USU Newsletter 

VOLUME 2,ISSUE 11 WWW.USUHS.MIL JUNE 18, 2007 

In This Issue 

History of Bushmaster Part 1............2 

Asian Pacific Heritage Month...........3 

Fighting For Life....................................3 

Afghanistan’s Health Care................4 

High Salt Diets.......................................4 

HIV Vaccine............................................5 

CAPT. Mead receives Defense 

Superior Service Medal.......................6 

Alumnus Named Deputy Assistant 

Secretary, DHHS....................................6 

Staff Profile..............................................6 

USU Alumni Awardees.......................7 

In Memory of Dr. Yarington..............8 

Jr./Sr. Employee of the Quarter......9 

232 Years of HOOAH!........................9 

Pay Band..............................................10 

USU Briefs.............................................11 

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

White Coat Ceremony............Page 5 
USU Newsletter 

Editorial Staff 

Carol R. Scheman 

Vice President for 

External Affairs and 

Managing Editor 

Tech. Sgt. 

André Nicholson 

Editor 

Mass Communications 

Third Class 

Jeff Hopkins 

Assistant Editor 

Mass Communications 

Specialist 

Seaman 

Raul Zamora 

Assistant Editor 

 

Sharon Willis 

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. 

PAGE 2 

Cover Photo By: 

HM2 Michael Oliver 

 The first dean of the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USU) F. Edward Hébert 

School of Medicine, Dr. Jay Sanford, stated the educational objective of the curriculum is: “To prepare 

the graduate to serve successfully, following internship, as a general medical officer in the emergency 

room of a fixed military medical facility or as a general medical officer at the forward-most point on the 

modern battlefield at which physicians are positioned.” 

 Dr. Sanford believed that the totality of the USU 

required curriculum in the basic sciences, clinical 

sciences, and military medicine formed a unique 

intellectual basis for this educational objective. He 

directed that the school’s faculty create a formal 

curricular element using the structure of a military 

field exercise to test the ability of the students to 

meet the second element of this educational objective. He envisioned this exercise not as “field training,” but as a “graduate level educational laboratory 

experience conducted in the field” during the senior 

year of medical school. 

 More than 30 years ago, Congress established 

USU as the nation’s military medical academic university and it was in those formative years that Dr. 

Sanford’s vision created what has come to be 

known as Operation Bushmaster. 

 At that time, there was not, and had never been, 

any such academic enterprise in American medical 

education. In fact, American military medical training 

had abandoned even medical field training exercises 

for medical corps officers in the aftermath of the 

Vietnam War. The university faculty would have to 

create this program from scratch, formally evaluate 

the program’s outcomes, and modify the program’s 

curriculum on the basis of those formal evaluations. 

 In 1978, Dr. Sanford appointed then Army Lt. Col. 

Barry Wolcott, MC, to USU’s faculty to serve as the 

project officer for the Senior Course in Operational 

and Emergency Medicine, as which he served until 

the fall of 1982. 

 The first evolution of this unnamed academic 

endeavor took place in the fall of 1979 at the Army’s 

field medical operations area at Camp Bullis, Texas, 

for the 29 students of the charter 1980 medical 

school class. The exercise’s Operations Officer, Army 

Maj. Dennis Dugan, MSC, supplied the “Bushmaster” 

name before the second evolution in the fall of 

1980; despite the fact that the name had no particular significance, it “stuck.” 

 By 1981, expansion of class size required running 

the exercise twice; once the medical school reached 

the current class size of 165, it was necessary to run 

the exercise three times a year. 

 The Bushmaster exercise has had several important derivatives. These include: 

 -The Combat Casualty Care Course (C4); the university created this course based upon the Bushmaster curriculum for the services as the American military’s first recurring tri-service training program 

(medical or otherwise); 

 -The Military Training Network; the university 

was the first military medical element to routinely 

train medical officers in Advanced Cardiac Life Support and Advanced Trauma Life Support, and therefore created this mechanism to maintain their proficiency after graduation; 

 -The “spin-off” from the senior year curriculum of 

Operation Kerkesner to be conducted at the end of 

the freshman year. 

 Bushmaster has contributed more than 4,000 

graduates to military medical service since that first 

evolution in 1979. However, as with any academic 

endeavor, Bushmaster’s most important legacy will 

remain the military medical intellectual capital created, nurtured, refined and expanded by the USU 

faculty responsible for this unique curricular element 

during the 28 years of its existence. 

 Throughout those past 28 years, the operation 

has gone from being held several times a year at 

different locations such as San Antonio, Texas, to 

more recently, being conducted once a year over a 

two-week period at Fort Indiantown Gap, Pa (FIG). 

 Dr. Sanford’s original vision of a graduate level 

educational laboratory experience conducted in the 

field during the senior year of medical school has 

since included students from the Graduate School of 

Nursing, and foreign exchange students. 

 In 2005, the Department of Military and Emergency Medicine (MEM) held both Operation Bushmaster and Operation Kerkesner simultaneously at 

FIG over a two week period. This year both field 

exercises will be conducted in July, again at FIG. 

 For a follow-up to this year’s Operations Bushmaster/Kerkesner, look for Part II of the History of 

Bushmaster after the field exercise in a future issue 

of the USU Newsletter. 

History of Bushmaster....Part I of II 

By Dr. Barry Wolcott and 

TSgt. André Nicholson 

Photo by MCSN Raul Zamora 
 A full-length feature film that began with the 

idea of highlighting the education being provided at the Uniformed Services University of the 

Health Sciences (USU), turned into a documentary about military medicine, the people who 

practice it and those who need it most. 

 The film is the brainchild of Tammy Alvarez, 

founder and president of the Friends of USU. 

Mrs. Alvarez, who is the wife of USU’s Board of 

Regents Chair Everett Alvarez Jr., JD, said there 

were a few reasons for wanting to make the 

film: to provide greater public awareness of the 

contributions and sacrifices of military medical 

personnel, as well as the threat of closure of 

USU. 

