June - AtlantaCOA

The Signal
Atlanta Commissioned Officers Association
2014 Signal Board
LTJG Roberto C. Garza, ACOA Communications Co-Chair
CDR Maleeka Glover, Layout Editor
CAPT John Iskander, Editorial Board Member
LCDR David Hunter, Editorial Board Member
The Signal
2nd Quarter 2014
June 2014
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Table of Contents
President’s Corner
LCDR Zewditu Demissie .......................................................................................................... 3
Featured Articles
CDC/ATSDR 2014 Awareness Day ........................................................................................... 4
ACOA 2014 March Lunch & Learn: International Deployments ................................................ 6
Putting Your Best Face Forward .............................................................................................. 7
A Guide to “Informal Recruiting” ............................................................................................ 8
What’s Not to Like About a 4-Mile Run Through Mud, Water, and Grueling Obstacles?! ....... 10
Community and Service Events
Earth Day’s Fantastic Four at the Atlanta Beltline ................................................................. 12
ACOA Members Support Children in the 4th Annual Georgia Walk to School Day .................. 13
Volunteer Day at the United Methodist Children’s Home ..................................................... 15
ACOA Officers Lend a Hand at the USO ................................................................................. 16
You’re in the Loop: Information ACOA Members Need to Know
Question and Answer: PHS Uniform Wear ............................................................................ 17
Save the Date: USPHS Atlanta Metro Area Promotion Ceremony on July 28, 2014 ................ 20
ACOA—The Signal
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President’s Corner
LCDR Zewditu Demissie
Hello again, ACOA members! It is summer time. What does that mean? Well, for one, it means that it’s time for the
USPHS Scientific & Training Symposium. This year, the Symposium was held in Raleigh, NC
and the theme was "Public Health Today: Prevention, Innovation, Progress." We would love
to hear from officers, especially those who attended the Symposium for the first time, about
their experiences. We are happy to announce that next year’s Symposium will be held right
here in Atlanta. So start thinking about how you can help make the 2015 Symposium a great
success.
There is much to celebrate this year. We celebrated the retirement of Captain Gerard (Jerry)
Farrell, USN (Ret.). CAPT Farrell served as the Executive Director of the Commissioned Officers Association/Commissioned Officers Foundation from 2001 to 2014. He has done a lot to
support Commissioned Corps officers and our interests over the years and we want to show
our appreciation. With the retirement of CAPT Farrell, comes the welcoming of Colonel
LCDR Zewditu Demissie
James T. Currie, USAR (Ret.) as new Executive Director. He is already hard at work on our
behalf. Feel free to contact him and share any concerns that you may have. We also
celebrated another retirement at the conference, that of RADM William (Bill) Bailey, Chief
Dental Officer, who has provided service to the Corps for over 30 years. Lastly, ACOA can
celebrate receiving a bronze level membership award from COA for increasing our membership during 2013 by 7%.
Both COA and ACOA can do more with increased membership. So please encourage officers to join both organizations.
If you know of a newly commissioned officer who may be taking advantage of their free year of COA membership,
please suggest that they join ACOA to see what we are about. Our dues are only $15 for the year. If you or someone
you know is interested in learning more about ACOA membership, our activities, and how you can reach out to officers,
please contact our Membership Chair, LCDR Erik Reaves, [email protected].
ACOA is constantly striving to serve our members. You should have recently received our membership survey. I hope
you took the opportunity to respond. Your feedback is necessary for us to learn about what services to provide and
how to improve our current operations. If you missed the survey deadline or if at any time you would like to provide
feedback, please feel free to reach out to me or any Executive Committee (EC) member to suggest activities or provide
other suggestions. Also, please reach out to Committee Chairs if you are interested in learning more about their
Committee’s work and what role you can play. If you need the contact information for any EC member, email me at
[email protected].
We are close to finalizing a new ACOA website. This new website is more user-friendly to update, so you should be able
to receive notices of our activities and other ACOA-related news in a more timely manner. We will send a listserv
announcement to the membership when the new website is live. Our Communications Committee will be conducting a
user review of the website in the near future. So stay tuned to see how you can help improve our organization’s website.
Before I close, I want to mention a save the date. The annual USPHS Atlanta Metro Area Promotion Ceremony will take
place at CDC’s Roybal campus on Monday, July 28. Each year, the promotion ceremony is a time of celebration for
promoted officers and their family and friends. Congratulations to all those who were promoted in this cycle. I look
forward to seeing you at the ceremony.
