VOLUME 4, ISSUE 2 VOLUME 4, ISSUE 2 WWW.USUHS.MIL January 26, 2009 January 26, 2009

USU Newsletter 

Snakes Alive...Page 3 
Bill Bester 

 Acting Vice President for 

External Affairs and 

Managing Editor 

Tech. Sgt. André Nicholson 

Editor 

Christine Creenan 

Staff Writer 

Marla Wright 

Shaun Sadowski 

Webmasters 

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 bi-weekly 

on Mondays and deadline for submission is 

Friday at 4 p.m. Submissions can be sent to 

usunewsletter@usuhs.mil or by 

calling 301-295-3338. 

PAGE 2 

Cover photo: 

Tom Balfour 

In This Issue: 

USU Honors Alvarez......2 

Radiology Conference..2 

Purple Heart.....................3 

Snakes Alive......................3 

Montgomery County.....4 

Garrett Profile...................5 

Research............................6 

Academic Awards..........6 

Briefs...................................7 

USU Speaks Out..............7 

 His name graces a California 

high school, a Maryland post office 

and now the Board of Regents 

room at the Uniformed Services 

University (USU) will also bear the 

namesake of its former chairman, 

Everett Alvarez Jr. 

 The one-time Navy combat pilot 

has experienced triumphs and 

travails unknown to most, and has 

become a tale of inspiration for 

those who understand the makings of a true American hero. He 

was the first aviator shot down 

over Vietnam and one of the longest held prisoners of war in military 

history. 

 A symbol of bravery, Alvarez 

continued to serve his country 

even after his release from Hanoi’s 

Hoa Lo prison. Upon retiring from 

the Navy in 1983, Alvarez assumed leadership posts with the 

Peace Corps and Department of 

Veteran Affairs before accepting 

an appointment to the USU Board 

of Regents. Alvarez has served the 

nation’s School of Medicine and 

Graduate School of Nursing for 

more than 20 years, providing 

much support and guidance 

throughout his 

incumbency. 

 The hails 

and farewells of 

senior leadership are 

always 

bittersweet, but 

this is especially true 

in the case 

of Everett 

Alvarez Jr., 

who shall 

always be 

regarded 

as a friend 

to the Uniformed 

Services 

University. 

 His impact continues to extend even beyond USU 

corridors. Alvarez was recently 

named a “great public servant” by 

the Council for Excellence in Government. The former chairman is 

among 25 honorees, being recognized for significant contributions 

to achieving excellence in government over the past 25 years. In 

receiving this honor, Alvarez 

stands among a venerable cast of 

“greats” including: Al Gore, Sandra 

Day O’Conner, Colin Powell, Anthony Fauci and Donna Shalala. 

USU Names Board of Regents 

Room after Former Chairman 

By Christine Creenan 

VPE Staff Writer 

Incoming Board of Regents Chairman Ronald Blanck, 

M.D., and President Charles Rice, M.D., share the honor of 

unveiling the new sign adorning the Board of Regents 

room. The tribute commemorates the former chairman’s 

years of service to the university and the nation. 

 Few secrets are kept from James Smirniotopoulos, 

M.D., professor of radiology, neurology and biomedical informatics, chair, radiology and radiological sciences. Through use of medical imaging technologies, the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USU) 

instructor understands the body 

inside and out. And the radiologist is 

sharing what he knows with thousands of his peers. 

 The physician and his colleagues 

recently attended the annual meeting for the Radiological Society of 

North America (RSNA). The trip to 

Chicago satisfied a two-fold mission; 

the physicians represented USU by sharing their 

medical expertise with colleagues from around the 

world while also benefitting from academic sessions 

hosted by other leaders in the fields of biomedicine. 

USU faculty spoke on topics ranging from brain imaging and critical diagnoses, forensic radiology and 

the virtual autopsy, to spinal cord tumors and intracranial hemorrhages. 

 Contributions to assemblies such as RSNA helps 

balance the academic medicine paradigm, described 

by Smirniotopoulos as a three-legged 

stool, comprising education, research 

and service. 

 “Attending national meetings 

provides an opportunity to present 

the results of research and to provide 

and receive education,” Smirniotopoulos said. “All of these activities 

are essential to maintaining our skills 

and foster the highest quality academic faculty for USU.” 

 The RSNA meeting is commonly received as the 

world’s premiere radiology assembly and participation in the annual event highlights the international 

stature of USU faculty. 

