USU Newsletter

VOLUME 4, ISSUE 18 WWW.USUHS.MIL November 9, 2009
USU Newsletter

by Staff Sgt. Matthew Rosine 

The USU recently named two of its 

outstanding civilians as the Junior and 

Senior Employees of the Quarter.

James Bruce, a financial technician with 

the USU Financial and Manpower 

Management office was named the 

Junior Employee of the Quarter. 

Mary McAuliffe, a student affairs specialist with the USU Office of Student 

Affairs was named the Senior Employee 

of the Quarter. 

These awards were based on the recipients’ outstanding support and excellent 

service of the USU mission. 

Bruce, who has been in the finance 

department for two years, works diligently and expertly as the University’s 

finance defense travel administrator. 

This is a critical position in the Defense 

Travel System management and processing structure. 

The Junior Employee of the Quarter 

is the certifier for all staff, faculty and 

graduate student travel vouchers. During the last quarter, Bruce reviewed more 

than 700 DTS vouchers ending the quarter with a 100 percent accuracy rate. 

He also helped to ensure payment 

times were dramatically reduced. 

“Mr. Bruce has made the time to learn 

the intricacies of Federal travel, enabling 

him to assist our customers with their 

most difficult problems,” said USU 

Financial Services Officer James Wolff. 

“(Our office) regularly receives feedback 

from travelers and travel administrators 

commending Mr. Bruce for his patience, 

friendly demeanor and professionalism.” 

McAuliffe, who has 14 years experience, provided her highly valuable expertise in helping the University’s fourthyear students prepare for graduation. She 

also helped the graduates transition to 

their selected residency programs. 

The Senior Employee of the Quarter 

was directly responsible for the preparation of more than 150 medical student 

performance evaluations. McAuliffe 

managed all electronic residency application service requirements and coordinated the receipt and transmittal of more 

than 450 letters of recommendation. 

She also helped with presentation 

and preparation of more than 50 awards 

given at the annual graduation awards 

ceremony.

“Beyond the many student programs 

for which she is responsible, Ms. McAuliffe, has proven herself an extremely 

competent and mature office administrator,” said Dr. Richard MacDonald, the 

USU Associate Dean of Student Affairs. 

“In a recent national survey of senior 

medical students, 91 percent of USU 

graduates reported being satisfied with 

the quality of their medical education. 

Ms. McAuliffe’s dedication and service 

to the students have contributed much 

to the high regard our students have for 

their medical school experience.” 

Bruce, McAuliffe named USU Junior, 

Senior Employees of the Quarter

On the cover:

The Neuroscience Department held its 

19th Annual Open House and Poster 

Session at USU, Oct. 29. 

Photo by MC1 Chad Hallford

PAGE 2

Bill Bester 

Acting Vice President for

 External Affairs and 

Managing Editor

Ken Frager

Public Affairs Specialist

Staff Sgt. Matthew Rosine

Production Editor

MC1 Chad Hallford

Layout and Design

Christine Creenan

Contributing Writer

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 bi-weekly on Mondays. 

The deadline for submissions is 

at 4 p.m. Friday prior to the publication date. Submissions can be 

sent to usunewsletter@usuhs.mil 

or by calling 301 295-0895. 

James Bruce Mary McAuliffe
PAGE 3

Faculty Senate praises University Staff in ceremony

Fall Faculty fling 

photo by MC1 Chad Hallford

USU President Dr. Charles L. 

Rice, left center, and GSN Assistant Professor and retired 

Air Force Lt. Col. Adrienne 

Hartgerink, left, speak with 

several faculty members 

during the USU Fall Faculty 

Reception. The reception was 

held Oct. 22 in the Hall of 

Flags following the USU New 

Faculty Orientation program. 

The event was an opportunity 

for faculty to meet, and network or discuss mutual interests with the campus’ newest 

colleagues.

photos by HM2 MIchael Oliver

(Left) Neil E. Grunberg, Ph.D. and President of USU Faculty Senate and Assembly, spoke during the appreciation assembly to honor the contributions of 

staff members, Nov. 4. (Above) Learning Resource Center members stand to 

be recogized in a nearly-full Sanford Auditorium. Grunberg was one of many 

faculty who praised and recognized the efforts of individuals and offices during 

the past year.
by MC1 Chad Hallford

Carrying a nearly 25-pound rucksack, marching at a pace not slower than 

16:06 per mile over a distance of 12-18 

miles, a crew from USU continued on.

