Uniformed Services University 

of the Health Sciences 

WWW.USUHS.MIL APRIL 3, 2006 

USU Newsletter 

VOLUME 1,ISSUE 16 

In This Issue 

Open Door Policy....................2 

American Indian Heritage......2 

Web Site Re-design................3 

Building E Update...................3 

USU’s Experts List..............4-5 

Student/Faculty News............6 

Look Who’s Talking.............7 

News Briefs..........................7 

General Counsel guidance....7 

Calendar of Events..........Back

Uniformed Services University 

of the Health Sciences 

WWW.USUHS.MIL NOV. 27,2006 

 Although the first Uniformed 

Services University of the Health 

Sciences’ (USU) Integration All 

Hands Town Hall meeting was 

held just two days before the 

Thanksgiving holiday, the team 

managed to keep the talk away 

from turkey, dressing and side 

dishes. The team addressed more 

important topics such as the university’s role in the integration of 

the Walter Reed National Military 

Medical Center (WRNMMC). 

 The town hall meeting was 

held Nov. 21 to discuss what has 

been accomplished over the past 

18 months; the role the university 

will play in the integration of 

WRNMMC; and how that integration will provide an opportunity 

for the university to become known as a 

world-class academic health center. 

 A panel, which consisted of Dr. Charles 

Rice, USU president, Col. Tom Fitzpatrick, director, Office of Integration, Dr. Louis Pangaro, 

vice chair, Educational Programs, Dept. of 

Medicine, and Dr. Vernon Schinski, special 

assistant to the USU president, gave background information on the Base Realignment 

and Closure (BRAC)/Integration plan before 

taking questions from a crowded cafeteria of 

faculty and staff. 

 Concerns in the areas of graduate educaAll Hands Town Hall meeting 

By Tech. Sgt. Andre Nicholson 

NCOIC, Office of External Affairs 

 Colleen Conway-Welch, Ph.D., was sworn in as the new USU Board of Regents (BOR) member Nov. 13 by Everett Alvarez, Jr., J.D., chair of the BOR. Dr. Conway-Welch of Nashville, 

Tenn., was appointed to a six-year term on the board which consists of nine members appointed by President George W. Bush. The board members serve as advisors to the USU President Dr. Charles. L. Rice, and the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs Dr. William 

Winkenwerder, Jr. 

Meet USU’s new BOR Member Photo by Tom Balfour 

Dr. Charles L. Rice, USU president (podium); Col. Tom Fitzpatrick, 

director, Office of Integration (uniform); Dr. Louis Panagaro, vice 

chair, Educational Programs, Dept. of Medicine; and Dr. Vernon 

Schinski, special assistant to the USU president, address questions from the audience during the first Integration All Hands 

Town Hall meeting Nov. 21. 

Photo by HM2 Michael Oliver 

See TOWN HALL, page 6 
Dr. Rice announces university 

reorganization

USU Newsletter 

Editorial Staff 

Carol R. Scheman 

Vice President for 

External Affairs and 

Managing Editor 

Tech. Sgt. 

André Nicholson 

Editor 

Mass Communications 

Specialist 2nd Class 

Kory Kepner 

Assistant Editor 

Mass Communications 

Specialist 

Seaman 

Raul Zamora 

Staff Writer 

 

Mass Communications 

Specialist 

Seaman Apprentice 

Jeffrey Hopkins 

Staff Writer 

 

Sharon Willis 

Director 

Alumni Affairs and 

Contributing Writer 

Marla Wright 

Webmaster 

Publishing 

USU Duplicating Office

Production: 

Editorial content is 

edited, prepared and 

provided by the USU 

Office of External Affairs unless otherwise 

indicated. The Newsletter staff may include 

or exclude articles 

based upon news 

value, impact on the 

university and space 

availability. 

Submissions: 

The USU Newsletter 

will be published biweekly on Mondays 

and deadline for submission is Friday at 4 

p.m. Submissions can 

be sent to usunewsletter@usuhs.mil or call 

301-295-3925. 

