March Bravo Surgical Company
T H E F R O N T
M
FRO A F G H A N I S T A N
Fleet Marine Force
A brief look at the training
necessary, for Officers and
Enlisted, to earn the coveted
“FMF” pin.
Who are the Dental Detachment?
You may ask, “Why is there a
Dental Detachment with a
Surgical Company?” Meet the
Sailors who comprise this
specialized group, and how
they are integrated into our
mission.
Counter IED Training
A quick look into the training
required of Bravo Surgical
Company shortly after we
arrived in theater. From
“Kevlars” to “Flaks”, your
guide to our lingo.
 March 2010, Volume 1
FROM THE FRONT: AFGHANISTAN
CI AL
O FFI Newsletter of Bravo Surgical Company, 1st Medical Battalion
In the
Helmand Province
a sunset can lend a
hint of beauty to an
otherwise bleak
landscape.
FROM THE COMMAND DECK
Thoughts in words from the Command Element.
Commanding Officer’s Desk
Dear family and friends, back in the States
and around the world. It seems as if we have
been gone far longer than we actually have.
However, three months away from you has
proved challenging and has found many of us
reflecting on the wonderful lives we live back
home, and missing the supporting loved ones
we left behind.
Our days here in Camp Leatherneck, and in
other surrounding forward operating bases,
have aloud us to prepare for the challenging
mission that lies before us. On 19 March, we
took a company photograph and began the
process of moving our operations forward to
meet our mission to provide world class trauma
care to coalition forces engaged in operations
around Helmand Province.
  We came together as a team on
The Bravo Surgical Company team is filled
with motivated and extremely talented health
care professionals and marines. You should be
proud of your loved ones and what they have
volunteered to do here in Afghanistan. Each
On The Cover:
Sailors and Marines of
Bravo Surgical Company,
1st Medical Battalion
aboard a C17
Globemaster aircraft
enroute to Camp
Leatherneck, Afghanistan.
member of Bravo Surgical Company has taken
an oath to support and defend and perform
missions that are often above self and for a
greater cause. We know the sacrifices and we
accept them. With the continued support from
you back home, we are energized to represent
you and our country by serving the many
medical needs of our patrons here in
Afghanistan. It is an honor and a privilege to
Command Deck Officers
serve as the Commanding Officer of this
Executive Officer, Lieutenant
outstanding Surgical Company. Thank you for Jared Taylor, MSC, USN (left)
sharing your loved ones with us as we serve our and Commanding Officer,
country with honor, courage and commitment. Commander Gerard Woelkers, MSC,
Sincerely, USN (right).
Commander Jay Woelkers, MSC, USN
know they will not be alone. We hope you
Senior Enlisted Leader enjoy this first of many newsletters and god
bless all the family members of the service
members of Bravo Surgical Company.
January 11, 2010, and quickly form into a family.
Now we are together in Afghanistan and we
HMC(FMF) Jonathan Ryan
could not have wish for a better family. Every Senior Enlisted Leader, Bravo Surgical Co
person brings a special talent with them and as
we start to push to our different missions, please
Fleet Marine Force Officer Warfare
Device Qualification Program.
Bravo company officers are keeping
busy working on their Fleet Marine Force (FMF)
qualification. Currently, twenty-five officers are
attending classes and working in the field to
earn their FMF pins.
Several aspects relating to a variety
of Marine Corps operations are presented,
observed, and tested. Since we’ve arrived, we
have covered topics such as history, structure,
organization, communications, logistics,
amphibious operations, and weapons with
several more planned.
Physical field exercises include a trip
to the confidence (gas) chamber, Marine Corps
physical fitness test, 6 mile field hump with fifty
pound packs, and Beretta M9 pistol
qualification. Each section includes several
hands on exercises to fully understand how the
Marine Corps operates.
The qualification culminates with an
oral board exam to fully test each candidates
understanding of the Marine Corps. This
prestigious device can be worn on Marine as
well as Navy uniforms and is highly respected
by the Marines whom we work with. It displays
dedication to the Marine Corps and numerous
hours of mental and physical preparation are
spent earning the device.
LT Broc Mushet, DC, USN
Fleet Marine Force Enlisted Warfare
Device Qualification Program.
EFMFWS, this stands for Enlisted
Fleet Marine Force Warfare Specialist. This
QUICK SHOTS
device is attained while permanently (or while
deployed) with a USMC unit. The wear of this
device signifies that many long hours were
spent learning and testing on different aspects
of Marine Corps knowledge.
Each individual must pass the Marine
Corps physical fitness test (PFT), Marine Corps
history, organization, combat and security
fundamentals, weapons, aircraft, land
navigation, and countless other categories
deemed important to the Marine Corps.
Each type of Marine Corps unit has
unique aspects to learn, for example: Division
for ground combat element (GCE), Wing for air
combat element (ACE), Logistics for logistics
combat element (LCE). Bravo Surgical
Company falls under the 1st Marine Logistics
Group (MLG), which is part of the LCE.
The LCE by definition provides:
“essential capabilities, functions, activities, and
tasks within the MLG that sustains all elements
of operating forces in theater of all levels of war
on the battlefield.”
Classes are convened for an hour or
more depending on the topic covered. Bravo
Surgical Company has 25 individuals currently
seeking this prestigious qualification.
HM1(FMF) Socrates Ibanez
FMF Officer
device as worn
on USMC Desert
Cammies
Newsletter Staff
CDR Gerard Woelkers, MSC, USN
Commanding Officer
LT Jared Taylor, MSC, USN
Executive Officer
CAPT H.R. Bohman, MC, USN
Chief of Professional Services
HMC(FMF) Jonathan Ryan, USN
Senior Enlisted Leader
LTJG Jon Hamrick, NC, USN
Editor In Chief
 It isn’t all fun and games, mandatory
Not just a “Surgical” Company, the
training includes: weapons familiarization (BZO)
Dental Detachment is fully
QUICK SHOTS integrated and ready to support.
Among those that deployed with
shoots, improvised explosive device (IED)
classes, and convoy operation training.
Dental training is also required as

