THE EXAMINER

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Did you know?...

Robert E. Bush Naval Hospital

“Serving with Pride and Professionalism since 1993”

You have the right toexpress your concernsabout patient safety and

quality of care.There are several avenues opento you:* Through the ICE website.* The Hospital CustomerRelations Officer at 760-830-2475, or any of the CustomerRelations representatives in theHospital clinics, or directly tothe Joint Commission via: E-mail at complaint@jointcommission.orgFax: 630-792-5636

The Joint CommissionOak Renaissance BoulevardOakbrook Terrace, IL 60181

To report Fraud, Waste andAbuse contact one of thebelow offices by calling:

Naval Hospital: 760-830-2344Combat Center: 760-830-7749NavMedWest: 1-877-479-3832Medical IG: 1-800-637-6175DoD IG: 1-800-424-9098

http://www.med.navy.mil/sites/nhtp/pages/default.aspx

An Award Winning Publication

Patients seen in April -- 10,883

Appointment No Shows in April -- 1,022In April we had an 8.6 percent no-show rate. We need to keep trendingdownward by keeping the appointments we make, or by canceling in enoughtime for someone else to use the slot...To help patients obtain appointments, the Naval Hospital now shows thenumber of open appointment slots each day on the hospital Facebook site,check it out. On Facebook, search: Naval Hospital Twentynine Palms.

To make an appointment call -- 760-830-2752To cancel an appointment call -- 760-830-2369

Capt. Sourbeer Bids Adieu New CO Arrives on Board

Respect. It’s the word thatdescribes Capt. Jay C.Sourbeer’s command style.Capt. Sourbeer, NHTPCommanding Officer from June2012 to May 2015, officiallyretired in a retired/retained sta-tus May 29 in a change-of-com-mand ceremony that spannedthe emotional range fromsolemnity, to sadness, to joy.

The Navy change-of-command,steeped in tradition, was awe

inspiring. There was a note ofsadness at the prospect of losingthe leader responsible for rais-ing the hospital’s stature amongmilitary treatment facilities. Andthere was joy for the Sourbeerswho are embarking on a newadventure as well as for theNHTP community who wasintroduced to its new Com-manding Officer, Capt. JohnLamberton.

Capt. Sourbeer is the first toadmit he didn’t personally raise

NHTP’s standard of care asmeasured through HealthcareEffectiveness Data andInformation Set (HEDIS), butrather it was the appointment ofeffective directors and leadersand then supporting themadministratively and personallythat led to his success. “I’m notthe salvation of the Commandor the single element, but I amprivileged to be the cheerleaderfor a lot of people who steppedup and did winning behaviors,”Capt. Sourbeer said.

“Capt. Sourbeerinspired all staff at thehospital and branchclinics to attain HEDISmetric excellence. Eachmeasure increasednotably, propelling thehospital past 11 Navyfacilities within a 12-month timespan. Thisexample of successdemonstrates how hisvisionary appointmentof leadership can refo-cus an entire popula-tion's care by address-ing the gap betweenhealthcare services andbeneficiaries,” saidCmdr. Wendy Stone,NHTP Director of

Public Health.

“What makes Capt. Sourbeer aneffective leader and sets himapart is his respect and under-standing of all of the staff with-in his command, and his caring,compassion and sense of fair-ness” said Capt. AngelaNimmo, NHTP ExecutiveOfficer. “He always has the bestinterest of staff members inmind, regardless of whether

Capt. Jay Sourbeer is presented a signedmemento photograph by Mary Ellen Hoganat the Civilian Farewell luncheon honoringthe departing Commanding Officer May 27.

By Dave Marks, NHTP PublicAffairs Officer

Please see Sourbeer, continuedon Page 2

NHTP, June 29. Capt. JohnLamberton assumed commandof Naval Hospital TwentyninePalms from outgoingCommander, Capt. JaySourbeer, under cloudless blueskies and increasingly warmingtemperatures. Rear Adm. BruceGillingham, Commander, NavyMedicine West, presided overthe ceremony, bid-ding farewell toCapt. Sourbeer andwelcoming in thenew NHTPCommandingOfficer.

