journal 060613

Vol. 25 No. 21 www.cnic.navy.mil/bethesda/ June 6, 2013

By Bernard S. LittleWRNMMC Journal

staff writer

The 2013 Commander’s Cup atWalter Reed Bethesda began Mon-day with weightlifting and dodgeball, and continues throughout thisweek, culminating with the tug-of-war tomorrow at 11 a.m. in front ofthe Tower (Building 1). The Com-mander’s Cup trophy will be award-ed to the winning team following thetug-of-war.

Today, teams will compete in vol-leyball at 10:30 a.m., in the Building17 gymnasium, and flag football at

the Fort Detrick, Md., Forest GlenAnnex at 1 p.m.

Other competitions held for teamsvying for the trophy included soft-ball, three-on-three basketball, soc-cer, bowling, swimming and ultimateFrisbee.

“The purpose for the Commander’sCup is to actively involve all mem-bers of the of Walter Reed Nation-al Military Medical Center, NavalSupport Activity Bethesda and sur-rounding commands on this cam-pus, including the Joint Task ForceNational Capital Region MedicalCommand and Uniformed ServicesUniversity,” explained Chief Hos-

pital Corpsman Derek Eaton, leadorganizer for the event. “The Com-mander’s Cup is a way of buildingteamwork and increasing morale onbase,” he added.

Twenty-one teams are participat-ing in this year’s Commander’s Cup,Eaton said. In addition to militarymembers of all ranks and services,civilians and contractors are alsoparticipating as team members.

“This is for everyone,” said the chiefwho explained last years event partic-ipants were from primarily the medi-cal center and this year participationwas expanded to the entire base.

Teams earn points based on how

they finish each event, with winnersearning 25 points, second-place, 15points, and third place, 10 points.“All participants will receive fivepoints just for signing up,” Eatoncontinued.

The team accumulating the mostpoints will earn the the Command-er’s Cup trophy to keep for the year,and an opportunity to defend it atnext year’s competition. “[The win-ners] have bragging rights for oneyear as being ‘the best,’” Eaton said.

“The tug-of-war is the last eventand the winner will receive 50

Commander’s Cup Competitions Underway

Photo by Bernard S. Little

Teams reach for balls to begin a dodge ball match Monday in Building 17’s fitness center, during the Commander’s Cup competition beingheld all this week at Walter Reed Bethesda. Teams are competing in various athletic events to see who takes home the Commander’sCup trophy this year. Tomorrow’s tug-of-war event at 11 a.m., concludes the competition, with the trophy to be awarded afterwards.

See COMPETITION page 10

2 Thursday, June 6, 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

MC3 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

Caribbean American Heritage MonthThe Bethesda Multicultural Committee will

host a Caribbean American Heritage celebra-tion today from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in theAmerica Building atrium. The celebration willinclude a limbo contest, Salsa dancing demon-stration, steel drum band, and Jamaican foodsamples. For more information, call Sgt. 1stClass Jason Zielske at 301-400-3542.

Music, PTSDAs part of Walter Reed Bethesda’s Stages of

Healing, a program focusing on music therapyand post-traumatic stress disorder in veter-ans will be held tomorrow at noon in ClarkAuditorium. Monday at noon in the AmericaBuilding lobby, singer/guitarist StephenKellogg performs. Tuesday at noon in theAmerica Building lobby, singer and musicianPatty Reese performs. For more informationabout Stages of Healing, call Dr. Micah Sickelat 301-295-2492.

Prostate Cancer Support GroupThe Walter Reed National Military Medical

Center Prostate Cancer Support Group meetstwice on June 22 in the River Conference Room,third floor of the America Building (Building19) adjacent to the Center for Prostate DiseaseResearch. The day session is from 1 to 2 p.m.,and the evening session is from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.For more information, contact Vin McDonaldat 703-643-2658 or email [email protected].

Resiliency WeekResiliency Week at Walter Reed Bethesda

is June 17-21. Topics to be discussed duringthe event include: Resiliency and PsychologicalHealth Service; Addiction Treatment Services;Integrated Health Services and OutpatientClinical Nutrition Services; Resiliency andPsychological Health Service Physical;Resiliency and Psychological Health Servicesactivities and Fleet and Family Support Centerservices; Employee Assistance Program andPreventive Medicine; Pastoral and Reiki ser-vices; and a staff talent show. For more infor-mation, call Army Lt. Col. Brett J. Schneiderat 301-295-8737.

Bethesda Notebook

Part of being aparent is comingto a point whereyou know youhave raised yourchildren to thebest of your abil-ity and then let-ting your childrengo when it is time.The most difficulttimes are when weknow that some oftheir choices mayleave them hurt-ing or in a difficultsituation.

As we approachFather’s Day I amreminded of the parable of theProdigal Son found in Christianscripture. Recently, I read a bookentitled “The Return of the Prodi-gal Son” by Henri J. M. Nouwen.This man studied the painting byRembrandt we may be familiarwith, providing incredible insights.

