42Vol. 24 No. 50 www.cnic.navy.mil/bethesda/ December 20, 2012

By Sharon Renee TaylorWRNMMC Journal Staff Writer

Walter Reed National MilitaryMedical Center (WRNMMC) namedthe command’s top Sailors of 2012during a ceremony held in MemorialAuditorium Dec. 10.

Hospital Corpsman 1st ClassJonothan T. Tarkowski, the noncom-missioned officer-in-charge of themedical center’s Cardiac TelemetryWard, received recognition as theSenior Sailor of the Year, and Hospi-tal Corpsman 2nd Class Jessica L.Bowie, the leading petty officer in theOptometry Department, was namedSailor of the Year.

The Junior Sailor of the Year titlewent to Yeoman 2nd Class SantanaA.Vallejo, the leading petty officer inthe Awards Department, and Hospi-talman Kelcey D. Heath, the leadingpetty officer in the medical center’sAssisted Reproductive Center, wastapped as Blue Jacket of the Year.

With a total of 28 Sailors compet-ing for one of the four differentaward categories at the Nation’s

largest military treatment facility,the selection process was tough, ex-plained WRNMMC Command Mas-ter Chief Terry Prince. He said anumber of others who were not nom-inated are performing Sailor of theYear-level activities every daythroughout the command.

“It was very difficult to decide —it always is — and that representsthe outstanding young men andwomen we have working at WalterReed Bethesda, and is a testimony tothe facility as a whole,” said Prince.

Tarkowski said he was surprisedwhen he was tapped as Senior Sailorof the Year.

“It was a very tough competition,”he said. “Any one of us could’ve veryeasily been the winner.”

In August, Tarkowski receivedhonors as Senior Sailor for the thirdquarter in August. In addition to hiswork on the Cardiac TelemetryWard, the Hospital Corpsman 1stClass also serves as the DeputyCommander for Nursing DirectorateCareer Counselor, and the 2012Command Assessment Team Leader,as well as a command financial spe-

cialist. He is slated to lead a group ofmedics and physicians who will pro-vide health care at a first-aid stationduring the Presidential Inaugura-tion in the District next month.

“It’s truly an honor to representthe medical center as Senior Sailorof the Year and provide mentorshipto the junior Sailors and Soldiershere I work with and who are part ofthe command,” said Tarkowski.

Sailor of the Year Bowie was citedfor her steadfast dedication to thecommand and exemplary perform-ance of duties. The leading petty of-ficer in the Optometry Department“expertly led eight Sailors and Sol-diers delivering world-class healthcare to more than 30,000 patients,”according to her award.

Credited with professionalism,personal initiative and selfless devo-tion to duty, Bowie dedicated herselfto sailorization efforts that resultedin a 75 percent improvement in ca-reer development board compliance,according to her award certificate.

“I am so honored and excited torepresent those I serve with atWRNMMC as the Sailor of the Year.

It is still sinking in and I’m justthankful for having such great guid-ance and opportunities this pastyear,” Bowie explained.

Determination and motivation areinfectious, as well as critical to herteam at Walter Reed Bethesda, shesaid. “When you believe [in] whatyou do, you unknowingly influenceothers to believe, and they will workharder, become problem solvers andbecome invested in the mission. I’vebeen awarded the Sailor of the Yearbecause of the team I work with.”

Bowie called her father, BlaineWentlent in Buffalo, N.Y., the mostinfluential person in her life. “Since Iwas a little girl, he has always spo-ken words of love, greatness, and mo-tivation that have stuck with me,”she said.

“When I joined [the Navy] sevenyears ago, I had no idea what type ofjourney was ahead of me,” saidBowie, who explained serving othersis her true passion. “It has been atrue blessing to serve my country,and this award is a representation of

