Aug. 9 - Fort Sam Houston - U.S. Army

AUGUST 9, 2012 NEWS LEADER PAGE 3News BriefsSaturday VetVaccine ClinicThe Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston VeterinaryClinic will hold a Saturday vaccineclinic from 9 a.m. to noonAug. 11 at Building 2635. Call808-6105 for information.Suicide InterventionSkills Training OfferedApplied Suicide InterventionSkills Training is being offeredfor Joint Base San Antonioactive duty members, civiliansand family members. The trainingwill is on the last Thursdayand Friday of every month.Call 221-1696 to register, asseating is limited. T4T trainedinstructors are also needed tofacilitate the course. Peoplewho have successfully completedthe T4T training can alsocall 221-1696.Common Access CardReplacement NotificationThe Defense Manpower andData Center recently begansending notices to military andcivilian personnel to replace64K and 72K Common AccessCards currently in their possession.The DMDC is contactingaffected personnel via emailwith instructions to replacetheir CAC regardless of thecard’s expiration date. Peoplewho receive an email directingthem to replace their CAC, orshould they receive one in thefuture and they have not renewedtheir card within the last60 days, follow the guidance inthe email and schedule an appointmentas soon as possibleby logging onto https://rapidsappointments.dmdc.osd.mil.Appointments are available atall ID card facilities throughoutJoint Base San Antonio.Army Benefits CenterCivilian NoticeOn Fridays through Sept. 21,the Army Benefits Center Civiliancounselors will not be availableby phone between noonand 6 p.m. The ABC-C websitewill be available at https://See BRIEFS, P4AMEDDC&S safety office wins MEDCOM safety awardBy Esther GarciaAMEDDC&S Public AffairsThe Army Medical DepartmentCenter and School’s safetyoffice has been awarded theU.S. Army Medical CommandExceptional Organization SafetyAward for numerous achievementsduring fiscal year 2011.The office’s primary focuswas the importance of accidentreporting and the use of thestatistics to determine problemareas or trends.AMEDDC&S saw an increasein overall accident reporting,but a decrease in recordableaccidents from 40 during fiscalyear 2010 to 32 during fiscalyear 2011, a decrease of20 percent. In addition, moretrained safety officers wereadded to the workplaces to advisecommanders and directors.Responsible for the safety ofPhoto by Esther GarciaMembers of the Army Medical Department Center and School safety team gather for agroup photo at Maj. Gen. Spurgeon Neel Plaza. The AMEDDC&S safety team won theArmy Medical Command Exceptional Organization Safety Award for fiscal year 2011.more than 2,500 AMEDDC&Sfaculty and staff, the office alsooversees 121 buildings, 101laboratories, 189 classrooms,41 learning centers, and fiveauditoriums.470th Military Intelligence Brigadelogistician receives unique honorBy Gregory Ripps470th MIB Public AffairsThe 470th Military IntelligenceBrigade S4 (logistics officer) received aunique honor in a brief QuartermasterCorps event at the brigade headquartersJuly 24.Jessica Lee was awarded a medallionof the Distinguished Order of St.Martin by Col. Ron Pulignani, Intelligenceand Security Command ACOS,G4 (assistant chief of staff for logistics),symbolizing her admission intothe “esteemed order of logisticians” ofthe United States Army Association ofQuartermasters.Pulignani, who nominated Lee forthe honor, said it recognized her contributionsto the Quartermaster Corpsover approximately 25 years, including22 years as a Soldier.He related that the order wasnamed for a young, fourth-centuryRoman soldier named Martin who cuthis cloak in two and gave half to abeggar. According to the story, Christlater appeared to Martin in a visionwearing that half of the cloak andcommended his charity.The image of Martin giving half ofhis cloak to the beggar “is reflective ofwhat our Quartermaster Corps does insupport of the Army,” said Pulignani,who noted that military intelligenceunits are very challenging to support,both because of their numerousmissions throughout the world andbecause of the leading-edge technologylogisticians must supply them.“Lee and her team have beenphenomenal in supporting worldwidedeployments and ensuring their missionswill not fail,” Pulignani said.Lee, who served as a warrant officerfor 15 years, has served the 470thMI Brigade as its S4 in a civiliancapacity for three years.As the brigade logistics officer, shehas played a key role in major, ongoingimprovements to the brigade’s vehiclemaintenance area and facilities.“I have a passion for my job,” Leesaid. “After I retired from the Army,I came back because I love workingwith Soldiers.”The school is where theArmy educates and trainsapproximately 5,500 studentsdaily and on average, 35,000 ofits medical personnel annuallyin over 350 programs ofinstruction.During fiscal year 2011,the safety office also won firstplace in the Army CombatReadiness Center’s peer-to-peervideo contest.The 187th Medical Battalionproduced the “Safety Strong”video focusing on seat beltsafety.The safety office produceda video narrated by theAMEDDC&S commanding generalstressing the importance ofcomposite risk management.Safety strategic planning includedhazard communication,blood born pathogen training,motorcycle safety, sportsinjury prevention and weaponshandling.“This was a group effort.The entire organization playeda part in the award,” saidMelissa Hastings, AMEDDC&Ssafety officer.Photo by Gregory RippsJessica Lee, 470th Military Intelligence Brigade S4 (logistics officer),points out construction features during the transformationof a warehouse into vehicle maintenance bays for the brigade. Leehas played a key role in effecting major, ongoing improvements tothe brigade’s vehicle maintenance areas and facilities.

