| Articles
I
Finally Got It: A CDC Commissioned Corps Officer’s Story
Submitted by CDR Ulana Bodnar
“It’s Monday—why are you wearing your uniform?” was the first question posed
to me when I entered my office building in late July in Atlanta after a
2-month detail in the Office of the Surgeon General (OSG) in Rockville,
Maryland. “I always wear my uniform!” I replied while thinking I’m a
Commissioned Corps officer, why shouldn’t I be wearing my uniform? After
an exchange of opinions about uniform wear, I made my way to my office
reflecting back on my 2-month experience in the OSG and remembering how it
all came about.
By early 2004, Transformation was in full swing, and I was scrambling to
complete all the necessary paperwork that was required of all officers.
After meeting all the deadlines, I began to seriously consider the
Transformation, namely, what further changes it might bring and how they
would affect me. Big change can cause uncertainty and anxiety, yet I also
recognized that change can bring opportunity. After attending meetings and
gathering as much information as possible about the Transformation, I sifted
through facts, best guesses, and rumors and made my decision—a decision
based on career issues, why I was in the Corps, and trust in my Corps
leadership. I decided the Corps was for me, and after nearly 8 years it was
time I “got with the program” and moved with the Transformation. So began my
transformation, which culminated with a detail in the OSG.
After my decision, I implemented many personal changes, including daily
uniform wear. However, they were, in retrospect, of superficial personal
benefit. Then, BOTC came to Atlanta during the summer of 2004 and, along
with it, a realization that there was more to the Corps than I had
experienced. Something was still eluding me. That something emanated from
the course instructors who came from the OSG to teach and from personnel
from CDC’s Office of Commissioned Corps Personnel who were assisting them.
Why had I not noticed this before? They were different—they lived and
breathed the Corps and had an easy camaraderie. Their pride in the Corps
showed. My transformation efforts had fallen short. I had not achieved my
goal. But, an idea began to germinate and grow as the summer passed and
autumn arrived. With the support of the CDC Commissioned Corps liaison, CAPT
Austin Hayes, and after obtaining permission from my branch chief, CAPT
Matthew McKenna, I acted. I decided I would reach for what I considered the
pinnacle of the Corps experience and, yet, what was for me the best way to
achieve my goal. I would apply for a detail in the OSG to experience that
elusive Commissioned Corps culture while at the same time learning more
about the Corps and its benefits to DHHS agencies, and understanding who my
leaders were and their roles.
The response to my letter of inquiry to the OSG was, to my delight,
positive. Under the guidance of the Chief of Staff, RADM Williams, with whom
I initiated my correspondence, we decided where I would spend my time given
my background—the Office of Science and Communications. There was only one
glitch: they were searching for someone to head the office who, when hired,
would oversee my experience. All plans also were contingent upon my
availability given my CDC responsibilities. Thus began a monthly email
correspondence regarding my start date that was to last nearly 18 months.
Finally, the day I was to begin my detail arrived! I was at 5600 Fishers
Lane! Although I was excited and nervous, I was determined that this would
be not only a working and learning experience, but also an enjoyable one.
Still, doubt crept in. Was I, a CDC-bred Commissioned Corps officer, good
enough? Were my training and experience, which spanned the EIS, CDC staff
positions, BOTC, and IOTC, sufficient for my Surgeon General (SG)? These and
myriad uncertainties relating to such seemingly mundane issues as uniform
wear and military courtesies swirled in my mind as I entered the OSG and
reported in. Fortunately, not only were the OSG staff extraordinarily down
to earth, immediately placing me at ease, but my curiosity about my new
environment quickly overcame any nervousness. After 18 months of
anticipation, I was not about to let one idle moment go by! And, indeed, on
my first day I was introduced to the then-VADM Carmona. In my Service Blue
uniform, I feared that the class of my uniform was not appropriate for such
a dignified occasion. This raised the issue of what was the appropriate
dress and for what occasion? As the weeks flew by, I learned much about
uniform wear, military courtesies, and officership by trial and error, and
even by gentle humor from the SG and his staff. I also deliberately chose to
stay on the Navy base in Bethesda for a period of time. My interaction with
our leadership (including my CPO, CAPT Rutstein) and other uniformed
services, and my time on the Navy base made me realize what I represented
when I wore my uniform and was recognized as Commander. I no longer
represented simply myself or my agency or the OSG where I was temporarily
working. I was part of something bigger—a uniformed service with a public
health trust that is a unique asset to the Nation, to be used by the Nation
in times of need. Who, other than the Corps, can do what we do? My answer is
a resounding “no one!” But, to be an effective force, training and practice
are necessary. We must be force ready, bringing our combined agency-driven
talents to the table.
