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Did you know?...

Robert E. Bush Naval Hospital

“Serving with Pride and Professionalism since 1993”

You have the right toexpress your concernsabout patient safety and

quality of care.There are several avenues opento you:* Through the ICE website.* The Hospital CustomerRelations Officer at 760-830-2475, or any of the CustomerRelations representatives in theHospital clinics, or directly tothe Joint Commission via: E-mail at complaint@jointcommission.orgFax: 630-792-5636

The Joint CommissionOak Renaissance BoulevardOakbrook Terrace, IL 60181

To report Fraud, Waste andAbuse contact one of thebelow offices by calling:

Naval Hospital: 760-830-2344Combat Center: 760-830-7749NavMedWest: 1-877-479-3832Medical IG: 1-800-637-6175DoD IG: 1-800-424-9098

http://www.med.navy.mil/sites/nhtp/pages/default.aspx

An Award Winning Publication

THE EXAMINER

Naval Hospital TwentyninePalms is a great place to have ababy. It’s a designated “BabyFriendly” hospital, only one offour Department of Defensefacilities worldwide to attainthat designation. And furthersweetening the attraction forexpectant fami-lies, it now boastsa LactationConsultant.

Ms. BriannaGuthrie, lactationconsultant, offersindividualizedconsultations tonew mothers thatinclude instructionand counselingconcerning:

• BreastfeedingBasics Class, acourse of instruc-tion on anatomy, how milk ismade, breastfeeding benefits,breastfeeding positions, latch,and common questions and con-cerns. This class is offered thethird Wednesday of every monthfrom 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. with sign-up at the OBGYN front desk.

• Prenatal Consultation--inwhich concerns are discussed; aplan is created, and questionsare answered, before baby isborn.• In-Patient assistance.• Post-partum Consultation.• Returning to Work.• Weaning.• Latch difficulties, sore/crackednipples, insufficient milk supply,infant slow weight gain, breast-feeding multiples, mastitis andbreastfeeding a premature baby.• Breast Pump Education/refer-ral to obtain a double electric

breast pump.

Guthrie is well qualified toassist new mothers. In 2010 shegraduated from CopperMountain College VocationalNursing Program and hasworked at NHTP (in what wasformerly the Pediatric Clinic)since 2011 as a licensed voca-tional nurse.

In 2013 sheearned LactationEducatorCounselor certi-fication from theUniversity OfCalifornia, SanDiego. In 2015she passed theInternationalBoard ofLactationExaminers examand is now anInternationalBoard Certified

Lactation Consultant.

In addition to those qualifica-tions, Ms. Guthrie had her ownbaby here nearly 10 years ago.“It was a good experience,” shesays. “But I think the hospitalhas come a long way sincethen.”

Her husband is a U.S. MarineStaff Sgt. in the Reserves. Ms.Guthrie, skilled in the clinicalmanagement of breastfeeding,can also relate to the uniqueconcerns of military familiesand assist in establishing a planof action.

For questions or to schedule anappointment, call theAppointment Line (760) 830-2752 and select the option forthe Gold Team.

Lactation Consultant Assists New Moms

Ms. Brianna Guthrie

Capt. Jeffrey Bledsoe, right, consults with Lt. Samina Wilson on theMulti-Service Ward.

Capt. Jeffrey Bledsoe, NHTPDirector for Nursing Services,reported to the command thispast September and assumed thedirectorship in October. Hearrived from Naval Hospital SanDiego where he had beendepartment head forPerioperative Services for theprevious three years. Originallyfrom Boise, Idaho, he and wife,MaryMartha (“Marty”), areenjoying the contrast from bigcity to the quiet of the highdesert. “We’re really enjoyingthe peace and quiet and lack oftraffic jams,” he said.

He’s been in the military 31years and started out as anenlisted Air Force surgical tech-nician, a position he held forfour years of active duty serviceand two years in the Air ForceReserves. Capt. Bledsoe cameinto the Navy in a degree-com-pletion program that allowedhim to finish nursing school.Upon completion of hisRegistered Nursing degree fromthe University of Texas,

Arlington, he earned his com-mission in 1993 and reported toNaval Hospital Bremerton as anewly minted ensign.