 “The university is extremely grateful for the 

vision and dedication Tammy Alvarez has put 

into producing this extraordinary film,” said 

Carol Scheman, vice president for the Office of 

External Affairs. “She truly believes in the mission 

of this university and appreciates the commitment our students make in an effort to become 

the future military medical leaders of our nation.” 

 “Fighting for Life” is a portrait of American 

military medicine in a time of war that interweaves three stories: 

 Military doctors, nurses, and medics working with compassion, skill, and dedication during war. 

 Wounded service members reacting with 

courage, dignity, and determination to survive 

and heal. 

 USU students on their journey toward becoming military physicians. 

 The film crew consists of Producer/Director 

Terry Sanders, a two-time Oscar winner and 

one-time Emmy award winner who has produced and/or directed more than 70 awardwinning dramatic features, theatrical documentaries, and television specials. Co-Producer Jennifer Glos is a Master of Fine Arts graduate of the 

University of California Los Angeles, Calif., 

School of Theater, Film, and Television where 

she studied documentary filmmaking. Cinematographer Erik Daarstad has photographed 

hundreds of films over the last 45 years, from 30 

second commercials to feature films. Bruce 

Nolte is a 1976 BFA graduate of the School of 

Film/Video of California Institute of the Arts. His 

professional experience in both film and video 

production includes lighting director, camera 

operation, audio recording and many aspects of 

post-production. 

 Sanders said he originally started out to make 

a film about USU the “West Point” of military 

medicine or “the best medical school no one’s 

ever heard of.” It then grew into a story about 

military medicine in a time of war. 

 “The decision to make this film was a single 

decision by Tammy Alvarez, I just helped out,” 

Sanders said jokingly. 

 The film crew traveled to Iraq, Germany and 

made several trips to USU, Walter Reed Army 

Medical Center (WRAMC), and National Naval 

Medical Center. Segments of the film document 

the lives of several wounded service members 

such as 20 year-old Army Specialist Crystal Davis, 

from her arrival at the field hospital in Iraq following the loss of one leg from an Improvised 

Explosive Device, to her subsequent care in 

Germany, and finally recovery and rehabilitation 

at WRAMC. 

 “For me, “Fighting for Life” is a portrait of the 

compassion, skill, dedication and bravery of 

military doctors and nurses, and the courage, 

dignity and determination of the wounded to 

survive, to heal and, in the words of Army Specialist Davis, ‘bounce back,’” said Sanders. 

 While at the university the crew filmed several events, ceremonies and exercises such as 

the White Coat ceremony, the Antietam Road 

March, Operations Bushmaster and Kerkesner 

and commencement, which are all featured in 

the documentary. 

 “The crew captured the essence of military 

medicine,” said Dr. James Zimble, USU president 

emeritus and film viewer. “This film far exceeded 

my expectations and it was beautifully done.” 

 The crew shot more than 150 hours of film 

and edited it down to the 89 minute documentary. The film is scheduled to be released in theaters nationwide later this year. For more information about the film visit: 

www.fightingforlifethemovie.com. 

PAGE 3 

Feature film brings military medicine from battlefield to big screen 

By TSgt. André Nicholson 

NCOIC, Office of External Affairs 

Ms. Tammy Alvarez speaks to the audience at 

the special screening of “Fighting for Life” with 

the film crew and Dr. Charles Rice, USU president, in attendance. 

 The Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USU) celebrated Asian Pacific Heritage month, Tuesday, June 12. 

 The celebration began with an invocation by LCDR Timothy Jannin, 

CHC, USN and the singing of the National Anthem by 2LT Ikaika Kahoano, MS1, USA. 

 The keynote speaker was RADM Kenneth P. Moritsugu, M.D., MPH, 

acting surgeon general of the United States who began by saying hello 

in Hawaiian, Samoan, Japanese, Chinese and Hindi. 

 “We are here today to recognize the Asian American Pacific and Islander,” Moritsugu said. “I’m a third generation American of Japanese 

ancestory, born and raised in Hawaii and proud of it. I am proud to have 

two medal of honor awardees in my family. When I search the internet 

for my ‘not-so-common’ last name, I’m surprised to find graphic artists, 

scientists, news reporters, and even a prize winning director.” 

 He highlighted the theme of pursuing excellence in leadership diversity, unity and called attention to one of the priorities of his office, the 

elimination of health disparities. 

 “Diversity is something we should celebrate today and every day,” 

Moritsugu said. “However, many Americans are members of racial and 

ethnic minorities whose groups experience disparities and health outcomes in 

health care. While over all our nation’s 

health has improved, not all populations 

have benefited equally.” 

 Cancer is the second leading cause of 

death for most racial and ethnic groups 

in the United States. It is the number one 

leading cause of death among Asian 

Americans and Pacific Islanders. 

 Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders 

with diabetes are at high risk for heart 

disease, which is the second leading 

cause of death in these groups. 

 In spite of the numerous health problems facing Asian and Pacific Americans, 

Moritsugu applauded their cultural 

strength in the face of these adversities. 

 “We should not lose sight of why we 

celebrate these cultures,” he said. “Not to 

emphasize on our differences but rather 

noting how these differences contribute 

to our diversity and richness of our society. Today we can consider who the 

Asian Pacific Americans are, a diverse mix 

of people whose background springs from cultures that span more than 

half of the globe. It is an interweaving of people that results in the richness and beauty of the tapestry which is our nation.“ 

USU Celebrates Asian 

Pacific Heritage Month 

By MCSN Raul Zamora 

Assistant Editor, Office of External Affairs 

Photo by TSgt. James Steele 

RADM Kenneth P. 

Moritsugu, M.D., MPH 

acting surgeon general of 

the United States speaks 

to USU staff and faculty 

at the Asian Pacific Heritage Month celebration. 

Photo by TSgt André Nicholson 
PAGE 4 

 Members of the Uniformed Services University of the Health 

Sciences (USU) had the opportunity to attend Dr. Jim Holliman’s 

presentation on the Center for Disaster and Humanitarian Assistance Medicine’s (CDHAM) Afghanistan Healthcare Sector Medical 

Reachback Program (AHSMR). 

