LCDR Abigail and DC COA Officers “Go Fly a Kite”

WWW.COAUSPHS.ORG COAUSPHS.ORG SALUS POPULI SUPREMA LEX ESTE VOLUME 62, ISSUE 4 | MAY 2024

Belated Gratitude

April was Volunteer Appreciation

Month, and the month whizzed by

without me thanking the hundreds

(and likely thousands) of active duty

and retired ocer volunteers who

form the bedrock of our association.

This celebration of service, initially

established in 1974 by Presidential

Proclamation by Richard M. Nixon,

is more important than ever today.

Here is a snippet from the original

proclamation:

The spirit of voluntarism, one of

the hallmarks of American life,

has rarely been stronger than it is

today. It has been estimated that

one out of every ve Americans

is contributing time and talent in

some kind of voluntary service….I

urge all Americans to observe that

week by seeking out an area in their

community in which they can give

to a needy individual or a worthy

cause by devoting a few hours,

or more, each week to volunteer

service. I call upon all communities

throughout the United States to

recognize volunteers by observing

the week with special ceremonies

to honor those who have given

see EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR on page 14

Donate Blood

at the 2024

Symposium

Page 9

from the

Executive

Director

Jacqueline

Rychnovsky,

PhD, FAANP, CAE

Captain (Ret.), Nurse Corps, US Navy

see KITE on page 5

by CDR Cynthia Chennault, RDH, BSDH, MPH and

CDR Cathleen Davies, MS, CCC-SLP, CBIS

The city was lively and vibrant! It was an “egg-citing” way to kick o Easter weekend.

The National Cherry Blossom Kite Festival is an annual event that features music, arts &

crafts, food, and kites. There are hundreds of kites from all over the world, and skill levels

can range from professionals to kids. Every year, kite enthusiasts from all over the country

come to y their creations in the skies above our Nation’s Capital. On Saturday, March 30,

2024, U.S. Public Health Service ocers brought along their families to spend a beautiful

spring day getting to know each other and showing o their kite ying skills on the grounds

of the Washington Monument. As a special treat, LCDR Abigail came along to join in the

festivities!

LCDR Abigail and DC COA

Ofcers “Go Fly a Kite”

Members of the District of Columbia Commissioned Ocers Association (DC COA) were joined by LCDR Abigail

at the National Cherry Blossom Kite Festival on Saturday, March 30, 2024, on the grounds of the Washington

Monument.

COA Member

Benets

Capitol Hill Representation

Eorts on Capitol Hill continually support

all Commissioned Corps ocers – active,

former, reserve, and retired

Local Representation

COA Local Branches provide venues

for meeting fellow ocers and a forum

for the discussion of issues within the

Commissioned Corps

Newsletter

Newsletter reports on monthly activities

and items of interest of COA and the

USPHS Commissioned Corps

Ribbon

Authorized to be worn on the USPHS

uniform by members in good standing

when attending COA functions

Insurance Programs

Low-cost insurance programs that may

continue as long as your membership in

COA remains current

USF Online Programs

Discounted degree and certicate

programs like PhD, DrPH, MPH, MSPH,

and MHA

NYMC Online MPH

50 percent discount for the online MPH

and certicate programs

Scholarship Programs

College scholarships for children,

grandchildren, and spouses of COA

members and high school seniors

CPH Exam Discount

Deep member discount and free study

guide for Certied in Public Health (CPH)

Exam

Legislative Update

by CAPT (Ret) Alan Echt, Chair of COA

Legislative Aairs Committee

Bettilou Taylor, our advocate from Taylor

Strategies, has been meeting with House

and Senate sta to move forward with

your legislative priorities. Prior to his

departure in early April, Dave Corrigan, the

former COA Deputy Director was leading

these meetings.

Our number one priority for the second

session of the 118th Congress is

parental leave - to provide the UPSHS

Commissioned Corp ocers parity

with the armed forces and NOAA

Commissioned Ocer Corps. Our

strategy is to accomplish this goal through

an amendment to 42 USC 213a to grant

active duty USPHS ocers the leave

provisions available to the other uniformed

services in 10 USC Chapter 40 (the NOAA

Corps is provided with Title 10 Chapter

40 leave authority through a paragraph in

33 USC §3071). We are working to have

this amendment included as part of the

FY 2025 National Defense Authorization

Act (NDAA). To reach that goal, Ms.

Taylor and Mr. Corrigan conducted

meetings with the sta of Representatives

Landsman (D-OH1), Holmes Norton

(D-DC), Houlahan (D-PA6), and Bacon

(R-NE2) to ask that they send a letter to

the House Armed Services Committee in

support of parental leave parity, and they

are also working with Reps Houlahan

and Bacon to oer an amendment to the

House National Defense Authorization

Act (NDAA). Meetings were also held

with Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY),

Robert Casey (D-PA), Todd Young (R-IN),

and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK). In addition, a

meeting was held with sta of the Chair

Reed (D-RI) and Ranking Member Roger

Wicker (R-MS) of the Senate Armed

Services Committee. The Committee sta

had no issues with including the parental

leave parity amendment in the Senate

NDAA, but someone needs to oer the

amendment. Your advocates are focusing

on Senator Duckworth (D-IL) to oer the

amendment. Meetings are also planned

with the Senate Health, Education, Labor,

and Pensions (HELP) Committee sta

and House Energy and Commerce (E&C)

Committee sta to ask that they clear the

parental leave amendment for the NDAA

(HELP and E&C are the Committees with

jurisdiction over the USPHS).

