journal 120414

Vol. 26 No. 48 www.cnic.navy.mil/bethesda/ December 4, 2014

By Mass CommunicationSpecialist 2nd Class

BrandonWilliams-Church

NSAB Public Affairsstaff writer

If the Navy Lodge Bethesdais known for one thing, it’s theexcellent service and supportthat it brings to the mission ofNaval Support Activity Bethes-da (NSAB). One less knownfact about the Navy Lodge

Bethesda is how diverse thestaff that provides that excel-lent service is.

To display this diversity andgive NSAB patrons and staffa chance to personally experi-ence pieces of, and learn aboutthe different cultures, the NavyLodge Bethesda staff recentlyhosted its 3rd Annual DiversityEvent to bring it all together.

Tables exhibiting tradition-al garb, jewelry, housewaresand other country specific ar-tifacts were on display at the

event along with a buffet ofethnic food and music from theband Los Urpis Del Peru for ev-eryone to enjoy. Lodge staff onbehalf of 11 countries includingEl Salvador, Chile, Peru, Gua-temala, Dominican Republic,Philippines, Mexico and Bar-bados all chipped in to showtheir pride and represent theircountry.

“On behalf of NSAB Com-manding Officer Capt. Bitonti,I just want to thank the NavyLodge for having this event and

inviting us,” said NSAB Execu-tive Director Bill Meekins. “Ialso want to welcome every-body and thank you for show-ing your support. What a greatopportunity for all of us to gettogether and demonstrate ourcultures that we come from.This is an excellent time for ev-eryone to learn and appreciateother cultures from around theworld.”

Navy Lodge Bethesda Gen-eral Manager Ana Herrera-Ruiz, from Mexico herself,

was excited to host the eventto showcase her multiculturalstaff, in honor of letting peoplesee their true colors.

“The importance of holdingthis diversity event on NSABis to gain a new perspective oflife of others around us as wellas around the world,” said Her-rera-Ruiz. “It’s a pleasure forus to have this opportunity todisplay a little bit of our back-ground for you. This event gives

Navy Lodge Bethesda Holds 3rd Annual Diversity Event

Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Brandon Williams-Church

Members of the ethnic band Los Urpis del Peru played traditional songs for Naval Support Activity Bethesda staff and patrons at theNavy Lodge Diversity Event Nov. 20.

See LODGE page 8

2 Thursday, December 4, 2014 The Journal

Published by offset every Thurs-day by Comprint Military Publi-cations, 9030 Comprint Court,Gaithersburg, Md. 20877, aprivate firm in no way con-nected with the U.S. Navy,under exclusive written con-tract with Naval Support ActivityBethesda, Md. This commercialenterprise newspaper is an autho-rized publication for members of themilitary services. Contents of The Journalare not necessarily the official views of, norendorsed by, the U.S. Government, theDepartment of Defense, or the Departmentof Navy. The appearance of advertising inthis publication, including inserts or supple-ments, does not constitute endorsement bythe Department of Defense or Comprint,Inc., of the products or services advertised.Everything advertised in this publicationshall be made available for purchase, useor patronage without regard to race, color,

religion, sex, national origin,age, marital status, physicalhandicap, political affiliationor any other non-merit fac-tor of the purchaser, user,or patron. Editorial contentis edited, prepared and pro-vided by the Public AffairsOffice, Naval Support Activ-

ity Bethesda, Md. News copyshould be submitted to the Pub-

lic Affairs Office, Building 17, first floor,across from PSD, 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 calling 301-921-2800.Publisher’s advertising offices are locatedat 9030 Comprint Court, Gaithersburg, Md.20877. Classified ads can be placed bycalling 301-670-1700.

