journal 061313

Vol. 25 No. 22 www.cnic.navy.mil/bethesda/ June 13, 2013

By Bernard S. LittleWRNMMC Journal

staff writer

“What would you do toget to whatever future youthink you’ve earned, [and]how far do you want to go?”These were questions Lt.

Col. Danny Dudek askedmembers of the WarriorTransition Brigade (WTB)at Walter Reed NationalMilitary Medical Cen-ter (WRNMMC) as he ad-dressed them in the basegymnasium on Friday.

“You have to work for itand it takes commitment,discipline and a desire toovercome things, which of-ten take teamwork,” Dudeksaid.The combat veteran with

more than 20 years of ser-vice speaks from experience.“He’s been there and done

that,” said WTB brigadesurgeon, Col. George Kyle,in attendance at the event.“What he has done and isdoing with his life and ca-reer is impressive,” the colo-nel added. “If we take out a

page from his play book, itwould help us as individu-als and an organization,and it would help us as weassist others to heal.”Dudek is currently War-

rior Transition Commanddeputy chief of staff. He satin a wheelchair as he toldhis story to WTB membersat Walter Reed Bethesdalast week.“My story is much like

your story,” Dudek said. “Ithas a lot of variables, butsome things are the same.For me, telling my story is

therapeutic and keeps otherpeople’s names alive. Tell-ing my story helps me healand recover.”A native of Wilmington,

N.C., Dudek was a field ar-tillery officer serving in Iraqin 2007 with the 4th Bri-gade, 2nd Infantry Divisionout of Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash. On July 19of that year, an explosivelyformed penetrating impro-vised device, detonated un-der his Stryker vehicle. Itcaused him severe spinalcord injury, and killed Cpl.

Brandon M. Craig, 25, fromMaryland. “He will alwaysbe with me,” Dudek said.After being injured,

Dudek was able to get on hisradio and call in air support.He was air evacuated to acombat support hospital,and was in surgery withinan hour of the blast. “Thatkind of speed is incredible,and from that start, I [re-ceived] incredibly, great,supportive health care fromthe Department of Defense

Wounded Officer Leads By Example

U.S. Army Photo by Iain Paterson

Lt. Col. Danny Dudek, Warrior Transition Command, Alexandria, Va., practices cornering techniques during the 2013 Warrior GamesArmy cycling, swimming and shooting trials held on Fort Bliss, Texas and El Paso, Texas, March 4-8. Dudek, who won three gold medalsand a silver medal in swimming events during the 2012 Warrior Games, also made the 2013 Army Warrior Games team, and again wonthree gold medals at last month’s games.

SeeWOUNDED page 10

2 Thursday, June 13, 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

MC3BrandonWilliams-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

Army Birthday CelebrationSpecial recognition for the Army’s birthday

will be announced during tomorrow’s raisingof the colors at 7:45 a.m. in front of the Tower.There will also be a cake-cutting ceremony at11 a.m. in the Tower rotunda at Walter ReedBethesda to celebrate the 238th birthday of theU.S. Army. The events are open to all.

Hospital Corps AnniversaryWalter Reed Bethesda celebrates the 115th

anniversary of the Navy Hospital Corps witha special program Monday at 1:30 p.m. in theMemorial Auditorium in the Tower. There willbe an unveiling of a portrait entitled “CorpsmanUp,” followed by a reception in the Tower’s ro-tunda. Everyone’s invited to attend.

Prostate Cancer Support GroupThe Walter Reed National Military Medical

Center (WRNMMC) Prostate Cancer SupportGroup meets twice on June 22 in the RiverConference Room, third floor of the AmericaBuilding (Building 19) adjacent to the Centerfor Prostate Disease Research. The day sessionis from 1 to 2 p.m., and the evening sessionis from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. For more informa-tion, contact Vin McDonald at 703-643-2658 oremail [email protected].

TRICARE 101: Benefits and ReferralsThe next monthly TRICARE class for provid-

ers, TRICARE 101: Benefits and Referrals, willbe on June 19 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. in theTRICARE Service Center in Building 9, firstfloor. Space is limited. For more information,contact Tracy Keyser at [email protected].

Ask Your LeadershipAsk Your Leadership is a new staff commu-

nication tool for you to view and post questionsand comments for official responses from theWalter Reed Bethesda command leadership.The tool is on the WRB Intranet page. Clickon the Town Hall/Leadership Forum icon, andthen choose Ask Your Leadership.