During the meetings with House and

Senate sta, your other goals and

priorities were discussed. Meetings were

also held with Congressional sta on the

House Natural Resources Committee to

discuss park passes. This goal has run

into opposition in the Senate and was

blocked in FY 2024 by Senator Barrasso

(R-WY), Ranking Member of the Senate

Committee on Energy and Natural

Resources.

Unfortunately, Senator Duckworth’s bill S.

2297, the Parity for Public Health Service

Ready Reserve Act, failed to gain traction

in the Senate. Only one cosponsor

(Senator Wyden (D-OR)) signed on to

the Senate bill and no companion bill

has been introduced in the House. We

are waiting for the Senate markup of

the FY 2025 NDAA to learn if any of the

see LEGISLATIVE on page 14

May 2024 | Page 3

Board of Directors

Cultivating Mental Resilience for USPHS Ofcers

by LCDR Christopher Mendoza-Truong,

Pharm.D., CCHP, COA Board Treasurer

Mental Health Awareness Month serves

as a timely reminder of the importance

of prioritizing mental well-being and

destigmatizing conversations surrounding

mental health. For USPHS ocers

who routinely encounter high-pressure

situations and witness the impact of public

health crises rsthand, acknowledging

the toll that such experiences can take on

mental health is crucial. As ocers of the

USPHS, the commitment to safeguarding

the nation’s health often comes with many

challenges and stressors. It is imperative

for USPHS ocers to prioritize their

mental well-being and cultivate resilience

strategies that enable them to thrive

in the face of adversity. By fostering a

culture of mental health awareness and

implementing proactive measures, ocers

can enhance their capacity to navigate the

demands of their profession with clarity,

strength, and resilience.

Self-Awareness and Mindfulness

One of the key pillars of mental resilience

is self-awareness, the ability to recognize

and understand one’s thoughts, emotions,

and reactions. USPHS ocers can

enhance their self-awareness through

mindfulness practices, such as meditation

and self-reection, which enable them

to cultivate a greater sense of presence

and composure amid the chaos of their

profession. When one develops a deeper

understanding of their own mental

and emotional states, they can better

regulate their responses to stressors and

make informed decisions that promote

well-being.

In addition to mindfulness practices,

USPHS ocers can bolster their mental

resilience through the cultivation of

strong social support networks. By

fostering connections with colleagues,

friends, and loved ones, ocers can

create a sense of camaraderie and

belonging that serves as a buer against

the stresses of their profession. Peer

support groups, mentorship programs,

and team-building activities can provide

valuable opportunities for ocers to

share experiences, seek advice, and oer

encouragement to one another.

Physical Health and a Sense of

Purpose

Physical health plays a signicant role in

mental resilience, and USPHS ocers can

optimize their well-being by prioritizing

regular exercise, nutritious eating, and

adequate sleep. Physical activity not

only promotes the release of endorphins,

the body’s natural mood lifters, but also

enhances cognitive function and reduces

symptoms of stress and anxiety. By

incorporating exercise into their daily

routines, ocers can boost their resilience

and vitality, enabling them to tackle

challenges with renewed energy and

focus.

Furthermore, USPHS ocers can

strengthen their mental resilience by

fostering a sense of purpose and meaning

in their work. By connecting their daily

tasks to the broader mission of public

health and recognizing the impact of their

eorts on the well-being of individuals

and communities, ocers can cultivate

a sense of fulllment and motivation that

sustains them through dicult times.

Celebrate the successes, no matter how

small, and acknowledge the dierence

you make in the lives of others.

Seeking Professional Support

Lastly, it is essential for USPHS ocers to

prioritize self-care and seek professional

support when needed. Mental health

resources, such as counseling services,

employee assistance programs, Corp

Care, and peer support networks, are

available to ocers to help them navigate

the challenges of their profession and

address any mental health concerns they

may encounter. Recognize your own

limits and proactively seeking help when

needed, and by doing so you can ensure

that you receive the support and guidance

necessary to maintain mental well-being

and continue to fulll your vital role in

protecting and promoting the health and

safety of the nation.

Mental Health Awareness Month serves as

a reminder of the importance of prioritizing

mental well-being and cultivating resilience

strategies among USPHS ocers.

Fostering a culture of mental health

awareness, seeking support from peers

and professionals, and implementing

proactive measures to enhance resilience

enables ocers to navigate the demands

of their profession with clarity, strength,

and resilience. Together, we can create

a healthier and more resilient USPHS

community that is better equipped to

meet the challenges ahead.

Page 4 | May 2024

by CAPT (Ret) Gene Migliaccio, President,

COF Board of Trustees

For this month’s column, I want to share with

you all the power of the United States Public

Health Service (USPHS) Commissioned

Corps; work on our strategic plan; and, the

need for strong COF development.

