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The Signal

The Signal

2nd Quarter 2013

July 2013

2013 Signal Board LT Erin Grasso, ACOA Communications Co-Chair CDR Maleeka Glover, Layout Editor LCDR Johanna Gilstrap, Lead Writer

Atlanta Commissioned Officers Association

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Table of Contents

President’s Corner

July President’s Corner: LCDR Jamie Mutter, USPHS, ACOA President................................................... 3

Featured Articles

Atlanta Area United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps Promotion Ceremony ............... 4

For Thirty Years He Stood The Watch: Atlanta COA Officers Revive USPHS Traditions to Honor

CAPT Ralph O’Connor’s Retirement .................................................................................................... 5

The Loss of a Public Health Hero, RADM Stephen B. Thacker ............................................................... 8

The 2013 USPHS Scientific and Training Symposium – A Report in Pictures! ......................................... 9

The Sword of the US Public Health Service ........................................................................................ 16

ACOA March Lunch & Learn: Field Realities of Being Deployed to a Federal Medical Station in Support

of Hurricane Sandy, 2012 .................................................................................................................. 19

Embrace the Human Spirit ................................................................................................................. 21

Looking for Things to do This Summer? .............................................................................................. 22

ACOA Community and Service Events

ACOA Community Service Project at CAFÉ 458 ................................................................................... 24

ACOA Participates in Helping to Build a House with “Habitat for Humanity!” ..................................... 25

ACOA Volunteers with Trees Atlanta ................................................................................................. 27

Record Turnout for St. Francis Table in its Third Year ......................................................................... 29

Atlanta COA Officers Initiate Community Health Fair for the Homeless and Underserved .................... 30

You’re in the Loop: Information ACOA Members Need to Know

ACOA Members “Leading the PAC” ................................................................................................... 32

New ACOA Logo! .............................................................................................................................. 34

ACOA Store Advertisement: Get Your PHS Pride Items! ...................................................................... 35

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Hello everyone. I can’t believe the year is half over. It has gone by fast, but we have accomplished so much with our committees. I would first like to en-courage all of you to spread the word about the benefits of COA/ACOA. We are in the middle of our membership drive and we would love to increase our membership numbers so ACOA can continue to support more and more officers in the Atlanta area. It is very important that you are a COA member because COA legislation on Capitol Hill continually supports all Commissioned Corps officers - active duty, inactive reserve and retired. The more members COA has, the stronger and louder our voice is on Capitol Hill. Show your sup-port for COA and join today for the 2013-2014 operational year. When you renew your COA membership or join for the first time, please also choose to become a member of ACOA. For questions on membership, please feel free to contact our Membership Chair, LCDR Shane Davis, gdo4@cdc.gov. On another note, ACOA has been diligently preparing for the ACOA Promotion Ceremony that will take place on July 29th. Please save the date and plan to participate if you are promoted or come to support a colleague/friend that is being promoted. RADM Sven Rodenbeck, Engineer CPO, will be our Keynote speaker this year and we are very excited to have him speak since he has been an avid supporter of ACOA for many years. This year’s promotion ceremony will be a time of celebration for our officers who have worked so hard to be promoted. Please plan to join us for this special event. The ACOA committees have been diligently working to bring our membership new and exciting opportunities. The Professional Development Committee just had a very successful Lunch and Learn based on mentorship and the ACOA portrait session was also a huge success. Please look for more exciting professional development opportunities from this committee. The Community Service Committee continues to bring our membership numerous community service events such as Habitat for Humanity and the USO. If you would like to volunteer for an upcoming event, be sure to monitor our listserv for the volunteer requests. As you are reading this President’s Column, rest assured that the Communications Committee is not pulling another fast one on you like they did with the April Fools Edition of The Signal. I hope you enjoyed the special issue and it brought some levity to an otherwise mundane work day. I just want to thank the Communications Committee because it was quite an undertaking preparing for that special issue. In addition, the Communications Committee has also created a Facebook Group page. If you would like to join, please let me know. We are in the process of determining if our members prefer the Facebook Group vs. Facebook Community page. We always value the opinions of our mem-bers, so let us know what you think. Lastly, I would like to thank the Merchandise Committee for their hard work in researching, creating and ordering new merchandise this year. Our team did a great job and all merchandise we sell enables ACOA to provide great learning, professional development and, social events, among other experiences for our Atlanta officers. Please consider purchasing some ACOA esprit-de-corps items and show your PHS/ACOA pride. If you don’t know by now, we created a new ACOA branch coin that we are so excited about. Please refer to the listserv announcements regarding the sale of the coins. I think it is one of the most unique coins that I have seen in a long time. Get one today before we run out!! Please feel free to contact me at any time with suggestions on how ACOA can help serve our Atlanta officers. Until next time… Respectfully, LCDR Jamie Mutter

President’s Corner

July President’s Column 2013

LCDR Jamie Mutter, ACOA President

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Atlanta Area United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps Promotion

Ceremony

LCDR Loren Rodgers

Congratulations to all recently promoted officers!

The Atlanta Commissioned Officers Association (ACOA) invites all Atlanta-area officers, co-workers, friends and family to attend the 2013 USPHS Atlanta Area Promotion Ceremony on Monday, July 29 at 1300h in CDC’s Tom Harkin Global Communications Center Auditorium B (Roybal campus, Building 19).

RADM Sven Rodenbeck, Chief Engineer Officer, will give the keynote address. In addition, a number of senior officers are expected to attend. A reception will immediately follow the ceremony.

Questions regarding the ceremony should be sent to LCDR Loren Rodgers (lrodgers@cdc.gov).

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On April 5, 2013, Atlanta Officers celebrated CAPT Ralph O’Connor

and his retirement from the Commissioned Corps of the United

States Public Health Service. He served his country proudly with

dignity and kindness for 30 years as a senior scientist at the Centers

for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Agency for Toxic

Substances Disease Registry (ATSDR). It was a momentous day for

CAPT O’Connor and his loved ones, but it was also a significant

achievement for USPHS Officers at the CDC and in the Atlanta area.

Prior to CAPT O’Connor’s retirement celebration, Atlanta Officers

had never united to hold a traditional USPHS ceremony, equivalent

to those in our sister services, for one of their own. This was a landmark event.

