VOLUME 4, ISSUE 4 VOLUME 4, ISSUE 4 WWW.USUHS.MIL March 4, 2009 March 4, 2009

USU Newsletter 

March is Women’s History Month 
Bill Bester 

 Acting Vice President for 

External Affairs and 

Managing Editor 

 

Ken Frager

Public Affairs Specialist 

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 the United 

States Air Force 

In This Issue 

CFC......................................2 

Research Week................2 

Physician to Congress...3 

A.A. History Month.........3 

Dr. Smith Profile...............4 

Health Affairs Contest...4 

Memorial Fund................5 

Service Award..................5 

Student Scientist..............6 

Look Who’s Talking........6 

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

Share Your Story..............7 

 There has been much frenzy 

over the past couple of months 

and the university’s business-asusual ambience has given way to 

raucous celebrations on campus 

grounds—all in the name of charity. 

 The Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) swept through USU— 

barbeques and chili cook-offs setting the tone—reminding everyone, giving is fun! Legions of university employees responded by 

donating more than$180,000 to 

those in need, shattering the goal 

by nearly $15,000. 

 For its participation, USU received the much coveted Summit 

Award, given to agencies achieving a three percent increase in 

donations over the 

previous year’s results. 

 While the success of the campaign rests on a 

unified community’s shoulders, it is 

important to acknowledge the 

men and women 

who labored so 

diligently on behalf 

of the CFC. 

 “You proved to 

be real stars in people’s lives,” CPT 

Sean Tyler told campaign stewards 

during an awards 

ceremony commemorating key 

workers. “Your enthusiasm and 

commitment made everything possible.” 

 More than 70 volunteers helped organize 

and facilitate the events, 

becoming the cornerstones of the lucrative 

campaign. 

 While some donated 

time, and others money, 

visual information specialist Harold Blackwell 

used imagination to 

fashion several posters 

designed to attract contributors. In one poster, 

a top hat and wand are 

positioned next to a slogan reading, It Doesn’t 

Take a Magician to Make 

the Magic Happen. For his creations, Blackwell won first and second place in the Department of 

Defense Communication and Marketing Contest and first place in 

the CFC National Capital Area 

(CFCNCA) Best Poster in the medium category. The CFC honored 

Blackwell during an awards ceremony hosted at the Grand Hyatt in 

Washington, D.C. The university 

was also recognized for having the 

most innovative campaign technique during the CFCNCA awards 

ceremony. 

 CFC is the world’s largest and 

most successful workplace charity 

campaign. In 2008, federal employees in the National Capital 

Area pledged nearly $62.6 million, 

the largest amount ever contributed in the region. 

People of USU Give Generously 

to Those in Need 

By Christine Creenan 

VPE Staff Writer 

On behalf of the university, Brigade Commander COL John Wempe and President 

Charles Rice accepted the Summit Award, 

given to agencies achieving a three percent 

increase in donations. 

Photo by Tom Balfour 

Harold Blackwell, TSgt Lakisha Davis, CPT Sean 

Tyler and LT Darren Brown represented USU at 

the Combined Federal Campaign of the National 

Capital Area Finale and Award Assembly. 

Photo by Tom Balfour 

Save the Date 

A showcase of research excellence begins 

May 11 during Research Week 2009. This 

year’s theme, “Celebrating Excellence in Research,” reflects the complementary roles 

that nursing, public health, behavioral science, basic science and medicine play in 

health promotion. The three-day event will 

include poster presentations, invited speakers and panels demonstrating USU’s special 

role in civilian, public health and military 

research across the health sciences. For 

more information, visit 

http://usuresearchday.hjf.org. 
PAGE 3 

In February, people across the 

United States celebrated the contributions of African Americans 

during African American History 

Month. At USU, the 28-day commemoration culminated in a 

presentation hosted by guest 

speaker, Mr. George Hardy. 

Through his discussion, a 

glimpse into America’s Jim Crow 

society was revealed. “Just like 

other places in the South, Wilson, 

N.C. was a segregated town,” 

Hardy said of his hometown. But 

according to the USU courier, 

underscoring the inequalities 

that existed in the early 1960s 

were feelings of optimism. The 

organization of a local chapter of 

the NAACP, for example, promised citizens of Wilson hope for a 

brighter future. Hardy shared 

many stories, revealing much 

about life on a tobacco farm during times of social unrest. 