The power of the Commissioned Corps

and the need to grow our base is evident as

follows: the 9/11 attacks, Hurricane Katrina,

the Ebola outbreak, COVID, the plague

of opioids, industrial accidents and train

derailments that poison our air and water,

and so many other epidemic and endemic

health crises have one thing in common.

The ocers of the USPHS Commissioned

Corps were there--saving lives, preventing

illness, and providing critical relief to the

ailing and the injured. These rigorously

trained disease ghters are called upon

when and where disaster strikes, pandemics

rage, and people are suering. And, as

they have for generations, they ght health

inequity by serving the most vulnerable.

We have all learned through hard experience

that defending our nation’s health and

protecting the safety of our people from

illness and disease requires expert, crisis-

tested leaders whose lives and careers

are devoted to serving the United States

and its people. The ocers of the USPHS

Commissioned Corps—the only uniformed

The Work of the Commissioned Ofcers Foundation (COF):

The Future of the Foundation Belongs to You!

service of its kind in the world—fulll that

duty to preserve, protect and defend every

single day. And they carry that commitment

after they leave the service and continue that

duty to serve for the rest of their lives.

Occasionally, every organization - large and

small - needs to examine its past before

looking ahead to the future. The same

goes for our PHS Commissioned Ocers

Foundation for the Advancement of Public

Health (COF).

Currently, we are making great progress

nalizing our mission, vision, and values by

focusing on our core principles of leadership

and public health advancement. We are

starting to develop our strategic priorities

and plan to have a nal draft ready in June

2024. We are also determining which

programs will help us achieve the mission.

As we continue this internal infrastructure

development, it’s important to continue our

external development. I want to share with

you some things we’ve learned over the

past few months regarding development

of COF via your contributions. While the

Foundation’s supporters and funding have

increased overtime, growth has been steady

and I would like to change our rate of growth

via enhanced development eorts.

Your Development Support is Needed for

Calendar Year (CY) 2024

As you know, COF has existed for 24 years

and works to advance public health through

the USPHS Commissioned Corps.

Through your support, we have

accomplished much, but more remains

to do. Our annual Training and Scientic

Symposium draws thousands of ocers

and civilian partners. Dozens of family

members of ocers attend college, aided

by our scholarships. Ocers expanded their

expertise in global health using the RADM

Jerrold M. Michael Fellowship.

The Commissioned Corps ocers we serve

are pleased with our accomplishments

but we want to do more. Expanding our

programs will have a marked impact on the

future of the Commissioned Corps, their

families, and the eld of public health.

Join with us in supporting America’s Public

Health Corps so they can confront the many

mounting threats to our nation’s safety. Help

COF help these health heroes, so they can

help us all. Visit us at www.phscof.org to

nd out how to make a dierence.

On a Personal Note: Remember to always

lead with courage and passion for the

Corps, COA, and COF!

May 2024 | Page 5

USPHSDefense.com

202-546-9575

Addressing the Unique Needs of

Commissioned Corps Officers

Allegations of AWOL • COER Rebuttals and Appeals

The Complaint and Redress Process • Correction of Records

Education and Civilian Career Credit •EEO Complaints

Fitness for Duty • Letters of Counseling •Letters of Reprimand

The Medical Board Process • Readiness • Retirement

We take care of you because you take care of us!

CDR Cathleen Davies’ son, Brandon Davies, showing o his mad-kite ying skills.

LCDR Abigail making friends with LT Michelle Scott’s daughter, Ella Scott, and CDR

Cathleen Davies.

KITE from page 1

Page 6 | May 2024

The Law Oﬃce of Shannon James, PLLC

Call for a free consultation (202) 508 -1446

www.shannonlawyer.com

Focused

USPHS

Commissioned Corps

Personal / Responsive / Focused

Every case is diﬀerent – Results are not guaranteed

***See you in Jacksonville!!!!!***

by LCDR Joseph Allen, PharmD, BCPS, USPHS Music Ensemble

We are excited to invite you to join the USPHS Commissioned

Corps Music Ensemble for their annual concert at the 57th

Annual USPHS Scientic & Training Symposium. The concert will

be held on Tuesday, June 25, 2024, at 1900 hours at the Hyatt

Jacksonville Riverfront – Conference Room A. Save the date.

The USPHS Commissioned Corps Music Ensemble is an all-

volunteer group consisting of a Ceremonial Band, a Brass Quintet,

and a Choral Ensemble, as well as several choral contingents in

various locations around the country. The Music Ensemble, known

as the “Surgeon General’s Own,” performs at about 20 events

each year, including promotions, retirements, award ceremonies,

and featured concerts. Notably, the Ensemble has performed

at every USPHS Scientic and Training Symposium since 2001.

Ensemble musicians are active duty and retired USPHS ocers.

Ensemble membership is voluntary - members rehearse and

perform on their own time outside of their assigned duties.

This year’s concert features a variety of both band, choral, and

combined pieces designed to entertain and delight. The program

includes selections by Shostakovich, a medley from the Musical

“Les Mis.” choral pieces including “Rescue” by Lauren Daigle and

a surprise Beatles tune in honor of our retirees. You won’t want to

miss a medley entitled “Conga Rhythm” featuring music from the

Miami Sound Machine that is sure to get you on your feet. The

Don’t Miss the 2024 USPHS Ensemble Concert at

57th Annual USPHS Scientic & Training Symposium

Surgeon General’s Own performs during the 2023 Symposium in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

various selections highlight the Music Ensemble’s ability to bring

both classics and popular music to life.