News 

PAGE 2 

 As president of the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, one of my most important duties is to promote the best possible workplace for everyone. Enjoying our jobs is an important aspect of our lives. In addition, we should also 

have the comfort of knowing that we work in a 

safe, secure and ethical environment. 

 Every person, regardless of position, shares in 

the responsibility of promoting a positive environment. To help keep me informed of matters that 

concern our staff, faculty, and students, we have 

the President’s Open Door Program. This program 

enhances communication and empowers you to 

promote safety, security and ethical behavior. In a 

way, this program is much like the old suggestion 

box, except it allows us to do much more while 

protecting your anonymity at the same time. 

 Since the program’s launch in January 2006, I 

have received 45 reports that have alerted me to 

areas of concern in the university. It also has allowed me to answer questions for those who are 

concerned with university operations. Your input 

is essential to ensure that we maintain a positive, 

productive workplace. 

 Perhaps you aren't sure why we do things a 

certain way, or you would like some clarification 

on an issue. Using the President’s Open Door Program is one way to do that. I would like positive 

comments on things that we are doing well or that 

could be improved. You have my promise that all 

reports will be reviewed and responded to appropriately. 

Charles L. Rice, M.D., President, USU 

Dr. Rice’s Open Door Program 

 The Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USU) 

observed American Indian Heritage Month Nov. 21, with a presentation in the cafeteria. 

 This year’s theme is, “A Warrior’s Tradition: Contributing to 

out Nation’s Freedom.” 

 The presentation began with a 

traditional American Indian 

prayer recited by Chaplain Lt. 

Cmdr. Timothy J. Janning, followed by a speech from the keynote speaker, Rear Adm. Charles 

W. Grim, D.D.S., a Presidentially 

appointed assistant surgeon general and director of the Indian 

Health Service (IHS). 

 Admiral Grim spoke about the 

Indian people’s devotion to duty, 

tradition, heritage, and their loyalty to this country, remarking 

that a large portion of Native 

Americans serve in America’s 

armed forces. Admiral Grim noted 

that “they’ve protected our homeland in every war this country has 

ever been in.” 

 “The census bureau reports 

that there are currently more than 

170,000 Native American veterans, from a population of about 

2.5 million, which illustrates the 

fact that Native Americans serve 

in the military at higher per capita 

rates than any other group,” Admiral Grim said. 

 The admiral went on to identify several famous Native American service members throughout 

history, such as the “Navajo CodeTalkers” of World War II, Ira Hayes, 

a Pima Indian and one of the Marines who raised the flag on Iwo 

Jima, and more recently, Sgt. Lucas T. White, an Umatilla Indian 

who was killed in Iraq and buried 

in Arlington National Cemetery. 

 Admiral Grim said that 70 percent of the IHS workforce is 

made up of American Indians 

and Alaskan Natives who wish 

to serve their country and communities, as well as aid in the 

health and wellbeing of their 

people. 

 “In American Indian and Alaskan Native communities, a warrior is defined as someone who 

cares deeply for the best interests of their family, their home, 

and their tribe. We have a lot of 

warriors who serve with us in 

IHS,” Admiral Grim said. 

 “The goal of our organization 

is to raise the physical, mental, 

social and spiritual health of the 

Indian people to the highest level 

possible,” he said. 

 Sometimes Native Americans 

are asked by non-Indian people 

why Native Americans serve in 

such great numbers with the 

great number of injustices dealt to 

them from other people in this 

country. 

 “You ask a modern day warrior 

that question, and usually very 

brief, very respectful, and very 

telling, they will reply, ‘Because it’s 

our country too,’” Admiral Grim 

said. 

 Admiral Grim is a member of 

the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma. He was appointed by President George W. Bush as the Interim Director in August 2002, 

and is also the vice-chair of the 

Secretary’s Intra-departmental 

Council on Native Americans Affairs. 