 Funding was obtained by Col. Donald Thompson, USAF, MC, 

(USU class of 1986) to start a project at the CDHAM both to hire 

staff, as well as to provide funding for initial programs. 

 The original goal of the AHSMR was to work with the Combined Security Transition Command-Afghanistan (CSTC-4), whose 

aim was to reform the Afghan military structure to facilitate and 

guide their efforts to combine the Afghan National Police and 

Afghan National Army into the Afghan National Security Force 

and their respective medical systems. Holliman said that through 

the course of the visit, it became apparent that a much broader 

initiative would be required. 

 “The initial idea was to form a team of subject matter experts to 

conduct a “crash study” visit to Afghanistan to identify a program 

management plan to assist the command surgeon and the CSTC-4 

in carrying out quality health care for the ANSF,” Holliman said. “It 

quickly became apparent that in order to fix health care for the 

ANSF, the health care for the entire country would need to be 

advertised in a coordinated fashion.” 

 Holliman said there were many geographical and security 

problems facing Afghanistan’s health care system. 

 “There are many high mountains, and isolated valleys in which 

people live,” Holliman said. “The security situation is a lot worse, 

the diversity of ethnic groups there causes a lot of problems, many 

of them don’t get along too well. The country is one of the most 

heavily mined countries in the world; there are thousands of landmine victims.” 

 Holliman said problems within the health care system itself included medical logistics, and medical equipment issues. 

 “The military has already started working on that, developing a 

logistics depot, for the ANSF in Kabul, and depots near each of the 

regional hospitals,” Holliman said. 

 “There was a lot of irreparable equipment, as well as brand 

new equipment that had never been used, because medical personnel were either untrained with it, or too afraid of breaking it,” 

he said. 

 Holliman said training for medical equipment repair was developed, so that at least the equipment already available remains 

functional.

Grand Rounds: 

CDHAM’s Afghanistan Healthcare 

Sector Medical Reachback Program 

By MC3 Jeff Hopkins 

Assistant Editor, Office of External Affairs 

 Scientists from the Uniformed Services 

University of the Health Sciences (USU) 

have discovered that diets high in salt may 

increase the virulence of the pathogen 

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), which is the 

most common cause of ulcers in the stomach and duodenum. 

 "Apparently the stomach pathogen H. 

pylori closely monitors the diets of those 

people whom it infects. Epidemiological 

evidence has long implied that there is a 

connection between H. pylori and the composition of the human diet. This is especially true for diets rich in salt," says D. Scott 

Merrell, Ph.D., assistant professor of Microbiology and Immunology at the Uniformed 

Services University of the Health Sciences in 

Bethesda, MD. Hanan Gancz, a postdoctoral fellow in the Merrell laboratory presented the research May 22, 2007 at the 

107th General Meeting of the American 

Society for Microbiology in Toronto. High 

concentrations of salt in the stomach 

appear to induce gene activity in H. pylori, 

making it more virulent and increasing the 

likelihood of an infected person developing 

a severe gastric disease. 

 H. pylori is a spiral-shaped bacterium 

that can live in the acidic environment of 

the stomach and duodenum which is the 

section of intestine below the stomach. It is 

the most common cause of ulcers of the 

stomach and duodenum, accounting for 

up to 90% of duodenal ulcers and up to 

80% of gastric ulcers. Infection with H. pylori also causes gastritis, and infected persons also have a 2-to 6-fold increased risk of 

developing mucosa-associated lymphoid 

tissue (MALT) lymphoma, and gastric cancer compared with uninfected counterparts. 

 H. pylori infection is common in the 

United States and is most often found in 

persons from lower income groups and 

older adults. About 20% of persons 

younger than 40 years of age and about 

50% of persons over 60 years of age are 

infected. Most infected people do not have 

symptoms and only a small percentage go 

on to develop disease. 

 Previous research has focused on the 

effects diet has on the stomach environment where H. pylori resides, but until now 

scientists have overlooked the response of 

the microorganism specifically to these 

dietary queues. Working from the epidemiological evidence that H. pylori infection 

combined with a high-salt diet results in an 

increased incidence of severe gastric maladies, Merrell and colleagues decided to look 

at the direct effect a high concentration of 

salt had on both the growth and gene expression of the bacterium. 

 "We noted that H. pylori growth rate 

shows a sharp decline at high salt concentrations. Moreover, bacterial cells exposed 

to increased salt exhibited striking morphological changes: cells became elongated 

and formed long chains," says Merrell. "We 

conclude that H. pylori exposed to high 

levels of salt in vitro exhibit a defect in cell 

division." 

 They also discovered transcription of 

two genes responsible for the virulence of 

the bacterium was increased during highsalt conditions. 

 "The altered expression patterns of some 

virulence genes may partially explain the 

increased disease risk that is associated 

with a high salt diet in H. pylori infected 

individuals," says Merrell. 

USU researchers link high salt diet to ulcers 

H. pylori infection combined with a highsalt diet results in an increased incidence of 

severe gastric maladies 

Courtesy photo 
PAGE 5 

 New research conducted at the Uniformed Services University 

of the Health Sciences (USU) suggests that it may be possible to 

develop a vaccine that protects against the myriad strains of the 

HIV virus. HIV is extremely variable, so an effective vaccine may 

need to stimulate the body to produce cross-reactive antibodies 

that will neutralize multiple viral strains. These results demonstrate 

that induction of truly broad-spectrum neutralizing antibodies 

may be an achievable goal. This groundbreaking study titled: 

“Extensively Cross-Reactive Anti-HIV-1 Neutralizing Antibodies 

Induced by gp140 Immunization” appears in the Early Edition of 

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 

http://www.pnas.org/papbyrecent.shtml. 

 USU Professors CAPT Gerald Quinnan, Jr., M.D., USPHS, and 

Christopher Broder, Ph.D., and their colleagues at USU attempted 

to elicit these broad-range antibodies in an animal model by immunizing with a particular HIV-1 surface protein, designated R2 

gp140, and an immune response-boosting component. The researchers tested antibodies generated by the immunizations to 

determine their effectiveness in neutralizing the infectivity of a 

variety of HIV-1 strains. Antibodies produced as a result of immunization neutralized all 48 strains of HIV-1 tested. The results are 

encouraging for vaccine development, because they showed that 

it is possible to elicit a broad-spectrum antibody response. 