Bravo Surgical Company is a small dental there are many differences between field

detachment consisting of two dentists, four dentistry and the well-known office at home.

dental technicians, and biomedical repair Triage, radiology, and surgery all change when

technician. working in a field environment. Although our

This small group is dedicated to clinic is not up and running yet, everyone is

providing a spectrum of oral health care to our looking forward to the challenges and unique

deployed war-fighters. During their down time, experiences to be provided by our new

they keep themselves mentally and physically environment and diverse patient population. We

charged by engaging in frequent training are expecting to provide care to all service-

activities and a daily exercise routine. members, DOD civilians, as well as humanitarian

Realizing the need for recreational operations.

activities, members of the dental detachment Taking it all in stride, the dental

often use the MWR tent for calls and emails to detachment maintains great morale through unit

friends and family. Computers are a big element cohesion. Where there is one member of the

to the morale of the sailors and both, the team, there are surely others nearby.

enlisted and officers, enjoy playing games,

watching movies and listening to music on their HM1(FMF) Jerry Hughes

computers.

Bravo Surgical Company, Dental Detachment (left to right): HN Joesph Humber, HM3(FMF)
Jeffery Baughn, HM3 Argentie Raizon, LT Broc Mushet, LT Darien Lazaro, HM3 Adrianlyle Ibarra,
and HM1(FMF) Jerry Hughes.

Bravo
Dental
Detachment
 (MTB) equipment familiarization, STP-FRSS
“Prepped” for Greatness.
setup equipment familiarization, and of course

QUICK SHOTS
An essential component for any
Limited Technical Inspection (LTI). It is
deployment is being mentally ready, with skills
imperative that the Corpsmen begin to think and
learned through continuous training. Being part
rationalize like their physicians and surgeons so
of a Forward Resuscitative Surgical System
that the medical treatment process is quick and
(FRSS) or a Shock Trauma Platoon (STP) it is
efficient.
important that we not only know specific duties
Along with our medical skills training,
pertinent to our job, but the duties of everyone
classes are being conducted to improve our war
within the FRSS and STP. The idea is one mind,
fighting abilities through Improvised Explosive
one mission, to save lives.
Devices (IED) Lane training, which encompasses
The need for continuous training was
a four class emphasizing on how to spot, search
summed up by LCDR(SEL) Jon Schoeff, MC,
and report IEDs. Furthermore, we also
USN, “It’s crucial for the Corpsman to be
completed a marksmanship and weapon
exposed to a surgeon’s thought process, and be
familiarization with the standard military issued
encouraged to start thinking along those lines,
M9 as well with the M4 rifle. Lastly, lectures are
because the Corpsman serves as our first line of
given to assist in those wishing to earn the
defense, and may be the initial member of the
Officer or Enlisted Fleet Marine Force Warfare
medical team to evaluate the patient.”
Specialist Device (FMF).
Training currently being conducted at
Camp Leatherneck includes: basic airway
HM2 Beatriz Salinas
management, primary and secondary survey,
HM2 Jemel Thomas
steps to a thoracotomy, Mobile Trauma Bay