Contributing 

to our 

Nation’s 

Freedom 

By MCSA Jeffrey Hopkins 

Staff Writer, VPE 

Rear Adm. Charles Grim, a member of the Cherokee Nation of 

Oklahoma, speaks to USU about 

the importance of Native Americans in the military. 

Photo by MCSN Raul Zamora 
PAGE 3 

News 

 This report provides an overview of the university, and 

highlights our many contributions to military medicine and 

public health. Military health care continues to make great 

advances and USU plays a critical role by educating the 

next generation of military medical and public health leaders, researchers and clinicians. From protecting against 

deadly diseases to improve disaster response, our uniformed service personnel are advancing health care for 

service members and civilians worldwide. 

USU Issues 

2006 Report 

Photo by Tech. Sgt. Andre Nicholson 

 Excavation has begun for Building E. As of Nov. 8,18 percent of 

approximately 9,000 cubic yards of soil has been excavated (140 dump 

truck loads out of approximately 800). Sheeting and shoring will start 

shortly to be followed by more excavation and drilling for caissons. 

While all of these activities are exciting for those who have been waiting a long time for new construction on the USU campus, at the same 

time, inconveniences from noise, traffic and dirt will result. 

 The contractors have promised a good faith effort to coordinate 

with the university so that the impact of construction on students and 

staff alike will be kept to a minimum. However, because of both monetary and time constraints, construction must move forward and we ask 

for your patience and support between now and the Spring of 2008. 

 The USU divisions and activities responsible for coordinating teaching and testing schedules will be closely monitoring the situation in 

order to minimize disruptions; safety and parking notices will be provided to avoid injury and loss of time. Coordination with NNMC and 

Navy Facilities Washington will focus on adhering to all schedules, 

budget, and planning requirements; however, the weather and other 

events beyond our control will be constantly in play. Again, your patience and understanding are essential. 

 We expect that once Building E is complete, we will look back on all 

of the disruptions and frustration with mixed feelings. However, there 

is no doubt that the university requires the classroom, office, and program space that Building E will provide. We will get through this together. Thank you for your support and patience, we will ensure that 

the USU community is kept informed on the work progress. 

By Mary Dix 

Special Assistant to the USU President 

Building E Update 

 The Uniformed Services University of the 

Health Sciences’ (USU) Website is undergoing 

a re-design in order to keep up with the university’s branding initiative. Content will be 

updated and the site will be easier for visitors 

to navigate. 

 “In the summer of 2005, Dr. Charles L. Rice 

requested a revision of the (USU Website) 

site, and a team was quickly put together,” 

said Marla Wright, USU Webmaster. “This 

team included myself, Nancy Morell, Raoul 

Pop, Sofia del Castillo and Tech. Sgt. Andre 

Nicholson. The group worked to revise the 

design and some major navigational issues, 

but that work was not intended to address all 

content issues.” 

 Ms. Wright said that the result is the current USU Website. The current site, which 

started the USU branding initiative, follows a 

"3-column layout" added a dynamic menu to 

the home page, and so far the feedback has 

been great. 

 The USU community and visitors come to 

the university’s Website for information, and 

the Website needs to address serious content 

issues, Ms. Wright said. This has led the Website re-design team to embark on a long-term 

project to revise the USU Website, including 

all content. Those involved in the current 

Website re-design are Ms. Wright, Donna 

Solyan, Erica Pirrung, Frank Duffy and Patrice 

Bolte. Input and ideas gathered from people 

within the USU community will also be incorporated into the Website. 

 “This team began planning in the spring of 

2006, and made its first presentation of content layout to Dr. Rice in October,” Ms. Wright 

said. “This is by far the most comprehensive 

effort yet. No other revision has addressed all 

aspects of the USU site. It is expected that 

this effort will take somewhere between sixto-nine months as the editors will need to 

work closely with each department, school 

and center.” 