Through it all, Mr. Hardy remained spirited. He said he is 

thankful for a loving family, great 

friends and even the lived experiences—good and bad—which 

shaped him into the person he is 

today. President Charles Rice 

thanked Hardy with a university 

memento. 

African American History Month Celebration 

 From the halls of learning to the chambers of legislation, a former acting chairman of the USU Department of Medicine and 

presently a professor of medicine, was recently nominated by 

President Barack Obama for appointment to the grade of rear 

admiral and assignment as attending physician in the Office of 

Attending Physician, U.S. Congress (OAP). 

 RADM Brian Monahan is responsible for the welfare of the legislative and judicial branches of government; the emergency care 

of thousands of staff, security personnel and dignitaries; and environmental, public health, and occupational health programs of 

the Capitol Hill region. He is instrumental in security planning and 

works hand-in-hand with the House and Senate Sergeant at Arms, 

U.S. Capitol Police, and other Congressional Officials to ensure 

medical support during contingency operations. 

 Dr. Monahan is well suited to take the reigns as lead physician 

on Capitol Hill. The experienced oncology and hematology doctor and researcher was a staff physician for the OAP in the early 

1990s and maintained a supporting role with the office during 

countless national special security events, State of the Union Addresses and Joint Sessions of Congress, and essential continuity of 

government initiatives. He 

returned permanently in 

the spring of 2008 as the 

assistant attending physician. 

 “It is a great honor and 

privilege to expand my leadership role and continue 

serving my country. The 

physician officers before me 

have set a precedence of 

excellence and I look forward to continuing this 

tradition by providing 

sound medical advice and 

working to promote wellness,” Monahan said. 

 Like Dr. Monahan, many 

of his predecessors are affiliated with USU, including 

RADM (Ret.) William Narva, 

former USU vice president, and RADM John Eisold, former adjunct 

professor of medicine at USU. 

USU Faculty Expands Leadership Role on Capitol Hill 

By Christine Creenan 

VPE Staff Writer 

RADM Brian Monahan 

Photo by HM2 Michael Oliver 
PAGE 4 

USU 

A Traditional Academic University with a Unique 

Focus 

 Flashes of light fill the otherwise dark room. Photos of kamikaze pilots, a town in ruins, and badly wounded soldiers flood the 

large screen. The images, fading one into the next, grab their attention but the real excitement lies in his storytelling. 

 Senior Vice President Dale Smith, Ph.D., paints a vivid picture 

for the aspiring physicians of USU. His voice—perfectly suited for 

narration—carries to the highest corners of the auditorium, reeling 

in students with tales of wartime casualty. 

 A group of ambitious Sailors are faced with enormous challenges aboard a World War II submarine, Dr. Smith tells the firstyear students. Crewmembers, aboard several ships, have fallen ill 

and with no physicians on hand, the “corpsmen, having seen surgery, studied anatomy and having experience and confidence 

decided that while on patrol, they would complete the appendectomies to save the lives of these crewmen.” 

 Wartime iconography continues to flash in the background. 

Images of the ship’s hull and makeshift operating tables bring to 

life the war fighter’s story. 

 “They didn’t have the right equipment,” the historian continues. “They bent spoons into retractors and ether was dropped 

onto tea strainers. It was very clear in the confined space of the 

submarine, the fumes in the environment nearly took out the operators as well as the patients.” 

 In the crux of Smith’s history lesson, it’s easy to forget the classroom and all of its trappings. His students are transported to another time and place and on this journey they have come to understand the dire need for a properly trained cadre of medical 

personnel. 

 Even the shock of fluorescent lighting, signifying 

the lesson’s completion, 

can not jar their contemplation. The students 

have experienced a 

breathtaking piece of history, and have gained a 

conscience certain to 

make them better soldiers 

and physicians. And this 

is Dr. Smith’s gift—the delivery of seemingly effortless discourse, as if he’s 

sharing script from a really 

good book. 

 But making the job 

look easy is actually very 

hard work, concedes the 

historian, even for someone who began when 

Nixon was president. 

 “Each generation grows up and learns differently,” Smith said. 

“You must work at restructuring the material you are teaching, not 

just to keep pace with the scholarship but to keep pace with the 

way students learn.” 

