Journal 100313

By Ryan HunterNSAB Public Affairs

staff writer

The Introduction toSCUBA clinic was heldfor the first time at Na-val Support ActivityBethesda (NSAB).

For many of the ser-vice members in atten-dance, it would be theirfirst time diving un-derwater, but for all ofthem it was completelyfree of charge.

The clinic, held onSept. 16, was sponsoredand run by a non-profitorganization that workswith wounded warriorsacross the country. Theshort, two hour courselets service membersget their “feet wet” withthe basics of SCUBA.

“We give themenough of a briefingto keep them safe andcomfortable underwa-ter,” said (retired) Capt.and Executive Direc-tor for the non-profitorganization, JeffreyCurrer. “We get themin their gear and takethem on a fun dive inthe pool. We let themswim around, throw toy

torpedoes and feel whatit’s like to be weight-less. It’s just a fantasticexperience.”

The organization hasworked with wounded,ill or injured servicemembers, with a va-riety of both mentaland physical disabili-ties, who have benefit-ted tremendously fromparticipating in theprogram.

“The reasonwhywe’redoing this is the thera-peutic value,” said Cur-rer. “We have a younglady, who we’re stillworking with right now.Anxiety is her primaryissue and [her doctors]were worried about herpanicking under water,so we worked with themand got her through asnorkeling session. Shedid great and wantedto do more, so we wentback to the doctor andthey approved. Just thisweekend, she complet-ed her confined watertraining and she’s readyto move to her open wa-ter training.

“We have not curedher condition. She’s justgiven herself confidence

and we’ve facilitated it.I’m sure she’ll alwaysbe fighting these anxi-eties, but now she’s gotmore tools to make her-self a more functioning,contributing memberof society and she feelsmuch better about her-self because of that.”

At NSAB, partici-pants in the clinicemerged from the poolafter being submergedfor nearly 30 minutesand seemed enthusi-astic to continue. Col.Floyd Burgher de-scribed the course as“Challenging and fun,”while Staff Sgt. Jona-

than Earley exclaimed“I definitely want to getcertified.”

Service memberswith physical disabili-ties are encouragedto enroll in the freeSoldiers UndergoingDisabilities SCUBAprogram. “They workprimarily with theamputee section,” saidCurrer. “We can handle[amputee divers], butthey do a great job overthere.”

Those who are inter-ested in learning how toSCUBA dive, but don’tqualify for the free div-ing course are eligible

for a number of alter-natives available atNSAB. For non-injuredactive duty servicemembers, dependents,retired military re-servists, contractors aswell as Department ofDefense and NationalInstitute of Health em-ployees, Bryan Jack-son, the fitness andaquatics manager forMorale Welfare andRecreation, is holdinga SCUBA diving classstarting Oct 8. Theclasses are not free, butwill include the sametraining and open wa-ter certification.

In response to ques-tions about future clin-ics specific to woundedwarriors at NSAB,Bryan said, “I have nodoubt this will be some-thing we want to con-tinue.”

The next Introduc-tion to SCUBA clinicwill be held Nov. 21.To register, contactNSAB Adaptive Sportsprogram coordinatorAmanda Kelley, at 301-400-2521.

For any of the otherabove-mentioned pro-grams contact Jacksonat 301-295-0031.

Vol. 25 No. 38 www.cnic.navy.mil/bethesda/ October 3, 2013

Dive instructor, Mike Wright, prepares student service members for their first dive in theBuilding 17 swimming pool.

SCUBA Clinic Makes Its Debut at NSAB

Photos by Ryan Hunter

Wounded, ill and injured service membersfamiliarize themselves with the equipmentprovided free of charge.

2 Thursday, October 3, 2013 The Journal

Published by offset every Thurs-day by Comprint Military Publi-cations, 9030 Comprint Court,Gaithersburg, Md. 20877, a pri-vate firm in no way connectedwith the U.S. Navy, under ex-clusive written contract with theWalter Reed National MilitaryMedical Center, Bethesda, Md.This commercial enterprise news-paper is an authorized publication formembers of the military services. Contentsof The Journal are not necessarily the of-ficial views of, nor endorsed by, the U.S.Government, the Department of Defense,or the Department of Navy. The appearanceof advertising in this publication, includinginserts or supplements, does not constituteendorsement by the Department of De-fense or Comprint, Inc., of the products orservices advertised. Everything advertisedin this publication shall be made availablefor purchase, use or patronage without re-

gard to race, color, religion, sex,national origin, age, maritalstatus, physical handicap,political affiliation, or anyother non-merit factor of thepurchaser, user, or patron.Editorial content is edited,

prepared and provided bythe Public Affairs Office, Naval

Support Activity Bethesda, Md.News copy should be submitted to

the Public Affairs Office, Building 11, lowerlevel, Room 41, by noon one week pre-ceding the desired publication date. Newsitems are welcomed from all installationsources. Inquiries about news copy will beanswered by calling 301-400-2488. Com-mercial advertising should be placed withthe publisher by telephoning 301-921-2800.Publisher’s advertising offices are locatedat 9030 Comprint Court, Gaithersburg, Md.20877. Classified ads can be placed by call-ing 301-670-1700.