WRNMMC Sailors of the Year:Top Four Sailors of 2012 Selected

Official Navy photo

Hospital Corpsman 1st ClassJonothanT.Tarkowski

Official Navy photo

Hospitalman Kelcey D. HeathOfficial Navy photo

Hospital Corpsman 2nd ClassJessica L. Bowie

Official Navy photo

Yeoman 2nd Class Santana A.Vallejo

See AWARDS page 7

2 Thursday, December 20, 2012 The Journal

Published by offset everyThursday by Comprint MilitaryPublications, 9030 ComprintCourt, Gaithersburg, Md.20877, a private firm in no wayconnected with the U.S. Navy,under exclusive written con-tract with the Walter Reed Na-tional Military Medical Center,Bethesda, Md. This commercial enter-prise newspaper is an authorized publicationfor members of the military services. Contentsof The Journal are not necessarily the officialviews of, nor endorsed by, the U.S. Govern-ment, the Department of Defense, or the De-partment of Navy. The appearance of adver-tising in this publication, including inserts orsupplements, does not constitute endorse-ment by the Department of Defense or Com-print, Inc., of the products or services adver-tised. Everything advertised in this publicationshall be made available for purchase, use or

patronage without regard to race,color, religion, sex, national origin,age, marital status, physicalhandicap, political affiliation, orany other non-merit factor of thepurchaser, user, or patron. Edi-torial content is edited, prepared

and provided by the Public AffairsOffice, Naval Support Activity

Bethesda, Md. News copy should besubmitted to the PublicAffairs Office, Building11, lower level, Room 41, by noon one weekpreceding 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 located at9030 Comprint Court, Gaithersburg, Md.20877. Classified ads can be placed by call-ing 301-670-1700.

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

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

Journal StaffStaff Writers MC2 John Hamilton

MC3 Dion DawsonSarah MarshallSharon Renee TaylorCat DeBinderDavid A. DickinsonJeremy Johnson

Managing Editor MC2 Nathan Parde

WRNMMC Editor Bernard Little

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

WRNMMC OmbudsmanJulie Bondar 443-854-5167

NSAB OmbudsmanJojo Lim Hector 703-901-6730

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

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

Bethesda NotebookBethesda NotebookCommander's ColumnCaroling on the Wards

The Department of Pastoral Care will fea-ture caroling on the wards in Building 9 onMonday from 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Formore information, call Chaplain (Capt.)Sergio I. Daza at 301-295-1433.

Festive Christmas Meals PlannedWalter Reed Bethesda’s Festive Christmas

meal will be held Dec. 25 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.in Café 8901 in Building 9, lower level.The mealwill include shrimp cocktail, lobster bisque,sliced asiago chicken roulade, carved beef striploin with au jus, baked salmon with mango sal-sa, sautéed vegetable ribbons, fingerling pota-toes, and an array of cakes, pies and otherdesserts. The cost of the meal is $7.50 ($6.40 fordependents of E-1 to E-4).For more information,call Charlita Mayhand at 301-295-5360.

The Warrior Café will also host a Christmasmeal on Dec. 25 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Themeal will be a traditional all you can eatChristmas buffet. The meal is free forWarriors, $15.50 for all other adults. Childrenages 5-10 are $6.50, and children under theage of five are free.

CFC ExtendedThe Combined Federal Campaign (CFC),

originally scheduled to end Dec. 15, has nowbeen extended through Dec. 31. Donationscan be made online through Dec. 31. Betweenthat date and Feb. 4, donations can be madeusing pledge forms obtained from your de-partment's CFC keyworkers. For more infor-mation, contact Capt. Michael Baker atmichael.baker3@health.mil, or Sgt. 1st ClassDon Berry at don.r.berry@health.mil.

Silver Spring Metro Shuttle to EndThe Silver Spring Metro Shuttle will be dis-

continued effective Jan. 1, 2013. In an effort toassist staff members who have relied on thisshuttle in the past, assistance with"Commuter Solutions" is available by contact-ing the Naval Support Activity BethesdaTransportation Office, at 301-319-3818.

The holiday seasonis upon us. While weenjoy the season,amidst the added ex-citement, crowds andstress we need to alsoremember the impor-tance of safety.

Unfortunately, thistime of year the holi-day period’s accompa-nied by a rise in crimeand accidents. Thesecan often be prevent-ed. As you enjoy thiswonderful season, Iurge you to make safety a priority.Carry only small amounts of cash,and if carrying a credit card, keep itseparate from your cash and yourkeys. Carry your purse close to yourbody and ensure it is zipped. Park inwell-lit areas close to stores, andmake a note of where you parked soyou know exactly where to go whenyou leave. These are all measuresthat will aid in keeping you and yourbelongings safe. In addition, takeyour keys out before leaving thestore. Leave well before closing so youcan be sure to walk out with a largercrowd. Store packages in your car outof sight, or in the trunk, and be wellaware of your surroundings. Theseare safety measures you can employ.