Capt. Lamberton,originally fromLouisville, Ky., wasexecutive officer atU.S. Naval HospitalSigonella, Italy,prior to this assign-ment. He’s been inthe Navy 26 years as an officerand four years enlisted--as asurgical technician corpsman.He has a Bachelor of Science inBusiness Administration fromthe University of CentralFlorida and a Master’s degree inPublic Administration with aconcentration in HealthcareAdministration from Alabama’sTroy University.

Capt. Lamberton kept hisremarks brief. He said, “To themen and women of Robert E.Bush Naval Hospital, we have alegacy of military healthcarethat brings us together--from seato land, from land to sea, fromunder the sea to the sky, fromthe sky to the hospital--it is your

individual knowl-edge that supportsour mission; it isyour individualdesire of heart tocare for those whoentrust their careto us; it is yourindividual skillthat delivers thatcare--directly andindirectly. As webring together ourcollective knowl-edge, our care, andour skill for thoseentrusting their

care to us, we must remember tocare for each other. Woventhrough these three elementsmust be a thread of having fun.Fun that lightens a Shipmate’sload, fun that brings a laugh to ahectic day, or simply fun thatoffers a smile in the p-way. Funreminds us all we are human. Ilook forward to serving you asPlease see Lamberton, contin-ued on Page 2

Capt. John A. Lamberton

2 -- The Examiner -- June -- 2015

Published by Hi-Desert Publishing, a private firm in no way connected with the Department of Defense, the UnitedStates Marine Corps, United States Navy or Naval Hospital, Twentynine Palms, under exclusive written contract withthe Marine Air Ground Task Force Training Command. The appearance of advertising in this publication, includinginserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the Department of Defense, the United States MarineCorps, the United States Navy or Hi-Desert Publishing of the products or services advertised. Everything advertisedin this publication shall be made available for purchase, use, or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex,national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation, or any other non-merit factor of the pur-chaser, user or patron. If a violation or rejection of this equal opportunity policy by an advertiser is confirmed, thepublisher shall refuse to print advertising from that source until the violation is corrected. Editorial content is pre-pared by the Public Affairs Office, Naval Hospital, Twentynine Palms, Calif.

Commanding OfficerCapt. John A. Lamberton, MSC, USN

Executive OfficerCapt. Angela S. Nimmo, NC, USN

Command Master Chief HMCM (FMF/AW/SW) Carol Merricks, USN

Public Affairs Officer/EditorDave Marks

Command OmbudsmanBright Opoku (760) 910-2050 email: nhtpombudsman@yahoo.com

The Examiner welcomes your comments and suggestions concerning the publication. Deadline for submission of arti-cles is the 15th of each month for the following month’s edition. Any format is welcome, however, the preferredmethod of submission is by e-mail or by computer disk.

How to reach us...Commanding Officer Naval HospitalPublic Affairs OfficeBox 788250 MAGTFTCTwentynine Palms, CA 92278-8250Com: (760) 830-2362DSN: 230-2362E-mail: david.marks@med.navy.milHi-Desert Publishing Company56445 Twentynine Palms HighwayYucca Valley, CA 92284Com: (760) 365-3315FAX: (760) 365-8686

they are military, civilian, orcontract.

“Command responsibility goesfar beyond the mechanics of ourmission. It goes to caring aboutthe patients and caring about thestaff. I’ve been entrusted withthe well-being of a large numberof people, both staff membersand patients; and you can’t dothat without a little bit of love.It’s an awkward word and I tryto stay in my spot; but you lovethe people you work for, and Iworked for everybody here, thepatients and the staff,” Capt.Sourbeer said.

When asked what advice hewould offer the in-comingNHTP Commanding Officer,Capt. Sourbeer said: “The mostimportant thing a commandingofficer can do is to get out ofthe office as much as possibleand talk to people, listen, andget to know the staff.” In termsof regrets, Sourbeer said if heregrets anything, it would bespending less time in his office.“When I came into the Navy,the best commanding officers Ihad were the ones who foundtime to visit patients every dayand truly put their mark on theirstaff by their presence and car-ing.”