 This research was supported by a grant from a number of collaborators including the National Institutes of Health/NIAID and 

The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc. 

New Study Suggests 

Potential for a 

Broadly-Protective 

HIV Vaccine 

 MS1 students received their first white coat at the end of their first year at the Uniformed Services University of the Health 

Sciences (USU). At the end of the first year the MS1 students are cloaked in their first laboratory coat as a welcome to the medical 

field. The white coat ceremony is a way to recognize and honor the doctor-patient relationship. With the white coat these officers have the privilege and responsibilities that characterize the physician-patient relationship. The Arnold P. Gold Foundation 

for Humanism in Medicine sponsors this ceremony for many of the medical schools in the United States. 

Photo by HM2 Michael Oliver 

First sight of students in white 
PAGE 6 

 The Uniformed Services University of the 

Health Sciences (USU) has many outstanding staff members, and TSgt. Walter L. 

Bennett Jr., USAF, NCOIC, Environmental 

Program is no exception. 

 Bennett is not only the NCOIC for Environmental Programs but also the USU Brigade Member of the Year and the president for the Enlisted Social Committee 

(ESC). 

 He was born in Endicott, New York, but 

raised in Washington. 

 “My family was like a sitcom,” said Bennett. “With six brothers and sisters life was 

never boring. We were always moving 

around and seeing the country.” 

 Bennett’s father is retired now but he 

was an Air Force computer inspector, and 

his mother had a full-time job raising kids. 

Bennett has a family of his own, wife 

Melissa and three kids Tyler, Nichole, and 

Skyler. 

 Since Bennett’s father was in the military, 

he became interested in joining as well. He 

has been in the Air Force for 15 years. “I 

was a military brat,” said Bennett. “I liked 

the lifestyle of good food and traveling.“ 

His Air Force Specialty Code is Bioenvironmental Engineering Craftsman. 

 He has been stationed at Hill AFB, Utah; 

Brooks AFB, Texas; McChord AFB, Washington; Keesler AFB, Mississippi; Fairchild 

AFB, Washington; and presently, USU. 

 Bennett has learned how to protect 

DOD workers from exposure to hazardous 

noise, chemical exposure and other workplace hazards. 

 As president of the ESC he has led the 

organization of several events for the 

enlisted members and fundraisers. “I enjoy 

working in an organization that helps build 

morale and organizes fun activities for 

enlisted Airman, Soldiers and Sailors.” he 

said. 

 As the Enlisted Service Member of the 

Year, Bennett carried the USU Mace during 

the 2007 Commencement Ceremony. 

 “I think this is a great place to work,” he 

said. ”I actually enjoy coming to work. We 

have a beautiful campus, some days it is 

easy to forget this is a military installation. 

One of my favorite memories here at USU 

was personally meeting the surgeons general from all of the services at the graduation last month.” 

 Bennett's plans for the future are to finish his master’s degree in Elementary Education, be an elementary school teacher 

and retire in Harrington, Wash. 

 “I have enjoyed this area for all of the 

historical places I have been able to visit,” 

Bennett said. “It’s one thing to read about 

them and another thing to actually visit 

them.” 

Staff Profile: 

TSgt. Walter Bennett 

By MCSN Raul Zamora 

Assistant Editor, Office of External Affairs 

TSgt. Walter Bennett (Left) carried the USU 

Mace during the 2007 USU Commencement Ceremony. 

Photo by HM2 Michael Oliver 

 Kevin S. Yeskey, M.D., an alumnus and faculty member of the 

Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USU), was 

appointed May 27 to serve as the deputy assistant secretary and 

director of the Office of Preparedness and Emergency Operations 

within the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and 

Response, Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). 

 Dr. Yeskey, a 1983 graduate of USU's F. Edward Hébert School 

of Medicine, has been with the office since February, 2006. Prior 

to his appointment, Dr. Yeskey, an emergency physician, served as 

a member of the Office of Public Health Emergency Preparedness 

(OPHEP) for DHHS. As such, he held a principal advisory role on 

matters related to public health and medical preparedness. 

 Dr. Yeskey retired from the U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) in 

2003, after spending more than 24 years on active duty. During 

that time, Dr. Yeskey held a number of key disaster response positions, including serving as the director of USU's Center for Disaster 

and Humanitarian Assistance Medicine and as an associate professor in USU's Department of Military and Emergency Medicine. Dr. 

Yeskey served at FEMA, CDC, and in the HHS Office of Emergency 

Preparedness. 

USU Alumnus Named 

Deputy Assistant 

Secretary, DHHS 

 The former senior director for the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USU) Continuing Education for 

Health Professionals (CHE) recently received the Defense Superior Service Medal. 

 Captain Jane E. Mead, NC, USN distinguished herself by exceptional meritorious service as senior executive director, Continuing Education for Health Professionals, from June 7, 2005 

through Dec 18, 2006. Captain Mead was directly responsible 

for a 320% increase in continuing medical education offerings, 

providing resuscitative and trauma medicine training oversight 

for 925,000 DoD personnel. She assumed oversight of the USU 

distributed learning system providing connectivity for 4,800 

students and faculty in 436 online courses and a $3 million USU 

contract establishing the Education Technology & Innovation 

Support Office. She also served as executive secretary to the 

USU’s Board of Regents. As the DoD Co-Chair of the Health 

Executive Council Continuing Education Workgroup, Captain 

Mead collaborated with the Veterans Health Administration to 

share 254 training programs, with a combined value of 

$5,970,294. 

Former CHE Senior Director Receives Defense 

Superior Service Medal 

By MC3 Jeff Hopkins 

Assistant Editor, Office of External Affairs 
PAGE 7 

 Congratulations to the following USU alumni who received 

awards during the National Capital Consortium/WRAMC/NNMC/USU Graduation and Awards Ceremony for 

interns, residents and fellows. 

