Ever had a health care question you wish could get answered quickly and accurately- without having to wait on hold or sit in an Emergency Room for hours? Well, for Dewitt Army Community Hospital patients, their answers might be a text message away.

Health care providers at the hospital recently launched a new initiative providing patients and families a venue to get answers to their medical questions without scheduling appointments.

TEAMHealth – Telephone and E-mail Assistance Market – is a program that increases patients’ access to health care by providing other methods to contact professional medical staff in a more timely fashion.

Originally developed in January 2009 and implemented in November, TEAMHealth gives patients the ability to call, text or e-mail health care questions and concerns to a team of trained medical professionals who can help them.

Comprised of a group of registered nurses and nurse practitioners, TEAMHealth staff work closely with primary care providers to provide patients answers to their health care concerns and general information about medical issues. The service also makes it possible for patients to get prescription refills, receive X-ray and lab results, and help patients navigate the health care system, if they have questions about accessing primary or specialty care.

“There should no longer be any reason for you to schedule an appointment, miss work or school, and travel to DeWitt or one of its clinics to obtain simple medication refills or get insight into your lab or X-ray results,” said Charles W. Callahan, commander, DeWitt Health Care Network.

The program is designed to provide patients with the appropriate level of care when they need it, said Lt. Col. Charlotte Hough, a family nurse practitioner in the program. If a patient is suffering from symptoms, and they are not aware of the potential severity of those problems, a registered nurse can talk to them and immediately help the patient receive the appropriate level of care. Additionally, TEAMHealth staff can help patients schedule an appointment, if needed, or help resolve problems patients might be experiencing with a referral.

Currently, patients are placing the majority of inquiries via telephone. However, TEAMHealth nurses are able to respond to patient requests whether they are received via e-mail or text message to a BlackBerry, as well.

“TEAM Health is an important component to DeWitt’s effort to redefine access to care,” Callahan said. “We believe your life is hard enough. Health care should be easy.”

Submitted by Kayla Munro, Army Public Affairs Specialist

ashmccall Army News, Current Events, social media Dewitt Army Community Hospital, Health Care, U.S Army

Third Army is the Department of the Army and Central Command logistical center of gravity for Responsible Drawdown from Iraq. Third Army is synchronizing equipment movement with key players from U.S. Forces-Iraq (USF-I), Air Force Central Command Surface Deployment and Distribution Command, Army Materiel Command and other DOD and CENTCOM components.

Third Army has successfully supported the movement of forces in and out of theater since the beginning of Operation Iraqi Freedom with a proven material enterprise system. Since July 1, 2009, Third Army has moved:
- hundreds of combat vehicles
- approximately 1,770 tons of ammunition and over one million items such as repair parts, barrier material, packaged petroleum products and general supplies worth approximately 90 million dollars from Iraq to Afghanistan.
- over 22,000 containers and 8,200 vehicles to retrograde facilities.

On Aug. 1, Third Army created ARCENT Support Element – Iraq, a team of specialists that accomplishes the task of responsibly drawing down forces and equipment from Iraq while concurrently building force structure in Afghanistan and throughout the CENTCOM area of operations. Third Army has currently processed approximately 23 percent of USF-I items including tanks, trucks, ammunition, repair parts and oil lubricants from Iraq.

Third Army is partnered with AMC’s Retrograde and Reset Task Force to integrate the number of transportation platforms to provide the continued deployment and sustainment capabilities required by CENTCOM. Third Army operations will continue to be the linchpin in responsibly moving forces and equipment out of the Iraq theater and on to the U.S. or wherever needed by capitalizing on the eight years of experience providing sustainment support to forces conducting full spectrum operations in the CENTCOM area of responsibility.

According to Lt. Gen. William G. Webster, commanding general of Third Army- “This is an enormous task, unprecedented in modern military history, but we have a well thought out plan and the synergy and cooperation of our many teams involved that will ensure we anticipate and are prepared to meet all requirements for U.S. CENTCOM and our Army.”

To learn more about the Third Army and their continuous support in the drawdown from Iraq, visit http://www.arcent.army.mil/.

ashmccall Army News, Current Events Drawdown in Iraq, Iraq, Third Army, U.S Army

MultiCam in Afghanistan. Photo by: PEOSoldier

Soldiers deploying to Afghanistan will be getting a gear make-over beginning in July of this year.  They will be issued the new “MultiCam” fire-resistant Army Combat Uniform  with new Mountain Combat Boots and MultiCam-patterned Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment.

