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Vol. 30, No. 11 May 31, 2013

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Armed Forces Week, p.2 SMRC-IND Team ConductsAnnual Training, p. 4

Bike to Work Day at FortDetrick, p.6

BY NICK MINECCIUSAG PUBLIC AFFAIRS

Growing up in Baltimore, Col. Steven P.Middlecamp, the new commander of theU.S. Army Garrison Fort Detrick, couldn’twait to leave the area. There was a world toexplore, and he wanted to get out and dis-cover it.

“I went to Mount Saint Mary’s Collegenot far from here, and in 1988 I was commis-sioned as a second lieutenant in theMedicalService Corps, then it was off to Fort SamHouston,” he said, starting the journey thatwould bring him home 25 years later.

Middlecamp’s first duty assignment wasas a platoon leader with the 142nd MedicalBattalion on Fort Clayton, Panama.

“This was an amazing assignment, I wentto the Columbian Ranger school, and wasalso a young platoon leader during Opera-tion Just Cause,” he said.

Just Cause was the U.S. invasion of Pan-ama on Dec. 20, 1989, in order to bring itspresident, Manuel Noriega, to justice fordrug trafficking.

“We treated [Panamanian Defense Force]soldiers who were wounded and set up atreatment area for treatment of [Enemy Pris-oners of War] during the operation, to pro-vide them a daily sick call,”Middlecamp said.

“That is one thing we do as U.S. soldiers,even when we are fighting someone, wetreat their wounded,” he added.

Following the battle, Middlecamp saidhe had an amazing experience working withmembers of the Panamanian Ministry ofHealth, travelling the country and treatingthe Panamanian people.

“I spent the next six months taking myplatoon out 10 to 15 days a month, meetingthe people and helping them. It was duringthis time I learned a lesson that has stuckwith me through my career,” he said.

“I learned that as a culture, we, as Amer-icans, can learn a lot from other culturesand how they do business. In Panama theydo things in person. Now this was beforeemail,” he said with a laugh, “but it is howthey do things there. That stuck with me,”he said.

Middlecamp said that to this dayheprefersthe face-to-face approach rather than email.

“You get so much more out of the per-sonal one-on-one interaction,” he said.

After an assignment as the Deputy andthen Chief, Patient Administration Divisionat Gorgas Army Community Hospital inPanama, Middlecamp served in the 187thMedical Battalion, Fort Sam Houston, andthen was assigned to the 67th Combat Sup-port Hospital in Wurzburg, Germany.

During his time in Germany, Middle-camp deployed as the Task Force PatientAdministration Officer during OperationJoint Endeavor, the NATO peacekeepingmission to Bosnia.

After several tours in William Beaumontand Tripler Army Medical Centers, Middle-camp deployed to Iraq in 2009 as the com-mander for Administration, 47th CombatSupport Hospital in Tikrit.

His last assignment before arriving atFort Detrick was as the Northern RegionalMedical Command Patient Administration

NewUSAGCommanderExcitedAboutNewChallenges

Col. Steven P. Middlecamp, Commander,U.S. Army Garrison Fort Detrick

Courtesy USAG VI

See CHALLENGES, continued on page 6

BY NICK MINECCIUSAG PUBLIC AFFAIRS

The U.S. Army Installation ManagementCommand joined the National Interagen-cy Confederation for Biological Research,known as the NICBR, a consortium of sevenfederal agencies working in concert at FortDetrick, Md., to secure the health and well-being of the nation through cutting-edgeresearch, information sharing and techno-logical innovation.

During a May 30 meeting, the NICBR’sboard of directors formalized IMCOM’smembership.

IMCOM, which is based in San Antonio,Texas, on Fort Sam Houston, supports theUnited States Army’s warfighting missionby working to provide standardized, effec-tive and efficient services, facilities and in-frastructure to Soldiers, civilians and fami-lies. Fort Detrick falls under the IMCOM-Atlantic region.

Established April 22, 2003, the NICBR isa consortium of agencies from four cabinet-level departments: Defense, Homeland Se-curity, Agriculture and Health and HumanServices. Some of the agencies operateresearch facilities located at Fort Detrick.Each has distinct but complementary re-search missions and capabilities.

The NICBR facilitates interagency coop-eration in areas of mutual interest, encour-aging collaboration across scientific disci-plines and facilitating sharing of technicalexpertise, scientific services, best-manage-ment practices and certain infrastructure.

IMCOM Joins Multiagency Partnershipat Fort Detrick, Maryland

Lt. Gen. Patricia D. Horoho, U.S. ArmySurgeon General and CommandingGeneral, U.S. Army Medical Com-mand signs a new amendment of theNational Interagency Confederation forBiological Research with Dr. Daniel M.Gerstein, Deputy Under Secretary forScience & Technology, Department ofHomeland Security, during a meetingat Fort Detrick, Md. May 30. Per thisamendment, the U.S. Army InstallationManagement Command becomes amember of the NICBR. Witnessing thesigning is Col. Steven P. Middlecamp,U.S. Army Garrison Fort Detrick com-mander. Photo by Jeffrey Soares, USAM-RMC public affairs

Some people choose BatmanWhile others pick SupermanThere are those who want super-strengthAnd those who’ll take spider websWhen someone says, “Green Lantern”Someone else will say, “Flash”But there is another superhero so rarely

idolized They don’t have Clark Kent’s alter-ego strength Or Batman’s millionaire civil-ian life These superheroes are completelyand honestly normal

They don’t have super strengthThey don’t have flying powersAnd they don’t get a flashing icon in the

night sky

But they face dangers that are more realthan those in Marvel Comics For them, thefight is every day, wherever they are Wheth-er it be taking on gunfire Or surviving aroadside bomber

And they may not be supernaturalBut they exhibit great acts of courage and

perseverance And they give the most to pro-tect their “Gotham City”

So, who are these silent heroes?They are the brave men and women that

have fought, are fighting, and will fight toprotect our country and all it stands for Theyare MY superheroes And to my superheroes,I say, “Thank you.”

Superhero: A Poem by Amanda Grebenok,17 years old from Eagle Pass, Texas

2 Fort Detrick StandardMay 31, 2013 Sustaining a community of excellence through restoration, environmental stewardship and workforce development

Command StaffBrig. Gen. (P) Joseph Caravalho Jr.