Naval Support Activity (NSA) BethesdaCommanding Officer: Capt. David A. BitontiPublic Affairs Officer: Ron InmanPublic Affairs Office: 301-295-1803

Journal StaffStaff Writers MC2Ashante Hammons

MC2 Christopher KruckeSarah MarshallKatrina SkinnerSharon Renee Taylor

Managing Editor MC2BrandonWilliams-ChurchWRNMMC Editor Bernard Little

NSABethesdaFleet And Family Support Center 301-319-4087

Walter Reed National Military Medical CenterOffice of Media Relations 301-295-5727

NSAB OmbudsmanMichelle Herrera 240-370-5421

NSAB Chaplain’s Office 301-319-4443/4706

Sexual Assault ResponseCoordinator Hotline 301-442-2053

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

Breast Cancer Support GroupA breast cancer support group

meets monthly at the MalcolmGrow Medical Clinics/SurgeryCenter in the Global ReachConference Room at 1050 W.Perimeter Road on Joint BaseAndrews, Md. The next meetingwill be Dec. 16 from 2 to 3 p.m.The mission of the group is toeducate, empower, encourage,and uplift patients and co-sur-vivors during their breast can-cer journey. For more informa-tion, contact Senior Master Sgt.Demetrica Jefferis at 240-857-3795/3097, or [email protected]; Lisa Harrisonat 240-857-8227, or [email protected]; or RenettaCowan-Poland at 240-857-8239or [email protected].

NSAB Energy andTechnology Fair/Expo

The Naval Support ActivityBethesda (NSAB) EnergyDepartment will host an energy,environmental and technologyfair/expo Dec. 10 in the Building17 atrium and gymnasium from9 a.m. to 2 p.m. This year’s fairwill include food at 11:45 (firstcome first serve), cake and near-ly 35 trade energy allies, in-stallation support services andMontgomery County Recycling.All are encouraged to attend asyour schedule allows. To registera display for the event, pleasevisit http://www.fedpage.com/event.aspx?eid=4130. For ques-tions related to the event, con-tact NSAB Installation EnergyManager William O. Ortega-Ortiz at [email protected].

Bethesda Notebook

Team,Last month Vice Adm. Dixon Smith

relieved Vice Adm. French as the fifthCommander, Navy Installations Com-mand (CNIC).

In this month’s commandant’s cor-ner, I want to discuss Vice Adm. Smith’sguiding principles. Guiding principlesprovide overarching objectives for theenterprise that enable us to developstrategies and set goals for our organi-zations. We will use this commander’sintent to align our actions, aid our deci-sion making and synchronize actions across the en-terprise.

CNIC Guiding Principles:‹ Take Customer Service to the Next Levelo “Can-Do”Attitudes that result in positive experi-

ences‹ Be Brilliant on the Basicso Know and execute policy / doctrine; perfect our

guidance‹ Make Smart Business Decisionso Advance enterprise alignment; seek efficiency

and ROI‹ Live a Culture of Continuous Improvemento Base appearance, sharing of lessons, critical in-

trospection‹ Represent Navy to the Surrounding Commu-

nityo Installations are the face of the Navy; it’s about

relationshipsCustomer Service:First, we must recognize ourselves as not just a cus-

tomer service organization but a customer focused or-ganization. As we provide support across our businesslines we should never lose focus on the end user, or ofthe foundational fact that our mission is to enable themission success of our customers – whether they aremission partner tenants (fleet), individual Sailors orgovernment civilians (fighter) or Navy families. I en-courage you to know your customers and communicatewith them often and take every opportunity to giveyour customers a positive experience.

Brilliant on the Basics:Build a solid foundation based on an expert knowl-

edge of and compliance with governing instructions.Sounds overly simple and perhaps it is, but you needto be clear that you’re executing the mission you aresupposed to be, in accordance with the appropriateguidance. Put another way, do the right thing, the

right way. If you feel the guidance is nothelpful, insufficient, confusing or just flatwrong, raise it to the right level of leader-ship and let’s get it fixed.

Smart Business Decisions:Improving organizational efficiency is

always a worthy objective. In an austereenvironment – and we are in a long-termaustere environment – it’s imperative towork hard at executing the mission atthe lowest cost, i.e., maximizing efficien-cy. That is achieved through three basicmethodologies: disciplined execution, pro-

cess improvement, innovation or more likely, somecombination of the three. At the same time, we shouldbe looking at getting the most return on our dollarsspent, i.e., maximizing effectiveness. Know and under-stand the difference between efficiency and effective-ness – they aren’t the same thing and they aren’t mu-tually exclusive – we should carefully evaluate whichapproach is appropriate for the particular situation.