PAGE 4 NEWS LEADER AUGUST 9, 2012News BriefsBRIEFS, from P4www.abc.army.mil to maketransactions thru the EmployeeBenefits Information System.In addition, the automatedphone line will be available foremployees to make transactionsthat do not require counselorassistance.New training supportcenter to openThe Army Support Activity,JBSAFort Sam Houston, willopen a new training supportcenter in October on GardenRoad. The new TSC will replacethe old facility located in thewarehouse section in Building4196. The new facility willhouse a variety of training aidsto include, graphic trainingaids and simulators for training.An additional update tothe new facility will be modernclassroom space for conductinghands-on training, as well asclassroom-type instruction. Formore information, call 221-1927.Army Candidate SchoolStructure Interview PanelThe Military PersonnelBranch of the 502nd Force SupportSquadron will conduct anArmy Officer Candidate SchoolStructure Interview Panel Boardat 8 a.m. Oct. 24 in Room 117Bof Building 2263 on StanleyRoad. All Soldiers must have abachelor degree. There is alsoa new age requirement, as Soldierscannot be over the age of28. For a complete listing andchecklist of the OCS requirementsand forms, visit https://www.hrcapps.army.mil/site/protect/branches/officer/Operations/Accessions/OCS/index.htm.All OCS applicants must seetheir S1/G1 prior to submittingtheir OCS packets. All packetsmust be turned in by Oct. 16.For more information, call 221-0885.All-Day Appointmentsfor CAC/ID CardsThe 502 Air Base Wingreplaced the walk-in customerSee NEWS, P6ARSOUTH Soldiers get a real-world lessonin captivity avoidance, Krav Maga styleBy Sgt. Tamika ExomARSOUTH Public AffairsSelf-defense tactics based onthe human reaction to stressin an urban warfare environmentwas the basis of a captivityavoidance course held fora group of U.S. Army SouthSoldiers at the STW Krav Magagym July 16 through 18.Krav Maga, a Hebrew wordmeaning “contact combat,” isan extremely aggressive noncompetitivedefensive tacticsystem developed and used bythe Israeli Defense Forces.It was created so that regardlessof age, gender or level offitness, a person can learn thesystem in a relatively shortperiod of time, about 10 to 12weeks.“Army South has an area ofresponsibility that gives them awork commute into Central andSouth America and the Caribbean,”said retired Col. RickBassett, a student instructorwho recently retired from ArmySouth after a 30-year Armycareer.“These Soldiers become targetsfor captivity, whether theywant to be or not,” Bassett said.One Krav Maga principal isto end a fight as quickly as possible.It focuses on real-worldsituations and efficient, brutalcounter-attacks to the face,neck, groin, knees and eyes, aswell as constant striking andkicking to get loose from anattacker.“This particular class is idealfor any government employeethat is going to go out of thecountry and into a hostileenvironment,” said Pete Hardy,owner and chief instructor atthe Krav Maga facility.“This give them skills that ifthey are in an area where theycould possibly be kidnapped,”Hardy said. “Whether they arearmed or unarmed, they willhave the skills to prevent thatfrom happening.”“This class enhances SERE(Survival Evade Resist Escape)training,” said John Sanders,personnel recovery for ArmySouth. “It’s a great workoutand it keeps you on your toes.I hope I never have to use it,but if I do, it will come as aninstinct.”In his past 15 years as an instructor,people have come backto Hardy to tell him they hadto use these techniques whichprobably saved their lives.“Showing people they havethe ability to get out of a darkARNORTH’s defense coordinatingelement shifts into high gearfor Vibrant Response 13By Staff Sgt. Corey BaltosARNORTH Public AffairsWith the Vibrant Response 13exercise scenario of a simulated3,000-pound radiological dispersaldevice exploding at a trainstation in a major Midwesterncity, as well as several otherdevices also being detonated,the Federal Emergency ManagementAgency began the processof responding to the crisis.Soon after, an Army North’sdefense coordinating elementkicked into high gear as it preparedto help coordinate Departmentof Defense assistance.“Once an incident has happened,FEMA writes a missionSee ARNORTH, P9place, like a survivor, saves livesby giving them a level of confidencethat they’ve never hadbefore,” Hardy said.“The message I want to getout about Krav Maga is that weare not a sport system, we are aPhoto by Sgt. Tamika ExomJames Breaux(top), tries totake a bladefrom an attackingSgt.1st Class KimLofton, duringa three-daycaptivity avoidancecourse atthe STW KravMaga gym inSan Antoniofrom July 16to 18.survival system,” Hardy added.“We put no limitations on youwhat so ever on how to survivean attack where it’s probablygoing be an attack that’s goingto put you in the hospital or endyour life.”Photo by Staff Sgt. Corey BaltosMarine Col.John Yurcuk(left) and Lt.Col. CharlesJackson, bothfrom DefenseCoordinatingElement RegionVII, review areview a missionassignmentrequestduring VibrantResponse 13.

