Veterans Day 2011

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he center closed its doors in August after decades ofserving the armed forces. Lt. Gen. Eric Schoomaker,the Army surgeon general who presided over the

ceremony, said in his closing speech, “Clearly the heavensare struggling with the finality of this, too.”

The new Walter Reed National Military MedicalCenter in Bethesda (WRNMMC) is the result of themerger between the Walter Reed Army Medical Centerand the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda. InAugust, injured vets and officials cut the ribbon outsidethe doors of the Wounded Warrior Barracks, just one ofthe new buildings at the center. The merger has beenongoing since the Department of Defense’s BaseRealignment and Closure (BRAC) initiative, which man-dated bringing together Walter Reed and the NationalNaval Medical Center among other streamlining meas-ures across the military. The creation of the WRNMMCwas the largest-ever capital infrastructure program in themilitary health system.

New residential suites are fully equipped for vets whouse wheelchairs and/or have prosthetics. Another compo-nent is the new America Building, a seven-floor, 515,000-square-foot building that houses most of the outpatientclinics and resources. Two other new buildings add anemergency department, cardiology, imaging, nuclear

medicine, two intensive care units, dining facilities andmore than 450 inpatient rooms. Five new access gateshave been created along with other traffic infrastructure,including a 327,000-square-foot parking garage with 944parking spaces, and another parking garage that is near-

ing completion. Other upgrades include new utilities,renovations to existing medical facilities and a new fitnesscenter.

There are several new Fisher Houses on the campus,

November 2011 11.11.11 - Advertising Supplement

The new America bui lding at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, at Bethesda (WRNMMC), is anoutpatient faci lity that houses a cancer treatment center, a pharmacy, and several outpatient clinics, such asdermatology, audiology and physical and occupational therapy.

See WOUNDED WARRIORS, Page 9

T

By Jim Mahaffie

Walter Reed Army Medical Center has treatedthousands of wounded veterans from the Army,Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force, as well aswartime traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients andthose with post-traumatic stress disorder. Some18,000 service people who served in Iraq andAfghanistan have spent time at the original facili-ty in Washington, D.C.

WOUNDEDWARRIORSwelcomed at newWalter Reed NationalMilitary Medical Center

everely injured in a suicide bombingin an Iraqi marketplace in 2006,Army Capt. Mark Brogan was evacu-

ated through Germany to the National NavalMedical Center in Bethesda, and then trans-ferred to Walter Reed Army Medical Centerin Washington, D.C. Brogan has spent thelast five years in and out of Walter Reed, andis now in the traumatic brain injury (TBI)program.

TBI has become the signature wound ofthe conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. “Thegood news is that we’ve been able to pulltogether all the different medical and reha-bilitation specialties in one place to supportwounded warriors,” said David Williamson,M.D., neuropsychiatrist and medical direc-tor of the inpatient TBI program at WalterReed National Military Medical Center inBethesda. “We have a comprehensive planfor anyone who is wounded. It’s seamless,and though a patient may move from wardto ward, they no longer move (from) hospi-tal to hospital.”

This year Walter Reed Army MedicalCenter merged with the National NavalMedical Center to become Walter ReedNational Military Medical Center. Amongthe new campus facilities in Bethesda is aNational Intrepid Center of Excellence(NICoE), an evaluation, treatment-planningand research facility that provides care toservice members and families dealing withTBI and psychological health conditionssuch as post-traumatic stress disorder(PTSD). More than 125,000 people donated$65 million to build the center.

The key to treating TBI is catching it

early and proactively preparing for it,Williamson said. “Walking and eating is onething, but as you move up to complicatedbrain functions like emotions, learning, andoperating a vehicle, or being a parent,spouse, employee or soldier, these are dailychallenges for many returning vets. We havespecialists who work on all of these, workingon speech and movement as well as puttingfamilies back together.”

Williamson said his teams spend halftheir time working with wounded war-riors who sustained injuries years ago,such as Brogan.

