VOLUME 4, ISSUE 1 VOLUME 4, ISSUE 1 WWW.USUHS.MIL January 5, 2009 January 5, 2009

USU Newsletter 

Year in Review...Page 4-5 
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: 

Courtesy of Multimedia 

Design 

In This Issue: 

Town Hall Meeting.........2 

EOQ....................................2 

Faculty Profile...................3 

Contest Winner...............3 

Year In Review.............4-5 

Amazing Race..................6 

Look Who’s Talking.......6 

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

Holiday Party...................7 

 There was nary an empty seat as Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USU) President Charles Rice, M.D., moderated the year’s final 

Town Hall Meeting, Dec. 17. Faculty, staff and students alike listened as special guest speakers discussed community operations. 

 Just across the state line, construction on the new 

Belvoir Community Hospital has begun and is set for 

completion in 2010. The complex represents a flagship of military medicine. In the future, many USU 

students will certainly receive valuable training and 

begin their careers as uniformed physicians at the 

Virginia complex. 

 COL Charles Callahan, MC, commander, DeWitt 

Army Community Hospital, described some of the 

features of this world-class medical facility, including 

the use of cutting-edge technology and the availability of more than 50 primary specialty clinics. Even 

the hospital architecture promotes wellness; layout is 

inspired by nature themes and the facility harnesses 

an abundant use of natural light because these design elements are linked to positive health care outcomes. 

 Moving onward, President Rice offered further 

insight into the pursuits being undertaken at the 

new Center for Neuroscience and Regenerative 

Medicine. The research environment studies the 

affects and treatments of Traumatic Brain Injury and 

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in a collaborative fashion. The consortium represents unprecedented coordination among the National Institutes of Health, 

Walter Reed Army Medical Center, National Naval 

Medical Center and other agencies in an effort to 

encourage idea exchange and move 

understanding forward. 

 Next on the 

agenda—a brief discussion on the dismal financial downturn that has been 

crippling many 

health care industries as of late. The 

picture is some what 

brighter at USU, 

however, with financial obligations on 

the rise. 

 President Rice 

touched on the uncertainty of the pay 

system NSPS remaining intact and 

updated the community about progress made on the 

faculty salary front. 

The current administration has been championing a 

pay increase for USU educators and their efforts bear 

fruit in a recent agreement by Congress to make salaries more competitive with those of faculties at civilian universities. 

 Before opening the floor to questions, President 

Rice applauded the cafeteria management for improving the quality and variety of food as well as 

turning financial loss into a surplus in just a few short 

months. 

Town Hall Meeting 

By Christine Creenan 

VPE Staff Writer 

COL Charles Callahan provided 

an overview of the new Belvoir 

Community Hospital, slated to 

open in 2010. 

Photo by HM2 Michael Oliver 

 If the daily grind of hard work 

gets a person polished, then Tricia 

Crum and Sharon Randall are shining stars at the Uniformed Services 

University of the Health Sciences. Their respective nominations as Junior and Senior 

Employees of the Quarter recognize their perseverance, 

dedication and willingness to 

perform beyond job description requirements. 

 “Ms. Crum routinely goes to 

extraordinary means to do 

whatever is necessary to fulfill 

the mission of the department 

and the university,” explained 

supervisor David Krantz, Ph.D., 

in his nomination form. 

 Even in times of stress, 

Crum maintains a positive outlook 

and when describing her work 

ethic, the secretary for the Department of Medical and Clinical Psychology had this to say: “I believe in 

bringing the best of me to work 

everyday. I enjoy working with 

people and trying to be as helpful 

as possible.” 

 Across campus, the same fortitude is demonstrated but in an 

entirely different capacity as Randall labors towards excellence as 

the senior grants management 

administrator. Her duties are 

many, still, according to Scientific 

Director Charles Salter, Ph.D., 

Randall “multi-tasks such that 

she can resolve many issues 

virtually simultaneously.” 

 Humbled to receive such 

accolades, Randall said, “It was 

breathtaking to know I had 

been chosen for such an honor.” 

 For their commitment to the 

university, the newest Junior 

and Senior Employees of the 

Quarter will receive $250 saving 

bonds and reserved parking 

spaces. 

Hard Work Pays Off for New Junior, Senior Employees of the Quarter 

By Christine Creenan 

VPE Staff Writer 

Jr. Employee of the 

Quarter Tricia Crum 

 

Sr. Employee of the 

Quarter Sharon 

Randall 
PAGE 3 

Photo by Harold Blackwell 

Harold Blackwell began drawing when 

he was just two years old and now, years 

later, he is being recognized as an outstanding artist, winning first and second 

place in the DoD Communications and 

Marketing Contest. A visual information specialist by trade, Blackwell harnessed creative talent with computer 

savvy when designing posters for the 

Combined Federal Campaign. The end 

result was an aesthetic masterpiece, 

sweeping the poster/display category 

and earning Blackwell the highest honors. Though proud of his accomplishments, Blackwell remains humble. "It 

feels good to win, but it’s what I love doing," he said. 