Best,
LCDR Zewditu (Zewde) Demissie
ACOA—The Signal
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CDC/ATSDR 2014 Awareness Day
LCDR Adriane Niare and CAPT Doris Ravenell-Brown
The first annual CDC/ATSDR Awareness Day was held on March 26 in the Global Communications Center at CDC’s
Roybal Campus. The CDC /ATSDR Director’s Commissioned Corps Policy Advisory Committee (CCPAC), along with the
Commissioned Corps Activity (CCA) of the Human Capital and Resources Management Office (HCRMO) held the
Awareness Day in lieu of the traditional Commissioned Corps All-Hands meeting and delivered an interactive
approach to providing guidance to officers. The goals of the event were to provide a forum for junior and senior
officers to network in an informal setting, to enhance career development and leadership skills, and to promote
esprit de corps among officers across both CDC and ATSDR.
The event began with the posting of the colors by the PHS Honor Cadre and the National Anthem performed by the
PHS Choral Ensemble. The 120 officers in attendance were greeted by CAPT Ravenell-Brown, Director of CCA. RADM
William Bailey provided updates from the Commissioned Corps Leadership Meeting and encouraged officers to work
with their supervisors to complete a mid-year Commissioned Officers’ Effectiveness Report (COER). This is a paper
COER that remains with the officer and his/her supervisor. Completion of a mid-year COER is voluntary, but it is being
asked of us by senior leadership. It improves communication between the officer and the supervisor, sets clear
expectations, provides more frequent feedback on performance, and promotes career planning and development.
RADM Bailey went on to state that CDC senior leadership has requested that all employees receive performance
evaluations at least twice a year. The recommended timeline for the mid-year COER was April 1–30, 2014.
RADM Bailey introduced Carmen Villar, CDC Chief of Staff. In her welcoming remarks, Villar stated, “The Corps is
incredibly valued at CDC. Your hard work and dedication were very much appreciated during the 2013 furlough when
you were the majority of the workforce—doing anything and everything possible to keep CDC running.” Villar also
highlighted how the mission of the Commissioned Corps fits perfectly with CDC’s mission in that both aim to develop
leaders, train the public health workforce, and detect and responding to new and emerging health threats.
While the senior officers explored the informational booths, a “Let’s Talk” junior officer career development segment
was led by CAPT Ravenell-Brown. Panelists, which included some of the most senior officers at CDC and ATSDR,
shared various tips on career development, engaging with civilian supervisors, and how junior officers should prepare
for possible deployment.
During the “fashion show” that followed the panel discussion, officer models highlighted the dos and don’ts of
correct uniform wear, including the working khaki and summer whites. The audience participated by identifying the
uniform faux pas the models committed; prizes were given to those who answered correctly.
CAPT Ravenell-Brown presented the “esprit de corps” award to the Health Services Officer category for having the
most officers present at the event. The event concluded with RADM Redd leading the officers in reaffirming their oath
to the USPHS and singing the PHS March.
(Continued on page 5)
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CDC/ATSDR 2014 Awareness Day, continued
Everyone was invited to network and partake in light refreshments while visiting the informational tables hosted by
the Commissioned Corps Professional Advisory Committees/Groups. Members of these committees and groups advise
the Office of the Surgeon General on issues and topics pertaining to their professional areas, such as professional
development, career progression, and promotions. Representatives from CDC’s Lifestyle Office shared information on
healthy work practices and conducted blood pressure checks.
Attendees commented that they enjoyed the new approach to the traditional all-hands meeting as well as the
interactive fashion show and networking opportunities. The event was such a success that plans are underway to hold
the Awareness Day annually.
Distinguished panel of senior officers in attendance
Officers demonstrate correct uniform wear
ACOA—The Signal
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ACOA 2014 March Lunch & Learn: International Deployments
LT Kimberly Brinker and LT Jona Ogden
On Wednesday, March 12, 2014, the Atlanta Commissioned Officers
Association (ACOA) Professional Development Committee hosted its first
Lunch and Learn of the year entitled, International Deployments.