The inner workings of the OSG, particularly the Office of Science and
Communications, were of no less interest to me. What did the various offices
do, how were SG documents generated, what were the processes, who was
involved, and what was their effect? These and many other questions were
answered through my work with SG documents, process documentation, and
attendance and participation at briefings and conference calls during my
detail. By far, an early highlight was an SG briefing by an agency that
wished to initiate an SG document. Taking an observational stance (always
wise when one is new), the dynamics and briefing content were fascinating.
However, by the briefing’s end, I had more questions than answers, many of
which had been accumulating since my arrival in the OSG. As the SG, the
Senior Science Advisor, and I rode down in the elevator to the lobby, my
questions and observations began to spill out. We began to walk toward the
lobby doors, but then the SG stopped and turned. He then stood in the lobby
patiently answering my many questions, even as everyone left the building to
go home…time went by, and we still continued our conversation. I began to
understand the workings of the OSG and the SG’s role. I built on this early
experience, for which I am very grateful and consider myself privileged to
have had, with other briefings, most notably those surrounding the release
of A Report of the Surgeon General: The Health Consequences of
Involuntary Exposure to Tobacco Smoke. The rollout for this report was
quite an experience. Not only was the science impressive, but the rollout
and organizational planning and agenda were astounding. I had never dealt
with activities on this large a scale. I finally fully appreciated the SG’s
stature and role.
Being an avid history buff, I explored the history of our Nation in the
Washington area during my free time. I inevitably also explored the history
of our uniformed services, mine in particular. I also attended local Corps
functions. But, before I knew it, it was the end of July, and I was making
my farewell rounds. After packing my car, I headed south, while my thoughts
flew to what I needed to do first thing Monday morning to begin getting
caught up with my regular duties. I also reflected on my experience. Had it
been worth it? Did I truly get what I desired out of it? What added value
was I bringing back to my agency? My experience had been rich and varied,
and made me realize and appreciate just how well I had been trained at CDC.
However, I also thought back to when I joined the Corps. Everything had
started out right. But somewhere and somehow, I had strayed from my intended
path. I remembered hurriedly completing my Corps paperwork to enter the
EIS—except for one document. In the intervening years, I had forgotten about
the gravity with which I had read that document, considered it, and signed
it, and had it notarized. To me, this was no ordinary document and signing
it was not to be taken lightly. It demanded a lifelong commitment. Was I up
to the challenge? That document was the Oath of Office: to “. . . . defend
the Constitution of the United States against all enemies. . . . bear true
faith and allegiance. . . . without any mental reservation or purpose of
evasion. . . .”
My experiences in the OSG, coupled with my memories, made me realize that,
yes, I was definitely part of something bigger. I finally got it.
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Promotion, Retention,
and Basic Readiness
Submitted by CDR Larry Cseh, ATSDR
As October creeps up on us again, Commissioned Officers have several things
to begin to be thoughtful of besides the little ghouls and goblins coming to
visit. As you all may have to remember, the COER should be coming soon since
they are now scheduled for October 1 to September 30. (Or is it November 1
to October 31?) Just a reminder to start working on your COER Attachment I
and prepare comments for your supervisor.