Capt. Sourbeer spent the bulk ofhis career on the operationalside of Navy medicine. He is

dual boarded in Family Practiceand Occupational Medicine,Diving and HyperbaricMedicine. He is a FlightSurgeon, Undersea MedicalOfficer, Surface WarfareMedical Officer, SubmarineWarfare Medical Officer andhas been awarded thePresidential Service Badge andthe Deep SubmergenceDolphins pin. His expertise indiving and hyperbaric medicineis the reason for his retentiondespite his retirement. Capt. Sourbeer said he and hiswife, Shelly, are looking for-ward to their new adventure.“We are going to Panama CityBeach and I’m going to work atthe Experimental Dive Unit astheir Commanding Officer.Moving to Florida will be goodbecause we’ll be close to myson who is at Florida Gulf CoastUniversity and my son in NewJersey. Being close to family isimportant for us. We’ll missCalifornia, we’ll missTwentynine Palms but we lookforward to a new adventure,” hesaid.“I will miss the desert,” he con-tinued. “I came to TwentyninePalms and like many peopledidn’t know what to expect. It’sa place I had heard of but hadnever seen. But since the firstday, my love of the place hasgrown. Frankly, even though mynext duty station is near myhome, I could come back herewith great joy. I’ve found greatbeauty here.”

Sourbeer, continued from Page1

your Commanding Officer andas I started with two simplewords, I will also end withthose same two words, whicheach of you will come to knowand understand during our timetogether. My two words toyou...Thank you!” Capt.Lamberton said in the comingmonths his statement of thankswould be explained, but in hisopening remarks, the newNHTP Commanding Officer

said, “I’d like to congratulateCapt. Sourbeer for a jobsuperbly done. The morale andenergy of this command arestrong. Thank you again Jay!”

Capt. Lamberton’s brother,Army Col. Hal Lamberton, sis-ter-in-law, Karen (both fromLouisville, Ky.) and his sister,Ann Swope, from Louisville,Ky., were guests of honor andHal and Ann assisted in theCommand Pinning Ceremony.

Lamberton, continued fromPage 1

Hospitalman Third Class Silvia Blas signs up forfour more years April 30 in a reenlistment cere-mony on the patio behind the clinics. Reenlistingofficer was Lt. Cmdr. Ronald Dewees. HM3 Blashas been in the Navy seven years. Hometown isLos Angeles. Asked about her experience in theNavy, Blas said, “I like it. It’s been good.”

Lt. Rachel Smith, NHTP Department Head forNutrition Management, was promoted to her cur-rent rank May 26 in a ceremony on the Quarter-deck. Promoting officer was family friend, ArmyCol. Jack Kaplan (Ret.), who traveled fromTampa, Fla., for the occasion. Kaplan was alsoSmith’s commissioning officer. Lt. Smith hasbeen in the Navy two years. Hometown isClearwater, Fla.

Lt. j.g. Blake Lyman is welcomed home from deployment May 26.

2X3Smith’s Family

Properties

Preventive Medicine CornerSubmit Questions/Concerns and Tanya Will Provide Answers

Tanya Stuckey

The Examiner -- June 2015 -- 3

Dear Tanya,

My husband will be retiring intwo years after serving in theMarine Corps for his entireadult life. I look around at hisfriends who have alreadyretired and I see a lot of achingbodies, ruined knees, and men-tal health issues that go back tothe long deployments and hardphysical activity. Are there anypreventive measures my hus-band can take now so that hecan maximize his physical andmental health in retirement? Ifeel like we're entering a newphase in life and I want my manto be the best he can be.

Signed,Standing By Her Man

Dear Standing,

It's never too late to practicehealthy habits and no matterwhat your current lifestyle, thereis always room for improve-ment! Serving in the military isa rewarding and stressful careerand it definitely takes a toll onthe body, spirit and mind. Withthe fluctuating rates of deploy-ments, continued pressure tomaintain weight standards, lev-els of fitness and long hours atwork, it is expected that ourbodies and minds will not be thesame leaving this highly-regard-ed career as it was uponentry; but there are things yourhusband (and you) can do toprepare for your new adventurein retirement.

The Marine Corps standards dogive some consideration for theseasoned Marine, but many ofour active duty leaders aren'tready to accept that theyaren't 18-20-years-old anymore;and that pushing 40+ meanslearning to hone those self-awareness skills and listen towhat their bodies are tellingthem. It is possible to stay fitand healthy without injuring yourself.

Also, remembering to practicewhat they teach... self-care mustbe a priority! Caring for the

whole self, listening to yourbody, your inner voice and fol-lowing your heart is all part ofself-care.