Continuous Improvement:Do not use COL 4 as a crutch. Leverage your re-

sources to execute functions in a manner that is repre-sentative of this professional organization. Your teamdeserves to be proud of the service they provide. Findinnovative ways to achieve customer satisfaction evenwhen you don’t have all the resources we would like.Focus on getting better every day!

Represent the Navy:This is an “all hands” assignment and our responsi-

bility towards professional conduct does not end at thefence line. We are part of the communities surround-ing our installations. The communities in which welive depend on us just like we depend on them. Thatrelationship must be nurtured; never forget that eachand every one of us represents the Navy in some wayto someone.

I am proud of how far we’ve come in the past yearand you should be as well. These guiding principlesprovide clear direction on how we should focus ourefforts going forward. Please know I am committedtowards supporting your efforts in achieving missionobjectives.

Thanks Team,Keep ChargingRear Admiral Markham K. RichCommandant, Naval District WashingtonDeputy Commander, Joint ForcesHeadquartersNational Capital Region (JFHQ-NCR)

Commandant’s Corner: CNIC Guiding Principles

The Journal Thursday, December 4, 2014 3

By Bernard S. LittleWRNMMC Public Affairs

staff writer

The Expert Field MedicalBadge (EFMB) is one of the mostprestigious and coveted awardsa medical professional can earnin the Army, and three Soldiersfrom Walter Reed Bethesda re-cently did just that following anintense week of testing at FortBragg, N.C.

Capt. Joseph M. Remeszguer-rette, Sgt. 1st Class Paul R.Messier Jr., and Spc. AlishaM. Kohler were awarded theEFMB, a symbol of excellenceand an outward sign of techni-cal and tactical proficiency inbattlefield care, during a cer-emony following the final taskto earn the badge, a grueling12-mile road march in full gear,on Oct. 31 at the North CarolinaArmy post.

With an average pass rateof less than 20 percent, theEFMB is one of the most diffi-cult badges to earn. Across theArmy, approximately 10 per-cent of the nearly 5,000 medicshave earned the badge, whichdates to 1965, according to U.S.Army officials.

Remeszguerrette, Messierand Kohler were joined by 203other candidates from Armyposts across the country totest for the EFMB in Octoberat Fort Bragg. When the dustsettled, only 49 of those Sol-diers, including the three fromWalter Reed Bethesda, earnedthe badge.

A pharmacist, Remeszguer-rette explained persistence isvital to earning the EFMB.

“Staying persistent duringthe grueling testing week [ischallenging],” Remeszguerrettesaid. “You are exhausted fromstudy halls, testing lanes, dayand night land navigation andeating MREs [meals ready toeat]. It was a mental challengeas much as it was physical tocontinue to push through theexperience.”

Messier, a surgical non-com-missioned officer and senior en-listed leader for perioperativenursing, added, “There were42 tasks, each with many sub-tasks; one task spanned sevenpages. We already knew how toperform a lot of the tasks, but

[during the testing] we were[required] to perform them bya different set of standards.”

Testing for the EFMB in-cludes combat testing lanes,hands-on-tasks in communi-cations, common skill tasks,emergency medical treat-ment, evacuation of the sickand wounded, litter obstaclecourse, day/night land naviga-tion courses, a comprehensivewritten test, the 12-mile footmarch, cardiopulmonary resus-citation, physical fitness testand weapons qualification. Inand of themselves, the tasksare challenging, but candidatesare put through the rigors un-der simulated rifle fire, bombblasts, smoke and mock casual-ties screaming for care.

“It’s a high-stress situation,which in the real world, some-one’s life would be on the line,”said Capt. Erin Nash, EFMBofficer-in-charge, 44th MedicalBrigade at Fort Bragg duringthe testing.

“We’re looking for the bestin the medical field,” said Maj.Scott Donovan, chair of theboard evaluating EFMB can-didates at the testing. “[TheEFMB is] a symbol that you areone of the best in the medicalfield regarding combat medi-cine, and it’s a reflection on theunit, of how well the unit hasbeen able to train up on medi-cal skills,” he added. All threeof the Walter Reed BethesdaSoldiers said they prepared“months” before testing for the

EFMB and be able to wear theprestigious badge.

