EUROPE REGIONAL MEDICAL COMMAND
Volume 1, Issue 3
BMEDDAC FRG NEWS
4th QUARTER JANUARY 2013
Inside this issue:
Hohenfels
2
Schweinfurt
3
Katterbach
Grafenwoehr
3
Vilseck
4
Valentine Coloring Contest
5
HHC
5
Illesheim
FRSA Recipe: Pork Carnitas
6
HHC COMMANDER: CPT BRANDON WARD I have served BMEDDAC as the FRG Steering Committee Chair for over a year but shortly the new HHC Company Commander, CPT Donald Ingrim, will take the helm. As I depart this position to begin the next step in my Army career, I look back on the past year of work and reflect on how far we have come and how much further we can go. Earlier in the year we brought Mrs. Cheryl Hintz on board to serve as the Family Readiness Support Assistant for BMEDDAC and she has been running full speed ever since. Through her diligence, Mrs. Hintz has restarted the FRG newsletter providing feedback and good news stories on all the initiatives, activities, and endeavors of our FRGs. We have formalized an FRG Steering Committee to help provide command guidance and facilitate FRG interaction. We
have provided mutual support to each other in joint initiatives such as participation at the USAG Grafenwoehr Volksfest. We have welcomed home Soldiers from deployment and greeted new employees as they started their careers with us. We have sponsored numerous social activities and events for our employees and their families. You have done a tremendous amount of work and applied yourselves selflessly for the betterment of the BMEDDAC family. There are so many more things that we can do for our Soldiers, employees, and their families, but we have definitely made a good start. I am confident that all the FRGs will maintain this forward momentum and will continue to serve the needs of our families well into the future. It has been my distinct pleasure to have served with the FRG leadership
and Commanders over the course of this past year. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to have worked with such wonderful people. Serving to Heal - Honored to Serve. Brandon M. Ward CPT, MS HHC Commander
ARMY VOLUNTEER CORPS/VMIS The Army Volunteer Corps (AVC) is managed by Army Community Services (ACS) and their volunteer coordinators on garrisons across the United States and around the world. AVS helps identify volunteer opportunities, promote volunteerism, and connect Soldiers, family members, civilians, retirees and community members to legitimate service organizations. Through the AVS, the Army is helping individuals join together in military communities around the world to acquire and maintain skills while serving their neighbors and the
Army family. Volunteer hours are tracked through Volunteer Management Information System (VMIS). Your volunteer hours follow you no matter what duty station you are assigned. Every BMEDDAC FRG is now listed within VMIS. Every member of your FRG should apply for a position. Volunteer hour can be applied to volunteer awards (for civilians) or
promotion points and the MOVSM: Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal.
Log on to: www.myarmyonesource.com
BMEDDAC FRG NEWS Page 2
HOHENFELS
Welcome Home CPT Brian Keene with his wife, Martha
2012 has been a remarkable year for the Hohenfels Clinic Family. Like all Families, we experienced some ups and downs. Our downs were marked with a few illnesses, a work injury, and the departure of some incredibly dedicated and hardworking teammates. Overall however, our year was highly prosperous and filled with countless positive events. We welcomed many new employees and Families--too many to mention individually. In addition, many of our Clinic Families witnessed the miracle of life--bringing a new level of excitement and energy to clinic events such as our Halloween potluck, November pick -up football game, and Clinic Christmas party in beautiful
Kalmunz. During the past quarter, our employees thrived with promotions, awards, and personal and professional recognitions. Our XO, 1LT Goodell earned the coveted Expert Field Medical Badge; SGT Dettor represented the MEDCOM in the Army's Best Warrior Competition and was inducted to the SGT Audie Murphy Club; and MAJ Ittner earned two gold and one silver medals while qualifying for the 2013 Senior Olympics. In addition to excelling as individuals, we have thrived in small teams and collectively. Our laboratory team coordinated two Hohenfels community blood drives with sterling results in addition to excelling during the College of American Pathologists Accreditation survey.
