March 2007 Frontline - Commissioned Officers Association

C O M M I S S I O N E D O F F I C E R S A S S O C I A T I O NCOAFrontlineVol. 44, Issue 2 March 2007FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTORWhere Will You Be the First Week in June?Dear COA Friends,Jerry FarrellExecutive DirectorThere is an abundanceof subjects I canaddress this month, butprobably not roomenough to cover them allin this column – or evenin this issue of Frontline.Hot topics include therelease on 20 February of the DHHSInspector General’s Report on theCommissioned Corps’ Response to HurricanesKatrina and Rita and the media’s somewhatnegative spin on what is really a positivestory. Then there is the “postponement”of the Tier 1 and 2 Responder’straining exercises scheduled to begin inFebruary – announced almost simultaneouslywith the IG report calling for…more training!We could examine the President’sBudget for FY08 and its implications forthe Corps; we could review the latestprogress in transformation – that wouldn’trequire too much space; or we could discussthe recent surge of senior officerretirements and what that might portend.I’d really like to be able to report that theDHHS Office of General Counsel hasfinally made a decision with respect to theover 30 years of service retirement paymultiplier; it’s only been, what, threemonths now? But I cannot, because OGChas not. Perhaps between the time I writethis in late February and the time it arrivesin your mailbox, we will have the rightdecision.IN MEMORIAMI could speculate with you about whythe President has not yet nominated an18th Surgeon General – seven full monthsnow since VADM Carmona steppeddown. We do know there has been somerecent activity. It appears that interviews ofpotential candidates have resumed again.COA knows that at least seven or eightpeople have been contacted by the WhiteHouse. That marvelous vehicle of informationand rumor – the internet – has arecent posting that names one person as a“leading candidate.” COA is followingthese rumors and reports closely, andwhen the time is right, we’ll introduce ourselvesand the Commissioned Corps to the(likely) nominee. One nice thing aboutWashington and politics, there are darnedfew secrets.(See Executive Director, page 17)Betty Koop, Former First Lady of CorpsElizabeth (Betty) Koop, wife of the13th Surgeon General, Dr. C. EverettKoop, and former First Lady of the PHSCommissioned Corps, passed away onFebruary 18th, 2007 after a long illness.The Koops were married in 1938. Amemorial service was held on March10th at the First Congregational Churchof Woodstock, Vermont. COA and theFoundation arranged for the Associationand the Commissioned Corps to be representedby a delegation of uniformedofficers and COA members.Memorial gifts may be made to theFirst Congregational Church ofWoodstock, 36 Elm street, Woodstock,VT 05091 (Memo: Missions).In a 1988 commencement address atColby College, Dr. Koop paid tribute toBetty as they celebrated their GoldenWedding Anniversary. Dr. Koop commentedthen that “the factor of ‘mutuality’has been very important in our marriage.There has been mutual sharing oflife and career experiences and mutualrespect for what each other does…andis.”After the tragic death of their son,David, in a mountain climbing accidentat age 20, Dr. and Mrs. Koop wrote abook together, “Sometimes MountainsMove” about their son and the meaningof his untimely death. It was their hopethe book would help other parents whoexperience a similar tragedy.In addition to Dr. Koop, Betty is survivedby three children and seven grandchildren.

BENEFITS OF YOURCOA MEMBERSHIPCAPITOL HILL REPRESENTATIONCOA legislation on Capitol Hillcontinually supports all CommissionedCorps officers – active, inactivereserve, and retired.LOCAL REPRESENTATIONCOA branches generate newvenues for meeting fellow officers withinyour local area while providing a forum forthe discussion of concerns withinthe Commissioned Corps.ANNUAL MEETINGWith a mixture of business and pleasure,COA’s annual meeting invites colleaguesfrom around the country to gather todiscuss new scientific presentationswhile stimulating open forums abouthealth-related issues.INSURANCE PROGRAMSCOA enables members toparticipate in several low-costinsurance programs that maycontinue after leaving the PHS aslong as your membership in COAremains current.FRONTLINECOA’s newsletter reports onmonthly activities and items ofinterest to COA members aboutthe Corps & COA.SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMCOA offers thousands of dollarstowards college scholarshipsfor children and spouses ofCOA members.RIBBON & MINIATURE MEDALThe COA ribbon and miniaturemedal are authorized to be wornon the PHS uniform by membersin good standing.HERTZ RENTAL DISCOUNTMembers enjoy discount rates onHertz rental throughout theUnited States at Hertz locationsand participating licensees.LEGISLATIVE UPDATEHHS Sec. Mike Leavitt PraisesPHS Corps, Indian Health ServiceThe COA Board of Directors hasapproved the organization’s LegislativeAgenda for 2007-2008, which will be postedon our website. Here is a round-up ofwhere things stand on congressionaland executive branch issues of interestto the PHS Commissioned Corps.President’s Budget. The President’sBudget for FY 2008, sent toCapitol Hill on February 5, waspronounced “dead on arrival”by the Democratic majority.Democrats were angered bycuts in health programs, especiallycuts in health care forpoor children and a scalingback of support for educationfor health professionals.On February 6, in the firstof a round of appearances onCapitol Hill, Health and Human ServicesSecretary Mike Leavitt was grilled for threehours by members of the HouseCommittee on Energy and Commerce. Foradvocates of the PHS CommissionedCorps, there was one bright moment: TheSecretary spontaneously remarked that evenin a budget requiring draconian cuts, thereare some programs deserving of “protection.”He named the PHS CommissionedCorps, the Indian Health Service, andHead Start. He also alluded to PHS officers’exemplary response to the 2005 hurricanes.IG Report. The Department’s InspectorGeneral issued a frank report on February20 about the Commissioned Corps’response to hurricanes Katrina and Ritathat described logistical and other problemsrequiring correction. The report correctlynoted that some agencies were unwilling orunable to allow some officers to deploy. Itsaid some officers lacked working communicationsdevices and other basic tools. Thereport also said some officers personallyincurred mission-related expenses and werenot promptly reimbursed. But the reportwas generally positive in evaluating theCorps’ response and none of its findings orrecommendations should come as a surpriseto anyone. More on this in the next issue ofFrontline.The Military Coalition. In 23 pages ofdetailed congressional testimony, TheMilitary Coalition is again asking Congressto protect beneficiaries against cost-shiftingand fully fund the Defense Department’shealth care program. Once again,large “catch-up” fee increases forretirees are an issue. The Coalitionargues that eroding retiree benefitshurt retention and recruitment.The Coalition alsoseeks improvements to TRI-CARE, including higherreimbursements for physicians.Maryland Retiree TaxExemption. COA’s efforts tocorrect an oversight by the 2006 MarylandGeneral Assembly are bearing fruit. HouseBill 392 and Senate Bill 419 would removefrom the 2006 law a 14-word clause introducedin the final hectic hours of last year’slegislative session. Those 14 words preventPHS and NOAA retirees who retired beforeJuly 1, 1991 from claiming a $5,000 taxexemption for “military” retirees.COA Executive Director Jerry Farrell hasmet with more than a dozen key state legislatorsin Annapolis to gain support for thecorrective legislation. Hearings were held onFebruary 15 and 28. Success in this effortwill define Maryland PHS retirees as “military”and serve as a useful precedent forother states.Because COA is the only organization supportingthese bills, it is essential that Marylandlegislators hear from Maryland COA members.Please write! For information, please callme at 301-731-9080 or e-mail me at jrensberger@coausphs.orgSurgeon General. With regard to COA’stop priority, there appears to be little or noprogress. COA is again asking the Senate’sCommittee on Health, Education, Labor(See Legislative Update, page 4)2 COMMISSIONED OFFICERS ASSOCIATION