The concert will be preceded by a reception just outside the doors

of the performance. You can wear your uniform to the concert, but

you are also welcome to change into comfortable civilian clothing

prior to arrival. We look forward to seeing you at 1900 hours on

Tuesday, June 25 at the USPHS Commissioned Corps Music

Ensemble Concert.

May 2024 | Page 7

Representing Physicians, Nurse Practitioners, CRNA’s

Dentists and Other Health Professionals

ultiple experienced Attorneys to represent you

AVAILABLE NATIONWIDE

George F. Indest III

Defense of Medical Staff Peer Review Actions

Indian Health Service (IHS) Cases

Board Certification Issues

Defense in Clinical Privileges/Fair Hearings

DEA Representation

HIPAA Complaint Defense

Contract Negotiation, Preparation, Litigation

Hospital Medical Staff Issues

Litigation, Federal Court & Administrative

MAin office: orlAndo, floridA

cAll toll free: (888) 331-6620

www.theheAlthlAwfirM.coM

- - LL. M. in health Law

- - Former In-House Council for

- -Teaching Hospital

- - Board Certied in Health

Law by The Florida Bar

- - Licensed in D.C., Fla. & La.

- - Member, American Assoc.

of Nurse Attorneys (TAANA)

- - Member, American Health

- -Law Association (AHLA)

OTHER AVAILABLE

ATTORNEYS

Michael L. Smith, J. D.,

R.R.T

Lance Leider, J.D., LL.M.

Carole C. Schriefer, J.D.,

R.N. (Ret.)

Amanda I Forbes, J.D.

Castillana Duvernay, J.D.

Page 8 | May 2024

On opening night of the Symposium

Monday, June 24th, 2024

Reception at 1800 hrs. Dinner at 1900 hrs.

Followed by Dancing and Celebrating

A & C GALA

Dont forget to reserve your seat!

Featuring Vijay Gupta as the evening’s

Keynote Speaker

Violinist Ted Talk speaker

Humanitarian Philanthropist

at the

For uniform requirements and more information, visit PHSCOF.org/symposium/

SUPPORTING THOSE

WHO SERVE

Express Scripts is proud to support the

efforts of the USPHS Scientiﬁ c and Training

Symposium. For more than 20 years,

Express Scripts has worked with the

Department of Defense to deliver a better

pharmacy experience for active duty

service members, retired veterans and

their families, so we appreciate the focus

and readiness it takes to be prepared at a

moment’s notice.

We look forward

to continuing

our partnership.

esrx.com/dodhome

May 2024 | Page 9

by LCDR Chiazor Eziakor, DNP, PMHNP-

BC, FNP-C, APRN

Looking for a great volunteer activity?

Do you love supporting communities

by giving the gift of life? The Prevention

Through Active Community Engagement,

PACE, is partnering with One Blood

agency at the 57th USPHS Scientic

& Training Symposium in Jacksonville,

Florida. The lifeblood challenge is set

to take place at Hyatt Regency Hotel,

Jacksonville, Florida, inside the Big Red

Bus at the front entrance of the hotel.

During the event, ocers in all eleven

categories of USPHS will battle one

another to identify the category with the

highest percentage of blood donation.

Ocers that do not make it to the 2024

COF Symposium are welcome to donate

blood at their local blood donation agency

and report their participation accordingly.

The event also welcomes the residents

of Duval County and the neighboring

counties to come out and donate blood

to the community. Blood donation at the

2024 Symposium will be seamless and

require three steps: (1) register or walk in

(2) complete health screening survey, then

(3) donate. All USPHS donors will receive

a One Blood T-shirt, wellness screening,

and a $20 donation to COF. Civilian

donors will receive a One Blood T-shirt,

wellness screening, and $20 gift card.

Four Chief Professional Ocers

(CPOs) from the Professional Advisory

Committees (PACs) are currently

championing the lifeblood challenge

event: Health Services PAC; Therapist

PAC; Environmental Health PAC; and

Engineer PAC. The event planning team is

comprised of ocers from various USPHS

categories, working towards bringing the

ocers together.

PACE, the leader of the 2024 lifeblood

challenge, is a dynamic chartered advisory

group of the USPHS Commissioned

Corps, under the Oce of the United

States Surgeon General (OSG). Since its

inception in 2013, PACE has become a

2024 USPHS Scientic and Training

Symposium Lifeblood Challenge

resource and support network for ocers

around the country. PACE has a wealth

of lesson plans with an additional body

of Surgeon General Education Teams

(SGET) that provide evidence-based

tools for ocers to use in educating the

community. PACE has representation in

each of the 10 Health and Human Service

(HHS) regions of the nation.

The 2024 COF Symposium falls under

region 4, where LCDR Chiazor Eziakor

serves as PACE Regional Coordinator.

LCDR Eziakor is additionally the 2024

COF Planning committee community

outreach coordinator, as well as the

chair for lifeblood challenge event.