An Artist Among Us 

 There is no doubt Col Charles Beadling, 

vice chair, Military and Emergency Medicine, is a man who loves his job. Equal 

parts dedicated officer and compassionate 

healer, the uniformed physician is doing 

exactly what he envisioned as a young boy 

growing up in the heartland. 

 Raised on old-fashioned values, his parents were supportive of his dreams, even 

expecting the talented mathematician to 

excel where they had not. He was smart, 

hard-working and his future success 

seemed almost foretold. The path to get 

there, however, was more happenstance 

than contrived. 

 “It was high school and I was in the library. I pulled down this catalog,” he explained. “I saw people jumping out of air 

planes, in camouflage and I thought—this 

looks interesting.” 

 The young adventurer would leave his 

hometown to pursue studies at the muchrevered Air Force Academy. Out West, the 

polished cadet fell in love with the military—

mission, values, camaraderie and all. 

 After graduation, his future as an officer 

was just beginning. The newly minted 

second lieutenant began his career as an 

aviator, responsible for aircraft navigation. 

The experience was exciting but his passion 

lay elsewhere. The airman wanted to be a 

physician. 

 “When I came to USU, I got goose 

bumps,” Beadling recalled. “I already knew 

the quality of the military education and if I 

got accepted, this would be my first 

choice.” 

 The university 

obliged and Beadling began learning 

the tenets of military 

medicine at the nation’s school of medicine. He carried the 

lessons throughout 

his career, eventually 

returning to his alma 

mater to instruct 

young cadres on 

how to care for 

those in harm’s way. 

 “I love to teach,” 

he enthused. “The 

reason I came back 

is for the students.” 

 He will soon retire 

after dedicating 

nearly four decades 

to the service. Still Beadling gives the distinct impression there is nothing he would 

rather do and just the slightest hint of melancholy seems to underscore his impending transition into civilian life. Perhaps it is 

this enthusiasm coupled with a knack for 

engaging audiences with his dynamic 

speaking and wealth of experiences that 

make the Missouri native a formidable presence on campus grounds and a favorite 

among students and faculty alike. 

 His impact extends beyond USU corridors though; Beadling champions wellness 

across international boundaries. The acting 

director for the Center for Disaster and Humanitarian Assistance Medicine makes 

regular trips to central Africa to lend his 

expertise to Chadian government and military forces. Together they are working to 

develop a comprehensive program that 

provides quality care to victims of landmines. 

 His ambition continues to thrive, Beadling and staff are eager to stand up a prosthetics lab in the eastern region. Progress, 

however, is slowed by the ongoing turmoil 

that continues to ravage the war-torn nation. 

 “There are many obstacles in the way,” 

he said and points out that it is often difficult to gain access into the desert nation. 

“Still, I’m not giving up on it.” 

 Refusing to relent seems to be the mantra by which Beadling lives. 

Faculty Profile: Col Charles Beadling 

By Christine Creenan 

VPE Staff Writer 

During the Antietam field exercise, Col Charles Beadling engages 

students with stories of wartime casualty in the Civil War era. 

Photo by Leeann Ori 
PAGE 4 

The hails and farewells of any military 

command are bittersweet. As the university bade a fond farewell to Capt 

Timothy Gerlach, COL John Wempe, 

brigade commander, took over the responsibilities of headquarters company 

personnel until a suitable replacement 

was found (Note: Capt Sean Lynch has 

since filled the permanent position). 

February March 

April May June 

USU organized a Graduate Medical 

Education Research Poster Session during the Military Health System conference late January. Uniformed resident 

physicians and fellows from around the 

country showcased their awardwinning research pursuits. 

Spring had sprung and the campus was 

bustling with many reasons to celebrate. Dr. Anthony Maurelli was elected 

to a fellowship in the American Academy for Microbiology, Drs. Alan Liu and 

Mark Bower received the 14th annual 

Satava Award and COL Francis O’Connor, M.D., was inducted into the Order 

of Military Medical Merit. 

The university story is told in the 

documentary “Fighting for Life” 

which hit theaters early March and 

continued throughout April. The 

gripping drama focuses on the role 

USU plays in educating the leaders 

of military medicine and looks at 

the care they provide to service 

members injured in combat. 

Graduates from the F. Edward Hébert 

School of Medicine and Graduate School 

of Nursing celebrated their academic 

achievements during the 2008 commencement ceremonies at Constitution 

Hall. 

A team of commissioned and 

enlisted service members from 

USU participated in Tom’s Run—an 

annual race promoting fitness and 

raising awareness for amyotrophic 

lateral sclerosis, commonly referred to as Lou Gehrig’s disease. 

January 

Year in Review: A look back at some of the images that graced USU Newsletter covers
PAGE 5 

July August September 

Construction on Building E was 

complete, addressing much needed 

classroom and office space. 

Students gathered in the university 

amphitheater for the annual presentation assembly in late August. 

They carry the words of the Hippocratic Oath throughout their studies and into their careers as uniformed physicians. 

October November December 

USU celebrates all of the uniformed 

service birthdays and in October, 

the learning community enjoyed a 

cake cutting ceremony commemorating the Navy’s 233rd birthday. 