AUGUST 9, 2012 NEWS LEADER PAGE 5MICC welcomes new chief of staffBy Daniel P. ElkinsMICC Public AffairsMembers of the Missionand InstallationContracting Command atJoint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houstonwelcomed a new chief ofstaff July 25.Col. Jeff Morris isresponsible for providingoversight, supervisionand quality control ofstaff actions, personnel,training, operations,building management,public affairs and protocolsupport within MICCheadquarters.He comes to the MICCfrom the 412th ContractingSupport Brigade,which he commandedsince its activationin July 2009. Morrisreplaced Col. ShaneDietrich, who is retiring.“I look forward toPhoto by Daniel P. ElkinsCol. Jeff Morris arrived at theMission and Installation ContractingCommand July 25 as thechief of staff.serving in the MissionInstallation ContractingCommand. The MICChas some great folks,and I look forward tocontinuing to grow andlearn in an organizationthat is so focused onSoldier support.” Morrissaid.Morris enlisted in theArmy Reserve in July1980. He was commissionedas a Reservefield artillery officer in1984 through the ROTCat Purdue University inWest Lafayette, Ind.He entered active dutyin 1986 and has servedin a variety of signalcorps and staff positions.Morris entered theArmy Acquisition Corpsin 1994.His assignmentsincluded serving as acontingency contractingofficer for the 1stCavalry Division, chief ofcontracting for the U.S.Support Group in Haitiand contracting officerfor the United NationsMission in Haiti.WEST NILE from P2and occasional rash onthe chest and back; and1 percent may developmore severe symptoms ofmeningitis, encephalitis orparalysis. People typicallydevelop symptoms betweenthree and 14 daysafter they are bitten bythe infected mosquito.However, experts added,only specific mosquitospecies can transmit WNVso most mosquito bitesdon’t warrant medicalevaluation. The chancesany person will becomeseverely ill from any onemosquito bite are extremelysmall.JBSA-Fort Sam Houstonresidents and buildingmanagers can take afew simple precautionarymeasures to ensure everyone’ssafety, accordingto Frank Martinez, teamleader of the 502nd CivilEngineer Squadron’s pestcontrol unit.“Many mosquitoproblems can be reducedby eliminating breedingsites of standing waterand emptying containersthat hold water,” Martinezsaid. “That is the singlemost effective measurepeople can take to eliminatethe places wheremosquitoes breed.”Other measures include:• Not allowing puddlesto form on your lawn as aresult of excessive watering;• Placing tiny holes inthe bottom of recyclingbins without lids;• Replacing water inbirdbaths;• Getting rid of oldtires;• Preventing bottles, tincans, buckets or drumsfrom collecting water;• Wearing a long sleeveshirt or pants if goingoutdoors at dawn, dusk orthe early evening; and• Spraying insect repellenton your clothingand rubbing it gently onyour face, ears, neck andhands, especially if outdoorsafter dusk or beforedawn.According to the TexasPublic Health InformationNetwork, a higher thanusual number of humanWest Nile cases have beenreported this year dueto the warm winter andrecent rains.For questions or concerns,call BAMC PreventiveMedicine Services at295-2328 or 2742. For informationregarding pets,including horses, contactJBSA-Fort Sam HoustonVeterinary Services at808-6101 or 6104.For more informationon the virus, visit the Centersfor Disease Controland Prevention website athttp://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/.

PAGE 6 NEWS LEADER AUGUST 9, 2012New post thrift shop opening soonBy Steve ElliottJBSA-FSH News LeaderFrom books to bootsand from clothes tocomputers, the newthrift shop set to open onJoint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston hassomething for almosteveryone.Located in an8,000-square foot facilityat 3100 Zinn Road, nearthe Outdoor EquipmentCenter, the thrift shopis set for a grand openingat 10 a.m. Aug. 18,although the facility willbe open as of Aug. 15.“The thrift shop is along-awaited addition tothe Fort Sam Houstoncommunity,” said StephanieCrotty, the shop’schairperson. “This willbe a great place for arearesidents to shop and toalso consign unwanteditems for sale.”Anyone with access toJBSA-Fort Sam Houstoncan shop at the facility,but people lookingto make a consignmentmust have a Departmentof Defense ID, to includeactive duty and retiredPhoto by Steve ElliottRyan Michael, a 14-year-old volunteer from Canyon High School inNew Braunfels, puts a pricing code on a coffeemaker at the JointBase San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston Thrift Shop. He is the son ofretired Sgt. Josh Michael, a wounded warrior, and Daylyn Michael, theshop’s consignment coordianator. The new shop is located at 3100Zinn Road, near the Outdoor Equipment Center.military, their familiesand DOD civilians.“The consignmentrate is generous,” saidthrift shop co-chair KellyOliver. “The consigner receives75 percent and theremainder goes towardsthe FSH Spouses’ Club’sscholarship and welfarefunds.”The shop will beopen from 9 a.m. to 2p.m. Wednesdays andThursdays, plus the thirdSaturday of each month.Consignments will betaken each business dayfrom 9 a.m. until 2 p.m.Volunteers will beavailable to assist ondetermining a value foreach item consigned. Volunteersare also neededto help out on a weeklybasis. Call 221-5794 formore information.For information aboutspecial events or extraoperating days, visit theSpoises’s Club websiteat http://www.scfsh.comor the Facebook page athttp://www.facebokk.com/scfsh.NEWS, from P4services at its main ID Card/CAC issuance facilities withan all-day appointmentonlyprocess for all militarymembers, retirees, dependents,civil service employeesand contractor customers.Appointment times are 8a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Mondaythrough Friday, scheduled in20-minute intervals. Changesto existing ID Card/CAC andDEERS services only affectthe main DEERS ID Card/CACissuance facilities at theselocations: 502nd Force SupportSquadron, Building 367,Fort Sam Houston, 221-0415;802nd Force Support Squadron,Building 5616, LacklandAFB, 671-4178; and 902ndForce Support Squadron,Building 399, Randolph AFB,652-1845. Customers canschedule appointments at anyof these facilities by visitinghttps://rapids-appointments.dmdc.osd.mil/ or call thenumbers listed to set up anappointment.