LCDR Eziakor is a dual certied Family

and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse

Practitioner, currently stationed with the

Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP), United

States Penitentiary in Atlanta. She is

enthusiastic about health promotion,

healthcare equity, and improving access

to healthcare. Since becoming the PACE

regional coordinator in June 2023, LCDR

Eziakor has reinstituted platform where

PACE ocers meet on a bimonthly basis

to plan and execute community activities

that support the United States Surgeon

General’s health initiatives. As the chair

of the COF USPHS lifeblood challenge,

LCDR Eziakor oversaw the establishment

of a collaborative event planning team,

where CDR Colleen Scott, SciPAC

chair-elect, serves as the co-chair.

Every two seconds, someone with an

acute, chronic, or terminal condition

needs a lifesaving blood transfusion. One

Blood, a progressive company that values

diversity, drive, and dedication is on the

lifesaving mission to bridge the gap of

blood shortage in the nation. One Blood

is a non-prot 501(c)(3) community asset

responsible for providing safe, available,

and aordable blood. To protect, promote,

and advance the health and safety of

the nation, USPHS ocers must support

partnerships and causes that work to

ensure the best gift, the gift of life through

blood donation.

The lifeblood challenge will take place

on June 24-25th, 2024, from 0700 to

1500 on both days. Ocers can register

preliminarily and prepare to complete

additional health screening surveys on

arrival at the big bed bus. Ocers that

cannot attend 2024 symposium are

encouraged to donate blood at their local

blood donation center on event days.

Blood donation activities that are outside

the main event location are to be reported

through the registration QR code, to

support the donating ocers’ category.

The Red Cross Big Red Bus will be on location at the 2024 Symposium in Jacksonville, Florida.

Page 10 | May 2024

by Annette Beadle, MSN, RN, COF Grants Manager

The Commissioned Ocers Foundation (COF) is pleased to

announce the RADM Jerrold M. Michael Fellowship. Applications

can be submitted from April 1 to May 22, 2024. Applicants

must be USPHS Ocers in the rank of 01-04 and a current

dues paying COA member. This fellowship is a certicate

program oered through remote learning by the University of

Maryland School of Public Health. The two certicate programs

oered this year include Global Health and Epidemiology with

a Fall 2024 start date. All programs should be completed

within 12 months. For more information on the University of

Maryland: https://sph.umd.edu/academics/certicates/ And,

for more information on the RADM Michael Fellowship: https://

Update: 2024 Scholarships and

Fellowship Opportunities and Updates

www.phscof.org/scholarships-grants-and-funding-requests/

radm-michael-fellowship/

As with each scholarship and grant cycle, volunteer reviewers

are necessary. The dedicated people who take on this role

are integral to the success of the scholarship and grant cycles.

Depending on the number of applications received, each reviewer

is assigned 5-6 applications to score using an established scoring

rubric. If you are interested in being a reviewer for the Family

Member Scholarship, RDML Mishoe Scholarship or RADM Michael

Fellowship, please send an email to the COF Grants Manager,

Annette Beadle, at [email protected] with “Volunteer

Reviewer” in the subject line.

May 2024 | Page 11

by CDR Rod Barrais DHSc, MS, MLS,

CDR Diane Richardson MHSA, PMP, CDR

Reginald Smith JD, MBA, BSN, RN, LCDR

Tanya Grandison MPH, LCDR Janesia

Robbs MPH, MCHES

Five ocers represented the District of

Columbia chapter of the Commissioned

Ocers Association (DCCOA) as special

judges at the 15th Annual Morgan State

University (MSU) Science-Mathematics-

Engineering Fair in Baltimore, MD on

March 16, 2024. For the past 29 years, the

DCCOA has sponsored community outreach

programs across the DC Metropolitan area

where commissioned ocers serve as

judges for middle and high school science

fairs. DCCOA oers Meritorious Achievement

Awards, Distinguished Achievement

Awards, and US Public Health Service

(USPHS) Medallions to deserving students,

encouraging the next generation of scientists.

The ocers were excited to represent the

USPHS and support a Historically Black

University’s endeavor to promote STEM in

public and private charter schools throughout

the Mid-Atlantic region.

As special science fair judges, the ocers

had the opportunity to judge over 80

projects that focused on innovations in

engineering, environmental, and biological

sciences. During the judging, the ocers had

brief exchanges with the students on the

scientic methods involved in the projects

and the real-world public health application.

Moreover, ocers answered questions

regarding the USPHS. After the ocers

conferred regarding the various projects,

six Meritorious Achievement Awards, three

Distinguished Achievement Awards in

Biological Sciences, and three Distinguished

Achievement Awards in Engineering

Sciences were awarded to deserving

students and participants.

LCDR Tanya Grandison, MSU School of

Public Health and Policy alum, has proudly

served as the DCCOA Lead Judge at

MSU since 2014 and has been able to

engage with over 400 student projects.