ACOA was honored to have three Epidemic Intelligence Service Officers
(EISOs) from the CDC, including LCDR Jolene Nakao, MD, MPH, share their
experiences and lessons learned from their recent response to Typhoon
Haiyan in the Philippines. Topics included preparedness activities prior to
deployment, such as learning about the health care system and the EISOs’
roles among international disaster response partners. Emergency preparedness and response plans for acute diarrheal illnesses, restoration of
routine immunizations, and response to a measles outbreak were also
A child receiving an immunization
discussed.
ACOA was also privileged to have LT Erica Bushong, MPH,
present on her recent deployment to Mozambique through the
International Experience and Technical Assistance (IETA)
program. IETA is a developmental training program offered by
CDC’s Center for Global Health, and is designed for federal public health employees who have little to no international public
health experience. LT Bushong described professional adjustments, reflections/surprises, and lessons learned from her time
spent overseas.
Over 20 people participated in the Lunch and Learn! Many
thanks to our speakers as well as LCDR Toscha Stanley, who
helped coordinate the event, and LT James Gooch, who moderated the presentation.
Volunteers in the UNICEF tent in the Philippines
ACOA—The Signal
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Putting Your Best Face Forward
LT Kim Brinker and LT Jona Ogden
The Professional Development (PD) Committee was excited to host the first officer portrait session of the year in February. CDC’s Creative Services group kindly provides the service free of charge twice a year to ACOA members. Professional photos are great photos to use for networking sites (e.g. LinkedIn), agency websites, and for sharing with proud parents and grandparents. Twenty-six officers were able to have their professional photos taken, two
of which are proudly displayed below.
If you missed out, there is no need to worry. The PD Committee is planning to hold another portrait session early this
fall. The PD Committee is deeply appreciative of LT Ayana Anderson and LCDR Sabrina Debose for volunteering their
time to make the event successful!
If you have any questions, please contact your ACOA Professional Development Co-Chairs, LTs Kim Brinker
([email protected]) and Jona Ogden ([email protected]), for assistance.
LCDR Anne Purfield
LCDR Timothy Cunningham
ACOA—The Signal
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A Guide to “Informal Recruiting”
CAPT John Iskander
Many officers who are giving presentations or otherwise appearing at public functions may be asked by civilians why
they are wearing a uniform. Such encounters may also occur at the airport when officers are traveling on TDY. This type
of inquiry may run the gamut from “What’s up with the uniform?” to more respectful inquiries from curious former
members of other uniformed services. Officers should recognize that these questions represent a “teachable moment”
to educate the questioner about the Commissioned Corps of the United States Public Health Service, and in some cases
may also provide an ad hoc recruitment opportunity.
One approach to responding is to have a thought out (but not memorized) “elevator speech” like one you might use to
briefly describe your job duties to a colleague, friend, or acquaintance [see box inset].
Consider the following guidelines for the information you provide:

Keep it brief. Your “elevator speech” should not be made for the elevators at the Empire State Building.

Provide a little historical context on the origins of the Commissioned Corps, but rapidly shift to what the
Corps is doing now to serve the nation and the world.

Be clear. Follow “plain language” principles of saying the most important things first, not using unnecessary
words, and not using excessive uniformed service or military jargon. Using some jargon or acronyms, like
PHS, may be unavoidable, but try to limit them.

Pick a few key points of emphasis: the work you do as an officer and how it serves community and country,
broader concepts such as emergency response, service, and leadership, or whatever is most important to
you as an officer.

Make the story personal-“I served on a team that responded to the 9/11 attacks (or Hurricane Katrina,
Deepwater Horizon, etc.), and we …”

Gauge your “pitch” to your audience. Many current health professions students are unlikely to have
memories of the late former Surgeon General C. Everett Koop, but “baby boomers” will likely recognize him
as a figure identifiable with the Commissioned Corps.
For students or others interested in career opportunities, refer them to official resources as needed; do not make or
imply promises about employment; be knowledgeable about formal recruitment and website points of contact; and
briefly review websites that you are planning to direct people to, so that you can describe what information can be
found there.
Officers should be aware of new priorities and processes for commissioning of officers, and can convey basic ideas such
as the distinction between a commission and a specific position, but a detailed discussion with a possible applicant goes
beyond the scope of “informal recruiting.”
(Continued on page 9)
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A Guide to “Informal Recruiting,” continued
Answer questions about compensation and benefits if asked, but do not lead with these points, and keep your
responses general. Just as we would not ask these types of questions first at a job interview, we should not headline our “pitch” with this type of information. Current and former uniformed service members may have questions
about rank structure and uniforms. A basic knowledge of corresponding ranks in other services is helpful; see the
resource list at the end of this article.