Eating a well-balanced diet, get-ting annual healthcare screen-ings, staying active and takingtime to pay attention to theaches and pains and use themas signs that it is time to eithertake a break or seek medicaladvice is a start. Teaming upwith a primary care providerand dietician allows you totake a powerful approach togoal-setting for your specificneeds. Don't forget the spiritualand mental health aspects either.Health affects our whole self;and injury prevention and well-ness must be approached thesame way.

Make a list of what you want toaccomplish personally and as acouple.

Continue to set goals, have fun,be silly and cultivate supportiverelationships. Surrounding your-self with like-minded peoplethat have similar goals will helpyou both stay on track. Seek outfun activities that support yourhealthy lifestyle goals and thatallow you to enjoy yourself andone another. Together, thesethings will guide you into a hap-pier and healthier life together.

HM3 (Sel) Ronel Dalisay (left) shows off his certificate of reenlist-ment with reenlisting officer, Lt. Cmdr. Nathaniel Rial, in a May 26ceremony on the Clinic patio. Dalisay, from San Diego, has been inthe Navy two years. He reenlisted for five more years and has ordersfor Radiology School at Fort Sam Houston.

Lt. j.g. Caylin Schultz gets help with her shoulder boards from Capt.Jay Sourbeer (left) and friend, Marine Lt. Timothy Geren, 1stTanks, in a May 12 promotion ceremony to her current rank. Lt.Schultz is a registered nurse on the Multi-Service Ward.

Vice Adm. Matthew Nathan, Surgeon General ofthe Navy, takes a question during Admiral’s CallMay 20 in Classrooms 4 & 5. Vice Adm. Nathannoted that NHTP is more like an overseas assign-ment and that he would talk to the detailers aboutgetting more seasoned personnel for NHTP assign-ments.

Lt. Cmdr. Philip Sherrick, OccupationalTherapist, is promoted to his current rank bypromoting officer, Cmdr. Wendy Pinkham, dur-ing a June 1 ceremony. Sherrick has been aNavy officer for the past six years. He’s spent atotal of 25 years in the military in all fourbranches of the service. Hometown is Keene,N.H.

4 -- The Examiner -- June 2015

Super Stars...

Lt. Cmdr. Michael W. Pruitt isawarded the Navy and MarineCorps Commendation Medal“for meritorious service whileserving as Department Head,Emergency Department, NHTP,from July 2012 to June 2015.He led 44 staff members andinstructed 85 courses in emer-gency medicine topics to 36nurses and corpsmen, increas-ing clinical knowledge and fos-tering team cohesiveness dur-ing critical emergency events.Lt. Cmdr. Pruitt’s distinctiveaccomplishments, unrelentingperseverance, and steadfastdevotion to duty reflect greatcredit upon himself and are inkeeping with the highest tradi-tions of the United States NavalService.”

Lt. Daniel J. Crouch, is award-ed the Navy and Marine CorpsCommendation Medal “formeritorious service while serv-ing as Environmental HealthOfficer, Preventive MedicineDepartment, NHTP, from July2012 to May 2015. He designedand executed three annualinfluenza campaigns for 25,000

active duty personnel and24,000 civilians--meeting alldepartment of defense vaccinerequirements. Lt. Crouch’s dis-tinctive accomplishments, unre-lenting perseverance, andsteadfast devotion to dutyreflect great credit upon him-self and are in keeping with thehighest traditions of the UnitedStates Naval Service.”

Lt. Patricia Opoku, is awardedthe Navy and Marine CorpsCommendation Medal “formeritorious service while serv-ing as Clinic BusinessManager and Head, OperationsManagement Department,NHTP, from Nov. 2012 to June2015. She successfullyprocessed and maintained over700 personnel security clear-ances to meet mission readi-ness while protecting criticaldata from unauthorized disclo-sure. Lt. Opoku’s distinctiveaccomplishments, unrelentingperseverance, and steadfastdevotion to duty reflect greatcredit upon herself and are inkeeping with the highest tradi-tions of the United States NavalService.”

Lt. Lincoln C. Stuart, CivilEngineer Corps, is awarded theNavy and Marine CorpsCommendation Medal “formeritorious achievement whileserving as Department Head,Facilities Management, NHTP,from May 2013 to May 2015.He also maintained engineer-ing oversight for special proj-ects providing critical infra-structure replacement andfacility repairs, thereby increas-ing the longevity, condition,and mission performance ofthe hospital. Lt.j.g. Stuart’sdistinctive accomplishments,unrelenting perseverance, andsteadfast devotion to dutyreflect great credit upon him-self and are in keeping with thehighest traditions of the UnitedStates Naval Service.”