If worrying about getting a good COER score isn’t stressful enough, you also
need to check on your Basic Readiness Status. Recently I fell into the ranks
of “Non-Basic” because my 5 year physical was expired by one month. I don’t
know about other officers, but I have problems keeping track of my wedding
anniversary, let alone when I took a physical five years ago. For those of
you who do not use Outlook calendar or some other electronic reminder, you’d
better log in to your e-OPF to check on those dates. Don’t do what I did
and expect the CDC Occupational Physical (which I must take annually because
of my billet as an Emergency Response Coordinator) to be adequate. I had to
schedule with my Emory Primary Care Manager (PCM), who said it would be a 60
day wait. Thank you to CAPT Dan Cline, who was able to get me an appointment
in two days instead of two months. Well, after going to several
appointments, I finally completed the physical that made the Medical Affairs
Branch (MAB) happy.
I also noticed that my e-OPF now lists immunizations, including
verification. Self reporting immunizations and mailing documentation to OFRD
isn’t adequate anymore for MAB. When I checked my immunizations that they
had listed, they did not like several of my dates. (I had the CDC
Occupational Health Clinic transcribe my immunizations a few years back to
make it easier to maintain a record.) The CDC Automatic Immunization and
Medical Surveillance System (AIMS) prints up a great little report that I
assumed PHS would accept since I’m not self reporting. They like the report
except for the vaccination series I got while assigned to the IHS and USCG.
It seems that if the shot wasn’t given at the clinic, they would use a
default 1/1/year date and two shots given the same day set off bells. I had
to send copies from my medical record for them to accept them.
The e-OPF now has a new addition to the first page concerning medical. It
states:
Submit proof of immunizations (medical/laboratory
documentation) to the Medical Affairs Branch (MAB) (see address below) in
accordance with CCI 812.04:--Force Readiness Standards (Old CCPM: MC-377)
for the 10 OFRD required immunizations (http://ccrf.hhs.gov/ccrf/immuniza.htm
and
http://ccrf.hhs.gov/ccrf/immun_guide.htm). Or, you may fax this
information to 301-594-3299. Keep originals for your records. DO NOT both
fax and mail the immunization information to MAB. Write your rank, name and
PHS serial number on the top right hand corner of all correspondences. Allow
3-6 weeks for processing. MAB WILL NOT ACCEPT SELF REPORTING DOCUMENTS OR
A PRINTOUT OF YOUR SELF REPORTED OFRD OFFICER SUMMARY PAGE.
For promotions in 2007, You are required to self report, update and maintain
your immunizations on the OFRD Officer Summary Page. FOR 2007, PRECEPT 5
POINTS (O or 5) WILL BE BASED ON THE OFRD OFFICER SUMMARY PAGE ONLY. Plan
ahead and maintain your OFRD readiness status. Otherwise, it is very likely
you will not be promoted.
So you have two chances to mess up this time up for
promotion. First, did you maintain your self reporting immunization record
with OFRD. Second, have you submitted proof to MAB?
As I’m typing this article I noticed that CAPT Austin Hayes (CDC liaison)
has sent out an email reminding officers about their readiness status. The
CDC Office of Commissioned Corps Personnel has a
handy checklist for
Basic Readiness that any one could check out. CAPT Hayes’ email was
encouraging CDC Commissioned Officers to maintain their BASIC Readiness
standing. His email also stated: “The Corps is currently developing
guidelines for retention boards to consider potential termination or
involuntary retirement (if eligible) of officers who do not meet basic
readiness standards. It is your responsibility to complete all
requirements for readiness and to monitor your record so that you maintain
your basic readiness.”
So, my fellow PHS Officers, please do not mess up your chances for promotion
by letting these administrative items slip your mind. I am currently marking
my Outlook Calendar to remind me once every two weeks to check my e-OPF and
OFRD Officer Summary Page.
“Oh shoot, they have gone and added another item I now have to send
documentation in for TB. I wonder what else they (OFRD or MAB) will want
tomorrow.” Good luck, and try not to eat too much candy.