Example “elevator speech”:
“Thank you for asking about my uniform. The Commissioned Corps of the US Public Health Service is
one of the country’s seven uniformed services, and traces its origins back to 1798. By training, I am a
(category or professional qualifications) and I work for the (agency name). I (provide clinical care/
respond to outbreaks and natural disasters/help the country develop health policy/lead scientific
studies). The officers of the Public Health Service are America’s health responders; we deploy following
natural disasters, disease outbreaks, and any event that can affect people’s health. I was involved in
responding to (Hurricane Katrina/SARS/monkeypox/Superstorm Sandy). We serve the country’s
healthcare and public health needs and provide leadership in times of crisis.”
The opportunities for spreading the word about the Commissioned Corps, and potentially inspiring the next generation of officers, are numerous and varied. With a little thought and preparation, officers can take advantage of
encounters that occur at professional meetings, conferences, volunteer events, and even everyday occurrences
such as school functions. This is a small but important example of how every officer can be a leader and demonstrate officership.
Resources:
1. Plagues and Politics: The Story of the United States Public Health Service by Fitzhugh Mullan (Sep 1989),
http://www.amazon.com/Plagues-Politics-United-States-Service/dp/0465057799/ref=sr_1_1?
ie=UTF8&qid=1395837365&sr=8-1&keywords=plagues+and+politics
2. USPHS webpage: http://www.usphs.gov/
3. Uniformed Service Rank Chart: http://www.usphs.gov/docs/pdfs/uniform/Uniformed%20Service%20Rank%
20Chart.pdf
4. CDC Plain Language website: http://www.cdc.gov/healthliteracy/developmaterials/PlainLanguage.html
5. Frequently Asked Questions About Applying to the Commissioned Corps: http://www.usphs.gov/
questionsanswers/applying.aspx
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What’s Not to Like About a 4-Mile Run Through Mud, Water, and
Grueling Obstacles?!
LT Kathleen Ferguson and LCDR Esra Toussaint
On your mark, get set, GO!!!! On March 9, 2014, some of the roughest and toughest Commissioned Corps Officers in
Atlanta and the surrounding areas participated as a team in the Reebok Spartan Sprint Race at the Georgia International
Horse Park. This four-mile, cross-country obstacle course challenges novice and experienced athletes with over 15
deviously challenging obstacles. This was the second year that officers represented the USPHS in the notorious Spartan
Race.
LCDR Loren Rodgers initiated the interest in the Reebok Spartan Sprint Race by posting it on the ACOA listserv and rallying support among fellow officers. In addition, LCDR Rodgers organized the team’s logistics. Participating officers recognized this event as an opportunity to promote physical fitness, represent the Commissioned Corps, and have fun getting
to know fellow officers in an atypical venue. The 2014 team’s size nearly doubled from the previous year’s participation,
with a total of eleven officers.
Although there were repeat Spartan racers on Team Hard Corps, this race was the first Spartan Race for many;
therefore, members organized team workouts at a local CrossFit gym to build cohesion and esprit de corps. The
workouts, led by CDR Michael King, were designed to mimic the race by incorporating teamwork and exercises including
running, pull-ups, push-ups, sit-ups, box jumps, burpees, and weightlifting. We encouraged each other as we worked as
a team to reach our goals, while also becoming friends with officers we had not previously met. With team shirts in
hand and several workouts under our belts, Team Hard Corps was ready for race day.
Team Hard Corps at the end of the
Reebok Spartan Sprint Race.
Top Row (Left to Right): LCDR Bryan Christensen, LCDR David Hunter, LCDR Esra
Toussaint, LT Daveta Bailey, CDR Maleeka
Glover, CAPT Alan Parham, LT Brek
Steele, CDR Michael King.
Bottom Row (Left to Right) : LT Kathleen
Ferguson, LT Nicole Bell, LCDR Loren
Rodgers
(Continued on page 11)
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What’s Not to Like About a 4-Mile Run ..., continued
Together we decided that our ultimate goal of the race was not to compete against others, but to experience and
finish the race as a team; supporting each other along the way with encouragement and a boost (literally) if needed. To this end, when one member of our team was unable to complete a challenge, we did the penalty—a set of
30 burpees— as a team (we love burpees!). In addition, at each obstacle, the team regrouped to complete the
obstacle and then dart together to the next challenge.