 The Website re-design affects the entire 

USU community as well as visitors to the site. 

Feedback about the re-design has been both 

good and bad and the redesign team hopes 

that the constructive criticism and suggestions will continue. 

 ”The USU Website should reflect the university as a community, and should address 

the needs of that community as well as our 

visitors,” Ms. Wright said. 

 As is true for all good Websites, the USU 

Website will be continuously updated in order to stay current. 

 “The first re-design that I was involved in 

was in 2001, Ms. Wright said. “That team 

addressed all ‘core’ pages and spent a great 

deal of time working on the home page. The 

next re-design was in 2003, and was the first 

time I was able to fully participate. With each 

new design, more thought was put into presenting the university with one look, however at that time it was felt that doing so may 

be too restrictive for the various content developers at the university. Dr. James Zimble 

(President Emeritus) was very interested in 

the "branding" of the university and a simple 

template and some standard web images 

were introduced at that time. A search feature was also added to the Website for the 

first time. As the re-design of the Website 

moves forward we will be looking to all 

schools and departments for ideas. 

By MC2 Kory Kepner 

Assistant Editor, VPE 

Website re-designed 
Academic Health Centers/Military Medicine/Nursing/ Biochemical 

Science

Dr. Larry Laughlin 

School of Medicine 

Dr. Patricia Hinton Walker and Dr. Christine Kasper 

Graduate School of Nursing

Advanced Practice Nursing Practice and Research Issues in the Military/Federal Health System

Dr. Patricia Hinton Walker 

Graduate School of Nursing

Advanced Prothesis

Dr. Geoffrey Ling 

Neurology 

Amputation Research and Rehabilitation

Dr. Patricia Deuster 

Military & Emergency Medicine

Avian Flu and Respiratory Disease

CAPT Gerry Quinnan 

Preventive Medicine and Biometrics

Biostatics

Dr. David Cruess, Dr. DeChang Chen, Dr. Tzu-Cheng Kao, Ms. Cara 

Olsen, Dr. Douglas Tang 

 Preventive Medicine and Biometrics 

Brigade

CAPT John Rumbaugh 

USU Brigade

Cancer Incidence in Military Populations

Dr. Galen Barbour 

Preventive Medicine and Biometrics 

Dr. John Potter 

U.S. Military Cancer Institute 

Chemical, Biological, Nuclear Incidents: Education

CMDR Margaret Calloway 

School of Medicine

Combat Medicine/Casualty Care

Dr. David Burris 

Department of Surgery

Competency-Based Education

Dr. Patricia Hinton Walker 

Graduate School of Nursing

Cost and Quality Outcomes

Dr. Patricia Hinton Walker 

Graduate School of Nursing

Dengue Fever

Dr. Larry Laughlin 

School of Medicine

Depleted Uranium

Dr. Terry Pellmar 

Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute

Deployment Issues

COL Charles Beadling 

Military & Emergency Medicine

Deployment: Families, Women

CMDR Rene Hernandez 

Military & Emergency Medicine

Deployment Psychology

David Riggs 

Center for Deployment Psychology

Disaster, Terrorism, Natural Catastrophes

CAPT Trueman Sharp and Col. Charles Beadling 

Military & Emergency Medicine

Distance Learning

Dr. Patricia Hinton Walker and Dr. Diane Seibert 

Graduate School of Nursing

Education Opportunities in the Military

CAPT Cynthia Macri 

Recruitment and Diversity

Educating Military and Public Health Physicians, Nurses and Scientists

Dr. Diane Seibert and Dr. Patricia Hinton Walker 

Graduate School of Nursing

Col. Dana Bradshaw 

Preventive Medicine and Biometrics 

Educating Military and Public Health Physicians, Nurses and Scientists: Mechanics

Dr. Diane Seibert 

Graduate School of Nursing

Educating Military and Public Health Physicians, Nurses and Scientists: Curriculum