He was initially assigned to themedical/surgery floor where heworked for a year; but due to ashortage of operating-roomstaff, spent six weeks at CampPendleton for perioperativetraining, and then returned toBremerton for another two anda half years.

He first experienced this areawhen he and his family weredriving cross country to reportfor the first time at NavalHospital San Diego. “Wedecided we should just get offInterstate 10 and drive throughJoshua Tree. We came out onthis side and were struck byhow beautiful it is,” he said. Anavid outdoors enthusiast, Capt.Bledsoe says he embraced theopportunity to serve here. Inaddition to hiking and exploringthe desert and mountains, he’s adedicated bicyclist. He complet-

Continued on Page 2. Pleasesee DNS

Capt. Bledsoe Champions NHTP Nursing Staff

By Dave Marks, NHTP PublicAffairs Officer

By Dave Marks, NHTP PublicAffairs Officer

2 -- The Examiner -- March -- 2016

Published by Hi-Desert Publishing, a private firm in no way connected with the Department of Defense, the UnitedStates Marine Corps, United States Navy or Naval Hospital, Twentynine Palms, under exclusive written contract withthe Marine Air Ground Task Force Training Command. The appearance of advertising in this publication, includinginserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the Department of Defense, the United States MarineCorps, the United States Navy or Hi-Desert Publishing of the products or services advertised. Everything advertisedin this publication shall be made available for purchase, use, or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex,national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation, or any other non-merit factor of the pur-chaser, user or patron. If a violation or rejection of this equal opportunity policy by an advertiser is confirmed, thepublisher shall refuse to print advertising from that source until the violation is corrected. Editorial content is pre-pared by the Public Affairs Office, Naval Hospital, Twentynine Palms, Calif.

Commanding OfficerCapt. John A. Lamberton, MSC, USN

Executive OfficerCapt. Jeffrey W. Bitterman, MC, USN

Command Master Chief HMCM (FMF/AW/SW) Carol Merricks, USN

Public Affairs Officer/EditorMr. Dave Marks

Command OmbudsmanMr. J.Wesley Bassard (760) 668-1348 email: nhtpombudsman@yahoo.com

The Examiner welcomes your comments and suggestions concerning the publication. Deadline for submission of arti-cles is the 15th of each month for the following month’s edition. Any format is welcome, however, the preferredmethod of submission is by e-mail or by computer disk.

How to reach us...Commanding Officer Naval HospitalPublic Affairs OfficeBox 788250 MAGTFTCTwentynine Palms, CA 92278-8250Com: (760) 830-2362DSN: 230-2362E-mail: david.m.marks.civ@mail.milHi-Desert Publishing Company56445 Twentynine Palms HighwayYucca Valley, CA 92284Com: (760) 365-3315FAX: (760) 365-8686

DNS, Continued from Page 1.ed the last three Tour de PalmSprings, an annual 100-mileride.

Asked about his impressions ofNHTP after being here severalmonths, he says, “The peoplehere are what make it the best.We have phenomenal peoplewho know how to reach outwhen needed. NHTP has a feel-ing of family that you don’t getin larger places.”

He has already establishedrespect from the nursing staff.“He’s a real proponent for ournurses,” said senior nurse,Cmdr. Wendy Stone, Directorfor Public Health. “He hasestablished a Nursing Standardsand Practices Committee andhas taken the professionaldevelopment and welfare of ournurses to heart.”

Capt. Bledsoe is used to takingthe lead and establishing com-mand direction. “My last fourassignments have been as adepartment head so I’ve alwaysbeen taking over from some-body with each assignment,” hesaid. “That’s one of thestrengths of the military becausewe get diversity, a different per-spective and often new ways ofdoing things.”

Town Hall Meeting Provides Opportunity to Air Concerns, Affect Change

Naval Hospital TwentyninePalms held a town hall meetingin Classroom 5 Feb. 12 with thetheme, “Your medical homeport, learn what it has to offer.”