Bethesda Notebook

There are a num-ber of upcomingnoteworthy cele-brations in the nextfew days, beginningwith the Army’s238th birthday to-morrow. We willcommemorate thisspecial day withan observance dur-ing morning colorsand a cake-cuttingceremony in the ro-tunda of the Towerat 11 a.m.Today’s highly-

trained, highly-mo-tivated, and well-equipped U.S. Army evolved from adetermined force of colonial troopsfrom various New England militiacompanies to protect their freedomfrom the grips of British tyranny.Although they had no unified chainof command, they had the passionand desire to defend their way oflife and beliefs.As we celebrate those courageous

colonial troops, we also salute ourbrothers and sisters who wear theArmy uniform today, answering thecall for freedom around the world.Tomorrow, we will also pay trib-

ute to the colors under which thoseSoldiers and all service memberssupport and defend, as we observeFlag Day.Due to the freedoms and princi-

ples our flag represents, we defendthose freedoms and salute her glory365 days a year.Sunday, we also celebrate Fa-

ther’s Day. While we celebrate allfathers, we are especially apprecia-tive of those who wear the nation’suniforms and make difficult sacri-

fices to servetheir country,f r e q u e n t l ys p e n d i n gdays and evenyears awayfrom theirfamilies andloved ones.We sa lutethose fathersfor their dedi-cation, andfathers theworld over.F i n a l l y ,

on Monday,we will cel-ebrate the

115th birthday of the Navy Hospi-tal Corps. Hospital corpsmen haveserved in our nation’s hospitals,clinics and on the battlefield since1898. Their dedication and qualityof care have directly contributed tomany lives saved and the current,lowest battlefield and non-battle-field mortality rates in history. Isalute our hospital corpsmen, andI am proud to serve alongside youevery day. Monday, we will celebratetheir dedication and service duringa special ceremony at 1:30 p.m. inthe Memorial Auditorium, followedby a reception in the rotunda.As you can see, we have much

to celebrate and be proud of, and Ihope you take this time to honor themany sacrifices of our service mem-bers and partake in these upcomingfestivities at the Nation’s MedicalCenter.

Commander sendsRear Adm. Alton L. StocksMC, USNWalter Reed NationalMilitary Medical Center

Commander’s Column

The Journal Thursday, June 13, 2013 3

By Mass CommunicationSpecialist 2nd Class

Nathan PardeNSAB Public Affairs

staff writer

Have you ever wondered what ittakes to show military forces andequipment in major motion pic-tures, such as ‘Battleship’, ‘Avatar’,‘Top Gun’ or ‘Hurt Locker’?Deputy Director of Entertain-

ment Media, U.S. Department ofDefense (DOD) retired Army Col.Vince Ogilvie screens requests forprojects that depict the U.S. mili-tary in various forms of media, in-cluding TV shows, films and docu-mentaries. He visited Naval Sup-port Activity Bethesda recently toexplain his role in bringing theseprojects to life, and his perspectiveon medical operations at WalterReed Bethesda.“My job is to make sure a [me-

dia] request for a project meetscertain criteria for support - that ithighlights the professionalism andabilities of the men and women ofthe services, has recruiting and re-tention [potential], and portrays arealistic picture of the Departmentof Defense,” said Ogilvie. “Also, Iask, ‘Does a movie have the abilityand the backing of a major studio tomake it to distribution?’”As one of only two staff members

for Entertainment Media, Ogilviehas his hands full. He shared thathe currently has 120 documentarieshe’s handling, and that he has toread the full script of every projectthat comes across his desk. Whenasked, he said that though theworkload is his biggest challenge inhis job, it’s a necessary balancingact “to make sure that documenta-ries, features, computer games andcommercials are all being looked atby the same organization.”During a presentation with ap-

proximately a dozen public affairsofficers and staff from the NationalCapital area on June 6, Ogilvie ex-plained that he acts as intermedi-ary between individuals who arerequesting media coverage and thebranches of service in the DOD.“The five services are all located

in the same building, and I am in-

volved in some way with 90 percentof what they do, so we have devel-oped a reputation and relationshipthat is very supportive of each oth-er,” he said.With 28 years of military expe-

rience that challenged him as aninfantry officer, a paratrooper withthe 82nd Airborne, and a public af-fairs officer for the Pentagon, Ogil-vie has an extensive background todraw on.Based on that experience, he can

negotiate with the filmmakers toreach an agreement for a produc-tion, or allow them to produce theirproject without any military as-sistance. Every project they takeon, however, requires an enormousamount of teamwork, he said.“For every minute of film that

you see in a movie, that’s about aweek of filming, and the number ofpeople involved in that one minuteis 300-500 people,” said Ogilvie.“So, whether it be ‘Battleship,’ ‘IronMan,’ ‘Godzilla,’ or (Superman)‘Man of Steel’ - for any of those, wework as a team.”Ogilvie shared that the greatest

part of his job is “the satisfactionand joy of reaching out to a large

audience to tell the story of our menand women” who serve in the armedforces and medical professions.“A great number of documenta-

ries are about the great work thatis being done by our medical profes-

sionals,” he said. “With the recentwars that we have been involved in,our Soldiers are coming back withall sorts of wounds and injuries,and our medical staff are meetingthat [challenge] with great inno-vation and great skills. There arepeople that want to show that tothe rest of the world in a documen-tary form, and we are happy to helpthem say how we are taking care ofthese men and women.”Randy Stone of Legislative Af-

fairs for Joint Task Force Nation-al Capital Medicine attended themeeting and said he was not awareof the role that the EntertainmentMedia office plays in bringing thestory of the military and medicalcare to the big screen until afterhearing Ogilvie speak.“It was an educational briefing,”

said Stone. “I had no idea that DODhas an office that deals with mediarequests for assistance with movies,video games and documentaries.But, this gives the DOD a great op-portunity to ensure movies, videogames, etc. get it right and accu-rately portray DOD capabilities andwhat it is really like to be a servicemember and/or a family member ofa service member.”

