Vol. 26
No. 14
www.cnic.navy.mil/bethesda/
April 10, 2014
USO Warrior and Family Center Officially Opens at NSAB By Julie Smith NSAB Public Affairs staff writer United Service Organizations (USO) officially opened the doors of the newest USO Warrior and Family Center during an April 1 ribbon cutting ceremony at Naval Support Activity Bethesda (NSAB). The 16,217 square-foot USO Warrior and Family Center at Bethesda provides a comfortable and relaxing environment that supports the key components of the USO’s continuum of care: physical health and recreation, family strengthening, positive behavioral health, education, employment and community reintegration. “This facility will allow us to enhance that 360 degree care and support of our service members and their families. It will serve as a place of respite and allow them to recharge their batteries, both mentally and physically and be energized for the next day, whether that next day brings a series of appointments or therapy, service as a health care provider or non-medical attendant, or working as support staff assisting in the mission of the installation,” NSAB Commanding Officer Capt. David A. Bitonti said. “This is part of the resiliency effort in order to maintain the mission, whether that mission is to heal, to provide care and support or assist in transition.” Several high ranking military and government officials attended the ceremony, which highlighted the contributions made for the new NSAB facility by USO donors and volunteers. When fully staffed, the USO Warrior and Family Center at Bethesda will have approximately 200 volunteers assisting with the center’s day-today functions, said USO Metropolitan Washington-Baltimore President and CEO Elaine Rogers.
Photos by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Brandon Williams-Church
Naval Support Activity Bethesda Commanding Officer Capt. David A. Bitonti (middle) cuts the opening ceremonial ribbon for the USO Warrior and Family Center along with Vice Chairman of the Joints Chiefs of Staff Adm. James Winnefeld Jr, Commandant of Naval District Washington Rear Adm. Markham K. Rich, Director of the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center Brig. Gen. Jeffrey B. Clark, several USO board members and selected celebrities April 1.
The healing garden at the USO is an area where pa- The NSAB USO Warrior and Family Center is one of trons can relax on one of the benches or listen to and three facilities built from the ground up by the organization itself. watch the small waterfall. “This center would not be able to be manned every day if it were not for our USO volunteers. They are the life blood of this organization and we have … the most caring and committed volunteers in this region that will be manning this facility 365 days a year and they take this so seriously,” Rogers said. “It’s a gift that we could never, ever replace.”
On-site facility director Pam Horton said while there will be special programs geared toward wounded, ill and injured service members and their families, the USO Warrior and Family Center at Bethesda is for everyone. “This facility is open to all active duty service members and their families. It’s important to get the message out
there that it’s an inclusive center overall,” Horton said. “This is your home. This is the way the American public is thanking you for your service.” The open concept center includes a community room that can be used for large group meetings or exercise classes, a business center with eight desktop computers and a fullystocked indoor kitchen. A sports
lounge sponsored by The National Football League includes four X-Box consoles, a full suite of video games and several televisions to watch sporting events. A studio sponsored by actor Charlie Sheen will offer art and music therapy, the use of musical instruments and an iMac for music recording
See USO page 10
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The Journal
Bethesda Notebook
Morale, Welfare and Recreation Looks like spring is finally here! Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) has a lot going on right now and has many activities planned for this month and the months ahead. Under the MWR umbrella, there are several facilities, programs and activities. Information, Tickets and Travel is located in Bldg. 2 Main Street where staff eagerly wait to assist you with purchasing tickets for local sporting events, movie tickets, local attractions or helping you plan your summer vacation to Disney World or Disneyland. Our fitness and aquatics programs are located in Bldg. 17 and offer group exercise classes, cardio room, weight room, spin room, racquetball and basketball courts and indoor Olympic-size swimming pool. Bldg. 17 patio may be utilized for gatherings and functions by reserving through the fitness center front desk. Resurfacing of the basketball court floor is scheduled to begin on April 14 and will take approximately four weeks to complete. This year, with the completion of the MWR Sports complex on perimeter road, a newly constructed outdoor basketball court will be available while the indoor court is resurfaced. If you have not been out to the new sports complex, the pavilions have been upgraded; horseshoe and volleyball pits constructed; synthetic surface multipurpose field installed; a new concession and restroom facility built; softball field fenced and the walking track redone. Our bowling center recently had some cosmetic changes completed to include a fully accessible patio/deck with a walk up window to the snack