Hospital Commanding Officer,Capt. John Lamberton, openedthe meeting with remarks noting“the forum of discovery townhall meetings provide” andnoted that suggestions made atthe September 2015 town hallmeeting had already becomepolicy. “We were asked aboutextending clinic hours,” Capt.Lamberton remarked. “I wasanticipating it would take atleast six months. I have to rec-ognize Cmdr. Gray Dawson,NHTP Director for MedicalServices, and Lt. Cmdr.Michelle Evans for respondingto our patient concerns in such aquick and efficient manner.”

Clinic hours were officiallyextended to 6:00 p.m. onWednesdays beginning Jan. 1.

“The point to take away,” Capt.Lamberton said, “You providedthe question and we were ableto respond; and in doing so, youbecame a part of the decision-making in this organization.”

Lt. Cmdr. Michelle Evans pro-vided an overview of theexpanded clinic hours and notedthat Relay Health use hasincreased. “Relay Health allowsdirect communication with yourprovider without having to playphone tag,” Evans said. UsingRelay Health, allows beneficia-ries to connect online to theirprovider. A nurse from theMedical Home Port Team willthen either phone back with ananswer or schedule an appoint-ment. “You can even send a pic-ture of a rash via Relay Health,”Evans noted.

Lt. Cmdr. Evans announced thatboard-certified LactationConsultant, Brianna Guthrie,has established office hours andis available for one-hourappointments for new moms.Guthrie offers instruction onbreast feeding, breast pumps,weight-gain issues and develop-ing a plan of care in conjunctionwith the pediatric provider.

Cherie Lewis, a U.S. MarineCorps family member, attending

the Town Hall meeting, notedthat when she gave birth in amilitary hospital, a lactationconsultant appointment wasautomatic. “Having someone totouch base with was reallynice,” she said.“ You reallydon’t knowyou’re going tohave issuesuntil you gethome.”

Anotherattendee at theTown Hallmeeting wantedclarification onclinic hours onThursdaymornings. Lt.Cmdr. Evansnoted that stafftraining isscheduled from7:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. onThursdays and phone linesreopen at 9:00 a.m. “We willalways accommodate someonewho walks in,” Evans said.

Cmdr. Kanti Ford offered anoverview of the MarineCentered Medical Home, basedin the new Adult Medical CareClinic, scheduled to open inMay of 2016. “The team

includes a gen-eral medicalofficer, an inde-pendent dutycorpsman, aphysician assis-tant and a hospi-tal corpsman,”she noted.

Appointmentsare scheduled attimes convenientto the Marine orSailor, not first-come, firstserved. Servicemembers haveaccess to after-hours care or

may submit questions via RelayHealth, emailing his/her medicalteam and receiving a promptresponse. The Marine CenteredMedical Home will offer a fullcomplement of services, includ-

ing mental health, physical ther-apy, laboratory, radiology andpharmacy, all under one roof.

Cmdr. Wendy Stone, NHTPDirector for Public Health, wasthe penultimate speaker at theTown Hall meeting and provid-ed an overview of the Zikavirus. “Navy medicine is work-ing closely with the Centers forDisease Control to get the latestinformation,” she said. “We canhelp you protect yourself, armedwith the latest available infor-mation.”

Ms. Jennifer Flores, NHTPCustomer Relations Officer,made the final remarks, thank-ing everyone for their atten-dance and noting, “We reallywant to hear from you, whetherit be complimentary or con-cerns. Please use the ICE sys-tem for submitting online com-ments, or the comment cardsavailable throughout the hospi-tal.” Flores said the next TownHall meeting is tentativelyscheduled for June 24.

By Dave Marks, NHTP PublicAffairs Officer

Naval Hospital Twentynine PalmsCommanding Officer, Capt. JohnA. Lamberton, addresses audienceat Feb. 12 Town Hall Meeting.

Lt. Jessica Diaz-Fuentes isfrocked to her current rankwith the help of Lt. ThomasWilliams during a ceremony inthe NHTP Emergency Dept.Feb. 9.

