Howard Koh Confirmed as ASH; Elects to Assume Post as Civilian

06/29/2009 - One week after his June 19th confirmation as the new Assistant Secretary for Health (ASH), Dr. Howard K. Koh sent an open letter to all officers of the PHS Commissioned Corps, alluding to an "ambitious agenda" for the Office of Public Health and Science. He praised the Corps for its "remarkable history of service" and "unparalleled integrity," and he thanked PHS officers for their commitment to public health.

Dr. Koh, a former Massachusetts Health Commissioner, has won widespread praise for accepting the Assistant Secretary's post while at the same time declining the four-star rank that is offered along with it. COA Executive Director, Jerry Farrell, endorsed the decision, noting that it represents a welcome departure from recent history. The two previous Assistant Secretaries elected to become "instant admirals" despite the fact that neither had served in the PHS Commissioned Corps or any other U.S. uniformed service.

In addition to his service as the top public health official in Massachusetts, Dr. Koh's professional background includes clinical practice, academic medicine and public health, and scientific research.

CAPT Russell W. Hart, (Ret.) Passes Away: One of COA's Oldest Life Members and a Past President of COA

06/22/2009 - Captain Russell W. Hart, USPHS, (Ret.), 102, of Dunwoody, GA, and one of COA's oldest life members, passed away on June 16, 2009.

Born in Alexandria, KY, July 14, 1906, he grew up in Cincinnati, OH. While attending the University of Cincinnati, he earned five varsity letters in basketball and baseball. In 1938, he received a Masters in Sanitary Engineering from the University of Michigan. As chief sanitary engineer for Atlanta in the early 1940's, he cleaned up the milk industry for the Atlanta area, helping to eradicate tuberculosis, undulant fever and other diseases affecting whoever drank the raw milk. In 1942, he became a commissioned officer in the U.S. Public Health Service. After a year in New Orleans, he was transferred to Kansas City, MO, where he spent 13 years before being assigned to San Francisco, CA, where he remained until his retirement in 1969.

One of his fortes was public speaking. He had an extensive vocabulary. On more than one occasion his listeners would comment, "Russ Hart sounds great! I just wish I knew what he was talking about." His areas of expertise included communicable diseases and water pollution. He spent his career seeking answers to improve environmental and health issues for the benefit of the public.

In 1965, he was awarded the prestigious Meritorious Service Medal by the Surgeon General of the U.S. In 1966, the California Conservation Council honored him with an award for his efforts in water conservation with the state water project. He served as national president of the Commissioned Officers Association of the U.S. Public Health Service. In 2004, the Armed Forces Benefit Association honored him as their oldest living member. He was married for 74 years to the former Goldie Kelleher Hart of Albany, GA, who died in 2005. Retiring to St. Pete, FL, in 1969, he spent the next 40 years golfing, playing the stock market, tending to his yard and enjoying his family. When he moved to Atlanta in 1981 he joined the Mt. Vernon Baptist Church in Sandy Springs. His cheerful personality will be missed by all who knew him.

He is survived by his daughters, Nancy Battaglia and Betsy Prewette; grandson, Eric Brast; and two great grandchildren, Ingrid and Owen Brast.

The funeral was held on Sunday, June 21, in the Arlington Chapel of H.M. Patterson & Son, 173 Allen Road, Sandy Springs, GA 30328 (404) 851-9900. Entombment followed at Arlington Memorial Park on Mt. Vernon Highway.

Post-9/11 GI Bill: Occasional Misinformation from the Veterans Administration

06/19/2009 -

Did you apply for benefits under the New GI Bill and get turned down? Were you told that PHS officers aren't eligible? Did you get an annoying letter to this effect?

Hard to believe, but this has happened to some COA members. Click here if this has happened to you.

COA Urges Strong Show of Support for Ohio Retiree Income Tax Exemption

06/16/2009 -

Memo to All Ohio Officers:

A legislative proposal to exempt uniformed services retirees from state income taxes was introduced in Ohio's House of Representatives on May 19. It is House Bill 188, sponsored by Rep. Peter J. Stautberg, a Cincinnati Republican, and Rep. Peter Ujvagi, a Toledo Democrat.

To move this bill forward it is essential for all Ohio PHS officers, both active-duty and retired, to make their voices heard. HB 188 is now before the House Committee on Financial Institutions, Real Estate, and Securities. Winning the approval of this key committee is the first hurdle.

Click here to see how you can help!

Washington Post Reports Retired RADM Susan Blumenthal Rumored as Next Surgeon General

06/12/2009 - According to Al Kamen's "In The Loop" column (June 12), a regular feature on the Federal Page of the Washington Post, retired PHS Rear Admiral Susan Blumenthal "is emerging as a leading candidate to be surgeon general." Most recently honored as COA's Health Leader of the Year, RADM Blumenthal retired from the PHS Commissioned Corps several years ago after a twenty year career in the Public Health Service. A strong advocate for women's health, she rose to be the first ever Deputy Assistant Secretary for Women's Health and a senior global health advisor in the Department of Health and Human Services. Admiral Blumenthal's name has been mentioned as a potential candidate for surgeon general since Dr. Sanjay Gupta withdrew his name from consideration several weeks ago. The nation has been without a senate confirmed surgeon general since VADM Rich Carmona stepped down in August, 2006. Since then, this key leadership position for the nation's public health has been ably filled by Acting Surgeons General RADM Ken Moritsugu (2006-2007) and RADM Steve Galson (2007-present). At a time when the nation and world are threatened by a global influenza pandemic and the nexus of public health and national security is more clearly understood, we have never needed a presidentially nominated, senate-confirmed surgeon general who is an experienced public health professional more than we do now. As a retired career officer of the US Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, Rear Admiral Blumenthal fulfills COA's principal criteria for the post. We urge the President to avoid further delay and act promptly to nominate the 18th Surgeon General.

"Drive Thru Vaccinations for a Pandemic" Available for Viewing

06/11/2009 - The one hour LEAPS web program, Vaccinations in a Pandemic, , takes the viewer through the steps of establishing an optimum point of distribution for vaccine and is especially timely due to the increases in occurrences of the swine flu in the United States within the last several weeks.

In November 2008, the Town of Sandwich, Massachusetts (population 25,000) constructed and tested a drive thru flu vaccine clinic as a verification of the town's pandemic preparedness. The test was considered a success with a total of 1,000 citizens vaccinated over a 7 hour period, which means that with only a single Point of Distribution (POD) site the entire young adult and adult population could have been vaccinated within a week.

Note: this video will only be available until June 23rd, 2009.

COA Members Williams-Fleetwood and Welch Named Chief Professional Officers

06/11/2009 - Acting Surgeon General Rear Admiral Steve Galson has named Captains Sharon Williams-Fleetwood and Michael Welch as, respectively, the next PHS Chief Scientist and Chief Environmental Health Officers. Captain Williams-Fleetwood will relieve Rear Admiral Helena Mishoe as Chief Scientist Officer on August 1, 2009. Captain Welch will relieve Captain Craig Shepherd as Chief Environmental Health Officer on November 1, 2009. CAPT Williams-Fleetwood is assigned to the Division of Health Assessments and Consultation, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry; she serves as the Deputy Director of the Division. Her previous assignments were as Acting Division Director and Branch Chief, Superfund Site Assessment Branch, at ATSDR. CAPT Welch is assigned to the Phoenix Area Office, Indian Health Service where he serves as the Acting Associate Area Director, Office of Environmental Health and Engineering. His previous assignment was as the Director, Division of Environmental Health Services, Phoenix Area Office. Both are long term members of COA and we extend our hearty congratulations and best wishes for success in these important positions. COA also extends our congratulations to Rear Admiral Mishoe and Captain Shepherd as they complete their terms as Chief Professional Officers. They have provided outstanding leadership for their Categories and the entire Corps during often difficult and demanding times. COA is especially pleased once again to see two key leaders who are COA members replaced by officers who are also COA members continuing the strong correlation between COA membership and leadership in the Commissioned Corps.