Many students recognize LCDR Grandison

each year and have personally invited her

to view their projects during the fair, citing

USPHS Ofcers Promote Science and Public Health at

the 15th Annual Morgan State University Science Fair

her recommendations encouraged them

to make additional improvements. This

was CDR Diane Richardson’s third time

volunteering for the MSU Science Fair, and

she’s always amazed at the level creativity

and outstanding scientic research from the

students. After the fair, she commented,

“Science fairs are a powerful learning

opportunity which allow the student to

demonstrate their critical thinking and

communication skills in addition to math,

science, and language arts. I truly enjoyed

engaging with the middle and high school

students and learning from their innovative

projects and solutions addressing real

world problems such as mental health, the

opioid crisis, and environmental challenges

in the surrounding Maryland communities.”

CDR Rod Barrais has participated in this

event in years past. He stated, “It was a

humbling and inspiring opportunity to provide

coaching, inuence and motivate the next

generation of STEM leaders.”

As rst-time special judges for the MSU

Science Fair, CDR Reginald Smith and

LCDR Janesia Robbs thoroughly enjoyed

DC COA Special Science Fair judges CDR Reginald Smith, CDR Rod Barrais, CDR Diane Richardson, LCDR Janesia

Robbs, and LCDR Tanya Grandison

engaging with young scientists. CDR

Reginald Smith stated, “I was impressed

and inspired by the scientic and academic

acumen of the science fair participants,

especially the real-world applications of the

projects. I believe these same students will

be among America’s future STEM leaders

and will eventually lead the world in STEM

innovation.” LCDR Janesia Robbs, MSU

School of Community Health and Policy

alum, was excited to be back on campus.

She commented, “Participating as a judge

for the MSU Science Fair was very rewarding

as a former adolescent and young adult

health educator in Baltimore City. It was

inspiring to learn about students’ projects

and provide constructive feedback.”

Science fairs are a valuable opportunity

for USPHS ocer volunteers to support

as well as encourage the next generation

of scientists and our local academic

communities. Each of the judges look

forward to supporting DCCOA’s Science Fair

Planning Committee and volunteering as

judges at Morgan State next year.

Page 12 | May 2024

Columbia University. She had a long career with the U.S. Public

Health Service and retired as a Captain.

In retirement, she served both as a tour guide to our nation’s

capital and as a Traveler’s Aide at Reagan National Airport in

Washington, DC.

She was predeceased by her parents and her sisters Marion

Rita Howe and Nora Marie Howe. She is survived by her sister

Cecelia Howe Rudy, Cecelia’s husband John, and their children,

Margaret’s nephews, John and Christopher Rudy.

CAPT (Ret.) Patrice

Robins

Laurel, MD - Patrice Ann

(McCurley) Robins was born in

Ada, OK on March 24, 1954 to

Robert L. “Bob” and Mary “Ann”

(Jones) McCurley. She died

suddenly at her family home in on

February 10, 2024.

After growing up as a military

child, Patrice joined the U.S. Army after high school. Patrice then

attended Nursing School at the University of Oklahoma, where she

met her husband, Bruce.

Upon graduation from the WRAIN program, her father was also

honored to administer the oath.

In 1981, Patrice transferred to the Commissioned Corps of

the United States Public Health Service (USPHS) and served

in multiple patient care, research, and senior administrative

capacities until her retirement in October 2000. After retirement

from USPHS, Patrice worked for 17 years as a home-care hospice

nurse until her death.

She is survived by her mother, Ann, of Norman, OK, husband,

Bruce, daughter Mandy (Jason) Ouellette, grandchildren Jacob

and Madison of Laurel, MD, her brother Mark McCurley of

Singapore, She was preceded in death by her son, Matthew, and

her father, Major (Ret) R.L (Bob) McCurley.

CAPT (Ret.) Lena Fawkes

Bardstown, KY - Lena Sue

Fawkes, 79, passed away

Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2023, at

her home with her daughters by

her side. She was born on July

2, 1944, in Lynch, KY, to the late

Frank and Mildred Comer Damron.

Sue was a veteran of the US

Public Health Service. She retired

as a Captain after 21 years with

the Department of Justice. Sue had her NP and CRNA licenses.

She was a volunteer for the Bardstown Community Clinic. Sue

was a member of Bardstown Baptist Church where she was in

the WMU, served on Administrative Council, and was a member

of Open Door Sunday School class. She was always involved with

any special events going on at the church and volunteered in many

other capacities.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her

husband, James Eugene “Jim” Fawkes. Sue is survived by two

daughters, Susan (Steve) Sweat of Bardstown, Rachel (Matt)

Harney of Cynthiana; two sisters, Barbara Jeanes of Louisville

and Kay Hulsey of Knoxville, Tenn.; and four grandchildren, Daniel

Sweat, Grace Sweat, Conner Harney and Cooper Harney.

CAPT (Ret.) Margaret

Howe – Life Member

Morganville, NJ - Margaret J.

Howe, age 88, daughter of

Thomas Ambrose Howe and

Marion Bailey Howe, previously of

Morrisdale, Pennsylvania, passed

away on December 26, 2023.