A true credit to the hard work and dedication of the entire clinic team, the National Committee of Quality Assurance (NCQA) recognized our commitment to excellence with Level II Patient Centered Medical Home (PCMH) accreditation. While we recollect and celebrate the many successes of 2012, we are confident 2013 will be equally exciting. We kicked off 2013, Hohenfels style, with an early morning promotion of our Patient Administration Divisions NCOIC, SGT Brown. Additionally, we look forward to welcoming home CPT Brian Keene after a long Afghanistan deployment.
USAHC HOHENFELS HALLOWEEN POTLUCK LUNCH Who: Clinic Personnel & Families
“Overall….our year was highly prosperous and filled with countless
What: Halloween Potluck Celebration Where/When: Conference Room / 31 OCT; 1200-1400 Summary/Significance: - Prizes for Best Costume, Scariest Food, and Best Door Decorations - Approximately 90 Personnel Attended - Patients Selected the Best Door by Voting for 1 Week - Event Coordinator: Tina Williams
positive events.”
Hohenfels Health Clinic Commander LTC Christopher David
- Event Historian / Photographer: Roger Franz
Volume 1, Issue 3 Page 3
SCHWEINFURT The Schweinfurt FRG held our first fundraiser this past December and we’re glad to announce that it was a huge success! We set out three money jars in the Commander’s office over the month of December and allowed the Clinic Staff to put money into the jar of the person they wanted to see dressed as Santa Claus at the Clinic Christmas party. Our Detachment Sergeant won by a huge margin and played a very convincing Santa. Thank you SFC Fidee for making our Holiday a little brighter! We also have our first bake sale planned for the 1st of February at the Ledward PX. Lots of chocolate goodies will be involved which is a
requirement for Valentine’s Day! For the month of March, our FRG is planning on having a March Madness Basketball Bracket Tournament that I’m sure will be a hit. I’m optimistic but, I think a little friendly competition can’t hurt. Lastly, I would like to thank everyone in the Schweinfurt Health Clinic Family who has done so much and volunteered their time and efforts to get our FRG up and running. I seriously could not have done it without all of you and I appreciate all you have and have yet to do. THANK YOU! Schweinfurt FRG Leader, Amelia Jackson
SFC George Fidee “wins” the right to be Santa Clause
KATTERBACH The Katterbach FRG has been busy throughout late autumn, with a “free pizza and lasagna night” in October, followed by welcoming the holiday season with the annual unit holiday party. The Katterbach Clinic has bid farewell to some of its members, but also welcomed even more new incoming personnel. The October pizza and lasagna offering was attended by approximately 50 clinic staff workers and family members, who enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere to talk and enjoy dinner together. Ms. Camel-
lia Garcia, Katterbach FRG coleader, aided by her sister, baked a bunch of Lasagna sheets for the party. Two Katterbach Clinic Soldiers, SGT Adeti and PFC McKenzie, assisted by setting up the facility. The annual unit holiday celebration was held at an area restaurant with approximately 70 people in attendance. The FRG assembled and donated five themed Gift Baskets –Wines, Cheeses, Chocolates, Local Beers, and Soaps - for the event. The gift baskets were assembled by FRG volunteers Ms. Heidi
Piepmeier, Ms. Jill Miller, Ms. Desma Colburn, Ms. Megumi Elliot and Ms. Keiko Gundry. The event was a smashing success enjoyed by all in attendance, and concluded with a visit from Santa Clause, who strangely enough appeared to be closely related to CPT Miller, Katterbach Clinic Medical Director. Santa handed out Christmas Candy packages to all of the children present. The next Katterbach FRG meeting is scheduled for February.