Published by offset every Thursday by Comprint Military Publications, 9030 Comprint Court, Gaithersburg, Md. 20877, a private firm in no way connected with the U.S. Navy, under exclusive written contract with the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Md. This commercial enterprise newspaper is an authorized publication for members of the military services. Contents of The Journal are not necessarily the official views of, nor endorsed by, the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense, or the Department of Navy. The appearance of advertising in this publication, including inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the Department of Defense or Comprint, Inc., of the products or services advertised. Everything advertised in this publication shall be made available for purchase, use or patronage without re-
bar, fully accessible restrooms, sound-proof event/ party room and new carpet and remodeled snack bar. With the recent closing of the McDonald’s, the bowling center snack bar now opens at 11 a.m. seven days a week. Liberty Zone, located in Bldg. 11 1st floor, is intended for unaccompanied E-1 to E-6, wounded warriors and geo-bachelors. Authorized patrons may access computers, play video games, watch movies or partake in a host of other activities. Liberty staff also plan and schedule trips on a monthly basis so please stop by the center to find out what is going on! Warrior Café located in Bldg. 62 offers breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week. Their offerings include daily lunch specials, soups, sandwich of the week and on-premises made desserts. Catering is also available through the Warrior Café for both onsite events or at other locations on the installation. Warrior Café staff also operates two Starbucks “We Proudly Serve” locations — one inside the Warrior Café and the other inside the NICoE building. Both locations operate Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Coming later this month, look for more information about the Eggstravaganza and Easter Brunch. Information about MWR activities and events may be obtained through the MWR Happenings monthly newsletter, via the NSAB Facebook page or from the recently activated NSABmobile Smartphone app. Marlin Ruhl NSAB Director, Fleet and Family Readiness
gard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation, or any other non-merit factor of the purchaser, user, or patron. Editorial content is edited, prepared and provided by the Public Affairs Office, Naval Support Activity Bethesda, Md. News copy should be submitted to the Public Affairs Office, Building 11, lower level, Room 41, by noon one week preceding the desired publication date. News items are welcomed from all installation sources. Inquiries about news copy will be answered by calling 301-400-1381. Commercial advertising should be placed with the publisher by telephoning 301-921-2800. Publisher’s advertising offices are located at 9030 Comprint Court, Gaithersburg, Md. 20877. Classified ads can be placed by calling 301-670-1700.
Holocaust Museum Tour
In honor of the Holocaust Days of Remembrance April 27 through May 4, the Bethesda Multicultural Committee at Walter Reed Bethesda is sponsoring a tour of the U.S. Holocaust Museum in Washington, D.C. April 30. The event is free. Buses will depart from in front of the America Building at 8:30 a.m. and return at approximately 2 p.m. For more information, contact Sgt. 1st Class Jason Zielske at 301-400-3542, or email Jason.s.zielske.mil@health.mil.
Prostate Cancer Support Group Meetings
The Prostate Cancer Support Group meets at Walter Reed Bethesda the third Thursday of every month. The next meetings will be April 17 from 1 to 2 p.m., and 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the America Building, Shore Conference Room, 1st floor. Spouses and partners are invited. Military ID is required for base access. For those without a military ID, call the Prostate Center at 301-319-2900 at least two business days prior to event for base access. For more information, contact Jane Hudak at 301-3192918, or email jane.l.hudak.ctr@health.mil.
Stages of Healing
Walter Reed Bethesda’s Stages of Healing will host a humor workshop on April 23 at noon in the America Building Desert Conference Room (#2301). Also, the blues, classic rock, and rhythm and blues band, Standing 8, performs at noon on April 24 in the America Building lobby. For more information, call Lt. Cmdr. Micah Sickel at 301-295-2492.
TRICARE Service Online
The TRICARE Service Center (TSC), in Building 9 at Walter Reed Bethesda, recently transitioned to a 24/7 online service and phone assistance operation. Although walk-in service ended, beneficiaries are still able to get the same assistance via online support at www.tricare. mil, or by calling 1-877-TRICARE (1-877-874-2273). Assistance is also available through Health Net Federal Services, LLC, the TRICARE regional contractor, at www.hnfs.com. For more information, call 301-295-5143.
Correction
In last week’s issue, the job title of Michelle Herrera in the Sexual Assault Awareness Month article was innacurate. Her proper job title is Naval Support Activity Bethesda’s Sexual Assault Response Coordinator.
Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bethesda Commanding Officer: Capt. David A. Bitonti Acting Public Affairs Officer NSAB: John Epperson Public Affairs Office NSAB: 301-400-2488
NSAB Ombudsman Michelle Herrera
240-370-5421
Sexual Assault Response
Staff Writers
Journal Staff
Managing Editor WRNMMC Editor
Coordinator Hotline
Cat DeBinder Sarah Marshall Katrina Skinner Julie Smith Sharon Renee Taylor
MC3 Brandon Williams-Church Bernard Little
NSA Bethesda Fleet And Family Support Center
301-319-4087
Walter Reed National Military Medical Center Office of Media Relations 301-295-5727
301-442-2053
Visit us on Facebook: Naval Support Activity Bethesda page: https://www.facebook.com/NSABethesda Walter Reed National Medical Center page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Walter-ReedNational-Military-Medical-Center/295857217111107 Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/ Uniformed-Services-University-of-the-HealthSciences/96338890888?fref=ts
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Walter Reed Bethesda Memorial Service Honors Fort Hood Victims By Bernard S. Little WRNMMC Public Affairs staff writer Franciscan Brother David W. Schlatter rang a bell four times, the playing of Taps filled the auditorium, and members of the Walter Reed Bethesda community wiped tears from their eyes during a memorial service on Friday to honor those killed and injured in a shooting at Fort Hood, Texas, on April 2. Three people died and 16 were wounded during the shooting, which investigators say was committed by an Army specialist who then took his own life. “We pause to pray for them all, their families and the entire community of Fort Hood,” said Chaplain (Lt. Cmdr.) Leslie K. Sias. “We seek God’s healing and power to endure through this horrific event.” Sias said some at Walter Reed Bethesda may have served with, trained or know service members, staff and families at Fort Hood. He added the shooting may have also “opened old wounds from four years ago” when an Army psychiatrist shot and killed 13 people and wounded 32 others at the same Army post. “Wherever you are as you process this event, always remember, we are a family,” Sias continued. “As a family, we come together to support each other, to care for each other, to pray for each other, to comfort each other, and to honor the fallen and those who have served.” He added Resiliency and Psychological Health Service at Walter Reed Bethesda is available to help staff cope with grief and loss, and can be reached at 301-400-1974. Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC) Director Brig. Gen. (Dr.) Jeffrey B. Clark served at Fort Hood’s 1st Medical Brigade, where the April 2 shooting took place. Offering words of hope and healing to those affected by the shooting and the community in which he now leads, Clark said, “It’s good for us to gather. It is good for the soul of each of us individually and collectively in times of celebration and in times of sadness. “Today, we gather to pause and remember those affected by this unspeakable, senseless violence at Fort Hood, made even more disturbing because it occurred at [a] place where
Photos by Bernard S. Little
Franciscan Brother David W. Schlatter rings a bell four times during a memorial service on April 4 in Walter Reed Bethesda’s Clark Auditorium to honor victims of an April 2 shooting at Fort Hood, Texas.
The official party prays during a memorial service on April 4 in Walter Reed Bethesda’s Clark Auditorium. The service was for victims of an April 2 shooting at Fort Hood, Texas during which three people were killed and 16 others wounded.
Army Chaplain (Col.) Robert L. Powers Jr., chief chaplain at Walter Reed Bethesda, gives pastoral reflection during the memorial service. The chaplain said God’s word provides hope and strength in the midst of tragedies.