Kohler is a rarity amongmost candidates who test forthe EFMB; she earned thebadge on her first attempt.

“It was important to me be-cause I have a strong desireto overcome challenges,” saidKohler, a medical laboratorytechnician. “By earning thisbadge, I feel as though I haveearned the respect of my peersin the Army. I am proud tosay that I am a badge holder,”added the Linden, Mich., nativewho’s been in the Army two-and-a-half years.

“It is an unquestionablemark of excellence within theArmy,” said Remeszguerrette,who hails from Royal Oaks,Mich.

“The EFMB is one of onlytwo ‘expert’ badges in the Army.The other is the Expert Infan-try Badge (EIB),” added Messi-er, a native of Swansea, Mass.“[The EFMB] is also more dif-ficult [to earn] because it is aone-shot-one-kill type of test-ing. In other words, once youfail, you leave. The EIB allowsfor retesting. I can now encour-age my Soldiers and Sailorsto attend training, and speakfrom experience.

“My grandfather was a med-ic during World War II, and de-ployed in Europe and the Mid-dle East,” Messier continued.“I feel that I have followed, atleast partially, in his footsteps,and this is something thatwould make him proud.”

Persistence, Proficiency Pay OffThree Walter Reed Bethesda Soldiers Earn Coveted Expert Field Medical Badge

Photo courtesy of Sgt. 1st Class Paul R. Messier Jr.

Following a grueling week of testing at Fort Bragg, N.C. on Oct. 31, Sgt. 1st ClassPaul R. Messier Jr., Capt. Joseph M. Remeszguerrette and Spc. Alisha M. Kohlerare all smiles after earning the Expert Field Medical Badge (EFMB). The EFMB isone of the most prestigious and coveted awards a medical professional can earnin the Army.


(SW/AW/IDW) AshantéHammons, NSAB Public

Affairs staff writer

Winter has approachedquickly. While many of us pre-pare our homes, vehicles, andclosets for this harsh winterseason, we should take thetime to remember those aroundus in need of the winter itemswe no longer find useful. Na-val Support Activity Bethesda(NSAB) Religious MinistryProgram and Walter Reed Na-tional Military Medical Center(WRNMMC) Army Troop Com-mand (ATC) are partnering tohost a winter clothing drive

during December and January.“It is the season of giving

and sharing,” said NSAB Reli-gious Ministry Program Chap-lain Lt. Christilene Whalen.“We are here to give to those inneed and to connect with thosepeople inside and outside of[NSAB’s] gates.”

Winter clothing donationscan include coats, gloves,scarves, and other warm cloth-ing that are new or gently used,according to Whalen.

NSAB’s Religious MinistryProgram will place clothingdonation boxes in Building17’s Atrium and near the Lib-erty Zone in Building 11. Ac-

Are You Warm? Give to Others So They Can Be, Too

Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Brandon Williams-Church

Coats donated as part of the Winter Coat Drive will be distributed to variouslocal charities.SeeWARM page 4


Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Ashanté N. Hammons

Religious Program Specialist Seaman Mauricio Melo, left, and Re-ligious Program Specialist 2nd Class John Leitzinger, of the NavalSupport Activity Bethesda Religious Ministry Department, placecoats in a donation box in Building 11.

cording to Religious Program Special-ist 2nd (RP2) Class John Leitzinger,WRNMMCATC will put donation boxesthroughout the high traffic areas in thehospital.

“We hope to receive enough coats and

winter weather gear to provide peoplefor this winter season,” said Leitzinger.“The clothing will be donated to localcharities throughout the area.”

For more information about the win-ter clothing drive, please contact NSABReligious Ministry Program’s RP2 JohnLeitzinger at [email protected] or WRNMMC ATC POC, TroopCommand Sexual Assault ResponseCoordinator Rosemary Galvan at [email protected].