Commanding general, U.S. Army Medical Re-

search and Materiel Command

and Fort Detrick

Col. Steven P. MiddlecampU.S. Army Garrison commander

Editorial StaffUSAG PAO Staff

The STANDARD is an authorized unofficial newspaper,published every two weeks under the provisions of AR360-1 for the military and civilians at Fort Detrick. Circula-tion is 7,000. The STANDARD is a commercial enterprisenewspaper printed by Comprint Military Publications, 9030Comprint Court, Gaithersburg, Md., 20877, a private firm,in no way connected with the United States Government orDepartment of Defense. The contents of the STANDARD donot necessarily reflect the official views or endorsement ofthe U.S. Government, the Department of Defense or the U.S.Army. The appearance of advertising in this publication, in-cluding inserts and supplements, do not constitute endorse-

ment of DoD. Everything advertised in this publication shallbe made available for purchase, use or patronage withoutregard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age,marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation, or anyother nonmerit characteristic of the purchaser, user or patron.Editorial content is prepared and edited by the Fort DetrickPublic Affairs Office, 810 Schreider Street, Fort Detrick, Md.21702-5000. Editorial Offices are in Bldg. 810, Suite 004,telephone 301-619-2018; e-mail: [email protected].

Display ad salesFrederick County 301-921-2800Montgomery County 301-921-2800

Classified ads 1-888-670-7100ext+. 2684

Circulation 301-670-2591Editorial 301-619-3319Printed on recycled paperRecycle when finished

Visit our Web site at: www.detrick.army.mil

Provost Marshal Office (301) 619-2652

Fire and Emergency Services (301) 619-2528

Near Miss Hotline (301) 619-3164

USAGNetwork Enterprise Help Desk (301) 619-2049

Balfour Beatty (240) 379-6518

Directorate of Public Works Trouble Desk (301) 619-2726

Barquist Army Health Clinic (866) 379-3981

Post Operator (301) 619-8000

After Duty NumbersImportant After Duty Hour Numbers

Join the Maryland Operation Military Kid, Aug. 4-9 at the Western Mary-land Educational Center in the Appalachian Mountains of Garrett County,Md. for the 2013 Summer Get-Away Camp. The camp is for military youthages 8-13 (youth ages 14-18 are invited to attend in leadership roles). Thecamp is free. There is a $100 registration fee required per application whichwill be returned upon arrival, or applied as a donation to the Maryland Op-eration Military Kids Program if cancelled after July 10 or a no show.

For more information, contact the Md. OMK Project Director at 301-405-2833.

2013Maryland OperationMilitaryKid Summer Get-Away Camp

Armed Forces Week Guidonand Drill Competitions

Photos by Sig Bruner, USAG VI

BY COMMAND SERGEANT MAJORKEVIN B. STUART

USAMRMC CSM

May 20, 1950, was a special day for themilitary.It was the first Armed Forces Day celebrated

in the United States.Originally, Armed Forces Day began with pa-

rades, open houses, receptions, and air showsto honor the troops. While some of the activi-ties may have changed, the purpose is still thesame: to celebrate and honor the men andwomen who serve in the military.

Today, Armed Forces Day is observed on thethird Saturday of May. It is a time to celebrateand honor the achievements and contributionsof military personnel for their outstanding ser-vice to our country.

Here at Fort Detrick, we celebrated ArmedForces Day with a week of activities beginningwith the Enlisted Dining-In, followed by a vari-ety of recreational events.

The service members who participated inthe festivities had the opportunity to com-pete in a volleyball tournament, a 2-mile runand 2-mile walk, basketball games, golf, TexasHold-em tournaments, dominoes, ping-pong,spades as well as drill and ceremonies. Theseevents provided service members a chance tohave fun, establish friendships, and build ca-maraderie. The Fort Detrick events culminatedwith a 2.5 mile run and an award ceremony toacknowledge the service members who partici-pated and competed throughout the week.

What a way to celebrate our military and

honor our service members for their supportand contributions to our nation!!!

Thank you to all who participated in theevents, and to those who came out and sup-ported our men and women in uniform.

What is Armed Forces Day?

Commentary:

BY STEVEN GALVANUSAISR PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER

For the first time in its 70-year history,the U.S. Army Institute of Surgical Researchat Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Hous-ton received 510(k) clearance from the U.S.Food and Drug Administration for a medicaldevice developed at the USAISR. The clear-ance for the Burn Navigator, or Burn Resus-citation Decision Support System-Mobile,was announced by the FDA Director of Pre-paredness/Operations and Medical Coun-termeasures at the Center for Devices andRadiological Health Dr. Suzanne Schwartzduring the 2013 American Burn Association45th Annual Meeting at Palm Springs, Calif.,April 23-26.

“This technology is the first of its kindalgorithm-based decision assist system foruse in managing fluid resuscitation of theseverely burned patient,” said Schwartz.“We consider this a milestone, but evenmore than that, a peek into what the futurehas in store for burn trauma management.”

USAISR Research Task Area ProgramManager for Comprehensive Intensive CareResearch Jose Salinas, Ph.D, helped devel-op the BRDSS algorithm which generatesrecommendations of fluid intake for burnpatients. It was designed to assist in avoid-

ing problems related to over- or under-re-suscitating by medical care providers whodo not routinely care for burn patients. Theoriginal BRDSS technology was developedfor use at the USAISR Burn Center IntensiveCare Unit about seven years ago. Accordingto Salina, it has been invaluable with assist-ing medical providers with resuscitationmanagement and has been shown to im-prove patient outcomes.

“If you give a patient too much or too lit-tle fluid, the results can be fatal,” explainedSalinas, describing the complex care neces-sary for burn patients who are often dehy-drated and require precise rehydration.

Maria Serio-Melvin, MSN, USAISR clini-cal program coordinator for computer de-cision support systems and co-chair of theintegrated product team that is fielding thesystem, added that there are a lot of compet-ing priorities when caring for burn patients.

“Our goal is that this device will helpkeep medical providers on track with oneof the most important things that they needto do-hourly fluid titration based on urineoutput,” said Serio-Melvin.

The Burn Navigator is designed to beused in a deployed setting by non-burn ex-perienced nurses and doctors. The software

USAISR Burn Center Receives FDAClearance for Burn Resuscitation Technology

USAISR Research Task Area ProgramManager for Comprehensive IntensiveCare Research Jose Salinas, Ph.D., and Maria Serio-Melvin, MSN, USAISR clini-cal program coordinator for computer decision support systems and co-chairof the integrated product team that is fielding the Burn Navigator which recentlyreceived 510(k)FDA clearance. Photo by Steven Galvan, USAISR Public Affairs

3Fort Detrick StandardMay 31, 2013Sustaining a community of excellence through restoration, environmental stewardship and workforce development

HQ Co. Change of Command

The U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command Headquarters Com-pany held a Change of Command ceremony at Fort Detrick, Md., May 22. Capt.Sumesh Sagar relinquished command to Capt. Kathryn Repucci (picturedabove). Photo by Sig Bruner, USAG VI

See USAISR, continued on page 9


CAREY PHILLIPSUSAMMDA PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST

The U.S. Army Medical Materiel Devel-opment Activity’s Division’s SpecializedMEDCOM [U.S. Army Medical Command]Response Capabilities - InvestigationalNew Drug, or SMRC-IND team is a deploy-able asset for the Medical Command calledin for on-site support of Chemical, Biologi-cal, Radiological and Nuclear incidents orpublic health emergencies when IND prod-ucts are indicated for U.S. Forces. The Tele-medicine & Advanced Technology ResearchCenter’s Specialized SMRC - Medical Com-mand, Control and Communications-Tele-medicine team is a deployable asset for theMedical Command, who on order providescommunication capabilities for other SMRCteams worldwide.