From Script to the Big Screen: How the Military Appears in Film

Warner Bros. Image

The Entertainment Media office of the U.S. Department of Defensereviews the script and grants approval for projects that depict mili-tary forces, such as the movie, ‘Man of Steel,’ which releases Friday.‘Man of Steel’ tells the story of a young journalist who is forced toconfront his secret extraterrestrial heritage when Earth is invadedby members of his race.

1038360


By Sharon Renee TaylorWRNMMC Journal staff writer

Three Soldiers recovering at Wal-ter Reed National Military MedicalCenter received the Purple HeartMedal at Mount Vernon, Va., Mon-day to commemorate the 238-year-old heritage of the U.S. Army.The ceremony which honored

Sgts. Cory Doane, Sean Karpf, andSpc. Arael Lopez set off a weeklongseries of events in the national cap-ital region to celebrate the Army’sBirthday.Secretary of the Army John M.

McHugh pinned the three woundedwarriors with the Purple Heart af-ter placing a wreath at the tombof the nation’s first president andthe Army’s first commander, Gen.George Washington. He said he ap-preciated the opportunity to beginthe Army Birthday celebration atthe home of George Washington,which also marks the beginning ofthe Purple Heart Trail.“While it begins here, it’s a series

of roadways and trails throughoutall 50 of the united states that wasdesigned to pay tribute to the menand women of our armed forceswho have been awarded the PurpleHeart,” McHugh explained.

“At Washington’s first ceremony

where he awarded the Purple Heart,

he bestowed it upon three enlistedSoldiers. This morning we have theopportunity and the high honor topay tribute to three of today’s en-listed Soldiers,” McHugh said. “For238 years the United States Armyhas been there to support and de-fend as today’s Soldiers have shownby their service and their sacrifice,with the strictest of integrity.”Doane, 22, of Vancouver, Wash.,

sustained injury from an impro-vised explosive device (IED) dur-ing a search and destroy missionin Kandahar, Afghanistan on July3, 2011. The infantryman’s injuryresulted in a right, below-knee-am-putation.Jacksonville, Florida-native,

Karpf, 28, deployed to Kandahar,Afghanistan in February 2012.Four months later, he sustained in-jury from an IED that resulted in aleft, below-knee-amputation. “Beinghere [at Mount Vernon] and actu-ally having [an Army Birthday] cel-ebration is pretty cool,” he said.Lopez, 33, explained how he felt

to receive his Purple Heart. “I amhonored,” he said. His father, Ara-mis Lopez, said he was moved totears as he watched McHugh pinthe medal on his son’s Army uni-form at the home of the father ofour country.“I feel so proud and I just couldn’t

hold myself back. I got tears comingout of my eyes, I’m so proud of him,very proud.”The native of Ponce, Puerto Rico

sustained a series of injuries, in-

cluding wounds to his left arm andhearing loss in his left ear, from arocket-propelled grenade (RPG) ex-plosion followed by a dismountedIED on Aug. 8, 2012, in WardakProvince, Afghanistan.“Recognizing the young men with

the Purple Heart for their woundson the battlefield - they had to beable to be professionals in order todo that,” explained Sgt. Major of theArmy Raymond F. Chandler III.“It’s great to be able to have the

ability in our country, in our Armyto recognize the service and sacri-fice of so many millions over thepast 238 years, but also to look to-ward the future,” he said. “We’vegot some great people today in ourArmy as we’ve had in the past 238years and I’m just excited for theopportunity to serve.”Washington established the Pur-

ple Heart award in 1782. He desig-nated the badge of military meritavailable to service members of allranks who performed with virtuousambition, unusual gallantry, andextraordinary fidelity, explainedAnn Bookout, the 20th Regent ofthe Mount Vernon Ladies’ Asso-ciation, the organization that ownsand operated the Mount Vernonproperty for the American peoplefor more than 150 years.Although the Purple Heart that

Washington first established wasdiscontinued after the Revolution-ary War, it was reintroduced on Feb.22, 1932, the 200th anniversary ofWashington’s birthday.

Purple Heart Ceremony Kicks Off Army Birthday Celebration

Photo by Sharon Renee Taylor

Sgts. Cory Doane, Sean Karpf, and Spc. Arael Lopez received the Purple Heart Medal at Mount Ver-non, Va., Monday during a commemoration of the U.S. Army’s 238-year-old heritage.