Our goals were to hold a memorable ceremony with the pomp and

circumstance that CAPT O’Connor earned over the past 30 years and

create a landmark USPHS retirement ceremony that followed proto-

col and embraced sea service traditions. The event was a combined

effort implemented by Officers from ATSDR, CDC, Bureau of Prisons,

Food and Drug Administration, and the Health Resources and

Services Administration. In addition, two Sailors (a retired O-6

scientist and an O-3 Naval Academy graduate) also jumped on board

to offer their expertise of Naval traditions and ceremony. Six Side-

boys (LCDR Danielle Mills, LT Candis Hunter, LT Alberta Mirambeau,

LT Avi Stein, LT Felicia Warren, and LTJG Roberto Garza) and Bell

Officer (LCDR David Hunter) escorted Presiding Officer RADM Scott

Deitchman, Guest Speaker RADM Robert Williams (USPHS-ret.), and

the Guest of Honor on and off RADM Deitchman’s “quarterdeck”. Of

note is the fact that Atlanta does not have an established group of

Bell Officers or Sideboys, but these volunteers were absolutely spot

– on. The Atlanta Area Honor Cadre (CAPT Edecia Richards, CDR

Tom Shimabukuro, LCDR Sylvera Demas and LCDR Christa Hale)

presented the colors and the Surgeon General’s Own USPHS Music

Ensemble sang beautiful versions of the National Anthem and PHS

March. LT Erin Grasso conducted the event, serving as the Master of

Ceremonies.

For Thirty Years He Stood The Watch: Atlanta COA Officers Revive USPHS Traditions

to Honor CAPT Ralph O’Connor’s Retirement

LT Erin Grasso

CAPT O'Connor and LT Erin Grasso

CAPT O'Connor walking through the Sideboys

LCDR David Hunter, Bell Officer

(Continued on next page)

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Also of note, RADM Deitchman delivered an emotional rendition of

the traditional Naval poem, “He Stood the Watch” and presented

CAPT O’Connor with a traditional shadowbox displaying both the

American and USPHS flags as well as all of the awards, medals, and

hard shoulder boards.

So what’s so important about traditions? If you think back on your

life, some of your most enduring (and hopefully fondest) memories

probably surround annual events, like holidays or the summer vaca-

tion and rights of passages, like religious ceremonies, graduations,

engagements, and starting your own family. We look forward to

celebrating these times in our lives because of the joy that they

bring us and our loved ones. One of the nice parts of being an Officer is that we are also a part of a professional world

is a little smaller and close knit. We are part of a lineage of uniformed professionals dedicated to protecting, promoting

and advancing the health and safety of the Nation, and that should be a source of pride. Honoring Officers’ profession-

al milestones, like promotion and retirements, with longstanding traditions is important because it fosters espirit de

corps, formally recognizes all the hard work we do year after year, and reinforces to everyone (including ourselves) that

we are a uniformed service – not just federal employees who happen to look impressive in khaki.

I overheard someone say at the reception, “Wow, if this only happens once, Ralph really deserved to be the one to

have it.” I agree that there is no more deserving Officer than CAPT O’Connor, but I don’t want to see this type of cere-

mony stop with him, either. I would love to see traditions celebrating professional milestones continue to be revived in

the USPHS and to be held regularly for Officers; and, based on the conversations after the ceremony, so do our senior

officers. Our hard–working, dedicated colleagues deserve to be acknowledged for promotions and retirements with

pomp and circumstance. Think ahead, years from now, when you might retire from the Corps…how would you want to

celebrate all your years of service and the end of your career?

CAPT Ralph O’Connor’s Retirement, continued

The Surgeon General's Own US Public Health Service Music Ensemble

Welcoming the Atlanta Area Honor Cadre (LT Erin Grasso, CAPT Ralph O’Connor, RADM Scott Deitchman,

and RADM Robert Williams on stage)

The Surgeon General's Own US Public Health Service Music Ensemble

(Continued on next page)

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If you or a fellow USPHS Officer are retiring and would like to have a ceremony, please e-mail me at EGrasso@cdc.gov

and I would be happy to share everything from this retirement ceremony, including the script, with you.

CAPT Sharon Williams-Fleetwood, Chief Scien-tist Officer of the USPHS presents CAPT O’Con-

nor with an award

CAPT O’Connor’s Deployment Team, RDF-3 - Back Row: CAPT Mazzariello, LCDR Jones, CAPT

Williams, CAPT O'Connor, CAPT Spears, LT Grasso, LT Cunningham; Front Row: CDR Wilson,

CAPT Iskander

Cutting the Cake with a USPHS Sword - RADM Robert Williams, CAPT Ralph O'Connor, RADM

Deitchman and LCDR Laurie Jones

RADM Sven Rodenbeck, RADM Robert Williams, RADM Clara Cobb, Mrs. Didi O'Connor, CAPT Ralph O'Connor, LT

Erin Grasso, RADM Scott Deitchman

CAPT Ralph O’Connor’s Retirement, continued

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On February 15, 2013, the U.S. Public Health Service and CDC lost a great public health hero, RADM Stephen B. Thacker (USPHS- ret.). Before his passing, RADM Thacker (MD, MSc) was the Director of CDC’s Office of Surveillance, Epidemiolo-gy, and Laboratory Services (OSELS), but his service to CDC extends back to 1976 when Dr. Thacker joined the Epidemic Intelligence Service (EIS) and was stationed with the Washington, DC Health Department. RADM Thacker led a 37 years long career, full of many accomplishments that contributed to the health and safety of the nation. He is credited with establishing surveillance systems at CDC, the Community Guide, expanding both the EIS program (and other public health training programs) and MMWR, and helping to identify Legionnaires’ Disease. During his career, he authored or co-authored more than 240 manuscripts and book chapters, and was the recipient of more than 40 major awards and commendations. Notably, on February 1, 2013, RADM Thacker was awarded the Surgeon General’s Medallion. Two annual awards have been established in RADM Thacker’s honor: the Stephen B. Thacker Science for Social Justice Award and the Stephen B. Thacker Excellence in Mentoring Award. A comprehensive bibliography for RADM Thacker is availa-ble at http://libguides.phlic.cdc.gov/Thacker.

A tribute to RADM Thacker was held at CDC on February 5, 2013. More than 500 participants were available to attend

the tribute in person, and there were over 1400 IPTV viewings. The tribute was led by Dr. Thomas R. Frieden, CDC

Director and Administrator for ATSDR.

The Thacker tribute can be viewed at:

http://streaming.cdc.gov/vod.php?id=9a39ccaea87cf8cfdfef561d7dd80a7820130205154132696

RADM Thacker is survived by his wife Luz Fortes Thacker, daughters Maria T.F. Thacker Goethe and

Gabriella C. B. Thacker, and grandson Noah. The Thacker Family has established the Stephen B.