Margaret was born on April 15,

1935 in Morrisdale. A longtime

resident of northern Virginia,

Margaret graduated from the University of Pittsburgh School of

Nursing and received a Master’s in Nursing Administration from

OBITUARIES

May 2024 | Page 13

by LT Lillian Kavishe RN, BSN

Looking for a great volunteer activity? LT

Lillian Kavishe and The Black Commission

Ocers Advisory Group (BCOAG),

Community Wellness Subcommittee

(CWS), have teamed up with Timucuan

Parks Foundation for the 2024 USPHS

Scientic and Training Symposium. The

Symposium will take place in Jacksonville,

Florida. Ocers can perform this activity

anywhere from 21 -30 June; before,

during and after the symposium. The

goal is to collect trash and dispose of it

properly.

The role of BCOAG within USPHS is

to provide advice and consultation to

the Surgeon General in conjunction

with the Minority Ocers Leadership

Committee (MOLC) on matters related to

the Commissioned Corps. The BCOAG

provides similar advisory assistance to the

Professional Advisory Committees (PACs)

and their respective Chief Professional

Ocers (CPOs). All BCOAG members

are knowledgeable professionals who

represent a cross-section of interests,

concerns, and responsibilities of Black

ocers in agencies and organizations

staed by USPHS personnel.

LT Lillian Kavishe RN BSN currently serves

as a Mental Health/Behavioral Health

Nurse specialist for the Veteran’s Health

Administration (VHA) with the Hampton

VA at Albemarle Community Outpatient

Clinic. She is passionate about ensuring

that her patients receive high quality and

evidence-based care. LT Kavishe was

recently nominated for the DAISY Award

for her exemplary work. LT Kavishe was

Commissioned into the regular USPHS

Commissioned Corps in Oct 2020.

LT Kavishe is a member of BCOAG

Timucuan Park Self-Guided Clean Up

and Region 9 Lead. Prior to being

Commissioned as n ocer, LT Kavishe

served 12 years in the US Army Reserve.

LT Kavishe has over 12 years of public

health nursing experience, spanning from

serving Active-Duty Soldiers and their

beneciaries in South Korea to serving the

local health department in Columbus Ohio

and Native Americans in Arizona.

The Timucuan Parks Foundation

also known as “Preservation Project

Jacksonville,” is the 501(c)(3) charity

supporting more than 23 wild parks

and preserves located in the greater

Jacksonville area. The Foundation has

protected, valued, and celebrated these

natural and historical environments. The

mission of the foundation is to preserve,

promote, and protect the Timucuan

parks through fundraising, marketing, and

advocacy. The Foundation is committed

to support the city, state, and national

parks through raising local and national

awareness and in telling the historical

story of North Florida.

LT Kavishe chose this event for several

reasons. First, the mission of this

foundation aligns with the mission of

the USPHS; to protect, promote, and

advance the health and safety of the

nation. Secondly, as USPHS ocers we

serve in underserved communities and

support most of the native and indigenous

populations across the nation. This event’s

history aligns with indigenous population,

and I believe by having ocers volunteer

in this area with rich indigenous history

during the symposium not only highlights

our mission but also showcase our desire

to continue serving the underserved area

even during conferences and symposium.

By volunteering for this event, USPHS

ocers also support the surgeon general’s

priorities by connecting with communities,

staying active, and maintaining visibility.

This event will showcase USPHS

ocers and enhance their visibility in the

community.

Volunteer anywhere from 21 to 30 June

2024. You can pick any Timucuan

Park; the following parks are a less than

30-minute drive from the symposium

venue – Exchange Club Island, Reddie

Point Reserve, Jacksonville Baldwin Trail,

Bull Bay Preserve. Take a fellow ocer,

water, a 30-gallon trash bag, and work

gloves (bring it with you) to a park of your

choice.

Please wear appropriate clothing for

the weather and take a photo of your

volunteer group. Upon completion of

your volunteering, leave the closed trash

bag in the area and will be collected by

designated park workers, and email your

group picture to LT Kavishe RN BSN

([email protected]). Please complete

the online volunteer form here.

T Lillian Kavishe, RN, BSN

Page 14 | May 2024

countless hours for the betterment of our communities and the

American way of life.

Over time, this important week of celebration was expanded

to occur over the entire month of April. The theme of the 2024

celebration was Every Moment Matters, a theme chosen to

emphasize “…the importance of every volunteer and each

contribution they make at a moment when we need support more

than ever. The sharing of time, skills, empathy, and creativity is vital

to the inclusivity, strength, and wellbeing of our communities.”

This holds true for your volunteerism in the Commissioned

Ocers Association (COA) and the PHS Commissioned Ocers

Foundation (COF). We can accomplish nothing without your

energy, resourcefulness, and conviction. Please know that I am

grateful for whatever you can contribute, whether it is a shorter

duration ‘micro volunteering” role or a position that will span

several years, for example serving on the Board of Directors,

Board of Trustees, or in leadership positions with your Local

Branch.

If you want to be more involved but unsure where to start, how

about serving on a COA National Committee? Opportunities exist

We Welcome New Members of COA, April 1 - April 30, 2024

LT Jeremy Bailey, FL

LT Gy Choi, VA

LT Andrew Duong, KS

LT Teri Gilbert-Hogan, KY

Ms. Lyneal Harlequin, MD

LT Mga Ho, CA

LT Emily Job, VA

LT Kadija Karimu, MD

LTJG Thorndrea Lewis, TX

LT Pearl Ozuruigbo, CA

LT Anthony Quaste, CO

LT Vinita Quinones, CA

LT Thomas Siebertz, MA

LT Lisa Willoughby, DC

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR from page 1

on the Awards, Communications & Public Relations, Constitution

& Bylaws, Legislative Aairs, Local Branch, Outreach, and

Retired Ocers Committees. To learn more please visit www.

coausphs.org and choose “Committees” under the “About” tab.