Patients seen in Jan. - 10,281Jan. appointment no-shows: 786Jan. appt. no-show rate: 8.6%

To make an appointment, call: (760) 830-2752

To cancel an appointment, call: (760) 830-2369

The Examiner--March 2016-- 3Preventive Medicine CornerSubmit Questions/Concerns and Tanya Will Provide Answers

Tanya StuckeyDear Tanya,

There is a lot of information ontraumatic brain injury for veter-ans. Does that same informationapply to those of us who havesuffered a brain injury outsideof combat?

Signed,

Looking for Answers

Dear Looking,

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) isa generalized term that can bedescribe as several types ofinjuries, on different levels, andby many means. Since we arelocated on a military installa-tion, we most often refer to TBIas a military-related injury; butbrain injuries can occur throughsports injuries, a bad fall, a vehi-cle accident or any other meanswhere external force applied tothe brain is significant enoughto cause change in brain func-tion.

There are a great number ofresources for TBI that can assistanyone who has suffered a braininjury. I am including a few on-

line sources that address differ-ent areas of concern, such asfatigue, cognition, social inter-actions, memory and emotionalresponses, for people with atraumatic brain injury:

www.brainline.org;

http://www.cdc.gov/TraumaticBrainInjury/index.html;

http://www.dcoe.mil/.

If you a looking for a NHTPface to face resource, checkwith your provider and requesta referral to the MedHomeInternal Behavioral HealthConsultant (IBHC).

Wishing you luck in your searchand positive results from thematerial!

Tanya

By Tanya StuckeyChoosing healthy foods doesmore than change your weight--it can change your life! Haveyou ever heard the saying, “Eata Rainbow?” Think about whatyour plate looks like when youprepare a meal. Are all of thefoods similar in color? Are youstaring at a plate of brown andwhite or do you see the beauti-ful colors of a rainbow? Thecolors of your food often tellyou what nutrients are beingconsumed.

For example, the following col-ors are associated with the cor-responding nutrients:

Red = Lycopene; Yellow = Alpha and Beta-carotenes; Orange = Vitamin C;Green = Iron;Blue and Purple =Anthocyanins.

Increasing your intake of theseheart-healthy, memory-boostingand immune-supportive nutri-ents through whole foods areessential for good health; and

they are not easily replaced byover-the-counter supplements.

No man-made product will havethe same benefit for your bodyas real food. Eat a variety offoods, such as 100 percentwhole grains, lean proteins,fruits, vegetables, and fat-free orlow-fat dairy products. It’s agood idea to limit processed orprepared foods because theycontain the least amount of vita-mins and minerals. If you arestruggling to find the right bal-ance of vitamins and nutrientsto meet your body’s demands,talk to a dietician and find outhow you can increase yourintake and start feeling better,NOW!

For Navy Marine Corps PublicHealth information on the func-tion and sources of specific vita-mins and minerals, go to:

http://www.med.navy.mil/sites/nmcphc/Documents/health-pro-motion-wellness/healthy-eat-ing/Nutri-Facts_Vitamins_and_Minerals.pdf.

Eat Well to Live Well

Representatives from the Peace Lutheran Church, Palm Desert, donated 44 layettes Jan. 27 to theMaternal Infant Nursing Department to be distributed to families with new babies. Approximately 15people from the church participate in hand-crocheting blankets and putting together the layettes whichcontain a blanket, outfit, diapers, bib, hat and socks. Approximately 340 layettes have been donatedsince the church began these donations in 2009. Pictured L-R: Hospitalman Justin Depergola, Ms.Sherrill Allen, Ms. Donna Chilman, Chaplain Ron Cooley, Senior Chief Hospital Corpsman KevinBittinger (proudly displaying his favorite outfit), John Rockwood, Paster Norval Chilman and HospitalCorpsman Third Class Thomas Hanson.

4 -- The Examiner --March 2016

Awardees...First Friday Colors are a cele-bration of NHTP staff, military,civilian and contract, who arerecognized for their achieve-ments. These photos are fromthe Feb. 5, 2016, award cere-mony. Commanding Officer,Captain John A. Lamberton, isthe presenter.

Hospital Corpsman SecondClass Mario Acosta-Morales ispresented a Letter ofAppreciation for his outstandingperformance as 2015 CombinedFederal Campaign commandrepresentative.