Leadership Development Course Registration Now Available

06/10/2009 - Colorado Springs, July 28-31. This seminar, sponsored by the Engineer Professional Advisory Committee, follows a previously used very successful format of (1) leadership training by Harry Chambers of Trinity Solutions (www.trinitysol.com), (2) guest lecturers by noted leaders, (3) small group table-top exercises, and (4) a field trip. Participation is limited to 80. This training is applicable to all categories and all grades.

Among the guest lectures will be a briefing on NORTHCOM/NORAD operations in Colorado Springs, and a lecture on leadership in the Air Force with a focus on leadership training at the Air Force Academy. Attendees will participate in one of two field trips; a tour of the Cheyenne Mountain Operations Center (a high security location) or a guided tour of the Air Force Academy featuring areas not available to the general public. These tours are not optional, but intended to add value to the leadership training.

The registration fee includes the training, tours, a reception, and buffet lunch each day. The Crowne Plaza Hotel has rooms costing $88 per night single or double occupancy (per diem rate) and includes a free hot buffet breakfast, free WiFi, and free airport shuttle. This is a great opportunity to learn about leadership while your family enjoys the amenities at the hotel and surrounding natural attractions.

A detailed course agenda will be published soon. Register online now to reserve your place in the class. The contact person for additional information is LCDR Vivian Porter at vivan.porter@ihs.gov or (301) 443-4752.

Seminar Registration is at www.regonline.com/usphs (this is the only way to register), Hotel Reservations is at www.cpcoloradosprings.com/, 719-576-5900 or 1-800-981-4012 (block: Public Health Service Leadership).

Click here for the flyer. (pdf, 190 KB)

Record Crowd Turns Out for 2009 US PHS Scientific and Training Symposium

06/08/2009 - The 44th annual US Public Health Service Scientific and Training Symposium attracted more than 1265 participants - a record high - during the first week in June in Atlanta, GA. Opening ceremonies on Monday morning, June 1st, were followed by plenary session presentations with the Acting Surgeon General, Rear Admiral Steven Galson, and the Acting Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Dr. Richard Besser. RADM Galson awarded Dr. Besser the Surgeon General's Medallion (see photo above) for his outstanding leadership during the H1N1 influenza outbreak in the weeks immediately preceding the symposium. Following lunch, the Luther Terry Lecture was delivered by Doctor Chip Rice, President of the Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences. The Luther Terry Lecture was introduced by Michael Terry, youngest son of former Surgeon General Terry, who provided some personal context for his famous father's important work. Monday was capped off the the Anchor and Caduceus Dinner celebrating the PHS and Commissioned Corps' birthdays with the Dr. C. Everett Koop Honorary Lecture delivered by 16th Surgeon General, Dr. David Satcher. The rest of the week was full of interesting and informative presentations including a closing keynote by the Army Surgeon General, LTG Eric Schoomaker who spoke at length on the importance of public health to military medicine. If you missed the 2009 conference, you won't want to miss the 2010 event which will be held in San Diego, CA during the last week in May. Make plans to attend now!

Public Health News | Legislative News | Event News | Member News | Other

Public Health

Surgeon General Addresses Influenza Outbreak

04/30/2009 - Acting U.S. Surgeon General Rear Admiral Steven Galson has released a statement on the current outbreak of swine or H1N1 influenza. In the statement, Surgeon General Galson says the “H1N1 flu virus is contagious and is spreading from human to human. However, at this time, it not known how easily the virus spreads between people. The incubation period is 24 to 48 hours.” The Surgeon General goes on to provide precautions that will help spread the flu including: Wash your hands with soap and water often; cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze; avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth; and avoid close contact with others who may be sick.

Click here to read the full statement from the Surgeon General. (pdf, 23 KB)

Chicago Medical Society Supports Greater Authority for Surgeon General

02/24/2009 - The Chicago Medical Society (CMS), one of the oldest and most prestigious medical societies in the United States has formally resolved to write President Obama concerning the appointment of the Surgeon General. The CMS resolution urges the President to select a Surgeon General with "extensive public health experience and authority with the names of candidates requesed from the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps...." The approved resolution further seeks the support of the Illinois State Medical Society in approaching the President on this issue.

Click here for the full text of the CMS resolution... (pdf, 73 KB)

The Surgeon General Receives a 68% Positive Rating from the Public

02/12/2009 - How does the public feel about major federal agencies? Each year a national Harris Poll asks that question, and this year, for the first time, the poll asked about the Surgeon General. 68% of respondents said they viewed the Surgeon General favorably. That's a respectable rating, and a bit higher than the National Institutes of Health.

Click here to read the full report. (pdf, 329 KB)

Galson Named Acting Assistant Secretary for Health

01/23/2009 - In a surprise move late in the afternoon of 22 January, the HHS Acting Secretary, Charlie Johnson, named the Acting Surgeon General, Rear Admiral Steve Galson, as Acting Assistant Secretary for Health. Admiral Galson replaces Dr. Don Wright, the OPHS Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, who was named Acting ASH before the departure of the Bush Administration appointees. No reason was given for the change. At the same time, CDC Acting Director William Gimson was replaced by Dr. Richard Besser, who heads the CDC's public health emergency preparedness and response functions. In his announcement to the Commissioned Corps released moments ago, RADM Galson correctly noted that his appointment as Acting ASH by the Obama Administration reflects well on the professionalism and reputation of the entire PHS Commissioned Corps. COA wishes Admiral Galson every success as he underakes this critical new assignment.

Click here to read RADM Galson's letter to the Corps... (pdf, 29 KB)

COA Member, Retired Assistant Surgeon General Makes the Case for Appointing the Surgeon General from within the Career Commissioned Corps

01/16/2009 - RADM Douglas Kamerow, USPHS (Ret.), a physician, NPR commentator, and contributor to the British Medical Journal, is an outspoken proponent of appointing the Surgeon General from within the career ranks of the PHS Commissioned Corps. Admiral Kamerow's argument matches the long held position of COA on this issue. CLick on the link below to read RADM Kamerow's compelling article in the most recent issue of the British Medical Journal.

CNN's Sanjay Gupta Rumored to be Surgeon General Nominee

01/07/2009 - Major media outlets are reporting that Dr. Sanjay Gupta, CNN medical journalist and a practicing neurosurgeon, has been offered the position of Surgeon General by President-elect Barack Obama. Neither Obama transition officials nor Dr. Gupta will confirm or deny the reports. If nominated and confirmed by the Senate, Dr. Gupta would become the 18th U.S. Surgeon General and commander of the Public Health Service Commissioned Corps. COA has long advocated for a return to the practice of appointing the Surgeon General from within the career ranks of the Commissioned Corps as is the policy for all other uniformed services. COA is, therefore, disappointed that the incoming Administration appears to maintaining a position consistent with most since the mid-1960s by choosing a surgeon general from outside the Corps. Continuing to bypass career PHS officers for the top leadership role in public health is unhealthy for the career aspirations of these dedicated and highly talented public servants. Several recent reports and studies by prominent public health advocacy groups have strongly urged greater independence and authority for the office of Surgeon General. The best way to achieve this key goal is to maintain the integrity and professionalism of the post by appointing a career officer as Surgeon General. Which is not to say that an individual with Dr. Gupta's background and experience would not be successful as Surgeon General. If Dr. Gupta is, in fact, nominated and confirmed as the 18th Surgeon General, our hope is that he will emerge as the next Dr. Koop. COA will do all we can to ensure the success of the next Surgeon General, no matter who fills this critically important position.