“Five years after Mark was hurt, thingskeep creeping up on us, and we have todeal with them as they come,” said hiswife, Sunny.

Mark is currently in the inpatient pro-gram at the center, where he is being weanedoff of certain medications and coping withseizures. He wants to go back to school andfind employment, and he said the center ishelping him figure out what he can do. “Thisis the most intensive and comprehensivetreatment I’ve had at one time,” he said.“Speech and occupational therapy all used tobe completely separate. Here it’s all oneteam, and they all know what others aredoing for me.”

“We’ve created a new model, where trau-ma surgeons and neurosurgeons talk withneuropsychologists early on. That way, wecan intervene early–and head off problemslike suicides, depression and splintered fami-lies,” Williamson said.

“We also follow up with patients so we

11.11.11 is published by Comprint Military Publications, 9030Comprint Court, Gaithersburg, MD 20877, a private firm in no wayconnected with the Department of Defense, under exclusive writtencontract.

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Brain injuries andpsychological health:Treating the invisible wounds of war

S

See TBI, Page 5

“We have a comprehensive plan for anyone who is wounded.It’s seamless, and though a patient may move from ward toward, they no longer move (from) hospital to hospital.”

--David Williamson, M.D., neuropsychiatrist and medical director,inpatient TBI program Walter Reed National

Military Medical Center in Bethesda

By Jim Mahaffie

Dr. David Williamson, Neuropsychiatrist and Medical Director of the InpatientTraumatic Brain Injury Program at Walter Reed National Military Medical Centerin Bethesda, Md.


can pull people back into treatment if they’renot thriving,” said Louis French, M.D., chiefof TBI outpatient services at the center.

“The military invested a lot of moneyand effort in prevention, education andawareness of TBI,” French said. “Troop com-manders are aware and looking for it. So thecontinuum of care starts before the point ofinjury.” Despite the deeply ingrained trainingand psyche of “soldiering on,” young menare more willing to admit when they needhelp today, he said.

“It opened my eyes… it’s like the weightof the world is off my shoulders,” said ChiefWarrant Officer Kurt Garrett in a videoabout the center. Garrett sustained five con-cussions in his 23 years as a Marine, and hisPTSD dated back to Operation Desert Shield

and his tour in Iraq. “Some of my favoriteexperiences here were art therapy, speechtherapy and physical therapy.” With the dailymeetings, interactions and group sessions,“you know you’re not alone, he said.

Marine Sergeant Jonathan Stidham sus-tained injuries from an improvised explosivedevice (IED) in Afghanistan in 2009. “BeforeI came to NICoE, I was a zombie… kind ofsteamrolling through doctors.” He said thatthe one-on-one time with the staff was keyto his recovery. “All kinds of different classesset you on the right path and motivate youget back to your life.”

Thousands of U.S. service membershave come home from overseas with invis-ible wounds, caused by explosions andhead injuries, traumas they witnessed,residual effects of high stress situationsand more. Now there’s a place not only forsupportive, healing care, but also innova-tive research and technologies.

TBInn Continued from Page 4

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stops at a recent Ladies Night was a booth with informationabout VA burial benefits. “Lots of women don’t realize thearray of benefits (the) VA offers.”

One surprise benefit of Ladies Nights came out of thera-peutic jewelry making. Phillips said the VA wanted attendeesto have a souvenir to bring home from events, so a stafferand jewelry maker ran classes at a recent Ladies Night. “Loand behold, as they’re sitting with each other makingbracelets, they start talking about sexual traumas, violence athome and other problems,” she said. “Now we put therapistsin the group, and have captured 13 women whose situationswould not otherwise be known.”