The USAMMDA Division of Investiga-tional New Drugs for Force Health Protec-tion partnered with TATRC to conduct theSMRC-IND team’s annual training exerciseat Fort Detrick, Md., on April 25 to preparefor potential deployment of IND protocolsand subject matter expertise.

“The purpose of this training was to de-velop the core skills required for the SMRC-IND team to execute the MEDCOM missionof providing IND treatment to DOD Forcesin response to CBRN incidents and emergingdisease threats,” said Lt. Col. Jennifer Kishi-mori, deputy director for theDivision of IND-FHP and officer-in-charge of the exercise.

During the training, SMRC-INDteammem-bers became more familiar with the currentIND protocols, cold chain management pro-cedures, communications equipment trainingand personal protective equipment.

“Core skill training should be regularlyconducted and is the basis for our capabil-ity once we are on the ground during an in-cident,” said Kishimori. “The goal is to gainproficiency on the IND protocols, then workup to deployment with the team facilitatingIND protocol execution and finally, inte-grate that into a full-scale exercise with ourDOD partners.”

This year was the first time the IND teamhad all the providers available - and theMC3T team participated with their equip-ment set. The MC3T communication ca-pabilities consisted of air-transportableBGAN-based communications set, which iscapable of voice, video and data communi-cations worldwide.

According to Kishimori, this year’s pro-tocol training was conducted in a modifiedfield environment at TATRC’s OperationalTeleMedicine Lab, where case-based sce-narios were exercised, emphasizing key di-agnostic indicators and overarching proto-col parameters. The next event is expectedto focus on running threat-based scenarioswhere teammembers will facilitate a princi-ple investigator establishing a site, enrollingpatients and completing and storing associ-ated required documentation.

The day’s training included hands-oncold chain management, an introductionto the MC4 computers, familiarization withinternal communications equipment andfamiliarization with personal protectiveequipment, which are essential to buildinga robust deployment capability.

“Partnering with TATRC and theMC3T as-setswas key to establishing solidworking rela-tionships and ensuring teammembers under-stood theMC3T capabilities,” said Kishimori.

SMRC-IND Team Conducts Annual Training

Sgt. 1st Class Warren, Staff Sgt. Wayman, and Maj. Ahluwalia (all SMRC-IND members and clinicians from USAMRIID) don-ning their Breathe Easy PAPR systems. Photo courtesy of Cynthia Hammer logistics management specialist for the IND-FHP

Phillip Marshall, U.S. Army Medical Materiel Agency DOC, conducting cold chainmanagement training for IND-FHP product managers Henri Zepp and Dr. Jim Karasz-kiewicz and SMRC-IND Team Members Sgt. 1st Class Warren and Lt. Col. JenniferKishimori. Photo courtesy of Cynthia Hammer, logistics management specialist for the IND-FHP

As the number of soccer players in theU.S. nears 20 million, the number one soc-cer company in the United States and Can-ada, Challenger Sports, has been invited tohold their nationwide program of BritishSoccer camps right here in the area.

This summer, Fort Detrick Youth Sportshas teamed up with Challenger Sports, andthe British Soccer camp will be held theweek of July 15-19.

The camp will run Monday throughFriday, and each child will be coached bya member of Challenger’s british coachingstaff, flown to the U.S. exclusively to workon these programs. Challenger will hold

over 2,500 British Soccer camps this sum-mer and will coach over 120,000 players be-tween the ages of 3 and 18, and work withover 25,000 parents and coaches.

Challenger’s British Soccer camps aremore than a week of drills and skills. In ad-dition to taking part in a daily regimen offoot skill development, technical and tac-tical practices and daily tournament-styleplays, each child will also be treated to arich cultural experience and lessons on re-spect, responsibility, integrity, leadershipand sportsmanship.

The most popular part of each camp

is the Camp World Cup. The coaches usethis daily tournament to teach the playersabout life, customs and traditions of othercountries. The campers are asked to makeup cheers, bring flags, dress up and learnas much as they can about the country theyrepresent.

Teams are also welcome to attend andreceive a week of focused instruction toprepare them for the fall season.

Each camper will receive a free camp T-shirt, soccer ball, giant soccer poster andan individual skills performance evalua-tion.Space is limited, and parents are en-

couraged to sign up online in advance toavoid disappointment.

TO REGISTER, visit www.challengers-ports.com or stop by the CYSS Central En-rollment office in Building 924, or call 301-619-7100 for more information.

Challenger has been conducting soccercamps in the U.S. for 20 years, and in addi-tion to coaching youth players throughoutthe country, Challenger also runs Europeanand South American soccer tours, holdssoccer tournaments, andmanufactures andsells their own brand of soccer apparel. Tofind out more about Challenger Sports, visittheir web site www.challengersports.com.

The British Are Coming!


BY MELISSA BRACHFELDNATIONAL MUSEUM OF HEALTH

AND MEDICINE

For a third year, the National Museumof Health and Medicine is proud to an-nounce that it is participating in the BlueStar Museums initiative over the sum-mer. The program offers free admissionto museums for all active-duty militaryservice members, including Army, Navy,Air Force, Coast Guard, Marines, NationalGuard and Reserve members, and up tofive family members from Memorial Day,May 27, through Labor Day, Sept. 2, 2013.

Launched during the summer of 2010to show appreciation to those who serveand their families, Blue Star Museums isa collaboration among the National En-dowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families,the Department of Defense and museumsacross the country. This summer, morethan 1,800 museums (and counting) areparticipating in Blue Star Museums. BlueStar Families is a nonprofit organizationthat supports, connects and empowersmilitary families.

“Blue Star Museums is a collaboration

between the arts and military commu-nities,” said NEA acting chairman JoanShigekawa. “Our work with Blue Star Fam-ilies and with more than 1,800 museumsensures that we can reach out to militaryfamilies and thank them for their serviceand sacrifice.”

NMHM is celebrating its 151st anniver-sary at its home in Silver Spring, Md., withexhibits that focus on advances in militarymedicine, the Civil War, the brain, anatomyand pathology, forensic identification andmuch more.