Professors Represent USU at International Conference 

By Christine Creenan 

VPE Staff Writer 

Photo by HM2 Michael Oliver 
PAGE 3 

 Sidestepping puddles of mud and making her way to ‘scalpel lane’—the row 

where doctors live in Mosul, Iraq—LTC (P) 

Anne Naclerio was returning from Christmas Mass with her newly arrived colleague 

MAJ John Pryor, when she met a friend on 

the path home. They spoke about the 

weather—a recent downpour turned the 

soil into muck. 

 Seconds after Pryor left her side, a loud 

boom sounded nearby. 

 “Everything was in slow motion like a 

movie,” she remembered. “The first sound 

was like a banging. I thought perhaps 

someone dropped a large container. In the 

next milliseconds, things happened almost 

too fast to think. There was a whistle overhead, and a crash, which seemed almost 

silent to my ears.” 

 The clamor was the result of a single 

mortar round slamming into the cement 

walkway, injuring the Uniformed Services 

University alumna. 

 “My eyes glanced towards the noise,” 

Naclerio said. “I felt something hit me in 

the face and spin me around. I saw smoke, 

felt blood dripping down my chin, then 

heard yelling for me to get in the bunker.” 

 Shrapnel from the explosion sliced 

through Naclerio’s chin, entered just below 

the lip and lodged against the root of her 

lower front teeth. Though hurt, concern 

for the other wounded service members 

grew. 

 “I was asking if anyone needed help, if 

anyone else was injured,” she recalled. 

 Triage began almost immediately; Naclerio was quickly escorted to the base hospital. Through the drawn curtain of bed 

five, she could hear the commotion in the 

trauma bay. Somewhere in the midst of the 

clamor, Naclerio learned one of the new 

surgeons had been seriously injured. 

 In the emergency room, the voices 

reaching fevered pitches and sounds of 

medical supplies hard at work soon gave 

way to silence. John Pryor could not be 

saved. 

 “We were all grief stricken,” Naclerio 

lamented. They would miss their colleague 

and friend whose call to service led him to 

request front-line duty in Iraq. 

 Naclerio’s wounds have since healed 

and she was recently awarded a Purple 

Heart commendation for injuries sustained 

during battle. Naclerio is honored and 

humbled; still she finds the greatest solace 

in the roles she takes on as a uniformed 

physician. 

 “There is an unbreakable bond that is 

shared with my fellow soldiers, those who 

served by my side, and those whose names 

I don’t even know,” she said. “All of our 

countries young sons and daughters who 

risk their lives daily are my brothers and 

sisters. 

 Naclerio continues to practice medicine 

in Mosul, Iraq. 

Alumna Receives Purple Heart 

By Christine Creenan 

VPE Staff Writer 

Courtesy Photo 

Typically uniformed physicians heal the 

wounded but LTC (P) Anne Naclerio was 

among the injured when shrapnel from an 

enemy rocket attack sliced through her 

chin while on assignment in Mosul, Iraq. 

LTC (P) Anne Naclerio (third from left) received a Purple Heart for injuries sustained 

during battle. Following the ceremony, she 

was joined in the EMT by USU alumni 

CPT(P) Elizabeth Duque ('03), LTC Mike 

Friedman ('92) and BG Joe Caravalho ('83). 

Sanford auditorium was packed—besides the barren front two rows. 

After all, venomous reptiles are best observed from a distance. Instead the snakes took center stage during the medical zoology seminar 

hosted by the Department of Preventive Medicine and Biometrics. 

Some small, others large, all fascinating creatures and important case 

studies for the aspiring physicians and advanced practice nurses filling the large auditorium. Curator Bruce Shwedick (left) explained 

there are more than 3,000 different species of snakes found around 

the world, each with unique characteristics. “Be familiar with the 

snakes in your area of operation,” he warned the uniformed officers 

explaining, treatment varies because the effects of snake bites differ 

so greatly. He continued to regal captive audiences with important 

information about the world’s most dangerous species. For example, 

the Cobra (seen left) will rear up and display its flattened neck to form 

a hood when disturbed and often times hisses loudly, adding a further 

warning. 

Snakes Alive 

Photo by Tom Balfour 

Courtesy Photo 
PAGE 4 

USU 

A Traditional Academic University with a Unique 

Focus 

 Being the fortunate soul that I am, I applied for and was accepted into the Leadership Montgomery Core Program of Montgomery County. 

 The program offers a diverse group of community leaders a 

multifaceted education of Montgomery County, enabling participates to build awareness and relationships, while encouraging 

their involvement in the community. In 

other words, while I learn about the community and its people, projects and what 

makes it tick, I get to share with other 

participants and all those I meet along 

the way, the USU story. 