Institute of Medicine Report Recommends Greater Role for Surgeon General

12/17/2008 - Responding to a request from Rep. Henry Waxman (D-CA) and Rep. Tom Davis (R-VA), the chair and ranking minority member, respectively, of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) has prepared a far-reaching and comprehensive report on improving the organization of the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). Among the top recommendations is a "more prominent and powerful role for the surgeon general, who, in addition to leading the Commissioned Corps, should be a strong advocate for the American people and work actively to educate Americans on important health issues...." While the IOM report is silent on appointing the Surgeon General from within the career ranks of the PHS Commissioned Corps, COA maintains that the experience and leadership qualifications called for by the IOM report can best be found in career Public Health Service Commissioned Officers. While not calling for specific imporvements in the Commissioned Corps itself, the report does note the Surgeon General's role as the Corps' leader and a strengthened Surgeon General will inevitably lead to a strengthened Corps. A link to the full IOM report produced by the National Academies Press is at the left.

Click here to read excerpts from the IOM report... (pdf, 87 KB)

COA Urges President-Elect to Name a Surgeon General From Within the Career Commissioned Corps

12/12/2008 - The Commissioned Officers Association has sent a letter to President-Elect Barack Obama urging him to appoint the next Surgeon General from within the career ranks of the PHS Commissioned Corps. The letter was timed to coincide with the formal naming of former Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle as the next Secretary of Health and Human Services.

Click here to read COA's letter to President-Elect Obama... (pdf, 137 KB)

PUBLIC HEALTH THANK YOU DAY

11/24/2008 - November 24th is Public Health Thank You Day and COA joins with all the other public health organizations around the country and all our fellow citizens in extending our profound thanks to the legions of public health workers who keep us all safe from disease and disaster. We are, of course, especially thankful for the U.S. Surgeon General and officers of the Public Health Service Commissioned Corps who lead the nation's public health workforce. Public health is the cornerstone of our national security and our national economic security. Profound thanks to all who strive to protect and advance our public health!

COA Issues Call for 2009 Health Leader of the Year Award Nominations

11/14/2008 - The COA Health Leader of the Year Award was established in 1987 to recognize individuals who have made notable contributions to the health of the Nation. The individual may, but does not have to be, a Commissioned Officer in the USPHS. Contributions can be in research, administration, service delivery or some other area of public health. Any member of the Commissioned Officers Association may submit a nomination for HLOY. HLOY nominations are limited to a single page outlining the accomplishments and contributions of the individual, and must be received in the COA office no later than 31 December 2008 for consideration. The preferred method of submission is as an email attachment. Nominations should be in MS Word format and submitted to Teresa Hayden at Thayden@coausphs.org. Please use "HLOY NOMINATION" as the email subject line. Nominations submitted by USPS mail should be addressed to Teresa Hayden, COA HLOY, 8201 Corporate Drive, Suite 200, Landover, MD 20785. The Health Leader of the Year Award will be presented during the 2009 Annual PHS Scientific and Training Symposium from 1 - 4 June 2009 in Atlanta, GA. No nominations will be accepted after 31 December 2008.

Click here for additional information and award criteria... (pdf, 105 KB)

Transformation Progress and Future Plans Detailed

10/24/2008 - The Surgeon General and the Special Assistant for Transformation have released another in a series of reports to the Commissioned Corps on the progress made in building a transformed Corps for the 21st Century.

Click here to read the full report. (pdf, 114 KB)

New Health Policy Report: 'Expand, Strengthen PHS'

10/21/2008 - Washington, October 21, 2008 - Trust for America's Health (TFAH) today released a major report intended to help Congress and the new Administration modernize the federal public health system and focus more on prevention and preparedness. The report, "Blueprint for a Healthier America," contains scores of recommendations, including several pertaining to the PHS Commissioned Corps.

In discussing the health workforce crisis, the report recommends strengthening the PHS Commissioned Corps by "increasing the number of active-duty personnel, creating a Ready Reserve, and establishing a dedicated funding system for all Corps activities under the management and fiscal control of the Surgeon General."

The report points out that the "outdated" Public Health Service Act has not been reauthorized in ten years, and that the Congressionally-mandated cap of 2,800 in the Regular Corps has not been raised in 15 years.

The report's authors consulted more than 150 experts and organizations, including COA. Trust for America's Health is a non-partisan health policy think tank funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

Click here to read the full report. (pdf, 3.0 MB)

Commissioned Corps Provides Care for Hurricane Ike Evacuees

09/29/2008 - A Rapid Deployment Team of PHS Commissioned Corps officers has been providing urgently needed medical care for chronically ill patients in Texas that were evacuated due to hurricane Ike. The link below goes to a news report on the Corps' activities that feature former COA National Board Chair, Captain Dean Coppola. Earlier this year, CAPT Coppola served as the PHS Officer-in-Charge of the PHS detachment embarked in USS Boxer (LHD 4) for a two month deployment on a global health diplomacy mission to the Pacific Coast of Central and South America.

Legislative

COA Urges Congress to Fund HAMR Teams

05/04/2009 -

Click here to read the letter to Congressman David Obey, Chair, Committee on Appropriations, U.S. House of Representatives. (pdf, 188 KB)

Post-9/11 GI Bill Sign Up Begins

04/30/2009 - Beginning 1 May 2009, the VA Education Service will begin taking applications to determine service members' eligibility for the Post-9/11 GI Bill program, which commences on 1 August 2009. A copy of VA's 'timeline' slide and other info is at the link below. The VA's website has additional information and a link to the application at http://www.gibill.va.gov/.

Click here to see the slides. (ppt, 542 KB)

COA Joined the STOP Obesity Alliance

04/23/2009 - The Commissioned Officers Association of the USPHS has joined the Strategies to Overcome and Prevent (STOP) Obesity Alliance - a collaboration of consumer, provider, government, labor, business, health insurers and quality-of-care organizations united to drive innovative and practical strategies that combat obesity. Based at The George Washington University Department of Health Policy, the STOP Obesity Alliance is run by a Steering Committee that includes 17th U.S. Surgeon General Richard H. Carmona, M.D.; American Diabetes Association; the American Heart Association; American Medical Group Association; America's Health Insurance Plans; Canyon Ranch Institute; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity and Obesity (DNPAO); DMAA: The Care Continuum Alliance; National Business Group on Health, National Quality Forum; Partnership for Prevention; Service Employees International Union; National Business Group on Health; Reality Coalition; and Trust for America's Health.

In its role as an Associate Member, COA will participate in efforts to remove the barriers preventing greater national progress on managing and preventing the obesity epidemic.

New GI Bill Benefits: VA Rules PHS Entitled to All but 'Transferability'

03/31/2009 - This morning, the Veterans Administration published its final regulations on the new GI Bill. Referencing formal comments that COA submitted in January, the VA states [emphasis ours]:

"We agree that commissioned officers of PHS and NOAA are eligible for benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill.In a digested opinion from 1985, our General Counsel read the provisions of 42 U.S.C. 213 regarding PHS and 33 U.S.C. 857-1 and 857-3 (now in 33 U.S.C. 3002 and 3072, respectively) regarding NOAA as expanding the definition of 'Armed Forces' in 38 U.S.C. 101(10) to also include PHS and NOAA for purposes of benefits administered by VA. See VADIGOP, 6-26-85 (8-28 Reentry in Active Service). Therefore, service as a commissioned officer of PHS or NOAA meets the 'active duty in the Armed Forces' service requirement in section 3311 of title 38, U.S.C."