For those who are traveling thisseason, get the proper amount of restand prepare before beginning yourjourney. Ensure that everyone isbuckled up. If you’re driving long dis-tances, allow for frequent stops togive yourself a break. Respect roadconditions and switching off with an-other driver will also lend to the safe-ty of you and your loved ones. As al-ways and most importantly, if youplan to drink, please do so responsi-bly. This includes, but is not limited

to, establishing adesignated driveror calling a cab. Ifyou’re hosting aparty, make sureto offer plenty offood, and alcohol-free beverages,such as soda, juiceor water. Look outfor your loved onesand friends, andmake sure no onedrives home intox-icated.

The stresses ofthe holidays can make some feeloverwhelmed. If you feel like you’restruggling, and the stress is too muchto bear, please do not hesitate to askfor help.Talk to a friend, family mem-ber, or co-worker who can offer solace.If you see someone else is having ahard time, reach out to them, and letthem know you care. If you fear fortheir safety, or the safety of others,notify your chain of command imme-diately. We have a number of re-sources and services here on basethat can help.

Lastly, but equally important,please make sure you’re taking timeoff to rejuvenate.You’ve worked hardthis year and there are many accom-plishments here at Walter Reed Na-tional Military Medical Center,Bethesda, that showcase the finework you’ve performed and we can-not afford to lose you.As I continue tosay and truly believe, “What You DoMatters.” So relax, have fun and en-joy the holidays safely!

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

The Journal Thursday, December 20, 2012 3Thursday, December 20, 2012 3Thursday, December 20, 2012 3Thursday, December 20, 2012 3

By Mass CommunicationSpecialist 2nd Class

John K. HamiltonNSAB Public Affairs

staff writer

Chief Hospital Corpsman StacieSullivan was selected as the Ameri-can Legion Post 86’s 2012-2013 Le-gionnaire of the Year during an an-nual Veteran’s Day celebration re-cently.

The American Legion is the na-tion’s largest wartime veteran’s serv-ice organization that supports pastand present veterans and their fam-ily members. They are active in ad-vocating for military members aswell as veteran’s affairs and rights,and they are active supporters in thecommunity and across the nation interms of veteran activities.

Sullivan is the executive assistantto the command senior enlistedleader of Joint Task Force NationalCapital Region, but in her off dutyhours spends her time helping veter-ans and service members as a Le-gionnaire, a member of the AmericanLegion. Selection as Legionnaire ofthe Year came as a bit of a surpriseto Sullivan, who was unaware thatshe was even in the running, but at-tributes her selection to hard work,dedication and commitment.

“I had no idea it was going to hap-pen, I was not expecting it,” said Sul-livan. “Legionnaire of the Year is likeSailor of the Year for the capital re-gion. It’s just huge and there are nogift certificates and there are no sav-ings bonds or anything that goeswith it. But when you go through awhole year and your giving 110 [per-cent], going to every function, doingevery meeting and trying to makesure things happen without anyglitches, and somebody else or theother officers recognize you for whatyou’ve contributed by awarding youthe Legionnaire of the Year, there’snothing like it. It was very hum-bling.”

Sullivan has been a member of theLegion for eight years and said herreason for joining was because of thewelcoming atmosphere that Post 86provides.

“I was actually looking for a placeto host a retirement party for a staffmember and I walked into AmericanLegion Post 86,” said Sullivan. “Forwhatever reason, that particularpost felt like family. I went back twodays later to talk about the depositand what was needed to get the roomand when I walked in, the peoplethat were there from the first timeremembered my name, that I was inthe Navy and my job and where Iworked. It’s almost like a secondfamily for those of us that don’t haveimmediate family right here, a placeto go whenever you have a crisis orwhen you want to celebrate some-

thing.”Senior leadership in Sullivan's

command sees her as a competentleader, positively involved in herSailors’ lives and the community.