PHS-2 Team Members Deploy for theState Funeral of President Gerald R. FordBy LCDR Barbara Sanchez, USPHSOn December 28, 2006, team membersfrom the PHS-2 Rapid DeploymentForce (RDF) were identified for deploymentto President Ford’s funeral. The PHS-2 RDF is one of the five multi-disciplinaryRDF teams, comprised of 105 officersdesignated as Tier 1 from the USPHSCommissioned Corps. The Office of theAssistant Secretary for Preparedness andResponse (ASPR) had requested Office ofForce Readiness and Deployment (OFRD)assistance in identifying clinicians to assistin providing medical care for the period of“viewing the flag draped casket” in therotunda of the U.S. Capitol. Team membersof PHS-2, in addition to Tier 3 officersand Disaster Medical Assistance Teams,were tasked to man medical tents, provideroaming Medical Assistance and comprisePharmacy Strike Teams. The deploymentstarted on Saturday, December 30, 2006,and ended January 2, 2007.While hundreds of federal, state andlocal government employees workedaround the clock to ensure the Capitol areawas safe and secure, people from all over thecountry lined up to pay their respects to our38th president, who died at his home onDecember 26, 2006 at the age of 93. Somevisitors said it took about an hour to passsecurity checks and walk past the casket.Mourners lined up for several blocks, start-Mishoe Promoted to Flag Rank; Siegal NamedChief Therapist Officer; McGarvey RetiresCOA congratulates Rear AdmiralHelena Mishoe on her selection andpromotion to the rank of AssistantSurgeon General (Rear Admiral) in thePHS Commissioned Corps. RADMMishoe is the Associate Director forMinority Health Affairs, National Heart,Lung, and Blood Institute, NIH, and thePublic Health Service Chief ScientistOfficer. We note that more than half ofthe serving Chief Professional Officers areUSPHS RDF2 Pharmacy Strike Team deployed to the National CathedralSam Levy (ASPR), LCDR Sam Wu, LCDR Keith Olin (FDA), LCDR Jeff Tworzyanski (FDA),Drivers,(l to r) LCDR Barbara Sanchez (FDA) and CDR Laura Pincock, Team Leader (FDA).(Photo courtesy of LCDR Sam Wu)ing near the United States Botanical Gardenat the base of Capitol Hill. Some peoplenow flag rank officers.COA also congratulates Captain KarenLohmann Siegal who has been appointedas the new Chief Therapist Officer.Captain Siegal is a Senior Staff Specialist inthe Physical Disabilities Branch at NIH.COA further congratulates CaptainCharlie McGarvey as he completes histerm as Chief Therapist Officer and retiresafter a long and distinguished career in theCommissioned Corps.wore blue jeans and sweat shirts, otherswore their Sunday best. The visitors proceededthrough the Capitol in two steadystreams along velvet ropes encircling thecasket, pausing only for a periodic changingof the military honor guard.One mission of the deployed personnelwas to provide medical care to the publicduring the viewing of President Ford’s casket.Medical teams were assigned to one offive tents erected on the grounds around theCapitol building and were comprised of aphysician, a physician’s assistant or a nursepractitioner, and two nurses per shift.Special consideration was given to coldweather injuries, dehydration and geriatricrelatedissues. Additionally, two PharmacyStrike Teams of five pharmacists each were(See PHS-2 Team, page 4)MARCH 2007 • COA FRONTLINE 3

(PHS-2 Team, from page 3)stationed in the area and provided 24-hourcoverage during the four-day period. Thesepharmacists, who were dedicated to theStrategic National Stockpile (SNS) for theentire mission, were issued a van to escortthe SNS 3 trucks and assist SNS personnelas needed. This deployment provided anopportunity for team members to getacquainted with one another; familiarizethemselves with equipment; and interactwith other local, state and federal personnel.Following the three-day viewing of thedraped casket at the Capitol, the funeral washeld on Tuesday, January 2, 2007, at theNational Cathedral. One Pharmacy StrikeTeam relocated the SNS to the Cathedraluntil the President’s casket was on its finaldestination to Grand Rapids, Michigan, forburial.During this local deployment, some ofthe deployment team members were able topay their respects to President Ford in theCapitol Rotunda. It was a unique opportunityto be part of America’s history. PresidentFord’s grandchildren shook hands withthe team in the Rotunda and thanked themfor serving our country.Footnotes:1. Office of the Assistant Secretary forPreparedness and Response webpage:http://www.hhs.gov/ophep/2. Encyclopedia webpage chronicling thelife of President Ford: http:// en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gerald_Ford3. Center for Disease Control andPrevention’s Emergency Preparedness &Response webpage describing the SNS:http://www.bt.cdc.gov/stockpile(Legislative Update, from page 2)and Pensions (HELP) to urge the Presidentto name a new Surgeon General, preferablyfrom the ranks of the PHS CommissionedCorps.“National Nurse.” Since 2005, manynurses across the country have been pressingCongress to create an Office of the NationalNurse. A bill introduced in the House lastyear failed to move, but gained 42 cosponsorsand could be reintroduced this year.COA’s position? The Nation already has aNational Nurse: the Chief Nurse Officer of theU.S. Public Health Service. So the centralthrust of any new legislation must be to recognizethat fact, upgrade and strengthenthat position, and provide the resources tosupport it. To this end, COA representativesmet with congressional staff in Novemberto press that view. COA also suggested thatRep. Lois Capps, a nurse and the lead sponsorof last year’s proposal, might wish torequest a meeting with the current PHSChief Nurse Officer, RADM CarolRomano. That request has been made and,as Frontline goes to press, a meeting is beingscheduled.Combat Zone Income Tax Exclusion.So far this year, legislative proposals toaddress a tax inequity faced by PHS officersserving in Iraq and Afghanistan have notbeen reintroduced. Bills introduced last yearin both chambers, with substantial COAinput and strong support from The MilitaryCoalition, failed to clear their committees ofjurisdiction. That means starting anew inthe 110 th Congress. The inequity is this:PHS Officers working in war zones cannotexclude, for federal income tax purposes, asubstantial portion of their pay. That benefitis limited to “Armed Forces” personnel.COA’s strongest argument for change hasbeen the Health and Human ServicesDepartment’s narrow interpretation of presentlaw and its denial of its own officers’appeals.Troops to Nurse Teachers. Last year, theSenate approved a proposal to provide assistancefor retired “Armed Forces” nurses willingto earn advance degrees and thenassume positions on the faculties of nursingschools. The proposal, dropped by a House-Senate Conference Committee, would nothave helped PHS nurse retirees even if ithad been approved. This year, a similar proposalis in the works that would once againleave out PHS nurse retirees. COA andMilitary Coalition representatives are lookinginto the matter.—Judy Rensberger4 COMMISSIONED OFFICERS ASSOCIATION