AUGUST 9, 2012 NEWS LEADER PAGE 7EXERCISE, from P1National Intelligence.“In the event of anuclear detonation, theforemost question in themind of the President ofthe United States, membersof Congress and theAmerican people will be:‘Who is responsible forthis?’” said FBI SupervisorySpecial Agent TerryKerns, deputy assistantdirector of the DHS DomesticNuclear DetectionOffice.The mission of the taskforce was straightforward.“We are collectingevidentiary samples aftera post-detonation event todo analysis and provideinsight for attribution,”said FBI Supervisory SpecialAgent Fred Pflueger,task force leader.Determining thoseresponsible for an actualattack would depend oninformation from intelligenceand law enforcementas well as nuclearforensics analysis.From their unnamedforward operating baseat Jefferson ProvingGrounds, Soldiers fromNuclear DisablementTeam 2, 20th SupportCommand, based at AberdeenProving Grounds,Md., headed out to collecta spectrum of simulatedradioactive debrissamples which were thenpassed on to the DOEscientists.On each collectionmission, a four-manteam, composed of twonuclear disablement teamSoldiers, an FBI specialagent who stays with theteam to maintain chain ofcustody, and a DOE scientist,collected samplesat locations that the taskforce planning cell haddetermined based on thesimulated plume after thedetonation.The Soldiers, clad inpersonal protective equipment,used small, handheldvacuums to capturethe debris for handoff.“Then the DOE takescollection at the forwardoperating base, screensit, and then it’s flown outwith a special agent toa national laboratory foranalysis,” said Maj. LeifHansen, Nuclear Trainingand Exercises, 20th SupportCommand.The nuclear disablementteam Soldiers saidthey enjoyed the opportunityto perform theirmission.“What we are doingis assisting the FBI withevidentiary collection ofground samples,” saidStaff Sgt. Sacha Moore,NDT 2. “Every day thatI get to do my job is agreat day.”During the exercise,the task force was able toaccomplish a milestone.“On July 30, we tookthe collection samples ona Black Hawk helicopterfrom here to a nearbyArmy airfield and thenflew it out on a fixedwingaircraft to the LosAlamos National Laboratoryin New Mexico,” saidHansen.Before the formation ofthe joint task force, collectionmissions were notwell integrated among theseparate organizationsand were less efficient,Pflueger said.“Now we have a unifiedfront and excellentagency interoperability,”said Pflueger, adding thatArmy North’s exercisewas a great opportunityfor the task force torehearse its mission andcertify the Nuclear DisablementTeam Soldiers.“It was great workingwith Army North andVibrant Response, and wereceived outstanding logisticalsupport,” he said.Working with the FBI,DHS and DOE has beenbeneficial for Army North,said Lt. Col. ThomasBright, ARNORTH directorof training.“Every interaction is anopportunity to learn,” saidBright. “We’re certainlylearning.”The task force hasmade great strides, saidBrig. Gen. Leslie Smith,commanding general,20th Support Command.“The National TechnicalNuclear ForensicsGround Collections TaskCLINIC, from P1application processincluding detailed casestudy reviews.“This is a voluntaryaccreditation thatwe hope serves asan objective markerof excellence for ourpatients and referringproviders,” said Lt.Col. Kevin Banks, chiefForce has grown immeasurablyin the last twoyears,” Smith said.“They demonstratedgreat interagency andintergovernmental cooperation.It took the hardwork of all the teammembers to make thismission happen.”collectedmaterial and debrisground samples andprocessed, prepared andpackaged the evidence fortransport to an analyticallaboratory.of Nuclear MedicineServices.“It is a rigorousprocess, similar to theAmerican College ofRadiology accreditationachieved by our Women’sImaging Clinic,and SAMMC continuesto be the only Departmentof Defense siteto hold this accreditation,”he added.

PAGE 8 NEWS LEADER AUGUST 9, 2012IMCOM CG WORKS WITH CIVIC LEADERS TO SUPPORT MILITARY, FAMILIESLt. Gen. Mike Ferriter, commanding general of the U.S. Army Installation Management Command, greetsOlive Anne Kleberg, wife of Richard “Tres” Kleberg, the Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army, at FortSam Houston’s historic Stilwell House July 29. The historic commander’s quarters, built in 1888, formedthe backdrop for an IMCOM gathering with San Antonio civic leaders, chamber of commerce members andnonprofit organization members discussing ways to partner for support of military members and families.Photos by Amanda Rodriguez(From left) Janis Raznoski, founder of Operation Comfort; Joe Capps, executive director of the U.S. ArmyInstallation Management Command; Lt. Gen. Mike Ferriter, IMCOM commander; and wounded veteranChristopher Leverkuhn take part in an IMCOM reception for civic leaders, chamber of commerce membersand several nonprofit organization members at Fort Sam Houston’s historic Stillwell House July 29. OperationComfort’s latest Wounded Warrior projects – car restorations and adaptable bikes – were among manycommunity partnerships to better the lives of Soldiers and families represented.

AUGUST 9, 2012 NEWS LEADER PAGE 9ARNORTH, from P4assignment and sends itto the defense coordinatingofficer,” said Lt. Col.Charles Jackson, deputydefense coordinating officerfor U.S. Army North’sDefense CoordinatingElement Region VII out ofKansas City, Mo.“The DCO will alertArmy North of the helprequest, and then the defensecoordinating elementwill be activated,” Jacksonsaid. “Once they have arrivedon the scene, theywill monitor situationalawareness and determineif there are any militaryimmediate responders onthe scene.“We are always thesupport element when werespond to situations inthe United States,” Jacksonadded.Defense coordinatingelements serve as theDOD’s first responders toa natural or manmadedisaster. The DCEs arepermanently assigned toall 10 FEMA regions andserve as the DOD’s pointof contact to the primaryfederal agencies respondingto an event.“We are the bridgebetween the state andfederal government incoordinating resources toprovide assistance to theAmerican public,” said Sgt.1st Class James Venable,emergency preparednessliaison officer for DefenseCoordinating Element VII.After a disaster, stategovernments turn toFEMA to request help inproviding resources tothose affected. If FEMAcannot provide the neededresources directly, it sendsa mission assignment tothe assigned DCE requestinghelp.Timeliness is paramountonce called upon. Theprocess is a quick one andthe mission is vital – toaid their fellow Americanswhen called upon.“When we get a missionassignment from FEMA,the first thing we do isdetermine if it meets regulatorycriteria,” Jacksonsaid. “If it does, the DCEworks to get the missionassigned.”Mission assignments fallunder three categories:lifesaving, life-sustainingand all others. Once themission assignment is approved,it is sent to a jointtask force to be carriedout.To ensure the DCE is effectivein times of nationalemergency, it is certifiedannually. DCE VII is currentlyat Camp Atterbury,Ind., and is undergoingcertification as part ofVibrant Response 13.When the membersof DCE VII arrived onthe scene, they workedon gaining situationalawareness and to kickoffthe process of approvingmission assignments thatwould ultimately go toJoint Task Force-Guardian,a command and controlresponse element composedof National Guardmembers.“One of the most difficultthings in the initialhours after an incident isdetermining real informationand separating it frominaccurate information,”Jackson said. “That’s whyit is important that weremain in contact withthe responders on theground.”“This training is importantbecause it preparesus to understand whatis required in a realworldincident,” said Col.Edward Manning, defensecoordinating officer, DCERegion VII.SCHOOL, from P2Tech. Sgt. Travis Yates,Randolph ground safetyNCO in charge.“This helps the parentsdetermine the safestroute and the travel timeit will take their child toget home; also by layingout the route, parents canlocate all street crossingsand possible dangerareas.”Besides teaching theirkids how to travel safely,parents should ensure theyare safe while in class. Ina classroom of 20 or morekids and only one teacher,accidents can easily happen.It is vital parents teachtheir kids how to correctlyhandle sharp objects, glueand other toxic materials.The way parents goabout starting the schoolyear has a big impact onhow smooth the transitionfrom a summer to schoolmindset plays out.“Anyone with childrenknows the start of a newschool year is stressful,”Yates said.“Buying clothes, gettingschool supplies, immunizationsand everything elsewill push parents to theedge of sanity, but properplanning and preparationcan greatly reduce thestress on everyone.”