Finding strength through the pain, 

13 of USU’s finest military representatives competed for and completed the 

requirements for the German Armed 

Forces Badge for Military Proficiency 

(GAFBMP) just outside of Reston, Va., 

earlier this fall.

“It was a great personal challenge to 

complete the requirements, and a privilege and opportunity to represent the 

University in a multi-national forum,” 

USU crew earns unique German badge

said Army 2nd Lt. John Saur, “The camaraderie and esprit de corps felt by all 

who completed the march was exciting.”

The group of USU military staff, students and faculty obtained this unique 

decoration, which is awarded to all 

German soldiers. Other Allied service 

members may be awarded and wear the 

badge regardless of rank upon completion of the awards requirements.

In the United States military the 

GAFBMP is one of the few approved 

foreign awards.

“Because of the comprehensive 

difficulty and prestige of the award, 

the German Badge is one of the most 

sought-after foreign awards,” said Army 

Sgt. 1st Class Ronald Wilson.

Authorization and manner of wear is 

based on U.S. Uniform Regulations.

To earn the award one must complete 

the following five requirements: 

•	 be recommended by the Commanding Officer — recognizing the 

Soldier's physical and moral standards

•	 obtain First Aid-Combat Life 

Saver (CLS) level 1 or equivalent

•	 pass the German sports test 

— all events required

•	 achieve qualifying score on 25 

meter Marksmanship

•	 hike a road march — which 

must be performed in military uniform 

and boots carrying a rucksack weighing 

no less than 10 kilograms over a varying 

distance depending on age and gender. 

The awarded grade (gold, silver or 

bronze) is determined by the results of 

the Marksmanship score and the ruck 

march time and distance. 

Pictured above: Navy Capt. Chris Jankosky, Ens. Sean McIntire, Army 2nd Lt. John 

Saur, Sgt. 1st Class Ronald Wilson, Navy Ens. Seamus Cobb, Ens. Scott Story and Air 

Force 2nd Lt. Anthon Lemon. Participants not shown:Army Spec. Gerald Brenner, Sgt. 

1st Class Michael Rice, Sgt. Jeffrey McQuade, 2nd Lt. Matthew Morrissey, Navy Ens. 

Brian Kennerley and HM2 Tinsae Tekleab.

photo by MC1 Chad Hallford

PAGE 4

German Armed Forces Badge for Military 

Proficiency (Gold)

Support the CFC and 

fundraising efforts

Next activity: Chili Cookoff

Nov. 17
PAGE 5

by the American Academy of Nursing 

and USU Newsletter Staff

The American Academy of Nursing announced that one USU nursing 

leader was inducted as Fellow during 

the Academy’s 36th Annual Meeting and Conference in Atlanta, Ga., 

Nov. 7. 

Army Col. Bruce Schoneboom, 

Ph.D., RN, CRNA, the associate dean 

of academic affairs at the USU Graduate School of Nursing, was selected 

for the prestigious honor along with 

97 other nursing leaders at this year’s 

event. 

“This is one of the highest honors in 

our profession,” said GSN Dean Ada 

Sue Hinshaw, Ph.D. “He was commended for both his military and academic career. We are very proud of him.” 

The Academy is made up of more 

than 1500 nursing leaders in education, 

management, practice and research. 

Leadership positions held by Academy 

Fellows include university presidents, 

chancellors, and deans; state and federal 

political appointees; hospital chief executives and vice presidents for nursing; researchers and entrepreneurs; and 

practicing nurses.

“The academy is comprised of many 

of the nation’s top nursing executives, 

policymakers, scholars, researchers and 

practitioners,” said Academy President, 

Pam Mitchell, Ph.D., RN. “Being 

selected as an academy Fellow is an 

important recognition of one’s contributions to nursing and health care.” 

USU GSN associate dean selected as AAN 2009 Fellow 

by Staff Sgt. Matthew Rosine

A USU assistant professor with the 

Department of Preventive Medicine and 

Biometrics recently earned the Paul Bert 

Award for outstanding research contributions in the field of aerospace physiology. 