1038361


By David A. DickinsonWRNMMC Journal staff writer

For centuries, individuals andfamilies from Caribbean countrieshave journeyed to America’s shoresand contributed to the diversity andculture of the United States. Thesecontributions were celebrated atWalter Reed Bethesda on June 6during National Caribbean-Ameri-can Heritage Month.

The celebration of Caribbean-American heritage at the Nation’sMedical Center featured a steeldrum band, salsa dancing and Ja-maican foods in the America Build-ing atrium.

The group C.A.I.S.O. (CaribbeanAmerican International Steel Or-chestra), whose name is derived froma style of music they play, calypso,popular throughout the CaribbeanIslands, entertained the medical cen-ter community getting the crowd ina festive mood for the salsa dancingand a limbo contest, which followed.The celebration culminated with theserving of Jamaican beef patties,Coco bread, jerk chicken, red beansand rice and other dishes of Carib-bean influence.

Army Capt. Aminat Lawal ex-plained to the crowd, there are vari-ous dances under the salsa umbrella,including Bachata (Bak-a-ta) andMerengue (mer-Rang-gay). She saidshe met her fiancée while serving inthe Air Force when the two dancedtogether when stationed in Germanythree years ago. “He commented thatI danced funny, so I learned how toMerengue, Dominican style, knowingthat I’d see him again,” she added.

The Bethesda Multicultural Com-mittee, chaired by Army Sgt. 1stClass Jason Zielske, sponsored theevent. Zielske said his job as thecommittee chair has been gratifying,“in part due to having the opportuni-ty to promote inclusion and diversityin the Walter Reed Bethesda work-place.”

Multicultural events provide op-portunities for patients, staff, family

members and visitors to celebratedifferent ethnic backgrounds andlifestyles, Zielske added.

In his 2013 proclamation for Na-tional Caribbean-American HeritageMonth, President Barack Obamastated, “For centuries, the UnitedStates and nations in the Caribbeanhave grown alongside each other aspartners in progress. National Ca-ribbean-American Heritage Monthis a time to celebrate those enduringachievements. Through every chap-ter of our Nation’s history, CaribbeanAmericans have made our countrystronger — reshaping our politicsand reigniting the arts, spurring ourmovements and answering the callto serve. Caribbean traditions haveenriched our own, and woven newthreads into our cultural fabric.Againand again, Caribbean immigrants andtheir descendants have reaffirmedAmerica’s promise as a land of oppor-tunity — a place where no matter whoyou are or where you come from, youcan make it if you try.”

The Bethesda Multicultural Com-mittee sponsors approximately 12events yearly. “The real challenge isopening people’s eyes to the benefitof cultural diversity and getting ridof any negative attitudes towards dif-ferences,” Zielske said.

Katrina Skinner, a contractor atthe medical center said, “I have been

to several Caribbean islands and Ithought the celebration here todaywas a good representation of islandlife,” Ms. Skinner continued, “It re-minds me that I need a vacation soon!”

People interested in participatingin future Bethesda MulticulturalCommittee events, can contact Ziel-ske at 301-400-3542.

A Caribbean Afternoon in the America Building

C.A.I.S.O. performs at Walter Reed Bethesda’s Caribbean-AmericanHeritage Month observance on June 6 in the America Building atrium.

Photos by David A. Dickinson

Patients, staff and visitors at Walter Reed Bethesda participate in a limbo contest during WalterReed Bethesda’s Caribbean-American Heritage Month observance on June 6 in the America Buildingatrium.

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staff writer

After heated competi-tions in 10 events, the De-partment of Pathology andLaboratory Services earnedWalter Reed Bethesda’s Sec-ond Annual Commander’sCup on June 7.Chief of Staff Army Col.

Ramona Fiorey presentedthe winners the Command-er’s Cup trophy last Fridayin the rotunda of the Towerat Walter Reed Bethesdafollowing the competition’slast event, the grueling tug-of-war, also won by the De-partment of Pathology andLaboratory Services.“We attribute our suc-

cess to a relentless commit-ment to teamwork and anunparalleled dedication toeach other, whether we wonor lost,” said Army Sgt. 1stClass Jamie Barann, of thewinning team. “We are thelab-excellence in action!”This year, 21 teams com-

peted for the Commander’sCup title, up from five inthe event’s inaugural com-petition last year, accord-ing to lead organizer forthe event, Chief HospitalCorpsman Derek Eaton.Also, last year’s event hadparticipants primarily fromthe medical center whowere service members, andthis year, participation wasexpanded to the entire basethat include military mem-bers of all ranks and servic-es, civilians and contractorsalso participated on teams

during the competition.“It was a terrific week,”