This summer, NMHM will have a num-ber of programs that will focus on topicssuch as the Civil War, sports and anatomy,reconstructive plastic surgery in WorldWar I, “quack medicine,” and more.

For more information about Blue StarMuseums and a full list of participat-ing museums, visit http://www.nea.gov/national/bluestarmuseums/index2013.php. The National Museum of Health andMedicine, located at 2500 Linden Lane inSilver Spring, is open every day from 10a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (except Dec. 25). Formore information, call 301-319-3300 orvisit http://www.medicalmuseum.mil.

NMHM Participating in “Blue StarMuseums” Program this Summer

National Museum of Health and Medicine volunteer Lisa Weed shows a Museumvisitor an anesthesia inhalation device pioneered during the Civil War. Visitorswill see artifacts like this and more during the Civil War Discovery Cart program,which will take place 1-2 p.m on June 14, June 28, July 12, July 26, August 9 andAugust 23. This is just one of the many programs the Museum will hold while par-ticipating in Blue Star Museums this summer. Photo courtesy of NMHM

DCOE PUBLIC AFFAIRS

The Defense Centers of Excellence forPsychological Health and Traumatic BrainInjury hosted a ceremony today to welcomeNavy Capt. Richard Stoltz as its new director.

DCoE oversees three centers, includingthe Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Cen-ter, the Deployment Health Clinical Cen-ter, and the National Center for Telehealthand Technology, with a combined missionto improve the lives of our nation’s servicemembers, families and veterans by advanc-ing excellence in psychological health andtraumatic brain injury prevention and care.

“Providing world-class health care andrehabilitation for our warfighters is morethan a priority; it is a promise that we makewhen we send them into harm’s way,” saidBrig. Gen. (promotable) Joseph CaravalhoJr., commanding general of the U.S. ArmyMedical Research and Materiel Command ,who presided over the ceremony. “This carewould not be possible without medical re-search and development, and our investmentin tomorrow’s technologies.”

Stoltz, a clinical psychologist, assumesleadership following assignments as com-manding officer of Naval Hospital Guan-tanamo Bay, and commander of the JointMedical Group, Joint Task Force Guantana-mo Bay. In these roles, he commanded allmedical care provided at Guantanamo Baywhich included the Naval Hospital, Deten-tion Hospital, Inpatient Behavioral HealthUnit, and multiple medical clinics.

His earlier positions included executiveofficer of the Addictions Rehabilitation Cen-ter at Norfolk Naval Station; deputy directorof clinical operations at the Navy Bureau ofMedicine and Surgery; director of Behav-ioral Health Services at the National NavalMedical Center; director of women’s, chil-dren’s, emergency room, behavioral healthand primary care services at NNMC; as-sistant chief of staff at BUMED; officer-in-charge of the Naval Branch Health Clinic- Bahrain; and executive officer of NavalHealth Clinic - New England.

“Improving the psychological healthand traumatic brain injury care our servicemembers receive is of the utmost impor-tance,” Stoltz said. “I am looking forward tothe opportunity to continue to create mean-ingful and positive change as I take the helmof DCoE.”

Stoltz succeeds Navy Capt. Paul S. Ham-mer, who has served as DCoE director sinceJanuary 2011. During his tenure, Hammerworked diligently to restructure DCoE intoa strategically focused, results-orientedorganization focused on providing timely,high-quality clinical guidance, clinical tools,information and resources to improve thelives of service members, veterans and theirfamilies living with traumatic brain injuryand psychological health concerns.

As a direct result of Hammer’s leader-ship, DCoE was awarded a Joint Meritori-ous Unit Award by the Defense Depart-

DoDMental Health,Traumatic Brain Injury Center

Receives NewDirector

See DIRECTOR, continued on page 9 1038434

CAPT. BRUCE W. BARNESDEPUTY PROJECT MANAGER,ENTERPRISE INFORMATION

TECHNOLOGY PROJECTMANAGEMENT OFFICE

USAMRMC has updated itsclinical trial records keeping witha new Electronic Data Capture-Clinical Research Data Manage-ment System (EDC-CRDMS).

EDC-CRDMS utilizes severalOracle commercial off-the-shelfproducts. Inform(r) allows USAM-RMC to more efficiently develop,conduct, and manage electronicdata capture-based clinical trials.

Utilizing Oracle’s CentralDesigner(r) software, USAMRMCis able to accelerate trial develop-ment, increase trial efficiency, andmore readily share clinical datawith external partners, collabora-tors, and the Food and Drug Ad-ministration (FDA).

“This is a huge accomplish-ment,” said Deputy Project Man-ager and EDC Working Group co-chair Capt. Bruce Barnes. “EDCwill allow clinical trials at USAM-

RMC to be stored electronically,which allows for easier reporting,input and data management.”

USAMRMC’s Enterprise ITProject Management Office andothers worked on the project formore than two years. The systembecame fully operational April 22,approved by Dr. Kenneth Bertram,Principal Assistant for Acquisition.

In addition to providing elec-tronic data capture, USAMRMChas a requirement to conductpaper-based clinical trials in part-ner countries such as Kenya andThailand, or where consistentweb-based access is not feasible.Utilizing Oracle’s Clintrial(r), US-AMRMC will be able to input thetrial data captured on paper intoelectronic format, utilizing fea-tures to assure accurate data entry,and facilitating electronic storageand sharing of clinical trial datawith partners and the FDA.

“I am proud to be a part of thisproductive and successful collab-orative effort between so manyUSAMRMC organizations and theNaval Medical Research Center,”

said Maj. Kirsten Smith, directorof the Clinical Support ServicesDivision and co-chair of the EDCWorking Group. “Obtaining, con-figuring, and fielding this capabil-ity will provide a valuable resourceto our product developmentteams, external partners, and theDoD for years to come.”

USAMRMC has establishedtraining and processes for use ofthe system, which are available forteams planning to use EDC-CRD-MS for clinical trials.

Barnes added that there hasbeen no official mandate for allclinical trials to utilize this systemfor its data management; how-ever, with use of this system, or-ganizations can expect significantsavings over contracting out theservice, which could mean more“research for less.”

For more information, contactthe eIT PMO at usarmy.detrick.medcom-usamrmc.other .e i t [email protected] or USAMMDA’sClinical Support Services Divisionat (301) 619-1106.

New Clinical Trial Data SystemSupportsCollaboration,Cost-Savings


LANESSA HILLUSAG PUBLIC AFFAIRS

The day began at 6:20 a.m. infront of the PX parking lot at FortDetrick, Md. One by one, riders inpersonal protective gear began ap-pearing. Some drove to Fort Det-rick with bikes loaded on their carswhile others peddled directly fromtheir homes. All were there to rideas Team Fort Detrick in Bike toWork Day 2013, an event in whichFort Detrick partnered with Fred-erick City and other employers inFrederick County to take part inthe nationally recognized day.