The recipients were: 

CDR William Carter, MC, USN, Class of 1994, Radiology

National Naval Medical Center Staff Physician Teacher of the Year 

Award 

 This award is presented annually to the outstanding faculty 

member of the NNMC's graduate medical education programs. 

The recipient of this award, selected by a committee of program 

chairs and house officers, is felt to best demonstrate the attributes 

of a knowledgeable, accomplished clinician, a dedicated and tireless instructor, and a principled, compassionate leader. 

CDR Patricia McKay, MC, USN, Class of 1993, Orthopaedics 

Vice Admiral James A. Zimble Award 

 The Vice Admiral James A. Zimble Award is presented to recognize the program director whose contribution, dedication and 

interest in teaching has significantly supported the NNMC graduate medical education program. In addition to teaching, all candidates for consideration of the Vice Admiral Zimble Award must 

have demonstrated scholarly activities, including publications, invited lectures, membership and/or fellowship in national/international societies. 

Maj Robert Elwood, USAF, MC, Class of 2000, Pediatric Infectious 

Diseases

Bailey K. Ashford Laboratory Research Award 

"The American Cotton Rat: A Novel Model for Pulmonary Tuberculosis"

 Presented annually to the house staff member judged to have 

accomplished the most outstanding research during training at 

WRAMC. The selection committee considers the quality and significance of the work as well as the nominee's contributions to the 

research. These include both leadership and active participation in 

the conduct of the study in addition to its intellectual aspects. The 

award was initiated in 1975 by Colonel Marcel E. Conrad, the first 

Chief of Clinical Investigation at WRAMC, in the name of Colonel 

Bailey K. Ashford, in honor of Dr. Ashford's work in solving the 

problem of anemia caused by hookworm in Puerto Rico. 

MAJ Brian Hemann, MC, USA, Class of 2000, Cardiology 

General Graves B. Erskine Award - Fellow Award 

 Presented annually to the outstanding resident and outstanding 

fellow as determined by a selection committee. The awards are 

sponsored by the estate of Mrs. Graves B. Erskine in the name of 

her husband, Gen. Graves Blanchard Erskine, who served in both 

World War I and World War II. He commanded the 3rd Marine 

Division in Iwo Jima and the 1st and 3rd Marine Divisions at Camp 

Pendleton, and later served as Commanding General, Fleet Marine 

Force, Atlantic. 

COL George W. Turiansky, MC, USA, Class of 1985, Dermatology 

Lieutenant General Claire L. Chennault Award 

 The LTG Claire L. Chennault Award is presented annually to two 

members of the teaching staff, as determined by a selection committee. The award is presented to faculty who best demonstrate 

overall excellence, professional medical expertise and personality 

traits of innovativeness, fairness, leadership and tenacity in the face 

of adversity. Mrs. Anna C. Chennault sponsors the award in the 

name of her husband, LTG Claire L. Chennault, who founded the 

famed "Flying Tigers," the American flyers who raided Japan from 

China in WWII. 

MAJ Matthew A. Javernick, MC, USA, Class of 2000, Orthopaedics 

Major General Lewis A. Mologne Award 

 The Lewis A. Mologne Award is in memory of Major General 

Lewis Aspey Mologne, the first West Point graduate to become a 

General Officer in the Army Medical Department. His 35-year career was marked by an outstanding demonstration of commitment 

to the care of patients, and a deep sense of loyalty to his country, 

the U.S. Army, and his fellow soldiers. He showed the greatest 

respect for truth, honesty and dedication in the practice of medicine. MG Mologne served as commanding general of WRAMC 

from 1983 to 1988. The award is given annually to a physician in 

training who exemplies these characteristics. The award is given 

by the Lewis A. Mologne Trust of the Henry M. Jackson Foundation. 

LT Scott M. Tintle, MC, USN, Class of 2006, Orthopaedics 

Outstanding Intern Award, National Naval Medical Center 

 The Outstanding Intern is selected by the Intern Program Directors. This individual is judged to have excellence in academic performance, compassion for patients, and outstanding interpersonal 

skills. The recipient is presented with the Navy Achievement Medal 

for this outstanding performance of duties. 

LCDR Jonathan Forsberg, MC, USN, Class of 2001, Orthopaedics 

NNMC Annual Academic Research Competition, Protocol Category 

& Oral Presentations 

 The Academic Research Competition Award is an annual award 

presented to staff and residents from the NNMC for submitted research projects. The NNMC winners go on to compete with the 

winners from the Naval Medical Centers at San Diego and Portsmouth, for a traveling plaque that identifies and awards their 

achievement. 

National Naval Medical Center Outstanding Resident Teaching 

Award 

 Residents from the various training programs within the National Capital Consortium are recognized for their outstanding 

teaching abilities. They have made a significant impact on the 

learning experience of those who are following in their footsteps, 

contributing to a proud legacy of supreme graduate medical education. 

CPT Sung Cho, MC, USA, Class of 2003, Dermatology 

National Naval Medical Center Outstanding Resident Teaching 

Award, Dermatology Residency Program 

LCDR Jonathan Gilhooly, MC, USN, Class of 2001, Neurosurgery 

National Naval Medical Center Outstanding Resident Teaching 

Award, Neurosurgery Residency Program 

CPT Brad Dolinsky, MC, USA, Class of 2003, Obstetrics and Gynecology 

National Naval Medical Center Outstanding Resident Teaching 

Award, Obstetrics and Gynecology Residency Program 

Walter Reed Army Medical Center Department Awards 

MAJ Geoffrey Grammer, MC, USA, Class of 1996, Psychiatry 

WRAMC Department of Psychiatry Outstanding Faculty Member 

Award, PGY-1 

MAJ Gary Wynn, MC, USA, Class of 2000, Psychiatry 

WRAMC Department of Psychiatry Outstanding Faculty Member 

Award, PGY-2 

Maj Charles Motsinger, USAF, MC, Class of 1997, Psychiatr 

WRAMC Department of Psychiatry Outstanding Faculty Member 

Award, PGY-5 

 Again, congratulations to these alumni for their outstanding 

achievements. 

