USU Newsletter 

VOLUME 3, ISSUE 16 VOLUME 3, ISSUE 16 WWW.USUHS.MIL October 6, 2008 October 6, 2008

Welcome Fall 
Carol R. Scheman 

Vice President for 

External Affairs and 

Managing Editor 

Tech. Sgt. 

André Nicholson 

Editor 

Christine Creenan 

Staff Writer 

Marla Wright 

Shaun Sadowski 

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 by 

calling 301-295-3925. 

PAGE 2 

Cover photo: 

Courtesy of 

Multimedia Design 

In This Issue: 

 

Town Hall Meeting.....2 

USU Alumni..................2 

Ride for Kids..................3 

Service Award..............3 

Employee Awards.......4 

Air Force Birthday.......4 

CDHAM Initiative........5 

ASM Chapter................5 

Faculty Passing............6 

USU Baseball................6 

Dates to Remember...7 

Town Hall Meeting: USU President 

Discusses Key Issues 

 The people of the Uniformed Services University 

of the Health Sciences (USU) gathered for a Town 

Hall Meeting, and listened as President Charles Rice, 

M.D. and others took center stage to discuss important issues affecting the learning community Sept. 

18. 

 The introduction was bittersweet. Dr. Rice welcomed the newest Board of Regents members, 

while expressing appreciation and gratitude toward 

the departing officers. Among them, Mr. Everett 

Alvarez, who has served the institution for more 

than 20 years, including two terms as chair, and Ms. 

Linda Stierle, whom has given much to the university in terms of guidance and support. 

 A topic of particular interest to many in the USU 

community—faculty salaries—was addressed. As part 

of his administration, Dr. Rice has been working diligently to raise educator salaries in order to recruit 

leaders of biomedicine and maintain the outstanding cadre currently in place. According to the 

USU president, progress is being made and he is 

optimistic future legislation will result in more competitive pay. 

 Next on the agenda—a discussion on the form 

and function of the new Center for Neuroscience 

and Regenerative Medicine. The university, in conjunction with the National Institutes of Health, will 

pursue advanced research in fields relating to: improved diagnostics, neuroregeneration, neuroplasticity, rehabilitation and evaluation, biomarkers and 

neural protection and modeling. 

 After looking 

toward the future, 

Dr. Rice took a moment to reflect on 

recent USU accomplishments. In particular, he focused 

on the successful 

inauguration of 

‘Education Day’. 

With Cindy Wilson, 

Ph.D., professor, 

Department of Family Medicine, at the 

forefront, the exchange provided 

thought 

provoking 

dialogue on 

a range of topics relating to health sciences education. 

 Moving along, Dr. Rice spoke briefly on changes 

in the government personnel system and the implementation of NSPS for select groups of employees. 

Training is underway for those currently under the 

new pay system and is available to those individuals 

soon transitioning to NSPS. 

 Before opening the floor to questions, Dr. Rice 

invited CPT Sean Tyler, GSN company commander, 

to speak about the Combined Federal Campaign 

beginning in early October. The national program 

aims to promote and support philanthropy in the 

workplace, allowing USU employees to donate 

funds to a range of diverse charities. 

President Charles Rice, M.D. 

By Christine Creenan 

VPE Staff Writer 

COL Michael Rave congratulates BG Joseph Caravalho at 

his promotion ceremony. 

Both of the physicians are 

USU alumni and are currently stationed together in 

Iraq. COL Rave is deputy 

surgeon for Multi-National 

Corps-Iraq (MNC-I) and BG 

Caravalho is a surgeon for 

Multi-National Forces-Iraq 

and MNC-I. 

 

USU Alumni: 

Where Are They 

Now? 