ert L. Powers Jr., chief chaplain at WRNMMC, agreed the memorial service was to honor those lost, and to provide support and comfort to those afwe’re supposed to feel safe,” we gather, pause, and keep fected by the tragedy. But he the general continued. He those affected by these trag- added, the service was also added those at Naval Base edies, and each other, in our held to help people focus on Norfolk, Va., and the Wash- thoughts and prayers,” Clark the future. “Life goes on in the midst of ington Navy Yard in Washing- said, adding “reflection, forton, D.C., have recently gone giveness and hope,” are also tragedy and death,” the chaplain said. “For God hath not through similar tragedies. “good for the soul.” “Thus, it is important Army Chaplain (Col.) Rob- given us the spirit of fear, but
of power and of love and of a sound mind,” he said, quoting the Bible’s verse 2 Timothy 1:7. “This message is good for us today,” Powers said, explaining while those lost are honored and remembered, others gain “courage, hope and power for the future because [God’s word] has supported us in the past, keeps us now, and will keep us in the future.” Chaplain (Lt. Col.) John F O’Grady read Psalm 23, and Schlatter concluded the service with a prayer of remembrance. The Franciscan brother prayed, “At the rising of the sun, and when the sun is going down, we will remember them. At the turning of the seasons, we will remember them. At the blowing of the wind and with the chill of winter, we will remember them. At the opening of the buds and with the rebirth of spring, we will remember them. With the blueness of the sky and the warmth of summer, we will remember them. With the rustling of the leaves and the beauty of autumn, we will remember them. At the beginning of the year and when it ends, we will remember them. As we continue to pray for the strength and healing for the Fort Hood community, we will remember them. As we work to heal those wounded in body and spirit, we will remember them. As we seek to understand the mysteries of your ways, O’ God, we will remember them. They will always remain a part of us, as we remember.” Alicia C h a m b e r s, a WRNMMC staff member, said she attended the memorial service because “the military is dear to [her] heart. One of the Soldiers killed at Fort Hood was a friend of my son,” she added. Her son, Staff Sgt. Winston Chambers, was to attend the wedding of one of the Fort Hood shooting victims later this year. “He’s taking it pretty hard,” she said of her son. Hospitalman Karmen McMillan, a dental assistant for the Navy Medicine Professional Development Center at Walter Reed Bethesda, said she attended the service out of respect for those lost and wounded. “There have been two tragic events at military installations within the past couple of weeks, and I wanted to go [to the memorial service to] pay my respect for those who lost their lives and were hurt.”
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Prosperity Fair Next Week to Offer Resources, Opportunities By Sarah Marshall WRNMMC Public Affairs staff writer To encourage Walter Reed Bethesda staff members to stay healthy, manage stress, and ultimately maximize their full potential, a Prosperity Fair will be held in Building 9 on April 15, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and on April 16, from 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC) Director Brig. Gen. Jeffrey Clark recently employed the Prosperity Plan at the nation’s medical center, having successfully implemented it at several of his previous commands. The plan is intended to strengthen the well-being of staff, which is fundamental to the mission’s success, according to the general. “Your individual prosperity is important to you, to your family and friends, and to each and every one of us. Families are also encouraged to participate,” Clark said. He also said, of the Prosperity Plan Fair, “This will be another opportu-
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vice members, civilians, contractors, volunteers, as well as family members, to learn about the array of resources available at WRNMMC, explained Cmdr. Dwayne Buckingham, one of the lead coordinators for the Prosperity Fair and WRNNMC’s chief of Resiliency and Psychological Health Services. “The primary objective of the Prosperity Plan Fair is to showcase resources and to promote the importance of teamwork and unity, as we strive to accomplish our mission, take care of each other, and take care of our families,” Buckingham said. “The take-home message is that we are in this together and each one of us will prosper.” The fair, held once every quarter, will have more than 40 Photo by Lt. Cmdr. Michelle Tsai organizations and departments During the first quarterly Prosperity Plan Fair in January, staff members received represented, said the staff psyReiki, a wellness technique used to promote balance throughout the human sys- chologist. Those organizations tem. This quarter’s Prosperity Plan Fair will be held next week, April 15-16 in and departments include the Building 9. American Red Cross, Army Substance Abuse Program, the nity for each of us to develop their goals in four domains: pursue and track their ambi- Career Development Departor refine a plan to reach their personal, professional, relation- tions in each of these areas. ment, Pastoral Care, Nutrition Helping staff to achieve Services, Employee Assistance ship, and spiritual. They are goals.” Staff members have been encouraged to share their goals their goals, outlined in their given a Prosperity Plan work- with leadership, friends and workbooks, the Prosperity Plan book in which they can specify family, to help them develop, Fair is an opportunity for ser- See PROSPERITY page 10
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Thursday, April 10, 2014
NSAB Happenings
Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Brandon Williams-Church
Members of the Boston Celtics basketball team sign autographs for wounded warriors and staff at Naval Support Activity Bethesda April 2.
Photo by Bernard S. Little
The El Rancho High School Marching Band from Pico Rivera, Calif., performs for patients, families, staff and visitors at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC) April 3 as part of WRNMMC’s Stages of Healing events.
Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Brandon Williams-Church
Several members of the Boston Red Sox baseball team visited service members and patients at Naval Support Activity Bethesda and Walter Reed National Military Medical Center April 2.