More than 84,000 veterans are enrolled for care atDCVAMC, with more than 650,000 hospital visits annually,said Sarah Cox of the Public Affairs office. The center servesmore than 14,000 veterans of recent conflicts. Outpatientclinics serve vets in Ft. Belvoir, Va.; southeast Washington,D.C., and Greenbelt; St. Mary’s County; and southern PrinceGeorge’s County. These clinics are the focus of another revo-lution called telehealth. Vets from all over the region oncehad to drive into Washington, D.C., to see specialists. Butnow, via high-resolution cameras, veterans in outpatientclinics can “see” a specialist in the district. “There’s telecardi-ology, telepodiatry, teleoptometry… we’re breaking into this

area fast, eventually moving toward telehealth in the home,”Phillips said.

New initiatives are constantly under way the VA. A newiPad app has been developed that will give clinicians access topatient data anytime and anywhere. The Caisson PlatoonEquine Assisted Program at Fort Myer, Va. puts woundedwarriors on the backs of the same horses that pull caissons atArlington National Cemetery.

The VA also has a campaign to end homelessness amongveterans, with job fairs, food drives and other specializedprograms. “It’s our hope that active-duty military preparingto go back to civilian life will enroll for care and take advan-tage of their well-deserved VA benefits,” said Brian A.Hawkins, medical center director at DCVAMC.

he VA was established in 1930 with54 hospitals, and the DCVAMC hasalways been the flagship. Today the

health care system comprises 171 medicalcenters, more than 350 clinics and 126nursing home care units. With its proximi-ty to Capitol Hill, Walter Reed NationalMedical Center in Bethesda and thePentagon, the center, located on IrvingStreet in Washington, D.C., is the van-guard.

“Our mission is not only to treat vets, it’sto provide opportunities for senators, con-gress and staffers to learn about us and whatwe need for our veterans. That’s a veryimportant part of our function,” said DianePhillips, R.N., patient-centered care coordi-nator at the DCVAMC.

Phillips, an Army veteran and veterannurse in emergency rooms throughoutWashington, D.C., is proud of the initiativesshe has been a part of during her three yearsat the DCVAMC. She said that four initia-tives in particular have been virtual revolu-tions at the VA.

The first is the Patient Aligned CareTeam (PACT). Each “team let” includes adoctor, nurse, medical technician andadministrative employee who are dedicatedto each patient. “It used to be you neverknew who you were going to see when youwent to the VA,” Phillips said.

With PACT, there is a direct link betweenthe team and the patient. Each team is famil-iar with the needs of each patient, and everypatient receives a personalized care plan.

“The VA’s converting completely to thismodel,” Phillips said. “It’s care delivery in amuch more intimate way.”

Another initiative is a system of immedi-ate patient feedback called Truth Point.Bedside patient experience questionnairesprovide real-time feedback that administra-tors use to address and resolve issues on thespot. “It’s been an incredible thing to watchgrow, and has changed the face of this facili-ty,” Phillips said.

Open-ended questions such as “Howcould we do better?” and “Did you feel likeyou were taken care of?” have caught somereally big problems, such as chronic employ-ee rudeness and dining service problems,Phillips said. “Food was the No. 1 dissatisfier.

Truth Point was the catalyst for us to pur-chase a new food service system.” She saidTruth Point information is read every day inmorning reports, and everyone hears it. “It’sdata that we wouldn’t otherwise have or onlyget when it’s three months old.”

One best practice that came directly frompatient feedback is Ladies Night. “Womenvets called the VA a ‘man’s world’ in surveys,”Phillips said. “So we schedule nights wherewe open up the center to women only, withpampering services, tours and educationalopportunities.” In addition to manicuristsand hair stylists, there are insurance special-ists on hand. Home loan information is alsoavailable at these events.

Philips said that one of most popular

Coming home to the Washington, D.C. VA Medical CenterOur mission is not only to treat vets, it’s toprovide opportunities for senators, con-gress and staffers to learn about us andwhat we need for our veterans. That’s avery important part of our function.