Thacker Fund at the CDC Foundation to honor Dr. Thacker's life and service to public health and his

passion for the EIS Program.

http://www.cdcfoundation.org/what/program/stephen-b-thacker-fund

The Loss of a Public Health Hero, RADM Stephen B. Thacker

LCDR Zewditu Demissie and LT Timothy Cunningham

CAPT Douglas Hamilton’s (EIS Program Director) thoughts on the Thacker Ceremony:

“It demonstrated the depth and breadth of the respect that the CDC community has for Dr. Thacker. Great to see so many from CDC’s past. It was very touching.”

LCDR Eboni Taylor’s (EIS Officer, Class of 2011) thoughts:

“The ceremony was moving. It has been an honor to have gotten to know such a remarkable leader and to be involved in the Epidemic Intelligence Service.”

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The 2013 USPHS Scientific and Training Symposium – A Report in Pictures!

CAPT Bruce Tierney

Despite many early and well justified concerns about who would show up for the 2013 Symposium held in Glendale, AZ from May 21-23 it was a huge success, due in large part to the dedication of Commissioned Officers who recognized the value in attending the meeting even though it meant having to travel on their own dime!

Once again the Symposium began with a number of

pre-conference sessions to include a well-attended

Leadership Seminar along with Basic Life Support

and Nurse Skills training.

The Symposium itself kicked off with the Anchor & Caduceus Dinner

on Tuesday evening.

A number of ACOA officers were in attendance looking sharp in

their dress uniforms to enjoy the festivities!

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2013 USPHS Scientific and Training Symposium, continued

RADM Rodenbeck chats up COA Director Jerry Farrell and CAPT Craig Wilkins takes a moment to pose with VADM

LT Dawn Arlotta, CAPT Sharon Williams-Fleetwood, RADM Bill Bailey and CAPT April Shaw enjoy the festivities!

CAPT Holly Williams, CDR Margo Riggs and CAPT Pam Ching catching up during the dinner. (Continued on next page)

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2013 USPHS Scientific and Training Symposium, continued

The highlight of the evening was the Inaugural Dr. C.

Everett Koop Memorial Lecture with VADM Richard

Carmona, 17th United States Surgeon General, as

the featured speaker.

During the evening, several awards presenta-

tions were made including the Branch of the

Year award which was once again awarded to

the Atlanta COA! CAPT Bruce Tierney accept-

ed the Branch of the Year Award on behalf of

ACOA from VADM Carmona and CAPT Nita

Sood.

(Continued on next page)

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2013 USPHS Scientific and Training Symposium, continued

In addition to the Koop lecture a traditional cutting of the

USPHS birthday cake was held and Jerry Farrell, COA Director,

was recognized by the local Phoenix COA branch for his

service to Commissioned Officers with a traditional Native

American blanket.

Following the A&C Dinner gala on Tuesday evening the Symposium got down to business with the opening keynote address and a

lively Former Surgeons General Panel featuring VADM Jocelyn Elders, VADM David Satcher, VADM Richard Carmona and RADM

Kenneth Moritsugu who served as the Deputy Surgeon General under both Satcher and Carmona as well as Acting Surgeon

General on several occasions. The panel took time to again reflect on the life and legacy of Surgeon General Koop as well as the

demands of the Office of the Surgeon General.

The great attendance sometimes

made it difficult to find a seat!

(Continued on next page)

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2013 USPHS Scientific and Training Symposium, continued

Left: Of course the ACOA Merchandise booth was in full

sales mode in the Exhibit Hall helping to generate income

for our branch activities for the coming year!

Right: CAPT Tierney presents the new ACOA Challenge

Coin to the Deputy SG, RADM Boris Lushniak using the

traditional “handshake” method!

The final day began with the traditional category day presentations. This gives Officers from each category

a great opportunity to meet Officers stationed around the country to share experiences and network. The

closing keynote this year was the Luther Terry lecture featuring Deputy Surgeon General Boris Lushniak

who spoke about public health and prevention from a PHS Officers view.

Left: CDR Ali Danner, ACOA member and Health Services PAC Chair, opens category day for HSO’s.

Right RADM Lushniak closes the Symposium with a stirring presentation on how public health has impacted society

over time.

(Continued on next page)

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2013 USPHS Scientific and Training Symposium, continued

But the Symposium is not just about science and training. It is also a great opportunity to socialize with fellow

officers in a more casual setting. Many categories host social events and conveniently located just across the

street from the hotel in Glendale was a large entertain-

ment complex.

Above: ACOA members CDR Lisa Delaney and RADM Sven Rodenbeck

(in the background) meet and greet fellow officers at one of the many

social events.

Right: An unidentified officer gets an opportunity to develop another

skill that might someday be useful on a deployment!

In addition to the great opportunities to meet and network with fellow officers, both formally and informally, it is

sometimes possible to squeeze in a bit of R&R before or after the Symposium and check out the sites near the

meeting location. In this case, the natural wonders within driving distance of the Phoenix area provided a wealth

of opportunities for sight-seeing!

Visiting the Pima Air & Space Museum in Tucson, AZ

and the massive airplane boneyard at nearby Davis-

Monthan Air Force Base.

(Continued on next page)

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2013 USPHS Scientific and Training Symposium, continued

A visit to “The Fence” at the corner of International and

Border Road (left) and hiking through Chiricahua National

Monument (right)

Exploring the long history of copper mining in Bisbee, AZ including a trip deep inside the Copper Queen Mine (left) and

overlooking the nearby Lavender Pit copper mine (right).

Each Symposium provides its own unique opportunities for learning, networking with fellow officers and even a bit

of sight-seeing when time allows! I hope to see many of you next year at the 2014 USPHS Scientific and Training

Symposium!

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Did you know that PHS has its own Sword? You probably did, but like most Officers, you probably don’t know too much

about it. Well, not for long…

After the brief details about ceremonial swords, we have a special treat for you. CAPT Bruce Tierney will share infor-

mation and pictures with us about his PHS swords. Make sure to read this article to the end!