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Photo Story by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Brandon Williams-Church
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Photo Story by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Brandon Williams-Church
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New Prescription Refill Pick-Up Point Opens at Navy Exchange on NSAB By Bernard S. Little WRNMMC Public Affairs staff writer As the rolling metal concession shutters went up, a cake was cut and Cmdr. Gary West became the first beneficiary served at the new prescription refill pick-up point that opened in the Navy Exchange (NEX), onboard Naval Support Activity Bethesda (NSAB) April 2. Navy Capt. David A. Bitonti, commanding officer of NSAB, said the prescription refill pick-up site is part of a long tradition between Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC) and NSAB “of being at the forefront of innovation and health care delivery for beneficiaries regardless of service.” He added NSAB takes pride in its role supporting beneficiaries in diverse and unique ways. “These partnerships between NSAB, Walter Reed Bethesda and the NEX heighten the experience of those who visit our installation. NSAB is proud
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Photos by Bernard S. Little
Army Spc. Quinteris Hodges (left), a pharmacy technician, prepares to help patrons while Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Jerry Reaves (right), a pharmacy technician, assists Cmdr. Gary West, the first beneficiary of the new prescription refill pick-up point opened on April 2 in the Navy Exchange onboard Naval Support Activity Bethesda, home of Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. to partner with Walter Reed Bethesda to expand [prescription refill] services to our beneficiaries.” Bitonti said the NEX staff has been “true stewards of the word team in supporting Walter Reed Bethesda and providing space in the NEX” for the prescription refill pick-up point. In addition, he said the Walter Reed Bethesda Department of Pharmacy has been at the forefront of pharmacy services in the
National Capital Region, and the new NEX pickup point will sustain that legacy. Walter Reed National Military Medical Center Director Brig. Gen. (Dr.) Jeffrey B. Clark agreed, calling the collaboration between WRNMMC, NSAB and the NEX to make the prescription refill pick-up site a reality, an “incredible partnership. The partners have the same focus: [providing high quality service]
Officials cut the ribbon to open the a new prescription refill pick-up point April 2 in the Navy Exchange onboard Naval Support Activity Bethesda. to those we are privileged to serve – military members, their families, retirees and their families. “This is a great day,” the general continued. “We at WRNMMC take great pride in being patient-centered, and even taking that to another level of being proactively patient-friendly. He added NSAB and the NEX are “very customer fo-
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cused,” and the prescription refill pick-up point in the store will benefit “all who we are privileged to serve.” General Manager of the NEX, Rick Pimentel, called the refill site “beautiful and a perfect example of the NEX’s goal of providing premiere customer service. It’s a perfect example of the efforts we try to achieve in supporting
the military and military families.” To expedite prescription refill services, beneficiaries are encouraged to call-in or request refills online at least five (5) days in advance of pickup. The call-in number is 1-800-377-1723, and refill requests can be made online at www.wrnmmc. capmed.mil/Pharmacy.
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Bowling Center Offers Free Game With Meal During New Hours By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Brandon Williams-Church NSAB Public Affairs staff writer
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The Pinfall Café at the Bowling Center onboard Naval Support Activity Bethesda (NSAB) recently changed its operation hours to further accommodate customers for alternate dining options. Now open at 11 a.m. Monday through Friday, the café is offering a free game of bowling and a free shoe rental with the purchase of a meal. “To sweeten the deal on a temporary basis, Monday through Friday, we are letting patrons grab a meal and get a free game of bowling and a free shoe rental on us,” said bowling manager Noel Dysart. “It’s a limited opportunity to invite customers to our facility, to let them know we are here and that we appreciate them.” Mondays, Tuesdays and Saturdays also see a difference in hours with the café opening at 10 a.m. to sell breakfast. The change in hours is due to the recent closing of a fast food restaurant on base. ‘When the McDonald’s on base closed, we decided to open the snack bar at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday,” said Dysart. “The main reason for that decision was to provide lunch for anyone interested.” NSAB Morale, Welfare and Recreation Director
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Courtney Silvestre sights the change in hours as an opportunity for customers to see a different side of the base and venture out for dining options. “I think that people like consistency, so they would like the idea of Monday through Friday coming to the bowling center and having a meal,” said Silvestre. “It’s something new that people don’t realize there is the Pinfall Café at the Bowling Center. We just want to let people know that this is another food and beverage outlet. We are serving customers on one side of the base with the Warrior Café and now we want to be able to serve customers on this side of the base or anybody that is willing to travel.” Dysart highlights that the change in hours gives the customers more opportunities to see newly renovated building.