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ACOA Sponsors
Lunch and Learn on Deployment Uniforms
Submitted by CDR Bruce Tierney
On Friday, August 25, ACOA sponsored another in its series of ongoing Lunch
and Learn programs for Commissioned Corps officers. In conjunction with the
recent decision by our Local Uniform Authority, CAPT Austin Hayes, to permit
the wear of deployment uniforms on each Friday through September 2006, the
topic of the Lunch and Learn was PHS Deployment uniforms. This subject was
particularly timely in light of the recent establishment of new OFRD
deployment teams and the increasing threat of another hurricane landfall on
US shores by Tropical Strom Ernesto.
For the first time in a while, ACOA was able to bring this program to the
Roybal campus of CDC in an ongoing effort to make presentations available
and accessible to as many Atlanta-area Commissioned Corps officers as
possible. The presentation was led by CDR Bruce Tierney, author of the
recent ACOA Signal newsletter special issue on
the BDU uniform, and was attended by over 30 officers from a variety of
centers as well as one officer who made the trip up from a Bureau of Prisons
facility in Montgomery, Alabama.
In addition to the presentation, lunch was provided by ACOA and officers had
the opportunity to meet and greet one another in a relaxed social setting.
Following the presentation, CDR Tierney held an informal Q&A to discuss
uniform concerns on a one-on-one basis. Many officers elected to participate
in wearing their deployment uniforms (working khakis and BDUs), so that they
would have the opportunity to ask specific uniform questions.
The general consensus afterwards was that the program provided a good
opportunity for officers to become more comfortable with deployment
uniforms, before they needed to wear them in the field. An effort is
currently underway to have the presentation slides posted on the
ACOA website to provide reference
access for all interested Commissioned Corps officers.
In addition to CDR Tierney, several officers provided assistance to ensure
the ACOA Lunch and Learn went off with out a hitch, including CAPT Susanne
Pickering, CDR Craig Wilkins, and LT Steve Miller. A special thanks to these
officers for their service in support of this program.
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ACOA
Sponsors Successful Roadside Cleanup on August 12, 2006
Over twenty officers and their family members participated in the one-mile
roadside cleanup, which was sponsored by the Atlanta COA on August 12, 2006.
The volunteers gathered at a local church on Saturday morning to remove
roadside litter along a one-mile stretch of Ponce De Leon Avenue, between
Briarcliff and Clifton Roads. This community service project has been
accepted and sustained by the ACOA as part of the Georgia Adopt-a-Highway
program. ACOA contractually agrees to clean up a section of roadway four
times each year. Please join us for our next quarterly cleanup on October 14
at 0930. We will meet at the Church of the Latter Day Saints, 1450 Ponce de
Leon Avenue, NE, Atlanta, GA. Please bring interested family members and
friends. For questions, contact CAPT (Ret.)
Gary Noonan at (770) 488-3449 or CDR
Nita Sood at (301) 443-4371.
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The PHS Flag,
seen here flying on the gulf coast during the Katrina response, is a 3 x 5 foot
flag made of high quality nylon material. The USPHS seal is printed on a
separate piece of material stitched onto each side so that the seal appears
correct from both sides of the flag. It has metal grommets for flying on a
wall-mounted or free-standing flagpole, which makes it appropriate for proud
outdoor display at your home. It is equally at home on your office wall and also
makes a great addition to carry with you on deployment! 
The desktop
set includes the US flag and the USPHS flag, at an angle to each side. The cost
of the two flag desktop set is only $20, plus $5 for shipping, but if you order
a full-size flag and a desktop set together, the shipping cost is still only $5.
There will be no additional shipping charge! Shipping charge for the desktop
flag sets alone is also $5, and it is likely that several can be sent for the
same shipping cost, should you wish to order more than one. Please contact LCDR
Dunnick if you wish to purchase more than one of either item to determine total
shipping cost.