PAGE 10 NEWS LEADER AUGUST 9, 2012ECMO still saving lives of infants, children at SAMMCBy Maria GallegosBAMC Public AffairsAfter a long and distinguishedhistory of saving thelives of infants and childrenat what was formerly WilfordHall Medical Center, the extracorporealmembrane oxygenationmachine is still a vitalpart of lifesaving proceduresafter its integration into theSan Antonio Military MedicalCenter.The ECMO device is commonlyused for high-risknewborns and children sufferingfrom respiratory and/orcardiac failure as a result ofbirth defects, trauma or severeinfection.Similar to a heart-lungbypass machine used for anopen-heart surgery, it mimicsthe natural function of theheart and lungs, allowing aninfant or child to survive whilenatural healing of the affectedorgan takes place.Since 1985, the formerWHMC had treated 191 ECMOpatients with 79 transportsfrom all over the world, withthe support of 59th MedicalWing personnel.In December 2011, theECMO program transferred toSAMMC as part of the 2005Base Realignment and ClosureCommission recommendations.The program continues today,as Army and Air Force medicalpersonnel work together toprovide the high-quality healthcare.SAMMC is the only facilityin the Department of Defensethat provides this type ofmedical procedure for infants,with the 59th MDW providingworld-wide air support fortransporting patients to andfrom the medical centers.“The ECMO transportfunction still remains withthe 59th Medical Wing, whilethe inpatient ECMO care is atSAMMC,” said Air Force Lt.Col. (Dr.) Michael Shoemaker,SAMMC neonatologist andECMO director.So far, one patient has beentreated at SAMMC and anotherpatient was transportedfrom the U.S. Naval Hospitalin Okinawa, Japan, to theStanford University MedicalCenter in California.“No question about it, shewould have died withoutECMO,” Shoemaker said. “Briannawas born on Jan. 13 in aHonduras hospital. Her motheris Honduran and her father isactive duty stationed in FortLewis, Wash.“She was born with undiagnosedruptured omphaloceleand gastroschisis (an abdominalwall defect where abdominalcontents are outside of thebody),” he continued.“She had some surgicalrepairs in Honduras but remainedvery ill and had developeda bloodstream infection,”Shoemaker said.“She was scheduled to betransferred from Hondurasto Seattle Children’s Hospital,however en route to Seattle,she developed a pneumothorax(collapsed lung) and hemothorax(collection of bloodbetween the chest wall andthe lungs), which caused theflight to divert to SAMMC Feb.8,” he said.Brianna had no chance ofsurvival without the use of theECMO machine.“Due to the bloodstreaminfection and her acute respiratorydistress syndrome,along with her illness worsening,it was determined thatshe would surely die withoutECMO,” Shoemaker said. “OnFeb. 11, she was placed onECMO and was taken off themachine on Feb. 18.”On March 21, Brianna’shealth improved and she wastransferred to Madigan ArmyMedical Center at Joint BaseLewis-McChord, Wash..“She had a very rockypost-ECMO course, but didmanage to improve enough tobe transported to Madigan inMarch,” he concluded. “Sincethen, she has had surgery onher bowel and is doing verywell.”Courtesy photos(Left) 1st Lt. Elizabeth Spataro, pediatric intensive care nurse, (right) Capt. Gennifer Bradshaw, neonatal intensive care nurseand extracorporeal membrane oxygenation specialist and (behind Bradshaw) Lt. Col. (Dr.) Susan Dotzler, ECMO physician, assessand stabilize Brianna Sackreiter on the ECMO machine transport cart. This was the first ECMO transpacific transport sincethe program moved from Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center to SAMMC.Cheryl Collicott, the seniorECMO coordinator since 1985,said she finds the job rewarding.“I love what I do. It’s thefeeling you get when youknow you made a difference insomeone’s lives,” Collicott said.“The thanks and the hugsyou receive from the familiesyou helped in saving theirbaby’s life is what keep usgoing.”The ECMO program is amulti-disciplinary team ofcardiac intensive care unitphysicians, nurses, speciallytrained respiratory therapistsand medical technicians whoprovide customized ECMOcare for each child they treat.The program also supports theGraduate Medical Education insurgery, obstetrics, pediatricsand neonatology.(Above) Brianna Sackreiter was the first ECMO patienttreated at San Antonio Military Medical CenterFeb. 11. ECMO is a device that mimics the naturalfunction of the heart and lungs, allowing an infantor child to rest while natural healing of the affectedorgan takes place. (Inset) Brianna Sackreiter is nowseven months old and recovering in Seattle, Wash.