Bravo Surgical Company, FRSS Teams (left to right): LT Jared Taylor, CDR Theodore Pratt, LCDR
Russell Saari, HMC(FMF) Jonathan Ryan, LCDR Bill Krissoff, HM2(FMF) Andrea Boyse, HM1(SW/
AW) Donald Highley, HM1(FMF/SW) Sabrina Russell, LTJG Jonathan Hamrick, HM1(FMF) Trinidad
Alvarenga, LTJG Matthew Moore, LCDR Shawn Harris, HM2 Beatriz Salinas, HM2 Derrick Magee,
LCDR Patrick Mullins, LCDR Bradley Bunten, HM2 Jemel Thomas, LCDR(SEL) Jonathan Schoeff,
HM2 Michael Martinez, CDR Gerard Woelkers, and CAPT H.R. Bohman.

FRSS
Teams

There are no wizards behind the
curtain.
QUICK SHOTS For those that are not aware, CST stands
for Combat Stress Team. We combat the mind,
body and spirit from concussions to nightmarish
dreams. We specialize in providing multiple
levels of care ranging from the sleep deprived to
the mental challenges of the battle scarred
mind. Some battles cannot be won overnight,
therefore, similar to a compound fracture, all
healing requires time. Composed of three
mental health providers and three Hospital
Corpsman psych techs, CST encompasses
individuals from all services ranging from E-1 to
O-5. In the past there have been major
misconceptions with mental health, now most of
those thoughts have become shadowed
remnants.
Our main focus thus far has been patients
that have been concussed from blasts. Using
Psycho Diagnostic to Neurological testing,
CST’s role is vital both in and out of theater.
Some examinations include: Military Acute
Bravo Surgical Company, Combat Stress Team (left to right): HN Michael Pilati, CDR James
West, MC, USN, HM2 Anthony Brown, HM1 Ivan Bell, LT Rachel Passmore, MSC, USN, LT Shane
Eynon, MSC, USN.
Combat
Stress
Team
Concussion Exam (MACE), Repeatable Battery
for the Assessment of Neurophyschological
Status. (RBANS), Personality Assessment
Inventories (PAIs), and hours of therapeutic
report with various patients along with their
commands. In addition, our treatment has
vastly expanded to other military treatment
facilities (MTFs). Each 8404 (FMF Hospital
Corpsman) attached to a Shock Trauma Platoon
(STP) within Bravo Surgical Company has been
trained to assess for battle fatigue and blast
injuries. Side by side with the Air Force medical
teams, we currently assist in administering
MACE as well as training the Air Force staff to
properly conduct and document exam findings
resulting in expeditionary patient care which can
be tracked, reviewed, and adjusted based on
the patient’s therapeutic goals. Not everyone
can contend with difficulties with the stressors
of a foreign environment, thus, CST will be there
with a blueprint to getting them back on track.
HN Michael Pilati
Long Journey to Afghanistan
On February 17 we began our LONG trek
toward Afghanistan. After a wonderful send off
from family and friends we boarded buses to
March Air Force Base and soon flew to Bangor,
Maine and were greeted by the famous
Langolears. Next stop Lipzig, Germany and
then landed at our temporary destination,
Manas Air Transit Center in Kyrgyzstan. With
all the travel and time changes it was February
19, 0530, upon our arrival. Confused? We
sure were.
Manas greeted us with snow and
temperatures in the 30’s but spirits remained
high with our deployment journey finally under
way. Manas was surrounded by beautiful snow
capped mountains, provided excellent food,
and comfy bunk beds. What more could we
ask for? Our stay at Manas was brief and
everyone headed out to Afghanistan by the end
of the weekend on wonderful C17s. Ah
beautiful Manas, we all still think of you with
fond memories.
LCDR Sharon House, NC, USN
Shock Trauma Platoon 1, Push Out!
QUICK SHOTS
We moved this month from Camp
Leatherneck to a much more rough and austere
outpost in northeast Helmand Province.
While we have the challenges of
intermittent showers and laundry and tray
rations for food, we live in a beautiful location
surrounded by rugged mountains with spring
greenery dotting the valley floor.
We have a great team that is our family
away from home, training and drilling daily to
get better and faster should we be called upon
in a time of need. We love being so closely
connected in a community of local Marines and
other forces.
Additionally, we have been able to start
treating minor injuries among both the local
and military population. Though our team will
be partially breaking up to support other
operations elsewhere, we are still happy to be
where we are and have this time together.
LCDR Gray Dawson, MC, USN
STP 1
 What is a Surgical System without
Blood and X-Ray Services?
QUICK SHOTS The Ancillary Section provides laboratory
and radiology services for the Forward
Resuscitative Surgical System (FRSS) and the
Shock Trauma Platoon. Laboratory provides
services like blood tests and administering the
“Walking Blood Bank”. Radiology provides
diagnostic imaging ranging from the “Walking
Wounded” to the severe traumatic injury in the
operating room.
A couple of Ancillary Personnel traveled to
Camp Dwyer, a neighboring
base, for training and review of
setup of their services in an
operational environment.
Shock Trauma Platoon 2 Pushed
Out
Shock Trauma Platoon 2, led by LCDR
Matt Shepard, MC, USN pushed out to
Musakala with a Mobile Trauma Bay to support
USMC and Coalition Forces as they conduct
operations. Although it is an austere
environment, e-mail and snail mail can still be
received, although sporadically.
LTJG Jon Hamrick, NC, USN
Semper FI
STP 2