What about 'transferability?' The VA says that here its hands are tied; eligibility is entirely up to the Defense Department. Confirming what VA officials told COA earlier, today's ruling states:

"While VA is responsible for administering payment of transferred benefits, the Department of Defense (DoD) is responsible for determining eligibility for transfer of entitlement to dependents. Specifically, the statute provides that the Secretary of Defense may authorize the Secretary of the Army, Secretary of the Navy, Secretary of the Air Force, and the Secretary of Homeland Security (with respect to the Coast Guard when it is not operating as a service in the Navy) to determine if individuals serving in the Armed Forces in their respective departments are eligible to transfer entitlement to dependents."

Bottom line:There is now no question that PHS officers are eligible for all benefits in the new GI Bill except transferability. Fixing that remaining problem requires a change in the law. The COA campaign will continue until it happens.

COA, PHS Commissioned Corps Score Legislative Victory - Regular Corps Cap Raised to 4000

03/16/2009 - In a significant legislative victory for the Commissioned Corps and COA, the FY 2009 Omnibus Appropriations Bill passed by Congress and signed into law last week by the President, raises the cap on the size of the Regular Corps from 2800 to 4000. This is the first time since 1992 that the size of the Regular Corps has been adjusted. It was recommendation Number One when COA's executive director called on Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Daniel Inouye (D-HI) in January. Constraints on the size of the Regular Corps were impeding overall Corps growth as a disincentive to both recruitment and retention. Since the Corps was at or near the 2800 limit last year, annual Assimilation Boards were indefinitely postponed. COA anticipates that these important career path boards will be able to resume in the near future. Also included in the Appropriations bill was funding of $14.8 Million for Corps transformation. While this is less than half the requested amount of $30 Million, it is also a $10.7 Million increase over FY2008 funding for Corps transformation - clearly a small step in the right direction. COA is working on building on these successes in the FY2010 appropriations legislation currently under development on Capitol Hill.

Post 9/11 GI Bill Update - One Step Forward

03/16/2009 - After a vigorous campaign, COA was able to confirm last week with the Department of Veteran's Affairs (VA) that PHS and NOAA Commissioned Corps officers are now eligible for most of the entitlements provided by the Post 9/11 GI Bill. The one exception is transferability of the educational benefit to family members. Because of the way the law is written, including PHS and NOAA officers in the transferability option will require a change in the statute. Currently, the law provides that SECDEF will set the rules for who (in DoD) will be eligible to transfer the education entitlement to family members. Since PHS and NOAA officers are not subject to DoD authority, we need to get the law changed to authorize SECHHS (for PHS) and SECCOMMERCE (for NOAA)to set the rules for their officers. There has been some confusion on this issue since the VA FAQ website prematurely changed last week to reflect that PHS and NOAA officers were fully eligible for all benefits of the new GI Bill. That question and answer have now disappeared entirely from the VA website. Language on the website which tends to speak exclusively to "veterans" which clearly includes PHS officers could be interpreted at various points to the effect that all elements of the Post 9/11 GI Bill apply to PHS officers. COA is working with VA to clear this up and working with the Senate Veteran's Affairs Committee to win an technical change to the Post 9/11 GI Bill which includes transferability of the benefit as an option for PHS and NOAA officers.

Help to Fix the New G.I. Bill!

12/17/2008 - The PHS Commissioned Corps and NOAA Commissioned Corps were left out of the expanded GI Bill that was approved by Congress and signed by President Bush earlier this year. This happened despite the fact that both PHS and NOAA officers have been included in all GI bill programs for over 60 years.

The COA Board of Directors has approved a proposal from its Legislation and Benefits Committee to launch an energetic grassroots campaign to correct this oversight. COA members, both active-duty and retired, can move this effort forward by writing to their representatives in Congress and asking them to support a technical correction that will include PHS and NOAA in the bill.

Over the summer, COA staff contacted leading sponsors of the legislation and met personally with key staff. We are encouraged. To close the deal, it is essential for members of Congress to hear from their constituents. Thoughtful, original letters are much more persuasive than form letters, post cards, mass e-mails and the like.

COA Urges Congress to Include Public Health in Stimulus Funding

11/21/2008 - COA has signed on to a letter with other prominent public health advocacy groups urging the Congressional leadership to include critical public health infrastructure programs in any economic stimulus funding packages considered for enactment.

Click here to read the letter. (pdf, 51 KB)

AMA Supports Greater Independence for Office of the Surgeon General

09/29/2008 - In the 157th Annual Meeting of the American Medical Association House of Delegates in Chicago from June 14-17, 2008, the AMA adopted the following resolution.

"Restoring the Independence of the Office of the U.S. Surgeon General

RESOLVED, That our American Medical Association recognize the Office of the United States Surgeon General as the esteemed position of the "nation's doctor" (New HOD Policy); and be it further

RESOLVED, That our American Medical Association call for the Office of the United States Surgeon General to be free from the undue influence of politics, and be guided by science and the integrity of his/her role as a physician in fulfilling the highest calling to promote the health and welfare of all people. (New HOD policy)"

Afghanistan: USPHS on the Ground

08/11/2008 - Captain Maurice M. Sheehan, a career officer in the Commissioned Corps of the U.S. Public Health Service, is serving a one-year tour of duty in Afghanistan. Motivated by the disheartening news that USPHS officers are not (as of this moment) eligible to receive the generous benefits in the new GI bill, CAPT Sheehan sent photos, along with a request to contact his representatives in Congress. He adds: "All we ask is to be treated the same as any other service, from service protocols to benefits. That is justice."

The Military Coalition Weighs in to Support PHS and NOAA Corps in Webb GI Bill

07/16/2008 - At the urging of COA, The Military Coalition, representing some 35 uniformed service and veteran's organizations and 5.5 million constituents, has written to every member of the Senate Committee on Veteran's Affairs seeking to have the PHS and NOAA Commissioned Corps included in the new (Webb) GI Bill. COA has also, in the strongest manner possible, urged the leadership of the Department of Health and Human Services to seek inclusion of the PHS Commissioned Corps in this law by engaging with the Senate Committee.

Click here to read the full text of TMC's letter... (pdf, 97 KB)

COA Works to Have PHS Commissioned Corps Entitled to New (Webb) GI Bill - You Can Help

07/11/2008 - Whether it was an intentional omission or an erroneous oversight, the fact is that both the PHS and NOAA Commissioned Corps are not included in the entitlement afforded by the new (Webb) GI Bill signed into law by the President on 30 June. COA is pulling out all the stops to have the PHS (and NOAA) Commissioned Corps added to this historic and potentially generous entitlement. You can help.

Learn more about the Webb GI BIll and how to help. Click here... (pdf, 74 KB)

House and Senate Appropriations Committees Whack Corps Funding for FY 09

07/11/2008 - For the second year in a row, House and Senate appropriators have inexplicably reduced the Administration's request for Commissioned Corps funding. Last year the Corps got zero of $38M requested. This year it looks like the Corps will receive only $10M of $32M requested; barely enough to keep the Commissioned Corps on life support. The Senate Appropriations Committee marked the Corps' funding down without comment. On the House side, the Committee questioned the need for Health and Medical Response (HAMR) teams. The House Committee also demonstrated the usual confusion about the Commissioned Corps by asking for a report on how the Commissioned Corps intends to address the institution of a systematic quality assurance mechanism for the Division of Immigration Health Services; a question more appropriately addressed to the Department of Homeland Security rather than the Commissioned Corps. COA is seeking clarification of the concerns expressed by the committee and trying to ascertain their origin (author). We will make every effort to provide accurate information to the committees in the hope of having the requested funding restored. But this is another issue where the Corps' political leadership must engage if there is to be any hope of success. Secretary Leavitt has stated that the Corps' transformation and expansion are among his top priorities. It is long past time for the Secretary to get personally engaged with the Hill appropriators and convince them to put money where his mouth is. COA has most strongly urged the Assistant Secretary for Health and the Surgeon General to take the necessary action to get these funds restored - including getting the Secretary engaged.