The decision to field and develop an alternative camouflage for uniforms in Afghanistan came out of the realization that the Army’s current Universal Camouflage Pattern, or UCP, did not meet all of the concealment needs for Afghanistan’s multiple regions.

“Afghanistan is a unique camouflage challenge because it’s such a terrain-diverse country,” explained Col. William E. Cole, project manager for Soldier protection and individual equipment at the Program Executive Office, or PEO, Soldier on Fort Belvoir.  He also confirmed that the uniforms and gear in MultiCam will for now only be used in Afghanistan.

Similar to the Battle Dress Uniform woodland print, the new MultiCam is a combination of seven different shades which “takes in surrounding colors.”

This change came after months of developing and testing new camoflauge options were initated. About 750 Soldiers who had recently deployed to Afghanistan were  asked to judge the uniforms in the photos based on their detectability, blend-ability, and rank them from best to worst.

MultiCam in Afghanistan. Photo by: PEOSoldier

The MultiCam, while cut in the same style as the ACU, will have several upgrades including a reinforced seat, buttons on the trouser cargo pockets, be constructed of flame-resistant fabric (like the newer ACUs), and treated with permethrin. New Mountain Combat Boots will also be issued to deploying Soldiers, which feature a tougher, more durable sole for gripping the mountainous Afghan terrain.

What do you think about the  “new look?” Leave us your thoughts.

ashmccall Army News, Current Events MultiCam uniforms, new uniforms, U.S Army

This month is Women’s History Month.  During this time, we celebrate the contributions of women to the United States Army. It is a time to honor the sacrifices and accomplishments of women who not only shaped our service but the country as well.

Women play a vital role in today’s Army; they are the Soldiers on the front-line; they are leaders, officers and noncommissioned officers standing with our troops; they are members of the United States Army Civilian Corps, as well as employers, spouses, mothers and sisters who offer critical support to the troops.

In addition, our Women Soldiers assist in improving the lives and well-being of women all over the world. One such program working to achieve this is the U.S. Army’s Women’s Initiative Program.

To learn more about Women in the U.S. Army, visit http://www.army.mil/women/.

ashmccall Army News, Current Events, Uncategorized U.S Army, Women in the Military, Women's History, Women's History Month

Remember when we posted a blog about the “Apps for the Army” Challenge? Well, it is here! It  officially launched today. 

Open to all Soldiers and Department of the Army civilians, A4A offers Army personnel the opportunity to demonstrate their software development skills and creativity.  In return, the Army hopes to improve its current capabilities or to add new ones – all through the ingenuity of its people. 

“We’re building a culture of collaboration among our Army community to encourage smarter, better and faster technical solutions to meet operational needs,” said Army Chief Information Officer/G-6 Lt. Gen. Jeff Sorenson.

Participation in A4A is limited to the first 100 Army personnel (active duty, Army Reserve and Army National Guard on active duty, and civilians) who enroll.  Teamwork is encouraged but not required.  The Army will recognize the top submissions at the LandWarNet Conference in August 2010.  Winners will receive monetary awards; the total cash pool is $30,000.

The registration form, rules and instructions are located at the Apps for the Army Web site on the AKO portal: http://www.army.mil/ciog6/armyapps.  Rolling registration begins March 1, 2010.  Apps must be submitted by May 15, 2010.  Questions can be addressed to CIO/G6ArmyApps@conus.mil.

General Sorenson will be participating in a LIVE media and bloggers roundtable on Wednesday, March 3, at 1:30 pm EST to talk more about the “Apps for the Army” Challenge. Visit http://www.blogtalkradio.com/bloggersroundtable to listen in.

ashmccall Army News, Current Events, social media Apps for the Army, General Sorenson, social media, U.S Army

Finally, after months of waiting and anticipation, the Department of Defense has announced its policy on “Responsible and Effective Use of Internet-Based Capabilities.” Below is the official release posted around 1:00 EST today.

Today the Department of Defense released a policy memorandum regarding the safe and effective use of Internet-based capabilities, including social networking services (SNS) and other interactive Web 2.0 applications.