“She was very motivated, verysupportive and very interested intaking care of other people," saidChief Master Sgt. Alexander D. Per-ry, command senior enlisted leaderJoint Task Force National CapitalRegion. "When I saw her involve-ment with the American Legion, Ithought it fit very nicely with theway she is as a leader and as a per-son. She epitomizes service and shecares very much about service mem-bers, their families and the activitiesof the American Legion.”

Sullivan was selected as Legion-naire of the Year due in large part toher ability to take care of servicemembers.

"I think [Sullivan won the award]because she has been active and in-volved within the American Legion,the community here at Bethesda andacross the capital region," said Perry."She took care of veterans, woundedwarriors here specifically, her com-mand and the American Legionwhile some of the leadership was go-ing through some of their own per-sonal issues. She is just there for peo-ple whenever they need her. She’dgive you the shirt off her back."

Sullivan said being a part of theLegion has been a great experienceand encourages anyone with a desireto serve veterans and service mem-bers to think about joining.

JTF Capmed Chief Awarded Legionnaire of the Year

Courtesy photo

Chief Hospital Corpsman Stacie Sullivan (center) receives the Legionnaire of theYear award duringan annualVeteran's Day celebration at Post 86 in Rockville, Md. recently.

1032903

4 Thursday, December 20, 2012 The Journal

By Bernard S. LittleWRNMMC Journal staff writer

To better serve Walter Reed National MilitaryMedical Center (WRNMMC) beneficiaries, staffmembers of the Department of Pathology havestarted using a fully automated chemistry systemin its lab.

Army Capt. Karen Thomas, who was instru-mental in acquiring the new multi-million dollarsystem and bringing it online at WRNMMC, ex-plained it will further ensure an efficient workflowand reduce turnaround times for STAT (Shortturn-around time) and routine work requiring ahigh rate of production.

"The College of American Pathologists (CAP),considered the leader in laboratory quality assur-ance by lab professionals, recently inspected theWRNMMC lab, including the automated Chem-istry Section. Even though this new major systemwas implemented only shortly before the inspec-tion, the inspectors nonetheless confirmed thatCapt. Thomas and her staff had validated all ele-ments of system performance and completed nu-merous quality assurance checks to ensure safeand effective function,” according to Navy Capt.Larry R. Ciolorito, assistant chief of the Depart-ment of Pathology.

He added the lab performs approximately 3.5million tests annually, and transfuses approxi-mately 9,000 units of blood products each year. “Of

the 3.5 million annual tests, over half will be per-formed on the new analyzer."

Thomas explained the new automated systemshould result in more reliability in lab results be-cause its pre- and post-analytics eliminate theneed for manual manipulation of samples prior toanalyzing and automated storage of samples oc-curs once they are loaded on the system. “Auto-mated de-capping and re-capping also make theinstrument safer for staff to use.”

She added the new system integrates pre-ana-lytical elements such as centrifugation andaliquoting, a very large inventory of automatedtesting, and post-analytical data analysis and re-porting.

Thomas explained the prior chemistry systemhad reached its life expectancy, necessitating rou-tine service calls and causing downtime and de-lays. The multi-year, multi-million acquisitionplaced similar systems and capabilities at FortBelvoir Community Hospital (FBCH) are in linewith the Joint Task Force-National Capital RegionMedical’s guidance for standardization of servicesthroughout the joint operating area.

“Having the same platforms at FBCH andWRNMMC has enabled the National Capital Area(NCA) to provide consistent results between thetwo hospitals - methods for analytes, referenceranges, standard operating procedures, and labtest files are the same,” Thomas said. “Therefore,if a patient is drawn at one hospital on one day and

Automated Chemistry System Enhances Lab Results

Photo by Bernard S. Little

Army Capt. Karen Thomas, core lab chief,checks samples for testing on the new auto-mated chemistry system recently acquiredby Walter Reed Bethesda's Department ofPathology.See CHEMISTRY page 9

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The Journal Thursday, December 20, 2012 5

by Rear Adm. PatrickLorge, Commandant

Naval DistrictWashington

As we approach the holi-day season, let us take a mo-ment to reflect on the pastyear and remind ourselveswith the values we have asAmericans and how fortu-nate we are to continue tosafeguard this great nation.

