Webmaster: LCDR Gussio continues to maintain our website with the latest information. Detailed instruction will be forthcoming on the SG visit.Updates will be posted on the website.

National COA Issues: Discussion deferred till next meeting.

Military Standards Cadre (MSC)/ Physical Fitness: Our branch members are very honored that the Surgeon General, Dr Carmona has accepted our invitation to join us for our Fall Esprit de Corps Day on Oct 18, 2002 at 1600-1800. LCDR Gussio is taking the lead and coordinating with the Ft Detrick Command to ensure that all proper formalities are in order. Arriving by military helicopter, VADM Carmona will attend a briefing at USAMRID on a joint DoD/HHS project. The Honoring of the Colors will follow the briefing at 1700. The agenda continues with our physical fitness testing. All officers are strongly encouraged to attend this special event, whether testing or not. This is your opportunity to meet the SG in person!! Officers should meet at the Ft Detrick HQ building at 1630 in SDB (and of course don’t forget your PT clothes). The PT test will be held at the track across the street from the firehouse. Participants who want to take the PT test should contact LCDR Gussio at Gussio@ncifcrf.gov and indicate either the swim or run test. Numerous discussions were had on the many arrangements for the SG visist. LCDR Doss will contact the Frederick news about the event. LCDR Nelson asked LCDR Doss to run everything through the PIO at OSG. CAPT Wickizer will conduct a protocol briefing to all assembled officers to ensure proper behavior and actions in the presence of the commanding officer VADM Carmona. LTJG Sillivan will be available to demonstrate proper testing procedure before tests begin, Army personnel will be on hand as testing if needed. The Army has also offered any additional equipment needed for the testing. The question of bringing families to the testing/ honor the colors event was readily answered with a negative response. This is not a family event. As we are on the Army Base, we will let the Army Command take the lead on the colors ceremony and be present at the reception briefing of the SG.

Membership: Welcome to our newest member LT Gloria Rodriguez. She is an oncology nurse working at the Clinical Center at NIH. LCDR Nelson reported a new member was added from national COA membership list, CDR James Williams. CDR Michael Boquard is a newly assigned USCG officer in Baltimore and inquired to national COA for a local branch and was referred to FTDET.

Professional Relations: CDR Rossi-Coajou was not present, but CDR Berkhousen said Barquist Clinic was in need of a Pharmacist who wanted clinical hours.

Agenda Topics/ guest speakers: We are holding an extra meeting on Oct 30,’02 at 1900 for a special opportunity to hear Cpt. Jeffrey Phillips, JAG corps, present everything a PHS commissioned corps officer would wanted to know about UCMJ (Uniformed Code of Military Justice).

Volunteer Opportunities: Volunteer Frederick a volunteer referral agency has given us a list of volunteer needs in the Frederick area. As previously mentioned there still is an outstanding need to support the local soup kitchen on Mon, Tues and Thu evenings from 1700-1900; as well as to assist with distribution of Thanksgiving baskets the week of Nov 24^th.

In addition we have received a request from Heart Fields, a local resident facility, to assist with craft/art activities. The group briefly discussed and agreed to host a Food Drive for the Frederick pantry. Flyer will be sent separately. Please collect non-perishable items in your home or work environment and bring to the Nov meeting. LCDR Doss will collect the food goods and deliver them to the Food Pantry. Contact CDR Berkhousen at Berkhousen@cber.fda.gov for more info.

LCDR Nelson provided an update on the career day queries she made to FCC and Hood College. FCC could not be reached through the numerous phone prompts and will be pursued in person. Hood College holds a career fair each Fall and Spring.The Fall event is all booked, but we can register online as an exhibitor for the April 3^rd, 2003 event; LCDR Nelson will do this and continue to follow-up.

Nomination for Executive Officers: LCDR Nelson strongly encouraged members to consider applying for an executive officer position. This challenge helps to build leadership skills as well as it looks good on a CV. FAX your ballots to LCDR Gussio by Nov 5,’02. After names are received for the 4 executive positions, they will be posted on the website ballot which can be printed off and faxed in to LCDR Gussio with your votes marked. Write-in candidates are accepted as well on the ballot form. Please consider assisting in the leadership of our young Branch by running for one of the 4 positions.

The recent announcement of the DC Branch annual Dining Out brought questions about the event and CAPT Wickizer provided answers to the group. Branch member are encouraged to attend.

LCDR Edwards mentioned that FDA?OIA will be posting more openings for field investigators soon.

LCDR Nelson discussed her presentations at the Colorado Nurses Association on the 9/11 Response at the WTC and The Anthrax Response at DC General.

Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 2040. Next branch meeting planned for Nov 6, 2002.

Submitted 10/9/02

CDR Katherine Berkhousen LCDR Lucienne Nelson

Secretary, Ft Detrick Branch COA President, Ft Detrick Branch COA

Berkhousen@cber.fda.gov lnelson@oc.fda.gov