WARMContinued from pg. 3

10502081043198



(SW/AW/IDW)Ashanté N. HammonsNSAB Public Affairs

staff writer

Naval Support Activity Bethes-da’s (NSAB) Fleet and FamilyReadiness Director Martin Ruhland Morale, Welfare and Recre-ation (MWR) Director CourtneySilvestre held an impromptu cer-emony to recognize janitorial cus-todian Carlos Aguillon’s hard work,dedication, and customer serviceskills at NSAB Nov. 18.Aguillon, who is originally from

El Salvador, has worked for eightyears providing janitorial servicesfor NSAB, Walter Reed NationalMilitary Medical Center and othergovernment agencies. MWR mem-bers,Aguillon’s coworkers and peoplewho Aguillon has had the chance tocommunicate with daily came to theceremony to show their support andappreciation.“Carlos is always pleasant, ac-

commodating and detail oriented,”said Ruhl. “Customers notice his at-tention to detail and the outstand-ing service he provides in makingsure the facility meets very highcleanliness standards, and takes

the time to let us know.”According to Silvestre, Aguillon

displays an exceptional work ethicand he is greatly appreciated atNSAB.“His hard work has not gone un-

noticed by his colleagues as well assupervisors,” said Silvestre.Aguillon stood in surprise as he

heard the thoughtful comments

by Ruhl and Silvestre. He also re-ceived a free lunch voucher for theWarrior Café.“It was a surprise for me,” re-

plied Aguillon after receiving somuch attention from his coworkersand members of the NSAB team.“I want to say ‘thank you’ to mycoworkers and that they are verydear to me. I am grateful.”

NSAB MWR Recognizes Aguillon’s Hard Work

Carlos Aguillon was recognized by the Fleet and FamilyProgram Director and Morale, Welfare and Recreation Di-rector for outstanding customer service at Naval SupportActivity Bethesda Nov. 18.

10502121042864

December 13th & January 17th 10:00 am till 12:00

Seating is limited - So ACT NOW!RSVP: Call 1-800-296-2651 ext. 2220

1050233


By Mass CommunicationSpecialist 2nd Class (AW)

Chris KruckeWRNMMC Public Affairs

staff writer

As part of ongoing efforts totest the medical center’s readi-ness, Walter Reed Bethesda(WRB) held an Ebola pre-paredness drill Nov. 12. Theexercise evaluated how staffwould respond in the eventthey receive a patient exposedto the virus.

WRB’s Office of EmergencyManagement, Emergency De-partment, Medical IntensiveCare Unit, Infectious Diseaseand Infection Control, alongwith other departments, pro-vided evaluators the opportu-nity to assess implementationof key lessons learned duringtheir previous Ebola prepared-ness drill, held Oct. 24.

“Drills not only give us an op-portunity to test all of our pro-tocols and training, but mostimportantly, provide the oppor-tunity for process refinement,”said Christopher Gillette,WRB’semergency manager.

Gillette explained the ongo-ing drills allow staff to refineprocedures, such as makingadjustments to the perimetercontrol plan upon ambulancearrival and patient movementfrom the ambulance to theEmergency Department, andfrom the Emergency Depart-ment to the Medical IntensiveCare Unit (MICU).

“As soon as I take posses-sion of the patient, my goalis now focused on getting thepatient to the room via an es-tablished route, observing myenvironment, [and] makingsure there will not be any mis-haps during transportation,”explained Edith Emeagwali, a

Continuous TrainingWalter Reed Bethesda Conducts Ebola Preparedness Exercise

Photos by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Christopher Krucke

A mock patient simulating exposure to the Ebola Vi-rus Disease (EVD) arrives at Walter Reed Bethesdaduring an EVD preparedness exercise.

Walter Reed Bethesda staff members participate inan Ebola Virus Disease preparedness exercise withsimulated patients at the medical center.

See EBOLA page 10


BrandonWilliams-Church

NSAB Public Affairsstaff writer

When you think about recy-cling, the idea of something funto do rather than a necessarypreservation method for theenvironment is usually not thefirst thought that comes to yourmind. But, throw a six-footfluffy recycling raccoon into themix and activities to show whyit is important to recycle, andanyone is likely to have a goodtime.

This is what toddles at theNaval Support Activity Bethes-da’s (NSAB) Child Develop-ment Center (CDC) experiencedrecently when NSAB’s energyteam, Montgomery CountyPublic Works and Rocky theRecycling Raccoon teamed upto teach kids the importance ofrecycling.