2012 has been a magnifi-cent year and I remain for-tunate to serve as the com-mandant of such a diverseand significant region. Icannot thank you enoughfor the service and support

you have provided NDWand the Navy. The pride andprofessionalism you demon-strated each and every daywas instrumental in carry-ing out our mission andmaking 2012 another suc-cessful year.

As we bring closure to2012, let's keep in mind ourservice members serving inharm's way around theworld far from their familyand friends. I ask that youkeep them close in yourprayers.And to our woundedwarriors just returninghome and recovering intreatment facilities, reachout to them and their fami-lies so they too experience

the joy and hope that thisfestive season brings.

As you celebrate the holi-days with your family, I en-courage you to do so respon-sibly. Do not drink and drive,get plenty of rest before ven-turing out on the highwayand watch out for yourfriends and shipmates.A fewmoments of forethought canensure we all have a happyholiday and return safelyfor the start of anothergreat year.

May you and your familyhave a safe and joyful holi-day season and a prosperousNew Year. God bless and myvery best wishes for 2013.

Happy Holidays from Naval District WashingtonThursday, December 20, 2012 5Thursday, December 20, 2012 5

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6 Thursday, December 20, 2012 The Journal6 Thursday, December 20, 20126 Thursday, December 20, 2012

Wreaths Across AmericaMaster-at-Arms 2nd ClassTyler Wilkinson, NavalSupport Activity Bethes-da Security Department,searches for a spot toplace his wreath duringthe Wreaths AcrossAmerica event Saturday.More than 100 servicemembers volunteeredtheir time to placewreaths on the head-stones at Arlington Na-tional Cemetery, in recog-nition and appreciationfor the ultimate sacrificethat the veterans made inservice to their country.

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

By Jeremy Johnson, NSABPublic Affairs staff writer

Washington, D.C. is densely popu-lated with museums,parks and attrac-tions available throughout the year.With a little research,anyone can plana holiday in D.C. that includes a lot tosee and do for minimal cost.

Some of the most popular muse-ums and attractions are free and lo-cated along the National Mall in D.C.

The National Museum of AmericanHistory offers exhibits on militaryhistory, the presidents, transportationhistory, energy and other special ro-tating exhibits. The National Air andSpace Museum documents the histo-ry of flight and space travel. The Na-tional Museum of Natural History of-fers a look at geological curiosities likethe Hope Diamond, and biologicalspecimens from around the world in-cluding a live butterfly garden andliving bee colony. The NationalArchives, housing the U.S. Constitu-tion, Declaration of Independence,and Emancipation Proclamation, isalso near the National Mall and free.Each of these attractions are openyear-round with the exception ofChristmas Day, Dec. 25.

While it may not be possible to seemuseums on Christmas Day, thereare still sites to visit. The UnitedStates Botanic Garden is free andopen all year, including holidays.Withthe exception of the Washington Mon-ument - under repair after an earth-quake in 2011 - the Lincoln Memori-

al, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, U.S.National World War II Memorial, Ko-rean War Veterans Memorial and oth-er popular monument sites also re-main open and accessible every day,including the new Martin LutherKing, Jr. Memorial.

For paid attractions, the Morale,Welfare and Recreation (MWR) Infor-mation, Travel and Tickets (ITT) of-fice, located in Building 2, Rm. 1448,offers a list of discounted tickets andmilitary-friendly attractions, includ-ing the International Spy Museumand Madame Tussauds wax museum.Alecia Pityk, manager for ITT, saysthey have access to a variety of re-sources, such as a discount code forGaylord National’s seasonal attrac-tion “ICE!” at National Harbor whichruns from now until Jan. 6, 2013. “Wehave a discount code people can usewhen they purchase their tickets for‘ICE!’ online,” she explained. “We’realso selling tickets for Harlem Globe-trotters on Dec. 29. For informationon these [deals], people just need tostop by or give us a call.”