A total of 316 riders registeredfor the 4.5 mile event, which be-gan at Hood College in downtownFrederick. Riders were of all ages,including toddlers being towed byparents playing Bob Marley musicon portable radios. Regardless ofage, all were up early and excited

to get a start on their morning, in-cluding one gentleman who hadthe longest commute to work, rid-ing two hours to Frederick. TeamFort Detrick had 53 riders, and forthe second year in a row, this wasthe largest team to ride.

Representing Fort Detrick wasCol. Steven P. Middlecamp, Gar-rison commander, and riders fromFrederick National Labs, SAIC, U.S.Army, and staff members from var-ious agencies within the Depart-ment of Health and Human Re-sources. Jenni Benson from USAGpublic affairs opened the day bysinging the National Anthem.

Team Fort Detrick wrapped upthe morning by visiting the Fred-erick County Visitors Center for apresentation on Frederick Countyand its various sites of interest,as well as tour exhibits, and alllearned of the contributions indi-viduals from Frederick have madeto American history over the years.

Another Successful Bike to Work Day for Fort Detrick

The 2013 Fort Detrick Bike to Work Day Team gathers for a photo at Hood College before beginningtheir trek throughout Frederick. The route for the event took the team to several stops throughoutFrederick. Photo by Lanessa Hill

Members of the working group that helped USAMRMC achieve the EDC-CRDMS. (Top row) LTCLee Lefkowitz, PHC; Philip VanWerkhoven, USAMRIID; Lynn Stevens, USAMRIID; Capt. BruceBarnes, USAMRMC; Maj. Jose Pizarro, PHC; Darrin Power, USAMRMC; (Bottom row) Paileen Mon-gelli, USAMMDA; Zainab Nanji, WRAIR; Jeanne Barkman, USAMRIID; Anna Marie Seale, USAM-MDA; Nan Guo, USAMMDA; Heather Hedrick, USAMMDA; Carlos Vasquez, NRMC; Maj. KirstenSmith, USAMMDA. Photo by Ellen Crown, USAMRMC Deputy PAO

When furloughs are implemented July 8, 2013, the commissary atFort Detrick will be closed Mondays and Tuesdays.

There are 148 stores worldwide that are normally closed onMon-days and will now close the next normal day of operation. Otherthan the furlough day, there are no other changes planned for storeoperation hours.

The announcement comes as theDefense Commissary Agency fol-lows Department of Defense protocols related to the automatic feder-al government budget reductions. Like most DOD activities, DeCA ismandated by the Department to furlough its civil service employees.

This change will affect most of the 247 military commissaries op-erating in 13 countries and two U.S. territories.

In a press release issued by DeCa on May 24, Joseph H. Jeu, De-CA’s director and CEO, stated, “We know that any disruption in com-missary operations will impact our patrons. Also, we understandthe tremendous burden this places on our employees, who, whenfurloughed, will lose 20 percent of their pay.”

Beginning July 8 through September 30, 2013 operating hourswill be:Wednesday: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.Thursday: 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.Friday: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.Saturday: 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.Sunday: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.As sequestration continues, commissary customers can quickly

find out about any changes to their local store’s operating sched-ule by going to www.commissaries.com. Simply click on the “Lo-cations” tab, then “Alphabetical Listing” to find store location, andthen click on “local store information.”

Fort Detrick Commissary HoursReduced Due to Furlough

Consultant, Fort Belvoir, Va.“When I got the word I was go-

ing to become the Garrison com-mander at Fort Detrick, I thought,‘Wow, someone at assignments isbringing me home after 25 years,’”he said. Being so close to where hegrew up, “spending 18 years want-ing to get away,” he said laughing,is something he now cherishes.

“I am getting to reconnect withfamily, and explore the area, andthere are so many changes fromwhen I was here a quarter centuryago,” he said. Being near familyhad a pleasant side-effect as well,as he added, “My family got to at-tend my change of command, so itwas a chance for them to see whatI actually do in the Army, and nothear about it.”

As the 40th USAG Fort Detrickcommander, Middlecamp said hefeels the weight of “the huge re-sponsibility.”

“This is a sacred position theArmy has placed me in,” he said.

“I want the staff here to knowthat before I came here I was toldhow they have some of the highestaccolades in the Army, and I seemy role is to make sure that tradi-tion continues. Our role as Garri-son is to understand what our mis-sion partners do and how to bestsupport them. The people here setthe examples for other installa-tions if you look at the awards andrecognitions they have received.We will continue on that path,”said Middlecamp.

CHALLENGES, continued from page 1


BY ANDREW LASCOLAUSAG SAFETY OFFICE

The safety of pedestrians on theroadway is a responsibility of bothdrivers and pedestrians. Bothmust know and follow all appli-cable laws to ensure the safety ofeveryone in their travels.

In 2010, 4,280 pedestrians werekilled and an estimated 70,000were injured in traffic crashes inthe United States. On average, apedestrian is killed every two hoursand injured every eight minutesin traffic crashes (www.cdc.gov).Fort Detrick has many construc-tion projects, community events,and worksites that may change oralter the flow of foot traffic on theinstallation. It is important for pe-

destrians and drivers alike to obeyall traffic signals, signage, and oth-er instructions to safely navigatethe installation. Too often peopleare in such a hurry or distractedthat they will ignore a sign that acrosswalk is closed just to take theshortest possible route to theirdestination without any thoughtto their own personal safety. Whena pedestrian does this, they arecrossing at their own risk and put-ting all their faith in the person op-erating the vehicle to notice themand abide by applicable laws andregulations.

The state of Maryland has sev-eral laws in place to protect mo-torists and pedestrians alike fromthe hazards of crossing the street.Maryland law states that at cross-

walks and intersections withoutsignals, the driver of a vehicle muststop for a pedestrian in a markedor unmarked crosswalk:

a) When the pedestrian is onthe half of the roadway on whichthe vehicle is traveling.

b) When the pedestrian is ap-proaching within one lane of thehalf of the roadway on which thevehicle is traveling.

This means that to assertthe pedestrian’s right of way inMaryland, the pedestrian has tobe either crossing or waiting inthe street, not standing on thesidewalk. For drivers failing tocomply with this law, they can befined $65 and have one point add-ed to their driving record. If the

violation contributes to a crash,a fine of up to $500 and threepoints, and/or two months in jailis the penalty.