Hospital Corpsman Third ClassJardine Barry is awarded aNavy and Marine CorpsAchievement Medal “for profes-sional achievement in the supe-rior performance of her dutieswhile serving as Leading PettyOfficer, Family Medicine BlueTeam, from Feb. 2014 to Feb.2016.

Lt. Cmdr. Molly Cook isawarded the Navy and MarineCorps Achievement Medal forprofessional achievement whileserving as division officer,Pediatrics Ward, Directorate forNursing Services on board med-ical treatment facility, USNSMercy, from May 2015 to Sept.2015.

Hospitalman Kristen Blaul ispresented a Letter ofAppreciation for her outstand-ing performance as 2015Combined Federal Campaigncommand representative.

Hospital Corpsman Third ClassTyler Hilborne is awarded theNavy and Marine CorpsAchievement Medal for profes-sional achievement in the supe-rior performance of his dutieswhile serving as Leading PettyOfficer and Supply PettyOfficer, Directorate of NursingServices, from Oct. 2014 toFeb. 2016.

Lt. Caroline Hine, StaffEducation and TrainingDepartment, is presented aLetter of Commendation recog-nizing her selection as NHTPOfficer of the Quarter for theperiod Oct. 1, 2015, to Dec. 31,2015.

Hospital Corpsman Third ClassWanda Lorde is presented aLetter of Appreciation for heroutstanding performance as2015 Combined FederalCampaign command representa-tive.

Culinary Specialist SecondClass Lodeja Maiden, FoodService Division, Directoratefor Supply on board MedicalTreatment Facility USNSMercy, is presented a FlagLetter of Commendation fromRear Adm. C. F. Williams foroutstanding performance of herduties while serving on boardMedical Treatment FacilityUSNS Mercy during PacificPartnership 2015 from April2015 to Sept. 2015.

Ms. Theresa Partin, PharmacyDepartment, is presented aplaque recognizing her selectionas Junior Civilian of the Year,NHTP, for the period Oct. 1,2014, to Sept. 30, 2015.

Hospitalman Alexandar Sutton,Optometry Division for theDirectorate for SurgicalServices, is presented a FlagLetter of Commendation fromRear Adm. C. F. Williams foroutstanding performance of hisduties while serving on boardMedical Treatment FacilityUSNS Mercy during PacificPartnership 2015 from May2015 to Sept. 2015.

The Examiner --March 2016-- 5

Hospitalman Mariah Donahue ispresented a Letter ofAppreciation for her outstandingperformance as 2015 CombinedFederal Campaign commandrepresentative.

Ms. Dinah Olivera, Obstetricsand Gynecology Department, ispresented a plaque recognizingher selection as Contractor ofthe Year, NHTP, for the periodOct. 1, 2014, to Sept. 30, 2015.

Lt. Karen Sanchez, representingthe Obstetrics and GynecologyDepartment, accepts a Best ofthe Best Award for first quarter,FY 2016. The award is deter-mined after tabulating patientsatisfaction surveys, interactivecustomer evaluation surveys,TRICARE outpatient satisfac-tion surveys and TRICAREinpatient satisfaction surveys.

Ms. Moriah Thompson, Direct-orate for Medical Services, ispresented a Letter of Commend-ation for her selection as SeniorCivilian of the Quarter for theperiod Oct. 1, 2015, to Dec. 31,2015.

Ms. Teresa Turbyfill, Direct-orate for Public Health, is pre-sented a plaque recognizing herselection as Senior Civilian ofthe Year, NHTP, for the periodof Oct. 1, 2014, to Sept. 30,2015.

Ms. Danielle Vasquez,Directorate for Public Health, ispresented a Letter of Commend-ation for being selected JuniorCivilian of the Quarter, NHTP,for the period Oct. 1, 2015, toDec. 31, 2015.

Ms. Shelley Vasquez, Obstetricsand Gynecology Department, ispresented a Letter ofCommendation recognizing herselection as Senior Contractorof the Quarter, NHTP, for theperiod Oct. 1, 2015 to Dec. 31,2015.