USU alumni awardees 
Photo by Tsgt. James Steele 

In The Army Now: Former MTV Show Contestant Performs National Anthem 

 2LT Ikaika Kahoano, a USU School of Medicine student, class of 2010 , sang the National Anthem for USU's Asian Pacific 

Heritage Month celebration June 12. Kahoano is a native Hawaiian and a former professional musician who sang with the 

bands O-Town, and LMNT (pronounced “element”) before coming to USU to pursue his dream of becoming a doctor. 

PAGE 8 

 C. Thomas Yarington, Jr., MD, surgeon, 

educator and retired military officer died 

peacefully at home May 30 with his beloved wife and family at his side. Born 

April 26, 1934 in Sayre, Pa, he graduated 

from the Hill School in Pottstown, Pa and 

received his undergraduate degree from 

Princeton University in 1956. He received 

a degree in medicine from Hahnemann 

Medical College in Philadelphia in 1960 

and completed a medical internship at Rochester (NY) General Hospital and a surgical residency at Dartmouth Medical School. Deciding on a career in Otolaryngology, he completed residency training 

at the University of Rochester, NY Medical Center in 1965. There he 

met and married Barbara Taylor Johnson in 1963. 

 While at Princeton, he was commissioned a second lieutenant in 

the U.S. Army Reserve and following his residency, served as chief, 

ENT service at Ft. Carson, Co. Army Hospital from 1965 to1967. He 

was assistant professor of Otolaryngology at the University of 

Washington Virginia Medical Center in Morgantown from 1967-

1968 and then served as professor and chairman of Otolaryngology at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha from 

1968-1974. He moved his wife and three children to Seattle and 

joined the staff of the Mason Clinic and the Virginia Mason Medical 

Center in 1974. While on the staff at Virginia Mason, he was section chief of Otolaryngology and Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery 

and later served a term as chief of surgery. He retired in 1997. 

 Honesty, integrity, education and service to others and to his 

country were of paramount importance to him. After his Army active-duty service he transferred to the Air Force Reserves and 

served in a variety of positions including commander of the 39th 

Medical Service Squadron, Military Airlift Command at McChord Air 

Force Base eventually serving as mobilization assistant to the deputy surgeon general, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Washington, 

D.C. He achieved the rank of brigadier general in 1979 and retired 

from the active reserves in 1986. His military decorations include, 

among many others, the Distinguished Service Medal and Legion 

of Merit with one oak leaf cluster. 

 Most notably, in 2006, he was appointed to the Board of Regents of the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences 

by the President of the United States. He was extremely proud of 

this appointment and it is a loss to all that he could not fulfill his 

term. 

 He was a member of many local and national organizations 

including The Seattle Yacht Club, Broadmoor Golf Club, the Reserve 

Officers Associate, and the Military and Hospitaller Order of St. 

Lazarus of Jerusalem. Professional Organizations included The 

American Broncholo-Esophogological Assignment., the American 

Academy of Otolaryngology and the American Society of Otology, 

Rhinology and Laryngology. 

 He is survived by his wife of 44 years, children, Leslie (Randy 

Ochoa), Jennifer (William Steiner) and Barbara Jane. He also leaves 

his beloved grandchildren, Kelsey and Nicholas Ochoa and Justine 

and Valerie Yarington and his brother, David . He will be deeply 

missed by all who knew him. The compassion, dignity and grace 

with which he lived his life will continue in our hearts and memories forever. He was the finest of gentlemen. Donations in his name 

may be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma society at 

www.leukemia-lymphoma.org. Interment will be at the Tahoma 

National Cemetery. A Memorial Service and Celebration of his Life 

will be held Friday, June 22 at 7 p.m. at the Volney Richmond Auditorium, Lindeman Pavillion, 1201 Terry Ave. Seattle, Wash. 

In Memory of: 

Dr. C. Thomas Yarington, Board 

of Regents Member 
 Each quarter civilian employees of the 

Uniformed Services University of the Health 

Sciences (USU) and the Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute (AFRRI) are 

nominated to compete for Junior and Senior Employee of the Quarter (JEQ/SEQ), an 

award which recognizes the outstanding 

accomplishments of university employees. 

 The winner of this quarter’s SEQ award 

is Barbara Marchetti, a program support 

assistant for the Office of the Dean, Graduate School of Nursing (GSN). Marchetti’s 

duties include keeping budget logs, faculty 

calendars, all meeting minutes, procurement of supplies and equipment, management of computerized workload formula/

systems, faculty monthly schedules, and 

coordination of all faculty travel and scholarly projects. 

 Retired BG William T. Bester, dean of the 

GSN, nominated Marchetti, and expressed 

confidence in her merit of the award. 

 “Her ‘can do’ enthusiasm, team mentality, and conscientious dedication to duty 

were displayed through her extraordinary 

work,” Bester said. “Her work ethic and 

positive attitude has immeasurably contributed to the success and excellence of the 

GSN.” 

 Marchetti said she appreciated her nomination and subsequent selection for the 

SEQ. 

 “I was very surprised and appreciative,” 

she said. “Especially since the paperwork 

would have had to be submitted by the 

Graduate School of Nursing at the most 

hectic time of the year for our faculty and 

staff.” 

 Marchetti, who has been selected as 

SEQ once previously, said what she most 

enjoys about working at USU are the people she works with. 

 “The best part of working at USU is the 

wonderful dedicated people I've met,” she 

said. “The GSN faculty members are the 

hardest working people I've ever worked 

with, during my more than 20 years of government service.” 

 Marchetti added that along with the 

recognition of being the SEQ, she also received the most coveted prize given at 

USU. 

 “This award is special. The recognition of 

one's efforts are always appreciated,” she 

said, “But a reserved parking space at USU 

has to be the most welcomed prize considering the parking shortage.” 

 This quarter’s JEQ winner is LaRhonda R. 