CHIEF PROFESSIONAL OFFICERS REPORTDietitians and Nutritionists Play Vital RolesCAPT Janice HuyChief Dietitian OfficerU.S. Dept of Health and Human ServicesThe only way to keep your health is to eatwhat you don’t want, drink what you don’tlike, and do what you’d rather not– Mark TwainGood thing Mark Twain isn’t thespokesperson for National NutritionMonth 2007! As Dietitians, Nutritionists,and other health professionals celebrate andpromote healthy eating this month, ourmessage will be quite different from theadvice of this American humorist.As Chief Dietitian Officer, it is my pleasureto talk with you about the Dietitians andNutritionists in the Public Health Service.From our humble beginnings in food service,we have grown and extended our expertiseto every aspect of public health.There are 93 Registered Dietitianscurrently serving as Commissioned Corpsofficers, coming from a variety of backgroundsand professional experiences. OneCo-step graduate, LTJG SamanthaInterpreter, a Senior Staff Dietitian with theIHS Kayenta Service Unit, enjoys her currentjob because, “I am providing optimalhealth care information to my home peoplein my own language and that gives me thegreatest joy.” LT Kwang Kim, a dietitianwho recently transferred from the Navy tothe Kayenta Service Unit, is learning thenew cultures of the PHS and IHS and saysthat “not only am I teaching my patientsabout nutrition and lifestyle changes, butthey are also teaching me their culture and Ican understand the difficulties of change forthem.”Dietitians first served the PHS as early as1919. Dietitians were responsible for thepurchase, preparation, and delivery of foodto American seamen through hospitalslocated primarily in port cities. Over time,we expanded our role as nutrition counselorsand educators. In 1936, theChildren’s Bureau hired its first nutritionconsultant. Today, LCDR Pam Vodickaserves as nutrition consultant for oral healthissues in what is now called the Maternaland Child Health Bureau.On July 1, 1944, PHS began commissioningdietitians. At that time, our responsibilitiesincluded establishing and maintainingdietetic standards in PHS hospitalswith a major emphasis on therapeutic nutritionand teaching programs. CAPT SilviaBenincaso continues that tradition as the(See Dieticians, page 6)(See Agenda, page 8)MARCH 2007 • COA FRONTLINE 5

(Dieticians, from page 5)Clinical Nutrition Manager at the PhoenixIndian Medical Center and the site coordinatorfor the Southwestern DieteticInternship, a recently accredited dieteticinternship program specifically designed totrain future dietitians to work in NativeAmerican communities. CDR GraydonYatabe, the coordinator for the CommunityNutrition Department and the DiabetesProgram with the IHS Chinle Service Unitand also the Lead Associate Recruiter for theDietitian category, says that being aCommissioned Corps dietitian for IHS hasallowed him “to achieve my two main professionalgoals: to be allowed the freedom tobe innovative and progressive every day andto remain involved in national and regionalprojects.”CDR Madeline Michael is the Chief ofClinical Nutrition Services at NIH. Sheenjoys working with pediatric patients andtheir families and recognizes that “theCommissioned Corps is unique in that itallows individuals to work beyond the traditionalboundaries of their profession, andprovides many opportunities for dietitians toadvance in both skills and responsibilities.”Our dietitians work outside the clinicalsetting also. LCDR Carma Pauli currentlyworks for the USDA as a Regional PublicHealth Trainer who develops and deliversfood safety regulatory education training forfederal employees and plant management.In her experience with the USDA, she has“had the opportunity to see, first handthrough product recalls and foodborne illnessoutbreak investigations how a breakdownin the food safety continuum canhave enormous financial consequences anda detrimental impact on public health.”With the increasing presence of theCorps, our dietitians are servingside by side with health providersfrom our sister services inhumanitarian relief efforts.Not all PHS dietitians work in “traditional”dietetics programs. CAPT SandraFarley is responsible for the evaluation of a$1.2 billion dollar nationwide healthcarequality improvement program for theCenters for Medicare and MedicaidServices. CDR Suzan Dunaway, a priorNavy dietitian who remains active in thedietetics community and teaches nutrition ata local community college, is currently aProgram Analyst in the Office of theAssistant Secretary for Preparedness andResponse who feels that “for me, being aPHS officer has really offered the best ofboth worlds.”By providing expertise in medical nutritiontherapy, food safety, and food servicemanagement, PHS Dietitians demonstrateda vital role in assisting those afflicted by hurricanesKatrina and Rita. LCDR SamanthaMaloney, Medical Nutrition TherapyManager of the Alaska Native MedicalCenter in Anchorage and PHS Dietitian ofthe Year for 2005, described her deploymentas “a fascinating and humbling experience,one in which I will never forget.” LTMichelle Noe deployed as a member of theSERT to Baton Rouge, where she assistedthe Louisiana Department of Health andHospitals as the Medical Branch Liaison forHospitals, Nursing Homes, and Clinics. Inaddition, PHS Dietitians are helpingOfficers achieve and maintain fitness forduty. CAPT Jean Makie, the SeniorDietitian of the Year 2006, initiated the Fitfor Duty, Fit for Life column in the CCBulletin.With the increasing presence of theCorps, our dietitians are serving side by sidewith health providers from our sister servicesin humanitarian relief efforts. In April 2006,LT Merel Kozlosky, deployed on the Navyhospital ship USNS COMFORT TAH-20as part of the Combined Joint MedicalExercise where she worked alongside membersof the Navy, Royal British Navy,Canadian Forces, and Japanese MaritimeDefense Force while taking part in disastermass casualty drills, tabletop discussions, andextensive mass casualty training.During this month, National NutritionMonth 2007, know that the PHS Dietitiansare working to protect the health and safetyof our country by providing nutrition counseling,helping to protect the nation’s foodsupply, participating in research to determinethe relationship between nutrition andhealth and disease, or managing health andsafety programs. I am very proud to servealongside these dedicated men and women.I want to thank LCDR KathleenManning for her valuable assistance in writingthe initial draft of this article.6 COMMISSIONED OFFICERS ASSOCIATION

FROM THE FOUNDATION PRESIDENTBecome an Associate Recruiter for theUSPHS Commissioned CorpsMary Pat CouigFoundation PresidentIn 2004, the Associationof State andTerritorial Health Officials(ASTHO) publisheda report, “StatePublic Health EmployeeWorker ShortageReport: A CivilService Recruitmentand Retention Crisis.” 1The findings were based on a survey ofASTHO membership and senior healthofficials from 57 states and territoriesincluding the District of Columbia;ASTHO received responses from 37 states.The findings document a looming publichealth worker shortage that will impact theability of health departments to offer servicesby qualified professionals including thecapability to respond in a crisis situation.One of the strategies to address these shortagesis through renewed recruitment andretention programs.Similarly, the Department of Health andHuman Services is experiencing a shortageof health professionals especially in severalcategories of the Commissioned Corps. Aspart of the Transformation of theCommissioned Corps a new recruitmentprogram is being developed. At the end ofJanuary I met with RADM Larry Furman,Director, Office of Commissioned CorpsOperations and members of his staff to discusshow COF could assist with HHSrecruitment and retention efforts, especiallythose directed toward increasing the numberof Corps officers. It is important thatany effort be coordinated with the Corpsleadership to ensure consistency of informationand targeted goals.RADM Furman provided an overviewof the recruitment and call to active duty(CAD) process. A comprehensive recruitmentprogram is scheduled to begin earlyApril 2007. The program will include anational campaign, webpage, communicationsfor professional journals and a toll-freecall system. The recruitment focus of theprogram will be on physicians, dentists,nurses and pharmacists. A new electronicCAD program is under development andwill include a place for officers to indicateassignment preferences. The electronicCAD will complete phase 1 of the move toa computerized system with a targeteddeadline of the end of the summer 2008 forthe completed program.How can you help? Become an AssociateRecruiter. After leaving the PHS CommissionedCorps, many former officersmove into senior leadership positions withinacademia, public health, foundations,(See Foundation, page 8)MARCH 2007 • COA FRONTLINE 7