 We began the program with a twoday retreat to Pennsylvania. There, members learned about each other’s cultural 

backgrounds, different histories, educational levels and career paths. We found we shared a common 

desire to lead well while reaching out to the community where 

we live and work. To be honest, I had expected it to be a bit too 

touchy/feeling – but that wasn’t the case. It was two days of 

learning and realizing how much more I had to learn. 

 Each month we travel to various locations throughout the 

county, discovering what can be accomplished through desire, 

drive and dedication. One 

such day, following a history 

presentation of Montgomery 

County, we traveled to the 

Button Farm Living History 

Center. The farm, located on 

60 acres inside Seneca Creek 

State Park, is the only living 

history center of life on a slave 

plantation within Maryland. 

 It includes a museum garden and slave cemetery and 

the Underground Railroad 

Immersion Experience – a 

reenactment of the slave to 

freedom journey. While currently under renovation, the 

farm opened to the public in 

September. For history buffs, 

or just someone who wants to 

experience a piece of the past, 

this is the place to visit. Perhaps forever the optimist, or 

one to see the glass half-full, I 

found the story, the reminder 

of the underground railroad 

inspiring. The fact men and 

women, black and white, worked together to free other human 

beings – whew – the courage, challenges and the successes continue to astound me. You can get more detailed information by 

visiting the web site at www.menare.org/buttonfarm.html. 

 Next, we visited the Red Wiggler Community Farm. The educational non-profit community endeavor provides jobs for developmentally disabled adults, quality farm-grown products and farming education to local youth. The 12-acre spread also provides a 

food supply for the community and local food banks – enough 

vegetables and herbs for 

93 families for six months 

of each year. You can 

read more about the farm 

at www.redwiggler.org. 

 Another stop was at 

the Long Branch Community Center, Silver Spring. 

The center provides recreational activities for local 

community youth. But, it does more. It also provides group support meetings and senior citizen activities as well as after school 

programs, summer camps and programs for individuals with disabilities. Listening to the women who run the programs speak of 

those they serve makes one want to go out and do more! You 

can check out the website at www.montgomerycountymd.gov/

rectmpl.asp?url=/content/REC/recipix/Long_cen.asp. 

 My adventures with Leadership Montgomery continued into 

the holiday season. While my family is far away in Kansas, and I 

spent my Christmas and the New Year alone, the organization 

came to the rescue. 

 As a core member of the program, I chose the Montgomery 

Housing Partnership/Wheaton Volunteer Rescue Squad Toy Drive 

to be my annual community project. 

 In its 10th year, the drive provides toys to children at the Amherst and Pembridge apartment complexes in Wheaton. While 

sponsors were concerned that this year’s economic downturn 

would prevent donations from reaching the levels of years past, 

the Christmas spirit prevailed. Donations flowed into the numerous county drop-off sites continually through Dec. 24. 

 Christmas Eve brought Santa to the scene. Arriving with the 

toy-filled Wheaton fire truck, he joined the volunteers; myself included, and converged on the apartment complexes, delivering 

toys to boys and girls who waited anxiously for his arrival. 

 The bright eyes of the children, the obvious joy and wonder 

found on their faces as Santa approached, touched my heart. So 

alone, me, no way. That special spirit that comes with the holiday 

season surrounded me. I had a wonderful Christmas. 

 Leadership Montgomery Core Program participants have also 

been provided the opportunity to ride-along with both local Fire 

& Rescue and Police Departments. What an experience both provided! And – we visited the Correctional Facility, Clarksburg and 

the Public Service Training Academy in Rockville. I’ll be telling you 

about those experiences next time. So, stay tuned . . . 

Montgomery County Adventures 

By Jan Clark 

Director of Government and Community Affairs 

Courtesy of Colella Photography 

Christmas Eve found Santa 

delivering hugs as well as 

gifts to children in Montgomery County. 

“Each month we travel to various locations throughout the county, discovering what can be accomplished through 

desire.” 

—Director of Government and Community Affairs Jan Clark 
PAGE 5 

 Don’t judge a book by its cover, say the 

wise old men. Desks, however, are fair 

game. And when analyzing the contents 

of Master Chief Clinton Garrett Sr.’s office, 

much is revealed about the university’s 

senior enlisted member. 

 Walls abounding with military insignia, 

the Sailor is proud to serve his country. 

Photos scattered throughout, Garrett is a 

family man. Folders stacked one on top of 

the other—he is busy. 

 Office trappings alone do little for acquaintance though. To really know him is 

to understand the experiences shaping the 

service man into the leader he is today. 