--Diane Phillips, R.N., patient-centeredcare coordinator at the DCVAMCsT

DDCCMMVVAAMMCCBBYY TTHHEE NNUUMMBBEERRSS

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112266 nursing home units117711 medical centers

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350 clinics84,000 veterans enrolled660,00 annual hospital visits14,000 veterans of recentconflict served

Combat veterans appreciate the DCVAMC’s Recreation Therapy program which includes competitive cycling.

A female veteran is greeted by Chief of Staff, RossFletcher, and other staff members at DCVAMC’s“Ladies’ Night.”

In addition to being a leader in electronic healthrecords, DCVAMC uses state-of-the-art technologylike the DaVinci Robot for prostate surgery.

A young combat veteran shows off his new VAadapted truck.

Diane Phi llips, Patient Centered Care Coordinator,assists Veteran Jeffrey Graves with the Truth Point –Point of Service questionnaire.

Volunteers and hospital personnel man the informa-tion tables at the regular Job Fairs at the DCVAMC.

Conflicts over the past decade have brought about a number of majoradvances in military systems, and the Washington DC Veterans Affairs

Medical Center (DCVAMC) is no exception.

By Jim Mahaffie

November 2011 11.11.11 - Advertising Supplement Page 7 11.11.11 - Advertising Supplement November 2011

haz had lost both his legs above the kneeand had a shattered elbow. “They requestthat you stay in one place in case he does-

n’t make it,” Jessica said. “I followed the Armyrule: Prepare for the worst and pray for the best.”

Jessica sent daughters, Deryn and Ryann, toplay at a friend’s house. “In case things wentsouth, I didn’t want them to be there when some-one showed up at the door.”

Later she got a phone call that he was stable,and 24 hours later she got to talk to him. That’sthe miracle of battlefield medicine, Jessica said.Chaz had a friend who was killed by a smallerIED in 2006. “They didn’t know how to save himthen. Now they do, and those medics saved hislife.”

“If Chaz had been injured a few years ago, hewould have lost his right arm because the tech-nology was not there yet to save it,” Jessica wrotein her blog atwww.adventuresofteamallen.blogspot.com.

The Allen family faced months of medical

issues, questions, juggling of daily lives anduncertainty. Deryn and Ryann stayed in theirTennessee home with Jessica’s mother, whileJessica went to Washington, D.C., every week tobe by Chaz’s side.

“We decided not to have the girls see him withall his tubes. We made a plan to bring the girls upfor spring break when he would be tube-free,” shesaid.

When the girls asked questions about theirfather and the future, Jessica’s policy was toanswer them truthfully. “But when they stoppedasking, I stopped telling them things. The rule isto ask Mom and Dad only–not anyone else.”

The Allens stayed at the Fisher House on thecampus of Walter Reed Military Medical Centerin Bethesda from March through August. FisherHouse Foundation offers a network of homes onthe grounds of major military and VA medicalcenters.

Jessica Allen got the phone call at 8 a.m. on Jan.22 to let her know that her husband, Staff SergeantChaz Allen, had been critically injured by an impro-vised explosive device (IED) in Afghanistan. “Whenthey’re killed they come to your door; when they’rewounded you get a phone call,” she said.

By Jim Mahaffie

C

See RELIEF, Page 11

Jessica’s storyWounded warrior ChazAllen’s wife shares her

courageous battle

Photo provided by Capturing Life's Wonder

Chaz Allen participated in the Army Ten-Miler, a road race in which he competed using a hand-cranked cycle in October.

Page 8 11.11.11 - Advertising Supplement November 2011

for families of recovering servicepeople to live with their loved ones.New facilities feature evidence-based design processes that maxi-mize a soothing and healing envi-ronment, reducing stress and posi-tively affecting patient outcomes.Patients were moved to the new

facility over the summer, as well as toa new facility at Fort Belvoir, VA.

“We will continue to provideoutstanding, world-class health careto our wounded warriors, this greatnation’s leaders, military membersof all services and their families,”said Rear Adm. Alton L. Stocks,commander of the WRNMMC.