Courtesy Photo 
PAGE 3 

USU 

A Traditional Academic University with a Unique 

Focus 

USU Volunteers Join Grass Roots Campaign to 

End Pediatric Brain Cancer 

 Without a smidgen of hesitation, young 

Ethan Gumabay lowered himself into the 

sidecar, strapped on a helmet, and off he 

went. The smell of petroleum filled the air, 

revving engines competed with cheering 

crowds—and hordes of motorists began 

their course. 

 Gumabay’s family, the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences 

(USU) volunteers and others, helping or 

being helped by the Pediatric Brain Tumor 

Foundation (PBTF), watched from the sidelines. For just a moment, the enormity of 

their assembly gave way to sheer excitement as the boys and girls enjoyed the ride 

of their lives. The group was there for 

more than a scenic ride through countryside, though. With the help of some of 

America’s motorcyclists, they were raising 

funds and awareness for pediatric brain 

cancer research and outreach programs. 

 CDR Rene Hernandez, Ph.D., assistant 

professor, Department of Military and 

Emergency Medicine, is a longtime advocate of PBTF, and through word of mouth, 

enlisted the help of nearly twenty USU 

friends and coworkers to help facilitate the 

local chapter of PBTF’s Ride for Kids program Sept. 21. 

 “Ride for Kids is a grassroots experience 

and very personal,” said Hernandez. “I meet 

the children and families that have been 

helped by the money raised each and 

every year, and happily I’ve seen some of 

the young children grow up over the past 

10 years that I’ve been involved. Sometimes there isn’t a happy ending, but I 

know that my participation and the money 

I brought in can help create more happy 

endings.” 

 Like Hernandez, others from USU felt a 

personal connection to the cause. HM2 

David Baumback, for example, knows all 

too well the devastating effect cancer has 

on young patients and their families. His 

son is a leukemia survivor, and through his 

volunteer efforts at Ride for Kids, the concerned father is making a difference by 

supporting the development of innovative 

treatments and new therapies that better 

the lives of children. 

 The organization, after all, is the largest 

non-governmental source of funding for 

childhood brain tumor research, and has 

already raised more than $34 million. The 

success of PBTF, however, can not be measured in dollars alone. Consider, young 

Ethan Gumabay, as he rounded the last 

corner, eyes bright with stories to tell and a 

toothy smile that gives away the happy 

ending of his Sunday adventure. 

By Christine Creenan 

VPE Staff Writer 

 Photo by HM2 Michael Oliver 

Brain cancer survivors enjoy chauffeured 

rides through scenic Howard County. 

 Photo by HM2 Michael Oliver 

CDR Hernandez shares a moment with 

Ride for Kids participants. 

 

 If people make an organization great, the Uniformed Services 

University of the Health Sciences’ (USU) reputation as a world 

class center of excellence is in large measure the result of its outstanding cadre of faculty, staff and students. 

 Take for example, Derek Fisher, a post doctoral fellow in the 

Department of Microbiology and Immunology (MIC). He was 

recently awarded a National Research Service Award by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), a highly competitive grant, providing full stipend support as well as travel and supply funds for three 

years of research training experience. 

 For more than a year now, Fisher has been analyzing Chlamydia’s pathogenic lifestyle, in the 

lab of Dr. Anthony Maurelli, professor, MIC. His investigations, 

according to NIH, have grounded 

him with the potential to become 

a productive, independent investigator. 

 Fisher hopes this promise will 

continue to see fruition in the 

academia setting. He enjoys advancing research in a medical 

school environment, calling USU 

“very open and supportive of 

scientific discussion.” 

Post Doctoral Fellow Awarded National Research Service Award 

By Christine Creenan 

VPE Staff Writer 

Derek Fisher 
 Famed American biologist, Jona Salk once said, 

“The reward for work well 

done is the opportunity to 

do more.” And while 

there’s plenty of hard 

work to be continued at 

the Uniformed Services 

University of the Health 

Sciences (USU), Microbiologist Jeannette Whitmire and Program Support Assistant Lisa 

McTigue are being recognized for their enduring 

commitment to excellence 

with respective honors as Senior and Junior Employees of the 

Quarter. 