In late October, USU partnered 

with various agencies, including 

the National Naval Medical Center 

to assess the critical medical skills 

of military and civilian responders 

at large. This year’s Multi Agency 

Exercise simulated a mass casualty 

on campus grounds. 

The university celebrated the contributions of the founding dean of 

the Graduate School of Nursing 

(GSN) by naming its newest research center for Faye Glenn Abdellah, Ph.D. Along with the naming 

of the new center, the university 

welcomed GSN Dean Ada Sue Hinshaw, Ph.D. 

USU students experienced the challenges of providing care in a battlefield setting during two concurrent 

field exercises known as Operations Kerkesner and Bushmaster. 

The training, which takes place in 

July, represents the capstone of the 

USU curriculum, augmenting roles 

students will take on as military 

officers and uniformed physicians. 
PAGE 6 

 Medical students at the Uniformed Services University of the 

Health Sciences spend years perfecting their craft, but for a group 

of gracious scholars, providing relief comes sooner. They are not 

using their skilled hands though, but strong legs to bring comfort 

to injured service members at Walter Reed Army Medical Center 

and National Naval Medical Center. 

 The aspiring physicians raised funds by participating in a 5k 

run, hosted by the Medical Students for Wounded Warriors organization. The brainchildren behind the event and charity founders, 2d Lt Kristen Saenger and ENS Dink Jardine, feel a strong 

connection to the mission because it allows them to provide immediate comfort to the populations they are learning to care for 

at the nation’s School of Medicine and Graduate School of Nursing. 

 “The race reminds people of why we are at school for 12 hours 

a day,” explained Saenger. “It’s nice to think we might be making 

life a little more comfortable for these young people whose lives 

got tossed upside down.” 

 Her enthusiasm was shared by many. “It was incredible to look 

around and see so many people,” she said, recalling more than 

100 people showed up for the event. Participants included volunteers from their alma mater as well as those from medical universities in the area. 

 The community out reach paid off in a big way and proved 

there is indeed power in numbers. The foundation raised more 

than $3,000 and proceeds were used to satisfy a wish list created 

by the wounded warriors themselves. 

 The novice charity leaders are proud of the strides they have 

made thus far and are eager to continue the effort. 

 “The hope is we will do at least one event every year, but we 

are already trying to plan something for the spring,” Saenger said 

before explaining, “It feels good to have a project and see it come 

to fruition.” 

 In the end, perhaps it is neither skilled hands nor strong legs 

that make these volunteers great, but their open hearts. 

 For more information about the Medical Students for Wounded 

Warriors organization, visit www.healershelpingheroes.org. 

The Amazing Race 

By Christine Creenan 

VPE Staff Writer 

School of Medicine volunteers and injured service members expressed gratitude for all the gifts that were made possible through the 

pursuits of the Medical Students for Wounded Warriors organization. 

Look Who’s talking...The people of USU share their resolutions for 2009 

“My resolution is to be 

able to complete 20 onearm pushups on each 

arm.” 

 —SSgt Chi Pang Cheung 

 NCOIC, Accounting and Policy

“I resolve to be more positive 

in my outlook on life and less 

negative.”

 —Charles Kelley 

 Deputy Director for User Services, LRC
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. 

Service Member of the Quarter Nominations: The next Service 

Member of the Quarter board will convene on Jan 15. Nomination packages are due to HMCM Garrett, USN (BDE) no later than 

Jan 13. 

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. 

2008 Combined Federal Campaign (CFC): Don't forget to "Be a 

Star in Someone's Life" by donating to this year’s Combined Federal Campaign. You still have a few more opportunities to contribute before the Jan. 15 deadline. If you would like more information on donating, please visit William III on Jan. 6, 8, 13, or 15 from 

11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The table will be manned by a key worker 

and is a centralized location for people to ask about CFC. Interested parties may also visit room C1008 or C1019 anytime during 

normal business hours. The USU CFC goal is $165,000 and currently we have raised $142,465. In order to reach our goal we still 

need $22,535. 

Toastmasters: At Toastmasters, members learn by speaking to 

groups and working with others in a supportive environment. 

Each new member receives a variety of manuals and resources on 

how to become a better speaker and a more confident leader. 

They also receive “The Toastmaster,” an award-winning monthly 

magazine that offers the latest insights on speaking and leadership techniques. Join the USU Toastmasters group on Jan. 7 from 

noon to 1 p.m. in room A 2053. Everyone is welcome. 

PAGE 7 

USU Briefs 

Holiday Cheer 

The air was full of joy as USU celebrated its annual holiday party, Dec 19. A traditional feast with all of the 

trimmings satisfied the palettes of hungry guests and music enticed several party goers onto the dance 

floor. Young guests enjoyed spending time with Santa and his helpers and gifts came early for one lucky 

participant as 2d Lt Kristen Saenger helped Samantha, 4 year-old-daughter of 2d Lt Shane Patterson and 

Rebecca Patterson, pick a winning raffle ticket. 

Photo by HM2 Michael Oliver 
UNIFORMED SERVICES UNIVERSITY 

of the Health Sciences