USU Newsletter

VOLUME 4, ISSUE 17 WWW.USUHS.MIL October 26, 2009
USU Newsletter

by Ken Frager

USU faculty, staff and students are 

not permitted to text while driving 

following an executive order signed by 

President Obama recently. 

The order applies to civilian federal 

employees and military members while 

on official government business, driving 

government vehicles or using government equipment. Federal agencies are 

directed under the order to encourage 

their contract employees to observe the 

ban as well. 

The order is aimed at curbing the 

rise in distracted driving and, therefore, 

reducing the risks of injury and death 

associated with the risky behavior. More 

than 5,800 people were killed and more 

than 515,000 injured last year in the 

U.S. as a result of distacted driving.

“As a trauma surgeon, I encountered all 

too often the very real consequences of 

not staying focused on the task at hand 

— driving a vehicle. While the number of motor vehicle accidents declined 

overall last year, the number of those 

directly attributable to distracted driving 

rose significantly,” said USU President 

Charles L. Rice. “If you absolutely must 

read or send a text message while in your 

car, pull safely off the road and bring the 

vehicle to a complete stop before reading 

or responding to a text message.”

Text messaging, or “texting,” encompasses more than simply sending a text 

message via a handheld communication 

device. It also includes reading from 

any handheld or other electronic device, 

including for the purpose of texting, 

e-mailing, instant messaging, obtaining 

navigational information, or “engaging in any other form of electronic data 

retrieval or electronic data communication,” the order said. 

The order defines driving as “operating a motor vehicle on an active 

roadway with the motor running.” This 

includes the time the vehicle is temporarily stationary because of traffic, a 

traffic light or stop sign or other cause. 

“It does not include operating a motor vehicle with or without the motor 

running when one has pulled over to 

the side of, or off, an active roadway and 

has halted in a location where one can 

safely remain stationary,” according to 

the order.

You can view the entire executive 

order on the White House Web site at 

http://www.whitehouse.gov/the_press_

office/Executive-Order-Federal-Leadership-on-Reducing-Text-Messagingwhile-Driving.

In case you missed it while you were driving...

On the cover:

USU alumni serve worldwide, including at 

the 332nd Expeditionary Medical Group, 

Joint Base Balad, Iraq.

(L to R) Col. Mark Koeniger (‘92), 332nd 

EMDG Commander; Lt.Col. Donovan 

Tapper (‘94); Maj. Christian Hanley (‘00); 

Col. Andrew Marchiando (‘85); Maj. Kurt 

Andreason (‘98); Maj. Chris Wilhelm 

(‘05); Col. Warren Dorlac (‘89); Maj. Lee 

Wolf (‘99); Maj. Doug Frenia (‘99); Lt.Col. 

Sharette Gray (‘96). 

graphic by MC1 Chad Hallford

PAGE 2

STOP

TXTING &

photo by HM2 Michael Oliver

USU’s oldest and 

youngest Sailors, Capt. 

(Dr.) William Liston and 

HM2 Gregory Curtis, 

cut the birthday cake 

in Navy tradition. The 

university observed the 

Navy’s 234th birthday 

with a ceremony featuring retired Master Chief 

Hospital Corpsman 

John Frankenburg as 

guest speaker. 

Navy celebrates 234th birthday

Bill Bester 

Acting Vice President for

 External Affairs and 

Managing Editor

Ken Frager

Public Affairs Specialist

Staff Sgt. Matthew Rosine

Production Editor

MC1 Chad Hallford

Layout and Design

Christine Creenan

Contributing Writer

Production:

Editorial content is edited, prepared and provided by the USU 

Office of External Affairs unless 

otherwise indicated. The Newsletter staff may include or exclude 

articles based upon news value, 

impact on the university and 

space availability. 

Submissions: 

The USU Newsletter will be 

published bi-weekly on Mondays. 

The deadline for submissions is 

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

sent to usunewsletter@usuhs.mil 

or by calling 301 295-0895. 
PAGE 3

by Ken Frager

USU faculty and alumni will participate as speakers in the 

Country United Partnership for Military Medicine Symposium, Nov. 6, 2009, in Washington, D.C.

The symposium is part of a two-day event, “Country 

United: Advancing Medicine from the Frontlines to the 

Homefront,” sponsored by the Henry M. Jackson Foundation 

for the Advancement of Military Medicine (HJF), the Tug 

McGraw Foundation (TMF), and hosted by multi awardwinning artists Tim McGraw and Faith Hill. 