We would like to always bearound to protect our children. Wemay want to warn them about themany dangers they may be fac-ing or convince them that there iswarmth and fulfillment with fam-ily that care for them. Maybe wewant to hold them back so theywon’t get hurt. This may sound alittle strange but the truth is, lovefor a child is too great for that.Nouwen wrote concerning God’slove for us, “But his love cannotforce, constrain, push or pull. It of-fers the freedom to reject that loveor to love in return. God, the cre-ator of heaven and earth, has cho-

sen to be first andforemost a Father.”

Freedom hasbeen granted tous. We are free tolove, to leave home,even to go off to adistant country orto put it anotherway, leave the val-ues we have knownand that have keptus. Our father isdriven by love andcompassion, want-ing us to enjoy Hispresence and affec-tion.

The only authority He takes inour lives is that of compassion.When we hurt, He hurts. Did youever hear your parents say, “Thisis going to hurt me more than ithurts you! I’m only correcting youbecause I love you.” Personally,I wished my parents would loveon my brothers a little more. Weare made in His image so He feelsall the hurt we cause ourselvesthrough greed, anger, lust, jealou-sy and vengeance. This is the typeof Father I can appreciate, one whoopens His arms offering blessing,hoping that we will return as Nou-wen so eloquently puts it, “So thatHe can speak words of love to themand let his tired arms rest on theirshoulders.”

Cmdr. Barry A. MetzgerAssistant Department ChiefWalter Reed NationalMilitary Medical Center

Chaplain’s Corner

The Journal Thursday, June 6, 2013 3

By Bernard S. LittleWRNMMC Journal staff writer

An Airman in cardiopulmonarylaboratory at Walter Reed NationalMilitary Medical Center (WRNMMC)was recently named one of the AirForce’s top medics.

Senior Airman Maiky J. Rodri-guez-Recio earned the Cardiopul-monary Laboratory Airman of theYear honor in the Air Force MedicalService Annual Award competition.Officials from the Air Force Sur-geon General’s Medical Force De-velopment Directorate made the an-nouncement in February with otherhonorees from the Air Force MedicalService Awards Program (AFMSAP).The program “recognizes individualsand teams whose outstanding ac-tions improve the delivery of healthcare and contribute to expedition-ary medical operations for [militarypersonnel and other beneficiaries]worldwide, [as well as] acknowledgessustained superior job performance,innovative operations, and excep-tional teamwork,” according to AirForce Instruction 36-2856, whichgoverns the program.

Rodriguez-Recio, who trained asa cardiopulmonary technician, is as-signed to the 79th Medical Wing, atenant of Joint Base Andrews, Mdand currently works in the cardio-pulmonary lab at WRNMMC.

According to Melanie Moore, 79th

MDW public affairs officer, the 79thMDW, “is fully engaged with JointTask Force National Capital RegionMedical in planning and delivery ofintegrated world-class health care.”Rodriguez-Recio is part of that inte-grated delivery of health care team.

“I am trained to work as a cardiol-ogy technician and conduct cardiacstress tests and cardiac sonogramsamong other things, but I am alsotrained as a pulmonary technicianand able to perform pulmonary func-tion tests,” the senior airman ex-plained. He added he’s also trainedto administer the bronchial chal-lenge test, the methacholine chal-lenge, and to assist in the diagnosisof asthma.

“My deployable skill is [as] a respi-ratory therapist,” Rodriguez-Recioadded, explaining this encompassesmanaging the airways and respira-tory systems of patients, as well asproviding care for patients who needmechanical ventilation.

“It’s a very demanding and com-plex job, but it’s truly amazing asyou become proficient in all of its ar-eas,” he said.

Rodriguez-Recio attended high

school in his native Dominican Re-public, and completed his associate’sdegree in New York before decid-ing it was time for him “to chase adream,” so he joined the Air Forcetwo-and-a-half years ago.

“Being in the military was some-thing I wanted to do since highschool,” he explained. “I like the or-ganization of military life and thesense of self-empowerment that be-ing a part of the force offers. I alsowanted a way to advance my profes-sional life, and that is why I joinedthe U.S. Air Force - they are reallyencouraging regarding your profes-sional education.”

In the Air Force, the senior air-man explained his job has not onlyallowed him to increase his knowl-edge, but has also been enjoyableand rewarding.

“I really enjoy diagnostic cardiol-ogy because it presents me with apuzzle,” he said. “To me, the heartis really intriguing and I get excit-ed about doing cardiac stress testsand cardiac sonograms because I am

Airman Earns Air Force Award as One of its Top Medics

Courtesy Photo

Senior Airman Maiky J. Rodri-guez-Recio

By Sharon Renee TaylorWRNMMC Journal

staff writer

Nearly 40 years after the YomKippurWar was fought, retired NavyCmdr. Itzhak Brook, a physician andprofessor, continues to help othersheal from the trauma of war andcancer.