The following is Maryland lawfor intersections with signals:

a) When proceeding on a greensignal, drivers turning right or leftshall yield the right-of-way to pe-destrians lawfully within the cross-walk.

b) When turning right on redafter stopping, drivers shall yieldthe right of way to pedestrians law-fully within the crosswalk.

For drivers failing to complywith this law, they can be fined$75 and have one point added totheir driving record. If the viola-tion contributes to a crash, a fine

of up to $500 and three points canbe issued.

The safety of pedestrians is theresponsibility of pedestrians andmotorists alike. Even when pedes-trians have the right of way, theymay not suddenly leave a curbor other place of safety, and walkor run into the path of a vehiclewhich is so close or coming so fastthat it is impossible for the driverto yield. Pedestrians who have theright of way must still observe duecare and caution to avoid injury,and “cannot cross blindly withoutlooking for approaching traffic.”Both parties must pay attention toeach other, and each must makeabiding by traffic laws a priority toensure that everyone gets wherethey are going as safely as possible.

Pedestrian Safety: Know the Facts

JULIUS EVANSNAVAL MEDICAL LOGISTICS COMMAND

DuringMay 2013, U.S. Navy Re-servists and active duty forces con-structed a Chemically HardenedExpeditionary Medical Facility atNaval Weapons Station CheathamAnnex, Williamsburg, Va., to testthe integration of a collective pro-tection system.

With a collective protectionsystem, an Expeditionary MedicalFacility is protected against chem-ical, biological and radiological ex-posure. Simply stated, a CH-EMFis an EMF with a collective protec-tion system integrated. CH EMFsprovide medical personnel thecapability to operate without hav-ing to be fully outfitted in individ-ual protective or mission orientedprotective posture gear.

Expeditionary medical facilitiesare globally positioned to supportcombat operations worldwide.Self-supportive EMFs assure theability of medical personnel toprovide world-class medical careto wounded warriors in their mostvital time of need.

Evaluation participants in-cluded the Expeditionary MedicalLogistics Program Office, the Col-lectively Protected Field Hospi-tal Program of the Joint ProgramExecutive Office for Chemicaland Biological Defense Joint Proj-ect Manager for Protection, theU.S. Army Medical DepartmentBoard, the Construction BattalionMaintenance Units 202 and 303,the Navy Expeditionary Medi-cal Support Command, the NavyMedicine Education and TrainingCommand, the Naval Expedition-ary Medical Training Institute andthe Navy Reserves Expeditionary

Medical Facility, Great Lakes One.“This evolution was signifi-

cant on a number of levels,” saidWilliam Hartmann, U.S. NavyBureau of Medicine and SurgeryExpeditionary Medical LogisticsProgram manager. “The Navy isconsidering all aspects of collec-tive protection for field hospitals.This month, we are evaluating thesystem under conditions similarto what may be expected in an op-erational environment.”

The CPFH Program is respon-sible for providing collective pro-tection equipment used through-out the entire medical facility.Although this is the Navy’s firstexperience with collective protec-tion for EMFs, others have incor-porated this unique method ofprotection in their facilities.

“Collectively protected fieldhospitals were deployed by boththe U.S. Army and the U.S. AirForce during Operation IraqiFreedom in the event of a possiblechemical or biological attack,” saidBrian Rainer, the product managerfor the CPFH Program.

“The protective aspect,” hecontinued, “is accomplished byusing filtration units. All outsideair introduced into the hospitalis first filtered with military gradefilters and then environmentallyconditioned. The filtered air isprovided at an overpressure whichprevents contaminants from en-tering the hospital. The overpres-sure is maintained by sealing thehospital with chemical and biolog-ical resistant liners. Personnel andpatients enter and exit the hospitalthrough special airlocks.”

During the evaluation phase,medical personnel were enclosedwithin the facility for 72 hours.

Simulated patient scenarios wereconducted to provide a realisticfeeling to the event.

“Being locked in a field hospi-tal for 72 hours provided the op-portunity to prepare for a possibledeployment and to train for a masscasualty event within an air-lockedfacility,” said Hospital Corpsman3rd Class Caitlyn Strader of Hinds-boro, Ill. “I was excited to work witha diverse number of people fromacross the nation to learn newwaysof approaching trauma injuries.”

The U.S. Army Medical Depart-ment Board, located at Fort SamHouston, Texas, provides inde-pendent operational test and eval-uation of medical and medical-related materiel and information

technology products in support ofthe Army and Department of De-fense acquisition process.

It provides assessments ofemerging concepts, doctrine, andadvanced technology applicationsapplied to the delivery of health-care, both on the battlefield andin fixed facilities. It conducted theCH EMF operational test.

“Collaboration of the elementsto make this a successful collec-tive protection system evaluationwas a tremendous undertaking,”said Capt. Martin D. McCue, com-manding officer, Navy Expedition-ary Medical Support Command,Cheatham Annex, Williamsburg.“Expeditionary Medical Facilitiesfrom prepositioned storage sites

were brought here during Opera-tion TRIDENT ARCH, an evolutionin which EMFs are rotated fromashore and afloat locations to up-grade and retrofit as a part of theirlife cycle management.”

Now situated on a four acretraining site, the EMF constructedat Cheatham Annex is playing hostto practically every medical ca-sualty situation that could be en-countered by operational facilitiesin real-world situations.

And as expected, the collectiveprotection system evaluation forthe EMF has a good deal of atten-tion. Results from the evaluationwill be used to support a formalfielding decision by the JPEO-CBDfor the CH EMF.

Navy Evaluates Collective Protectionin Expeditionary Medical Facility

The collective protective liner is added to the Expeditionary Medical Facility in Williamsburg, Va.,during the joint collaboration among various units and program offices from around the nation inconstructing the EMF. Photo courtesy of NMLC


BY LYNN HOCHENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT OFFICE

The American chestnut was once oneof the dominant tree species in the easternforests of the United States, towering overall other tree species in the forest. Due toits dominance of presence in the forest,reaching over 100 feet tall and 5-10 feet indiameter, it was commonly referred to asthe “Eastern redwood.” Longevity was oneof its hallmark features; some Americanchestnut trees were known to live as longas 600 years. Once there were an estimated4 billion American chestnut trees in east-ern forest, representing approximately 25percent of the total forest hardwood treemakeup. In the late 1890s, the Asian chest-nut blight, a virulent fungal disease, arrivedin the U.S. and spread quickly, leading tothe destruction of most of the Americanchestnut stands by the 1950s. Efforts havebeen made to bring this giant tree back, us-ing innovative developments in geneticsand plant pathology. Founded in 1983, theAmerican Chestnut Foundation, or TACF, isa program created to coordinate breedingefforts to create blight-resistant Americanchestnut trees using a genetic backcrossbreeding strategy, with the eventual goal ofdeveloping a more disease-resistant form ofthe tree and beginning its reintroduction toits native range.