Eaton said. Events beganJune 3 and were held everyday throughout the week.Competition was held inweightlifting, dodge ball,volleyball, flag football,3-on-3 basketball, soccer,bowling, swimming, ulti-mate Frisbee and the tug-of-war.“The Commander’s Cup is

a way of building teamworkand increasing morale onbase,” Eaton added.Teams earned points

based on how they finishedeach event, with winnersearning 25 points; secondplace, 15 points; and thirdplace, 10 points.Eaton said the Depart-

ment of Pathology and Lab-oratory Services “put theirheart and soul” into thecompetition, especially thetug-of-war, which earnedthe winners 50 points.There were no second- orthird-place points awardedin the event.The Marines placed sec-

ond overall for the Com-mander’s Cup. “They wenthard in every event,” Eatonsaid.The Department of Pa-

thology and LaboratoryServices will keep the Com-mander’s Cup trophy un-til next year’s competitionwhen they will have theopportunity to defend theirtitle. “They have braggingrights until then as being‘the best,’” Eaton said.

Department of Pathology and Lab Services Earns Commander’s Cup

Photos by Bernard S. Little

Teams from Orthopedics and the Marines compete during the Commander’s Cupvolleyball competition on June 6 in the Building 17 gymnasium.

Photo by Bernard S. Little

Members of the winning 2013 Commander’s Cupteam, the Department of Pathology and LaboratoryServices, pull their way to victory in the tug-of-warcompetition on June 7 in front of the Tower.

The winning 2013Commander’s Cupteam, the Depart-ment of Pathologyand Laboratory Ser-vices, accepts thetrophy from WalterReed Bethesda Chiefof Staff Col. RamonaFiorey (third fromright) and event leadorganizer, ChiefHospital CorpsmanDerek Eaton (secondfrom right), follow-ing 10 intense sport-ing competitions, onJune 7 in the Tower’srotunda.


By Sarah MarshallWRNMMC Journal staff writer

To offer stress management skillsand reinforce the value of maintain-ing overall health, a number of activ-ities will be held for staff membersat Walter Reed Bethesda during Re-siliency Week, June 17-21.“Resiliency” is being able to

bounce back and recover when facedwith adversity, and the weeklongevent will provide staff with thetools needed to be able to do justthat, explained Navy Cmdr. DwayneBuckingham, service chief of the Re-siliency and Psychological HealthService at Walter Reed Bethesda.“We’re trying to promote and pro-

vide individuals with coping skillsthat can get them through [stress],”Buckingham said.With the theme, “You Matter,” Re-

siliency Week is a first at the com-mand, and will become an annualevent, Buckingham said. It’s im-portant to continue educating staffmembers about caring for them-selves and being resilient, so they

can better care for others and ensurethe command meets its mission ofquality care, he added.Self care is also an important part

of coping with stress, as is being ableto balance life and work, explainedLt. Cmdr. Michelle Tsai, deputy ser-vice chief of the Resiliency and Psy-chological Health Service at WalterReed Bethesda.To help promote self care, balance

and resiliency, some of the events instore next week include several cre-ative arts workshops, yoga sessions,massages, and opportunities tospeak with dietitians, chaplains, andmembers from the Employee Assis-tance Program (EAP), Tsai said. Sheadded that there will also be a StaffTalent Show on Thursday, June 20,from noon to 1:30 p.m. in the LaurelClark Memorial Auditorium, duringwhich lunch will be served and priz-es will be awarded.“We want to recognize our staff

talents as well, as part of this event,”Tsai said.Staff will also have a chance to

listen to resiliency expert James Mc-Ginnis, from the Resilience Institute

of Washington DC, Tsai said. McGin-nis will be the guest speaker at theResiliency Week opening ceremonyon Monday at 8:30 a.m., taking placeat the National Intrepid Center ofExcellence. All are welcome to at-tend.During the week-long event, the

Resiliency and Psychological HealthService, under the Department ofPsychology, hopes to promote whatthey have to offer. Tsai explainedthere are many resources availableat the medical center to help staff intimes of stress and hardship.“If people want assistance or help,

we serve as a hub, so we can helpdirect them to resources that mightmeet their needs,” Tsai said. “Wework with a lot of other collaborativeservices.”Among the many collaborative

services, the Resiliency team workswith the Dog Assisted Therapy Pro-gram. Resiliency staff membersbring the program’s therapy dogsaround the medical center to do “mo-rale checks,” Tsai said.The Resiliency team frequently

walks around the medical center

to check in and connect with staffmembers, to see how they’re doing,Buckingham explained. The therapydogs - Bobbie, Laura Lee and Archie- help boost morale and serve as an“ice breaker,” he added.“When individuals approach us,

and they’re interacting with thetherapy dogs, we have an opportu-nity to talk to them about resiliencyand stress,” Buckingham said.A staff member may be stressed,

or tense, he said, but when theysee the dogs, it can help calm theirnerves and open up about howthey’re feeling. “There have been somany times staff has said, ‘You madeour day, just by bringing the dogs,’”Tsai added.In addition to collaborating with

other command services, the Resil-iency and Psychological Health Ser-vice provides training on topics suchas burnout, fatigue, resiliency anddepression.For more information about Resil-

iency services, or Resiliency Week,call 301-400-1974, or email [email protected].