 Whitmire has been with the university for eight years, performing laboratory bench work and administrative duties in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology (MIC). In her pursuits, 

Whitmire goes “above and beyond,” according to supervisors, Dr. 

Alison O’Brien, Ph.D., professor and chair, (MIC), and Dr. D. Scott 

Merrell, Ph.D., assistant professor, chair, Research Policy Committee. 

 Humbled by her nomination, Whitmire remarked, “I am honored the people I work 

with thought of me in 

such high regard. Over 

my years here at USUHS, I 

have truly appreciated my 

fellow employees, and I 

could not perform my 

duties without them.” 

 McTigue, though in a very 

different role, advances 

the USU mission with the 

same dedication and fortitude. She manages thirdyear medical student support programs, addressing 

the needs of more than 

170 students at various locations across the country. According to 

supervisor, Dr. Richard MacDonald, M.D., associate dean for Student Affairs, McTigue’s performance is “exceptionally timely” and 

“without error” and “her commitment to quality work is shown in 

all she does.” 

 For their service to the university, both Whitmire and McTigue 

will receive a $250 saving bond and reserved parking spaces. 

PAGE 4 

Employees Honored for Dedicated Service 

By Christine Creenan 

VPE Staff Writer 

Jeannette Whitmire 

 

Lisa McTigue 

Col Charles Beadling, USAF, MC and Ssgt. LaToya Carr, USAF, kick off the celebration of the Air Force’s 

61st birthday by cutting the first slices of cake (left). On Sept. 18, 1947, W. Stuart Symington was sworn in 

as the first secretary of the Air Force with the new Secretary of Defense James V. Forrestal in attendance 

(right). After many years of planning, an independent air arm was formed, an equal to the Army and 

Navy. Based on achievements in air superiority, the Air Force became the "first line of defense" in a postwar world. Shortly after taking office, Symington said: "In this day when a powerful counterattack is 

America's only real answer to aggression, there can be no question that we need the world's first Air 

Force. It is only through the global, flashing mobility of the Air Force that we can hold our counterattack 

poised ... we feel, with deep conviction, that the destiny of the United States rests on the continued development of our Air Force." 

Happy Birthday Air Force 

Courtesy Photo 

Photo by HM2 Michael Oliver 
PAGE 5 

Medical Personnel Advance Humanitarian Mission in Chad 

By Col Charles Beadling, M.D. 

Director, CDHAM 

 Many people might have difficulty locating Chad on a map. 

However, it occupies a strategic location that is critical to the Trans

-Sahara Counterterrorism Initiative and regional stability in central 

Africa. That, in combination with a variety of natural resources, 

makes it an ideal location for using health care diplomacy. When 

DoD Directive 3000.05 was signed, there was a significant change 

in our mission: 

stability operations were 

given a priority 

equal to combat 

operations. 

 A team of 

medical personnel from the 

Center for Disaster and Humanitarian Assistance Medicine 

(CDHAM) has 

been involved 

in a mine victim 

assistance program in the 

Republic of Chad for over three years. The CDHAM is part of the 

Department of Military and Emergency Medicine at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USU). Col 

Charles Beadling, MC, USAF, a graduate of USU and Director of 

CDHAM, leads this humanitarian mission. 

 This program, funded initially by US European Command and 

now US Africa Command, provides assistance to the government 

of Chad in the form of sustained training, materiel resources and 

technical guidance. A curriculum for First Responders in Austere 

Environments was adapted to the target audience of deminers 

and translated into French, the official language in Chad. Using 

French and Arabic translators, they trained over 225 individuals in 

how to stabilize victims from accidental explosions. Students 

learned the concepts of stabilizing casualties in classrooms and 

were provided hands-on experience controlling hemorrhage with 

tourniquets and pressure dressings, splinting extremities, and 

packaging patients for evacuation. 