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“On Wednesday and Thursday in the past we didn’t open until 5 p.m,” said Dysart. “We are hoping that people come our way and partake in what’s going on. This place is newly renovated, so it offers more for our patrons. When the weather gets better customers can sit on the one-level outside deck and use the walk-up window where you can order your meal right on the patio. We never had a sitting area in front of the café before, so we want to spread the word out about what we have.” “If people come inside, get something to eat and see the renovations they will see what a great space we have for parties, retirement ceremonies, conferences or trainings.” For more information on the Bowling Center please call 301-295-2034.
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USO Continued from 1 and editing. There is also wireless internet access throughout the building. Outdoor features include cooking grills, a fire pit, a children’s garden with playground equipment, and a healing garden with a water feature and different walking pathways designed to aid warriors on their road to recovery. “It’s hard to capture in words what a center like this means to recovering warriors and their families who are on such a roller coaster of almost every emotion in the human inventory. To be able to get away in the midst of it all to such a beautiful, peaceful and comfortable place, right here on campus… this is more than just nice to have; it is an essential part of recovery,” Admiral James A. Winnefeld, Jr., Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said. For retired Army Sgt. Nathan Toews, the USO was a life saver after severe injuries from a rocket propelled grenade brought him to then-Walter Reed Army Medical Center in 2006. “While recovering at Walter Reed, there were three things that made up my day: learning to deal with my injuries, going to rehab and crippling boredom,” Toews said. “Honestly, sometimes the boredom was the hard-
Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Brandon Williams-Church
The patio features several grills and seating areas that patrons are encouraged to use. est thing to deal with. So that’s where the USO stepped in.” Toews said USO volunteers always provided opportunities for him and other Wounded Warriors to focus on other things. They were able to unwind, relax and find enjoyment in activities like barbecues, celebrity visits or poker nights.
“(The USO was) there every step of the way to make sure my recovery was successful. It brings me comfort to know that the men and women who come to Bethesda to rebuild their lives will have a place to go that will not only fill in the gaps of boredom but help them immensely with their recovery,” Toews said. Toews’ fiancée, Phoebe Kilgour, couldn’t be more grateful for the USO. Through tears, Kilgour described her admiration for an organization she called “remarkable.”
“For me, I have a very sad and trepidatious feeling knowing he went through all of these things when I wasn’t there, and to know that the USO was there for him when I wasn’t … it means everything,” she said. The USO Warrior and Family Center at Bethesda should see roughly 50,000 customers annually, Horton said. The facility is open every day, including all holidays, from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. It is located at 4565 Taylor Road, across from Sanctuary Hall.
PROSPERITY Continued from 4 Program, Fleet and Family Support Center, the Creative Arts Program, and Resiliency and Psychological Health Services, according to Buckingham. Individuals will receive a wealth of educational and life-enhancing information from these services, he added, equipping them with the tools and skills needed to maximize their personal, professional, spiritual and relationship goals. Additionally, the Prosperity Plan Fair helps boost morale and creates positive synergy, he said. “Together we can create a caring and positive environment where individuals can prosper personally, professionally, spiritually and in their relationships,” he said. “Resilient people find solutions in problems. In contrast, troubled people find problems in every solution. Facilitating the Prosperity Plan Fairs is just one way to help enhance individual resiliency, and to let staff know that what we do matters.” Buckingham also noted last quarter’s Prosperity Plan Fair in January was a “huge success,” with more than 1,500 attendees, and he attributed this turnout to a supportive leadership that is “dedicated to ensuring everyone is
Photo by Lt. Cmdr. Michelle Tsai
During the first quarterly Prosperity Plan Fair in January, Brig. Gen. Jeffrey Clark, director of Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, explains the purpose of the Prosperity Plan workbook — a tool to help staff develop, specify, pursue and achieve their goals. equipped to achieve their goals, and this unwavering dedication is what makes the Prosperity Plan Fair a success,” he said. Fair organizers hope to hold the next quarterly fair outdoors during the summer, depending on the weather. For more information, please contact Cmdr. Dwayne Buckingham at 301-319-4223 or Sgt. Maj. Jeffrey Zak at 301-4002957.
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