In 2010, the U.S. Army Garrison, FortDetrick entered into a Memorandum ofUnderstanding with TACF to establish aframework for cooperative research andmanagement activities to maintain and en-hance forest ecosystems by reintroductionof blight resistant seedlings of Americanchestnut trees on Army land. This partner-ship aligns with a long-standing tradition ofFort Detrick’s commitment to the environ-ment by caring for its trees, including beingrecognized as Tree City USA for eleven yearsand a recipient of the Maryland Plant Awardfor fifteen years running.

The Fort Detrick orchard originally started

as a one-acre demonstration orchard, con-taining both American and Chinese chest-nut species, as well as backcrossed geneticlines of these species. Over the years, the FortDetrick orchard has expanded and now con-sists of 1.5-acres and is considered a chestnutbreeding orchard. Across the eastern regionof the U.S., there are some 300 volunteer-operated breeding orchards including theone located on Fort Detrick in Area B. Thestrategy of establishing breeding orchardsover a wide geographical range helps ensurethat the tree lines derived from the differentbreeding orchards are adaptable to a rangeof environmental conditions (i.e., soil types,temperatures, and rainfall amounts).

Nuts planted in breeding orchards havebeen derived from trees pollinated usingpollen from a backcrossed tree selected forresistance to the blight fungus. To geneti-cally transfer blight resistance, the crossesshould include the first cross called “F1”that is 50 percent American and 50 percentChinese; the 1st backcross, a “B1” that is 75percent American; the 2nd backcross, “B2,”that is 87 percent American; and the 3rdbackcross, “B3,” that is 94 percent Ameri-can. The percentages represent the approxi-mate genetic makeup that the population ofAmerican chestnut trees may have.

In the spring of 2012, Fort Detrick wasselected as the only breeding orchardwithin the state of Maryland to receivewhat are considered blight-resistant seedstocks derived from genetically controlledbackcrosses. Approximately 40 nuts (B3F3seeds) were planted. Of these, over 90 per-cent of the seeds developed into what arecommonly referred to as B3F3 seedlings,or “Restoration chestnuts.” Following oneseason of growth, the B3F3 seedlings areapproximately 18 to 24 inches tall. ThisAmerican chestnut genetic line is consid-ered to be the most blight resistant form ofthe tree that is currently available. Within5-7 years, these trees will be mature enoughfor seed/nut production.

American Chestnut TreesBred on Fort Detrick

Mark Vallaro, a volunteer with the Maryland Chapter of The American Chest-nut Foundation, plants a seedling of the blight-resistant American Chestnuttree “B3F3.” Photo courtesy of the Fort Detrick Environmental Management Office

1030998


BY SHANNON BISHOPUSAG PUBLIC AFFAIRS

Do you know which hol-iday is the most deadly foralcohol-related automobileaccidents?

Independence Day.Right in the heart of

summer, July 4th is themost deadly holiday due toalcohol-related car crashes.This summer, each and ev-ery person should take thenecessary precautions toensure they remain safeduring those summer activi-ties in which they choose toparticipate.

On Wednesday, May24, Julie Brown, NaturalResources Police BoatingSafety Education Coordina-tor from the Maryland NRPSafety Education Divisionaddressed a group in FortDetrick’s Strough Audito-rium about the importanceof boat safety.

“You are in charge ofyourself; make sure if you goout on someone’s boat that

you have a life jacket, that itfits, and that you know howto put it on in case there isan emergency,” Brown said.

Many people do not real-ize this, but the legal bloodalcohol content limit foroperating a boat is the samelimit for driving a car. ThisBAC limit is .08. Anythingover .08 can lead to a ticketfor Boating Under the Influ-ence, or BUI.

Other important safetytips to remember whileboating include:

* Always designate twopeople who are not drinkingat all when going out with agroup on a boat.

* A life vest should fitproperly; both sides shouldmeet in the middle of yourchest with no gap. For chil-dren, make sure if you tugon the top it does not goover their ears or overlap inthe front.

Abiding by these simplesafety rules should help tomake your summer moreenjoyable, and much safer!

101 Days of SummerKicks off at Fort Detrick

Courtesy photo.

is in a mobile tablet thatmeetsmilitary specifications.

“An additional benefitof the system is that it’s notonly a decision support sys-tem; it’s also a graphical in-terface of the trends of howthe patient is doing,” saidSalinas. “So evenwithout thedecision support part of it,medical providers can lookat the display and see howthe patient is progressingand use that to help bettermanage the burn patients.”

The Burn Navigator isexpected to be used soonby the Army at deployedCombat Support Hospitals,which support overseascontingency operations inIraq and Afghanistan.

The Burn Navigatortechnology was licensed toArcos Medical, Inc. of Hous-ton, which worked with the

USAISR to submit the FDA510(k) application withfunding from the U.S. ArmyMedical Research and Ma-teriel Command at Fort De-trick, Md. The USAISR is asubordinate research com-mand of USAMRMC, whichis a major command in theArmy that leads efforts insupport of the full life cycleof medical supplies andequipment, to include re-search, development, acqui-sition and sustainment. Theresearch part of the missionis executed through its lab-oratory commands like theUSAISR and extramurally.

Companies such as Arcos,Inc. produce commercial de-vices, including theBurnNav-igator, for use by the Armyand at civilian burn centersthroughout the world.

USAISR, continued from page 3

ment in 2012 for making,“a profound impact on themedical treatment, care andadvocacy of our woundedwarriors and their families -from innovative educationalprograms to vast improve-ments in communicationsprograms to promoting theawareness and availabilityof programs across the De-partment of Defense,” ac-cording to the citation. Mostrecently, DCoE transitionedto an executive agent underUSAMRMC which providesoversight and operationalsupport functions includinglogistics, information man-agement and information

technology, public affairsand legal support.

“It has been an honor tolead DCoE, guide the cre-ation of numerous clini-cal recommendations andtools, and oversee the de-velopment and implemen-tation of multiple programsthat are profoundly improv-ing the system of care forour service members, vet-erans and their families,”Hammer said.

Hammer departs DCoEto serve as commanding of-ficer of the Navy MedicineInformation Systems Sup-port Activity in San Antonio,Texas.

DIRECTOR, continued from page 5

1038663


JEFFREY SOARESUSAMRMC PUBLIC AFFAIRS

Growing up just a few blocks away fromFort Detrick in Frederick, Md., John C. KreitzIII - or “Rusty” to practically everyone - hadboyhood dreams of serving his country oneday, and his ambition to accomplish this ledhim down a path that has taken nearly fourdecades to travel. Unfortunately, for thestaff of the U.S. Army Medical Research andMateriel Command headquartered at FortDetrick, Kreitz’s new chapter of retirementcreates the difficult situation of trying to re-place not only a dedicated quality assurancespecialist, but a very personable friend andcolleague as well.