Dr. Patricia Hinton Walker and Dr. Diane Seibert 

Graduate School of Nursing

Electrodiagnostic Medicine and Neuromuscular Disease

COL William Campbell 

Neurology

Emerging Infectious Disease

Dr. Chris Broder 

Microbiology

CAPT Gerry Quinnan 

Preventive Medicine and Biometrics

Humanitarian Efforts/Response

CAPT Trueman Sharp and Col. Charles Beadling 

Military & Emergency Medicine

Integrating Genetics into NP Curriculum

Dr. Diane Seibert 

Graduate School of Nursing

Laser Therapy

Dr. Juanita Anders 

Anatomy, Physiology and Genetics

Learning Engagements

Dr. Diane Seibert 

Graduate School of Nursing 

Malaria and Other Tropical Diseases

COL Lisa Keep 

Preventive Medicine and Biometrics

The Office of External Affairs (OEA) serves as a liaison to assist members of the media in contacting academic experts at the Uniformed 

Services University of the Health Sciences. The list below will help the media identify the subject matter expert (SME) in a specific area. 

In order for the list to remain current, it will require constant review and updating. We ask anyone who wishes to be listed as a SME to 

contact OEA. All media calls will be routed to OEA. and we ask that as the SME, you be willing to speak to media if inquiries arise. For 

more information on any subject at USU, please contact the Office of External Affairs by e-mail at vpe@usuhs.mil or by phone at (301) 

295-9475. 

USU’s Subject Matter Experts List 

PAGE 4 
PAGE 5 

 

 

 

COL Naomi Aronson 

Medicine, Directory Div. Info. Dis.

Medical Effects of WMD (For Rad/Nuc)