The memorandum makes it policy that the DoD non-classified network be configured to provide access to Internet-based capabilities across all DoD components. Commanders at all levels and heads of DoD components will continue to defend against malicious activity on military information networks, deny access to prohibited content sites (e.g., gambling, pornography, hate-crime related activities), and take immediate and commensurate actions, as required, to safeguard missions (e.g., temporarily limiting access to the Internet to preserve operations security or to address bandwidth constraints).

The directive is consistent with the increased security measures that the Department has taken to secure its networks and reinforces existing regulations related to ethics, operations security, and privacy.

“This directive recognizes the importance of balancing appropriate security measures while maximizing the capabilities afforded by 21st Century Internet tools,” said Deputy Secretary of Defense William J. Lynn III.

Use of Internet-based capabilities, including SNS, have become integral tools for operating and collaborating across the DoD and with the general public. Establishing a DoD-wide policy ensures consistency and allows for full integration of these tools and capabilities.

The new policy memorandum is available at:  http://www.defense.gov/NEWS/DTM%2009-026.pdf .

What are your reactions to the new policy? Leave us your thoughts in the comments section. 

ashmccall Army News, Current Events, social media Department of Defense, DOD, social media, Social Media Policy, U.S Army

For the weeks of the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, Army Soldier-Athletes have given up their battle-gear for bobsleds and skis to compete for a gold medal and the opportunity to represent the United States in a different way.

Check out a photo slide show of the Soldier-Athletes participating in their events during the Olympic games.

U.S. Army World Class Athlete Program biathlete Sgt. Jeremy Teela departs the shooting range en route to a 29th-place finish in the Olympic men’s 15-kilometer mass start race Sunday at Whistler Olympic Park in British Columbia.U.S. Army World Class Athlete Program bobsled pilot Sgt. John Napier and teammate Steve Langton are greeted at the finish line of the Olympic two-man bobsled finals Feb. 21 at Whistler Sliding Centre. Napier drove USA II to a 10th-place finish with a four-run combined time of 3 minutes, 29.40 seconds.
Bobsled pilot Steven Holcomb posts the sixth-fastest time of 51.89 seconds with Curt Tomasevicz aboard USA I in the first heat of the Olympic two-man bobsled competition Saturday at Whistler Sliding Center in British Columbia.

To view more photos and to read about the Army’s 2010 Winter Olympic Soldier-Athletes, visit http://www.army.mil/olympics/2010/. GO ARMY!

ashmccall Army News, Army Photos, Current Events 2010 Winter Olympics, Soldier-Athletes, U.S Army

As the nation and the U.S. Army celebrate the achievements and legacies of African-Americans this month, we take a moment to highlight one of the many people who have made their mark in history. Ms. Carol Robinson, our guest blogger, is the daughter of the U.S. Army’s first African-American four-star general. Read below as she shares thoughts about her father and his views during a time of segregation.

In honor of Black History Month, I would like to share a few thoughts on my father, General Roscoe Robinson, the Army’s First Black Four Star General.  Although my father entered the Army during the era of a racially segregated Army, my brother and I were taught to reject prejudice and accept diversity. 

During our formative years, my father shielded us from the “slings and arrows” of racial prejudice and hatred that was rampant during that time while instilling in us love, care and concern for people regardless of their color, ethnicity, or economic status.  As a result, I inherited very “color blind” views of the world, which has carried me a long way in both my professional and personal life all to his credit.

My father was a soft-spoken individual and great role model to others.  He was humble in light of the way fortune had smiled on him and I am very proud of him.

He showed others how to be successful and still treat people with respect, compassion, and how to be able to maintain a balance between duty and Family.  My father’s message was “Always strive for excellence…In whatever job you are assigned, perform to the best of your ability”. 

My father was always about people and quality of life.  He was approachable and looked for the good in people. 

It has been almost 17 years since his passing and he is truly missed!!!

Photo Submitted by: Ms. Carol Robinson

To read more about General Roscoe Robinson, visit http://www.army.mil/africanamericans/profiles/robinson.html .

ashmccall Army News, Current Events African American History Month, General Roscoe Robinson, U.S Army

The Department of Defense has designated February 21 through February 28, 2010 as Military Saves Week. Military Saves is a year-round social marketing campaign designed to change cultural attitudes and behavioral standards concerning saving money. It is part of a national campaign called America Saves, sponsored by the Consumer Federation of America (CFA), which works through community coalitions to persuade and encourage people to avoid debt and build wealth through saving.