At the first obstacle we hurdled short barriers, slopped through mud, and were sprayed with ice-cold water. We
quickly realized that this course meant business. About an hour and 50 minutes later, after slogging through lots of
mud, wading in pools of freezing cold water, pulling giant tires here and there, throwing spears at Spartan scarecrows, scaling six-, seven- and eight-foot walls, climbing ropes, and performing many, many burpees, Team Hard
Corps crossed the finish line together, covered from head to toe in mud, with big smiles on our faces.
Those dreaded burpees!
In the spirit of the Spartans, Team Hard Corps hopes to participate in the race for many years to come and to
become lifelong promoters of physical fitness, team work, and the commitment to overcome extraordinary
challenges. We welcome other Spartans to join us for future races, so be on the lookout for more information in
the future.
ACOA—The Signal
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Earth Day’s Fantastic Four at the Atlanta Beltline
LT Ayana Anderson & LCDR Neelam D. Ghiya
On Saturday April 19, 2014, four ACOA volunteers joined Atlanta BeltLine, Inc., the Atlanta BeltLine Partnership, Park
Pride, Trees Atlanta, the Atlanta Community Tool Bank, Keep Atlanta Beautiful, and neighborhood partners to clear invasive bamboo and debris along the Eastside Hiking Trail to celebrate Earth Day.
The Atlanta Beltline follows a 22-mile historic rail corridor that encircles the city of
Atlanta, connecting many neighborhoods to each other. When completed, the
family- and pet-friendly Atlanta Beltline will include rail transit, multi-use trails,
acres of parks, affordable housing, remediated brownfield sites, public art, and
historic preservation. In spite of the rainy, gloomy weather, ACOA members and
other individuals volunteered for a clean-up event. Also in attendance was Atlanta
City Council member Alex Wan, who provided breakfast and water to the volunteers.
To remove the bamboo, there were three work groups: one group used saws to cut
down trees; the second group transported the cut trees on tarps to the disposal
areas; and the third group used saws and shears to cut the trees into four-foot
segments and disposed of them in a temporary dumpster.
In addition to removing and disposing of the bamboo, thicker, greener bamboos
were set aside for use by a local artist to develop a sculpture. Removing the
invasive bamboo will increase the area for native plants to grow, supporting the
local wildlife food web. Furthermore, removing bamboo, which is so thick and tall
that people can hide in it, makes the trails safer. In addition to giving back to the
community, CDR Meredith McMorrow noted that “this volunteer opportunity
provided a great team-building exercise for the officers who braved the weather!”
LCDR Kanta Sircar added “this event was so fun and I got an upper body work out.”
Left to Right: LCDR Kanta Sircar,
LT Ayana Anderson, CDR Meredith
McMorrow, and LCDR Neelam D.
Ghiya
Left to Right: LT Ayana Anderson, LCDR Kanta Sircar,
CDR Meredith McMorrow, and LCDR Neelam D.
Ghiya
(Continued on page 14)
ACOA—The Signal
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ACOA Members Support Children in the 4th Annual Georgia Walk to School Day
CDR Andrea Sharma
Safe Routes to School (SRTS) is an international movement that began in the 1970s in
Denmark and spread throughout the world, reaching the United States by the 1990s.
The purpose of SRTS programs is to encourage kids to walk and bike to school and to
improve safety in the vicinity of schools.
Wednesday, March 5, 2014, marked the fourth annual Georgia Walk to School Day
(gWalk). Organized by the Georgia Department of Transportation’s (GDOT) Safe
Routes to School Resource Center, gWalk events emphasize the importance of
pedestrian safety; physical activity; concern for the environment; and building
connections among families, schools, and the broader community.
Seventeen Atlanta-based PHS officers assisted students, parents, and
faculty at six elementary and middle schools during their Georgia Walk
to School events. Schools were located in four counties, representing
five different school systems, in the Atlanta metro area. Officers helped
students cross streets safely, participated in “walking school buses,”
distributed incentive prizes and information about SRTS, and helped
children log their participation for school contests and awards.
Children from the community participating in gWalk
Despite some chilly weather, the events at all schools were a success!