History of the Ceremonial Sword

A ceremonial sword is “an object used for ceremonial purposes to display power or authority. They are often used in

parades and as part of dress uniforms.” i

The first ceremonial swords were used by royalty as status symbol. Their swords were often decorated with jewels and precious metals; and, the more ornate the swords were decorated, the more power and strength they portrayed. While a ceremonial sword is not a weapon intended for use in battle, it is usually razor sharp and needs to be handled with care. Its first use dates to 1500 BC. ii According to the Marlow White, most military swords and sabers are manufactured by several companies around the world. The majority of countries have one manufacturer for swords; most of the U.S. military swords and sabers are made in Germany, Spain, India, Taiwan, and China. iii

US Public Health Service Sword

Here are some details about the US Public Health Service Sword… Blade:

Stainless-steel blade Acid-etched with the Public Health Service pattern, so deep one can feel it with a fingernail Hand-polished, hardened and tempered Unsharpened ceremonial edge, but the blade has a sharp tip Important note for Public Health Service Professionals: the stainless steel blade is not a surgical stainless

steel, but is ceremonial grade. Scabbard:

Fiberglass tube covered with genuine calf leather

Fittings: Brass, 24-carat gold-plated

Guard: Cast brass 24-carat gold-plated

Grip: Ivory-colored plastic grip with Imitation sting-ray skin surface Three golden wires around the grip

Pommel: Cast brass 24-carat gold-plated

The Sword of the US Public Health Service

LCDR Letia A. Boseman

(Continued on next page)

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The Sword of the US Public Health Service, continued

Interview with Sword owner, LCDR Jenna Webeck

1. How many ceremonial swords do you own? One, just the PHS ceremonial sword. 2. When did you obtain your first sword? My boyfriend purchased the sword for Valentine’s Day 2013. He is a prior

service member (U.S. Marines) and currently serves in the US Border Patrol. 3. What sparked your interest in swords? I come from a military family and also have many friends who are current

or former service members of the Armed Forces. 4. What other information would you like to share with ACOA members about swords in general, your swords, or a

story about swords? For me it will serve as a reminder of my service to our country.

Interview with Sword owner, CAPT Bruce Tierney

1. How many ceremonial swords do you own? I currently only have one PHS Sword. Although I

served many years as an Army medical officer I

never acquired an Army sword, something I regret

a bit now.

2. When did you obtain your first sword? I received my PHS Sword in 2007 as a gift from my

fiancé and fellow Commissioned Officer CAPT

Pamela Ching.

3. What sparked your interest in swords? As I became more involved in assisting other officers with uniform issues I decided I really wanted to acquire as many parts of the uniform as I could both for myself and to be able to share with other officers. I consider the PHS Sword to be a part of the Full Dress Blue and Full Dress White uniform (it is a prescribable item for LCDR and above with these uniforms). I also thought it would be ideal to have a sword for the inaugural Atlanta COA Anchor & Caduceus Dinner that was planned for January 2008 and knew the only way I could be sure to have one available was to get one of my own. It has served as the sword for the ceremonial “cutting of the cake” at every A&C dinner!

4. What other information would you like to share with ACOA members about swords in general, your swords, or a story about swords? Although many things in the PHS are adopted from the Navy, the PHS Sword is not one of those. If one knows a bit of the history of the PHS Commissioned Corps, the reason for that will be more obvious. When the Marine Hospital Service was reorganized in 1870, the physician appointed as the first Surgeon General (then known as the Supervising Surgeon) was Dr. John Maynard Woodworth. Dr. Woodworth had previously served as an Army surgeon in the Civil War and quickly rose in the service to become the Medical Director of the Army of the Tennessee under General William T. Sherman (as a side note this means that Dr. Woodworth was very likely the first Surgeon General to “visit” Atlanta as he accompanied General Sherman on his March to the Sea which included the burning of the city of Atlanta).

(Continued on next page)

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Because of his role during the Civil War, Dr. Woodworth would have been well known to both General Sherman and

General Ulysses Grant. By 1870, General Grant had become President of the United States and General Sherman was

the Commanding General of the Army. Dr. Woodworth was likely well known to both and as a result was probably a

natural choice to help reorganize the Marine Hospital Service. Dr. Woodworth assumed his position in 1871 and quickly

reformed the service by establishing a military model for the medical staff and placing them in uniforms. The uniform

he adopted was based on the naval uniform of the time because of the maritime nature of our Service at the time. But

the sword that was adopted as part of the ceremonial uniform was not based on the traditional Naval Officers sword or

even the Navy cutlass (a much different weapon used primarily by enlisted personnel in combat but sometimes also by

Naval Officers).

Instead, the PHS sword is based on the US Army model 1860 Staff Officer’s field sword that would most likely have

been carried by Dr. Woodworth during his time as an Army medical officer in the Civil War.

In addition to creating the Uniform Service we are part of today, to include the PHS uniform and PHS sword, Dr. Wood-

worth is also credited with designing the Marine Hospital Service seal which serves as the basis for the current PHS

seal. An example of this seal can still be found on the gates of one of the few (perhaps only?) surviving Marine Hospital

Service hospitals still standing. The building is located along the banks of the Ohio river in Louisville, KY and is undergo-

ing renovation in hopes that it may someday serve as a museum.

For more information on the PHS sword and how to wear it visit http://www.militarysabers.com/military-sword-information/m-wearing-the-phs-sword.html.

i http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ceremonial_weapon ii http://www.knivesandswordsreviews.com/sword-resources/ceremonial-swords-the-history-the-honor.html iii http://www.militarysabers.com/buying-guide

The Sword of the US Public Health Service, continued

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On March 7, 2013, the Atlanta Commissioned Officers Association (ACOA) Professional Development Committee host-

ed its first Lunch and Learn of the year entitled, Helping the Most Disadvantaged: Field Realities of Being Deployed

to a Federal Medical Station in Support of Hurricane Sandy, 2012.

Hurricane Sandy was the most destructive hurricane in the U.S. of the 2012 season – resulting in ten states with disas-ter declarations and an estimated $1.27 billion in assistance approved by FEMA. On November 3, 2012, in response to this hurricane, members of the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps Rapid Deployment Force 3 (RDF-3) were deployed to the Middlesex Community College in New Jersey to setup and implement a Federal Medical Station (FMS). ACOA was honored to have two members of RDF-3, CAPT Ralph O’Connor, Ph.D. and CAPT Holly Ann Williams, Ph.D.

to share their experiences and lessons learned from this deployment. Other Officers from RDF-3, including LT Richard

Dunville and CAPT John Iskander, also discussed their deployment experiences. Over 40 people participated in the

Lunch and Learn.

The presentation focused on key practical skills needed for deployment preparation, FMS setup and operations, and

demobilization. CAPT Williams began the presentation by discussing the many practical skills Officers must have once

activated for a deployment, which include: patience, flexibility, and self-motivation. One complicating factor for de-

ploying officers, she noted, was they may have limited time to prepare due to full work schedules up until the time

they leave. Furthermore, deployment dates and times often change day-to-day, creating a hurry-up-and-wait envi-

ronment. CAPT Williams added that it is important for Officers to have a plan in place for family and friends to gain

support while she or he is in the field.