(Foundation, from page 7)health professional associations and otherhealth and public health-related areas. As aresult, these former or retired officers arewell situated to help educate others aboutHHS and the Corps, to recruit and perhapsto offer training experiences. The AssociateRecruiter Program (ARP) allows retiredofficers, academics, civilians and others toserve in the ARP as long as they meet thespecified criteria detailed in the CommissionedCorps Personnel Manual,Associate Recruiter Program.The criteria include:• “Maintain a strong commitment anddedication to the mission, vision, andcore values of the Corps;• Provide three references attesting to theindividual’s interest, intent, and ability tocarry out the role and responsibilities ofan AR; and• Completion of AR introductory training.”2Materials and directions for requestingtraining for the ARP can be found on theCommissioned Corps Management InformationSystem website at: http://dcp.USPHS Flags Available Again!3’ X 5’ nylon flag* withUSPHS seal sewn ontoboth sides and metalgrommets make this flagappropriate for proudindoor/outdoor displayand special presentation.Fly it proudly at your home, on your office wall or on the road!Cost: $55.00 plus $5.00 shipping** (in US and territories).* Please note that this item is for personal use and not intended to replace official USPHS flags as notedin Subchapter CC29.9 of the Commissioned Corps Manual.Desktop Flag Set Also Now Available!4” x 6” U.S. and PHS synthetic silk flagsmounted on a black plastic base and staffwith golden tipExcellent, unique gift for fellow officers,family members and PHS civilians alike!Cost: Price reduced! Now just $18 plus$5.00 shipping** (in U.S. and territories)**Note: In most cases multiple USPHS flags and/or desktop sets can be mailed togetherand the total shipping charge will remain $5.00 if sent to one address.So get together with friends to place your order and save!For questions or to place an order, contact LT Carlos Bell atizz3@cdc.gov, Atlanta Commissioned Officers Associationpsc.gov/ARP_Materials.asp. Training consistsof an AR Introductory Program andcovers a broad range of topics includingrecruitment concepts, legal and ethicalrecruitment issues, standards of conduct,appointment standards, general HHSorganization information and the applicationprocess. In addition to the introductorytraining each AR must participate intraining once every 3 years. Once youbecome an AR, you will be subscribed to alistserv and kept abreast of the latest programdevelopments and materials.The Foundation and OCCO will monitorthis process on a regular basis. If youare a retired or former officer who wouldlike to participate and you have questions,please contact me at mpcouig@comcast.net. Thank you.1 State Public Health Employee WorkerShortage Report: A Civil ServiceRecruitment and Retention Crisishttp://www.astho.org/pubs/Worker-Shortage-Booklet.pdf; AccessedFebruary 15, 20072 Commissioned Corps PersonnelManual, Associate Recruiter Program.http://dcp.psc.gov/eccis/documents/CCPM23_1_6.pdf ; Accessed February15, 2007JOAG SupportsJunior Officers!A special thanks to the JuniorOfficer Advisory Group (JOAG) fortheir generous support of the PHSCommissioned Officers FoundationJunior Officer Scholarship Fund.JOAG has contributed $9,319.33 tothe scholarship fund which pays theannual symposium registration feesfor junior officers unable to obtaingovernment funding. This is trulypeers helping peers!JOAG raised the money by runninga variety of fund raising activitiesfor the Foundation including teeshirt and coin sales throughout theyear. Last year, the Foundation spentsome $30,000 on registration fees forjunior officers.8 COMMISSIONED OFFICERS ASSOCIATION

PHS Commissioned Officers Foundationfor the Advancement of Public Health Acknowledges...Donations received January 1–31, 2007SilverCAPT Frederick Dykstra, (Ret.)CAPT Arthur B. McIntyre, Jr., (Ret.)BronzeCAPT Louise K. Baker, (Ret.)CAPT Gary T. BlacheCAPT Ralph J. Black, (Ret.)CAPT Charles P. Froom, (Ret.)CAPT Alice M. Haggerty, (Ret.)RADM Jerome A. Halperin, (Ret.)CAPT Leslie W. Knott, (Ret.)CAPT James L. Shoemake, (Ret.)CAPT Betty J. Shuler, (Ret.)CDR Wilnetta A. SweetingCAPT John A. Wolfe, (Ret.)FriendsLCDR Dawn M. BraswellLT Lorenzo D. DominguezRADM Edgar N. Duncan, (Ret.)CAPT Lorenzo G. Guzman, (Ret.)LTJG Joel D. HustedtRADM Jerrold M. Michael, (Ret.)In Honor of CAPT Gene Migliaccio's RetirementCAPT Milton Z. Nichaman, (Ret.)In Honor of CAPT Gene Migliaccio's RetirementCDR Nancy G. SebringCDR Kimberly K. SturmDonations Can be Made at Several levels:Leadership Society . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$10,000President’s Society . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$5,000Founder’s Society . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$2,500Platinum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1,000Gold . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$500Silver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$250Bronze . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$100Yes, I would like to help!PHS COMMISSIONED O FFICERS F OUNDATIONFOR THE A DVANCEMENT OF P UBLIC H EALTHEnclosed is my contributionPlease make checks payable to:“PHS Commissioned Officers Foundation”or provide credit card information belowMAIL TO: PHS Commissioned OfficersFoundation for theAdvancement of Public Health8201 Corporate Drive, Suite 200Landover, MD 20785Type of Credit Card:Amount:$ ____________________MasterCardVisaAmerican ExpressDiscoverCard Number: ________________________________________________________________Name on Card: ________________________________________________________________Expiration Date: ________________________________________________________________Signature: ________________________________________________________________Name:________________________________________________________________Organization: ________________________________________________________________Mailing Address: ________________________________________________________________City: __________________________ State: ______________ Zip: ______________Phone: ____________________ Fax: __________________ Email: __________________MARCH 2007 • COA FRONTLINE 9

10 COMMISSIONED OFFICERS ASSOCIATION

Free Immunization Training for PharmacistsThe Pharmacist Professional AdvisoryCommittee (PharmPAC) in collaborationwith the PHS Commissioned OfficersFoundation (COF) is pleased to provide theAmerican Pharmacists Association (APhA)Pharmacy-based Immunization Deliverytraining for pharmacy officers in conjunctionwith the USPHS Scientific and TrainingSymposium.This training will occur on Friday, June 8,2007 from 7:30 am to 6 pm at theMillennium Hotel. This training is open toall PHS pharmacists, both CommissionedCorps and Civil Service. Through the generoussupport of the COF, APhA, theAmerican Society of Hospital Pharmacists(ASHP), and the Archambalt Foundation,the PharmPAC is able to provide this trainingat no cost for the first 50 pharmacist officerswho register (lunch will be made availableat the cost of the attendee). The cost toreceive this same training at the APhAAnnual meeting in Atlanta was $225!PLEASE NOTE: In order to sign up forthis training you must be registered for andattending at least 1 day of the Symposium.This program will focus on providingpharmacists with the skills and resources necessaryto establish and promote successfuladult immunization services. Detailed informationabout routine adult immunizationswill be provided in the self-study modules(12 ACPE hours) and reinforced during thelive training (8 ACPE hours) using case studiesand interactive discussions. Pharmacistswill be expected to practice intramuscularand subcutaneous injections on a partnerduring the seminar and are asked to wearclothing that will allow easy access to the deltoidmuscle. Pharmacists also must completea self-study learning guide and assessmenttest prior to attending the session.A final exam will be administered at theconclusion of the program.Visit www.phscofevents.org for moreinformation or to sign up.Book a Room Online atthe Symposium HotelOfficers of the CommissionedCorps of the U.S. Public HealthService can now quickly and easilybook a room at the MillenniumHotel in Cincinnati for the 2007U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS)Scientific and Training Symposium(formerly the USPHS ProfessionalConference) sponsored by the PHSCommissioned Officers Foundation.Visit www.coausphsconference.org/location.cfm for details. The hotel isdirectly connected to the DukeEnergy Convention Center wheremost Symposium events will be held.Rooms are available at the prevailingper diem rate of $86 for a single.MARCH 2007 • COA FRONTLINE 11