Event

Atlanta, GA -

06/16/2009 -

Aquarium Social During 2009 Conference

05/18/2009 - The Veterinary Category has planned an exciting informal (ie, no uniforms needed) social event to be held the evening of June 2nd for ALL conference participants and their families following Category Day. Tickets are $65 a person and include dinner*, dessert, tea/lemonade and a cash bar at the world's largest aquarium, along with admission to the aquarium. Children under 3 when accompanied by an adult will be provided free entry. It is important to note that wristbands will be required for entry and that representatives of the veterinary category will be delivering the purchased wristbands to each category day meeting room on the morning of June 2nd.

You may purchase tickets through the pay pal link below until 4pm ET May 26th, 2009. Because we must provide a final count to the aquarium ahead of time, no onsite tickets can be sold. We are excited about this unique opportunity for socializing and networking with colleagues and we look forward to seeing everyone in Atlanta and at the aquarium! This evening is sure to be the highlight of your trip to Atlanta. For more information and to purchase tickets, please go to http://sites.google.com/site/usphsdinnerattheaquarium/.

If the paypal link embedded in the google site does not work, or you have additional questions, please contact LCDR Heather Bair-Brake at hhb2@cdc.gov.

*Buffet dinner overlooking the beluga whales includes burgers, veggie burgers, hot dogs, buttermilk fried chicken, baked beans, potato salad and yummy desserts. The food at the aquarium is excellent!

The aquarium will be open for viewing from 5:30-7:30 pm and dinner will be served from 6:30-8:30 pm.

Blumenthal Named Health Leader of the Year

04/30/2009 - The Commissioned Officers Association of the U.S. Public Health Service (COA) is pleased to announce Susan J. Blumenthal, M.D., M.P.A., a retired Rear Admiral and Assistant Surgeon General in the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, as the recipient of the Association’s 2009 Health Leader of the Year Award. The COA Health Leader of the Year Award was established in 1987 to recognize individuals who have made notable contributions to the health of the Nation. Contributions can be in research, administration, service delivery or some other area of public health.

Rear Admiral Blumenthal is recognized for her lifetime achievements and leadership in raising national awareness and scientific attention to women’s health issues as well as a range of other critical public health concerns. As the first Deputy Assistant Secretary of Women’s Health in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Admiral Blumenthal stimulated and coordinated women’s health issues across federal agencies and pioneered many innovative initiatives including the National Centers of Excellence on Women’s Health at universities across the country to serve as models for research, training and care, the National Women’s Health Information Center, and the “Missiles to Mammograms” program that transferred imaging technology used for space exploration and intelligence purposes to improve the early detection of breast cancer.

She also served as a White House advisor on health issues, as Senior Global Health Advisor in HHS, as the top medical advisor to the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, as Chief of the Behavioral Medicine and Basic Prevention Research Branch and Chair of the Health and Behavior Coordinating Committee at the National Institutes of Health.

Additionally, RADM Blumenthal has been an international leader in global health including AIDS, emergency preparedness issues such as bioterrorism and pandemic flu, mental illness, suicide, violence, disease and obesity prevention. She fostered numerous international collaborations on health diplomacy including establishing a Middle East Health Initiative and was the U.S. representative to the World Health Organization’s Global Commission on Women’s Health. Admiral Blumenthal has been at the forefront of applying information technology to improve health, providing national leadership as one of the first in the government to use the internet for health education, envisioning and establishing several award-winning websites including 4woman.gov, safeyouth.org, nutrition.gov, globalhealth.gov, and 4collegewomen.org.,Additionally, she is the author of numerous scientific publications, served as the health columnist for national magazines and as the host and medical director for an award winning television series on health.

Upon her retirement from active duty with the PHS Commissioned Corps after 20 years of service, Admiral Blumenthal was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal of the U.S. Public Health Service "for distinguished and pioneering leadership, groundbreaking contributions, and dedicated public service that has improved the health of women, our Nation, and the world." She has received honorary doctorates for her innovative work in identifying and championing understudied public health problems, and marshaling the resources of the government to address them.

Dr. Blumenthal is now Director of the Health and Medicine Program at the Center for the Study of the Presidency and Congress, where she leadsleads its Commission on Charting New Directions in the field. She is also the Senior Policy and Medical Advisor at amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research, Chair of the Global Health Program at the Meridian International Center and a Clinical Professor at Georgetown and Tufts Schools of Medicine.

Previous recipients of the Health Leader of the Year Award have included former U.S. Surgeons General Antonia Novello, C. Everett Koop, Richard Carmona, and Acting Surgeon General Kenneth Moritsugu; Senators Bill Frist, John Warner, and Tim Hutchinson; Human Genome pioneer Dr. Francis X. Collins; NIH NIAID Director RADM Anthony Fauci, and many other distinguished public health leaders.

The Health Leader of the Year Award will be presented to RADM Blumenthal at the annual Awards Luncheon of COA on Wednesday, June 3rd, 2009 in Atlanta, GA during the 44th US PHS Scientific and Training Symposium sponsored by the PHS Commissioned Officers Foundation. For more information, visit http://www.phscofevents.org.

Retiree Breakfast Announced!

04/01/2009 - The Annual Retiree Breakfast will be held at 7:15 a.m., Thursday, June 4th at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis Hotel. This breakfast will be in conjunction with the 44th annual Public Health Service Scientific and Training Symposium, June 1st-4th 2009 in Atlanta, GA.

Hosted by the PHS Commissioned Officers Foundation, the annual retiree breakfast has become one of the highlights of the Symposium. Admiral Steven Galson, U.S. Surgeon General (Acting) will be the featured speaker. This affair is free and open to all retired USPHS Commissioned Officers and guests.

We invite you to renew old acquaintances, make new friends, and learn about the vitality of the Corps today and future plans for enhancing that strength. Please note you will have to register separately for the rest of the symposium agenda.

If you do plan to attend the Retiree Breakfast, please reserve your seat with Brian McSheffrey or Julia Veeder via e-mail at bmcsheffrey@coausphs.org or jveeder@coausphs.org or by phone at 1-866-366-9593.

Deadline for Call for Abstracts for 2009 USPHS Scientific and Training Symposium has been extended to December 1, 2008 at 5pm EST.

11/18/2008 - The 2009 USPHS Scientific and Training Symposium will be held June 1-4 at the Atlanta, GA Marriott Marquis. The deadline for abstract submissions is December 1, 2008 at 5pm EST.

Click here for more information. (pdf, 136 KB)

Call for Abstracts Announced for 2009 USPHS Scientific and Training Symposium

09/26/2008 - The 2009 USPHS Scientific and Training Symposium will be held June 1-4 at the Atlanta, GA Marriott Marquis. The deadline for abstract submissions is November 14, 2008, and a decision on approved abstracts are expected by December 31, 2008.