Schools had between 50 and 500 students walking to school and
participating in organized activities. To see so many children and their families out walking and having fun is truly
inspiring and a great way to start the day. Both the Georgia Safe Routes to School Resource Center and the participating
schools reported that ACOA volunteers provided much-needed support to ensure their activities went safely and
smoothly. Participating schools appreciated the help provided by PHS officer volunteers (as shared in excerpts from
emails from three of the participating schools ).
“Thank you for participating in the Walk to School day! The events would not be possible without
your involvement. We were able to serve approximately 150 students. I know at times performing
extra responsibilities may go unnoticed. However, please know we greatly appreciate your
willingness to volunteer your time, energy, and services for the betterment of our students!”
– Fairington Elementary, DeKalb County
Participating in Walk to School activities supports the Surgeon General’s Every Body Walk! initiative and the National
Prevention Strategy on Active Living. Engaging in regular physical activity is one of the most important things that
people of all ages can do to improve their health. Physical activity strengthens bones and muscles, reduces stress and
depression, and makes it easier to maintain a healthy body weight or to reduce weight for those who are overweight or
obese.
(Continued on page 14)
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ACOA Members Support Children in the 4th Annual Georgia Walk to School Day, continued
“Thanks for helping with our Walk to School event. We certainly appreciated Sharyn and Sade’s help as 2
of our volunteers were absent. We had over 110 walkers, representing 43 classes and an additional 16
students who had never walked [to school] before! The kids still love the stickers and signing the
pawprint banner and that’s how we keep count of walkers.”
– Arcado Elementary, Gwinnett County
ACOA supports public health initiatives and opportunities for
Commissioned Officers to promote awareness about the benefits
of physical activity. As stated by RADM Clara Cobb, “Helping
communities with Walk to School activities is a great way for
USPHS officers to support the National Prevention Strategy and
help Americans be more active!” We hope this will be the first of
many opportunities to help local schools with their Walk to School
Days! For more information on the Safe Routes to School and the
Georgia Safe Routes to School Resource Center, please visit
www.saferoutesga.org.
Left to Right: LCDR Sharyn Parks-Brown, Arcado
Elementary School volunteer, and LT Folasade (Sade)
Kembi, in Gwinnett County
Middle Row: RADM Clara Cobb and another officer
with school staff at Fairington Elementary School, in
DeKalb County
Bethune Elementary School principal and faculty in Fulton County
along with officers LCDR Myoshi Francis, CAPT (ret) Ralph O'Connor,
and LCDR Katrina Mosley-Sloan.
“Please give our many thanks to the USPHS officers who helped pass out prizes to our students. With
over 350 students and their families walking to school, we need all the help we can get! Walk to school
events help families realize how easy it can be to walk to school every day. Thank you for making our
event a success!”
– Sagamore Hills Elementary, DeKalb County
ACOA—The Signal
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Volunteer Day at the United Methodist Children’s Home
LCDR Erika Odom
On Saturday morning, April 5, 2014, 11 Atlanta-based PHS officers volunteered at the United Methodist Children’s Home
(UMCH) of the North Georgia Conference. The UMCH was established in 1871 and has maintained a beautiful campus
in Decatur, Georgia, since 1873. The volunteers arrived early at 0845 and were greeted by Sharon Brewer, UMCH volunteer coordinator, who oriented them to the mission of the UMCH and the services provided by the Children’s Home.





The mission of UMCH is to provide services aimed at preventing the breakup of families, restoring and
healing separated families, and teaching teens and young adults how to create successful and meaningful
lives.
At the UMCH, children under 18 can receive care in homes with foster families supervised by the Children’s
Home. The Children’s Home is also a licensed adoption agency and facilitates the process of adoption if a
child in foster care becomes eligible for adoption.
On the campus of UMCH, housing is provided to older adolescents to help them make the transition from
foster care to independence while receiving full casework services and life skills training.
For families who may be at risk of losing their children due to lack of housing or inability to provide food for
or clothe their children, UMCH provides on-campus housing along with counseling services, parenting
classes, and financial aid.
Any youth or adult who has been a part of UMCH, at any time in their lives, can also receive supplemental
educational and living assistance.
