrants and their de-scendents living in America, Ziel-ske added. March was selected asthe month of observance because itcoincides with Saint Patrick’s Day,which honors the patron saint ofIreland.

In this year’s proclamation,President Barack Obama stated,“For more than two centuries,America has been made and re-made by striving, hopeful immi-grants looking for a chance to pur-sue their dreams. Millions amongthem were born in Ireland, sepa-rated from our shores, but unitedby their belief in a better day. Thismonth, we celebrate the Irish-American journey, and we reflect

on the ways a nation so small hasinspired so much in another.”

“Forty-four million Americansproudly share Irish ancestry,” ac-cording to the American Founda-tion for Irish Heritage. The foun-dation was established in the late1980s, “to honor contributions theIrish in America have made to thegrowth and development of theUnited States.”

The Irish American HeritageMonth website (irishamericanher-itagemonth.com) lists the follow-ing as people born in Ireland, or ofIrish descent: nine signers of theDeclaration of Independence; morethan 20 of George Washington’sgenerals; the first man to hold acommission in the U.S. Navy (Com-modore John Barry); more than190,000 Irish born Americans whofought in the Civil War; the mostdecorated combat Soldier of WorldWar II (Audie Murphy); pioneer-ing women such as Nellie Bly andChrista McAuliffe; the inventorof the modern submarine (JohnPhillip Holland); and 253 Medalof Honor recipients, including thefirst person to be awarded (posthu-mously), the U.S. military’s high-est decoration for his actions dur-ing the War in Afghanistan, U.S.Navy SEAL Lt. Michael P. Murphy.

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