Traveling to and from any attrac-tion in D.C. can be done via cab, busor subway. The majority of the mostpopular attractions in the city are lo-cated within walking distance of aWashington Metropolitan Area Tran-sit Authority (Metro) train station.Walter Reed Bethesda is locatedacross the street from the MedicalCenter station on the system’s RedLine. Android, iOS and WindowsPhone users can find applications fortheir smartphones that provide maps,

real time schedules and service alertsfor navigating the Metro system.Printable maps and schedules arealso available via download onMetro’s website. The system has al-ready announced they’ll be runningon Sunday schedules for Christmasand New Year’s days.

For New Year’s Eve revelers thisyear, having a plan for late nighttransportation will be important.Metro will stop operating trains atmidnight on Dec. 31. Partygoers whomay have had too much alcohol todrive safely can get at least part wayhome, if not the entire way, throughSober Ride, a program run by Wash-ington Regional Alcohol Program(WRAP).

“No matter how much training andeducation you do throughout the restof the year, there’s always a higherrisk of intoxicated drivers being onthe road this time of year,” saidWRAPpresident Kurt Erikson. “Statisticsshow there’s an uptick of 40 percenton Christmas and 60 percent on NewYear’s Eve. We still need a safetyvalve to keep those people off theroad.”

Sober Ride’s primary goal is keep-ing inebriated and “buzzed” driversoff the road by providing free rideshome, up to $30, to passengers overthe age of 21. The service is availablenow and runs every night, 10 p.m. to6 a.m., through Jan. 1, 2013.

Making the Most of the Year’s End in D.C.

The Journal Thursday, December 20, 2012 7Thursday, December 20, 2012 7Thursday, December 20, 2012 7Thursday, December 20, 2012 7Thursday, December 20, 2012 7

By Sarah MarshallWRNMMC Journal staff writer

Walter Reed Bethesda’s RadiationSafety and Emergency Departmenthosted training Dec. 13, allowingstaff members to review the medicalcenter’s process of receiving contam-inated patients in the event of radio-logical disaster.

Static displays were set up in theEmergency Department, where staffmembers could walk through and re-view the process of bringing in poten-tially contaminated patients duringa radiological event, said RadiationSafety Officer Charlie Brannon. Aspecial, bright yellow lining was alsolaid down on sections of the Emer-gency Department tile, demonstrat-ing how they would designate “cont-aminated” areas. The lining wouldact as a barrier to radiologic materi-al, preventing it from seeping intothe tile and further contaminatingthe building.

Brannon explained the traininggave staff members a chance to bet-ter understand how to ensure pa-tients are properly decontaminated.It also provided an opportunity to de-termine where to set up triage areas,and assess how they would routecontaminated patients, ensuringthey safely receive the appropriatetreatment, Brannon continued.

“It’s important to train, so if an ac-tual event does occur, they would beable to understand, and be preparedin handling those types of casual-ties,” Brannon said.

During a radiological incident, oraccident, patients must first be instable condition before they are tak-en through the process of being de-contaminated, Brannon explained.Contaminated patients in criticalcondition are brought to a special

bed, designed to allow radioactivematerial to drain off of it into a se-cure receptacle as the patient is be-ing treated and stabilized. Once pa-tients are in stable condition, theycan go through the contaminationprocess.

Patients are deemed “contaminat-ed” with a hand-held radiation detec-tor, waved over their entire body topick up radioactive material, he ex-plained. Those who are consciousand capable of walking are then de-contaminated by walking throughdecontamination showers inside theEmergency Department.There, theymust remove their clothing, which isdisposed of in proper, designated con-tainers. Patients are then handed aclear bag, which contains a clean

towel, garments to change into andan identification bracelet to helptrack them through the process.

A radiation detector is used to en-sure they are decontaminated. Pa-tients are then routed through“clean” areas to the appropriate clin-ics for further care.

Walking through this process withEmergency Management personnelallowed staff members to ensurethey had all the necessary logistics,such as the appropriate number ofpersonnel, towels and even smallerdetails like the amount of maskingtape.

Brannon went on to note lastweek’s training was one of manyheld throughout the year and, as al-ways, they were careful not to im-

pede on patient care.“This is an additional training to

give them the real feel of the wholeprocess,” he said.

Members of the Armed Forces Ra-diobiology Research Institute (AFR-RI) were also on hand at the trainingto observe and provide their expert-ise. AFRRI deploys worldwide andadvises on radiological protectionand health care in the event of a nu-clear or radiological incident, saidCol. Sidney Hinds, director of AFR-RI’s Military Medical Operations.