 Nowadays, Dr. Smith spends less time teaching and more time 

as an administrator. The demands of a senior vice president 

stretch far and wide. Still, perhaps the greatest impact he makes 

comes from behind the classroom podium. And Dr. Smith will tell 

you, there is no place he’d rather be. 

Dr. Smith is at the Head of the Class 

By Christine Creenan 

VPE Staff Writer 

Senior Vice President Dale Smith 

 The Military Health System (MHS) is running “Share Your Care,” a video contest to 

showcase the people, programs and facilities supporting the health of our service 

members and families. The contest runs 

Feb. 27 through March 30, 2009. 

 The contest, open to all service members, their families and MHS personnel, is 

the first of its kind for MHS, using the social 

media Web site, YouTube, to manage and 

collect submissions. Winners will receive a 

coveted coin from the assistant secretary of 

defense, Dr. S. Ward Casscells, and have 

their videos featured on www.health.mil. 

 “We don’t often hear about the men 

and women who get up every day and 

tirelessly care for our wounded, ill and injured,” said Dr. Casscells. “This video contest affords the opportunity to service members, families and personnel to share their 

stories of where the MHS’s commitment to 

care is most embodied.” 

 Videos will be accepted on a range of 

military health topics, such as outstanding 

employees and medical providers, rehabilitation experiences or volunteer efforts. 

Videos should fall into at least one of five 

categories: Humor, Poignancy, History, 

Artistic Beauty (highlighting place of work 

and surrounding area) and/or Song. 

 “This contest is not about us, but about 

you. Maybe it’s a story about care received 

at a warrior transition unit or military treatment facility or maybe it’s a particular individual who made the difference such as a 

doctor, nurse, physical therapist, or receptionist, for example, who never complains 

and brings a smile to work every day,” said 

Casscells. “Be bold and creative in your 

videos and have some fun.” 

 Members of the YouTube community 

will vote on their favorite videos, selecting 

the top five as winners. Full contest rules 

and instructions are available at 

http://www.health.mil/shareyourcare and 

on the contest page on YouTube, at 

www.youtube.com/group/ShareYourCare. 

 For more information, contact Charlene 

Reynolds at 703-681-8882. 

(Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense 

for Health Affairs News Release) 

Military Health System Hosts “Share Your Care” Video Contest 
PAGE 5 

 The Emma L. 

Bockman Memorial Fund 

was established 

to honor the 

late Dr. Emma 

L. Bockman, an 

associate professor of physiology at USU 

from 1978 to 

1985. Dr. Bockman's exceptional abilities 

as an educator 

and researcher 

were recognized both within the university and in the 

scientific community. Her dedication to 

teaching was felt by all who were fortunate 

enough to experience her Socratic methods. In her memory, the Emma L. Bockman 

Memorial Fund annually rewards those 

who keep her academic ideals and search 

for knowledge alive. 

 Awards of $750 will be given to the USU 

graduate and medical students who best 

represent the ideals that were held by Dr. 

Bockman. The recipients are selected competitively based upon their research 

(completed, in progress or proposed), academic performance, and community service. The Medical Student Award is presented at the graduation award ceremony 

for fourth year students, and during the fall 

academic collegiums for other medical students. The Graduate Student Award is presented at the banquet held during USU 

Research Week. 

 The Emma L. Bockman Award is intended to support scholarly endeavors that 

enhance the recipient’s scientific career and 

may be used to purchase supplies for a 

collaborative research project, payment of 

tuition for a special course to enhance the 

individual's scholarly capability, to provide 

travel to a relevant scientific meeting or 

conference, or to purchase equipment, 

books, or computer programs to support 

the individuals’ scholarly effort, among 

other things. 

 To apply, a student should submit an 

abstract of 750 words or less briefly outlining a research project completed or in progress. The abstract must conform to the 

following format: objective(s), methods, 

results, and discussion. Alternatively, the 

abstract could describe an interesting research problem or proposal for scholarly 

activity to be performed, with a review of 

the relevant literature. Examples of the 

research considered for the award include, 

but are not limited to: a report of a completed project for more advanced students; 

a well researched case report; a preliminary 

report from an ongoing research project 

for less advanced students; or a well 

thought out faculty-guided proposal. The 

application must contain a statement of 

how the awardee will use the $750 to enhance his or her academic career. The applicant must also supply USU transcripts, a 

curriculum vitae and a confidential letter 

from one faculty sponsor outlining faculty 

support and guidance and the student's 

scholarly ability, integrity, as well as contributions to the University. All application 

materials must be received by Dr. Tim 

O’Neill, Department of Pediatrics, Room 

C1069B, no later than 4:00 p.m. on March 

27. 