Click here for more information. (pdf, 136 KB)

Member

CAPT Robert A. Fortuine, USPHS, (Ret.), Passed Away on May 11, 2009

05/14/2009 - CAPT Fortuine received his medical degree from McGill University in 1960 and his Masters of Public Health from Harvard University in 1968. He served with the United States Public Health Service from 1961 until his retirement in 1987. He first came to Alaska in 1963. He served as Service Unit Director for USPHS Alaska Native hospitals in Dillingham (1963-64); Bethel (1964-67); and Anchorage (1971-77); and as Deputy Chief of Family Medicine at Alaska Native Medical Center (1980-87). Fortuine was active in several national and Alaskan medical professional associations, as well as the American Society for Circumpolar Health and the International Symposium for Circumpolar Health.

His last book "A Century of Adventure in Northern Health: The Public Health Service Commissioned Corps in Alaska (1879-1978)," (2006) was published by the PHS Commissioned Officers Foundation for the Advancement of Public Health.

Click here for the available online guestbook.

COA Members Helminiak and Clark Named Chief Professional Officers

05/01/2009 - Acting Surgeon General Rear Admiral Steve Galson has named Captains Claire Helminiak and Edith Clark as, respectively, the next PHS Chief Medical and Chief Dietitian Officers. Captain Helminiak will relieve Rear Admiral David Rutstein as Chief Medical Officer. Captain Clark will relieve Captain Jan Huy as Chief Dietitian Officer. Captain Huy is a former national COA board member. Captain Helminiak is assigned to the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Emergency Response where she is the Coordinating Director for Medical Programs. She was previously assigned as the Medical Advisor for Homeland Security Affairs, in the Office of the Vice President of the United States. Captain CLark is assigned to the Indian Health Service, Phoenix Indian Medical Center as the Director, Nutrition Services and Internship Director, Southwestern Dietetic Internship Consortium. She was previously posted as Community Dietitian with the Phoenix Indian Medical Center. Captains Helminiak and Clark will take up their new collateral duties on June 1st, 2009. Both are long term members of COA and we extend our hearty congratulations and best wishes for success in these important positions. COA also extends our congratulations to Rear Admiral Rutstein and Captain Huy as they complete their terms as Chief Professional Officers. They have provided outstanding leadership for their Categories and the entire Corps during often difficult and demanding times. COA is especially pleased once again to see two key leaders who are COA members replaced by officers who are also COA members continuing the strong correlation between COA membership and leadership in the Commissioned Corps.

Attention Retired Officers - Retiree Pay Tax Withholding

04/13/2009 - The recent stimulus plan reduces federal income taxes up to $400 for working individuals and $800 for couples via smaller tax withholding from their paychecks. Non-working PHS retirees or survivors are not eligible for the tax reduction yet they are still subject to the reduced withholding in their retired pay or survivor annuities.

The Commissioned Corps Compensation Branch is required to use the new tax withholding tables published by the IRS for retired paychecks or annuities.

To add to the confusion, the stimulus bill also provides a $250 payment to those drawing Social Security or VA disability compensation. So if a retiree or survivor draws VA disability or Social Security, he/she will get the $250 payment on top of the reduced income tax withholding. A working retiree who also draws Social Security or VA disability compensation will get the $250 payment and will also have the additional $400 ($800 married filing jointly) withheld from BOTH PHS retired pay AND employer pay.

There will be some rude awakenings next year when retirees or survivors discover they have been "under-withheld" and owe an unexpectedly large tax bill on their 2009 taxes. Check out some examples and how you can protect yourself.

Retirees should check with their tax preparer/accountant or can submit a W-4 to the Compensation Branch to modify their withholding to make their necessary adjustment to their retired pay or annuity to avoid a bigger 2009 tax bill.

- Non-working PHS retiree with Social Security or VA disability compensation
> Will end up having $400/$800 (singe/married) less withheld from their retirement checks this year, but will still owe that money when they file taxes next year.
> SOLUTION: After the Compensation Branch executes the new withholding, retirees in this category can submit a new W-4 to the Compensation Branch to adjust the withholding amount.

- Working PHS retirees who DO NOT receive Social Security or VA disability compensation
> Will have $400/$800 less withheld from BOTH their PHS retired pay AND from their employer's pay - a total of $800/$1,600 less withheld, which means they will have to pay $400/$800 of that back when they file their 2009 taxes next year (you can only get the tax credit once).
> SOLUTION: People who do not want that to happen can submit the required W-4 to EITHER the Compensation Branch or their employer to adjust the withholding amount.

- Working PHS retirees who DO receive Social Security or VA disability compensation
> Will get the $250 payment soon and will ALSO have $400/$800 less withheld from BOTH their PHS retired pay AND from their employer's pay - a total of $800/$1,600 less withheld. BUT the total tax credit they can qualify for will be $400/$800. That means they will end up having to pay back $650 (single) or $1,050 (joint filer) of that money when they file their 2009 taxes next year.
> SOLUTION: If they do not want that to happen, they should ask the Compensation Branch and/or their employer to increase their withholding an extra $100-$180/month for the rest of the year so they come out even.

If you have any questions, we recommend you check with your accountant, financial planner or tax preparer.

2009 Carruth Wagner Award Nominations

03/23/2009 - The United States Public Health Service (USPHS), Nurse Professional Advisory Committee (N-PAC) is pleased to announce a call for nominations for the 2009 Carruth Wagner Awards. These five awards are named in honor of Dr. Carruth Wagner who dedicated his life to improving the health of the nation. During his 30 year service to the U.S. Government and later contributions to the California Department of Health, he championed the development of medical professionals, future leaders, health policy and innovative public health improvements. He recognized that all levels of health professionals have the capacity to influence, and improve, the health of communities. Dr. Wagner served as the second Director of the Indian Health Service (1962 - 1965), and is credited as a pioneer in developing innovative education and training techniques designed to enhance quality health care providers and proficient management systems to improve health care delivery systems.

The Carruth Wagner Awards will be presented to each award recipient by the Chief Nurse Officer (CNO) at the Annual Commissioned Officers Foundation (COF) Symposium, June 2, 2009 during Nurse Category Day. Each award is accompanied by $1000 cash award which requires the nominee to complete an Ethics Form which needs to be endorsed by the Ethics Office from their respective Agency. (Please see the last two pages of the nomination form)

Click here for the Nomination Guidelines and Ethics Form. (pdf, 175 KB)

Commissioned Corps Launches Officer Profile Online Database

03/19/2009 - Earlier this week, in a significant step toward the deveopment of a billet based force management system, the Commissioned Corps announced the launch of the new Officer Profile Database. When complete, this database will define the current Corps, a necessary step before attempting to define the future Corps. Eventually the OP database will be combined with a defined billet database in the Coast Guard's Direct Access personnel management system. Ultimately, these merged systems will become the billet based force management system for which COA has so long advocated. This system will serve two important functions. First, it will enable the Corps to determine a numerical requirement - an essential entering argument when seeking appropriated funding on Capitol Hill. Second, it will enable the development and identifcation of clear career paths for PHS officers from cradle to grave of their commissioned service. Voluntary for now, COA strongly urges all our members to log on to the Officer Profile website and participate fully in this new program. This is your opportunity to take control of your career and be a participant in the transoformed Corps of tomorrow.

Click here for more information and logon instructions... (pdf, 93 KB)

COA Seeks Nominations for Board of Directors

02/26/2009 - The following seats on the COA Board of Directors will be up for election this spring. Dental, Engineer, Environmental Health, Scientist, one Retired Officer, and one Field Officer. Incumbents in the Dental, Engineer, Retired and Field Officer seats are completing their first three year terms and are eligible for re-election to a second term. Incumbents in the Scientist and Environmental Health seats are completing their second three-year terms of office and are ineligible to stand for re-election. The Retired Officer and Inactive Reserve Officer members of the COA Board of Directors also serve as appointed Trustees of the PHS Commissioned Officers Foundation.