Baker, a program support assistant for the 

Office of Recruitment and Diversity. Baker’s 

supervisor, CAPT Cynthia Macri, MD, FACS, 

FACOG, vice president for Recruitment and 

Diversity, nominated Baker for her assumption of additional responsibilities, while 

continuing to perform her own duties in an 

outstanding fashion. 

 “Ms. Baker consistently performs her 

duties with skill, knowledge, and commitment,” Macri said. “I believe that she is worthy of this honor.” 

 Baker is coordinator for Youth Programs, 

for which she arranges appearances of 

USU faculty and students, provides program schedules, and arranges meeting 

locations. During the quarter, she collected 

25 applications from high school students 

for the summer outreach program S2M2: 

science, service, medicine, and mentoring, 

and served as a chaperone for a visit of 18 

ninth grade students to USU and the main 

operating room at the National Naval Medical Center. 

 Any civilian employee in a nonsupervisory position at the grade level GS7/WG-7 or below may be nominated for 

the JEQ, and those in non-supervisory positions, level 

 GS-8/WS-8 and above can be nominated 

for the SEQ. In addition, nominees must 

have been employed at USU or AFRRI for 

12 months or more, received an overall 

performance rating of highly successful or 

higher on their most recent annual performance rating, and must not have been 

selected for JEQ/SEQ in the two years previous to the current nomination period. 

 Some benefits of winning the SEQ and 

JEQ each receive a $250 on-the-spot 

award, and exclusive use of a designated 

USU parking spot for the quarter. 

USU Announces Junior and Senior Employee of the Quarter 

By MC3 Jeff Hopkins 

Assistant Editor, Office of External Affairs 

Photo by MCSN Raul Zamora 

 The Uniformed Services University of the 

Health Sciences (USU) celebrated the U.S. Army’s 

232nd birthday on Thursday, June 14. 

 The ceremony started with an invocation followed by the Army Service Song. Afterwards a 

cake was cut by the oldest and the youngest 

Army service members. 

 The Army was established on June 14,1775, a 

year before the Declaration of Independence 

was signed. The Army has played a vital role in 

the growth and development of the United 

States. Soldiers have fought for freedom, from 

the American Revolution through the Cold War, 

The Vietnam War, the Gulf War, to the current 

War on Terror. 

 Happy birthday Army, HOOAH! 

232 years of 

HOOAH!

PAGE 9 
 Members of the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences Brigade ran the 2007 Tom’s Run June 8 and 9. Rochelle 

Frazeur, single mother of two, ran the entire 208 miles. She trained for a year to get to that point. She started Wednesday at 5:00 

p.m. and ran until Saturday 10:53 a.m. The Tom’s Run started in Cumberland, MD and finished at USU. The Tom’s Run is held annually to raise awareness of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and is named in honor of CWO4 Tom Brooks, USCG (Ret.), who 

contracted ALS (also known as Lou Gehrig‘s disease) in early 1999.

Photo By HM2 Michael Oliver 

 Civilian personnel at the Uniformed Services University of the 

Health Sciences who are paid by the General Schedule (GS) system will soon be switching over to the National Security Personnel 

System (NSPS). 

 The NSPS was designed to provide a more performance based 

system of hiring, pay and evaluation; it places more emphasis on 

pay for noteworthy performance and less on seniority. One of its 

main tenants is to promote and reward employees who show 

their value to the organization and the mission. 

 Under the NSPS classification system, every GS position within 

the Department will be assigned to a career group, pay schedule, 

and pay band. Many of the factors used to classify positions under 

NSPS are the same as those contained in the old system, such as 

complexity and level of work. There are four career groups: Standard Career Group; Scientific & Engineering Career Group; Investigative & Protective Services Career Group; and Medical Career 

Group. There are typically four pay schedules: Professional/

Analytical; Technician/Support; Supervisor/Manager; and Student. 

 There are typically three pay bands for each pay schedule: Expert; Journey; and Entry/Development. 

 The NSPS operates on three “core concepts”: 

1) accountability, whereby an employee is responsible for their 

career and performance, and contributions will be directly compensated through salary increases and bonuses; 

2) flexibility, by which employees are no longer bound by narrow 

job descriptions tied to discrete grade levels; and 

3) results, an employee’s contributions and performance directly 

link to organizational and DOD goals. 

 The NSPS eliminates the GS “step” system, which provides incremental raises within pay grade for time in service. However, it 

offers several means of earning an increase in salary; employees 

are eligible to receive a performance-based increase if they have a 

rating of record of Level 3 (Valued Performer) or higher. A reassignment occurs when an employee moves, voluntarily or involuntarily, to a different position or set of duties within his/her pay 

band or to a position in a comparable pay band. A reassignment 

may result in a pay increase up to five per cent. A rate range adjustment is an increase to the minimum and/or maximum of the 

pay band that is adjusted based on market drivers. Employees are 

eligible to receive a rate range adjustment if they have a rating of 

record of Level 2 (Fair) or higher. 

 The NSPS will not affect certain benefits under the GS system; 

NSPS does not affect rules governing retirement benefits and eligibility, health and life insurance, leave, attendance, and other similar benefits. Similarly, employees will not lose any salary during 

conversion. 

 Currently, the pay system switch will only affect GS personnel. 

No determination has been made about wage grade employees. 

USU administratively determined personnel, Henry Jackson Foundation and contract employees are exempt. All civilian and military supervisors of GS personnel will be required to attend NSPS 

training courses. 

 For more information regarding NSPS, please visit 

www.cpms.osd.mil/nsps. 

By MC3 Jeff Hopkins 

Assistant Editor, Office of External Affairs 

Paid performance: 

Switch to NSPS 

USU Brigade Runs the 2007 Tom’s Run 

PAGE 10 
Uniform Policy: 

Brigade Uniform Policy Change: The Brigade Uniform Policy has 

changed. To view the new Brigade Uniform Policy, go to the following link: 

http://www.usuhs.mil/bde/pdf/BrigadeUniformPolicy.pdf 

Service Member of the Quarter:

Supervisors are encouraged to submit their personnel for the Service Member of the Quarter award to recognize the contributions 

of the enlisted staff at USU. Nominations for April-June are to be 

routed through the Headquarters Company command to SFC 

Peña, USA (BDE) by June 29. The Service Member of the Quarter 

Board will be held July 27 at 2 p.m. in RM A2054. 