$18.95TO ORDER CALL THE UNVIVERSITY OF ALASKA PRESSTOLL FREE AT 1-888-252-6657OR ORDER ONLINE AT WWW.UAF.EDU/UAPRESS.By Robert Fortuine, M.D.Captain, USPHS (Retired)PUBLISHED BY THE COMMISSIONED OFFICERS FOUNDATION, LANDOVER, MD.DISTRIBUTED BY THE UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA PRESS.12 COMMISSIONED OFFICERS ASSOCIATION

2007 State of the Union Address DeploymentContributing Authors: CDR Nita Sood, LCDR Diem-Kieu Ngo, LCDR Kavita Dada,LT Randy Anderson, LT Carmen Kelly, LT Sohail Mosaddegh, and LT Hyun SonThe Secretary of the Department ofHomeland Security designated the 2007State of the Union Address a NationalSpecial Security Event (NSSE). The U.S.Secret Service was assigned as the leadagency for the Executive Branch and theU.S. Capitol Police was designated the leadagency for the Legislative Branch. In coordination,both agencies were responsible forthe overall response.At 0900 on January 23, 2007, tenUSPHS Commissioned Corps pharmacyofficers reported to the Hubert H.Humphrey Building (headquarters of theU.S. Department of Health and HumanServices), located at the foot of Capitol Hill,to assist in staging health and medicalresponse assets in support of a largerresponse strategy on or around the U.S.Capitol at the request of the U.S. CapitolPolice and the Office of the AttendingPhysician. The response teams includedone Pharmacy Strike Team, one PharmacyEvacuation Staging Team, seven NationalDisaster Medical System (NDMS) StrikeTeams, and one NDMS National MedicalResponse Team. The Pharmacy StrikeTeam consisted of CDR Nita Sood (TeamLeader), LT Randy Anderson (DeputyTeam Leader), LT Carmen Kelly, LT SohailMosaddegh, and LT Hyun Son. ThePharmacy Evacuation Staging Team consistedof LCDR Diem-Kieu Ngo andLCDR Kavita Dada. In addition to thepharmacy officers, USPHS CommissionedCorps physicians, physician assistants, nursepractitioners, and nurses were embedded inall seven NDMS Strike Teams and theEmergency Management Group (EMG).The morning began with welcomingremarks by RADM W. Craig Vanderwagen,M.D., followed by briefings on safety andsecurity, the D.C. Department of Health,D.C. Fire Emergency Medical Service, andJoint Force Headquarters-National CapitalRegion. The USPHS CommissionedCorps officers also met with LCDR PatrickDenis (OFRD Liaison), who instructedthem on their role in the current mission.LCDR Denis also provided a tour of theThe Pharmacy Strike and Evacuation TeamsFrom left to right- LT Randy Anderson, CDR Nita Sood, LCDR Diem-Kieu Ngo, LT SohailMosaddegh, LT Carmen Kelly, LT Hyun Son, and LCDR Kavita DadaNDMS emergency vehicles and FEMAtrucks containing the NDMS strike teamkits to those who were interested. At 1600,the response teams convened at their dutystation in the HHS Building, RayburnBuilding, or Hart Building.Two Special Event Packs (SEPs) from theStrategic National Stockpile (SNS) werestaged at the Humphrey Building and containedcountermeasures to treat patientsexposed to nerve agents. The PharmacyStrike Team had a vehicle staged at theHumphrey Building loading dock to facilitatethe deployment of the SEPs if required.Five hundred Mylar blankets were alsostaged in a separate vehicle located at thebuilding’s loading dock for deployment ifneeded. At 1700, the pharmacy teamsreported to the loading dock to meet withthe drivers and get an overview of the areawhere the assets were staged. If an incidentoccurred, the Pharmacy Strike Team andEvacuation Team would have been activatedand directed by the Secretary’sOperations Center (SOC) to deploy theSEPs and Mylar blankets to the field.While the teams were in place at theHumphrey Building, CDR David Bates,serving as the Chief Pharmacist for theNDMS Pharmacy Logistics, brought severalStrike Team kits for the response teams toreview and become familiar with its contents.LCDR Patrick Denis gave the pharmacyteams an overview of the SOC, where theyhad an opportunity to observe fellow pharmacyofficers in the EMG: LCDR VasaviThomas (served as Administration andFinance Support) and CAPT James Bresette(served as Information Cell Support).At 1830, the Operations Chief (Mr.Samuel Levy) recapped to the pharmacyteams their roles and responsibilities in theevent a response was required.Fortunately, the rest of the evening wentwithout an incident, the overall chain ofoperations was a success, and the responseteams were demobilized at 23:30.MARCH 2007 • COA FRONTLINE 13

BRANCH NEWSThe Heart of America Branch Welcomes RADM John BabbFollowing a recent "Heart of America"(HOA) Branch COA meeting, 21Officers in the Kansas City area hosted a"Welcoming Ceremony" for RADM JohnBabb. As the new HHS Region VII HealthAdministrator, RADM Babb graciouslyreceived the Officer's greetings and wordsof appreciation. As evidenced by RADMBabb's report of National, Regional, andlocal events, he clearly maintains a steadfastcommitment for rapid deployments andimproved public health.The HOA Branch includes Officers inthe States of Kansas, Northern Missouri,Southern Nebraska, and Iowa. The agencyassignments include the ATSDR, BOP,EPA, FDA, HRSA, IHS, OS, PSC, and theUSMS. The Branch's current executiveofficers are CDR Anne Perry, President;CDR Alan Brend, Vice-President; CDRMonique Brooks, Treasurer; and CDRPaula Foster, Secretary.The next HOA Branch event will be aCOA’s Heart of America Branch."dining out" at the historic Union Stationin Kansas City, Missouri on March 31,2007. Guest speaker will be COA'sExecutive Director, CAPT Gerard Farrell.Santa Claus is Really a PHS Officer!By LT Joel Hustedt, USPHSOfficers of the Rio Grande Branch participatedin several charitable causes overthe holidays in an effort to give back to thecommunities we live in and serve.Officers from Albuquerque Area IndianHealth Service facilities in Albuquerque,Santa Fe, and Taos organized a holiday fooddrive and collected nearly 1,000 pounds offood for distribution centers throughoutNew Mexico!The Albuquerque Area Office led theway with employees contributing 460pounds of food to the Road Runner FoodBank in Albuquerque. The Santa Fe ServiceUnit and Taos-Picuris Service Unit employeescollected a total of 303 pounds of foodfor donation to the Santa Fe Food Depot.Employees of the Albuquerque Service Unitcollected approximately 200 pounds offood for donation to the AlbuquerqueIndian Center.In addition to the food drives, RioSanta Claus is really a PHS officer!Grande Branch officers organized the collectionof several donations of clothing,household items, gift cards, and even furni-ture for a family of 12 from Santo DomingoPueblo who lost their home in a fire onThanksgiving. The branch also elected todonate a check for $300 to assist the familyin their recovery.On December 15th, staff from the Taos-Picuris Health Center decorated the triageroom at the clinic in preparation for Santa’sarrival. Santa greeted 24 youngsters fromTaos and Picuris Pueblos.On Saturday, December 16th, five officersfrom the branch volunteered their timeat the Road Runner Food Bank inAlbuquerque. Much of the time was spentdividing 1,400 pounds of bulk cereal into 8ounce bags!The Rio Grande Branch would like towish all of our fellow PHS officers throughoutthe country a happy new year and continuedsuccess as we protect, promote, andadvance the health and safety of the nation.14 COMMISSIONED OFFICERS ASSOCIATION