Naval Support Activity (NSA) BethesdaCommanding Officer: Capt. David BitontiActing Public Affairs Officer NSAB: John EppersonPublic Affairs Office NSAB: 301-400-2488

Journal StaffStaff Writers MC2 John Hamilton

MASN April BeazerSarah MarshallSharon Renee TaylorCat DeBinderRyan HunterKatie MolletKatrina Skinner

Managing Editor MC2 Nathan Parde

NSAB Editor MC3 Brandon Williams-ChurchWRNMMC Editor Bernard Little

Walter Reed National Military Medical CenterOffice of Media Relations 301-295-5727

Fleet And Family Support Center 301-319-4087WRNMMC Ombudsman VacantNSAB OmbudsmanJojo Lim Hector 703-901-6730Michelle Herrera 240-370-5421

Sexual Assault ResponseCoordinator Hotline 301-442-2053

Visit us on Facebook:Naval Support Activity Bethesda page:https://www.facebook.com/NSABethesda

Walter Reed National Medical Center page:http://www.facebook.com/pages/Walter-Reed-National-Military-Medical-Center/295857217111107

Uniformed Services University of the HealthSciences page:http://www.facebook.com/pages/Uniformed-Services-University-of-the-Health-Sciences/96338890888?fref=ts

Flu Shots AvailableStaff and beneficiaries at Walter Reed Bethes-

da can receive the flu vaccine now through Oct.25 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Fridayin Building 9, first floor near Radiology. You mustbring your military ID, staff badge or CommonAccess Card (CAC). For more information, callWalter Reed National Military Medical CenterImmunizations at 301-295-5798.

Healing Arts ExhibitThe Healing Arts Exhibit opens at Walter Reed

Bethesda today during a reception from 3 to 7p.m. in the pavilion between the America Garageand Building 19. For more information, contactSeema Reza at [email protected], orCmdr. Moira McGuire at [email protected].

Prostate Cancer Support GroupThe WRNMMC Prostate Cancer Support Group

meets the third Thursday of every month. Thereare two sessions, both on Thursday, Oct. 17 in theRiver Conference Room, third floor of the Ameri-ca Building (Building 19) adjacent to the Centerfor Prostate Disease Research. The day sessionis from 1 to 2 p.m., and the evening session isfrom 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. For more information, con-tact retired Col. Jane Hudak at 301-319-2918 [email protected].

Ask Your Leadership‘Ask Your Leadership’ is a staff communication

tool for you to view and post questions or com-ments for official responses from the Walter ReedBethesda (WRB) command leadership. The toolcan be found on the WRB Intranet page. Click onthe Town Hall/Leadership Forum icon, then clickon ‘Ask Your Leadership’.

Free Financial CounselingFree financial coaching for all service members,

federal employees, contractors and family mem-bers is available at the Fleet and Family Sup-port Center (FFSC) in Building 11. Assistance isavailable to analyze your credit report or creditscores, discuss retirement (Thrift Savings Plan)options, and create a budget. To schedule an ap-pointment, or for more information, call 301-319-4087, or email [email protected].

Bethesda Notebook

By Army Sgt. 1st ClassTyrone C. Marshall Jr.

American Forces Press Service

President Barack Obama thankedthe Defense Department workforce ina message Oct. 1, and expressed hisdisappointment in Congress’ failure toapprove a budget, resulting in a gov-ernment shutdown.

“As president, and as your com-mander-in-chief, I’ve worked to makesure you have the strategy, the re-sources and the support you need tocomplete the missions our nation asksof you,” he said.

“And every time you’ve met your re-sponsibilities and performed with ex-traordinary professionalism, skill andcourage,” Obama said.

Unfortunately, the president said,Congress has not fulfilled its responsi-bility and failed to pass a budget.

“As a result, much of our govern-ment must now shut down until Con-gress funds it again,” Obama said.