Chief Culinary Specialist(Surface Warfare), JoseRamirez is awarded the Navyand Marine CorpsCommendation Medal “formeritorious achievement whileserving as Senior EnlistedLeader, Directorate for

Administration, NHTP, fromJanuary 2013 to May 2015. Asthe Command Drug andAlcohol Program Advisor, heincreased awareness training to91 percent and alcohol anddrug abuse management semi-nars for leaders to 85 percent,leading to an unprecedented480 days of alcohol-free inci-dents for the Command. ChiefRamirez’ distinctive accom-plishments, perseverance, anddevotion to duty reflect greatcredit upon himself and are inkeeping with the highest tradi-tions of the United States NavalService.” Fair winds and fol-lowing seas, Chief!

Hospital Corpsman SecondClass Daniel M. Dobrick isawarded the Navy and MarineCorps Achievement Medal “forprofessional achievement in thesuperior performance of hisduties while serving as GeneralDuty Corpsman, Battalion AidStation, Headquarters andService Company, 3rd LightArmored ReconnaissanceBattalion, 1st Marine Division,from Nov. 2011 to November2014. He responded with imme-diate medical care for twoMarines suffering from severeheat stroke while simultaneous-ly orchestrating the air mede-vac ultimately saving theirlives. Petty Officer Dobrick’sinitiative, perseverance, andtotal dedication to duty reflectgreat credit upon himself andare in keeping with the highesttraditions of the Marine Corpsand the United States NavalService. [Signed]M. T. GoodLt. Col.U.S. Marine Corps

Hospitalman TurkoyceThomas-Melson is authorizedto wear the MilitaryOutstanding Volunteer ServiceMedal for public service for the

Hospitalman EduardoGaonazavala receives a Letterof Appreciation for “Yourunselfish and continued sup-port and services as a GeneralDuty Corpsman, MaternalInfant Nursing Department,NHTP, from May 2013 to May2015. You consistently per-formed your duties in an exem-plary and highly professionalmanner. As shift leader, youled a team of three enlistedstaff members in the care of921 patients and their new-borns. You independently per-formed 350 intravenous proce-dures and 210 newborn immu-nizations. You were instrumen-tal in the training and orienta-tion of ten newly assigned per-sonnel resulting in the timelyand efficient completion of alltraining requirements. As theDepartment Training PettyOfficer, you managed therecords of 16 fellow corpsmenensuring all enlisted trainingwere in compliance with theNavy and Command require-ments while maintaining a 97percent compliance rate. Yourcontribution towards NavyMedical care and your dedicat-

period of May 2010 to Nov.2013. “Your sustained, directand superior service in supportof local communities is herebyrecognized. Congratulations!”

ed service has brought creditupon you, and serves as anexample for all of your fellowhealthcare team members. Iextend my appreciation for ajob "Well Done" and look for-ward to your continued serv-ice.”

The Examiner -- June 2015 -- 5

Mr. Ferdinand Cosico, patientsafety specialist, QualityManagement Office, receives aLetter of Appreciation: “FromAugust 2013 to May 2015 youconsistently performed yourduties in an exemplary andhighly professional manner,culminating in the successfulJoint Commission and MedicalInspector General Survey. Yourcommitment to the mission isevident in your dedication tomaintaining the Command’sPatient Safety Program and theCulture of Safety Initiative.You approached everythingwith a positive ‘can do’ attitudeand always portrayed a calmdemeanor. Your peers constant-ly sought after you for yourvast expertise in patient safety.Your exemplary professional-ism and outstanding perform-ance of duty reflect great creditupon yourself and are in keep-ing with the highest tradition ofthe United States NavalService. I commend you for ajob ‘Well Done’ and wish youcontinued success in yourfuture endeavors.”

Ms. Holly Aguilar, EmergencyManagement, receives aFederal Length of ServiceAward for five years of faithfulservice to the federal govern-ment.