“In general, children are likesponges and soak up informa-tion,” said CDC Training and

Curriculum Specialist, SandraFranklin. “Exposing them torecycling will set the stage forputting into practice what theylearned, now and in the future.Having an event that talksabout recycling and allowingchildren to actively participatein recycling gives them an un-derstanding of what recyclingis. The children learned what

was recyclable and what wasnot. They also learned how torecycle. Because they are put-ting into practice what theylearned through the programat the center, it is more thanlikely they will talk to theirparents about it and want torecycle at home. The overallmessage for children to learnis that recycling saves the en-

vironment and that it is easyto do.”

Chris Loser from the Mont-gomery County SORRT (SmartOrganizations Reduce and Re-cycle Tons) Program visited thepreschool classes at the CDC todiscuss recycling. Loser showedthe children several items anddiscussed with them if they

were recyclable or trash. Thechildren were then given theopportunity to choose an itemfrom a box and put it in the cor-rect bin. Afterwards childrenwere paid a visit by Rocky theRecycling Raccoon.

“Rocky helps make the event

Rocky Raccoon Helps NSAB CDC Kids Learn About Recycling

Photos by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Brandon Williams-Church

Chris Loser (far left) teaches children the importanceof recycling with an interactive lesson at the ChildDevelopment Center.

Rocky the Recycling Raccoon shares hugs and highfives with children at the Child Development Centerafter they performed an excercise on the importanceof recycling.

See RECYCLING page 8


By Katrina SkinnerWRNMMC Public Affairs

staff writer

Twenty-s ix inducteescrossed a time-honored line un-der two sabers to officially jointhe ranks of the United StatesArmy Non-commissioned Of-ficer (NCO) Corps Nov. 14 atWalter Reed National MilitaryMedical Center.

The ceremony was a celebra-tion of newly promoted Sol-diers, emphasizing and build-ing on the pride held by thosein the NCO Corps, and alsoserving as a reminder of thosewho have already served withhonor and distinction.

Sgt. Michael Tellier, recentlypromoted and inducted intothe corps himself, narrated theday’s event, linking its histori-cal significance to the distinc-tion of its members.

“With more than 200 yearsof service, the U.S. Army’s Non-commissioned Officer Corpshas distinguished itself as theworld’s most accomplishedgroup of military professionals.Historical and daily accounts oflife as an NCO are exemplifiedby acts of courage, dedication,

selfless service and a willing-ness to do whatever it takes tocomplete the mission. As a re-sult, NCOs have been celebrat-ed for decorated service andmilitary events ranging fromValley Forge to Gettysburg, thecharges on Omaha Beach andvalleys along the Ho-Chi-MinhTrail. And most recently, the

current conflicts in Afghani-stan and Iraq.”

“For me, a non-commissionedofficer is more than acquir-ing skills, passing boards andcompleting courses,” Tellierelaborated. “It’s a change ofmindset that says, ‘I will be aprofessional at all times andin all ways. I will care for and

train my Soldiers, where onceI was only concerned with myown training, welfare and mis-sion accomplishment. Today’sinductees have risen to thischallenge and are ready forrecommendation and transitionto the corps of the non-commis-sioned officer.”

Command Sgt. Maj. RichardF. Watson III, senior enlistedleader of the Fort Belvoir Com-munity Hospital, was keynotespeaker at the induction cer-emony. He shared his thoughtson being a successful leader.

“You cannot sit and let lifepass you by and remain com-petitive; you have to hustle,”Watson said. “You have to en-sure your troops are hustlingalongside of you … that is yourreflection as a great leader.”

Each Soldier recommendedfor the promotion to sergeant bya series of leaders, demonstratedskills and abilities, met eligibil-ity requirements and exhibitedthe potential for greater serviceto the nation as well as a desireto lead as a non-commissionedofficer at a level demanded bythe NCO Corps.

During the ceremony, threecandles were lit, symbolizing

an important part of the NCOCorps in military history. A redcandle represented valor, blood,sweat and tears from the pastto the present. A white candlerepresented purity, innocenceas well as camaraderie. A bluecandle represented persever-ance, justice and the strengthof the corps.