The cancer survivor and veteranof two wars spoke about the similari-ties between the two, discussed thepsychological challenges and sharedhis personal experience during aStages of Healing presentation atWalter Reed National Military Medi-cal Center (WRNMMC), May 22.

Brook’s first war in uniform wasthe Six-Day War between Egypt andIsrael in 1967. A Soldier finishingup medical school at the time, theIsraeli Army assigned him to workin an emergency room. Brook saidhis biggest challenge was to helpsoldiers deal with anxiety and fear.They came to him with confessionsof how scared they were of the war,and asked him for medication to dealwith their fear.

“It was very, very scary,” Brooksaid. “I, too, was afraid,” he admit-ted. “I have never felt fear like thatbefore in my life.” The physician saidin a “macho” society like Israel, “Noone admits fear. Fear is not normal;[if you are afraid you] must be crazy.”

If you’re afraid, you can freeze,runaway, or take out your enemy,

said Brook, a former paratrooper. Hethen explained he gave his patientstwo choices: to stay or go. All choseto stay but one, according to the phy-sician. He said his biggest contribu-tion to the war, Soldiers and his pa-tients was to tell them, “It’s okay tobe afraid.”

Brook faced war for a second timein 1973 during the Yom Kippur Waras a 32-year-old lieutenant in the Is-raeli Army as a father of two youngchildren. During this conflict be-tween Israel and Egypt, the nuclearsuperpowers that supported the two,the U.S. and Soviet Union respec-tively, nearly came to blows.

In times of pressure, people turn toreligion, Brook said. Religion played

a major role in dealing with fear inthe Yom Kippur War, he explained.“Every day I saw more people pray-ing.” According to the physician, twoof the most religious medics in hisunit, “were more active and fearlessthan anybody else. They said, ‘Wehave nothing to fear.’”

Egypt lost a reported 18,500 ser-vice members in the Yom KippurWar; Israel lost 2,800. Brook wasdetermined to stay alive, and toldhimself, “I’m really not ready to die,yet.” He remained with his unit 16hours after he sustained a shrapnelinjury to his leg and a broken bonenear his eye.

When he was evacuated by heli-copter, the former paratrooper said

he experienced a mixed feeling ofrelief and a tremendous amount ofguilt, “What many [service mem-bers] may feel when they leave theirfriends behind.”

Seven years after the Yom KippurWar ended, the physician joined theU.S. Navy, and retired 27 years lateras a commander. “I enjoyed everyday of it,” Brook said. “I realized [Iwas] fighting the same cause, just ina different uniform.”

He was 65 when doctors at theformer National Naval Medical Cen-ter in Bethesda diagnosed him withthroat cancer that claimed his voicebox. Brook said the Yom Kippur Warand his fight against cancer weretwo situations in which he was un-sure if he would live. The physicianlikened three similarities betweencancer and war: the lack of control inthe situation, fear of the future, anda greater appreciation for life.

Using a voice prosthesis, Brooksnow lectures groups around thecountry, and offers advice to othersurvivors of trauma. Talk aboutit, go to counseling, join a supportgroup, write - get your feelings out,he urged.

“I have a voice disability. Try tomake something good out of thetragedy in your own way,” saidBrook, who returned to work as apatient advocate and lets the pagesof his book speak for him, “My Voice:

Military Physician Discusses Facing Cancer, War

Photo by Sharon Renee TaylorCourtesy Photo

Retired U.S. Navy Capt. Itzhak Brook, left, shares his personal ex-perience with war and throat cancer during a Stages of Healinglecture May 22, to help others heal from the trauma of war andcancer. The physician, right, was a 32-year-old lieutenant in theIsraeli Army in 1972.

See PHYSICIAN page 9

See AWARD page 9


By Mass CommunicationSpecialist 3rd Class

Brandon Williams-ChurchNSAB Public Affairs

staff writer

Life has its bare essentials likefood, water and shelter. While thecommissary can help service mem-bers with food and water, Navy Hous-ing Service Center (NHSC) can pro-vide assistance with shelter.

The NHSC aims to be the “one stopshop” for all things related to housingfor all service members at Naval Sup-port Activity Bethesda (NSAB).

They house service members in thebarracks, help them find privatizedhousing and aid with any housingquestions.

Ismael Hernandez, director of hous-ing for NSAB, said as a referral pro-gram, the housing office is dedicatedto giving assistance that’s 100 percentbeneficial to service members. Theypartner with landlords in the sur-rounding area to negotiate a memoof understanding for rent that doesnot exceed the service member’s basicallowance for housing (BAH). Withinthose terms of the lease are optionssuch as no down payments, utilitiesincluded or a military clause.

From the moment a customerwalks through the door, the housing

office aims to guide them through theprocess of finding a place they can calltheir own, said Hernandez.