Candidates may be nominated by others or self-nominate. All candidates for a Board position are required to submit the following information to Teresa Hayden at thayden@coausphs.org or by fax at 301-731-9084 by March 1, 2009 (sooner if possible). The nomination shall include the following and must be limited to one page (10 pt font, no attachments):

- Name/Rank/(Active Duty, Retired or Inactive Reserve) *

- Board Position for which nomination submitted (e.g. pharmacist, field rep., retired, inactive reserve)

- Daytime Phone:

- E-mail Address:

- Current PHS position (or retired/ inactive reserve) and location: *

- Previous PHS positions: *

- Related Professional Activities: *

- PHS Awards/Honors Received: *

- COA Offices Held or Membership on Board Committees (include dates)

- Position Statement (not to exceed 200 words): *

- Statement of understanding and willingness to abide by Board Participation Guidelines:

Those items with an "*" next to them will be included in FRONTLINE for consideration by the general membership. To the extent possible, the nominee should submit his/her nomination by email to Teresa Hayden at thayden@coausphs.org or on a computer disk to facilitate reproduction in FRONTLINE.

Click here for the Board Participation Guidelines and the Board Nomination Form. (pdf, 160 KB)

Branch of the Year Nominations Sought

02/25/2009 - Nominations for the Branch of the Year Award will be accepted from any COA member in good standing. The most likely sources of nominations will be individuals most knowledgeable of branch activities, e.g. COA Board liaisons, branch officers and agency managers. All nominations must be transmitted in writing to Teresa Hayden, Director of Administration, by e-mail at thayden@coausphs.org, or by fax at (301)731-9084. COA Executive Director. Each shall consist of a transmittal letter that summarizes the basis for the nomination and such additional material as is required to support the nomination. The supporting material should reflect activities and accomplishments that are considered deserving of special recognition, (e.g. notable community or facility-based projects, unusual efforts to inform and encourage branch member participation, successful interactions with other branches, and effective advocacy for commissioned officer interests, etc.).

Selection Determinants and Weighting

The Awards Committee will consider all material provided with the nomination transmittal letter. The Committee will pay special attention to the size of the branch relative to its accomplishments. The Committee will give additional weight to accomplishments of branches that have been in existence five years or less.

In considering the merits of the respective nominees, the Awards Committee will give about 50% weighting to a global assessment of Branch esprit, enthusiasm, and the relative impact of Branch activities/accomplishments as described in the nomination. Examples are: notable community or facility-based projects, successful interfaces with other Branches, effective local and/or national advocacy for commissioned officer interests. Note that the emphasis should be on activities that are completed or substantially underway, rather than planned future activities. Special consideration will be given to Branches that have improved dramatically over past years.

In addition, the Awards Committee will give about 50% weighting cumulatively to the following factors:

1. The percentage of officers in the local area who are COA members. *

2. The frequency of Branch meetings. This may include other than face-to-face meetings with adequate description.

3. The degree of participation and scope of topics presented at general meetings of the Branch.

4. The extent to which the national COA Office has received positive and/or negative feedback on Branch activities from members or others. *

5. The responsiveness of Branch officers/members to requests for information, administrative documentation, proxy selection, etc. as requested by the national COA Office or the Board of Directors. *

6. The extent to which the Branch participates in the Meeting of the Assembly (e.g. presenting resolutions, participating on committees).

* This information is available from the COA National Office.

To ensure consideration, nominations must be received by April 15, 2009.

Meeks Appointed Oklahoma IHS Area Director

02/12/2009 - Captain Kevin Meeks, USPHS, has been appointed Area Director of the Oklahoma IHS Area as announced last week by IHS Director Robert McSwain. CAPT Meeks, a member of the Chickasaw Nation, is a past Board Chair of the Commissioned Officers Association (COA) and remains on COA's Board of Directors. CAPT Meeks began his IHS career as a Commissioned Corps Officer in 1987. From 1987 through 1995, he served in a variety of Sanitarian/Environmental Health Officer positions in South Dakota, Oklahoma, and Alaska. From 1995 to 2009, he served in a numerous management positions in the Oklahoma City Area Office. From 1995 to 2000, he served as the Assistant Associate Director for the Office of Environmental Health and Engineering (OEHE). From 2000 to 2006 he served as the Chief, Division of Environmental Health Service, and then from 2006 to 2007 he was the Associate Director, OEHE. In 2007 he was selected as the SE Regional Commissioned Corps Liaison, providing service to officers assigned to the Oklahoma City, Nashville, and Albuquerque Areas. CAPT Meeks has served on a variety of national and area IHS workgroups, special projects, and other committees. These include the IHS Shared Services Workgroup, OKC Residual Workgroup, OKC Self Governance Negotiation Team, Environmental Health Professional Advisory Committee. He is currently Deputy Team Leader of Rapid Deployment Force 4, and has participated in numerous deployments with the Commissioned Corps. In additon to his service as COA's Board chair in 2006-2007, he has also served as chair of COA's nominations, strategic planning, and awards committees.

He is a graduate of East Central University in Ada, OK, and the Oklahoma University Health Services Center. He is also a Registered Professional Sanitarian with the Oklahoma State Department of Health. Captain Meeks takes up his new duties on February 16th and will oversee a staff of 1600 and be responsible for delivering quality healthcare to more than 250,000 Native Americans. COA extends hearty congratulations to Captain Meeks and best wishes for continued success in this critical new assignment.

Meeks Appointed Oklahoma IHS Area Director

02/06/2009 - Captain Kevin Meeks, USPHS, has been appointed Area Director of the Oklahoma IHS Area as announced last week by IHS Director Robert McSwain. Meeks, a member of the Chickasaw Nation, is a past Board Chair of the Commissioned Officers Association (COA) and remains on COA's Board of Directors. CAPT Meeks began his IHS career as a Commissioned Corps Officer in 1987. From 1987 through 1995, he served in a variety of Sanitarian/Environmental Health Officer positions in South Dakota, Oklahoma, and Alaska. From 1995 to 2009, he served in a numerous management positions in the Oklahoma City Area Office. From 1995 to 2000, he served as the Assistant Associate Director for the Office of Environmental Health and Engineering (OEHE). From 2000 to 2006 he served as the Chief, Division of Environmental Health Service, and then from 2006 to 2007 he was the Associate Director, OEHE. In 2007 he was selected as the SE Regional Commissioned Corps Liaison, providing service to officers assigned to the Oklahoma City, Nashville, and Albuquerque Areas. CAPT Meeks has served on a variety of national and area IHS workgroups, special projects, and other committees. These include the IHS Shared Services Workgroup, OKC Residual Workgroup, OKC Self Governance Negotiation Team, Environmental Health Professional Advisory Committee. He is currently Deputy Team Leader of Rapid Deployment Force 4, and has participated in numerous deployments with the Commissioned Corps. In additon to his service as COA's Board chair in 2006-2007, he has also served as chair of COA's nominations, strategic planning, and awards committees. He is a graduate of East Central University in Ada, OK, and the Oklahoma University Health Services Center. He is also a Registered Professional Sanitarian with the Oklahoma State Department of Health. Captain Meeks takes up his new duties on February 16th and will oversee a staff of 1600 and be responsible for delivering quality healthcare to more than 250,000 Native Americans. COA extends hearty congratulations to Captain Meeks and best wishes for continued success in this critical new assignment.