DOD has teamed up with the Consumer Federation of America (CFA) to provide tools, resources and financial counseling to service members through their website. In addition, Army Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation (FMWRC) sponsors a month-long media campaign encouraging Soldiers and their Families to participate, and special events through the Better Opportunity for Single Soldiers network to encourage single Soldiers to be more fiscally responsible.

Commanders and senior enlisted leadership are encouraged to place an emphasis on the Military Saves campaign before and during Military Saves Week. Commanders are urged to appoint a representative installations or commands to engage the local public affairs office and on-post financial institutions to make special savings training and programs available to Soldiers.

Saving money is within the capability of every Soldier, and doing so protects them and their families in peacetime and during times of conflict. Programs like the Thrift Savings Plan and Savings Deposit Program make it easy for Soldiers to save, once they know where to go for help and how important it is to them and their families.

Visit http://www.militarysaves.org/ to learn more about how you can begin to “Build your Wealth and Not Debt.”

Have any good money saving tips? Leave them in our comments section.

ashmccall Army News, Current Events Military Saves Week 2010, U.S Army

Well, no winners yet,  but the U.S. Army has a very strong chance of bringing home a few of those “golden men” during the 82nd Academy Awards Ceremony scheduled to air in March.

But before the winners are announced, Soldiers of the 302nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment in Bell, California had the opportunity to meet and talk with some of the nominated actors/actresses during the 29^th Academy Awards Nominee Luncheon. 

Read below about how the vast amount of Military-themed films this year has increased the appreciation for Servicemembers in Hollywood. With flashing cameras and blinding spotlights all around, nominees of the 82^nd Annual Academy Awards braved the media during the 29^th Academy Awards Nominee Luncheon at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on February 15.

Among this year’s nominees, military-themed movies have an overall 29 collective nominations in 12 different categories. Of those nominations, nine belong to “The Hurt Locker,” for Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor Jeremy Renner.

Soldiers of the 302nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment in Bell, Calif., attended the event to interview the stars behind this year’s military movies and capture their perspective on the military after making these films.

“My views have grown as far as my respect for the military…Actually physically doing the same training that they all go through, and in being there, and the guys sharing their lives with me as they did so generously, is an experience that I’ll never forget,” said Renner. “It makes all this actually very palpable.”

The experience has even changed his viewpoint of his own work.  

“The military is my touchstone at this point,” Renner said, “It’s shifted from movie and moviegoer to civilian and soldier, in this experience.”

Renner also made it a point in his everyday life to express gratitude to servicemembers.

“You ask how this has changed my life – well, (now) I walk up to every military person (I meet) and I shake their hand and thank them for their service.”

Renner will be participating in a USO tour of Iraq and Afghanistan in September. 

Seasoned actor Woody Harrelson, nominated for Best Supporting Actor in “The Messenger,” has not always been a supporter of the efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan. However, during the luncheon Harrelson revealed a newfound appreciation for servicemembers.

“It wasn’t until I got the opportunity, through the shooting of “The Messenger,” to spend a lot of time with the people in the Army that I started to realize how amazing these people are,” he said.

“They’re some of the bright lights of people that I’ve met; and I was kind of knocked out by the people I’ve met in the military,” he said. “So, I have a higher regard and a lot of respect for them. Still, as much as I have come to love the warrior, I still loathe the war.”

It became apparent that this role not only changed his opinion of servicemembers but it also changed his way of thinking.

“Preparing for this part in ‘The Messenger,’ I really went into a whole other mental arena. I would do things like go jogging, and I’d be slogging along at my typical slow pace and then I’d think in terms of Capt. Tony Stone, and I’d feel myself picking up the pace,” he said.

“Anytime I’d try and get into the mindset of this character I really felt like a different person, from me.”

Other nominees in attendance included Kathryn Bigelow, Best Director for “The Hurt Locker” and Christoph Waltz, Best Supporting Actor in “Inglourious Basterds.”

The 82^nd Annual Academy Award will be held at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood, Calif. on March 7.

The 302nd will also be at the red carpet event to document celebrities thanking servicemembers for what they do.

Story submitted by: Sgt. Jennifer L. Sierra, 302^nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

ashmccall Army News, Current Events 302nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment, 82nd Academy Awards, Sgt. Jennifer Sierra, The Hurt Locker, U.S Army