Obama noted Defense SecretaryChuck Hagel, Army Gen. Martin E.Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefsof Staff, and other commanders wouldprovide more information on how theshutdown will affect the DOD civiliansand their families.

“Today, I want to speak directly toyou about how what happens next,” hesaid. “Those of you in uniform will re-main in your normal duty status. Thethreats to our national security havenot changed, and we need you to beready for any contingency.”

“Ongoing military operations, likeour efforts in Afghanistan, will contin-ue,” Obama said. “If you’re serving inharm’s way, we’re going to make sureyou have what you need to succeed inyour missions.”

The president said Congress haspassed, and he would sign into law,legislation ensuring those personnelreceive their paychecks on time.

“We’ll continue to work to addressany impact this shut down has on youand your families,” Obama said.

“To all our DOD civilians, I know thedays ahead could mean more uncer-tainty, including possible furloughs,”he said. “And I know this comes on topof the furloughs that many of you al-ready endured this summer.”

“Your talents and dedication helpkeep our military the best in theworld,” he said. “That’s why I’ll keepworking to get Congress to re-open ourgovernment and get you back to workas soon as possible.”

Obama said the shutdown is occur-ring against the background of broad-er changes.

“But here’s what I want you to know.I’m going to keep fighting to get rid ofthose across-the-board budget cuts –the sequester – which are hurting ourmilitary and our economy.”

We need a responsible approach,Obama said, that deals with our fiscalchallenges and keeps our military andour economy strong.

“I’m going to make sure you staythe greatest military in the world –bar none,” he added. “That’s what I’mfighting for. That’s what you and yourfamilies deserve.”

The president thanked the DefenseDepartment for their commitment toprotecting the nation.

“On behalf of the American people,thank you for your service which keepsus free,” Obama said. “And thank youfor your sacrifice which keeps our na-tion and our military the greatest forcefor freedom that the world has everknown.”

Obama Lauds DOD Workforce,Encourages Budget Resolution

The Journal Thursday, October 3, 2013 3

Melissa BrachfeldNational Museum ofHealth and Medicine

The National Mu-seum of Health andMedicine (NMHM) isproud to partner withthe University of Mary-land’s Health Sciencesand Human ServicesLibrary (HS/HSL) forthe installation of aseries of larger-than-life portraits by art-ist Eliette Markhbein,which honors survivorsof traumatic brain inju-ries (TBI), in HS/HSL’sWeise Gallery.The exhibition en-

titled “WHACK’ed ...and then everythingwas different,” openedat HS/HSL, locatedin Baltimore, Md., inAugust. NMHM staffinstalled the portraitswith support from li-brary personnel. Theexhibit at the library ison display until Oct. 8.Small-scale repro-

ductions of the por-traits featured inWHACK’ed were in-stalled in NMHM’slobby in March 2013,and were on displaythrough Sept. 30, 2013.In recognition of theconcurrent exhibits,NMHM’s Sept. 24 Med-ical Museum ScienceCafé program featuredMarkhbein, who sharedthe story behind herportrait series.Markhbein, who is

a TBI survivor her-self, constructed theportrait series to raiseawareness of TBIs. Hersubjects include formercongresswoman Gabri-elle Giffords, profes-sional athlete Troy Ai-kman, renowned actorGeorge Clooney, newscorrespondent BobWoodruff and servicemember Claudia Carre-on who was injured inIraq.Others featured in

the exhibit include Na-tional Hockey LeagueHall of Famer Pat La-fontaine; Alexis Verzal,a spirited 5-year-oldwho was shaken at 14months; Trisha Meili,the “Central Park Jog-ger;” brain injury pa-tient Timothy Pruce;and musician KeithRichards.Markhbein’s unique

technique is a silenttestimony to the threephases of TBI: frac-tured, reassembledand whole. Referencingcropped photographs,Markhbein first drawsthe portrait in char-coal on paper. She thenimperfectly cuts thedrawing into squaresand reassembles themas portraits on paintedcanvas. The uneven-grid effect that resultsfrom the drawing/cut-ting/collage techniqueillustrates how TBIdisrupts sensory andperceptual processes.The grid also acts as ametaphor for the sup-port and structure thatTBI survivors requireto live an active andrewarding life. Eachportrait represents150-200 hours of work,and it took three yearsto complete the series.“By representing

faces of TBI survivorson a large scale, I hopeto elicit emotional inti-macy and universality,”says Markhbein. “Moreimportantly, I wantedto show examples ofbrain injury survivorswho moved on to havefull, productive lives. Ihope the portraits of-fer inspiration to thoserecently injured. Kin-ship and identity withsuch icons is a powerfulemotion, encompass-ing pride, pleasure andself-compassion, all ofwhich are in short sup-ply during the rehabili-tation process.”