“From [the beginning], we callthe privatized housing partners andset them up with an appointment,”he said. “We send them out there tosee the house and inspect it to seehow the commute is and walk themthrough the whole process if need be.If a service member contacts us byour website, we send them a packagethat includes everything from refer-rals and single homes to apartments.Most of the time they will send us a

little background on whether theyare single or have a pet or looking forsomething close or looking for a threebedroom. So we send them informa-tion by email so they will know whatto expect when they arrive.”

The automated housing referralnetwork is the main resource for thehousing office that provides the listsof housing available for the servicemembers.

“We have the bachelor’s quarterswhich houses E-4 and below with un-der four years of service,” said Her-nandez. “We also have five flag housesand we have the referral and rentalprogram, for single Sailors E-5 andabove and married Sailors with theirfamilies.”

The rental partnership program(RPP) is a program designed to assistactive duty military with affordablehousing.

“With the RPP, a service memberwill arrive from [their previous dutystation] and look for a place to live,”said Hernandez. “Most likely they’llhave 10 days [temporary duty], whichleaves us with limited time to find theservice member shelter. The partner-ship program allows us to list all theproperties available to move in. With-in 10 days or so, we can get a Sailorinto an apartment with a lease andeverything established. If we don’t get

them situated within that time frame,we will house them in the barracksuntil they get all their documents,BAH and allotments set up. We tryto get them close to the metro, if theydon’t have any vehicles. We walkthem through the whole process withtheir BAH and set up their allotmentso their rent goes straight to theirlandlord and they don’t have to worryabout anything until they transfer. Ifanything happens, we will give themguidance, pick up the phone to calltheir landlord and ask them what wecan do for this service member. Wealso review the lease to make sure it’saccurate and legal.”

Short-term leases are also avail-able for service members who onlyneed a temporary housing situation,Hernandez added.

Not every service member willknow all of the steps it takes to attainthe best housing available to them, sothat’s where the housing office stepsin, said Hernandez.

“Our customers believe that thisoffice is [strictly] Navy housing. Thishousing referral office serves allbraches. We have the ability to com-municate with their [senior enlistedadvisor] and refer them to get whatthey need. We do everything we cando to make this a one stop shop for allbranches.”

NSAB Housing Office Aims to Help All Branches of Service

Courtesy Photo

1039986


By Sarah MarshallWRNMMC Journal

staff writer

When Air Force 2ndLt. Jennifer Szatkowskirecently came to WalterReed Bethesda for adental exam, she dis-covered an unusual co-incidence that made fora not-so-routine visit.While having her

teeth cleaned on May 3,she noticed two brownpaper bags hanging ona bulletin board in theexam room. Each bagwas decorated withpatriotic artwork, andone, she was certain shehad made more than adecade ago as a child ingrade school.“When I first saw the

bag, I thought my mindwas playing tricks onme,” Szatkowski said. “Icouldn’t believe some-thing I had made solong ago, was hangingon the wall across fromme in a dentist office atWalter Reed [Bethes-da].”The second year med-

ical student at the Uni-formed Services Uni-

versity of the HealthSciences (USU) recalleddrawing an Americanflag on the paper bag aspart of a project about

12 years ago at herelementary school inWisconsin, more than700 miles away. On thebag, she also spelled out

what she thought “Sol-diers” stood for: Strong,Outstanding, Loyal,Dedication, Intelligent,Enthusiasm, Respectedand Strength.The candy-fi l led

bags made their wayto the former NationalNaval Medical Center(NNMC), where theywere handed out byRed Cross volunteers.Carmen Torres, a reg-istered dental hygien-ist in the Primary CareDentistry Department,took three: one for herfather, an Air Force vet-eran, and two for deco-ration, she said. They’veremained on display inthe clinic since she firstposted them on the bul-letin board, about fiveyears ago.After Szatkowski’s

exam, she told Torres,“You’re not going to be-lieve what I’m going totell you.”At first, the den-

tal hygienist thoughtmaybe Szatkowski wassuddenly feeling ill, or

had concerns about thescreening, but whenthe USU student be-gan explaining that shecreated the bag, Torressaid she was equallyamazed.“It gave me the

chills,” Torres said.Sza tkowsk i re -

members drawing thenumber “50” inside astar, next to the flag,to show she knew 50stars were supposed tobe on the flag, but shecouldn’t fit them all.To be certain the bagwas hers, she askedTorres if she couldtake the bag down for acloser look. Szatkowskisaid they would find“Jenny,” lightly writ-ten in pencil in the bot-tom right corner. Sureenough, the inscriptionwas there.“It was unbelievable

that it was still around,and that it had trav-eled so far, from Butler,Wisconsin,” said Szat-kowski.Fulfilling her dreams

of becoming a doctor,Szatkowski expressedhow moved she was bythe experience, look-ing back on what heryounger self thought ofservice members, espe-cially now that she isuniform.“The coincidence is

unreal,” Szatkowskisaid. She added thatshe would not take thebag home with her. “Iwould rather have itserve its original pur-pose of letting Ameri-ca’s Soldiers know thatthey are loved and ap-preciated.”Word of this coinci-

dence quickly spreadthrough Primary CareDentistry. Departmenthead Dr. Kim Rumanesexpressed his appre-ciation for what he re-ferred to as the “heart-felt sentiment thatwent into creating [thebag] in the first place.”Rumanes reflected on

the unique incident andsaid it is evident, “Mir-acles do happen here.”