The symposium will feature a variety of timely topics 

aimed at encouraging public/private collaborations to accelerate advances in care for wounded, ill and injured troops and 

civilians, including PTSD and TBI, infectious diseases and 

humanitarian aid and disaster response.

General James F. Amos, assistant commandant of the U.S. 

Marine Corps, will deliver the morning keynote address. The 

former Naval aviator and combat veteran has been actively 

involved in efforts to ensure the health of Soldiers related to 

the issues of post-traumatic stress, TBI and suicide. 

Grammy award-winning artist Faith Hill will present 

the luncheon keynote address. Ms. Hill, who has been an 

active and vocal supporter of many different community 

charities, will give the address along with Operation Iraqi 

Freedom veteran, Army Lt. Col. Gregory Gadson. Gadson 

was the first amputee to be outfitted with a next-generation prosthetic knee that features artificial intelligence and 

sensor technology. 

Among the USU faculty and alumni participating in the 

symposium are Dr. Kevin Yeskey, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response and Director, Office of 

Preparedness and Emergency Operations, Department of 

Country United Symposium to feature USU expertise

Health and Human Services, USU class of 1983; Dr. Robert J. 

Ursano, Professor of Psychiatry and Neuroscience and Chairman of the Department of Psychiatry, USU, and Founding 

Director of the Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress; 

Dr. Stephen Cozza, Director, Child and Family Programs, 

USU’s Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress; Captain 

(Dr.) Gregory Martin, U.S. Navy, Program Director, USU’s 

Infectious Disease Clinical Research Program; Captain (Dr.) 

Tanis Batsel Stewart, Director, Emergency Preparedness and 

Contingency Support, Naval Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, USU SoM class of 1993/MPH class of 2000; and Dr. 

Don Roberts, professor emeritus of Tropical Medicine, USU’s 

Department of Preventive Medicine and Biometrics. 

This is program is sponsored by a non-federal entity. It is not a 

part of the DoD or any of its components and it has no governmental status. This announcement is for information only and 

does not constitute approval or endorsement by the University.

graphic courtesy of HJF and Tug McGraw Foundation

USU brickholder receives University medal

photo by HM2 Michael Oliver 

Long-time USU employee Mr. 

George Holborow was presented 

with the University Medal by School 

of Medicine Dean Dr. Larry Laughlin 

during Holborow’s retirement ceremony. Mr. Holborow was recognized for his more than 33 years of 

service to the University, beginning 

in May 1976, and for establishing 

the University’s Anatomical Teaching Laboratory and its programs 

during his tenure.
PAGE 4

AFRRI leaders, other research reactor experts convene

by AFRRI Public Affairs Staff 

Leaders from research reactor facilities across the United States convened in 

Bethesda recently, including those from the 

Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute (AFRRI), a co-sponsor of the National 

Organization of Test, Research and Training Reactors (TRTR) annual conference.

The October 13–16 meeting addressed 

nuclear reactor operations and maintenance, 

security and safety, educational programs, 

regulatory issues, and other topics. Presenters included AFRRI scientist G. David 

Ledney, Ph.D., and representatives of the 

Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Oak 

Ridge National Laboratory, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Attendees also were invited to tour the AFRRI 

TRIGA reactor facility.

“AFRRI is pleased to have played a role 

in an important gathering of experts from 

the nation’s government organizations, 

universities, national laboratories, and industries,” said Steve Miller, head of the AFRRI 

Radiation Sciences Department and TRTR 

treasurer. 

TRTR members include managers and 

directors of research reactors, educators, 

administrators, regulators, and research 

scientists and engineers. Its mission is to 

promote education, fundamental and applied research, application of technology 

in areas of national concern, and improvement of U.S. technological competitiveness 

around the world.

AFRRI researcher G. David Ledney, Ph.D., presents information on the AFRRI TRIGA 

reactor and applications in mouse studies at the TRTR annual meeting.

photo by D. Morse

Strength through Unity and 

Honor 

2009 Joint Holiday Ball sponsored by Joint Task 

Force National Capital Region Medical and tenant 

commands.

Date: Dec. 12, 2009

Place: The Show Place Arena

14900 Pennsylvania Ave.

Upper Marlboro, MD 20772

Ticket Price: To be determined

The event takes place from 1800 to 2400 hours. 

The social hour begins at 1800 hours. Dress for 

the occasion is formal for civilians and formal or 

military dress for military. 