TBI is not an un-familiar topic to theNMHM or to the De-partment Of Defense,which has a demon-strated commitment topreventing and treat-ing traumatic brain in-juries. NMHM is hometo one of the world’smost comprehensivebrain collections.NMHM is located at

2500 Linden Lane inSilver Spring, Md., andis open 10 a.m. to 5:30p.m. every day exceptDec. 25. Admission isfree. For more informa-tion, call 301-319-3300or visit www.medical-museum.mil. For moreinformation about theHS/HSL at the Univer-sity of Maryland, visitwww.hshsl.umaryland.edu/.

National Museum of Health and Medicine/Released

Gwen Nelmes (left), tour program coordinator at the National Museum of Health andMedicine (NMHM); Helaina Blume (center), NMHM exhibits specialist; and Steve Hill,NMHM exhibits manager, assist in the installation of “WHACK’ed ... and then everythingwas different” at the University of Maryland’s Health Sciences and Human Services Libraryin Baltimore, Md.

National Museum of Health and Medicine Supports Art Exhibit

01040791


By Cat DeBinderWRNMMC Journal staff writer

The Department Of Defense’s (DOD) top healthofficial andWalter Reed National Military MedicalCenter (WRNNMC) staff are urging the militarycommunity to stand together to prevent suicides.“Suicides have increased in recent years around

the world, in the United States, and among ourarmed forces,” stated Dr. Jonathan Woodson, as-sistant secretary of defense for Health Affairs anddirector of the TRICARE Management Activity, inan announcement on Sept. 27.“More than one million people worldwide died

from suicide last year — more than those killed byhomicides and war combined, according to The In-ternational Association for Suicide Prevention andthe World Health Organization,” Woodson contin-ued. “More than 34,000 Americans took their ownlives last year, surpassing the number who diedin vehicle accidents, according to the Centers forDisease Control and Prevention (CDC). While at-tention to suicides has focused on young people,the rate of those between the ages of 35 and 64who killed themselves grew by 30 percent between1999 and 2010, the CDC reported.”“Our service members are not immune,” Wood-

son stated. “While the suicide rate has tradition-ally been lower for the military ranks than forcivilians, that trend has begun to reverse. Thenumber of suicides among our 1.4 million active-duty troops remains relatively low by comparison,at 350 last year. Still, the number has more than

doubled since 2001 and even one is too many.”According to the CDC, the causes of suicide are

complex, but the goal of suicide prevention is to“reduce factors that increase risk and increase fac-tors that promote resilience or coping.”“Suicide attempts are usually related to prob-

lems with close relationships such as marriage orfamily issues, but they are also caused by prob-lems with work, finances and the law,” said LarryGrubb, staff psychiatrist at WRNMMC.The National Institute for Mental Health

(NIMH) says that “suicide does not discriminate.”People of all genders, ages, and ethnicities are atrisk for suicide, but people most at risk share cer-tain characteristics such as:

depression or other mental disorder, or sub-stance abuse disorder

a prior suicide attemptbeing bulliedfamily history of a mental disorder, substance

abuse or suicidefamily violence, including physical or sexual

abusehaving guns or other firearms in the homeincarceration, being in prison or jailbeing exposed to others’ suicidal behavior, fam-

ily members, peers, or media figures“We also know that financial and relationship

problems play a role,”Woodson stated. “Among ourservice members, we know that half of those whodied by suicide in recent years never served in Iraqor Afghanistan. But we also know that war traumaweighs heavily on those who did.”

He said stress is a part of life, and as stressbuilds, some people start to feel hopeless, helplessand so desperate that there just doesn’t appear tobe any way out.“Suicide may also be an act of anger in that they

say, ‘they will miss me when I’m gone’ or ‘I’ll showthem,’” said Grubb.He added there are some warning signs of some-

one who may be contemplating suicide such as:talking about suicide or writing a suicide notelooking for ways to diemaking statements about being hopeless, help-

less or worthlessshowing a preoccupation with deathchanges in physical appearance with decreased

concern about appearance (weight loss orweight gain)

Preventing Suicide Is Everyone’s Responsibility

U.S. Army photo by Stephen Baker

See SUICIDE page 10

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By MassCommunication

Specialist 2nd ClassNathan Parde

NSAB Public Affairsstaff writer

The five Fisher Hous-es located on the groundsof Naval SupportActivityBethesda play an inte-gral role in the healingprocess of many wound-ed, ill and injured servicemembers and their fami-lies.