USU Student Receives a ‘Gift’ from the Past

courtesy photo

Air Force 2nd Lt. Jennifer Szatkowski re-cently came to Walter Reed Bethesda for adental exam, during which she discovered apaper bag she had decorated more than adecade ago in grade school.

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By Mass CommunicationSpecialist 2nd Class

Nathan PardeNSAB Public Affairs

staff writer

Naval Support ActivityBethesda’s (NSAB) Morale,Welfare and RecreationBowling Center invitedwounded warriors to a ‘He-roes Bowl with the Pros’event Friday.

More than 50 woundedwarriors bowled in three ses-sions throughout the morn-ing and afternoon while re-ceiving tips from profession-al bowlers and coaches.

“We had coaching staffand professional bowlerswho have won up to a dozentournaments on tour, andwho play for Team U.S.A.,”said Bowling Center Man-ager, Adm. (Ret.) Noel Dys-art. “It’s probably one of thehighest concentrations of[bowling] coaches (gold andsilver) that you’ll ever get inone place.”

NSAB’s Commanding Of-ficer, Capt. Frederick Kass,frequently visits the bowl-ing center and stopped byduring the event for a fewencouraging words, saidDysart.

“In Capt. Kass’ words,the three R’s -Recuperation,Rehabilitation and Resto-ration to society - are veryimportant, and the bowlingcenter can be a part of that,”said Dysart. “It gives themsomething they are used todoing that helps bring themback into society.”

He added wounded war-riors are always very en-thusiastic about the specialevents at the center.

“I have had many wound-ed warriors come and thankme after events like these,”he said. “It’s a great oppor-tunity for them to bowl withtheir family, and they arevery appreciative.”

Darryl Fletcher, part ofthe Wounded Warrior pro-gram at NSAB, shared thathe used to be a right-hand-ed bowler before he wasinjured in Iraq, and hadto learn to adapt his tech-nique.

“The professionals hadplenty of tips. I’m some-what of a ‘forced lefty,’ sopracticing is helpful andit was awesome to havethem here,” he said. “Afterthree or four months, I cannow get four-baggers (fourstrikes in a row) with myleft arm.”

Fletcher bowls with hisrecreational therapist ev-ery Monday. When he heardabout the event, he helpedspread the word by distrib-uting flyers and telling otherwounded Soldiers about it.

“This is my first event atthe bowling center, and Idefinitely recommend it,” hesaid. “This is a great moralebooster for all of the wound-ed warriors. It’s convenient,and beats having to go offpost to try to find a bowlingalley.”

The NSAB bowling cen-ter was built in 1979, has20 lanes and has receivedminor renovations over the

years, including the newcomputerized scoring sys-tem, said Dysart.

The alley offers competi-tive rates for games andshoes, and hosts parties forspecial events, such as barmitzvahs and birthday par-ties, he added.

Anyone with a federalemployee as a sponsor canreserve the alley for specialevents.

For more information,contact the bowling centerat 301-295-2034.

Heroes Bowl with the Pros

Photos by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Nathan Parde

Wounded Warrior Darryl Fletcher watches as his ball lands a strike. Fletcher isright-handed, but learned to bowl with his left hand after he was injured whileserving in Iraq.

Jeffery Redman, part of the Wounded Warrior pro-gram at Naval Support Activity Bethesda (NSAB),throws a curve ball during the ‘Heroes Bowl with thePros’ event at the NSAB bowling center Friday.


By Sarah MarshallWRNMMC Journal

staff writer

Wounded warriors had anopportunity to explore thenumerous recreational ac-tivities available to them,during Adaptive Sports Dayat Walter Reed Bethesda re-cently.The event, an extension

of the Military AdvancedTraining Center’s (MATC)Adaptive Sports and Com-munity Reintegration pro-gram, offered to patientscurrently in rehabilitation,is held twice a year - in thespring to showcase spring/summer sports, and in thefall to highlight fall/wintersports.The goal is to get wound-

ed warriors excited aboutother recreational activities,which they can do in addi-tion to physical therapy, toaid in their rehabilitation,explained Harvey Naranjo,Adaptive Sports co-coordi-nator. It’s also an opportu-nity to show what they canachieve, he added.“It gives us the ability to

maximize their therapy andtheir performance, in real-life situations and activi-ties,” Naranjo said.More than 15 adaptive