COL William Dickerson 

Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute

Medical Effects of WMD: Education

CMDR Margaret Calloway 

School of Medicine

Medical Ethics

 J.E. Baker and Jason Karr 

Office of General Counsel

Migraine/Headache

Dr. Ann I. Scher 

Preventive Medicine and Biometrics 

Military and Emergency Medicine

CAPT Trueman Sharp 

Military & Emergency Medicine

Military Medical Exercises

CAPT Trueman Sharp 

Military & Emergency Medicine

Military Medical History

Dr. Dale C. Smith 

Medical History

Military Medical Illness and Patient Visits

Dr. Galen Barbour 

Preventive Medicine and Biometrics

Military Medical Students

Dr. Richard MacDonald and COL John McManigle 

Office of Student Affairs 

Military Nursing Students

COL Linda Wanzer, Dr. Diane Seibert and Dr. Patricia Hinton Walker 

Graduate School of Nursing

Mililtary Training Network

Lt. Col. Albert Moran 

Continuing Health Education

Neuroepidemiology

Dr. Ann I. Scher 

Preventive Medicine and Biometrics

Neuroscience and Neuromuscular Research/Disease

Col. William Campbell 

Neurology

Dr. Regina Armstrong 

Anatomy, Physiology and Genetics

Dr. Christine Kasper 

Graduate School of Nursing 

Nuclear Incidents/Nuclear Weapons Effects

COL John Mercier 

Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute

Nurse Anesthetists

Lt Col Adrienne Hartgerink 

Graduate School of Nursing

Nurse Practitioner Curriculum Development

Dr. Diane Seibert 

Graduate School of Nursing

Occupational Medicine

CMDR Francesca Litow 

Preventive Medicine and Biometrics 

Outcomes Research

Dr. Patricia Hinton Walker 

Graduate School of Nursing 

Patient Safety Issues

Dr. Eric Marks 

Department of Medicine

Dr. Patricia Hinton Walker 

Graduate School of Nursing

Col. Dana Bradshaw 

Preventive Medicine and Biometrics

Patient Safety Issues - related to the Perioperative Environment

COL Linda Wanzer 

Graduate School of Nursing

Perioperative Nursing - Clinical Nurse Specialist

COL Linda Wanzer 

Graduate School of Nursing 

Primary Care Genetics

Dr. Diane Seibert 

Graduate School of Nursing

Population Health

Dr. Patricia Hinton Walker 

Graduate School of Nursing 

Col. Dana Bradshaw 

Preventive Medicine and Biometrics 

Post Graduate Nursing

 Dr. Diane Seibert 

Graduate School of Nursing

Practice-based Research for Advanced Practice Nurses in Military/

Federal Health System

Dr. Patricia Hinton Walker 

Graduate School of Nursing 

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder/Stress

Dr. Robert Ursano 

Psychiatry

Public Health (Responses to Disasters, Terrorism, Natural Catastrophes)

CAPT Trueman Sharp 

Military & Emergency Medicine

CAPT Gerry Quinnan and Col. Dana Bradshaw 

Preventive Medicine and Biometrics

Dr. Patricia Hinton Walker 

Graduate School of Nursing

Radiation Countermeasures

Dr. Terry Pellmar 

Armed Forces Radiobiology 

 Research Institute

Radiological Issues

Dr. James Smirniotopoulos 

Radiology

COL William Dickerson 

Armed Forces Radiobiology 

 Research Institute

Rehabilitation Research

Dr. Patricia Deuster 

Military & Emergency Medicine

Simulation

CAPT Joseph Loprieato 

Pediatrics

Dr. Diane Seibert, Dr. Patricia Hinton Walker, Lt Col Adrienne Hartgerink and Lt Col Kevin Bohan 

Graduate School of Nursing

Spinal Cord/Column Injury

COL Geoffrey Ling and Dr. Jack Tsao 

Neurology

Technology Transfer

J.E. Baker and Brad Beall 

Office of General Counsel

Traumatic Brain Injury

COL Geoffrey Ling 
PAGE 6 

News 

Student News 

CNS students collaborate on 

groundbreaking reporting errors

 A collaborative project between 

USU’s Graduate School of Nursing 

Perioperative Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) program and US Pharmacopeia (USP) was the first of its kind 

using data from MEDMARX (the 

world’s largest medication error 

reporting program) to look at 

medication errors across an entire 

clinical continuum of care. The 

Perioperative CNS scholars and 

practitioners were asked by USP to 

participate in this project as a 

means to utilize their clinical expertise and critical thinking skills to 

analyze a seven year data set from 

MEDMARX as it relates to errors 

across the perioperative arena and 

within varied populations groups 

(overall population, pediatrics and 

geriatrics). In doing so they provided the analysis, interpretation 

and recommendations with the 

potential to impact practice, education, and research that could ultimately improve the quality and 

safety of perioperative patient care. 

USP chose to collaborate with USU 

and their Perioperative CNS students because of their unique 

standing as the only truly Perioperative CNS program in the 

country (a program that integrates 

advanced perioperative knowledge within all courses taught 

within the program). 

 This report reflects the culmination of work from three Perioperative CNS classes (Class of 2005, 

2006 and 2007) and will be published as a national white paper 

report (supported by leading professional organizations) to focus 

national attention on medication 

errors as well as to provide recommendations and patient safety 

solutions aimed at improving medication safety in the perioperative 

setting. Release date for the report 

is not known at this time. 

 

Faculty News 

Department of Radiology 

appointment 

 On Dec. 15, 2006, Army Lt. Col. 

Angela Levy will formally join the 

Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, here at 

USU. She will be filling the currently vacant Army Radiologist 

position. Dr. Levy comes to us from 

the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology, where she has been both 

chair and registrar of RadiologicPathology. Dr. Levy is already a 

non-billeted associate professor of 

Radiology at USU, and she has had 

a stellar academic career in Gastrointestinal Radiology. 