“TheFisherHouses area home away from homefor military family mem-bers,whether they are ac-tive duty or retired,” saidFisher House ManagerKen Merritt. “It providesa community style of liv-ing for family memberswho have loved ones inthe hospitals or medicalcenters so they don’t haveto worry about the bur-den of finding and financ-ing a place to stay. One ofthe mottos for the foun-dation is ‘Family Love isGood Medicine too.’”

The Navy and MarineCorps Fisher Houses arebuilt on the grounds of

military and VeteransAdministration (VA)hospitals by the FisherHouse Foundation whichwas founded by Zach-ary Fisher and his wife,Elizabeth.

“Mr. Zachary Fisherwas an incredible humanbeing and philanthro-pist,” said Merritt. “He’ssomeone who wanted tojoin the military in theWorld War II timeframe,but was found unfit forduty due to a leg injurythat he sustained in hisearlier years as a con-struction worker.

“This didn’t stop hisdetermination. He con-tinued his life in the con-struction industry, butalways made a point tovisit military installa-tions and military hospi-tals where he could seethe needs of family mem-bers.”

A native of Brooklyn,N.Y., Fisher began work-ing in construction whenhe was 16 years old and,along with his brothers,formed Fisher Brothers.The company grew to beone of the premier resi-

dential and commercialdevelopers in the real es-tate industry.

In their later years,the Fishers dedicatedmore than $20 million tothe construction of com-fort homes for familiesof hospitalized militarypersonnel.

“Today, the FisherHouse Foundation hasmany homes across thecountry and worldwidein locations such as Ger-many, Alaska, Hawaiiand all throughout theStates on military andVA installations,” saidMerritt. “With our new-est house being dedicatedthis month, we are nowup to 61 houses total.

Bethesda has the greatdistinction of having thevery first Fisher House(and therefore also thefirst) on a Department ofDefense installation.”

Fisher House 1 is orig-inally an eight-bedroomhouse, but later the de-sign for future homeswas changed to a 20-bed-room home in order tomeet an increased need,said Merritt. Combinedwith the other four Fish-er Houses at Bethesda,this represents the larg-est Fisher House com-plex on a military basetoday, said Merritt.

In his later years,Zachary Fisher receivedmany awards and recog-

nitions for his contribu-tions to the military andother charitable causes,including the Presiden-tial Medal of Freedomand other top awardsthat a civilian can re-ceive from each branchof the military.

“One of the highestrecognitions that Mr.Fisher received was thepresidential civilianmedal and he was madean honorary veteran ofthe Armed Forces, withfull rights and privilegesbecause of all that he hasdone for the military,”said Merritt. “Bob Hopeis the only other individ-

ual who has been giventhis honor.”

Today, his nephew,Kenneth Fisher, contin-ues the family legacy asChairman of the FisherHouse Foundation byrunning the businessand continuing to expandthe family’s vision anddream, said Merritt.

Here at Bethesda, thefive Fisher Houses allowfor 73 families to be host-ed at once. Since theywere built, these houseshave made a differencein the lives of approxi-mately 7,550 families,


Fisher House photos by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Nathan Parde

Fisher House Bethesda Provides a Home Away From Home for Military Families

See HOME page 9

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By Sharon Renee TaylorWRNMMC Journal staff writer

There is a wide spectrum of pa-tients with prostate cancer — vary-ing in age, race, family history andtreatment choices. Four Walter ReedNational Military Medical Center(WRNMMC) patients shared theirexperience with the disease. Theyspoke of faith, regret, knowledgeand hope.Navy Cmdr. Matt Rising, 47,

diagnosed June 2012.Men who have a family history

of developing prostate cancer aremore likely to develop prostate can-cer than other men, according tothe Center for Prostate Disease Re-search (CPDR) at WRNMMC . Cmdr.Matt Rising’s dad was diagnosedseven years ago at the age of 70. Asa Navy pilot, Rising said prostatespecific antigen (PSA) tests weretaken for his annual flight physical.Blood tests revealed he had an el-evated PSA. Rising was 46 years oldwhen he was diagnosed.After an initial biopsy, Rising

planned to do active surveillance ofthe disease to watch and see whathappened, but a second biopsy in-dicated more cancer — more ag-gressive than originally thought —which moved him from low to inter-mediate risk.Rising educated himself on his

options and decided on surgery.Army Lt. Col. (Dr.) Inger Rosner,a urologic oncologist who servesas associate director of the CPDR,removed his prostate using roboticsurgery in March. Rising said hisprognosis looks good.