POC: Army Sgt. 1st Class Anthony Woods 

295-9562

graphic courtesy of JTF CapMed
by MC1 Chad Hallford

Army Sgt. Maj. Robert Wojtaszczyk 

visited USU, toured campus facilities 

and spoke with faculty and staff Oct. 2. 

Wojtaszczyk is the current senior enlisted advisor to the Assistant Secretary 

of Defense for Health Affairs and the 

TRICARE Management Activity.

 “Sergeant Major Wojtaszczyk spoke 

with USU President, Dr. Rice, about 

some overarching matters. Wojtaszcyk 

communicated on how TMA engages 

with USU; how that engagement 

supports military personnel and family 

members, operational readiness, threat 

reduction, disaster relief and winning 

the heart and minds of peoples, as well 

as peace,” said USU Command Master 

Chief Clinton Garrett.

This was Wojtaszczyk’s first visit to the 

campus. Through his visit, he gained a 

better understanding of what University 

students experience— from the classroom to the joint field exercise.

Additionally, the Sergeant Major 

was able to see the partnership between 

USU and the AFRRI in action. 

PAGE 5

USU pharmacologist honored

by Newsletter staff

Dr. Anton Dmitriev is being honored by The 

Spine Journal and the North American Spine Society (NASS) Nov. 10-14 for an outstanding paper he 

co-authored.

The Spine Journal and the NASS Outstanding 

Paper Award selection committee chose Dmitriev’s 

paper, titled BMP-2 used in spinal fusion with spinal 

cord injury penetrates intrathecally and elicits a functional signaling cascade. 

Dmitriev and his co-authors will be honored in 

San Francisco as part of the NASS 24th Annual 

Meeting. Dmitriev has been asked to present the 

paper on Nov. 12. 

The Department of Pharmacology Graduate Education student has also received a request to have 

the paper published by The Spine Journal at a future 

publication date. This publication is a multidisciplinary journal of spinal disorders and is the official 

journal of the NASS. 

Health Affairs senior enlisted advisor visits USU

“Wojtaszczyk saw how USU and 

AFRRI collaborate both within and 

with other DoD organizations and 

commands, government and non-governmental agencies to make strides in 

research, training positively impacting 

military medicine across the spectrum 

of health care need and fostering global 

support of operations and care,” said 

Garrett, “...and to see how our NCO 

support is critical to many aspects of 

success the University enjoys.” 

Diwali Festival Celebrated

photo by MC1 Chad Hallford

Diwali, a five-day festival in Indian faiths and culture, occurs between the end of September and early November 

and was celebrated on the USU campus with a luncheon 

hosted by a number of USU staff and faculty members.

Sergeant Major Robert Wojtaszczyk speaks with USU enlisted staff on the impact their 

roles have with the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs and on 

TRICARE Management Activity issues.

photo by HM2 Michael Oliver
PAGE 6

Courtesy of the AAFP

Lori J. Heim, M.D., FAAFP (USU 

SoM class of 1986), a family physician 

in Laurinburg, N.C., assumed the role 

of president of the American Academy 

of Family Physicians Oct. 14. Previously, she served three years as a director 

on the AAFP Board of Directors and 

one year as president-elect. The AAFP 

represents more than 94,600 physicians 

and medical students nationwide.

A practicing family physician for 20 

years, Heim currently serves as a hospitalist at Scotland Memorial Hospital 

in Laurinburg, N.C., where she manages the inpatient care of adult patients 

referred by primary care physicians in 

the community. Heim is the first family physician to serve as a hospitalist at 

Scotland Memorial Hospital. As president of the AAFP, Heim advocates on 

behalf of family physicians and patients 

nationwide to inspire positive change in 

the U.S. health care system.

A member of the AAFP since 1985, 

Heim served as a delegate to the AAFP 

Congress of Delegates from 2000 to 

2004. She served on the Commission on 

Health Care Services and on the Task 

Force of Linkages to Practice Improvement. In addition, she held the offices of 

president, vice president, and member of 

the board of directors of the Uniformed 

Services Academy of Family Physicians. 

Heim earned her bachelor’s degree with 

honors from Portland State University, 

Oregon, and was then commissioned 

in the U.S. Air Force and earned her 

medical degree at USU. She completed 

her residency at the Family Medicine 

Residency, Andrews Air Force Base, 

Md. She then completed a fellowship in 

faculty development and research from 

the University of North Carolina at 

Chapel Hill. Heim is board certified by 

the American Board of Family Medicine and has the AAFP Degree of Fellow, an earned degree awarded to family 

physicians for distinguished service and 

continuing medical education.