ACOA March Lunch & Learn: Field Realities of Being Deployed to a Federal Medical

Station in Support of Hurricane Sandy, 2012

LT Ayana Anderson, LT Candis M. Hunter, and LTJG Roberto Garza

(Continued on next page)

CAPT Holly Ann Williams speaks about her deployment experience as a member of RDF-3

during the Hurricane Sandy Response of November 2012.

ACOA—The Signal Page | 20

CAPTs Williams and O’Connor also addressed the importance of working closely with local and state officials during

and after deployment. During this particular deployment, they worked with state and local health departments to

verify the status of the FMS and to jointly establish admission criteria. The team was co-located with Florida 1 Disas-

ter Medical Assistance team (FL 1 DMAT). Co-locating RDF and DMAT teams is becoming the norm for deployments

at a FMS, as each team offers a different perspective to clinical care, with the RDF team managing the less acute pa-

tients and the DMAT team assisting with triage and management of more critically ill patients prior to referral.

Throughout deployment, RDF-3 leadership continued to collaborate with the state and local officials, as well as with

the Incident Response Coordination Team (IRCT). The official closure of the FMS was a good example of when open

communication and collaboration among all stakeholders was critical. These collaborations, along with creativity and

flexibility, were important components of the team’s strategy to mitigate on-the-ground logistical challenges such as

lack of sleep, poor array of food choices, and limited personal time. For example, to help blow-off steam, officers im-

plemented team-building activities, such as a bowling game and trifold-dolly racing.

According to CAPT Williams, the Hurricane Sandy deployment was unique compared to other deployments. It was the

first deployment she experienced where they were not located in the midst of destruction. It was also during voting

season, so the Public Information Officer made arrangements so all Officers who needed to vote were able to do so.

If you would like to learn more about Tier 1 teams (e.g. RDFs 1-5), please contact CAPT Williams at HAWilliams@cdc.gov. For information about Tier 2 teams, like the Applied Public Health Teams 1-5, please contact CAPT Mehran Massoudi at MMassoudi@cdc.gov. Officers may also find fact sheets on Tier 1-2 teams at the following website: http://ccrf.hhs.gov/ccrf/current%20teams.htm. Officers not assigned to either Tier 1 or 2 teams are by de-fault members of Tier 3. All Officers are required to know their on-call rotation schedule so that they may be optimal-ly prepared for any deployment.

Left: CAPT Ralph O’Connor and

CAPT Holly Ann Williams

Right: CAPT Ralph O’Connor

speaks about his deployment

experience as a member of RDF-3

during the Hurricane Sandy

Response of November 2012.

ACOA March Lunch & Learn, continued

ACOA—The Signal Page | 21

The workplace is comprised of many people with distinct personalities, styles,

mannerisms, and the like. As USPHS Commissioned Corps Officers, one of our

roles is to interact with people. The motivation for writing this article was my

observation of mean-spiritedness and ill-will exhibited by some leaders

throughout my career as a health care administrator and leader. It is vital that

we, as USPHS Commissioned Corps Officers, work to sharpen our interpersonal

skills, as part of our own professional and personal growth and development.

Some helpful and pragmatic suggestions for leaders:

1. Walk in integrity. Ensure that your words and actions are in sync.

2. Encourage people. Share your knowledge and help people to be the best

that they are capable of becoming.

3. Live with purpose. Find meaning in what you do.

As leaders, people are constantly watching what we say and what we do. Our words are powerful and through our

voice, we can impact the organization in profound ways. Ask yourself: Are your conversations with others healthy,

constructive, and utilized to achieve good outcomes?

Be mindful of your actions. Are they in sync with your words? Are you walking the talk or just talking the talk? If your

words and actions aren’t in sync, then people will be confused by your human spirit and might even question your

integrity. As a leader, do you send mixed messages to people?

It is my heartfelt hope that we, as USPHS Commissioned Corps Officers, create and nurture a work environment

where people don’t feel like they are constantly walking on eggshells when they are at work and are under a tremen-

dous amount of stress, terrified that their human errors will not translate into opportunities for their professional and

personal growth and development.

True leaders create opportunities. There is great value in human interconnectedness that is respectful, gentle, com-

passionate, understanding, supportive, nurturing, and accepting. An interpersonal relationship of this magnitude en-

riches our life and encourages us as we continue our journey on the path towards a calm, clear, and loving state of

consciousness and a secure and vibrant connection with the world.

I am gingerly reminded of expressing heartfelt appreciation each and every day, knowing that having the honor and

privileges of a soulful connection with one person is a true blessing, and that demonstrating respect for the human

spirit in all of us is a good thing. Life affords us numerous opportunities every day to connect with people, to share, to

care, and to make a difference in this world. Yes, each one of us can make a positive difference! Embrace the human

spirit!

Embrace the Human Spirit

CDR Charlene Majersky

ACOA—The Signal Page | 22

Get Wild!

Visit Atlanta’s oldest attraction- Zoo Atlanta! See what started in 1889 as a traveling circus on

the way to Marietta and ran out of money. Situated in historic Grant Park, the Zoo offers $4 off

for up to 6 people with a valid military ID www.zooatlanta.org

Head south of the city and come to face to face with camels, hand feed an American bison, see

elk, water buffalo, and wildebeest! Visit the Wild Animal Safari in Pine Mountain from the

comfort of your own vehicle, or go on a complimentary bus tour lead by an animal safari tour guide. Experience the 5

mile drive-thru and all that it has to offer over 250 acres! Enjoy a $2 military discount with valid ID. http://

www.animalsafari.com/Georgia/

Visit the world’s largest aquarium right here in Atlanta. The Georgia Aquarium features more animals than any other

aquarium in more than ten million gallons of water. They offer a military discount of 20% off the general admission tick-

et to active and retired military personnel and their party. http://www.georgiaaquarium.org/

Get Outside!