sports programs were ondisplay, including adaptiverowing, boxing, salsa, swim-ming, lacrosse, mountain-eering, water skiing, andmartial arts. Naranjo said

the MATC’s adaptive sportsprogram offers recreationalopportunities almost daily,and is constantly lookingfor new activities to incor-porate.“We look at the interest

of our service members, andtry to implement those pro-grams,” he said.Wounded warriors are

encouraged to incorporateadaptive sports into theirrehabilitation, Naranjo con-tinued. He noted severalpatients have gone aboveand beyond, participatingin paralympics and nationalcompetitions.Army Sgt. Justin Lans-

ford is among those in recov-ery at Walter Reed Bethes-da, who has taken adaptivesports to the next level. Inthe last year, since he wasinjured in Afghanistan, theSoldier has competed andbrought home medals in anumber of national indooradaptive rowing champion-ships.At last week’s Adaptive

Sports event, Lansford ex-plained he was assisting inan April 2012 recovery mis-sion when an improvisedexplosive device (IED) blewunder the rear axle of hisvehicle, causing him to losehis left leg. He said earlyin his recovery, he knewhe wanted to get back intophysical activities.“I was always competi-

tive,” Lansford said. “It wasan opportunity for me to

channel a lot of that com-petitiveness into somethingI could do,” he said, of dis-covering what adaptivesports have to offer.In addition, adaptive

sports give Lansford ad-ditional cardiovascular ac-tivities, which he said heenjoys. He continues to aimhigh, hoping to compete inan endurance road race inthe future, he explained.Army Specialist Tyler

Jeffries also found new op-portunities through theadaptive sports program atWalter Reed Bethesda. InOctober 2012, while servingin Afghanistan, a roadsidebomb claimed both of hislegs, he said. Throughouthis recovery, he has had achance to try several newactivities, he said, such asadaptive kayaking, rowing,and scuba diving.“I’ve always loved all

kinds of water sports - any-thing to do with water. It’sa really awesome feeling tojust sit at the bottom of thewater, just another sense ofrelaxation. It’s pretty awe-some,” he said, describinghis new found love of scubadiving.The Soldier said he was

somewhat discouraged atfirst, as an amputee, notknowing what his futureheld. Adaptive sports gavehim hope, upon learningabout the many opportuni-ties in store.“The more you put your-

self out there, and try newthings, the more you real-ize, there is still a future foryourself. You have to thinkabout what you can do, andtake every opportunity,” Jef-fries said.He expressed interest in

trying boxing and running,next.Army veteran and wound-

ed warrior, Melissa Stock-well said she experiencedsimilar emotions of despair,at first, after losing her leftleg in Iraq nearly a decadeago. “You wonder what yourlife will be like,” she ex-plained.Treated at the former

Walter Reed Army Medi-cal Center, Stockwell ex-plained adaptive sportsplayed an enormous partin her life and rehabilita-tion. She went on to becomea three-time paratriatholonworld champion and 2008paralympian. Today, she isa certified prosthetist, and

trains injured service mem-bers to compete in paratri-atholons, through a club sheco-founded which was one ofmany organizations on dis-play during Adaptive SportsDay.“Whatever it may be, they

can still be out there andbe active,” Stockwell said.“Whether it’s playing bas-ketball, horseback riding,or salsa dancing, it’s reallyabout being out there andbeing active. There are somany opportunities.”Naranjo agreed, adding it

never ceases to amaze him,what wounded warriors canachieve.” I’m at the pointwhere I don’t say [an activ-ity] can’t be done. Anythingis possible, as long as it’ssafe,” he said.For more information

about the Adaptive Sportsprogram, contact HarveyNaranjo at 301-295-8524,or Tiffany Smith at 301-295-8525.

Adaptive Sports Day Offers Opportunities, Hope for Injured Troops

photo by Sarah Marshall

Adaptive Sports play a key role in the rehabilitation process for many woundedwarriors at Walter Reed Bethesda. An Adaptive Sports Day was held May 15 atthe medical center, to display the numerous recreational activities available tothem, such as adaptive lacrosse. Pictured above, wounded warriors recently par-ticipated in an adaptive lacrosse clinic.

file photo

Boxing was one of the many adaptive sports on dis-play, during Adaptive Sports Day, held May 15 at Wal-ter Reed Bethesda. Many recreational activities areavailable to wounded warriors, including salsa danc-ing, mountaineering, lacrosse, kayaking, scuba diving,and rowing.


By David A. DickinsonWRNMMC Journal

staff writer

A panel of Soldiers and ci-vilians gathered in the Wal-ter Reed Bethesda’s tempo-rary galley last week to sam-ple food items, preparing fora special menu to celebratethe Army’s 238th birthdayon June 14.

In addition to providingtheir input on taste, panelmembers looked at the nu-tritional information andcost of the foods. Items in-cluded orange-glazed tilapia,parmesan crusted zucchini,roasted vegetable kebabs,rice pilaf, mashed sweet po-tatoes and whipped sweetpotatoes.