“It’s been pretty much transpar-ent to me; I had the surgery sixmonths ago,” Rising said. “Dr. Ros-ner did a great job.

“The discussion about whetherPSAs are valuable or not — theyworked for me. They were the onlyindication that I had any kind of aproblem,” Rising said.Retired Air Force Col. Rick

Atchison, 73, diagnosed 2011.According to a CPDR fact sheet,

prostate cancer can occur in menof all ages, but it occurs more fre-quently in men over 50, and is mostcommon in men over 65. RetiredAir Force Col. Rick Atchison was 71when he was diagnosed.Atchison had monitored his PSA

level since 2004. With an elevatedPSA in June 2011, he returned toWRNMMC later that August, butelected to forego a biopsy until Oc-tober, when he was rushed from acamping trip to a Fort Belvoir, Va.,clinic at 3 a.m., in pain. Biopsies

revealed a very aggressive formof prostate cancer had moved out-side the prostate. He had radiationtherapy to malignant lymph nodesnear his aorta. He remains on hor-mone therapy; his PSA has droppeddramatically as a result, said Atchi-son, who explained the CPDR atWRNMMC has been a godsend.“Looking back, I didn’t act fast

enough,” he said. “I would’ve savedmyself a lot of grief.”

He recommends men to getscreened and follow their PSAs.“Avoid letting it go,” Atchison said.“If you’re diagnosed with it, you re-ally need to do your research.”Retired Air Force Lt. Col. Skip

Coburn, 69, diagnosed 2009.In most cases, men with early

prostate cancer have no symptoms— like retired Air Force Lt. Col. Skip

Coburn, diagnosed with prostatecancer at age 65 after an elevatedPSA and subsequent biopsy. “I neverexperienced any pain in any of this,”said the pilot who stays active withswimming, hiking and scuba diving.“Don’t be afraid of getting a biopsy,”he tells men.He went through the CPDR edu-

cation program and enrolled in sev-eral prostate cancer studies. Aftera third biopsy revealed a low per-centage of non-aggressive cancer,Coburn decided to “watch and wait.”He said PSA tests every 90 dayskeep him and his doctors advisedon his progress. His tests continueto be within the normal range.Coburn has a close relative who

was diagnosed with prostate cancerand opted for a radical prostatec-tomy. He urges men diagnosed with

prostate cancer considering treat-ment options to learn about thedisease, and “make this decision foryourself.”“I’m never quite sure if I made

the right decision, but I’m comfort-able in the choice that I’ve made,”Coburn said.Retired Air Force Master Sgt.

James Bohannon, 56, diagnosed2010.African-American men have an

increased risk of developing pros-tate cancer, according to the Ameri-can Cancer Society. In fact, African-American men have the highest rateof prostate cancer. Retired Air ForceMaster Sgt. James Bohannon was53 when he was diagnosed with thedisease at the former Walter ReedArmy Medical Center (WRAMC)July 2010.A year earlier at Malcolm Grow

Medical Center (Joint Base An-drews, Md.), during a routine examfor his diabetes, a PSA test was tak-en. He was referred to WRAMC af-ter a second test showed his PSA el-evating. A biopsy confirmed cancerand met with a multidisciplinaryteam at CPDR including urologiconcologists, radiologists, patienteducators and a psychologist.Given his physical health and his

stage 1 cancer diagnosis, Bohan-non said he was a candidate for alltreatment options: surgery, radia-tion, hormone or expectorant. Hereceived a radical prostatectomyusing robotic technology January of2011 at WRAMC, and returned towork the following month.His pathology report indicated 12

tumors in his prostate. The cancerwas just short of spreading beyondhis prostate. “Timing of [the] deci-sion to remove it was critical,” Bo-hannon said. “A delay would havebeen dangerous and the outcomemuch different.”More than two years after his

initial diagnosis, his PSA level doesnot indicate cancer, he explained.Bohannon returns to WRNMMC forfollow-up exams every six months.“God is good,” he said.The CPDR offers a multi-disci-

plinary prostate cancer clinic thatprovides patients and their familieswith comprehensive, coordinatedand individually tailored experi-ence to discuss concerns, treatmentoptions and recommendations, ac-cording to its director retired ArmyCol. (Dr.) David McLeod, a urologistfor more than 30 years. Men canmake an appointment to discusstheir prostate health issues by call-ing CPDR at 301-319-2900.