Take a 3+ hour tour over 12 ziplines (over one mile of cable), two sky bridges, three nature walks, and zip over three

ponds and over the North Oconee River with North Georgia Canopy Tours. The Adventure Tour concludes with a thrill-

ing finale - a 695-foot dual zip over the Hilltop Pond in front of the Observation Deck! Military Discount — Monday

through Friday (excluding holidays) all active military receive $10 off the price of Adventure Tour. Current military ID

required. http://northgeorgiacanopytours.com/tour_overview.html

Callaway Gardens offers complimentary General Admission and half-price Special Event

Admission (excluding Fantasy In Lights) for up to six people in one vehicle, with valid military ID

(Active Duty or Retired). There are many activities for an active family, including biking trails,

beach and watersports. While you are there you can visit the Cecil B. Day Butterfly Center,

where hundreds of butterflies flutter freely about in one of North America’s largest glass-

enclosed tropical butterfly conservatories. Callaway Gardens also offers military discounts for

golf, tennis, fishing and boating and overnight stays.

http://www.callawaygardens.com/things-to-do/gardens-admission/military

Located on 3,200 acres, Stone Mountain offers many natural and historical sights. Trek through the treetops on

SkyHike®, the nation's largest adventure course or take a cable car to the top of Stone Mountain and get an up-close

look at the Stone Mountain carving of three Confederate soldiers of the Civil War, President Jefferson Davis and

Looking for Things to do This Summer?

LCDR Johanna Gilstrap

(Continued on next page)

ACOA—The Signal Page | 23

Generals Robert E. Lee and Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackson. The entire carved surface measures three-acres, larger than

a football field and Mount Rushmore. On days when all attractions are open, military and their immediate family re-

ceive $3 off regular admission with a current I.D. http://www.stonemountainpark.com/

Get away to Lake Lanier Island beach and waterpark at Lake Lanier Islands Resort. Lake Lanier Island beach has more

than ½ mile of beaches and more than a dozen slides, wet rides and more. Discounts are staggered depending on the

time of day, visit http://www.lakelanierislands.com/lanierworld/lanierworld-tickets to learn more.

The Great Outdoors not your thing?

Visit the High Museum to get your fill of classic and contemporary art. Receive free

admission with valid military ID. This applies to special exhibits as well. www.high.org

Come face-to-face with the world's largest dinosaurs, explore the development of life on

Earth through the landscapes of present-day Georgia, connect with cultures from

around the world, and more as you explore the Fernbank Museum of Natural History.

Active military personnel and dependents are eligible to receive $4 off Value Pass tickets

when presenting a valid military ID at Fernbank's ticket sales counter.

Valid on regularly priced tickets only. Limit 6. Code: Military-C-$4. http://www.fernbankmuseum.org/visit-fernbank/

Learn about and sample Atlanta’s most recognized beverage at The World of Coca- Cola. Admission is complimentary

with valid military ID (note other guests must pay full admission). http://www.worldofcoca-cola.com/

purchasetickets.htm

The Blue Star Museums initiative is a partnership among Blue Star Families, the National

Endowment for the Arts, and more than 1,000 museums across America. First launched in the

summer of 2010, Blue Star Museums once again are offering free admission to active duty

military personnel and their families from Memorial Day, May 27, 2013 through Labor Day,

September 2, 2013. Visit http://www.nea.gov/national/bluestarmuseums/faq.html to see a listing of participating

museums.

Support the Home Team!

Cheer on the Atlanta Braves as they look to win a Division title this year with a revamped roster!

Show valid Military ID and get 2-for-1 Upper Box or Outfield tickets. Offer valid for all games based

on availability. Offer available for ticket purchases at the Turner Field Ticket Windows only.

http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/atl/ticketing/ticket_specials.jsp?affiliateId=17L4I83LE1-

57#discounts_military

Note: Discounts noted are available as of 5/2/2013. Please confirm prices and availability prior to visiting any of these

attractions.

Looking for Things to do This Summer, continued

ACOA—The Signal Page | 24

On Sunday, April 28th, seven ACOA members put on aprons to volunteer in support of Sunday

brunch at Café 458 near Downtown Atlanta.

All proceeds from Café 458, including tips, go directly to support the Atlanta Center for Self

Sufficiency. The Atlanta Center for Self Sufficiency is a non-profit agency whose mission is to

transform lives by helping people experiencing homelessness achieve self-sufficiency through

personalized employment readiness and life stabilization programs (http://atlantacss.org/).

Our team of volunteers had a great time working as servers, hosts, kitchen help, and dishwashers. They also felt a

sense of accomplishment as they served brunch to 50 customers, and helped to raise approximately $600 that will

benefit the activities of the Atlanta Center for Self Sufficiency.

Café 458 is open to the paying public for brunch on Sundays and often hosts special events featuring local chefs. You

can support the Atlanta Center for Self Sufficiency by volunteering on your own, dining at Café 458, or by signing up

for the next ACOA service project at Café 458.

ACOA volunteers are all smiles after a full day of service at Café 458.

ACOA Community Service Project at CAFÉ 458

LCDR Ben Silk and CDR Eric Pevzner

Left to right: LT Victoria Moma, CAPT Edecia Richards, LCDR Cristina Cardemil, CAPT Louisa Chapman, LT Rochelle Ford, CDR Valarie Wilson, and LCDR Benjamin Silk.

ACOA—The Signal Page | 25

On Saturday, April 20 2011, ten Atlanta-based USPHS Officers participated in a build for Habitat for Humanity. Each house is built over seven consecutive Saturdays and ACOA officers participated in “Day 6” of the build. Under the supervision of a Habitat for Humanity house leader, volunteers caulked windows, installed doorknobs, painted, and cleaned debris from 7:30 a.m. until approximately 4:00 p.m. Breakfast was provided and music was heard through-out the day from a nearby park. ACOA plans to continue sponsoring community service activities with Habitat for Humanity. Stay tuned for information regarding the Fall Habitat event. Great job everyone! For more information about Atlanta Habitat for Humanity, visit their website at http://www.atlantahabitat.org/.

ACOA Participates in Helping to Build a House with “Habitat for Humanity!”

LCDR Sylvera Demas and LCDR Tracie Gardner

Front row L to R: LCDR Pilgrim Spikes, CDR Meredith

McMorrow, LCDR Farah Husain, LCDR Sherry Burrer

and LCDR Sylvera Demas

Back row L to R: CAPT Walter Holt, LT Brek Steele, LT

Timothy Cunningham, LCDR Tracie Gardner and

LCDR Benjamin Silk

(Continued on next page)

Left: CDR McMorrow & LCDR Spikes measuring shelving Right: LT Steel painting trim for closets

ACOA—The Signal Page | 26

ACOA Participates in Helping to Build a House, continued

LCDR Gardner painting a wall

LCDR Silk caulking door trim

LCDR Husain caulking trim

CAPT Holt painting door trim

ACOA—The Signal Page | 27

Trees Atlanta (http://treesatlanta.org/)is a nationally recognized citizens group that

protects and improves Atlanta's urban forest by planting, conserving, and educating.