After orientation, volunteers were split into three groups – outdoor workers, painters, and clothing sorters. Outdoors,
four of our more industrious officers worked to dig a ditch, installing a French drain (which drains excess water out of
yard) behind one of the activities buildings. The UMCH grounds hold over 25 buildings, including a chapel, residential
cottages, office/meeting facilities, and a gym, all of which are maintained by a very small staff. Indoors, remaining
officers painted walls and sorted children’s clothes in preparation for the flea market that was being held the following
Saturday. The flea market is the UMCH’s primary fundraiser, and is held three times a year, raising over $100,000 each
year. By noon, the officers completed their activities, saving the UMCH nearly $1000 in labor and countless hours
usually logged by facilities staff and the women’s guild that runs the flea market.
To learn more about UMCH, including information on the
flea market, please visit:
http://www.umchildrenshome.org/
Officer volunteers at the United Methodist Children’s Home
ACOA—The Signal
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ACOA Officers Lend a Hand at the USO
LT Deb Cox and LT Jona Ogden
On Saturday, January 18, Atlanta Commissioned Officers Association (ACOA) officers volunteered at the United Service
Organization (USO) at the Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. We had the privilege to meet and serve
numerous fellow servicemen and women, including a group of Navy servicemen fresh out of Great Lakes Basic Training
on their way to Texas, and an O-4 on his way to Kuwait for a one-year tour of duty. In addition, representatives from the
Martha Stewart Bulloch Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) stopped by to
donate goody bags and thank you notes for the troops.
The USO is a not-for-profit, non-partisan organization focused on our troops. Wherever and whenever troops go, the
USO will be there “Until Every One Comes Home.” The USO Georgia operations assist over 600,000 individuals annually.
Located on the third floor of the Airport Atrium at Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport Domestic Terminal,
the USO operates from 0700 to 2100 Sunday through Friday, and from 0700 to 1800 on Saturdays, providing active
military personnel and their dependents a variety of services, such as free refreshments and a comfortable location to
wait for their flights. Throughout our country’s history, Americans have felt profound appreciation and gratitude for the
dedication and sacrifice of our troops and their families. As it has for 70 years, the USO provides a tangible way for all of
us to say thank you. Thanks to your generosity, the USO fulfills its mission of lifting the spirits of America’s troops and
their families. Through the USO, you touch their lives and do everything possible to provide a home away from home for
our troops and to keep them connected to the families they left behind.
ACOA helps out by supplementing the USO staff on the third Saturday of each month. We also host an annual holiday
party in December. Volunteers serve hot meals and greet our servicemen and women with applause as they exit the
escalator upon arrival at the domestic terminal of Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. For more information
about how you may help, contact LT Shalon M. Irving at [email protected] or go to www.usogeorgia.org.
LT Jona Ogden and LT Deb Cox, flanked by two
volunteers outside the USO at the Atlanta
Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport
ACOA—The Signal
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Question and Answer: PHS Uniform Wear
LCDR Zewditu Demissie and CAPT Bruce Tierney
This is the second article in our series of uniform Q&A. Remember that daily uniform wear has been required of
Commissioned Corps officers since July 1, 2008. Uniform wear serves multiple purposes: it shows commitment to and
respect for the Service, demonstrates officership, and contributes to Commissioned Corps visibility and recognition of
the Service.
When can I wear the COA ribbon?
The COA ribbon is not authorized for everyday wear; it is only to be worn at designated COA events (e.g., Atlanta-area
Officers Promotion Ceremony, Anchor and Caduceus Dinner, COF Symposium). The same is true for other organizational
ribbons like those for the Reserve Officers Association (ROA), Association of Military Surgeons of the United States
(AMSUS), and Society of American Military Engineers (SAME). These ribbons come after the PHS Commissioned Corps
Training Ribbon on the ribbon rack. The order of preference is shown below.
Can I wear my phone with my uniform?
Yes, you may wear your phone. However, take caution to follow the guidelines regarding where you can wear it. Guidance indicates that no items shall protrude from or be visible through the uniform, including communication devices.
When a communication device, such as a cellular phone, is worn, it shall be worn neatly, be conservative in color and
design, and shall not distract from the appearance of the uniform.
Service or working uniform: your device must be worn on either side of the hip behind the elbow and should not be
visible from the front.
Dress uniform: devices should not be visible in any way (i.e., front, side or rear, bulging, or protruding).
Please see the uniform and appearances document for additional guidance for wear of communication devices (see
Section 6-6).
Can I store items in my pocket?
Yes, you may use your pockets as storage; however you must avoid overstuffing your pockets. Items stored in pockets
should not produce a bulky appearance. It is also important to mention that officers should not place hands in his/her
pockets of any uniform component. The only exception is to obtain or store an item within the pocket.