“One of our areas of expertise isadvising and training personnel toremove radiological contaminationthat gets on or inside a patient,” saidHinds. “We work with Walter ReedBethesda's Radiation Safety, HealthPhysics, and Emergency Depart-ments, as well as, other local DODmedical facilities to understand whatthey do in these situations, howmany patients they can handle, andwhat treatments and care the hospi-tal is capable of providing.”

Hinds went on to explain thatwhile AFRRI lends its expertise inradiobiology, working with WalterReed Bethesda helps them to betterappreciate their capabilities. He alsonoted the training was also prudentin responding to an incident eitheron base or in the National CapitalArea.

“Walking through our current op-erating procedures with radiationhealth subject-matter experts andthe [Walter Reed Bethesda] emer-gency response team helps to identi-fy areas for improvement, clarifyroles, and implement service-specificresponse regulations,” Hinds added.

Radiation Safety Training Ensures Best Practices

Photo by Sarah Marshall

Mircea Ardelean waves a radiation detector over a mock patient,Sgt. Christopher Freeman, during radiation safety training in theEmergency Department Dec. 13.The training allowed staff mem-bers to assess best practices in responding to a radiological disas-ter. Staff from the Emergency Department, Preventive Medicine,Radiation Safety and the command DECONTeam worked togeth-er to review and practice procedures, like decontaminating pa-tients, and determining where to stage triage areas.

my leaders within the past year andmy Sailors’ and Soldiers’ hard work.”

Vallejo said he was uncertain if hewould be selected as Junior Sailor ofthe Year. When his name was calledat the awards ceremony, he was sur-prised.

“I was speechless, but I came upwith some words to say,” he said.Vallejo thanked his chain of com-mand for his nomination, as well ashis father Santana, his mentor, whois just a phone call away inBrownsville, Texas. The Sailor ex-pressed gratitude for the support of

both his wife Maria and three-year-old daughter Kaylee.

His award cited that he expertlyprocessed awards for more than6,000 military and civilian person-nel, handling all tasks with no su-pervision, saving the Navy money bymanaging an undermanned office.In addition to serving as awardsmanager in Manpower, Vallejo alsoserves as Secretary for the Multi-Cultural Committee, as well as amember on both the Command As-sessment Team and the CoalitionSailors Against Destructive Deci-sions Team.

The Blue Jacket of the Year,Heath, will celebrate three years inthe Navy on Jan. 25. She has spenttwo years at WRNMMC.The leadingpetty officer in the Assisted Repro-

ductive Center was named BlueJacket of the third quarter in Au-gust.

Heath, “skillfully provided pri-mary care support to 40 physicians,”according to her award citation, and“expertly enhanced the care to morethan 3,500 beneficiaries and theirfamilies monthly.”

“I’m very excited and honored,”she said about her most recentachievement. “I want to watch outfor my other Sailors who want to gofor it and support them,” Heath ex-plained.

Army Col. Ramona Fiorey, WRN-MMC Chief of Staff, presentedTarkowski, Bowie, and Heath withNavy Achievement Medals in a sep-arate ceremony held Dec. 13. Vallejoreceived a Navy Achievement and

Marine Corps Medal at the sameceremony. Tarkowski will go on tocompete for top honors in the Na-tional Capital Region, January2013.

Once capturing the title for the re-gion, the senior Sailor will competeat the Navy Bureau of Medicine andSurgery (BUMED) with seniorSailors from three other major re-gions: Navy Medicine West, NavyMedicine East, and Navy MedicineSupport Command, according toPrince. If he wins, the CommandMaster Chief said Tarkowski willcompete for Chief of Naval Opera-tions Sailor of the Year, where if se-lected, he will receive meritoriouspromotion to Chief Petty Officer.

AWARDSAWARDSContinued from 1

8 Thursday, December 20, 2012 The Journal8 Thursday, December 20, 20128 Thursday, December 20, 2012

By Bernard S. LittleWRNMMC Journal

staff writer

Walter Reed Bethesda’sDepartment of Obstetricsand Gynecology offers free,ongoing prenatal classes toenhance the OB experiencefor beneficiaries receivingcare at the military’s largestmedical center.