Faces of Survival:

Prostate Cancer Does Not Discriminate

Navy Cmdr.Matt Rising

Retired Air Force Lt. Col.Skip Coburn

Retired Air Force Master Sgt.James Bohannon

Photos by Sharon Renee Taylor

Retired Air Force Col.Rick Atchison


Photo spread by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Brandon Williams-Church

NASCAR show cars and NASCAR drivers visit Naval Support Activity Bethesda Sept. 26.

Photo spread by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Brandon Williams-Church

Service members participate in the Auxiliary Security Force training Sept. 25.


Titans Visit NSAB

Photo by Bernard S. Little

Original members of the T. C. WilliamsHigh School (Alexandria, Va.) football team,the Titans and their coaches, depicted in thefilm, “Remember the Titans,” give ArmyStaff Sgt. Casey Jones a T-shirt with theteam pictures and autographed photographsduring the team’s visit to Naval Support Ac-tivity Bethesda on Sept. 27.

01040175

01041040

1040424A

ObituaryFrances Olivia Reederpassed away onSeptember 7, 2013 inGaithersburg, MD at theage of 95. She is survivedby her sister CatherineWinifred Newman, onenephew, two nieces, fourgreat nieces, and threegreat great nephews. Shewas preceded in death byher siblings WilliamClaude Reeder, Doris LeeHeefner, and MarshallWelch Reeder. Ms. Reederserved as a nurse in theUnited States Army andWalter Reed HospitalBlood Bank from 1942 to1979. She lived atGrosvenor Place,Rockville, MD prior tomoving to AsburyMethodist Village,Gaithersburg, MD. Shewas a member ofWoodside MethodistChurch. Memorialservices will be in herhometown ofHustontown, PA.Contributions in hermemory can be made toWounded Warrior Projector Our Military Kids.

By Bernard S. LittleWRNMMC Journal

staff writer

Walter Reed Na-tional Military Medi-cal Center (WRNMMC)celebrated HispanicHeritage Month withinspiring words, mu-sic, dancing and foodduring a program onSept. 26 in the AmericaBuilding Atrium.

This year’s themefor the month-long ob-servance is “Hispanics:Serving and LeadingOur Nation with Prideand Honor.”

“Each year, Ameri-cans observe Nation-al Hispanic HeritageMonth from Sept. 15to Oct. 15, celebrat-ing the histories, cul-tures, and contributionsof American citizenswhose ancestors camefrom Spain, Mexico, theCaribbean, and Centraland South America,”

said Sgt. 1st Class Ja-son Zielske, equal op-portunity advisor andchairman of the Bethes-da Multicultural Com-mittee at WRNMMC.“The observance startedin September 1968 asHispanic Heritage Weekunder President Lyn-don B. Johnson. In 1988,President Ronald Rea-gan expanded the ob-servance to become His-panic Heritage Month.”

The dates were cho-sen to observe His-panic Heritage Monthbecause Sept. 15 is theanniversary of indepen-dence for Costa Rica, ElSalvador, Guatemala,Honduras, and Nicara-gua, Zielske explained.In addition, Mexico de-clared its independenceon Sept. 16, and Chiledid so on Sept. 18. Also,Columbus Day, or Díade la Raza, falls withinthis 30-day period, onOct. 12.

In welcoming the

Walter Reed Bethesdacommunity to the cel-ebration, Brig. Gen.(Dr.) Jeffrey B. Clark,WRNMMC commander,said, “We work togeth-er [and] we do greatthings together, but it’salso important that wegather for events likethis just to enjoy eachother in fellowship.

“It’s also very impor-tant we recognize [and]pay tribute to our di-versity because there’sa tremendous amountof strength in diver-sity,” Clark continued.“We need to understandeach other and revel inthe goodness that eachof us brings [to WalterReed Bethesda].

“Walter Reed Bethes-da is a bit of a meltingpot in many ways, notonly of different cul-tures, but of Army, Navy,Air Force, Marines, ci-vilians, contractors andvolunteers,” Clark said.“It’s important each of

us feel good about whowe are, where we camefrom, and that we arepart of something that’sbigger than ourselvesand what we do, whichis to serve the greatestpatients in the entireworld.

“I ask that you bevery proud of who weare, what we do andmost importantly, howwe do it,” the brigadiergeneral added.

Command MasterChief Terry Prince, se-nior enlisted leaderat WRNMMC, echoedClark’s sentiments,calling the nation’smedical center, “an in-credible team made up

of every nationality. Weare [nearly] 7,000 peo-ple hard at work deliv-ering outstanding med-ical care to our wound-ed warriors, familymembers and all othereligible beneficiaries.It’s exciting to come towork every day and bepart of this team.”