“Santa handed out Christmas candy packages to all the children…”
Katterbach Health Clinic FRG
GRAFENWOEHR The Graf Health Clinic FRG sponsored a Halloween Event for the Clinic families in October. Kids (and some adults) trick-ortreated around the clinic, played games, cake walked, and costume paraded! November found us wanting to get a jump on the holiday calorie burn as we tried Zumba! We ruined that calorie burn in December as we got together for cookies and cocoa following the Graf Tree Lighting ceremony. The kids tried their hand at making German straw
ornaments under the direction of Marion Garza. We were all surprised with a visit by Knecht Ruprecht who shared interesting facts about our kids, and handed out some surprises. Grafenwoehr FRG enjoys Zumba at their November meeting
MAJ Dionicia Russell helps with a craft project
SGT Chancey Doyle and her kids play a game at the Halloween Event
BMEDDAC FRG NEWS Page 4
VILSECK The Vilseck Health Clinic FRG takes pride in bringing the clinic family together. We want our families to experience the support that our volunteers have to offer, and are so thankful for the great volunteers that have helped to establish and grow our FRG over the past year. It is great to see the clinic family working together to help sustain the morale of our active duty members and their families. This past quarter the FRG hosted a "Night Watchman's" tour of Vilseck, which gave us great insight
into the long history of the town we live in. The night was topped off with dinner and conversation at Gasthof Hammer. We had great participation from our volunteers at two bake sales, one for the R&A and another at a local craft fair. Even members who couldn’t help man the booths came through with their wonderful baked goods. The FRG supported the clinic holiday party with Santa and his elf as well as goody bags and crafts for the children. Again, without the amazing support of our
volunteers who donated candy, toys, time and energy it wouldn’t have been possible. The goody bags were a hit with the children while a white elephant game was just as exciting for the adults. We also welcomed SFC Juarez’s wife, Irene, with a "Ladies Night Out". We are looking forward to a brand new year and to welcoming brand new faces. The best contribution to ourselves is the time we put in to others, and we are thankful to those who are volunteering their time.
“Vilseck Night Watchman’s tour gives great insight into the long history of the town and its
Dinner and conversation at Gasthof Hammer following Vilseck’s Night Watchman’s tour
people.” Holiday cheer being enjoyed by everyone!
Sandrine Vernaeckt, PFC Stephen Williams and his wife, Megan Williams Drs Natalia Whitman and Gary Kulka pose with their daughter, Elizabeth and Santa as Santa’s Elf looks on
Volume 1, Issue 3 Page 5
KIDS CORNER Valentine Coloring Contest Grafenwoehr is sponsoring the 4Q coloring contest for the children of BMEDDAC FRG’s. This coloring contest is for children ages 12 and under. All entries will be posted on Issuu.com/ frsabmeddac and everyone will have the opportunity to vote. 1.
Color your entry.
2.
Turn in your entry to your FRG Leader
3.
Vote @ Issuu.com
4.
Entry due: February 8
4.
Voting February 9-13
5.
Winner announced February 14
6.
Prize: $20 gift card
Winner of Holiday Coloring Contest: Madeleine Wolff and her mother, Michele
HHC The HHC FRG has had a few fun events within the past couple of months. In October, the FRG held a Fall Harvest party at the main headquarters building on the weekend before Halloween. The event included a costume contest, pumpkin carving, pumpkin painting, apple eating contest, cookie decorating, and lots of good food and drinks. About a month after the Harvest party, the FRG held a Winter Holiday event. Pizza was provided for all who attended in special recognition of the volunteers within the group. Children were able to make crafts including a candy can reindeer ornament. A cookie exchange also took place
and attendees were able to sample a variety of homemade cookies and take home the recipe from each cookie they liked. Some of our outstanding volunteers within the FRG were also recognized for all of the hard work they have done within the past year. The night ended with Santa Claus stopping by for a visit! The FRG is now in the process of transitioning FRG Leaders. Mrs. Chella Stokoe will be leading the HHC FRG starting in February! If you are interested in a volunteer position with the FRG there are many positions still available.