 By recruiting the best performers in each class as assistant instructors, the knowledge will be spread to small villages and 

towns throughout Chad and increase self-sufficiency. “The ability 

to treat the victim of a land mine accident can be used to treat 

casualties of any trauma, such as motor vehicle accidents, greatly 

increasing the host nation capacity,” Col Beadling said. 

 Working with the National High Commission for Demining 

(HCND), the Chad government agency responsible for eliminating 

Explosive Remnants of War (ERW) and victim assistance, the 

CDHAM team also provided computer equipment and training in 

basic computer operations. Another course in leadership and 

management was developed for senior and mid-level HCND staff. 

The goal is to assist them to build capacity and become more selfsufficient. 

 Future efforts involve establishing two regional HCND offices, a 

prosthesis facility and a rehabilitation clinic in eastern Chad. Hostilities with Sudan and the adjoining Darfur region have created 

an enormous threat to the civilian population from ERW. Col 

Beadling described this program as, “an excellent opportunity to 

use health care diplomacy to win hearts and minds, or gain access 

and influence, in a crucial part of the world. Our security at home 

is increasingly dependent on global and regional stability and it 

starts in places like Chad.” 

USU Founds Student Chapter of American Society for Microbiology 

 The general assembly of the American Society for Microbiology 

(ASM) recently voted in favor of establishing a student branch of 

the organization at the Uniformed Services University of the 

Health Sciences (USU). 

 Students from the Emerging Infectious Diseases (EID) Graduate 

Program began gathering support for establishing a student 

chapter at USU earlier this year. After receiving the official endorsements of the USU Graduate Education Office (GEO) and the 

local Washington D.C. ASM branch, a proposal to found a new 

student chapter was submitted to the national ASM office. The 

proposal to formally recognize the USU student chapter of ASM 

was brought before and approved by the national ASM general 

assembly at the most recent meeting this past June. 

 As the largest and oldest life science organization in the world, 

ASM represents over 43,000 members. At a minimum, members 

of the organization must hold a bachelor’s degree or experience 

in one of the microbiology related disciplines represented by the 

organization, including: bacteriology, virology, parasitology, immunology, mycology and numerous others. 

 Striving to advance microbiology and general scientific 

thought, ASM pursues and disseminates scientific knowledge. 

The society fulfills these endeavors by supporting education and 

training of members and students, hosting scientific meetings, 

promoting and recognizing scientific achievement, and publishing 

11 microbiology related journals. 

 Recognizing the necessity of involving students in the local and 

national organization, ASM encourages the creation of new student chapters around the country. The goals of student branches 

are to promote scientific forums for undergraduate and graduate 

students, involve students in the planning and activities of the 

local and national ASM organizations, promote regional peer networking activities, and to further the goals of ASM within the local 

community. 

 Numerous students expressed interest in becoming members 

of the new USU student chapter and the initial functions of the 

organization shall begin in the mid fall quarter. Membership in 

the USU student chapter of ASM is open to all students in good 

academic standing with the university at the time of joining the 

chapter as well as all faculty interested in supporting the chapter 

and its activities. 

 The student chapter will focus on fostering community interest 

in microbiology and science though outreach activities with local 

schools, fostering the academic and career development of members, cultivating positive relationships with peers at Washington 

D.C. region universities, promoting the educational goals of USU, 

and encouraging membership in the local and national ASM organizations. 

By Andrew Hickey 

MPH, Ph.D. Candidate, Emerging Infectious Diseases Program 

 Courtesy Photo 

As part of the CDHAM initiative, USU staff 

members provide guidance on how to care 

for victims of landmines. 
PAGE 6 

 Jurgen von Bredow , Ph.D., LTC(ret.) 

USA, a regular contributor to the pharmacology course at USU over a period of 30 

years, died at Johns Hopkins Medical Center on July 6, 2008. 