“We tried out a few reci-pes and decided on changesthat needed to be made,”explained 1st Lt. JamesonTade, a dietetic intern andcoordinator for the meal to

be served at Walter ReedBethesda on the Army’sbirthday.

“As dietetic interns, we aregiven a holiday or theme tocreate a menu, and we arein charge of organizing thepurchasing and productionaspects of the meal,” Tadeadded.

Taste testers of the menuitems to be served at the gal-ley during lunch on the Armybirthday, were leadershipmembers from NutritionServices and other dietitiansat the medical center. In ad-dition to the special mealon June 14, other activitiesplanned for the Army birth-day include a special obser-vance during morning colorsat 7:45 a.m. in front of theTower, and a cake cuttingceremony in the Tower’s ro-tunda at 11 a.m.

According to the U.S. ArmyCenter of Military History,“When the American Revolu-

tion broke out, the rebelliouscolonies did not possess anarmy in the modern sense.Rather, the revolutionar-ies fielded an amateur forceof colonial troops, cobbledtogether from various NewEngland militia companies.They had no unified chainof command, and althoughArtemas Ward of Massachu-setts exercised authority byinformal agreement, officersfrom other colonies were notobligated to obey his orders.The American volunteerswere led, equipped, armed,paid for, and supported bythe colonies from which theywere raised.

“In the spring of 1775, this‘army’ was about to confrontBritish troops near Boston,Mass. The revolutionar-ies had to re-organize theirforces quickly if they were tostand a chance against Brit-ain’s seasoned professionals.Recognizing the need to en-

list the support of all of theAmerican seaboard colonies,the Massachusetts Provin-cial Congress appealed tothe Second Continental Con-gress in Philadelphia to as-

sume authority for the NewEngland army.”

On June 14, 1775, Con-gress determined to forma committee “to bring in a

Dietetic Interns Size up Menu

Command Prepares for Army’s 238th Birthday Celebration

Photo by David A. Dickinson

Scoring as they eat, the team of taste testers for theJune 14 Army birthday meal made some tough choic-es with all the great food. The taste testing was heldon May 23.

See MENU page 9

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draft of rules and regulations for the governmentof the Army,” and voted $2,000,000 to support theforces around Boston, and those at New York City,according to the U.S. Army Center of Military His-tory. Also, Congress authorized the formation of10 companies of expert riflemen from Pennsylva-nia, Maryland, and Virginia, which were directedto march to Boston to support the New Englandmilitia.George Washington was appointed as com-

mander of the Continental Army, and formallytook command at Boston on July 3, 1775, accord-ing to the U.S. Army Center of Military History.

MENUContinued from 8

looking for the reason or cause of the patient’sdiscomfort. I also enjoy doing respiratory therapybecause I get to do inpatient care and see patientsdo a full recovery and be nursed back to health.”He added it is challenging working with

wounded warriors, many of whom are youngerthan him. “It is hard not to think that as a mem-ber of the Air Force, at any moment the person inthe intensive care unit bed could be me. I remindmyself that the best I can do is provide them withthe best possible care because that’s what I wouldwant from my team if it was me in the bed. I haveto do [the job] the best I can because they deservethat.”Another source of inspiration for the Airman is

his sister, he said. “As a teenager, she put her lifeon hold to take care of me. I tell myself that if shecould be so selfless and put her life on hold forme, nothing I can do [for her] would be too much.I push forward to have a better future, so I cangive back just a fraction of how much of what shehas given to me.”Describing himself as “driven,” the senior air-

man explained on any given day he could be atWalter Reed Bethesda doing respiratory therapyfrom 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., or at Andrews’ Mal-colm Grow Medical Clinic performing stress testsor cardiac sonograms.

“Outside of work, my life revolves aroundschool,” he added. “I go to school at the Univer-sity of Baltimore where I am in my junior year,pursuing a bachelor’s degree in psychology. I haveto drive 40 miles to and from school, so that takesa lot of my time. With the little extra time that Ihave left, I work out.”The cardiopulmonary technician said being

named one of the Air Force’s top medics is anhonor. “I know how great other airmen in thiscareer field are, I work with them and learnfrom them on a daily basis. Many of them arejust as deserving of this award. I guess I earnedit because I try to make myself a better Airman.Many of the things I do are meant to better theway I do my job, and to move forward in myprofessional life.”He also credits his supervisors, including Mas-

ter Sgt. Bonnie McKinley and Tech. Sgt. TracyBrown, with helping him earn the award. “With-out [their] help, I would not be receiving this

award. They’ve been a constant source of guid-ance and support since I’ve been assigned to JointBase Andrews.”McKinley has high praise for Rodriguez-Recio

as well. “From the minute this Airman joined oursection, I knew he would set the bar higher for analready motivated and outstanding duty section.He did not disappoint. He took every opportunityto learn his craft, [and] seek out and absorb everyounce of information from the medical profession-als around him.”The master sergeant said Rodriguez-Recio has

thrived in a number of settings, “from workingside-by-side with the cardiology team at FortBelvoir Community Hospital, to working side-by-side with the phenomenal critical care teamat WRNMMC. He has represented the Air Forcewith skill and professionalism beyond his grade.He continues to challenge those around him tobe better than the best, and our patients deservethe best.”