Local Branches Join Forces to Assist Public TVBy LT Sandra MageraUSPHS Commissioned Corps officers ofthe Baltimore, District of Columbia,and Ft. Detrick COA branches volunteeredto assist Maryland Public Television (MPT)with their pledge drive on the evening ofFriday December 15th 2006. Over 20 officers(including one retired officer), as wellas family members and friends, answeredtelephones for the live broadcast. For thefourth consecutive year, LCDR ScottCooper of the Baltimore Branch organizedofficers from the Baltimore/DC area forthis event. As part of the Baltimore Branch’smission of service to the community, thevolunteers gave their time in support ofMPT’s efforts to provide high-quality publictelevision programming to communitymembers in Maryland, Delaware, southernPennsylvania, and northern Virginia.In an effort to increase the visibility ofthe Commissioned Corps, all officers wereattired in their Service Dress Blue uniformsand were shown live on-air during the programmingbreaks. Midway through theevening, CDR Jacqueline Morgan andLCDR Cooper were interviewed by hostRhea Feiken. The two officers described tothe viewing audience the history and missionof the Corps, the professional categoriesrepresented throughout the Corps,and the capacities in which officers servethe Nation. They also presented Ms. Feikenwith a PHS coin as a thank you for her continuedrecognition of the CommissionedCorps during the MPT pledge drives.Sci-PAC AcceptingAward NominationsThe Scientist ProfessionalAdvisory Committee (Sci-PAC) isaccepting nominations for Juniorand Senior Scientist of the YearAwards. Information is available onthe website at: http://www.usphsscientist.org/.Officers staff the phone lines.Not only did the evening provide a greatopportunity to serve the community andassist public television efforts, but it alsogave officers the chance to network withofficers stationed at various agenciesthroughout the region. Volunteers renewedold acquaintances and established newfriendships with fellow officers stationed atthe Food & Drug Administration, the USCoast Guard, the National Institutes ofHealth, and the Centers for Medicare &Medicaid Services, to name but a few of theagencies represented. Each year the serviceevent continues to attract more volunteers.This year the joint COA branch effortresulted in raising over $16,000 forMaryland Public Television. The followingofficers participated in this event: LCDRCandido Alicea, CDR Mercedes Benitez-McCrary, CAPT Janice Carico, CDRMarie Casey, LT Ivy Chan, LCDR ScottCooper, LCDR Rebecca DeCastro, LCDRCheryl Ford, LCDR Lori Garcia, LCDRMonique Howard, CAPT Lloyd Johnson,LT Ruby Lerner, LT Eduardo Lim, CAPTMichael Lyman, LT Sandra Magera, CDRJacqueline Morgan, LT Aline Moukhtara,CAPT Richard Potter (Ret.), CDRMarianne Ross, LCDR Barbara Sanchez,LT Varsha Savalia, and LT ChristinaThompson.RADM USPHS (Ret.) John Joseph Walsh,1924 – 2006RADM John J. Walsh’s life could well bedescribed as an example of the“American Dream.” He was a son of Irishimmigrants who immigrated to the UnitedStates seeking opportunity. He grew up ina poor but industrious family working fromage 12 to help support that family duringthe great depression. At one point, heworked for Merck Chemical Companyalongside his mother in that company’s“barrel factory” where they cleaned, disinfectedand, reconstructed the metal barrelsthat stored all of the chemicals.His service as a Hospital Corpsman inthe US Navy during World War II permittedhim to attend Fordham College andeventually the Long Island College ofMedicine.He joined the US Public Health Servicein 1948 where he served his internship andresidency and in 1954 was assigned to thePHS Hospital in New Orleans, Louisiana.While working in the internal medicineunit at the hospital he enrolled as a parttime student at Tulane University and garneredcredits in pharmacology and businessadministration. That latter education wasto serve him well in his later professionallife.His work at that hospital continuedthrough 1966 at which point he was servingas hospital director. In that year he wasappointed a Director of the PHS Divisionof Hospital and elevated to AssistantSurgeon General with the rank of Rear(See Walsh, page 16)MARCH 2007 • COA FRONTLINE 15

(Walsh, from page 15)Admiral. His colleagues in the PublicHealth Service credit him with introducingan enhanced focus on operational researchin that hospital system and in establishingstrong links between the Federal hospitalsand their local communities for purposes ofdisaster preparedness.He retired from the PHS in 1968 toaccept the position of Dean of the School ofMedicine at Tulane, back in the city of NewOrleans where he was to spend the rest ofhis professional and personal life.His second career as an academic was tomake him one of the most respected medicaladministrators and academic innovatorsin the nation. After serving for a number ofyears as Medical School Dean he was promotedto Chancellor of the Tulane MedicalCenter. He undertook a major constructionproject resulting in the building of amajor new Hospital and Medical Center, areinvigorated School of Public Health andTropical Medicine and an international outreachof the Center that established theMedical Center at Tulane as an internationalentity as well as a regional health referralunit. During his service as Chancellor, heset up a program that lets students earnmedical degrees and master’s degrees inpublic health concurrently. An award in hisname honors outstanding dual degree graduateseach year and a fund, which he established,provides support for those enrolledin the joint program.Throughout this time Admiral Walshmaintained a strong and collaborative linkagewith the Public Health Service and theCommissioned Officers Association. Hereferred to his PHS colleagues and theCommissioned Corps as the “guiding motivationfor my entire professional career.”He retired from Tulane in 1989 tobecome President and Chief Executive officerof the Mahomer Clinic in his belovedcity.RADM John Joseph Walsh passed awayon October 2, 2006 at the age of 82. Hisspecial mark on the field of health and medicalscience and academic progress will liveon in his legacy of innovation and in thework of the many whose lives he hastouched so profoundly.— RADM (Ret.) Jerrold M. MichaelWELCOME NEW COA MEMBERSLT Gelio Alves, District of ColumbiaLT Anne M. Arceo, Aurora BorealisLCDR Karen C. Axelrod, District ofColumbiaCDR Ephraim E. Back, UnaffiliatedLCDR Michelle Baker, UnaffiliatedLTJG Rod-Jimil Barrais, District ofColumbiaLT Maria D. Benke, District of ColumbiaLT Sarah R. Caldwell, AberdeenLCDR Tai-Ho Chen, Thomas JeffersonCAPT Roger M. Clemmons, InactiveReserveLT Nicole P. Cyriaque, District of ColumbiaLTJG Stacey L. Dawson, PhoenixLT Chad H. Dowell, CincinnatiCDR Frank H. Dyer, PhoenixLCDR James A. Folkwein, UnaffiliatedLT Ashleigh A. Hussey, District of ColumbiaLT Jason D. Hymer, UnaffiliatedLT Janet I. Lewis, Aurora BorealisLT Jennifer J. Lyon, Aurora BorealisLTJG Keith G. Marin, UnaffiliatedLT Tilda A. Melchor, PhoenixLCDR Teresa A. Morrison-Carpenter,AtlantaLT Matthew D. Olson, KiamichiLT Geoffrey A. Rezvani, District ofColumbiaLTJG Kathleen L. Rivers, Ft. WorthLT Melanie R. Ross, AtlantaLCDR Cynthia M. Rubio, Ft. DetrickLT Steven R. Scott, Green CountryLT Chad P. Snuggerud, Aurora BorealisLT Megan J. Sosa, Ft. DetrickLT Alexander Q. Townley, Big SkyLT LaToya N. Usher, Canyon De ChelleyLT Flordeliza J. Villareal, AuroraBorealisLT Christopher J. Vito, Continental DivideLCDR Edward C. Weiss, AtlantaNEW 100% PHS Silk Miniflagon 14” Brass StandSponsored by the DCCOA BranchLIMITED EDITION –ORDER YOURS NOWGreat for retirement and promotiongifts, and to “fly”in your office. Developed byCAPT Caviness to increaseesprit de corps among officers,and to promote the Corps.For more information:susanne.caviness@fda.hhs.gov(240) 276-0648$35.00 each (including postage—Mail checks made out to "DCCOA":CAPT Susanne Caviness, 15115 Interlachen Drive, # 921Silver Spring, MD 2090616 COMMISSIONED OFFICERS ASSOCIATION