 Dr. von Bredow was recruited in 1978 

by the founding chair of pharmacology at 

USU, Dr. Lewis Aronow, to contribute as an 

extramural lecturer to the pharmacology 

course for second year medical students. 

He was asked to develop a lecture appropriate for students in a military medical 

school on chemical warfare agents, and 

the ways in which their effects could be 

mitigated. 

 LTC von Bredow served as chief of the 

Pharmacology Division at Aberdeen Proving Ground and as Assistant to the Director 

of the Division of Experimental Therapeutics at Walter Reed Army Institute of Research until 1993. His work in these positions was fundamental to the development 

of pyridostigmine as a protective agent 

against poisoning by nerve gases, a protective therapy that has been deployed widely 

by the military in recent conflicts. 

 Since that initial invitation in 1978, over 

a period of thirty years, Dr. von Bredow 

presented annually a lecture to 2nd year 

USU medical students, covering the history 

of chemical warfare from the initial extensive use of chemical agents in World War I, 

the development of nerve gases and potential protection and treatment strategies. He 

covered the use of nerve gases in the IranIraq war and by terrorist groups as in the 

Tokyo subway attacks. 

 His lectures combined a clear understanding of the basic pharmacology and 

toxicology of early chemical agents and 

organophosphates with a detailed coverage of the treatment of casualties and a 

helpful discussion of the practical issues 

relating to troop protection against chemical agents under battlefield conditions. 

 In the mid-1990s, we asked Dr. von Bredow to serve additionally as an instructor in 

our small group teaching sessions on autonomic drug pharmacology. He accepted 

enthusiastically and continued to serve in 

this capacity as well for at least fifteen 

years. The faculty of the pharmacology 

department cannot recall a single occasion 

over the 30 years of his service to the medical school in which he missed these classes 

for any reason. His knowledge, experience, 

and the clarity of his presentations have 

been recognized and appreciated by medical students throughout this period. 

 Dr. von Bredow left the Army in 1993, 

and joined the FDA Veterinary Division 

where he continued his public service until 

his last illness. He published a series of papers on issues relating to drug use in veterinary practice and on the passage of drugs 

from mother to fetus or infant. He was an 

active member of federal committees addressing the potential vulnerability of US 

agriculture and animal husbandry to terrorist attack. He was elected president of the 

FDA Chapter of Sigma Xi from 1990 -1992 

and served for many years on its executive 

committee. 

 USU medical students and military medical education have benefited enormously 

from the dedicated service of this devoted 

public servant. We will miss him. 

Death of Long-time Contributor to Pharmacology Education at USU 

Courtesy of 

Department of Pharmacology 

USU 12 Wins Base Championship 

The USU 12 beat out the Slammaholics and the Navy Chiefs before facing off against DPAL Thunder—and ultimately winning the base championship. The team ended the season with a 5-1 playoff record. No doubt, the success of USU 12 was 

in large measure the result of outstanding team camaraderie. Players Jeremy Stick and Anthony Intravaia support their 

teammates from the sidelines (right). As part of the victory celebration, Coach Fabio Sanchez-Batista presented Melisa 

Martin with the MVP award (left). 

Photo by Megan Fitzgerald Photo by Melissa Martin 

USU 

A Traditional Academic University with a Unique 

Focus 
PFT/PFA/APFT Notice: The Fall 2008 Physical Fitness Test for all 

services is scheduled for Oct. 15, 16, 21, 22, 23 and 28 at 7:00 a.m. 

and noon. All military personnel are required to select the time 

and date they will take the test. All Sailors must complete the 

Health Risk Assessment questionnaire and Physical Health Assessment annually. Navy weigh-ins must be conducted between 10 

days and 24 hours prior to the Physical Readiness Test scheduled 

for noon on Oct. 17. If there are any questions contact your service specific fitness coordinators. Air Force contact: (T)Sgt Ernle at 

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

SSG Rogers at 295-3720. 