 His story reaches back to an earlier time; 

an impressionable young man, Garrett was 

still figuring out his way in Detroit, Michigan. The grandparents who raised him 

and his brother encouraged the precocious 

children to always pursue their dreams, 

what ever they may be. Except young 

Garrett didn’t know what he wanted to do 

in life but one option was to follow in the 

footsteps of Jacques Cousteau. 

 The French explorer came to represent 

the adventure Garrett sought in life. His 

fiery spirit coupled with early exposure to 

the military lifestyle through Junior Reserves Officer Training Corps, encouraged 

Garrett to enlist in the United States Navy. 

So he traded his graduation cap for a dixie 

cup and off the Sailor went, pursuing fair 

winds and following seas around the 

world. 

 The tides have taken him near and far. 

From Indonesia to the Persian Gulf, Southwest Asia and all across the United States, 

the Sailor has lived the adventures he 

yearned for as a child. 

 Garrett’s most recent assignment to the 

Uniformed Services University represents 

another chapter of his military career. His 

charge is great, Garrett advises the Brigade 

Commander on all enlisted matters concerning the morale, welfare, discipline and 

professional development of the enlisted 

personnel assigned to the University. 

“Everyday is something new and exciting,” 

he said about the pivotal role he plays at 

the military’s only School of Medicine and 

Graduate School of Nursing. 

 He is not a one-man office; Garrett 

quickly admits his responsibilities are shouldered by many individuals. Calling the 

effort “collaborative” and “collective,” the 

Master Chief humbly shares accolades with 

the service senior enlisted advisors and 

those he serves within the brigade. 

 To only discuss his life in uniform would 

not be telling the whole story though. A 

devoted husband and father, Garrett married his best friend and high school sweetheart. Together, they are raising two boys, 

whom balance the family unit. And when 

Garrett talks about his children, pride emanates from his voice. Both are smart with a 

unique set of talents. The eldest wants to 

be a lawyer and the youngest is a star athlete. 

 Support goes both ways though. Garrett 

says their encouragement has been integral throughout his military career. 

Whether on deployments or while earning 

a bachelor’s degree in health care management—Garrett’s family is his backbone. And 

they share in his successes too—including 

both nominations for the Dr. Martin Luther 

King Jr. Civic Award and the NAACP Roy 

Wilkins Renowned Service Award. 

 The young dreamer has grown into a 

respected leader and doting family man. 

And as he continues to share his story, it 

becomes abundantly clear—Clinton Garrett 

is happy with the choices he’s made in life. 

Faculty Profile: Senior Enlisted Member Clinton Garrett Sr. 

By Christine Creenan 

VPE Staff Writer 

Master Chief Clinton Garrett Sr. 

 

Call for Applications 

The Henry Wu Award for Excellence in Basic Research 

and 

The James Leonard Award for Excellence in Clinical Research 

The Wu and Leonard Awards for Excellence in Research will recognize faculty members and AFRRI scientists 

who have made the most significant published scientific contribution to either basic biomedical or translational/clinical research respectively, over the past three years. 

Any Uniformed Services University faculty member, staff or student may submit nominations for the awards. 

The nominee must be either a member of the full time faculty or an AFRRI scientist at the university. 

Due Date: January 31, 2009 

Applications should be submitted to the Office of Research, attention Dr. Susan Rasmussen. 
PAGE 6 

 It does not take a scientist for most people to understand that 

foreign objects embedded in the human body can and most likely 

will be harmful. But three scientists from the Uniformed Services 

University of the Health Sciences (USU) and the Armed Forces 

Radiobiology Research Institute (AFRRI) created an awardwinning research poster that explains how metal can do just that. 

 CDR Michelle Kane, John Kalinich, Ph.D., research biochemist 

and program advisor of Internal Contamination and Metal Toxicity 

Program at AFRRI; and Christine Kasper, Ph.D., RN, FAAN, FACSM, 

professor and acting director, Ph.D. programs, Graduate School of 

Nursing, USU and Department of Veteran Affairs, co-authored a 

research poster titled, “Weapons Grade Tungsten Alloy as a Potential Cytotoxin”. The scientists received the Best Research Award at 

the annual Association of Military Surgeons of the United States 

(AMSUS) held in San Antonio, Texas this past November. 

 The research explained a method being used to determine the 

effects on muscle that has been induced with metal. Dr. Kalinich 

explained that the purpose of the study is because “the potential 

health issues that may arise from embedded metal fragment injuries are an operational health issue in the military medical community. Embedded fragment injuries can occur not only from the 

standard-use munitions, but also from improvised explosive devices (better known as IEDs). Also, military munitions are not routinely tested for health effects as embedded fragments and because of the novel metal compounds now being used, this raises 

serious questions as to the long-term health effects of embedded 

fragments and the need for patient surveillance or even more 

aggressive surgical removal of fragments.” 