Call for Applications: Emma L. Bockman Memorial Award 

By Tim O’Neill, Ph.D. 

Research Assistant Professor, Pediatrics 

Emma L. Bockman 

Photo by Ken Frager Photo by Ken Frager 

And the Service Award Goes to... 

Faculty Senate President LTC Andrew Bauer, M.D., presented CAPT Gerald Denton, M.D., and Cindy Wilson, Ph.D., with the Exceptional Service Award and Outstanding Service Award, respectively, for meritorious service to the university. CPT Denton has served as the president-elect, faculty president and pastpresident of the USU Faculty Senate. During his three-year tenure, beginning in 2005, Denton worked tirelessly to fairly represent more than 4,000 faculty members by maintaining open channels of communication with the Board of Regents and university administration. He also established a Clinical Educator 

Award and created a faculty mentoring committee. Dr. Wilson is the chair of the USU Faculty Senate Education Committee and overall coordinator for last year’s Education Day. More than 100 faculty members, 

ten administrative offices and five external organizations participated in the highly successful event. 
PAGE 6 

 A 16-year-old junior at West Potomac 

High School in Alexandria, Va., took first 

place in the plant science category in her 

high school’s recent science fair. Potential 

future scientist Chelsea Bender’s project 

was to observe the effects of a range of 

radiation doses on the growth of radish 

seeds. 

 In the interest of “growing” future scientists, staff members at AFRRI provided guidance to Ms. Bender. “I’d like to thank especially Navy Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class 

Christie Hooker for her explanations about 

irradiation,” said Ms. Bender. Ms. Bender’s 

next step is to enter the Fairfax County Regional Science and Engineering Fair on 

March 27-29. In addition to enthusiasm 

and degree of independent effort, judging 

was based on the application of the scientific method, the quality of the research, the 

results and conclusions, the presentation of 

the information, and ideas for future studies. 

 “We are pleased to encourage interest in 

scientific careers and particularly the study 

of radiation science, which plays an important part in many medical and commercial 

aspects of our lives,” said AFRRI Deputy 

Director Col Donald E. Hall. Such education 

and assistance, he said, is coupled with our 

routine operations, which allows us to assist in the experience without additional 

expense or use. On March 3, as it does 

each year, AFRRI will host some 40 highschool students from across the country at 

the request of the Presidential Classroom 

Science, Technology & Public Policy Program, a nonprofit civic education organization. 

 Ms. Bender, showing 

the long-term devotion 

required in scientific research, built her project on 

her 2008 science fair entry. 

That experiment used radish seeds that were purchased online and came 

with exposures of 50,000 

to 4 million rad. Her 2008 

findings indicated that the 

seeds exposed to 50,000 

rad grew best. For this 

effort she was awarded a 

third place in the Fairfax 

County Regional Science 

and Engineering Fair. 

 For her current project, 

Ms. Bender wanted to limit 

variables and observe the 

effects of a narrower range 

of exposures from 5,000 to 

100,000 rad. She purchased seeds from a seed 

company so as to verify 

things like the age of the 

seeds. AFRRI was able to 

help her obtain details and 

guidance about the irradiation process. Her results 

this time indicated that the 

control group (0 rad) grew 

best. 

 Ms. Bender hopes to 

next observe radiation hormesis, which 

hypothesizes that chronic exposure to low 

doses of ionizing radiation are beneficial 

and, in this case, should boost the growth 

of radish seeds. Exposing the seeds to levels 

between 0 and 5,000 rad, she feels, would 

be a logical extension of her project. 

In addition to using deeper soil containers 

and planting seeds outside, she would like 

to vary the dose rate— the speed at which 

the dose is delivered— to test whether the 

same dose given over a short versus a 

longer period of time may yield different 

results. 

Young Scientist Investigates Radiation Effects on Plant Growth 

By Donna Solyan 

Chief, Publications Design Division 

Navy Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Christie Hooker (left), an 

AFRRI radiation health technician, explains to high-school 

student Chelsea Bender and her mother Lindsey Bender 

how containers of radish seeds could be placed on the exposure platform in the AFRRI 60-cobalt facility. They are 

escorted by Army Specialist Walter Cruz. 