Lt. Temitope Ayeni, MaterialsManagement DepartmentHead, is presented the CharlesR. Loar Literary Award fromthe American College ofHealthcare Executives[signed]D. J. MorrisonCommander, Fellow of theAmerican College of Health-care Executives

Mr. James Cox receives aLetter of Appreciation “foryour unselfish and continuedsupport and services as anInformation TechnologySpecialist, InformationManagement Department,NHTP, from Apr. 2014 to Mar.2015. During this time therehave been multiple generatortests that have caused a disrup-tion in network services. Youvolunteered to come in early torestore network operationsbefore the majority of the staffmembers report for duty. Onmultiple occasions you workeddiligently to restore operationsso that patient care would notbe affected. Your contributiontowards patient care and yourdedicated service bestows greatcredit upon yourself and servesas an example for all of yourfellow healthcare team mem-bers. I extend my appreciationfor a job "Well Done!”

Lt. Daniel Crouch receives aNavy and Marine CorpsCommendation Medal for“Meritorious achievement inthe superior performance ofhis duties while service asEnvironmental Health Officer,Preventive Medicine Depart-ment, NHTP, from July 2012 toMay 2015. Lt. Crouch devel-oped a comprehensive base-wide ebola plan and led theresponse of a real world sce-nario that was recognized byNavy Medicine leaders as thebest practice for ebola action.He designed and executedthree annual influenza cam-paigns for 25,000 active dutyand 24,000 civilians meetingall DoD vaccine requirements.Lt. Crouch’s distinctive accom-plishments, unrelenting perse-verance, and steadfast devotionto duty reflect great credit uponhimself and are in keepingwith the highest traditions ofthe United States NavalService.”

Ms. Kimberly J. Davison,NHTP Pharmacy, receives theGood Catch Award. This cer-tificate is awarded in recogni-tion of valuable contributionsto Naval Hospital TwentyninePalms’ Patient Safety Program.

Ms. Estella Parker, NHTPOptometry Clinic, is recognizedwith a Federal Length ofService Award for 25 years offaithful service to the federalgovernment.

Mr. BJ Mata, NHTPInformation ManagementDepartment, is recognized witha Federal Length of ServiceAward for five years of faithfulservice to the federal govern-ment.

Hospital Corpsman Third ClassByron Geonzon receives aLetter of Appreciation “for theoutstanding medical supportyou provided at the Naval AirWeapons Station, China Lake,from Feb. 2015 through Mar.2015. Your willingness to pro-vide support for our ChinaLake personnel to help meetmedical support requirementsduring a critical staffing short-fall is to be commended. Themedical support services andguidance you provided to ouremployees directly contributedto their ability to meet futuremission requirements.”

Hospitalman ApprenticeAlejandro Felan is recognizedwith a Letter of Appreciation“for the outstanding medicalsupport you provided at theNaval Air Weapons Station,China Lake, from Feb. 2015through Mar. 2015. Your will-ingness to provide support forour China Lake personnel tohelp meet medical supportrequirements during a criticalstaffing shortfall is to be com-mended. The medical supportservices and guidance you pro-vided to our employees directlycontributed to their ability tomeet future mission require-ments.”

Lt. Ryan Rigby is promoted tohis present rank May 11 andreceives help with his shoulderboards from attentive sons anddaughter while Capt. JaySourbeer assures all is goingaccording to regulation.

6 -- The Examiner -- June 2015

Sub Offer5X3

Introducing New Staff -- Welcome Aboard!

Ms. Viola Degraffenreid HM2 Sergio LopezHM2 Shawn Keene Ms. Lindsey KeeleyHM1 Alfredo Ruiz Borges

Ms. Viola Degraffenreid hasbeen here since January so it’shigh time we reached out toher. Ms. Degraffenreid is prioractive-duty Marine Corps.She’s been in TwentyninePalms since 2000 and achievedthe rank of corporal after serv-ing four years. “I was an MP, awarehouseman; I did wiring atCamp Wilson, and I was acook, but I never cooked,” shesaid. Hometown is Norrisville,Penn. At NHTP, Ms. Deraffen-reid is a Financial Technician.She married a fellow Marine in2002. Her husband, Hussan,now works for the Dept. ofDefense conducting back-ground investigations for secu-rity clearances. They havethree boys, Paul, six; Hussan,Jr., three; and Benjamin, one.Ms. Degraffenreid has twoAssociate’s degrees and hasalmost completed her Bachelorof Arts degree. She enjoysLacrosse, shopping andChristian music.