Prince added WalterReed Bethesda “cel-ebrates all cultures ev-ery day, but it’s impor-tant to get together andrecognize the specificachievements that His-panic Americans havegiven to the armed forc-es and the nation as awhole.”

Yeoman 2nd Class

Santana Vallejo, ofMexican descent origi-nally from Texas, ex-plained, “Hispanicshave had a profoundand positive influenceon our country.” Con-tributing to this is “thestrong commitment tofamily, faith, hard workand service.” The Sailoradded the 2010 U.S.census indicated 15.5million people, or 16percent of the popula-tion, are of Hispanic orLatino origin.

For more informa-tion about the BethesdaMulticultural Commit-tee and its upcomingevents, call Zielske at301-400-3542.


Photos by Bernard S. Little

Brig. Gen. (Dr.) Jeffrey B. Clark, Walter Reed National MilitaryMedical Center (WRNMMC) commander, tells those gathered fora WRNMMC Hispanic Heritage Month celebration on Sept. 26,it’s important to recognize and pay tribute to the diversity at themedical center. “In our diversity there’s a tremendous amount ofstrength,” he said.

1st Lt. Christopher Reyes and 1st Lt. Regine Faucher demonstratevarious Latin dances during Walter Reed Bethesda’s Hispanic Heri-tage Month celebration.

Hispanic Heritage Month Focuses on Serving, Leading with Pride and HonorWalter Reed Bethesda Celebrates Diversity

said Merritt.James Mallonee, a

Soldier who receivedcare at Walter Reedwhile staying at FisherHouse Bethesda, shareda part of his story.

“After I was diagnosedwith leukemia while

deployed to Kandahar,I was medically evacu-ated to Walter ReedBethesda in late April.Fisher House provided aplace for my wife to staywhile I was undergoingtreatment and recover-ing from the bone mar-row transplant. Withoutthe Fisher House, I’m notsure we would have beenable to handle it all. TheFisher House took a lot ofpressure off of us. It has

been such a blessing.”The Fisher House

Bethesda staff consistsof a manager, assistantmanager, two programsupport assistants andan incredible housekeep-ing team, said Merritt.

“All of the staff mem-bers here are people whowould do this job for nopay. They just want to beable to give back to ser-vice members and theirfamilies,” said Merritt,

who served in the Armyfor 29 years and retired(at Walter Reed ArmyMedical Center) as amaster sergeant. “It’ssomething that we trulybelieve in, and we wantto give 150 percent to thefamilies who are stayinghere.”

To be eligible to stayat a Fisher House, thereare a few requirements.A patient must be aninpatient at the time of

the family’s check-in,their family must havetraveled from at least 40miles away, the patient’scondition must be seri-ous in nature, and theymust request that theirfamily be by their side,said Merritt. They canput in a referral throughtheir social worker. Ifthe Fisher House hasroom available, theycan then bring them into stay as long as they

need, he added.For more information

about the houses, pleasecontact the Fisher HouseBethesda directly. Any-one interested in sup-porting the Fisher Hous-es by volunteering cancontact the Red Cross atWalter Reed Bethesda.

“Everyone I talk tocan’t say enough aboutwhat the Fisher Househas done for them,” saidMerritt.

HOMEContinued from 5


increased use of alcohol or drugsappearing suddenly happier, calmer or having

a change in personalitymaking arrangements, setting affairs in order,

giving away prized possessionsprevious suicide attempts or efforts to hurt

themselvesGrubb said there are ways that people can help

if they suspect someone is thinking about takingtheir life:

learn to recognize the warning signalsbe ready to express your concern and supporttake every suicide threat, comment or action

seriously, even if it’s followed with “I’m only kid-ding”

Walter Reed Bethesda has a number of pro-grams in place to assist those in need. AppliedSuicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) isoffered to staff members and providers. For moreinformation on ASIST, call the Chaplain’s Office at301-295-1510.

The Resiliency and Psychological Health ServiceTeams at Walter Reed Bethesda (301-400-1974)are also readily available to offer support and di-rection.

“One of the most important things we can do isto promote [DoD’s] Military Crisis Line. If you or aloved one is experiencing a crisis, do not hesitate tocall 1-800-273-8255 (TALK), and press 1 to speakto a trained counselor,” Woodson added. “Put thenumber in your cell phone. Share it through socialnetworking. A caring professional is there to listen24/7.”

SUICIDEContinued from 4

Miss USA and Miss Maryland visit Navy Exchange

Photo by Ryan Hunter

Miss USA and Miss Maryland pose with service members during a visit to the Navy Ex-change Saturday.

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