AUGUST 9, 2012 NEWS LEADER PAGE 11Overcoming PTSDMICC contracting officer getsback in fight to help fellow SoldiersBy Ben GonzalesMICC Public AffairsA trip to today’smilitary hospitals revealsAmerican warriors afflictedwith many differentailments, includingbattle injuries, missinglimbs and severe scars.Time and medical careeventually heals all physicalwounds, but somewounds leave no physicalscars.Stress and anxiety cantake its toll on even thestrongest Soldiers. Beingunder the constant barrageof mortar attack andsniper fire while fightingaround the world withthe fear of encounteringimprovised explosive devicesor ambush attackson the road every timeyou leave the base canwear a person down.Post-traumatic stressdisorder is a severeanxiety disorder that candevelop after exposureto any event that resultsin psychological trauma,overwhelming an individual’sability to cope.Symptoms such asflashbacks, disturbingnightmares, increasedanger and hyper vigilancecan cause significantimpairment in social,emotional, occupational,or other important areasof daily functioning.Today’s Soldiers are intheir 11th year of combatoperations.For junior noncommissionedofficers andofficers, a war environmentis all they knowabout service. They facetremendous hardshipsthat can be extremely difficultto deal with alone,but there is help.Lt. Col. Rick Skeen, acontracting officer for theMission and InstallationContracting Commandat Joint Base San Antonio-FortSam Houston,struggled with PTSD andhas had a long road ofrecovery in conqueringhis battle wounds.“PTSD is somethingpeople are not aware ofhow significantly it canaffect someone,” Skeensaid. “Coming forwardwith the fear of ruining acareer by seeking mentalhealth assistance is verydifficult.”Skeen, the branchchief for the InstallationManagement Commandsupport division, managespre- and post-awardprocurement actions, conductsmarket research,and develops acquisitionstrategies and plans thatdirectly support Soldiersand their familiesat Army installationsthroughout the continentalUnited States, Alaskaand Puerto Rico.Like other warriors,he is a Soldier first.Skeen’s first nine years“There was a period whereI was so ashamed ...But if I had not comeforward and asked for help,I would not be here today.”– Lt. Col. Rick Skeen, MICC contracting officer,JBSA-Fort Sam Houstonin the Army were in theinfantry. His first experiencewith conflict was inBosnia in 1995 with the1st Armored Division.He joined the acquisitioncorps in 2002, anddeployed to Iraq threetimes, each tour lastingone year. In 2003 at thebeginning of OperationIraqi Freedom, he stoodup a contracting officeat Baghdad InternationalAirport.He and his troopsworked out of a shedwith no power or computersrequiring him andhis unit to write contractsout by hand.Skeen’s second tour inIraq was at Camp Victoryin the directorate of contractingin 2006. His thirdyearlong tour was at AlAsad for the DefenseContract ManagementAgency-Iraq in 2007.While deployed toAfghanistan in 2010, hewas in charge of contractingand providedeverything the Soldiersneeded at Forward OperatingBase Fenty.His command positionrequired him to gooutside the FOB gate tocheck the status of localPhoto by Ryan MattoxLt. Col. Rick Skeen is a contracting officer for the Mission and Installation Contracting Command at JointBase San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston. He manages pre- and post-award procurement actions, conductsmarket research, and develops acquisition strategies and plans that directly support Soldiers and theirfamilies.construction projects andwork with Afghan contractors.It was there that Skeenrealized things were becomingtoo much to bear.Under frequent attackby mortar and sniper fire,along with being alone,the symptoms of PTSDoverwhelmed Skeen.He had to be medicallyevacuated and was transportedto the WarriorTransition Unit of SanAntonio Military MedicalCenter at JBSA-Fort SamHouston.“There was a periodwhere I was so ashamedand felt like I let myfellow Soldiers down,”said the 19-year Armyveteran and San Antonionative. “But if I had notcome forward and askedfor help, I would notbe here today. The onlyway I knew how to dealwith things was to rehabmyself and get back intothe fight.”Skeen credits the SAM-MC staff and counselorswith helping him understandPTSD and workingwith him to overcomethe negative effects of thedisorder.“They got me throughtherapy, and to the pointwhere I have the desireto get back to work andget back into the fight,”he said.“It is very satisfying todo my job now. I may befar from the battlefieldtoday, but (contracting)is so important to thesupport of Soldiers, andthat’s important to me.As a 51C, you can seean immediate impact ofwhat we do every day.If a Soldier needs somethingto help win thefight, I can get it for himright away.”Working with the MICCfor the past year, Skeenhas been making a differencefor Soldiers.“Skeen is making asignificant impact for ourSoldiers, our commandand the Army,” said Col.Shane Dietrich, MICCchief of staff. “If IMCOMofficials need something,he develops contracts toprovide the goods andservices that directlyaffect Soldiers and theirfamilies.”Next for Skeen is anassignment to SouthKorea this summer as hewill lead a contingencycontracting team. Hiswife, Shelagh Skeen, andtheir daughters, Amandaand Elisabeth, will remainstateside.“I’m thankful for theopportunity to come backto work and contribute tothe Army any way I can,”Skeen said. “I’m lookingforward to doing biggerand better things incontracting.”Skeen believes thereare still a lot of Soldiersaffected by PTSD whoshould step forward andseek assistance.“More people need tocome forward and ask forhelp if they need it,” hesaid.“The medical professionalsreally helped me,and they can help othersin need. I don’t regretasking for help at all.Now, I’m back in the fightand ready to go.”