Photo by David Morse 

Look Who’s Talking...In honor of Women’s History Month, the people of USU 

talk about the females who inspire them. 

“My female role model is a lady named 

Robin Sundeen. She’s a horse instructor 

who has been educating herself her entire 

life. I think that’s cool because no matter 

what you do, you can always be better.” 

-2nd Lt Kristina Rustad 

Medical Student

“I would say my role model is Michelle 

Obama. She is independent and can stand 

on her own two feet. As a female, I think 

that is very important.” 

-SSgt Latoya Carr 

Medical Technician 

“My wife is my role model. She is on 

the city board and on the education 

board, while also working two jobs 

and completing her MBA. She does 

her thing.” 

-SFC Kimani Harris 

NCOIC Military Personnel Office

“Congresswoman Jackie Speier is my 

role model. She accompanied Leo 

Ryan as his undersecretary on a trip 

to Jonestown, Guyana in 1978. He 

died in the massacre and she sustained major injuries. I had the 

chance to meet her and she was a 

powerful woman, who left a lasting 

impression.” 

-Wes Summers 

IT Specialist 
DEOMI Equal Opportunity Climate Survey: All active duty members of the USU Brigade should have received directions to complete the DEOCS/Command Climate Survey. The survey is available until March 9. If you have not yet received the email with 

directions on how to complete the survey, please contact the BDE 

EOO, MAJ Fitzhugh, at dfitzhugh@usuhs.mil or 295-9506. 

Helpdesk Closure: The UIS helpdesk is closed for training on 

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

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

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

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 TSgt Ernle at 295-3281; 

Navy contact FC1 Race at 295-9637; and Army contact SSG 

Rogers at 295-3720. 

Personal Exercise/Fitness Areas: Physical Fitness training should 

be conducted in designated areas. The only authorized space for 

PT within the university is room G060. All other spaces within the 

university are not authorized for exercise or fitness, with the exception of the Student Community Lounge area during specified 

PFT testing dates/times. Another option for indoor PT on base is 

the Comfort Zone Complex (CZC) in building 23. The CZC hours 

of operation are Monday – Friday from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. and on 

weekends and holidays from are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

Antietam Road March: The annual Antietam Road March will take 

place on April 30 beginning at 7 a.m. This march is an important 

lesson in medical history that allows students, faculty and staff the 

opportunity to witness the medical practices of the Civil War. Military faculty, staff and students are to adhere to their service specific uniform regulations for backpacks and it is preferable that all 

who attend this function wear only black backpacks. Further 

guidance will be disseminated as the date draws near. 

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. 

Proper Use of Computer Resources: Security incidents continue to 

be a drain to limited USU Information Assurance (IA) manpower. 

The following highlight current DoD policy and best practices: 

Personnel must not install self-coded or non-licensed software on 

network resources; add, remove, configure, or attempt to modify 

USU computer operating systems or programs; move audio/visual 

or network cables, computers or attempt to connect personal 

computers to the network (including MDL and lecture hall 

spaces); connect personal devices except for those previously authorized by UIS; download pornographic material and store or 

display offensive material, such as racist literature, sexually harassing or obscene language or material; store or process classified 

information on any USU system; permit unauthorized individuals 

access to a government-owned or government-operated system 

or program; access online gambling, games, and social engineering sites. 

Tom's Run 2009: Tom’s Run is a 200-mile Ultra Distance Team or 

Solo Trail Run from Cumberland to Bethesda. The event takes 

place this year on May 28-30. The course ends on the USU Quadrangle. Staggered start means all teams or solo runners compete 

equally. This is an excellent team building event. All runners must 

be shadowed by a mountain biker, which means almost anyone 

can compete in this event. For more information call Mr. Ray Handel at 295-3949. 

PAGE 7 

USU Briefs 

The USU Newsletter 

Wants Your Story 

The USU faculty, staff and student bodies each have stories 

to tell and we’d like to hear 

from you. Contact the Office of 

External Affairs or send your 

submission to 

usunewsletter@usuhs.mil to 

share your story. 
UNIFORMED SERVICES UNIVERSITY 

of the Health Sciences