2010 Uniformed Service Pay Raise Projection

02/05/2009 - The Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics released the quarterly Employment Cost Index (ECI) changes on October 31, 2008. The ECI measures employee pay growth in the private sector. By law, ECI growth is the standard for active duty uniformed service pay raises. The ECI measured the last year's private sector pay growth at 2.9%. That means, unless the Administration or Congress chooses to pick a different number, active duty, National Guard, and Reserve members will get a 2.9% raise in January 2010. Active duty uniformed service pay raises are not automatic or mandatory. They have to be budgeted for, and the funds have to be appropriated. Departments are preparing their FY2010 budget right now, so October 2008 is the latest they can wait for ECI data to set the 2010 raise. Retired service members' pay cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs),unlike active duty pay raises, are mandatory and automatically tagged to the annual Consumer Price Index (CPI) calculated in October each year. COA will work with The Military Coalition to ensure that PHS Commissioned Corps compensation remains tied to the Armed Forces in the National Defense Authorization Act and to increase that uniformed service members' raise above the ECI in order to restore full uniformed service pay comparability with the private sector.

COA Seeks Nominations for Board of Directors

01/21/2009 - The following seats on the COA Board of Directors will be up for election this spring. Dental, Engineer, Environmental Health, Scientist, one Retired Officer, and one Field Officer. Incumbents in the Dental, Engineer, Retired and Field Officer seats are completing their first three year terms and are eligible for re-election to a second term. Incumbents in the Scientist and Environmental Health seats are completing their second three-year terms of office and are ineligible to stand for re-election. The Retired Officer and Inactive Reserve Officer members of the COA Board of Directors also serve as appointed Trustees of the PHS Commissioned Officers Foundation.

Candidates may be nominated by others or self-nominate. All candidates for a Board position are required to submit the following information to Teresa Hayden at thayden@coausphs.org or by fax at 301-731-9084 by March 1, 2009 (sooner if possible). The nomination shall include the following and must be limited to one page (10 pt font, no attachments):

- Name/Rank/(Active Duty, Retired or Inactive Reserve) *
- Board Position for which nomination submitted (e.g. pharmacist, field rep., retired, inactive reserve)
- Daytime Phone:
- E-mail Address:
- Current PHS position (or retired/ inactive reserve) and location: *
- Previous PHS positions: *
- Related Professional Activities: *
- PHS Awards/Honors Received: *
- COA Offices Held or Membership on Board Committees (include dates)
- Position Statement (not to exceed 200 words): *
- Statement of understanding and willingness to abide by Board Participation Guidelines:

Those items with an "*" next to them will be included in FRONTLINE for consideration by the general membership. To the extent possible, the nominee should submit his/her nomination by email to Teresa Hayden at thayden@coausphs.org or on a computer disk to facilitate reproduction in FRONTLINE.

Click here for the Board Participation Guidelines and the Board Nomination Form. (pdf, 160 KB)

COA CONGRATULATES NEW PHS FLAG SELECTEES!

01/16/2009 - The Commissioned Officers Association has extended our congratulations to the flag officer selectees announced by the Assistant Secretary for Health and Surgeon General on January 16th. Being promoted to Rear Admiral (Upper half), O-8, are COA members Deborah Parham-Hopson, Associate Administrator, HIV/AIDS Bureau, HRSA; Thomas McGinnis, Pharmaceutical Operations Directorate, TRICARE Management Activity, DoD; and Sam Shekar, Senior Advisor to the Assistant Secretary for Health, OS. Promoted to Rear Admiral(lower half), O-7, are: Captains Theresa Cullen, Chief Information Officer and Director, Information Technology, IHS; Scott Deitchman, Associate Director, Terrorism Preparedness & Emergency Response, Coordinating Center for Environmental Health and Injury Prevention, CDC; Peter Delany, Director, Office of Applied Studies, SAMHSA; Stephen Redd, Director, Influenza Coordination Unit, CDC; Ann Knebel, Deputy Director for Preparedness Planning, ASPR/OS; and Isabel Garcia, Deputy Director, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, NIH. COA is pleased and proud to see so many members promoted to the senior leadership ranks of the Commissioned Corps.

East Central University (ECU) Graduates Receive Commissions in USPHS

12/29/2008 - Three graduates of East Central University's Environmental Health Science program, Zac Grinnell of Shawnee, OK, Dustin Joplin of Seminole, OK, and Aaron McNeil of Ada, OK, have each been commissioned as Lieutenant Junior Grade in the United States Public Health Service (USPHS) Commissioned Corps during a November ceremony at ECU. COA Board Member and SE Region Commissioned Corps Liaison, CAPT Kevin Meeks administered the oath to the officers at the ceremony. Please help in welcoming the three officers as new members of the Commissioned Officers Association! Look for the full article in the January-February 2009 issue of Frontline.

Other

PHS Commissioned Corps Exceeds Deployment Readiness Goals

10/10/2008 - Acting Surgeon General, Rear Admiral Steven Galson has announced that the PHS Commissioned Corps has exceeded the deployment Basic Readiness qualification goals set by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) as of 30 September 2008. OMB required that 82.5% of PHS officers achieve the Basic Readiness qualification and Admiral Galson reports that 89.4% of active duty officers are now Basic Readiness qualified – a rate which exceeds the operational readiness standards of all other uniformed services.

Click here to read the Surgeon General's Message (pdf, 31 KB)

Commissioned Corps Introduces New Guidance for Supervisors of Corps Officers

09/30/2008 - The OPHS Transformation Office, in partnership with the Office of the Surgeon General has released a new supervisor's "Question and Answer" brochure aimed at encouraging greater awareness of the benefits of "teaming with the Commissioned Corps" among hiring officials. The publication addresses four areas of common concern to managers/supervisors of Corps officers and hiring officials: The background and organization of the Commissioned Corps; Deployment; Advantages of staffing with Corps officers; and Management issues.

Click here to read the brochure. (pdf, 3.9 MB)

RADM Steven K. Galson, USPHS, United States Surgeon General (Acting) Receives 2008 RADM Robert Brutsche Award

09/24/2008 - RADM Steven K. Galson, USPHS, United States Surgeon General (Acting) has been awarded the 2008 RADM Robert Brutsche Award by the Commissioned Officers Association. Named in honor of RADM Robert Brutsche, USPHS (Ret.), former national president and committed and active member of COA, the award is given to a COA member who has exhibited exceptional commitment to the COA. RADM Galson demonstrated his support of the Corps and the COA by actively working to raise the maximum limit of PHS attendees to the 2008 US PHS Scientific and Training Symposium in Tucson, AZ. The symposium is the only annual event focused on bringing together the officers of the Commissioned Corps and offers an incomparable range of continuing education seminars on the latest trends and innovations in public health care delivery, administration and research, emergency preparedness and crisis response, all of which are vital to maintaining the professionalism of the Corps. Admiral Galson’s actions to ensure the maximum number of officers would be able to attend the 2008 symposium reversed a trend in which DHHS was approving fewer officers to attend each year. His positive actions clearly demonstrate his commitment to the Commissioned Corps and by extension to the goals and mission of the Commissioned Officers Association.

COA Mourns Passing of Former Surgeon General, Julius B. Richmond

07/30/2008 - Dr. Julius B. Richmond, USPHS, (Ret.), 91, and COA Life Member died July 27 of cancer. Dr Richmond served as President Carter’s Assistant Secretary for Health and as U.S. Surgeon General from 1977 to 1981 and promoted anti-smoking, preventive health-care and public health policy campaigns. In 1979, Dr. Richmond released a 1,200-page Surgeon General’s Report on the multiple harmful effects of smoking, which included lung cancer, heart disease, emphysema and other illnesses. He also issued the first surgeon general’s report on health promotion and disease prevention, urging Americans to cut their consumption of alcohol, salt, sugar and fats, get moderate exercise, obey speeding laws, use seat belts and see a doctor regularly.

To read the full obituary, please click here. (pdf, 73 KB)

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