HM1 Alfredo Ruiz Borgesarrives from Naval HospitalPensacola, Fla., where heworked for almost five years asassistant LPO for thePreventive MedicineDepartment. At NHTP, HM1Ruiz is taking his expertise tothe Preventive MedicineDepartment. He is here withhis wife, Elizabeth Nieves, andtheir two daughters, ages sevenand five. They plan to live inBase housing. “My wife likesthat the school is close towhere we will be living,” Ruizsaid. He’s been in the Navy 14years and is originally fromSan Sebastian, Puerto Rico.For family activities, Ruiz saysthey like to eat out and travel tolocal attractions. Ruiz alsoenjoys bicycling and listeningto hard-rock music. Hisfavorite band is the GermanBand, Rage.

HM2 Shawn Keene has beenin the Navy six years.Hometown is Geneva, Ala.Keene’s previous assignmentwas a three-year tour on theUSS Roosevelt where he wasjunior medical department rep-resentative for the baby doc onboard (junior Corpsmen underthe Independent DutyCorpsman). “It was a wonder-ful experience,” he says. Mostnotable was “when I got to visit12 countries while on deploy-ment.” Keene is married toHM3 Jessica Keene, assignedto MCAGCC’s MarineLogistics Group. They met atCorps School in Great Lakesand have a daughter, Kendall,age two. At NHTP, HM2 Keeneis assigned to MIND as LPO.Keene is preparing to apply tothe Physicians AssistantProgram. “I do plan to make acareer out of the Navy, but infive to 10 years I probablywon’t be enlisted anymore,” hesaid.

HM2 Sergio Lopez arrived tothe Command May 13 fromRiverine Squadron 3, based inYorktown, Va. For the pastthree years, HM2 Lopezworked boat duty as aCorpsman. “I loved it,” he said.Lopez describes the mission asa defensive combat vessel thatpatrols rivers. The expedi-tionary warfare Corpsman hasbeen in the Navy seven years.Hometown is Fontana, Calif.He’s been assigned to NHTP’sManpower office. HM2 Lopezis accompanied by his wife,Nancy, and son, Caiden, almostfour. The family lives in Basehousing and enjoys hiking andvisiting family. “I love to playsports--basketball, soccer,mountain climbing, running,the average stuff,” Lopez con-tinued. For musical taste,Lopez said: “I like a lot ofSpanish music, hip hop andStylistics-type music.” He saysthe Navy is looking more andmore like a career.

Ms. Lindsey Keeley, NHTP’snew contract pharmacist, isfreshly arrived from Lawton,Okla. She worked as a consult-ant pharmacist for an insur-ance company before takingleave to have a baby.“Typically, I’m a hospital phar-macist,” she said. Hometown isBlanchard, Okla. She has aPhD in Pharmacy fromOklahoma University. She’smarried to Marine Capt. PaulKeeley, currently assigned tothe First Marine Battalion, 7thMarine Regiment onMCAGCC. They have a daugh-ter, Emmy, age two. TheKeeleys are living in Basehousing. “I like it,” Ms. Keeleysaid. “But I did see two rat-tlesnakes.” They were dead, butit was somewhat unsettling, shesaid. The Keeleys enjoy traveland photography. Ms. Keeleysaid she was wanted to enterthe medical field, but choosepharmacy because she likeschemistry and dislikes blood.

The Examiner -- June 2015 -- 7

NHTP Celebrates Asian American Pacific Islander Month

May was Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month and NHTP staffcelebrated with insightful remarks by guest speaker JovenCaguioa, HMC(FMF/SW/AW), USN, Ret., dancers representingThailand, the Maori, Hawaii and the Philippines. The Galley pro-duced a whole roast pig to set the proper gustatory theme. AndSom Harz charmed all with her dancing, food, decorations, andgeneral encouragement to get into the spirit of celebration.

HN Zachariah Boydsnee HN Max Sechler HM3 Jeffrey Santos

Performing the Maori Haka war dance

HM3 Jardine Barry and HM3 (sel) RonelDalisay perform the Filipino Tinkling Dance.

Right: CS2Stephen

Fuqua, CS2Jeffrey Eng

and CS2Josemario

Decastro serveroast pig.

HN Jenny Monobeluna and SomHarz await their turn to dance.

Below: Ms. Kampirada (center) and her dancers performtraditional Thai dances.

NHTP Observes Change of Command and Retirement Ceremony

8 -- The Examiner -- June-- 2015

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