The Army’s newest induct-ees to the NCO Corps affirmedtheir commitment by signingthe oath and receiving a copy ofthe NCO Charge and the NCOCreed.

To Sgt. Trinity Ruiz, her Oct.1 promotion meant taking careof more than just herself, butalso being able to inspire andinfluence other Soldiers.

“Even if this is not what theyaspire to be, whatever they as-pire to be, I get to lead from thefront and help them reach theirgoals,” said Ruiz.

Watson expressed that it wasvery important to be a part ofthe day’s ceremony, consider-ing it enlightening to be able tospeak to young enlisted lead-ers. “It’s part of the developingprocess and that’s part of ourjob as non-commissioned offi-cers.”

Walter Reed Bethesda Inducts Newest Members into NCO Corps

Photo by Katrina Skinner

Sgt. Monica Oropeza is congratulated by CommandSgt. Maj. Richard F. Watson as he presents her withthe Non-commissioned Officer (NCO) Corps Chargeand Creed following her induction into the ArmyNCO Corps during a ceremony Nov. 14 at WalterReed National Military Medical Center.

By Sharon Renee TaylorWRNMMC Public Affairs

Staff Writer

Amidst smiles, applause andcheers, 10 crowd-drawing actsshared the stage in the Amer-ica Building at Walter ReedBethesda Nov. 19.

From those acts, the Admis-sion Planning Unit (APU) Pre-screen Unit “Marvelettes” cap-tured first-place honors duringthe Resiliency and Psychologi-cal Health Staff Talent Show.

Alisa Caldwell, Renee Leach,Melissa Pierre, and GiovanniMuhammad — also known asthe APU Prescreen Unit “Mar-velettes” — wowed the audi-ence with their coordinatedoutfits, choreographed dancesteps and a cappella finish of aMotown classic.

“We decided to take it backold school with a little flavorand pizzazz, and knew every-one would recognize the groupand the song from the 60’s,

‘Don’t Mess with Bill’ by TheMarvelettes,” explained Mu-hammad, who works as a regis-tered nurse in the APU at Wal-ter Reed Bethesda. “We are allso happy to win the first placetrophy and bringing it home tothe APU. We look forward tonext year!”

Three judges scored thecontestants on personality,originality, stage appearance,audience response and overallperformance.

“It was a tough competition.I don’t know how they did it,”said Resiliency and Psychologi-cal Health Service Chief andPublic Health Cmdr. DwayneBuckingham.

Buckingham doled out twomore trophies and gift cards tothe winning second and third-place acts.

As a harmonizing duo fromthe Pulmonary Department,Army Sgt. Elliot Jackson andSpencer Donerson took sec-ond place for their cover ofthe Christmas classic “Silent

Night” as sung by the group,Boyz II Men. Donerson saidthe performance was the firsttogether for the two, who sangfive harmonies back-to-back

during the selection.The APU Prescreen Depart-

ment proved a hotbed for tal-ent, not only yielding the show’sfirst-place winners, but also

third-place winner and singerArmy Spc. Jamie R. Arnold,the unit’s non-commissionedofficer-in-charge (NCOIC). Heperformed, “I’ll Be” by singerEdwin McCain.

Those who also put their tal-ent on display included Catha-rine Burke, a mail clerk, whooffered a fluid rendition of Ce-line Dion’s “My Heart Will GoOn.” Army Sgt. Fallon Mitchell,NCOIC of Psychology, read heroriginal poem “I Choose Not toHide Anymore,” accompaniedby Army Capt. Randolph Cope-land on the piano.

“Laughter is the best medi-cine to give a shot of happiness,”explained blue-coat-turned-comedian Shay Washington ofthe Security Department.

Navy Lt. Woody Pierre, aregistered nurse in the Surgi-cal Intensive Care Unit, sang agospel song. “Sometimes I singto my patients,” he told the

Staff Takes Center Stage

Event Showcases Talent at Medical Center

Photo by Sharon Renee Taylor

Alisa Caldwell, Renee Leach, Melissa Pierre, andGiovanni Muhammad, also known as the AdmissionPlanning Unit Prescreen Unit Marvelettes, wow theaudience during the Resiliency and PsychologicalHealth Staff Talent Show Nov. 19 at Walter Reed Na-tional Military Medical Center.