(Executive Director, from page 1)But I am not going to dwell on any ofthose items. Rather, I am going spendwhat’s left of my space to talk about the42nd annual US PHS Scientific andTraining Symposium, and the GlobalHealth Summit; and do my best to convinceevery COA member that these aretwo events you cannot afford to miss –even if you have to take annual leave andpay your own way to get to Cincinnati.First, the essentials. The Global HealthSummit (GHS) will convene on Sundaymorning, June 3rd at the MillenniumHotel in Cincinnati. It will be a full day.Monday morning, June 4th will be full ofpre-symposium events, including theannual business meeting of COA, theMeeting of the Assembly. TheSymposium itself will open at 1PM onMonday afternoon, June 4th, in the DukeEnergy Convention Center, adjacent tothe Millennium Hotel. The Symposiumwill end on Thursday afternoon, June 7thand will be followed on Friday by a oneday pre-retirement seminar, and a threeday Basic Officer Training Course. Wewill also offer immunization training forpharmacists on the Friday following theSymposium.The GHS and Symposium planningcommittees have assembled two dynamiteprograms. The Summit will address“health diplomacy” in its several interpretations.Fundamental issues like whyhealthy populations in other countries arein the U.S. national interest will be examined.What’s most important in places likesub-Saharan Africa – short-term clinicalinterventions, or long-term programsaimed at building a public health infrastructure?What are best practices? Whatis the best organization? Who’s in charge,and everyone’s favorite, who pays? Is therea greater role in health diplomacy thatought to be assigned to the CommissionedCorps?It’s no secret that perhaps the greatestvictory in the Global War on Terror todate was the rapid deployment of the hospitalship, USNS Mercy, including hercadre of PHS officers, to Indonesia followingthe tsunami two years ago. The followon Mercy deployment built on the successof the first and the Navy’s Pacific FleetCommand is in the planning stages of stillanother “health” deployment, this timeperhaps employing a more versatile andmore capable large deck amphibious ship.The Commissioned Corps has been invitedto help plan and execute the mission.Two pieces of legislation were introducedin Congress last year that addressedglobal health diplomacy. Neither gainedany momentum, but there is considerableinterest in seeing such legislation introducedagain in the 110th Congress. Theimportance of health diplomacy is gaininginterest across the board and this Summitwill help to strengthen and further stimulatethat progress.Speakers at the Summit will include aphysician and former Nigerian Minister ofDefence, the director of the hospital inBandar Aceh, Indonesia, the SurgeonGeneral of the Australian Defence Forces,and the 17th U.S. Surgeon General, Dr.Rich Carmona. We’ll also have senior representativesfrom the Department ofDefense, the International Federation ofRed Cross and Red Crescent Societies, theUnited Nations, WHO, and more. Wehave invited the Clinton Global Initiativeto provide a speaker as well as the GingrichGroup.The Summit will be exciting, but whathas me and the Foundation Trustees mostexcited is the academic program developedin partnership with the School of PublicHealth at the University of South Florida.The University will award three graduateeducation credits to summit attendeeswho enroll in the program and completesome additional course work. Details areavailable elsewhere in this issue ofFrontline and on the Symposium andSummit website. Best of all, the Foundationhas committed at least $25,000 topay the tuition costs of officers who takeadvantage of this program. Depending onthe number of enrollees, that means theFoundation will pay all or most of thetuition costs for these three credits.We are still working out the exactname, but this will be presented as aFoundation Fellowship. We are in consultationwith DHHS to ensure we get themechanics of this correct. The Foundationhas advocated from its very beginning thatall PHS Commissioned Corps officersshould hold an MPH. This fellowshipprogram in partnership with USF is tangibleevidence of the Foundation’s commitmentto this idea.The Symposium program is equally asexciting as the Summit’s. With the theme,“The Many Faces of Public Health” theSymposium will include RADM CraigVanderwagen, nominated as AssistantSecretary for Preparedness and Response,delivering the Luther Terry MemorialLecture. Senior leadership of the PublicHealth Service, led by the AssistantSecretary for Health, ADM JohnAgwunobi, will present a report on thestate of the Nation’s public health. Abroad range of public health issues will beaddressed throughout the week. Again,the full agenda is on the website.There is one major change (besides thename) in this year’s Symposium agenda.The final day, Thursday, has been devotedto training. The agenda for the traininghas been developed under the leadershipof OFRD and ASPR who put together acollaborative effort involving CDC,AHRQ, University of Michigan, andUSAMRIID. Originally intended for Tier3 Responders, now that the scheduledtraining for Tier1 and 2 Responders hasbeen indefinitely “postponed,” this trainingprovided at the Symposium may bethe only training provided before thebeginning of the next fiscal year. Don’t beleft out!The training curriculum will be fullyaccredited for continuing education purposes,the ultimate result of which will bethe most comprehensive and greatestnumber of CEs ever available at this annualevent.We are all painfully aware that the useof a Continuing Resolution to fund thefederal government through the rest of thisfiscal year means that few, if any dollars areavailable for these kinds of programs.However shortsighted that might be, it is afact that travel and training are always thefirst to be cut when money is tight. It hasalways been a “penny-wise, pound-foolish”policy.We have asked DHHS to approve awaiver of the travel restrictions for thesekinds of activities, but no decision hasbeen forthcoming yet. We have actually(See Executive Director, page 18)MARCH 2007 • COA FRONTLINE 17