Student, 

Faculty News 

Neurology

Dr. Deb Warden 

Walter Reed Army Medical Center

Trauma

Dr. David Burris 

Department of Surgery

Tuition Free Health Professional Education

CAPT Cynthia Marci 

Recruitment and Diversity

USU Alumni

Sharon Willis 

Office of External Affairs

Viral Disease

Dr. Chris Broder 

Microbiology

CAPT Gerry Quinnan 

Preventive Medicine and Biometrics

Women's Health

Dr. Diane Seibert 

Graduate School of Nursing

Women's Health in Deployed Environments

Dr. Diane Seibert 

Graduate School of Nursing 

Wound Management

Dr. David Burris 

Department of Surgery 

Subject Matter Experts List Continued 

tion and research just to name a few, were addressed 

by Dr. Rice as issues being considered in the whole 

integration process. Along with interjections from 

other panel members, Dr. Rice answered questions 

about the academic faculty’s integration with the clinician appointments at the new WRNMMC; who will be 

ultimately responsible for graduate medical education 

in the national capital area (NCA); and the potential 

traffic increase on Wisconsin Avenue and the beltway 

due to an increase in patient care at the new treatment facility. 

 As an example of positive progress toward integration, it was reported that the BRAC business plan for 

construction was doubled to $1.5 billion. The plan 

includes about 800,000 square feet of new or totally 

renovated space on the grounds currently occupied 

National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda. USU remains at the center of the vision and goal to become a 

world-class academic health center. As such, the 

WRNMMC will serve as military medicine’s major referral center. 

 Colonel Fitzpatrick shared the Integration Team’s 

Vision which highlighted WRNMMC and USU as the 

core of an integrated health system. 

 “This is a very exciting time for USU and military 

medicine,” Dr. Rice said. “We have a good blue print 

for the future.” 

 Future bi-monthly meetings are currently in the 

planning stage. For more information about Integration visit: http://www.usuhs.mil/usuhs/brac/SABI.htm. 

TOWN HALL, Continued from page 1 
Briefs 

“Take advantage of all of the resources around USU, for example 

the bookstore’s reference books, 

and the knowledge of the previous 

students. That information comes 

in pretty handy.” 

“As a new student 

spouse, hang in 

there, it gets better 

every year.” 

Look Who’s Talking... What advice would you give some one new to USU?

Leeann Ori and Tarrah Belli 

USU Book Store 

Kristen Brown 

VPE 

 As the holidays draw closer, it is important to remember the restrictions placed 

on federal employees on giving and receiving gifts in the workplace. 

 18 U.S.C. 201, a criminal statute, prohibits government employees from seeking, 

accepting, or agreeing to receive or accept 

anything of value from a source other 

than the government, in return for an official act, even if the offer is made after the 

act was done. This prohibition does not 

include: 

 (1) Modest items of food and refreshments, such as soft drinks, coffee and 

donuts, offered other than as part of a 

meal; 

 (2) Greeting cards and items with little 

intrinsic value, such as plaques, certificates, 

and trophies, which are intended solely for 

presentation; 

 (3) Opportunities and benefits, including favorable rates and commercial discounts, available to the public or to a class 

consisting of all Government employees or 

all uniformed military personnel, whether 

or not restricted on the basis of geographic considerations; 

 (4) Rewards and prizes given to competitors in contests or events, including 

random drawings, open to the public 

unless the employee's entry into the contest or event is required as part of his official duties. 

 An employee may accept unsolicited 

gifts (even from contractors or people 

seeking goods/services from the government) having an aggregate market value 

of $20 or less per occasion, provided that 

the aggregate market value of individual 

gifts received from any one person under 

the authority of this paragraph shall not 

exceed $50 in a calendar year. 

 This exception does not apply to gifts of 

cash or “cash equivalents” such as gift certificates, gift cards or other items with a 

specific cash value. Naturally, there are no 

restrictions on gifts from friends and family. 

 When dealing with gifts from patients 

or their families, USU health care providers 

should follow the guidelines of the facility 

in which they see the patient, but in no 

case should a gift exceed a value of $20 

(nor should it include cash equivalents). 

Health care providers must be sensitive to 

the possible appearance of favoritism that 

accepting a gift may create. 