Classes include childbirth,a childbirth refresher (forcouples who have had achild), infant care, breastfeed-ing and a sibling class forchildren of expectant parents.

“It is recommended cou-ples take the classes about amonth before their due date,if possible,” said ChristyBergmann, a course instruc-tor and Lamaze CertifiedChildbirth educator. “Takingthe classes, regardless of howfar along in their pregnancya couple is, benefits them,”she added.

Bergmann explained thesix-hour childbirth class, for

expectant mothers and theirpartner, covers anatomy andphysiology, recognizing con-tractions, when to call WalterReed Bethesda, pain control,breathing, relaxation, part-ner’s role, comfort measures,signs of labor, stages of labor,pushing, variations of labor,epidurals, cesarean birthsand early postpartum symp-toms.

The three-hour childbirthrefresher course coversmany of the same topics, butis geared for couples who al-ready have a child,Bergmann explained.

“For expectant moms andtheir partners, the two-and-a-half-hour infant care classcovers newborn appearanceand procedures, safety, whento call the doctor, infant be-havior, how to cope with cry-ing and sleeplessness, prac-tice diapering, bathing,swaddling, [and] holding ababy,” according to the child-birth educator.

She explained the breast-feeding class is also for ex-

pectant moms and theirpartners, and focuses on thebenefits of breastfeeding,when to start, how often tofeed, the latch, feeding posi-tions, signs of hunger, pre-venting engorgement, part-ner’s role, and offers hands-on practice. The class is twohours in duration.

The two-hour sibling classis for children whose moth-ers are expecting. It intro-duces the child to the hospi-tal and their mother’s hospi-

tal-stay through a tour of theLabor and Delivery unit, aswell as the Postpartum Re-covery section. “Childrenlearn what babies are like,get to hold a ‘baby,’ watch afilm about being a sibling,and make a gift for the newbaby,” Bergmann explained.“Parents learn hospital poli-cy regarding children attend-ing the birth and are giventips on integrating anotherchild into the family.”

Bergmann continued bystating classes are held year-round in the Learning Cen-ter in the gynecology area ofthe OB/GYN Clinic. Child-birth and refresher child-birth classes are held onweekends. One refresherclass is held each month.Breastfeeding classes areheld either in combinationwith a childbirth class, or asa separate class. The once-a-month sibling class is held ona weekend day. The twice-a-month infant care classes areheld on Friday afternoons.

Classes are designed specif-

ically for WRNMMC patients,and instructors are either cer-tified in the field they teach,orhave at least four years of ex-perience teaching in the field,Bergmann added.

Referrals are not necessaryto take classes, Bergmannadded. Interested couples cansignupbycalling301-295-5552.

The OB/GYN departmentalso has a family-centeredcare initiative, “CenteringPregnancy,” which allowsbeneficiaries to choose to re-ceive OB care in a group ed-ucational setting with a clin-ical facilitator, explained Col.Joseph Gobern, chief of theDepartment of Obstetricsand Gynecology at WalterReed National Military Med-ical Center. “The group hassimilar delivery dates, andhave a common visit sched-ule and facilitator (provider)throughout their pregnancy,”he added. For more informa-tion about the CenteringPregnancy initiative, callNavy Lt. Cmdr. Virginia Ha-zlett at 301 319-5033.

Walter Reed Bethesda Offers Free Prenatal Classes

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another hospital another day, the results willbe comparable.”

Training for employees who currently usethe new system was initially conducted on siteand is on-going, Thomas continued, adding ap-proximately 25 staff members currently usethe system on a 24/7 basis.

She said the initiative is part of an effort bythe Department of Pathology to move the labto total automation.

“This was an enormous undertaking for ourstaff at a time when we were still absorbingand managing the effects of integration,”Ciolorito added. “This was a multi-year processthat included requirements development, sig-nificant facilities modifications, extensive stafftraining, and numerous adjustments to staffingand shift assignments. It would not have beenpossible without a truly joint and unified ap-proach on the part of our staff, whose goal isthe delivery of world-class patient-centeredcare,” he concluded.

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