AUGUST 9, 2012 NEWS LEADER PAGE 13CARE Team TrainingAug. 9, 9-11 a.m., RoadrunnerCommunity Center, Building 2797,call 221-1829 or 221-0946.Harlequin Dinner Theatre“Legends of Las Vegas,” amusical from the golden years ofVegas with hits from the infamousRat Pack. The show runs Thursday-Saturday, Aug. 9-Sept. 29 at theHarlequin Dinner Theatre. Dinnerserved at 6:15 p.m. with an 8 p.m.curtain. Call 222-9694 for ticketsand reservations.Varsity Sports – Players &Coaches’ NeededMale and female DOD cardholders,at least 18 years of age notparticipating in an academicathletic association may try-out fora JBSA Fort Sam Houston varsitysports team. Letters of intent mustbe submitted to the sports officelocated in Fitness Center on theMETC Campus. Varsity soccercoaches’ letter of intent is dueAug. 9 and tryouts are 6 p.m.Aug. 13-17 at the Johnson Track.Women’s varsity basketball coaches’letter of intent due is Aug. 13 andtryouts are 6:30 p.m. Aug. 20-24 atthe Jimmy Brought Fitness Center.Men’s varsity basketball coaches’letter of intent is due Aug. 20 andtryouts are 6:30 p.m. Aug. 27-31atthe Jimmy Brought Fitness Center.Call 808-5710.SKIES Unlimited ClassesChildren ages 6 to 18 can registerfor piano on Fridays from Aug.10-24, 2-2:30 p.m. or 2:30-3 p.m.Tennis Camp for children ages 6-18is Monday-Friday from Aug. 13-17,9-11 a.m. To view a list of otherclasses, visit webtrac.mwr.army.milor call 221-3381.Back-to-School BashAug. 11, 9-11 a.m., Keith A.Campbell Memorial Library, call221-4702.Saturday Vet Vaccine ClinicAug. 11, 9-noon, Joint BaseSan Antonio-Fort Sam HoustonVeterinary Clinic, Building 2635,call 808-6105 for information.Outdoor Movie NightThe MuppetsAug. 11, 30 minutes aftersunset, main flagpole. Moviegoersmay bring lawn chairs or blankets.Free snow cones, popcorn andcotton candy during the event. Call221-1718.BudgetingAug. 13, 2-4 p.m., RoadrunnerCommunity Center, Building 2797,call 221-2380.Excel Level 2Aug. 14, 8 a.m.-noon, RoadrunnerCommunity Center, Building2797, call 221-2518 or 221-2705.Post-Deployment PlanningAug. 14, 9-10:30 a.m., RoadrunnerCommunity Center, Building2797, call 221-1829 or 221-0946.HUGS playgroupAug. 14, 9-11 a.m., MiddleSchool Teen Center, Building 2515,call 221-0349 or 221-2418.Immigration ServiceAug. 14, noon-2 p.m., RoadrunnerCommunity Service, Building2797, call 221-1372 or 221-9698.Home BuyingAug. 14, 2-4 p.m., RoadrunnerCommunity Center, Building 2797,call 221-2380.Wounded Warrior Sports DayThere will be limited use ofthe basketball court at FitnessCenter on the METC and theMedical Brigade B.A.T. in supportof the Wounded Warrior SportsDay, 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Aug. 15. Call808-5709.Excel Level 3Aug. 21, 8 a.m.-noon, RoadrunnerCommunity Center, Building2797, call 221-2518 or 221-2705.Access Level 1Aug. 22, 8 a.m.-noon, RoadrunnerCommunity Center, Building2797, call 221-2518 or 221-2705.Army Family TeamBuilding Level 2Aug. 22 and 23, 8:30 a.m.-3p.m., Dodd Field Chapel, call 221-2611 or 221-0918.Access Level 2Aug. 23, 8 a.m.-noon, RoadrunnerCommunity Center, Building2797, call 221-2518 or 221-2705.Bowler Appreciation WeekAug. 25-31, all games will$1.75 at the Fort Sam HoustonBowling Center, call 221-4740.3-D Archery ShootAug. 25-26, animal targetsare placed at varied distancesthroughout the wooded course atCamp Bullis. Registration is 8-10a.m. open to all ages. The cost is$15-16 for competitive and $10 fornon-competitive.Dog Days of Summer5K Fun Run/WalkAug. 25, 7 a.m., Jimmy BroughtFitness Center, call 221-1234.Colorful Contest OffersOpportunity To WinThe Army and Air Force ExchangeService and Crayola are invitingmilitary children to show theircolorful side for a chance at a $250shopping spree in the “Crayola ColoringContest.” Authorized shoppers16 years old and younger can go tohttp://www.shopmyexchange.com/Community/patriotfamily to downloadand print the official contestillustration and find complete rules.The contest runs through Aug. 25.Entries will be judged on creativityand skill level. One winner in eachage group (under 4, 5-8, 9-12 and12-16) will receive a $250 Crayolashopping spree.New Hours at theAquatic CenterBeginning Aug. 27, the AquaticCenter will open for lap swim onlyMonday-Friday 11 a.m.-1 p.m.and open swim from 4-8 p.m. OnSaturday and Sunday the pool willopen for open swim from noon-8p.m. Admission is free for DODcardholders. Children under age 12must be accompanied by an adult.Call 221-4887.THE GATE See INSIDE, P14

PAGE 14 NEWS LEADER AUGUST 9, 2012THEGATEWarrant Officer AssociationThe Lone Star Silver Chapterof the U.S. Army Warrant OfficerAssociation will meet at 5:30 p.m.Aug. 20 at the Longhorn Café,1003 Rittiman Road. All activeduty, retired, Reserve, NationalGuard warrant officers and familymembers of current or retiredwarrant officers are invited. Call221-7327 or 475-2565.Free Missions Baseball TicketsService members and theirfamilies are invited to the MilitaryAppreciation Night Aug. 22, 7:05p.m. as the San Antonio Missionstake on the Frisco Rough Ridersat Nelson W. Wolff Stadium. Freevouchers are available at the MWRticket office at the Fort Sam HoustonCommunity Center in Building1395. The ticket office is openTuesday through Friday, 10 a.m.