Hospital Corpsman Third ClassBalofoma Wembakpete is pre-sented a Letter of Appreciationfor his outstanding performanceas 2015 Combined FederalCampaign command representa-tive.

Ms. Catherine Winsor, QualityManagement Department, ispresented a Letter of Commend-ation recognizing her selectionas Junior Contractor of theQuarter, NHTP, for the periodOct. 1, 2015 to Dec. 31, 2015.

Hospital Corpsman SecondClass Nicholas Kirsch is pre-sented a Letter of Appreciationfor his outstanding performanceas 2015 Combined FederalCampaign command representa-tive.

6 -- The Examiner --March 2016

Introducing New Staff -- Welcome Aboard!

CSC Elvin Manzanarez LS1 Richard GasmenMr. David Lynch HM3 Kevin EscobarMs. Laura StewartChief Culinary Specialist ElvinManzanarez is freshly arrivedfrom Norfolk, Va., where hestood up the new galley on theUSS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78),lead ship in her class of U.S.supercarriers. “It was the newconcept galley,” Manzanarezrecounts. “There are only twogalleys aboard the entire ship. Itwas learning a whole differentwork environment compared toother ship’s galleys.”Manzanarez supervised 68 culi-nary specialists and 101 food-service assistants for a ship’screw of 2,400. This assignmentis the Chief CulinarySpecialist’s first tour in a hospi-tal. “It seems different, but I’mready for the challenge,” hesaid. Originally from LosAngeles, he’s glad to be close tohis family. Manzanarez is cur-rently working on hisBachelor’s degree in businessadministration from St. LeoUniversity. Hobbies includewatching soccer, listening tomusic and watching movies. Abachelor, Manzanarez is househunting in the local area.

Mr. David Lynch recently re-tired from the U.S. MarineCorps as a Gunnery Sgt. Heworked in the MCAGCC G-6shop, Communications andInformation Systems. He’s ournew CHCS administrator. Priorto working for G-6, Lynch wasin charge of tactical communi-cations for MCAGCC’s TacticalTraining Exercise ControlGroup (TTECG). His MOS wascybernetworks systems chief.He’s lived in the high desert(Yucca Valley) for the past sixyears and finds it agreeable.“My kids (17-year-old son, 15-year-old son and 13-year-olddaughter) really enjoy being uphere,” he said. His wife, ateacher’s aide for the school dis-trict, prefers more of an urbanenvironment. “We’re close tohome (San Diego), so that’salways a plus.” Hobbies includecoaching youth sports and vol-unteer activities. His favoriteassignment in his 20-year U.S.Marine career? Recruiting dutyin Fort Smith, Ark., andLawton, Okla., because that’swhere his wife is from.

A native of Hawaii, it doesn’tseem intuitive that LS1 RichardGasmen would consider thehigh desert his vacation spot,but that’s exactly how he viewshis assignment here. His Navycorpsman brother-in-lawbrought his older sister here inthe 2000-2002 timeframe andhe’s enjoyed visiting her home,just outside the base, ever since.In his 19-year Navy career,Gasmen counts an assignmentin Hawaii as his favorite post-ing, “because it’s where I pickedup First Class.” The fact he wassurrounded by family alsoplayed into his preference. Hiswife, Susan, and 12-year-oldson, Noah, still live in Hawaii.Gasmen finds this area “lesshectic” than Hawaii. He countsrunning and hiking as hisfavorite leisure activities. LS1Gasmen is the new LPO for theMaterial ManagementDepartment. He plans to restarthis college pursuits and find asecondary career “in somethingmedical,” because this is wherehe plans to settle for his retire-ment years.

HM3 Kevin Escobar arrivedfrom MCAGCC’s 1st TanksBattalion where he spent theprevious three years as SeniorLine Corpsman and PreventiveMedicine Coordinator.Hometown is Queens, N.Y.,however; he moved from thePhilippines (Subic Bay area)when he was 14. He’s been inthe Navy seven years and con-siders Naval Hospital Okinawahis favorite assignment, wherehe worked in Pediatrics,Immunizations and PatientRecords. Pediatrics was best, hesaid, “because it molded me intothe corpsman I am today.”While the high desert isn’t hisfirst choice, he appreciatesbeing close to Las Vegas, LosAngeles and San Diego. Thissingle Sailor says he’s rarelyhere on the weekends. He rentsa home in Joshua Tree and forhobbies enjoys competitivepower lifting. His last competi-tion was two years ago in aReaching-1000 Competition, inwhich one repetition each ofsquat, dead lift and bench pressmust equal 1000 pounds.