See SHOW page 8


crowd. A general duty corpsman in Pathology, NavyHospitalman Obiora Eze danced across the stage torousing beats as the audience cheered.

“I can’t sing, so I’ll just read,” explained Navy Sea-man Recruit Sean Liebman, who recited his poeticparody, “It’s Sarting to Look a Lot Like Shift Change.”Army Staff Sgt. Josiah K. Stewart, Fourth PlatoonSquad Leader for Able Troop, Warrior Transition Bri-gade, didn’t allow technical difficulties deter him fromrendering his version of Lemarvin’s “U Got That” be-fore breaking into a catchy, hip-hop rap.

Public Health Lt. Cmdr. Michelle Tsai, assistantservice chief of Resiliency and Psychological Health,said the Nov. 19 showcase was the largest talent showthe department has hosted with the greatest varietyof talent, participants and crowd to date. The series oftalent shows began in 2013 designed to boost staff mo-rale and enhance the emotional well-being throughoutthe command.

SHOWContinued from pg. 7

memorable to the children in ways adultstalking can’t,” said NSAB Installation Environmen-

tal Programs Director Susan Paul. “The long term suc-cess of any program starts with how well it’s incorpo-rated into the daily routine. The hope is that Rockywith his recycling message is memorable enough forthe children to stick with the recycling program longterm. Good habits start at a young age and if we canteach children about recycling and its benefits at avery young age, those good practices become part oftheir routines and a regular part of their life as theygrow up.”

RECYCLINGContinued from pg. 6

us the chance to show people who may not know aboutour country of origin, what it is from that country thatshaped us into the people who we are today. The di-versity celebration gives us the opportunity to viewand maybe understand the cultures different from ourown. Also, by learning about other cultures we candevelop respect and open-mindedness for others.”

With a hard-working staff as diverse as the NavyLodge Bethesda, it is no wonder that this specialevent is held every year.

“Diversity can strengthen our military communityby the understanding and appreciation of our differ-ences,” said Herrera-Ruiz.

LODGEContinued from pg. 1

Photos by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Brandon Williams-Church

Navy Lodge Bethesda General Manager AnaHerrera-Ruiz kicks off the diversity event byletting the attendees know of which coun-tries will be on display.

A table exhibiting traditional clothing andartifacts from the country of Chile was ondisplay at the Navy Lodge Diversity Event.

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MICU staff nurse who participated inthe Nov. 12 drill.

“We need to continue to practice andadvance the training as we learn moreabout EVD [Ebola Virus Disease],”said Emeagwali. As more training oc-curs, she said, “staff [is] feeling moreconfident.”

All staff members drill continuouslythroughout the week, at least two tothree times, Emeagwali added. Sheexplained these drills include donningand doffing personal protective equip-ment (PPE). “My chain of command[is] on the ball with passing on newinformation and giving us positivefeedback,” she said.

Gillette recently met with keystakeholders and conducted severalinternal walk-throughs prior to theEVD preparedness exercise.

“Our staff has been consistentlyengaged in daily training and processrefinement, which was clearly evident

during the drill,” Gillette said. “As al-ways, we will continue to train on staffand patient safety, which is always ourfirst priority.”

He also noted the importance of en-hancing communications.

“Communicating in full personalprotective equipment is always a chal-lenge, thus WRB is working on alter-nate solutions,” Gillette said. He add-ed a solution the team came up withwas using small, dry erase boards sostaff in PPE can write each other shortmessages.

“The protective gear is quite com-fortable,” said Emeagwali. She addedthe ongoing EVD training builds con-fidence. “[It] gives you a feeling of ap-preciation for the confidence that oth-ers have in you, to entrust you withcaring for this patient and doing yourabsolute best to keep the patient alive,as well as keeping yourself and co-workers safe from contacting this dis-ease,” she said.

Gillette said overall he had “an ex-tremely high level of confidence withthe outcome of the two drills. We are aworld-class military treatment facilityand our staff is superb.”

EBOLAContinued from pg. 6

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

visit www.dcmilitary.com.

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