Heim’s appointments with the Air 

Force included staff physician, clinic 

chief, residency director, assistant 

professor and university health center 

director at USU, chief of the medical 

staff and commander. She was stationed 

internationally in Turkey and domestically in Washington, D.C., Florida, 

North Carolina and Washington state. 

She retired as a colonel from the Air 

Force after 25 years of service.

Heim has lectured worldwide and 

her work has been published in peerreviewed journals. She participated in 

humanitarian missions and volunteered 

in medical clinics in underserved communities. She has received numerous 

decorations including the Air Force 

Meritorious Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal and the Air Force 

Achievement Medal. Her awards include the Joint Meritorious Unit Award, 

Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, 

Humanitarian Service Award and the 

National Defense Service Award.

USU Alumna assumes AAFP leadership role

Sciuto elected to AAFP Board of Directors

Courtesy of the AAFP

Air Force 2nd Lt. Brooke Sciuto, 

(USU SoM class of 2010) has been 

elected to a one-year term on the board 

of the American Academy of Family 

Physicians. 

Sciuto was elected by the National 

Congress of Student Members and was 

confirmed by the governing body of the 

AAFP, the Congress of Delegates.

As the student member of the board 

of directors, Sciuto is responsible for 

representing the interests and opinions 

of the National Congress of Student 

Members to the AAFP Board of Directors and Congress of Delegates. In 

addition, she will advocate on behalf of 

family physicians and patients nationwide to inspire positive change in the 

U.S. health care system.

Sciuto graduated from the U.S. Air 

Force Academy in 2003. During her 

assignment as an acquisitions officer at 

Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., she was 

awarded the U.S. Air Force Achievement Medal and the U.S. Air Force 

Commendation Medal for meritorious 

service. 

“I really look forward to my next year 

on the AAFP board, especially getting 

to work with Dr. Ted Epperly (Board 

Chair and former USU faculty) and Dr. 

Lori Heim,” Scuitto said.

courtesy photo

courtesy photo
Joint Holiday Ball car wash: 

The Joint Holiday Ball Committee 

will be having a car wash at the Citgo 

Service Station next to the Pentagon 

from 0900-1600 hours on a rescheduled date to be determined. 

The committee is asking for at least 

25 volunteers for each multi-hour shift 

(0900-1200 and 1200-1600). 

The committee is also looking for 

donations such as: 

-Soap 

-Sponges 

-Towels (3 per volunteer)

-Buckets

-Hoses (Pressure washer x 2) 

-Clothesline 

-Coffee Can Collection Box 

-Squeegees

-Clipboards

For more information, contact Army 

Sgt. 1st Class Anthony Woods at 295-

9562. 

Using Computer Resources: 

Security incidents continue to be 

a drain to limited USU Information 

Assurance 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.

Personnel must not permit unauthorized individuals access to a governmentowned or government-operated system 

or program; access online gambling, 

games and social engineering sites.

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.

Stronger Female Physicians: 

Submissions are now being accepted 

for the Building Stronger Female Physician Leaders for the Military Health 

System. 

This award honors outstanding female 

physicians who have made significant contributions to the practice of 

medicine and/or who have served as 

exemplary role models for other female 

physicians. 

Completed submissions must be 

received by Oct. 30. 

Additional information at www.

health.mil/People/docs/FemaleLeadersAward.doc.

Military Awards Nominations:

The next military awards panel will 

convene November 24. Nomination 

packages will be due through the chain 

of command no later than November 

17. Any award with higher precedence 

than the Defense Meritorious Service 

Medal must be submitted 150 days 

prior to presentation. Contact HM2 

Sylvia McBee at 295-9654 or sylvia.

mcbee@usuhs.mil with questions.

USU Briefs

The Votes are in! 

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

of the USU newsletter. 

Following the recent University-wide 

survey and Online voting, the field of 

more than 120 entries came down to 

one.

The new name will be released in an 

upcoming newsletter.

Thanks for your participation and for 

your continued support and readership.

-The USU newsletter staff 

PAGE 7

photo by HM2 Michael Oliver

Caption contest

Test your skills and write the best caption for this photo to win this edition’s 

gift certificate for a free large coffee and doughnut courtesy of William III. 

Submit your caption in writing to the office B1009, or to USUNewsletter@

usuhs.mil. The best caption wins and the top three, as judged by the USU 

Newsletter staff, will be printed in the next edition.