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PHS Uniform Wear, continued
My combination cover does not seem to match other officers’ covers. Why so?
Check to make sure that you have the current authorized version of the cover. In addition, if you purchase a combination
cover through Navy or many other uniform outlets, the cover will likely come with Navy accessories. In order to convert
the Navy cover to a PHS cover, you must purchase:
(1)
PHS chin strap (gold with a maroon strip in the middle). The chin strap is not used on the O-5/O-6 and
O-7 and above female combination covers.
(2)
large, all-gold, PHS cap insignia. In contrast, the Navy cap insignia is gold and silver.
(3)
PHS gold cap screw on buttons that have the anchor and caduceus on them.
Also note that older caps had an embroidered cap insignia. The older cap (shown below on the right) can sometimes be
found but is no longer authorized for wear.
Correct combination cover on the left, incorrect one on the right
When may an officer remove the Service Dress Blue Jacket?
An officer may elect to remove the Service Dress Blue Jacket in his/her immediate office space or vicinity. Vicinity is usually defined as the same floor or area that the office is in. This does not include going upstairs to visit another office, or
going downstairs to the dining area, for example. Women may wear the long sleeve or short sleeve white shirt with soft
shoulder boards without the jacket while in their immediate office space. Similar guidelines apply to wear of the ODU
shirt. It is not appropriate to wear only the ODU blue T-shirt when outside of your immediate office space. The uniform
should have your name visible (except when wearing approved outerwear such as the black windbreaker jacket) whenever you are outside of your immediate office space.
What are the rules regarding outerwear?
Civilian outwear is never authorized. If you are concerned about cold or rainy weather you should review the uniform
guidance to see the different options available for outerwear and purchase necessary items accordingly. You may wear
any outerwear, including the windbreaker (lined or unlined), over the sweater.
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PHS Uniform Wear, continued
(Female officers only) Can I wear pumps with my slacks?
Female officers may wear dress pumps with both the skirt and slacks. In both cases, flesh-tone pantyhose should be
worn. You may need to tailor your pants differently for wear with oxfords vs. wear with pumps. Slacks should always
hang approximately two inches from the floor at the back of the shoe.
Remember that ACOA maintains a Uniform Store with new and used uniform components. Please feel free to
reach out to the Uniform Store Coordinators: LCDR Mark Freedman, [email protected], and LT Candis Hunter,
[email protected].
References:
1. Official published documents regarding uniform wear for all officers and for female and male officers,
separately, can be found on the CCMIS website. Most Uniform Instructions are found in Book 4, Book 5,
and Book 8 in the Table of Contents: http://dcp.psc.gov/eccis/CCISToc.aspx?ShowTOC=Y
2. Uniforms and Appearance: http://dcp.psc.gov/eccis/documents/CC412.01.pdf
3. Wear of Ribbons and Medals: http://dcp.psc.gov/eccis/documents/CCPM26_3_3.pdf
4. Uniforms for Male Officers: http://dcp.psc.gov/eccis/documents/CCPM26_3_4.pdf
5. Uniforms for Female Officers: http://dcp.psc.gov/eccis/documents/CCPM26_3_5.pdf
6. Insignia and Devices: http://dcp.psc.gov/eccis/documents/CCPM26_3_6.pdf
7. Special Uniform Situations: http://dcp.psc.gov/eccis/documents/CCPM26_3_7.pdf
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Save the Date: USPHS Atlanta Metro Area Promotion Ceremony on July 28, 2014
LCDR Francisca Abanyie
The Atlanta Commissioned Officers Association (ACOA) and CDC/ATSDR invite all Atlanta-area officers, coworkers,
friends and family to attend the 2014 USPHS Atlanta Metro Area Promotion Ceremony on Monday, July 28 at 1300 in
CDC’s Tom Harkin Global Communications Center Auditorium B (Roybal campus, Building 19). RADM Henry Falk
(Retired), former Director of CDC’s National Center for Environmental Health/ATSDR, will give the keynote address. In
addition, a number of senior officers are expected to attend. A reception will immediately follow the ceremony. Questions regarding the ceremony should be sent to LCDR Francisca Abanyie, [email protected], or LT Jennifer Lind,
[email protected].
Photo of the 2013 USPHS Atlanta Metro Area Promotion Ceremony
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