-5p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.Call 226-1663.Van Autreve SergeantsMajor AssociationThe SMA Leon L. Van AutreveSergeants Major Association meetsthe third Thursday of each monthat 5 p.m. at the Longhorn Café,1003 Rittiman Road. All activeduty, Reserve, National Guard andretired sergeants major are invitedand encouraged to attend. Call221-0584 or 889-8212.Foster a PuppyThe Department of Defensedog breeding program needsfamilies to foster puppies for threemonths. Potential foster familiesneed time and patience to raise apuppy age 12 weeks to six months,a stimulating and safe homeenvironment and a desire to helpraise a military working dog. Call671-3686 for more information.Dinosaur StampedeThe San Antonio BotanicalGarden, 555 Funston, will featurea life-size dinosaur exhibit Sept.1 to Dec. 31. Call 207-3255 orvisit http://www.sabot.org for moreinformation.INSIDE, from P13Middle School Teen CenterOffers Summer ToursThe JBSA-Fort Sam HoustonMiddle School Summer Teen Toursfor students in grades 8 -12 arein full swing. Activities run weeklythrough Aug. 28 from 10 a.m.to 3 p.m. For some longer trips,departure and return times mayvary. The cost of the trips is $55per week which includes afternoonsnacks, lunch and entry fees to anyactivities. All trips depart from theMiddle School & Teen Center, Building2515, Funston Road. For moreinformation, call 221-3386.Car Buying StrategiesThe Financial ReadinessProgram will offer a car buyingstrategies class from 2 to 4 p.m.Aug. 30 at the Roadrunner CommunityCenter, Building 2797. Call221-2380.EFMP Morgan’s WonderlandResource FairOct.13, 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.For more information on this annualevent, call 221-2962.Joint Base San AntonioSpecial OlympicsThe Exceptional Family MemberProgram will hold a Joint BaseSan Antonio Special Olympics 9a.m.-noon Nov. 3 on JBSA-Fort SamHouston. For more information or tovolunteer, call 221-2962.Fitness and Sports Athleteof the YearService members participatingin intramural sports programs,monthly sporting events, varsity orextramural sports are eligible fornomination as the Athlete of theYear. Activities performed throughoutthe calendar year will beevaluated. An Athlete of the Yearwill be selected for each branch ofservice. Nomination packages areavailable at any of the Fort SamHouston fitness centers or onlineat http://fortsammwr.com. Thedeadline for submission is Nov. 30.Call 808-5710.Parent Central CustomerService HoursParent Central will assistwalk-in patrons from 8 a.m.-noonand 2-4 p.m. for registration and12:30-1 p.m. for out processingand payments. Call 221-4871.Before and After SchoolCare RegistrationRegister your child, gradesK-12, for before and after schoolcare at Parent Central, 221-4871.Warriors in Transition and theirfamily members should register atSoldier Family Assistance Building3936 Acubo Barracks or call 916-6377. Registration is ongoing untilspace is full.Basic Skills Education ProgramClasses are Monday-Friday 7:30a.m.-3:30 p.m. for a period of 14working days. Service memberswill receive instruction in readingcomprehension, vocabulary, andmath skills. The class is designedto teach basic college preparatoryskills to service members with a GTscore less than 110. Call 221-1738to enroll.Cloverleaf Communicators ClubMeetings are held the first andthird Thursday of every month11:45 a.m.-1 p.m. at San AntonioCredit Union, Stanley Road, in theconference room. Call 916-3406or 221-8785 or visit http://powertalkinternational.com/.Future Speakers on theHorizonEnjoy food and develop publicspeaking and leadership skills thesecond and fourth Wednesday ofeach month, noon-1 p.m. at theJoint Program Management Office,Building 4196. Call 295-4921.Sergeant Audie Murphy ClubThe SMA Leon L. Van AutreveChapter of the Sergeant Audie MurphyClub meets the last Thursdayof each month, noon-1 p.m. at theArmy Medical Department Museum.All Sergeant Audie Murphy orSergeant Morales members areinvited and encouraged to attend.Call 221-4424 or 837-9956.Retired Enlisted AssociationChapter 80 of the RetiredEnlisted Association meets at 1p.m. on the fourth Wednesday ofeach month at the Joint Base SanAntonio-Lackland Gateway Club.Call 658-2344 for more information.

AUGUST 9, 2012 NEWS LEADER PAGE 15fortfreebiesFor Sale: Pilates performerexercise machine, $50; Graco playpen,$40; baby changing table,$35; Little Tykes backyard gymwith slide, $40; grey bookcase,$25. Call 684-8966 or 505-0656.For Sale: Solid oak roll topdesk, matching oak chair and atwo drawer filing cabinet, $600obo. Call 860-3781.For Sale: 1996 Nissan Maximafour-door, white, 5-speed, around200K miles, needs two repairs,$2,399. Call 659-6741.Found: iPod, found on July 8.Call 661-0200 to claim, leavemessage and your call will bereturned.For Sale: Lumber, 2 inch by 8inch by 20 foot and 2 inch by 6inch by 14 foot boards and solidwood French doors - make offer;5-gallon container of semi-transparentdeck stain at half-price;Edwards Aquifer Levelin feet above sea level as of Aug. 7CURRENT LEVEL * = 640.3'*determines JBSA water conservation stageNormal - above 660'Stage I - 660'Stage II - 650'Stage III - 642'Stage IV - 640.5'Stage V - 637'For water restrictions, visit http:\\www.502abw.af.mil.new bike helmet, $15; new Oakleysun glasses with hard case, $65;computer desk, 41inches long by16 inches wide by 28 inches high,$17. Call 313-0061.For Sale: New Rascal electricwheelchair with detachable legs,instruction manual included, $700.Call 661-3765, leave a message ifno answer.