Ms. Laura Stewart is theOBGYN Department’s newmedical support assistant. Shearrived from Oceanside, Calf.,where she worked in a facilityfor children with autism. “Iloved it,” she said. No strangerto the high desert, Ms. Stewartgraduated from TwentyninePalms High School and has pre-viously worked, about five yearsago for five years, in the NHTPImmunization Clinic and CallCenter. Her husband, HospitalCorpsman Second Class ElstonStewart, is currently assigned toField Medical Battalion, CampPendleton. “He picks up ordersnext month,” Ms. Stewartremarked, hoping to be reunitedin assignments with her hus-band. In the meantime, hermother and sisters live inTwentynine Palms, “So I’mokay with being back.” She’salso a massage therapist.Hobbies include hiking, theshooting range and taking herdaughters, Elannah, age twoand, Ella, age four, to the beach,mostly preferring HuntingtonBeach.

The Examiner -- March 2016 -- 7

Chief Petty Officers (CPOs) and First Class Petty Officers (FCPOs) from Naval Hospital Twentynine Palms, 1st Marine Division and 1stMarine Logistics Group, pose together after covering a topic per the CPO 365 guidance, with a focus on team building and physical fitness.

By HM1 Raul CervantesThe Chief Petty Officer (CPO) 365 Phase program is in full swing for Sailors assigned to Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center (MCAGCC),Twentynine Palms. During this training session, 44 CPOs and FCPOs tolerated the chilling 30-degree weather with a dynamic warm up followedby a 1.5 mile run on the newly renovated Tank Trail. CPO 365 is a year-round training program that prepares First Class Petty Officers to befuture Chief Petty Officers. Sailors receive training and learn, in greater depth, the importance of Navy policies, Naval heritage, physical fitnessand community service/involvement. CPO 365 is a valuable tool to communicate (the good and bad) experiences of leadership, professionalism,and relationship building; and, how experiences as a whole can affect one’s ability to influence others. The program provides an obligation forone generation to the next as they prepare for future challenges for the 21st Century Sailor. The MCAGCC Chief and First Class Petty Officerswill continue to support their unique missions and complete CPO 365 training with Navy pride!

CPO 365 Training Instills Professionalism, Leadership and Sense of Navy Heritage

Left: Leslie Belt, NHTP InternalBehavioral Health Consultant,helps pin new USMC Master Sgt.rank on husband, Master Sgt.Aaron Belt, with son, William, 7.The Belts chose to have the promo-tion ceremony in the NHTP Clinicarea on Feb. 1; and the chain ofcommand at the Marine CorpsTactics and Operations Group(MCTOG) agreed. Leslie andAaron Belt met when in highschool in Lathrop, Mo. This wasthe first promotion ceremony Lesliehas had the opportunity to attendsince Aaron was a lance corporal.

Left: The NHTP OBGYN Clinic winsBest of the Best NHTP department forFY 2016 First Quarter. This award isa testament to excellence in customerservice, and is calculated from patientsatisfaction surveys, TRICARE outpa-tient satisfaction surveys and/or TRI-CARE in-patient satisfaction surveys.

HM1 Bryankent Tullao and Ms. Alicia Armenta cut the cake dur-ing the MRI ribbon-cutting ceremony Jan. 26. Tullao, assignedto Camp Pendleton, has orders for NHTP. Both Tullao andArmenta are MRI technicians. The high-end MRI scanner willsave beneficiaries from having to travel for MRI referrals. TheNHTP Radiology Dept. expects to begin scheduling patient scansmid April 2016.

Branch Health Clinic ChinaLake had highly successfulFirst Receiver OperationsTraining (FROT) Feb. 9-11.