One of Stocks’ goals is toimprove clinical and administrativeprocesses at the WRNMMC. Healso said that the center would con-

tinue to do groundbreakingresearch to improve the lives of allservice members. Besides generalmedicine, the new center is fullyequipped to treat TBI patients andamputees.

As part of beautification andalignment with the formal navalhospital, the new center will featurethe history of all military medicinecontributions made by membersof each branch of service, Stockssaid.

WOUNDEDWARRIORSnn Continued from Page 3

TTRRAANNQQUUIILLIITTYY HHAALLLLThere are 153 suits in the newly-constructed TanquilityF Hallat Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, at Bethesda(WRNMMC). The ADA compliant wounded warrior barracksprovides wounded, ill and injured a two-bedroom suite thatincludes a kitchenette (left), a washer and dryer, and alounge area (right) which allows outpatients a place to staywith a non-medical attendant.

A ribbon cut-ting ceremonywas held inAugust tocommemoratethe opening ofTranqui lityHall, therecently con-structedwounded war-rior barracksat WalterReed NationalMilitary Medi-cal Center, atBethesda(WRNMMC).

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“The families get a chance to get awayfrom the hospital. It’s all about creating asafe, comfortable environment where fami-lies share a common bond,” said DavidCoker, president of Fisher HouseFoundation.

“They are united in their efforts to sup-port sick or injured loved ones and in manyrespects become one extended family. Theyshare the burdens and the joys together, andthat makes them stronger. We’re grateful forthe opportunity to touch the lives of theAllen family and become a part of their

story,” he said.When the family was together at the

Fisher House, they walked daddy to andfrom his appointments, Jessica said. “Whenyou’re healing, you need a place that feels

like home. Chaz was able to get outside, andI had a kitchen so I got to cook for my fam-ily—I need my cornbread!” The Allensbonded with other families at the FisherHouse, over dinners and cookouts.

Jessica and Chaz flew back and forthbetween Maryland and Tennessee with thehelp of Fisher House Foundation’s HeroMiles program, which collects donated fre-quent flyer miles and uses them to bringfamily members to the bedside of injuredservice members.

“I was planning on exhausting our emer-gency fund, but Hero Miles stepped in and Ihad a plane ticket every week,” Jessica said.

Chaz took his first steps on March 21.He rode in the Army Ten-Miler road race inWashington, D.C., on a hand-cranked bikewith Team Fisher House last month. As herecovers, the Warrior Transition Brigadehas set the Allens up with an apartment inSilver Spring for when Chaz needs to be atWalter Reed.

In addition to traveling to be with Chazand managing her family, Jessica owns anaccounting business and completed 120 tax

returns for clients during tax season.Extraordinarily upbeat, she admits therehave been down times. She recalls openinga closet last spring and a pair of flip-flopsthat belong to her husband fell out. “I justsat on the floor and cried,” she said.

The Allens have shared some amazingexperiences in the past year. On Deryn’s 9thbirthday, she watched the movie premiere of“Dolphin Tale” at the White House withother wounded warrior families. The Allenstoured Congress, where they talked to sever-al politicians. “I told them to get up there toWalter Reed and see your boys,” Jessica said.

Fans of the rock band Train, the couplerenewed their wedding vows on stage at aconcert in Nashville. Lead singer PatMonahan asked Jessica to say a few words,and in return she made him cry, she said.

The Allens support other families ofwounded warriors. “When you get hit bythat crazy blow and you’re facing all thedrugs, pain and confusion, it’s so awesometo have someone help you with what’s com-ing next,” Jessica said.

WIFEnn Continued from Page 8

“If Chaz had been injured a fewyears ago, he would have losthis right arm because the tech-nology was not there yet tosave it,”

Jessica Allen, in her blog,Adventures of Team Allen

Photos provided by Capturing Life's Wonder

The Allens stayed at the new Fisher Houses at Walter Reed Bethesda duringChaz’s recovery.

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Veterans Day 2011

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Transcript of Veterans Day 2011