Resiliency Week to Promote Care for the Caregiver

file photo by Sharon Renee Taylor

The Mind-Body Program, part of the Integrated Health Services in Internal Medicine at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center,teaches techniques such as meditation, yoga and guided imagery to help staff reduce stress. Integrated Health Services will be amongthe many resources on display during Resiliency Week, June 17-21, at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.


By Jim GaramoneAmerican Forces

Press Service

Military leaders look for-ward to working with Con-gress to get the tools need-ed to combat the scourgeof sexual assault in theranks, Army Gen. MartinE. Dempsey told the SenateArmed Services Committeetoday.The chairman of the Joint

Chiefs of Staff said sexualassault is a crime “that de-mands accountability andconsequences. It betrays thevery trust on which our pro-fession is founded.”Military officials are

working diligently to changethe climate in the servicesthat allows this crime, thechairman said. Lastingchange means changingbehaviors, Dempsey said.“We’re taking a comprehen-sive approach that focuseson prevention, victim advo-cacy, investigation account-ability and assessment, all

as part of our solemn obliga-tion to safeguard the healthof the force,” he added.The military must do

more to safeguard victimswhile preserving the rightsof those accused, the chair-man acknowledged. “We re-main open to every idea andoption to accelerate mean-

ingful institutional change,”he said.Congress has proposed

legislation to address theproblem. Dempsey said themilitary looks forward toworking with Congress onthe issue. “I’ve been atten-tive to every piece of legis-lation,” he said. “There are

many reasonable recom-mendations on the table.”In a letter to the com-

mittee, Dempsey said hesees merit in initiatives toprohibit those convicted ofsexual assault from joiningthe military and to obligeadministrative dischargefor those convicted of sexualassault. He also said he seesmerit in the proposal to re-quire commanders to reportsexual offenses promptly tothe next higher commander,and to increase transpar-ency and accountability ofcommanders’ actions anddecisions.A congressionally man-

dated nine-member panel istaking up these and otherinitiatives. The panel canlook at the problem, assessthe second- and third-ordereffects of any changes andmake its recommendations.“We need the panel to de-liberate and to deliver on amore accelerated timeline,”Dempsey said. Meanwhile,he added, the military will

continue moving full speedahead on the issue.“We will be actively imple-

menting my strategic direc-tion on prevention [of] sexualassault and the department’snew sexual assault preven-tion and response plan,” hesaid.In a force stand-down

throughout the DefenseDepartment, which mustbe completed by July 1,Dempsey said, the serviceswill conduct command cli-mate surveys and conductrefresher training for re-sponse coordinators and vic-tim advocates. The servicesseek to improve victim coun-sel and treatment and more,he added.Dempsey asked the sena-

tors to be very careful beforechanging the responsibili-ties of commanders underthe Uniform Code of MilitaryJustice. Commanders have akey role to play in prevent-ing and punishing sexual as-sault, and that shouldn’t beweakened, he said.

Military Will Work With Congress to Combat Sexual Assault

U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Teddy Wade

Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, chairman of the JointChiefs of Staff, testifies on sexual assault in the mili-tary before the Senate Armed Services Committee inWashington, D.C., June 4.


staff writer

Two pediatrics residents atWalter Reed Bethesda recent-ly earned national awards fortheir research work in pediat-ric patient care.Navy Lt. (Dr.) Jack McDon-

nell andArmy Capt. (Dr.) LuisLozada received the awardsduring the Pediatric Academ-ic Society Annual Meeting inWashington, D.C. in May.McDonnell earned the

Resident Research Award ofthe Academic Pediatrics As-sociation, and Lozada, theHousestaff Research Awardof the Society for PediatricResearch.McDonnell researched

“Family Income and Out-comes of Pediatric RenalTransplant Recipients from1997-2006,” while Lozada’swork involved “Hyperbiliru-binemia as a Risk Factor forAutism.”The son of Sailors, Mc-

Donnell explained his proj-ect concerns the differentfactors affecting outcomes ofpediatric kidney transplantrecipients. “We found [recipi-ents] with lower incomes didworse in terms of long-termoutcome, including kidneygraft failure and death. We

hope [this research] will en-hance the delivery of care torenal transplant patients,both kids and adults, andby extension the delivery ofcare to lower income familieswith other chronic diseases,”he said.The Navy lieutenant, who’s

been on active duty for threeyears, said he followed hisparents into the Navy be-cause “he grew up hearinggreat stories about Navy life.”“[My parents] met in the

