Annual Physical Fitness Test (APFT)

ACOA will administer a Commissioned Corps Annual Physical Fitness Test (APFT) quarterly with the next one on March 21, 2009. Each officer is responsible for (1) ensuring they are in good health and able to complete all events; (2) submitting their completed Physical Readiness Standards Report (PHS Form 7044) to Medical Affairs Branch and (3) entering their data on the CCRF web-site. You may use this APFT as a practice or for record. It takes approximately an hour for an officer to complete the three components of the APFT, which include: a review of the standards, push-ups, sit-ups or the side-bridge, and a 1.5 mile run/walk. All three components must be completed during the testing session to pass the APFT. For more information on the qualifying standards for the annual physical fitness test see the OFRD website.

Next APFT Schedule:
Date: Saturday, March 21, 2009
Time: TBA
Location: St. Pius High School Track
Contact: TBA

***Please bring water and if desired a towel and a mat. Be sure you are well hydrated for the event.***

***Please note: APFTs will continue on a quarterly basis, so plan ahead to maintain your basic readiness***

CAPT Ralph O'Conner enjoys his sidebridge	CDR Gail Williams providing encouragement during the sit-ups

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ACOA Uniform Store

Don’t forget that ACOA has a uniform swap store!! If you have uniforms to donate, wish to purchase gently used uniform components (at very reduced rates), or if you would like to swap gently used uniforms/shoulder boards, contact LCDR Carol Rao, 404.639.4062 for female uniform components or LTJG Chris Fletcher, 770.488.0755 for male uniform components.

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PHS Flag Sales

In an effort to support esprit de corps, as well as to raise funds to support organization activities, ACOA developed and sells full-size USPHS flags and US/USPHS miniature flag desk sets. These flags are available for purchase by USPHS officers and civilians nationwide. These flags were purchased for use by the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), as retirement, birthday and holiday gifts, and much more. The full size PHS flag design is not readily available from any other source and makes a great addition to your home or office. It can also serve as a great gift for fellow officers on any special occasion.

The full-size USPHS flag sells for $55 and the US/USPHS flags desk set sells for $18. ACOA members receive a discount and can purchase the full-size USPHS flag for $50 and the US/USPHS flags desk set for $16. For more information, please contact LTJG Chris Fletcher, 770.488.0755.

Are you Musically Inclined? - Atlanta Chorale Ensemble Looking for Talented Musicians

The Atlanta Chorale Ensemble is looking for a fellow Commissioned Officer with a musical ear. The Ensemble is in need of both a musical director and an accompanist. If you have some free time and would like to help the Ensemble prepare for this years’ COA performance please contact CDR Januett Smith-George or CDR Jeff Nemhauser.

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The Annual ACOA Fall Social was held on Saturday, November 8 at Dave & Busters. Fun was had by all 40 officers, family, and friends who attended! Attendees enjoyed the opportunity to meet new people and catch up with old friends. A highlight of the evening was watching the acting debut of 12 audience members who played the roles of murder suspects in the Carpenter House Capers interactive dinner theater show. We have some very talented actors and actresses stationed here in Atlanta! ACOA would like to thank everyone who attended the event. Also, ACOA extends a special thanks to LT Jamie Mutter, who organized the social.

If you have suggestions for future ACOA social events or venues, please contact LT Mutter. We would love to hear from you!

Officers enjoy the social hour. From L-R: CDR Mary Naughton, LCDR Juanika Mainor-Harper, LCDR Darrlyn Cornelius-Averhart, LCDR Nicole Flowers	Good food is enjoyed by all!
Andy Eaton in his acting debut role!	CDR Sheryl Lyss and her husband enjoy the performance.

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ACOA Again Participates in Helping to Build a House with “Habitat for Humanity”
Submitted by: LCDR Darrlyn Cornelius-Averhart

On Saturday, October 25, 2008, ACOA had the honor of working with Habitat for Humanity to help build a house in Atlanta. This was the third consecutive year ACOA has sponsored a community service project with Habitat for Humanity. Each Habitat for Humanity house is built over seven consecutive Saturdays with as many as 35 volunteers. On the 7th Saturday, thirteen Atlanta based officers, along with other volunteers, assisted with planting trees, sodding the yard, cleaning the interior of the house, touching up the interior and exterior paint, raking and clearing the lot, as well as numerous other tasks. Participating on Day 7 was truly monumental. Volunteers began arriving at 0700 and worked until approximately 1500 under the supervision of a Habitat for Humanity house leader. Continental breakfast and lunch were provided by the ACOA. The day ended with a wonderful dedication of the home to the owner, Travis, with the Board of the Atlanta Habitat for Humanity in attendance. At the end of our workday, the house was completed and left everyone with a sense of accomplishment and the great feeling of giving back to the community. Everyone involved agreed that it was a personally rewarding experience and that ACOA should continue to sponsor other community service activities with Atlanta Habitat for Humanity.

For more information about Atlanta Habitat for Humanity, see the Habitat for Humanity fact sheet, Habifacts [PDF].

Atlanta-based PHS Officers in front of the Habitat house they helped construct

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ACOA Sponsors Successful Roadside Cleanup on October 18, 2008
Submitted by: LCDR Anna Satcher Johnson

On October 18, 2008, thirteen PHS officers and family members participated in the final quarterly roadside cleanup for 2008. The branch has adopted a one mile strip of roadway on Ponce de Leon Avenue between Briarcliff and Clifton Roads and is responsible for maintaining a clean and safe walking area. Everyone enjoyed the morning sunshine with the event concluding with chats over orange juice and Krispy Kreme doughnuts. This community service project has been accepted and sustained by ACOA as part of the Georgia Adopt-a-Highway program. ACOA contractually agrees to clean up a section of roadway four times each year. The Georgia Department of Transportation has erected signs noting our sponsorship. Please consider joining the camaraderie with your fellow PHS officers. Look for future announcements of roadside clean-ups in 2009.

October 2008 Roadside Cleanup participants

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