If interested, you must apply at https://www.surveymonkey.

com/r/2024COAcommittee by the deadline of May 24, 2024.

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the countless volunteers who

generously donate time and eort to support the Association and

Foundation. Your seless contributions empower us to make a

meaningful dierence, to support each other, and to grow. As a

volunteer, you embody the true spirit of community and service,

and I thank you.

Our next Frontline publication is a combined June/July edition.

Until then!

References

https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/STATUTE-88/pdf/

STATUTE-88-Pg2476.pdf

https://volunteer.ca/index.php?MenuItemID=482

provisions of S. 2297, including the parental leave provision, will

make it into the language of the NDAA. Similarly, Senator Wyden’s

bill S. 2590, the Public Health Service Commissioned Corps

Operations and Readiness Act (the PHS COR Act) also failed to

pick up any cosponsors other than Senator Duckworth, and there

is no companion bill in the House.

LEGISLATIVE from page 2

Your Legislative Aairs Committee is focusing on assembling a list

of priorities for the rst session of the 119th Congress that meets

beginning in January 2025. The Committee will vote on a list and

send it to the COA Board of Directors so they can vote on it during

the June Board meeting at the Symposium. That process will

ensure that your advocates can hit the ground running in January.

by CAPT (Ret) Beverly Dandridge, FNP, MSN, MSAJS

Come one, come all!

Ocers, families, and friends are invited to join the Nurse Professional Advisory Committee (NPAC) sponsored community outreach activities

in Jacksonville, Florida June 21-23, 2024. We have partnered with the local food bank, homeless shelter, women’s veterans service center,

social service, humane society, and several other non-prot organizations. Join our eorts to serve those in need in the local Jacksonville

community. Visit the symposium registration website at phscof.org/registration/ and sign up via the SignUp Genius link. See you there.

Pre-Symposium NPAC Community Outreach

Opportunity-Jacksonville, Florida

May 2024 | Page 15

PHS Commissioned Ofcers Foundation

Donations Received, April 1 - to April 30, 2024

Founder’s Society

($2,500 - $4,999)

CAPT Patricia Mail

Platinum ($1,000 - $2,499)

LCDR Robert Schafermeyer

Gold ($500 - $999)

None

Silver ($250 - $499)

CAPT Mehran Massoudi

Bronze ($100 - $249)

RDML Michelle Dunwoody

Friends (Under $100)

CAPT Mark Anderson

Mrs Carol Dellapenna

Mr Stephen Deming

CDR Courtney Drevo

CDR Harlem Gunness

CAPT Kurt Kesteloot

CAPT Michelle Pelkey

CDR Heather Scobie

Donation Levels

Leadership Society. . . .$10,000

President’s Society. . . .$5,000

Founder’s Society. . . . .$2,500

Platinum. . . . . . . . . . . . $1,000

Gold. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$500

Silver. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $250

Bronze. . . . . . . . . . . . . .$100

Visit

phscof.org/giving

to donate online today!

Online, on-campus and blended format degrees

College of Public Health

our practice is our passion

HIGHEST RANKED

public health college

in Florida

USNWR, 2024

that health is a

HUMAN right for

everyone.

GUARANTEE

Fall classes begin August 26.

Ranked #29 nationally

(USNWR, 2024)

It’s your desire and ours!

Choose from:

BSHS, BSPH, MHA, MPH,

MSPH, PhD and DrPH degrees

Home to 12 research

centers and institutes

YEARS

www.coausphs.org

www.facebook.com/coausphs

www.phscof.org

www.linkedin.com

COA

PO Box 189

Cheltenham, MD 20623

The COA Frontline (ISSN 10937161) is published monthly except

a combined issue in January/February and June/July by the

Commissioned Ocers Association of the United States Public

Health Service, 8201 Corporate Drive, Suite 615, Landover,

MD 20785, (301) 731-9080; Fax: (301) 731-9084; Periodicals

Postage Paid at Hyattsville, MD and additional mailing oces.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to PO Box 189,

Cheltenham, MD 20623. A report of timely information concerning

activities of the Commissioned Corps of the U.S. Public Health

Service. Distributed exclusively to Association Members.

Executive Director

Jacqueline Rychnovsky,

[email protected]

Chief Financial Ocer

Teresa Hayden Foley

[email protected]

Director of Administration

Erica Robinson

[email protected]

Membership Coordinator

Donna Sparrow

[email protected]

Grants Manager

Annette Beadle

Contractor

[email protected]

Frontline Submissions

[email protected]g

Producer

Qurveball Media, Victor Perea

Leading Edge Conferences

Tim O’Neill

[email protected]

Group Insurance - AGIA

(888) 633-6459

U.S. Coast Guard Pay and

Personnel Center

866-772-8724

[email protected]