Navy,” said the Cleveland na-tive. “[They] spoke highly oftheir experiences.”McDonnell added he was

drawn to medicine because“[it] is a great way to helpother people, especially intheir moments of need.” Inregards to pediatrics, he ex-plains, “I found that I enjoyworking with kids.” He alsosaid practicing medicine inthe military fulfills a de-sire “to do something for mycountry.”Lozada, a native of Cuba,

explained his research workrevealed, “Autism is very com-mon. Every year, the numberof kids diagnosed increases,[and] the causes of it are notknown. I was intrigued tofind out if jaundice, right af-ter birth, is associated withincreased risk of autism, as

some studies suggest, [and itappears so]. Providers awareof the possible associationmay increase screening andearly referral of children atrisk.”The Army captain, who

has been in the military 14years, said other than medi-cine, he was “never interested

in anything else,” growing upin Cuba, where he attendedmedical school. “Since movingto the United States, I havecontinued to work in obtain-ing the medical certificationsneeded to practice medicinehere.“Working as a pediatri-

cian is the most rewarding

job there is,” Lozada added. “Idid pediatrics/neonatology inCuba, now I am finishing pe-diatric residency again, andwill start neonatology fel-lowship in July. You can sayI have to love it in order to doboth twice. I am very gratefulto have the opportunity to dothe training again.”

Walter Reed Bethesda Pediatricians Earn National Research Awards

Photo by Bernard S. Little

Navy Lt. (Dr.) Jack McDonnell recently earned the Resident Research Award ofthe Academic Pediatrics Association for his work entitled “Family Income andOutcomes of Pediatric Renal Transplant Recipients from 1997-2006.”


By Jeremy K. JohnsonNSAB Public Affairs

staff writer

Thirteen military and civilianstudents were awarded bachelordegrees at a ceremony held Fridayin Walter Reed National MilitaryMedical Center’s (WRNMMC) Me-morial Auditorium. The graduates,most of whom work at WRNMMC,all received bachelor of science de-grees from Southern Illinois Uni-versity.According to Cindy LeFebvre, the

12 students who walked across thestage to receive a degree in healthcare management truly have some-thing to be proud of. To graduate,they had to sacrifice a large amountof personal time.“The program requires the stu-

dents to attend classes every otherweekend, Saturday and Sunday from8 a.m. until 5 p.m.,” she explained.Armed Forces Blood Bank Centerlab technician Hospital Corpsman2nd Class Joelle Meyindjou is an ac-tive duty Sailor and one of those stu-dents. She’s married with two chil-dren, one of whom is autistic.“It was difficult. It was a lot of

juggling my time,” she said, “but myhusband and mother were also thereto help.”LeFebvre said the course takes

up to two years to complete and in-volves intense coursework that hasbeen accredited by the Commissionon Accreditation of Allied HealthEducation Programs.

“That accreditation is important,”said LeFebvre, “because it affectsthe programs students will apply fornext, including commissioning pro-grams.”The program is a hybrid program,

meaning students of the health caremanagement program attend class-es in person and online. Despite thededication it requires, Meyindjousays it was worth it and that, “If I

can do this with all the challenges Ihad, anybody can. It’s just the com-mitment that needs to be there.”As the graduates sat in the audi-

ence waiting for their scrolls, several

speakers voiced their support andcongratulations.Naval Support Activity Bethesda

(NSAB) Commanding Officer FritzKass encouraged the group to dreambig. “Today’s goal has been met,” heobserved, “but it’s one more piece ofthe puzzle to help you all meet yourdreams.Those dreams are important, and

you need to keep them alive, youneed to keep them breathing, anddream big. Most of us will never ex-ceed whatever expectations we setin our dreams. If you’re never goingto go any bigger than that, then youmight as well set them pretty high -do not put a ceiling on yourselves.”NSAB’s Command Career Counsel-or Master-At-Arms 1st Class StacyLeverett says now that their degreesare done, they should consider sub-mitting their transcripts to theirrespective services to ensure the de-gree is reflected in their official mili-tary record.“They can also submit their de-

grees through the Joint ServiceTranscript program,” she said. Theprogram allows Navy, Marine Corps,Coast Guard and Army personnel totrack their education and degrees- with the Navy adding the updateto a Sailor’s OMPF (official militarypersonnel file).

Hard Work Pays Off for Uniformed College Grads at NSAB

Photo by Jeremy K. Johnson

Southern Illinois University (SIU) Professor Dr. Beth Freeburg (left)confers a medal signifying “Cum Laude” graduate status upon Hos-pital Corpsman 2nd Class Joelle Meyindjou. Thirteen SIU gradu-ates including active duty and veteran military personnel receivedbachelor of science degrees at a ceremony held Friday in MemorialAuditorium at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.