 The standard procedure to assess the long-term health effects 

has a two year life span study and can be costly and time consuming, Dr. Kalinich explained. “So the work presented in the poster at 

the AMSUS meeting described a method to rapidly determine 

metal-induced health effects on muscle,” he said. “This way, an 

estimation of potential adverse health effects can be made in days 

rather than years.” 

 As scientists continue to find ways to improve the health of 

wounded warriors, this collaborated research by USU and AFRRI is 

a much needed resource. 

USU, AFRRI Scientists Collaborate on Award-Winning Research Poster 

By TSgt. André Nicholson 

NCOIC, VPE 

The Student Awards Committee recognized the academic accomplishments of several outstanding School 

of Medicine Students in the class of 2009 during the 20th Annual Academic Collegium. Honors spanned 

several categories, including Distinguished and Outstanding Academic Performance Awards for the Introduction to Structure and Function course (pictured above). School of Medicine Dean Larry Laughlin, 

M.D., (fourth from left) and Department of Anatomy, Physics and Genetics Associate Professor Stephen 

Rothwell, M.D., (third from right) congratulated the award recipients. 

Academic Awards 

Photo by HM2 Michael Oliver 
Helpdesk Closure: The UIS helpdesk will be closed for training on 

Thursdays from 10 to 11 a.m. During this time, you can leave a 

voicemail message at 295-9800 or utilize the HEAT Self Service 

(http://www.usuhs.mil/uis/forms/trouble.html), or send an email 

to help@usuhs.mil. If an emergency should arise, please call 295-

9870. 

PFT/PFA/APFT Spring 2009: The spring 2009 Physical Fitness Test 

for all services is projected for April 7-9 and 14-16. Plan accordingly. If there are any questions, please contact your service specific fitness coordinators: Air Force contact, (T)Sgt Ernle at 295-

3281; Navy contact, FC2 Race at 295-9637; and Army contact, 

SSG Rogers at 295-3720. 

2009 Field Exercises: Operations Bushmaster and Kerkesner will 

be conducted from July 7-24 at Fort Indiantown Gap, Pa. Advance personnel will deploy on July 7 and main body personnel 

will deploy on July 12. These exercises are unique to our university and require the support of all university uniformed personnel. 

Only emergency leave will be granted during this time frame as 

there are over 145 uniformed personnel (not including evaluators) needed to support this mission. 

Brigade Awards Ceremony: The next USU Brigade Awards Ceremony will take place on Feb. 13 at 8:30 a.m. in Sanford Auditorium. This ceremony recognizes the Enlisted Service Member of 

the Year, Color Guard Member of the Year, 2008 fall physical fitness achievements, as well as other military personnel for their 

contributions to the organization. All department heads, chairs, 

supervisors, directors, and military personnel are encouraged to 

attend this important occasion to show their support. 

USU Color Guard: The USU Color Guard is currently recruiting 

new members. There are available positions for all three services. 

If you are interested in this great opportunity please contact HM2 

Charles USN (EHS) at ccharles@usuhs.mil.

PAGE 7 

USU Briefs 

USU 

A Traditional Academic University with a Unique 

Focus 

Look Who’s Talking...The people of USU share their dream vacation spots 

“I’d go to the Tuscany region 

of Italy because my wife has 

never been. I was stationed 

in Italy and I love the country side. It’s bellissimo!” 

—Director of Events and Protocol 

John Frankenburg

“I’m going on mine soon. 

I’ll be in Hawaii at the end 

of October and I think I’m 

going to love it.” 

—Contract Specialist Kali Shelton 

“The White House so I could hug 

Michelle.” 

—IT Specialist 

Stephen Simpson-McKenzie 

“I’d probably spend my vacation in Europe. I’d go skiing 

on all of the great slopes, visit 

old towns and stuff myself 

with chocolate.” 

—Chief of the Graphics Division 

Patrice Bolté 

“My dream vacation is going to 

the Daytona 500 during speed 

week. If I could spend a whole 

week there, that would be good.” 

—Bookstore Manager Matt Landman 

“I want to go to Reykjavik, 

Iceland to bathe in the hot 

springs. I hear they’re good 

for your skin.” 

—Program Assistant Becky Auxier 
UNIFORMED SERVICES UNIVERSITY 

of the Health Sciences