“Rusty is dedicated to the command, theArmy, and the Nation,” said Kelly Garrett,director of Quality Management, USAM-RMC, and supervisor to Kreitz. “He alwaysfocuses on doing the best possible job re-gardless of the circumstances, and he em-bodies selfless service. As a friend, Rustyis always dependable and available to be asounding board. He is a top-notch personwho is a joy to be around.”

Krietz’s technical training started earlyin his educational career when he began at-tending the Franklin County (Pa.) Vocation-al-Technical School, learning electronics, aspart of his program of study at Waynesboro(Pa.) Area Senior High School.

“It was through the Vo-Tech school that Istarted with the Government on a Coopera-

tive Education Program that allowed me towork at Letterkenny Army Depot in Cham-bersburg (Pa.) while I was still in school,”said Kreitz. “I started out as a Wage Grade1, Student Learner, working mostly on elec-tric forklifts. I went full-time the day aftergraduation, and I eventually became a WG10 journeyman electromotive equipmentmechanic. After a series of lateral job assign-ments to other mechanic, inspector, and ad-ministrative positions, 10 years after I washired, I was selected as the branch chief ofthe shop where I started, the Mobile Equip-ment Maintenance Branch.”

Althoughhewanted to serve in themilitaryas well, Kreitz was denied this opportunitydue tomedical reasons. He enlisted in the AirForce in 1976 and was sworn in as an AirmanBasic under theDelayed Enlistment Program.However, when he reported to his processingcenter to leave for basic training, an evalua-tion from an Air Force doctor discovered thatKreitz had a bad knee, even though he hadpassed the initial physical exam.

“I was crushed,” he said, “but I calledLetterkenny the next day and went rightback to work.”

And “work” he did. In fact, since 1984Kreitz has been a member of the profes-sional workforce, handling a multitude ofpositions with practically no downtime inbetween. He has served as a supervisor andthe president of a local labor union. He hasworked in four different Headquarters-levelorganizations, attended the Army Manage-

ment Staff College, deployed overseas, andwas selected for a long-term training oppor-tunity in 1993 that allowed him to completean Associate’s degree in Management witha 4.0 GPA.

While many would consider these to beimportant career accomplishments, Kreitzinstead views his accomplishments as “op-portunities.”

“I’ve had a great many opportunities inmy career to serve in a broad spectrum ofroles,” he said. “For one, I served as the De-pot System Command’s lead project manag-er for installing Roll-over protection Systemson Army jeeps, and we were able to com-plete the project under budget and ahead ofschedule after installing more than 13,000ROPS throughout the U.S. and abroad usingteams of Army Depot mechanics.”

But while his career as a civilian employ-ee has afforded Kreitz many “opportunities”for advancement, when asked about hismost significant career memory, he warmlyrecounts a special event that occurred dur-ing an overseas deployment.

“The greatest memory I have of my ca-reer has to be how I met my wife, while Iwas deployed to Saudi Arabia during Op-eration Desert Storm,” said Kreitz. “As acontracting officer’s representative for Tac-tical Wheeled Vehicle support, I was issueda vehicle with a mobile phone to reach thecontracting officer. When I would call theContracting Office, I would hear, ‘Contract-ing, this is Jackie.’ To which I would reply,‘This is Rusty, is Fifi in?’ After many of theseexchanges, the woman on the other end fi-nally said to me, ‘You know, you don’t al-ways have to talk just to Fifi.’ That exchangestarted a relationship with the woman whowould become my wife, and we’re going on22 years now.”

Kreitz recounted another importantevent in his career, which took him back to1989, when he was accepted to attend theArmy Management Staff College. He re-membered how truly humbled he was to beacknowledged for his outstanding writingskills among a class of nearly 80 students,which led to his nomination as 1 of only 5students for the U.S. Army’s OutstandingStudent Award.

“Having the opportunity to attend AMSCand then deploy in support of our forces, re-main two of the most memorable aspects ofmy career,” said Kreitz.

When asked about influential peoplethroughout his life and career, Kreitz saidthat there were many who helped guide andmentor him over the years. However, he wasable to narrow down the field to two: BrianNewman and his current supervisor, Garrett.

“Brian selected me in a lateral transfer towork for him as a quality assurance special-ist in 1988 at the U.S. Army Depot SystemCommand, and he became my first mentor.Brian pushed me well outside of my com-fort zone and guided me quite a bit,” saidKreitz. “Kelly has been a friend and men-tor much like Brian before him. He not onlypushes me outside of my comfort zone, hesteps outside of his, right beside me. Kellyis a true Battle Buddy and coach, and I amso thankful to have had the opportunity toserve with him as my career is ending.”

But similar to his work relationships,Kreitz’s family bonds are very strong as well.He said that his parents have been extreme-ly influential throughout his life, and hecredits his father for his “can-do” attitudeand his mother for her “zest for adventure.”But, of course, there is always that womanfrom the other end of the phone line whilehe was deployed.

“My wife and my daughter are certainlythe two most important people in my life,”said Kreitz. “They have endured seeminglyendless travel, missed events, and me re-turning home a basket case from stress. Ithink they are looking forward to my retire-ment more than I am.”

Kreitz said that he plans on dividing his“free” time between work and relaxation,and he hopes to continue with his hobbyof hunting for antiques and collectibles,although his new interest will be in “un-accumulating” the large amount of items hehas amassed over the years. While he enjoysworking with his hands, doing home repairs,and working on vehicles and equipment,above all this, he is an avid reader.

“What I do most with my free time isread,” he said. “I enjoy many authors andgenres, and sometimes I judge vacations bythe number of books I was able to read.”

Reminiscing once again over his 12 yearsat Fort Detrick, Kreitz said that he has hadmany opportunities to serve with some ofthe best people in the Army.

“Between the Garrison, MEDCOM [U.S.Army Medical Command], USAMRMCheadquarters, and our subordinate com-mands, I feel I have an extended family offriends, all dedicated to serving our Nation’sguardians. We’ve worked hard, we’ve hadfun, but most importantly, I believe we’veall made a difference.”

Rusty Kreitz Retires After Nearly Four Decades of Service

After nearly four decades of govern-ment service, John C. “Rusty” Kreitz IIIis retiring from his position as a qualityassurance specialist with the U.S. ArmyMedical Research and Materiel Com-mand, Fort Detrick, Md.Photo by Jeffrey Soares, USAMRMC public affairs

For more news from other bases around the Washington, D.C. area,

visit www.dcmilitary.com


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