Founded in 1985, Trees Atlanta has planted and distributed more than 88,000 shade

trees and cared for more than 100,000 trees. They have also recruited thousands of volunteers and educated an aver-

age of 2,000 children and adults annually about the importance of urban trees and how to plant and properly care for

them.

On Saturday, March 2, 2013, a cold, cloudy day with snow flurries in the air, seven brave ACOA volunteers and three

family members joined forces with two Trees Atlanta employees and four other volunteers to help plant trees in Me-

chanicsville, GA.

We met in SW Atlanta at 9:00 am. The Trees Atlanta representative went over the tasks of the day and safety tips as

well as a demonstration on how to properly plant the trees. We planted 24 Chinese Fringe and Japanese Snowbell

trees along McDaniel Street between Crumley and Glenn Streets. The trees are not native to Georgia, but both are

non-invasive and well suited for the location. When in bloom, the beautiful white flowers should make the block look

great. The volunteers used axes and shovels to dig holes, removed grass to prevent them from competing with the

trees for nutrients, and used by now, their frozen hands to massage the trees’ root after removing them from the

container. Then, volunteers placed mulch around the trees and watered them. Although it was painfully cold, ACOA

volunteers had fun while learning about tree planting and helping to protect and beautify the Atlanta-area environ-

ment. This was one of two events in which ACOA will collaborate with Trees Atlanta this year and it was certainly a

success.

ACOA Volunteers with Trees Atlanta

LCDR Sylvera Demas

First row L to R: LCDR Kanta Sircar,

Marissa Jefferson (LCDR Kenda Jeffer-

son’s daughter), Cobe Jackson (LCDR

Zanethia Eubanks’ son), CAPT Michele

Pearson, LT Rachael Cook

Second row L to R: LCDR Sylvera De-

mas, Matt Perrine (LCDR Cria Perrine’s

husband), LCDR Cria Perrine, LCDR Zan-

ethia Eubanks, LCDR Kenda Jefferson

(Continued on next page)

ACOA—The Signal Page | 28

ACOA Volunteers with Trees for Atlanta, continued

Left: CAPT Pearson planting a tree

Middle: LCDR Eubanks shoveling dirt to fill up tree

Right: Cobe & Marissa shoveling dirt & digging hole

Left: LCDR Perrine & husband (Matt) planting a tree

Middle: LCDR Jefferson massaging tree root & LT Cook digging

Right: LCDR Demas shoveling while LCDR Sircar holding tree

ACOA—The Signal Page | 29

On behalf of the Atlanta Commissioned Officers Association (ACOA), 25 Officers and their guests volunteered at St.

Francis Table on Saturday, March 9, 2013. Notably, volunteers had come from four different agencies: CDC, FDA,

CMS, and BOP.

St. Francis Table is a soup kitchen located in Downtown Atlanta at the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Atlanta’s

first Catholic Church. St. Francis Table feeds as many as 550 people every Saturday. This non-profit organization re-

ceives some of its food from the Atlanta Community Food Bank where ACOA members also volunteer each year. For

this event, ACOA donated $50 towards packages of sliced meats and cheeses so sandwiches could be made and hand-

ed out as lunch for the homeless. Additionally, some generous Officers also contributed their own money toward

this event.

The kitchen operations began early at 0700 and continued until noon. The ACOA volunteers prepped, setup and

cleaned tables, served soup, bread and beverages, seated guests, packed food, and assisted with clean-up. First time

volunteer to this event, LCDR Johanna Gilstrap, commented that “St. Francis was a wonderful experience. They

were all polite and so grateful to have a warm meal. I will definitely volunteer at St. Francis again!” LCDR Mark Ma-

cyszyn’s 13 year-old son who volunteered with his dad, wrote an article for his Boy Scout troop about his experience

in helping the homeless through St. Francis Table and the ACOA. Overall, everyone had a good experience and would

encourage others to volunteer for this activity next time.

For more information on St. Francis Table please refer to http://www.catholicshrineatlanta.org/

Record Turnout for St. Francis Table in its Third Year

LCDR Kathy Slawson

Right: LCDR Jacinta Smith, CDR Kathy Slawson, LT Nicole

Bell, LCDR Christa Hale; second row: LCDR Elissa Meites,

LCDR Myoshi Meshay Francis, LCDR Letia Boseman, LT

Shauna Mettee; back row: LCDR Mark Macyszyn, LT Erin

Grasso, LCDR Johanna Gilstrap, CAPT Walter Holt. Missing

from photo: LT Rachael Cook.

Left: ACOA Officers, Family & Friends – Great Team!!!

ACOA—The Signal Page | 30

Atlanta COA officers volunteered their time and expertise to serve approximately 170 homeless and underserved

men, women, and children from the greater Atlanta area at a local health fair. The health fair was held in Septem-

ber, October, and December 2012 at New Life Church & Community Center in Decatur, GA. During each of those

months, nine officers from the Bureau of Prisons, Center for Medicaid & Medicare Services, and Centers for Dis-

ease Control and Prevention, dressed proudly in PHS t-shirts, and volunteered their time to provide dental and

blood glucose screenings, dental hygiene and diabetes education, and blood pressure screenings. Officers also

created and provided brochures to the participants containing a listing of low cost or free medical clinics for medi-

cal follow up. The health fair began at 9:00 am and lasted until noon.

The health fair exemplifies the mission and core values of the USPHS Commissioned Corps. The health fair was

created and implemented by LT Sharon Rhynes who stated, “Several research studies have shown that access to

care is an obstacle for many in our country. This is especially true for the homeless population. Therefore, it is

important that we try and eliminate this barrier to health care and health education.”

To address this obstacle, transportation to the health fair was provided for the participants to and from local

homeless shelters. CAPT Alan Peterson said of the event, “This was a great opportunity for us to volunteer and

help those in our community who need it most.” The health fair also allowed the participants the opportunity to

ask questions about the USPHS Commissioned Corps.

Several participants and volunteers expressed their thanks for having the health fair and plans are underway to

make it a recurring event for the community.