A Physician’s Personal Experience with ThroatCancer.”Tears welled in the eyes of Dr. Zizette Makary

during Brook’s Stages of Healing presentation atWRNMMC. The physician in the internal medi-cine department explained she was an Egyptianteenager during the Yom KippurWar and came tohear a viewpoint from “the other side.” She spenttime with him after the lecture, and thanked himfor presenting.Makary said she questioned the “winning” and

“victory” of war when she didn’t feel it. “It wasnot easy,” she explained. “I lived days, talking tomy dad and mom about it, [asking] what is thecountry happy about?” So many families in hercommunity lost loved ones, she said; her unclereturned from fighting in the war, crying and notspeaking to anyone. “He has changed,” the physi-cian said.

PHYSICIANContinued from 3

AWARDContinued from 3

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points,” Eaton said. “There is nosecond or third place in that event.”

Eaton explained he hopes theCommander’s Cup gets bigger eachyear.

“Last year, we only had fiveevents; this year, we have 11. Everyyear will get bigger and we thankall who participate,” the chief added.

“We hope everyone stays motivated.”Quartermaster 1st Class Malcolm

Moses said he participated in thisyear’s Commander’s Cup for the ca-maraderie. “I think it’s a good event,and it brings up morale on the basefor the Army, Navy, Marine Corps,civilians and contractors, with ev-erybody just getting together andhaving a good time. I think it works.”

Army Staff Sgt. David Washing-ton agreed. “I participated becauseit enhances esprit de corps, and tomotivate my team,” said the Sol-dier.

COMPETITIONContinued from 1

Photo by Bernard S. Little

Teams from the Air Force and Behavioral Health Services competein the three-on-three Commander’s Cup basketball competition onTuesday in the Building 17 gymnasium.

By Jeremy K. JohnsonNSAB Public Affairs

staff writer

Beginning July 1, 2013, vehicledecals will no longer be required orissued on U.S. Navy installations.

Naval Support Activity Bethesda(NSAB) does not issue decals andthe change will not affect existingpolicies regulating vehicle access tothe installation.

According to Commander, NavyInstallation Command’s (CNIC)website, there are multiple reasonsfor eliminating the decal program,but the top two are based on securityrisks and program cost.

Though military installationshave required 100 percent identi-fication at the gate since at leastSept. 11, 2001, decals remained asa way to verify whether vehicles onNavy installations were properly in-sured and registered in the appropri-ate state. According the CNIC site,state programs “have become moreefficient and uniform” and that hasreduced the need to track individualvehicle registration compliance.

Some of the problems with theprogram include the security risksassociated with invalid decals, such

as those being moved from vehicle tovehicle, counterfeit decals, and cur-rent decals still attached to cars soldto non-DON (Department of Navy)personnel.

The CNIC site notes that “private-ly-owned vehicles on Navy installa-tions will still be required to meetstate and local requirements includ-ing valid insurance, vehicle safetyinspections, registration, proof of

motorcycle safety training (whereapplicable), etc.”

Other risks result from the uniqueidentifiers the decal program uses.The separate categories makes iteasy for someone with ill intentionsto target military personnel or evenidentify where they live, said NSABAssistant Anti-Terrorism OfficerMaster-at-Arms 1st Class Chris-topher Varga. “A decal makes you

stand out. You can tell someone’sbase, their rank and whether theyare officer, enlisted or Departmentof Defense (DOD) civilians.”

He added that the risk extendsto family members, “If you’re notthe one driving your vehicle, decalsmay actually put your family at riskas well, since someone may thinkthey’re targeting you.”

For drivers visiting bases of oth-er military services where decalsmay still be required, entry mayrequire a visitor’s pass or, if visitedfrequently, asking whether that in-stallation will allow the owner toregister their vehicle and obtain adecal for that particular base. Afterthe July 1 change in policy, anyonewith a current decal may leave itin place until the expiration date,though this practice is discouragedas removing the decal allows a ve-hicle to blend in better and reduc-es the chance of being targeted bycriminals or terrorists.

Despite the removal of the decalsdepicting senior officers, the activeduty Sailor gate sentry will continueto render a proper salute, assumingtraffic conditions and force protec-tion conditions permit.

Vehicle Decals Officially Discontinued on Navy Installations July 1

Journal file photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Nathan Parde

Master-at-Arms 3rd Class Ryan Adamson of Naval Support ActivityBethesda’s Security Department checks a driver’s ID before grant-ing them permission to enter the installation.

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journal 060613

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