Cookies for the single soldiers were donated by bakers from Netzaberg Middle School. Left to right: SPC Richard Davenport, SGT Moishe Lowe, PFC Megan Stewart & CPL John Washer
Barracks Community FRGs participated and this year we were happy to have our Family members not only represent our clinic but help in the creation of this event said Major Ball. He continued, it is tremendous to have opportunities for Family Members to share in tangible team efforts that offer insight to their Soldier's/Staff Member's daily contribution to the overall mission. "Movember" Testicular/ Prostate Cancer Awareness offered continued opportunity for Family Members to participate with a Mustache Contest judged by CSM Torres. Everyone enjoyed
a multitude of mustache cookies but SSG Garrison took the "Super Stache" prize. Of course no final quarter would be complete without a Holiday Party. Everyone enjoyed the festivities in Rothenburg, where we happily hailed SSG Rabaca and his family and we sadly fare welled CPL Gaff and his family as well as Mrs Weaver-Brooke and her family. The Illesheim Army Health Clinic sends best wishes for a great 2013 to everyone in BMEDAC and looks forward to nurturing our growing organization into a new year.
1SG John Stachl gets into the holiday spirit and is ready to serve hot cocoa at the Winter Holiday event
ILLESHEIM The theme of the final quarter of 2012 was inviting Families to become engaged in Illesheim Army Health Clinic activities by including our Family Members in the team efforts that helped Michelle Konstantindis, Community Health Nurse to elevate health awareness in our Storck Barracks community. Michelle reached out to the Illesheim Army Health Clinic Family Members for help in coordinating the Breast Cancer Awareness Walk in October. We want our spouses to be a part of their Soldier's/Staff Member's tenure at Storck Barrack. This was a great initial event because other Storck
“We want our spouses to be a part of their Soldier’s/Staff member’s tenure at Storck Barrack.”
Illesheim Health Clinic
YOUR FAMILY READINESS SUPPORT ASSISTANT
PAGE 6
What an exciting time to be a part of the Family Readiness Groups of BMEDDAC. Our program continues to grow and expand as more and more people get involved and enjoying the benefits of volunteerism in our community. Look at our numbers:
April 2012
Cheryl K. Hintz FRSA BAVARIA MEDDAC CMR 411, UNIT 28308 APO. AE 09112 DSN 476-4788 CIV 09662-83-4788
January 2013
% Increase
Volunteer Positions
6
86
1333%
Volunteers
8
65
712%
37
708
1813%
Volunteer Hours
This is a testament to the hard work of our volunteers and their dedication to our families. A big “Thank You� to the Commanders who have given their unwavering support. These two key
BMEDDAC.FRSA@AMEDD.ARMY.MIL
Pork Carnitas Perfect for your Super Bowl Party or when you just NEED a Mexican food fix. Serve with black beans and rice.
1 (3-pound)boneless pork shoulder (Boston butt), trimmed 10 garlic cloves, sliced 2 teaspoons ground cumin
2/3 cup chopped onion
mixture over pork. Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours or until pork is tender.
2/3 cup bottled salsa 2/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro
3.
Remove pork from slow cooker; shred with 2 forks. Skim fat from cooking liquid. Combine shredded pork and 1/2 cup cooking liquid; toss well.
4.
Spoon 1 1/2 ounces pork mixture onto each tortilla; top each with 1 1/2 teaspoons of each: onion, salsa and cilantro. Serve with lime wedges.
10 lime wedges
1 teaspoon dried oregano 3/4 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper Soft Tortillas wrap savory pork, fresh tomatoes, garlic and citrus juices blending to make a perfect slow cooker delicacy.
Preparation: 1.
3/4 cup orange juice 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice 2 chipotle chilies canned in adobo sauce, drained and chopped 20 (6-inch) flour or corn tortillas, warmed
2.
Make 1/2 inch deep slits on outside of roast; stuff with garlic. Combine cumin and next 3 ingredients in a small bowl. Place roast in a 3 1/2 quart slow cooker. Sprinkle pork on all sides with spice mixture. Combine juices and chipotle chilies. Pour juice
Yield: 10 servings Source: Cooking Light/Oxmoor House