Atlanta COA Officers Initiate Community Health Fair for the Homeless and Underserved

LT Sharon C. Rhynes

(Continued on next page)

Left to right: CDR Valarie Wilson, LT Victo-

ria Moma, CAPT Alan Peterson, LT Sharon

Rhynes, LT Jennifer Lind

Right: CDR Valarie Wilson

performing a dental screen-

ing during the health fair

ACOA—The Signal Page | 31

Atlanta COA Officers Initiate Community Health Fair, continued

Above: CAPT Alan Peterson providing a dental

screening

Left: CDR Crystal Hughley and LT Sharon Rhynes

providing diabetes screening

Left: LT Rochelle Ford providing dental hygiene education

Left: LT Victoria Moma providing dental hygiene

education

Below: CDR Wanza Bacon providing blood pressure

screening

ACOA—The Signal Page | 32

ACOA Members “Leading the PAC”

Reporter: LCDR Letia A. Boseman

ACOA is proud to highlight the service and leadership of two of its members, CDR Karen Sicard and CDR Ali Danner,

who are literally leading the PAC. CDR Karen Sicard was the Health Services Professional Advisory Committee (HS-

PAC) chair for 2012 and CDR Ali Danner is the 2013 HS-PAC chair. Currently, both Officers are assigned to the Centers

for Disease for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health

Promotion (NCCDPHP).

This spring, I conducted an interview with CDR Sicard and CDR Danner and gathered information about their roles,

goals, and accomplishments as past and present chair of the HS-PAC. Also, for you aspiring PAC chairs, I got some

words of wisdom from the CDRs on how to prepare for this high profile leadership role.

The questions and answers from my interviews with CDRs Sicard and Danner are the following:

1. What were your accomplishments as the 2012 HS-PAC Chair? CDR Sicard:

Some accomplishments included: passing and implementation of the PAC Standard Operating Proce-dures, revising the CV format reducing redundancies, implementing the new billet system, and increasing the collaboration between Professional Advisory Groups (PAGs) and the Professional Advisory Committee (PAC).

2. What are you goals for HS-PAC in 2013?

CDR Danner:

Maintain a high-level of support for PHS Officers’ career development, promotions, officership activities , and for the Officer-experience in the PHS.

Advise, support and provide input to the Chief Professional Officer on HSO specific and PHS-wide issue. Provide guidance and empower the HS-PAC subcommittee chairs to maximize their committee’s effective-

ness and impact on current activities and the PAC’s future.

Left: CDR Karen Sicard

Right: CDR Ali Danner

(Continued on next page)

ACOA—The Signal Page | 33

3. What are you most proud of as you look back on the past year?

CDR Sicard:

The Officers I serve with who continue to dedicate countless hours to the cause without expectation of acknowledgement or compensation.

4. What prepared you for the role of HS-PAC Chair?

CDR Sicard:

In my opinion, nothing really prepares you for the role of PAC Chair. It is a very large undertaking. I rec-ommend to just do your best and continue to move forward.

Tips for aspiring PAC chairs: Being PAC Chair is a position of advocacy and service. Be active in the PAC and PAG subcom-

mittees, do not step up if you do not have the time to follow through and contribute, keep a posi-tive attitude and put others first.

Continue to seek out roles and responsibilities with progressive responsibility and strive to lead by example.

CDR Ali Danner:

My progression from committee participation and voting member to increased leadership roles in the lo-cal ACOA, PAG, and HS-PAC. I served in roles that allowed me to chair career development sub-committees at ACOA and the HS-PAC level as well as providing career development presentations and training at three PHS conferences.

Tips for aspiring PAC Chairs’ success: Volunteer at different national and local levels and progressively increase your role to a leader-

ship position Make sure to balance and prioritize primary agency and PHS Officership activities (Don’t forget

your agency duties) 5. What are some of the challenges of serving as a PAC chair?

CDR Sicard:

The same as most other officers – the constantly changing dynamics of the Corps and the balancing of Agency responsibilities, commitments to the USPHS and home life.

CDR Danner:

Balancing responsibilities of my agency assignment, PHS officership and leadership roles, family and other activities and responsibilities

In their closing thoughts CDR Danner and CDR Sicard shared that they communicate with each other regularly, assist

each other with PAC activities, and use each other as “sounding boards” to test and brainstorm new ideas and ways

to advance the HS-PAC and ensure its success now and in the future. Both leaders echoed the statement, “We are all

in this together.”

Stay tuned for interviews in the fall newsletter with CDR Lisa Delaney, Environmental

PAC Chair and CDR Ryan Novak, Scientist PAC chair.

ACOA—The Signal Page | 34

The Atlanta Commissioned Officers Association (ACOA) unveiled its

exciting new logo at the ACOA Anchor and Caduceus Dinner on Febru-

ary 2, 2013. The 2012 ACOA Executive Committee selected Ian Ransley,

of Ian Ransley Design & Illustration, after reviewing various bids and

portfolios which were submitted by a number of graphic designers and

firms.

ACOA’s Communications Committee had been interested in developing

a logo as part of their “branding” initiative to increase visibility and

awareness about the ACOA. To aid in this effort, the co-chairs launched

a collaborative effort, called the ACOA Logo Subcommittee. After Mr.

Ransley was selected to design the logo, the subcommittee provided

him with background materials about ACOA, the USPHS Commissioned

Corps, Atlanta, Georgia, and examples of existing logos they liked. The

creativity began to flow. Although only obligated to produce three

designs, Mr. Ransley was dedicated and kind enough to create almost

20 ACOA logos for the subcommittee to consider.

The subcommittee narrowed the choices, and after Mr. Ransley revised the logos in response to subcommittee feed-

back, the top three choices were presented to ACOA members for a vote. The winning logo, shown below, is a mod-

ernized anchor and caduceus contained within the shape of the state of Georgia. The star represents the location of

Atlanta, and the blue and gold colors are in keeping with the colors associated with the US Public Health Service.

Capping it off, at the bottom of the logo are the ACOA abbreviation and its defined name. We are proud of our new

logo, and are excited to have this new, unique image to help promote the visibility and awareness of ACOA. New

items, like the ACOA challenge coin and ACOA grey t-shirt, contain this logo. You, too, can help support ACOA!

Special thanks to the 2012 ACOA Executive Committee, the ACOA Logo Subcom-

mittee (LCDRs Shane Davis, Deborah Dee, Jamie Mutter, and LT Chris Fletcher),

CAPT Bruce Tierney, and LT Erin Grasso for their assistance in development of

the new ACOA logo.

New ACOA Logo!

LCDR Deborah Dee

35 | P a g e

The Signal

ACOA Store Get Your PHS Pride Items!

Note: Prices included above are for non-ACOA members. ACOA members receive a discount on items priced more than $10. Please contact CAPT Tierney with any questions.