2008 Combined Federal Campaign (CFC): USU will host its 2008 

CFC kick-off celebration on Oct. 16 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in 

the university amphitheater. Detailed information to follow. The 

mission of the CFC is to promote and support philanthropy 

through a program that is employee focused, cost-efficient and 

effective in providing all federal employees the opportunity to 

improve the quality of life for all. For more information about the 

CFC visit www.opm.gov/cfc as well as www.cfnca.org. To volunteer at this year’s campaign efforts contact the USU CFC committee at USUCFC@usuhs.mil. 

U.S. Annual Armed Forces 49th Open Chess Championship: National Naval Medical Center will be the site event for the 

2008(49TH) Armed Forces Open Chess Championship, which will 

take place on Oct. 10-13 (Columbus Day Weekend) at 8:00 a.m. in 

the Galley, National Naval Medical Center. The tournament is 

open to all active duty, reservists, military retirees, cadets, midshipmen, and ROTC personnel who have a USCF membership. Please 

enter in by sending an e-mail to Erick.Toribio@med.navy.mil. 

MILPO Hours of Operation: Now in effect, the Military Personnel 

Office (C 1016) will be open at the normal time of 7:30 a.m., but 

will be closed during the hours of 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. 

(Tuesdays and Fridays). Monday, Wednesday and Thursday 

MILPO services are available during normal working hours (7:30 

a.m. – 3:30 p.m.). If you need assistance from MILPO please plan 

accordingly. 

Jiu-Jitsu Training: For the month of September there will be informal jiu-jitsu training for all who are interested. The training will 

take place in the Comfort Zone on Thursdays from 1200-1400. If 

you have any questions please contact 2Lt Lobato, USAF (STU) at 

Carl.Lobato@usuhs.mil. 

Red Ribbon Week: Red Ribbon Week is a United States initiative 

for the prevention and education about the dangers of drugs and 

alcohol. The first Red Ribbon Celebration was organized in 1985 

by an organization of parents concerned about the destruction 

caused by alcohol and drug abuse. Red Ribbon Week this year is 

the week of Oct. 18-26. There will be multiple events throughout 

the week involving the university community. For all uniformed 

personnel there will be a stand-down formation on Oct. 24. 

Voting: The 2008 Presidential Election is on November 4, 2008. 

Absentee voters should request ballots at least 60 days before the 

election. An online version of the Federal Post Card Application 

(SF-76) can be obtained at: 

http://www.fvap.gov/pubs/onlinefpca.pdf. 

USU Briefs 

Request for Applications (RFA) 

FY09 Intramural Research Funding 

Pilots & Standards Only 

Applications are being accepted for Pilot and Standard grant awards from USU billeted faculty. 

New applications only

Research in all areas (basic, clinical, and behavioral) 

Due Date: October 17, 2008

In addition, graduate student & clinical fellow research grants are also currently being accepted. 

Office of Program Development (OPD) 

(301) 295-3303 

A1032 

Photo by HM2 Michael Oliver 

 Special Assistant Mary Dix presented LCDR Sabrina Golden with the USU 

Outstanding Service Medal, for her exceptionally meritorious services as director, Facilities Engineering and Acquisition Division, Officer in Charge of Construction. 

 From groundbreaking ceremonies in 2006 through building completion in 

2008, LCDR Golden guided the university through a myriad of processes involving the construction of a 55,000 square foot Academic Program Center 

known as Building E. 

 According to a letter signed by President Charles Rice, M.D., Golden and her 

staff represent the ultimate in customer service and quality oversight. 

 “It was an honor to receive the Outstanding Service Award from USU. I was 

surprised and touched by the gesture. The success of the Building E project 

was a team effort including Mary Dix and the USU team and my dedicated 

staff,” said LCDR Golden. 

USU Presents Outstanding Service Medal 
UNIFORMED SERVICES UNIVERSITY 

of the Health Sciences