Navy Lt. Cmdr. Anthony Artino, Jr., 

Ph.D., received the 2009 award, which 

was named in honor of the French physiologist Paul Bert – known as the “Father 

of Pressure Physiology.”

The award, established in 1969, covers 

the research contributions in aerospace 

physiology over the five years previous to 

the award year. 

According to the Aerospace Physiology Society, Artino’s multi-disciplinary 

research had a very direct and positive impact toward the success of the aerospace 

physiology community at-large. 

His research yielded 17 peer reviewed 

journal articles and 27 scientific paper 

presentations in the past four years. 

Despite the praise, Artino insists he is 

only doing what he enjoys. 

“I was honored to receive the Bert 

award from the Aerospace Physiology Society,” said Artino. “I truly enjoy working 

with this group of professionals who are 

so focused on conducting operationally 

relevant research and training.” 

USU faculty earns Bert award in aerospace physiology

Lt. Cmdr. Anthony Artino Jr.

Reserve Medics 

Conference

photo by HM2 Michael Oliver

Dr. Dale Smith, the senior vice president of USU, provides opening remarks 

to the senior medical leadership of the 

National Guard and Reserve in the 

Board of Regents room. The reserve 

surgeons general visited USU recently.

Col. Bruce Schoneboom
PAGE 6

Air Force Uniform Office Public

Affairs and USU Newsletter staff

Air Force officials updated guidance 

Oct. 28 for use of the physical training 

uniform (PTU), which will immediately impact all Airmen at USU. 

The new update replaces previous 

guidance published in Air Force Instruction 36-2903, Dress and Personal 

Appearance of Air Force Personnel. 

According to a message released 

from the Air Force and signed by Lt. 

Gen. Richard Y. Newton III, deputy 

chief of staff for Manpower and Personnel, effective immediately, individual items making up the PTU and 

improved PTU are considered uniform 

items. 

Air Force officials said this means 

strict attention must be given to every 

item of the PTU, just as with items on 

the Airman Battle Uniform or service 

dress uniform. However, individual 

items of the PTU may still be worn 

with conservative civilian attire during 

personal PT or when off-duty. 

Wear of the PTU is mandatory during physical fitness assessments and 

while participating in organized PT 

events, as designated by the commander. Unit commanders will determine the PTU configuration. 

If PTU/IPTU items are worn during 

personal PT, the following is required: 

- During periods of low light, reflective belts and armbands are required 

when wearing the optional running 

shorts. Reflective accessories are 

optional when wearing the standard 

PTU, which already includes reflective 

material. 

- Footwear is to remain conservative. No bright colors or excessive 

ornamentation is to be worn. 

- Socks must be white, but small 

trademark logos are acceptable.

- The PTU jacket must be zipped at 

least halfway between the waistband 

and collar. Sleeves will end within 1 

inch off the wrist. 

- The PTU running pants waistband 

will rest at or within 2 inches of the 

natural waistline. Both pant legs will 

extend below the ankles and will be 

zipped to within 1 inch of the bottom. 

- Both the PTU shorts and running 

shorts will rest at or within 2 inches of 

the natural waistline. 

- The short sleeve PTU shirt will 

be tucked into shorts or running pants 

at all times. Do not remove or cut 

sleeves. 

- The long sleeve PTU shirt will be 

tucked into the PTU shorts or running 

pants at all times. Do not push up, 

remove or cut sleeves. 

- The optional IPTU sweatshirt will 

extend no lower than 6 inches below 

the natural waistline. Do not push up, 

remove or cut sleeves. 

- Undergarments must be appropriate and worn with all uniform combinations. 

- Short or full-length spandex may 

be worn under both the PTU and 

IPTU, but colors must only consist of 

black or dark blue. 

- Headgear may be authorized by 

commanders, but may only consist of 

either a solid black or dark blue baseball cap with the Air Force symbol or 

“U.S. Air Force” logos. Headgear is to 

be worn outdoors only. 

- Bandanas are not authorized unless 

due to a medical waiver condition. 

- Cold weather accessories may be 

worn outdoors only. 

- The knit watch cap will be plain 

solid black, dark blue or sage green 

without any logos. 

- Gloves will be plain solid black or 

dark blue without any logos. 