Gifts between employees 

 On an occasional basis, including any 

occasion on which gifts are traditionally 

given or exchanged, a superior may accept from a subordinate (or other employee receiving less pay) items, other 

than cash, with an aggregate market value 

of $10 or less per occasion and items such 

as food and refreshments to be shared in 

the office among several employees. 

 Should you have any questions please 

contact Mr. Jason Kaar, associate general 

counsel, at (301) 295-3028. 

PAGE 7 

Gifts in the 

workplace 

CFC 5K Fun Run/Chili Cook-Off: 

 There will be a CFC 5K Fun Run/Chili Cook-off beginning in 

the Bldg C Lobby Dec. 1, at 11:30 a.m. for the 5K Fun Run, followed by the Chili Cook-off at noon in front of the USU flagpole 

outside of Sanford Auditorium. Suggested donations for the run 

are $25 for officers, $20 for civilians, and $15 for enlisted. There 

is also a $3 suggested donation for the chili-tasting. Prizes will be 

awarded to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place for all events. For more info, 

contact Staff Sgt. Witter, U.S. Air Force (AVC); HM2 Charles, U.S. 

Navy (EHS); Tech. Sgt Beach, U.S. Air Force (AFRRI); or 2nd LT. 

Legault, U.S. Army (SOM). 

USU Holiday Party 

 The annual USU Holiday Party will be held Dec. 6, from 11:30 

a.m. – 4 p.m. in the USU Dining Facility. Tickets will be on sale 

until Dec. 1, for $2/person and may be purchased from Melissa 

Martin in room A1040B or April Broussard in room C1020. Supervisors are encouraged to allow personnel time to attend the 

festivities, provided it does not detract from mission accomplishment. There will be great food, door prizes, and games for the 

kids. All are encouraged to attend this annual event. 

Alumni Reunion Weekend 

 The university will celebrate Alumni Reunion Weekend Dec. 1-

3. While the primary focus is on the classes of 1981, 1986, 1991, 

1996, and 2001, we welcome all alumni as well as faculty, staff 

and students at the weekend’s events. 

 For specific information, or to register for any of the events, 

please visit: http://www.usuhs.mil/alumni/

reunionregistration.html or contact Kristen Brown, Office of 

Alumni Affairs, at (301) 295-9577 or by email at 

kbrown@usuhs.mil. 

News Briefs 

Courtesy of the Office of General Counsel 
USU Calendar of Events 

27 28 29 

Neuroscience 

Seminar 

 3:30p.m. 

Lecture Room A 

LRC Training Class

End Note 

Advanced 

Noon – 1p.m.

30 1 

USU annual Alumni 

Reunion Weekend Class 

of 2006, 

honoring the classes of 

1981, 1986, 1991, 

1996, and 2001. 

Washington, D.C., 

metro area 

and 

USU Campus 

2 

USU annual Alumni 

Reunion Weekend 

Class of 2006, 

honoring the classes of 

1981, 1986, 1991, 

1996, and 2001. 

Washington, D.C., 

metro area 

and 

USU Campus 

3 

USU annual Alumni 

Reunion Weekend 

Class of 2006, 

honoring the classes of 

1981, 1986, 1991, 

1996, and 2001. 

Washington, D.C., 

metro area 

and 

USU Campus 

4 5 6 

USU Holiday 

Gathering 

11:30a.m. - 4p.m. 

Cafeteria 

7 8 9 

10 11 12 13 

USU Toastmasters 

Meeting 

Noon -1p.m 

AFRRI Small 

Conference Room 

14 

Eighteenth Annual 

Academic Collegium 

11:45a.m. 

Sanford Auditorium 

15 16 

17 18 19 20 

USU Toastmasters 

Meeting 

Noon -1p.m 

USU Room A 2011 

21 22 

LRC 

Early Closure 

7 a.m.—3:30 p.m. 

23 

LRC Closed 

December

November