(Executive Director, from page 17)BACKFRONTThe Military serviceshave a long tradition oftheir own unit coin.Always have it in yourpocket (or purse) to displaywhen “challenged.”These make great giftsof appreciation to uniformedservices andpublic health personnel.They are almost 1 1/2"in diameter. Carry yourcoin, show pride inyour Corps.– $10 each, or $12 whenpurchased in a set with aPHS Seal Lapel Pin or PHSFlag Lapel PinThis is an elegant piece,hand embroidered withsilk and bullion threads,3" in diameter. The colorsare based on ouroriginal PHS Seal. Youwould be proud to wearthis on the left pocket ofa blazer when in civilianattire.– $15 each, or $17 whenpurchased in a set witheither the PHS Seal LapelPin or PHS Flag Lapel PinINCREASEESPRIT DE CORPS &GROUP IDENTITY!SEALSend a check made to “DC COA” and mail to:CAPT Susanne Caviness15115 Interlachen Drive, #921Silver Spring MD 20906FLAGThe PHS QuarantineFlag and the PHS Seallapel pins are dime size.The Flag pin is a miniatureversion of the PHSFlag. It has the PHS Sealin blue on a yellow background.The Seal pinduplicates the PHS Seal,with gold colored letterson a blue enamel background.This coordinateswith the Blazer Patch.– Flag - $5 each, or $2when purchased with a PHSMilitary Coin orPHS Blazer Patch– Seal - $5 each when purchasedseparatelyBe sure to include your mailing address. There is no charge for postage!Order forms are available at: www.dccoa.orgor contact CAPT Caviness 240-276-0475 x115 | susanne.caviness@fda.hhs.govgone beyond requesting a travel waiver, andhave asked the Department to make thisprogram a funding priority for PHSemployees. The Department’s ownInspector General is on record stating thatPHS officers need more and better training.We are saying, “Here it is, come andget it.”So, where will you be the first week inJune? I hope you will be with the rest ofthe Commissioned Corps in Cincinnati –getting pumped up and reinvigorated, networkingwith the senior leadership of theCorps, gaining new knowledge and insightinto important public health science andhealth policy, and getting trained up to bebetter prepared to do your duty during thenext public health emergency – whatever itmay be, and whenever it may occur. This isyour Symposium. Without your participation,it’s a non-event. Be there!Finally, I will close on a sad note. Thoseof us fortunate enough to have a spouseknow how vital our wife or husband is toour whole being. The loss of a spouse istough to endure. We all mourn the passingon February 18th, of Elizabeth (Betty)Koop, former First Lady of the CommissionedCorps, and beloved spouse ofthe 13th Surgeon General, Dr. C. EverettKoop. The Koops were married for almost70 years, and they were a monumentalpartnership.Both COA and the Foundation made adonation to the Koop’s church as requestedby Dr. Koop, and in the name of all COAmembers. The Association and Foundationalso arranged for a delegation ofCommissioned Corps officers and COAmembers to attend the 10 March memorialservice for Mrs. Koop in Vermont andpay our respects to the entire Koop family.I know you all join me and the Board ofDirectors and the Board of Trustees inkeeping Dr. and Mrs. Koop and their familyin our prayers.See you all in Cinncy!Yours Aye!18 COMMISSIONED OFFICERS ASSOCIATION

PHS Reserve CoreValues Coin PresentedSinise Attends DisabledVeterans Luncheon in DCCAPT Jim Sayers, Director ofReserve Affairs, receives the PHSReserve Core Values Coin fromCaptain Maury J. Greenberg andCDC Todd Lennon of the IRCBranch of the COA.THE INACTIVE RESERVE CORPS BRANCHOF THECOMMISSIONED OFFICER’S ASSOCIATIONPRESENTSTHE PHS RESERVE CORE VALUESCHALLENGE COINREPRESENTING THE CORE VALUES OF THEPHS COMMISSIONED CORPSLEADERSHIP – SERVICE – INTEGRITY – EXCELLENCEAND THE SEAMLESS OPERABILITY OF THEACTIVE AND RESERVE COMPONENTS OF THE PHSA limited number of coins are available for purchaseat $10.00 per coin.Checks should be made payable to the“PHS Commissioned Officers Foundation”which will benefit from the profits of the sale of the coins.Please send your check, and a self-addressedlegal sized envelope with 87 cents postage(or three first class stamps)to:CAPT MAURY J GREENBERG2500 NESCONSET HWY, BLDG 6DSTONY BROOK, NY 11790-2559LT Sandra Magera presents a PHS coin toActor Gary Sinise.”The Disabled Veteran’s for Life Memorialluncheon was held at the National PressClub on 26 January. LT Sandra Mageraattended the luncheon where she met thenational spokesman for the memorial,actor Gary Sinise (CSI: New York). Mr.Sinise has been active in veterans’ affairssince the 70’s—preceding his portrayal of adisabled army soldier, Lt. Dan Taylor, inthe film Forrest Gump. Since 2003, Mr.Sinise has made many visits to Iraq,Afghanistan and to numerous VA hospitalsCONUS and OCONUS. He has also createda charity called: www.operationiraqichildren.org which assembles school supplieskits for our troops to distribute toIraqi children and teachers.LT Magera presented to Gary Sinise thePublic Health Services’ CommissionedOfficers Corps coin. When presented withthe PHS coin, Mr. Sinise said he hasreceived many military coins but this washis first PHS coin. He was impressed withPHS’s long history of service to our country.The Disabled Veterans for Life memorialis scheduled to open in 2010. It will belocated adjacent to the National Mall andcommand full view of the U. S. Capitol.The memorial is being privately funded. Ifinterested in contributing to the fund,please visit www.disabledveteranslifememorial.orgMARCH 2007 • COA FRONTLINE 19

USPHS Environmental Health Officer Category Coin(Front)(Back)EHO coins are available for $10 each, includes shipping and handlingTo place an order please contact:CDR Robert B. KnowlesPhone: 404.498.0426 or Email: rknowles@cdc.govThe COA Frontline (ISSN 10937161) is published ten times ayear by the Commissioned Officers Association of the UnitedStates Public Health Service, 8201 Corporate Drive, Suite200, Landover, MD 20785, (301) 731-9080; Toll-free (866)366-9593; FAX: (301) 731-9084; Periodicals Postage Paid atHyattsville, MD and additional mailing offices.POSTMASTER: Send address changes to CommissionedOfficers Association, 8201 Corporate Drive, Suite 200,Landover, MD 20785.A report of timely information concerning activities ofthe Commissioned Corps of the U.S. Public Health Service.Distributed exclusively to Association members.COA FRONTLINE8201 Corporate Drive, Suite 200Landover, MD 20785PeriodicalsExecutive DirectorJerry Farrellgfarrell@coausphs.orgDirector ofAdministrationTeresa Olivertoliver@coausphs.orgGovernment RelationsDirectorJudith Rensbergerjrensberger@coausphs.orgDevelopment DirectorBrian McSheffreybmcsheffrey@coausphs.orgMembership CoordinatorMalissa Spaldingmspalding@coausphs.orgProgram AssistantNancy Sheehannsheehan@coausphs.orgAdministrative AssistantBrittany Wellsbwells@coausphs.orgConference PlannersLeading Edge SolutionsTim O’Neil/Diana Hallman866-544-9677Group Insurance – AGIA800-818-9785Visit us at www.coausphs.org© 2007 COMMISSIONED OFFICERS ASSOCIATION