A Worthy Contribution

Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class John Hamilton

Earlier this year, the Naval Support Activity Bethesda (NSAB)Navy Exchange ran a month-long fund drive offering a $5 coupon,which extended a discount on select merchandise throughout thestore. The proceeds from the sale of the coupons, $12,187.92, wasdonated to the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS) Tues-day to support NMCRS programs and Sailors and Marines in need.Pictured, from left, are NEX Bethesda Store Manager Robin Dale,NSAB Commanding Officer Frederick Kass, NEX Bethesda Gen-eral Manager Rick Pimentel, and NMCRS Bethesda Director GillianConnon. 1038362


and my country doing everythingthey could do to get me back.”The lieutenant colonel was flown

to Germany, and then to the formerWalter Reed Army Medical Center(WRAMC) in Washington, D.C.,within three days of being injuredin Iraq. He remained at WRAMCfor about a month, before goingback to his home at Joint BaseLewis-McChord for more rehabili-tation.Bed-ridden for almost three

months, Dudek eventually wasable to stand again, and can nowdo limited walking with the aid ofcrutches and braces. He explainedhe faced a lot of frustrations, “butdid the best he could to keep push-ing forward.”“There was a goal at the end,” the

lieutenant colonel said. One goalwas to see his favorite football team,the Chicago Bears, play a game.He got that opportunity when theBears played the Seattle Seahawksin Seattle,Wash., and he went to thegame. “That was what got me out ofthe hospital, being able to be on thefield with the Chicago Bears.”Another goal of Dudek’s was to

go to his welcome home ceremony.“I was able to stand and talk withsome of the guys in the vehicle withme when it was blown up. Thoseare the things most important tome, being with the Soldiers andpeople I enjoy.”He was able to spend more time

with those Soldiers when he had anopportunity to become Joint BaseLewis-McChord’s Warrior Transi-tion Battalion’s executive officer,and then its commander in 2009.He was responsible for about 600Soldiers with long-term or complexmedical issues as the battalioncommander.Dudek explained the Army had

to make a deliberate decision to lethim, “a paralyzed lieutenant colo-nel,” command a battalion, but healso had to show his leaders he had“the commitment not to let themdown.”He spent two years in that posi-

tion, and said he learned as muchas he could to share with his troops.“I tried to give many of the SoldiersI had as much as I could — some ofthe good lessons that I learned. Iasked questions, I talked with myproviders, and I stayed constantlyengaged in what was going on [withmy care].”Despite his involvement, Dudek

said there were times when frus-tration surfaced that he could not

overcome alone. “All these thingsthat I felt were obstacles I had putin front of me, even at this point,starting to melt away when otherpeople started to explain to mewhy I was wrong.” He said this washow he became involved in adap-tive sports and the Warrior Games,athletic competitions for woundedtroops.Last year, participating in his

first Warrior Games in ColoradoSprings, Dudek earned three goldmedals and one silver medal inswimming, competing with approxi-mately 200 athletes from the Army,Navy, Air Force, Marines, CoastGuards and Great Britain military.At this year’s Warrior Games lastmonth, Dudek earned gold medalsin the 50-meter freestyle, 100-me-ter freestyle and 50-meter back-stroke.In addition to swimming, ath-

letes also compete in sitting volley-ball, wheelchair basketball, cycling,track and field, archery and com-petitive shooting during the War-rior Games.Dudek described the experience

as “awesome with great competi-tion.” He has also participated inother adaptive reconditioning ac-tivities, including hand-cycle races,triathlons, and two Army Ten-Mil-ers.“Every time I go out to Colorado

Springs, or every time I come here[to Walter Reed Bethesda], I get tomeet amazing people who are tak-ing whatever situation they are in,and making the best of it,” Dudeksaid.He explained that since his pa-

ralysis, he puts himself “outside ofhis comfort zone” when he goes outin public, and still has to overcomesome anxiety, but he does so withthe help of others.The Army officer added one of

the things he’s most proud of in hiscareer, is being the principle au-thor of the Army’s ComprehensiveTraining Plan (CTP), which servesas the heart of the Warrior Careand Transition Program. Every Sol-dier recovering at a Warrior Tran-sition Unit develops a personalizedplan that will lead them back to ac-tive duty, or a successful transitionto civilian life.“No one knows better than you

where you want to end up,” Dudekadded. “You have to articulatethat to people. It’s not really aboutthem, but about you. You [have] toget outside your comfort zone toarticulate to the people around you[the help you may need], and un-derstand the processes around you.You’re not going to do it alone; ittakes us all.”

WOUNDEDContinued from 1

Congratulations NMPDC Frockees

Photo by Lt. Cmdr. Brent Dennis

Front Row: Capt. Carey Sill, Yeoman 3rd Class Dniqua Swindell,Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Maya Torrence, Hospital Corpsman3rd Class Carlene Ellis, Master Chief Hospital Corpsman Clint Gar-rett. Back row: Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Kingsley Adu, HospitalCorpsman 2nd Class Jeffrey May, Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Al-exander Bassene, Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Agerneh Demissie,Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Ryan Boudreau. Not photographed:(Leave) Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Brianna Von Cannon.

For more news from other bases around the Washington, D.C. area,

visit www.dcmilitary.com.

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danny dudek askedmembers

toldhis story

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