Brigade photo:

All USU Brigade members will be taking a formal photo in the 

courtyard. Aug. 2, 6:45 a.m. This picture is intended to include all 

USU and AFRRI staff and faculty military personnel. Uniform for 

the picture is Class A Service Uniform. This is an all-hands scheduled event, therefore absences should be coordinated. Officer 

personnel coordinate non-attendance to CDR Trotter. Enlisted 

personnel coordinate non-attendance to SFC Pena. 

5K Summer Fun Run/Walk: 

There will be a 5K Summer Fun Run/Walk June 21 at noon at the 

Comfort Zone. To register, please contact wtompkins@mwrbethesda.com. Free t-shirts to participants. 

Navy Reenlistment and Extension Bonus: 

Information for Selected Reserve Navy Enlisted personnel on Selection Reenlistment Bonuses, Extension bonuses, and the Montgomery GI Bill Kicker program, go to 

http://www.npc.navy.mil/NR/rdonlyres/4418E774-7CF8-4A4FA19D-B50D500E6CB6/0/NAV07142.txt. 

Enlisted Applications to the Naval Academy:

The US Naval Academy is currently accepting applications for appointment. If you would like to know more information about this 

opportunity, go to: 

http://www.npc.navy.mil/NR/rdonlyres/EEFC3FC2-0551-4DBEBF6F-2CEA25E88C2C/0/ALN07048.txt. 

Kings Dominion:

Kings Dominion is having Federal Government Employee Appreciation Days. Discounts (4 tickets for $99.99) will be given on single-day admission tickets that are used before July 15. Coupons 

can be picked up in the USU Alumni Bookstore. 

Promotions: 

Please congratulate the following: Second Lt King, USAF (PMB) 

promoted to 1st Lt.; HM3 Connor, USN (AFRRI) promoted to HM2; 

YNSN Ford, USN (MPO) promoted to YN3, and MCSN Hopkins, 

USN (VPE) promoted to MC3. 

USU News Briefs 

 Charles L. Rice, 

M.D., was sworn 

in as USU's fifth 

president on July 

1, 2005. His nomination was approved by the 

Assistant Secretary 

of Defense for 

Health Affairs and 

the Secretary of 

Defense. 

 Before assuming his present position, 

Rice, a Navy-trained surgeon and researcher, served as the vice chancellor for 

health affairs at the University of Illinois, 

Chicago, from 1999-2004. Prior to that, he 

was vice dean of the UIC College of Medicine, as well as a professor of surgery and 

professor of physiology and biophysics. 

 As President of USU, Dr. Rice is responsible for the academic, research and service 

mission of the university. He advises the 

assistant secretary of defense (Health Affairs) and the four surgeons general on a 

wide array of issues related to graduate 

health professions education and healthcare research. 

 Originally from Atlanta, Ga., Dr. Rice 

graduated with an A.B. from the University 

of Georgia in 1964 and earned his medical 

degree from the Medical College of Georgia in 1968. He interned at Bowman Gray 

School of Medicine at Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, N.C. He completed his 

general surgery residency at the National 

Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Md., 

followed by a research fellowship at the 

Naval Medical Research Institute in Bethesda. 

 His research interests, many funded by 

the National Institutes of Health, have been 

in the biology of lung injury and in mechanisms of cell and tissue injury in shock. His 

clinical focus has been in trauma and critical care. He is a diplomate of the American 

Board of Surgery, a Fellow of the American 

College of Surgeons and a member of numerous professional organizations, including the American Surgical Association and 

the Society of University Surgeons, and is a 

past president of the Shock Society. Dr. Rice 

was a Robert Wood Johnson Health Policy 

Fellow and served as a Legislative Assistant 

to Senator Thomas A. Daschle (D-SD) from 

1991 to 1992. During that time he also 

served as the surgeon to the President of 

the United States. He was a member of the 

Board of the Accreditation Council on 

Graduate Medical Education from 1998 to 

2004 and served as its chair from 2002 to 

2004. Dr. Rice has also been a Petersdorf 

Scholar-in-Residence at the Association of 

American Medical Colleges. 

 Dr. Rice was commissioned as an ensign 

in the Naval Reserve Medical Corps in 1966. 

Three years later, he transferred into the 

regular Navy. He left active duty, but remained in the Naval Reserve, and was promoted to captain in 1991. He retired in 

2003. His military decorations include the 

Legion of Merit. 

 In addition to appointments at the University of Illinois, Chicago, Dr. Rice has 

served on the faculty of the University of 

Chicago, the University of Washington, and 

the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas. He has authored numerous scientific papers, abstracts, and 

medical texts. 

 Dr. Rice is a member of numerous professional organizations and health policy 

groups, and is a recognized leader in 

American academic medicine. 

USU History 

Charles L. Rice, 

Fifth USU President 

2004– present 

PAGE 11 
USU Calendar of Events 

17 18 19 20 

USU Toastmasters 

Meeting 

Room A2011 

Noon-1p.m.

21 22 23 

24 25 26 27 

USU Toastmasters 

Meeting in 

AFRRI Small 

Conference Room 

Noon-1p.m.

28 29 30 

1 2 3 4 

USU Toastmasters 

Meeting 

Room A2011 

Noon-1p.m.

Student Spouses 

Club Meeting 

Small Dining room 

6:30p.m.-7:30 p.m. 

5 6 7 

8 9 10 

Operation 

Bushmaster 

Exercises 

July 10-20

Administrative 

Officers 

Departmental Representatives Meeting 

Lecture Room E 

Contact 

Dawn Patti 

301-295-3104 

dpatti@usuhs.mil

11 

Operation 

Bushmaster 

Exercises 

July 10-20

12 

Operation 

Bushmaster 

Exercises 

July 10-20

13 

Operation 

Bushmaster 

Exercises 

July 10-20

14 

Operation 

Bushmaster 

Exercises 

July 10-20

June

July

PAGE 12