- Scarves and earmuffs will be solid 

black or dark blue, and may wrap 

around either the top or rear of the 

head. 

- Green or black fleece is not authorized with the PTU/IPTU. 

- The IPTU running suit top or bottom may not be mixed with the current 

PTU running suit top or bottom. 

- The lining of the PTU/IPTU shorts 

may be removed, but no other uniform 

alterations are authorized. 

- Headphones are authorized inside 

fitness centers or designated running 

areas, unless prohibited by the commander. 

- Personal grooming and appearance 

standards apply during physical fitness 

activities with one exception: Long 

female hair will be secured but may 

have loose ends. 

- Proper military customs and courtesies to honor the flag during reveille 

and retreat will apply. Saluting due to 

rank is not required when wearing the 

PTU. 

The few exceptions to this policy 

are at the discretion of commanders 

for accessions, professional military 

education or academic training when 

unit distinction is required, such as 

identifying instructors from students. 

Temporary adjustments may also be 

authorized when safety is a concern or 

in a deployed location. 

Any questions regarding this policy 

at USU should be addressed to Senior 

Master Sgt. Sandra Scott at 295-1468. 

Air Force updates guidance for PT uniforms

Senior Master Sgt. Sandra Scott wears 

the Air Force PTU. Effective immediately, 

all USU Airmen must meet the new PTU 

policy guidelines. 

photo by HM2 Michael Oliver
USU Briefs

The Votes are in! 

The votes have been cast and a winner has been chosen for the new name 

of the USU newsletter. 

Following the recent University-wide 

survey and Online voting, the field of 

more than 120 entries came down to 

one.

Watch for the new USU newsletter 

beginning with the Jan. 11, 2010 issue. 

Thanks for your participation and for 

your continued support and readership.

-The USU newsletter staff 

PAGE 7

photo by HM2 Michael Oliver

Caption contest

The winning caption: “No flash photography, or the snake will attack everyone” submitted by Michael Davis, NES Graduate Student.

Congrats to the runner-up, Jay Thakar. 

...and thanks to all who submitted.

photo by HM2 Michael Oliver

USU Holiday Party

The USU is hosting its Holiday Party 

from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the 

campus cafeteria, Dec. 11. 

The event is open to all USU faculty, 

staff, students and their families. 

The cost is $5 per person. Children 

under seven are free. Tickets are on sale 

until Dec. 4. 

A student spouses’ club member will 

be on hand every Monday and Wednesday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the 

cafeteria to sell tickets. 

Ticket purchase includes a lunch buffet served until 3 p.m., beverages, games 

and a chance to win assorted prizes. 

Joint Holiday Ball tickets: 

Tickets are now available for the 

2009 Joint Holiday Ball sponsored 

by the Joint Task Force National 

Capital Region Medical and tenant 

commands. 

Tickets are $10 each for E-4s, 

GS-4s and below; $20 each for E-5 to 

E-6, GS-5 to GS-6 and YA-02/O-1 

to O-2; and $40 each for E-7s, GS-7s, 

YA/YC-03s, O-3 and above. 

The event will be held at the Show 

Place Arena from 6 p.m. to midnight 

Dec. 12. The social hour begins at 

6 p.m. 

Dress for the occasion is formal for 

civilians and formal or military dress 

for military. 

For more information, contact Army 

Sgt. 1st Class Anthony Woods at 295-

9562. 

Volunteers needed: 

The Joint Holiday Ball Committee 

needs volunteers to work the concession stand at the Washington Redskins 

versus the Denver Broncos game in 

Landover, Md., Nov. 15. 

For more information, contact Army 

Sgt. 1st Class Anthony Woods at 295-

9562. 

Military Awards Nominations:

The next military awards panel will 

convene November 24. 

Nomination packages will be due 

through the chain of command no later 

than November 17. 

Any award with higher precedence 

than the Defense Meritorious Service 

Medal must be submitted 150 days 

prior to presentation. 

Contact HM2 Sylvia McBee at 295-

9654 or sylvia.mcbee@usuhs.mil with 

questions.

Town Hall Meeting: 

When: Friday, November 13, 2009

Time:12:30 p.m.

Where: Sanford Auditorium

“Regarding the Fort Hood Tragedy” 

All USU staff, faculty, and students 

are welcome to attend.