HM1(FMF) Socrates
Ibanez

Bravo Surgical Company, Ancillary Services (left to right): LT Jared Taylor, MSC, USN, HMC
(FMF) Jonathan Ryan, HM2(FMF) John Jones, HM3 Megan Laines, HM1(FMF) Danna Mosely, HM2
(FMF) Brian Yocum, HM1(FMF) Socrates Ibanez, HM2(FMF/SW) Sisavart Chanthaphon, CDR
Gerard Woelkers, MSC, USN.

Ancillary
Services
  Search and Destroy
COUNTER LT Pete Sunden, NC, USN
using the Compact Metal

IMPROVISED
Detector in an IED Lane
at the training site.

EXPLOSIVE  Silent Enemy

A landmine, an all to

DEVICE
common sight found in
Afghanistan.

Gear Up Bravo, Full Battle Rattle. Time for Counter IED Training!
As part of the training package prepared for all inbound forces, the stations that the instructors had prepared. Not only were they
Counter Improvised Explosive Device (IED for short) class is essential. knowledgeable in the equipment used in Afghanistan, they were also well
Defeating the enemies primary means of attack renders them nearly versed in how the enemy was implementing the various types of
powerless, and the goal of this course is to facilitate that. IEDs.
A motivated Bravo Surgical Company attended this The skill stations ranged from: use of the Compact Metal
training, prepared to learn the skills. It was said on more
“This Detector (CMD), the basics of how to spot different forms of
than one occasion by the cadre, “This training could save training could IEDs, how to defeat them, and how to walk in areas that
your life.” All personnel, officers and enlisted, from the save your life.” they may be suspected. Although the chance of Bravo
Commanding Officer to our Hospital Corpsman Recruits, Surgical Company personnel being in these situations is very
took this to heart, eagerly participating in all the skill stations. slim, should they occur, the expert training we received will
Following a brief formal lecture, it was time to gear up in full serve us well.
battle rattle (body armor and Kevlar helmets) and head to the different LTJG Jon Hamrick, NC, USN

“BATTLE RATTLE” “KEVLAR” “EYE PRO” “FLAK” “FROG GEAR”

The light From goggles The heavy A set of

weight helmet to ballistic Modular camouflage
(LWH) sunglasses, Tactical Vest clothing
currently protection for (MTV) or Plate engineered to
issued to USMC our eyes. Carrier issued be fire
forces. as body armor resistant,
to USMC offering flame
forces. protection.
PARTING TALES...
Aaahhwww...Yeah Baby! Mongolian BBQ!
A Not So Tall Tale of Adventure Through The Chow Hall

Tonight I wait in the extra long chow line with big eyes, trying to catch
to fill my cardboard plate with meat, noodles, the exact moment when the
STP 1
and a variety of happy little vegetables. It’s a “magic” happens. Friendly
heaping mound of tasteful delight and my He flops my stir fry back Patient
mouth is watering just writing about it. onto my paper plate, which
On the way over to long line #2, I dip my sags under the heavy burden. I
hand into the industrial strength grey garbage carry it with both hands, moving
can where they keep the plastic eating utensils. slowly to my seat, avoiding elbows
I inch forward,
holding my
prized meal.
Finally I am at the
sauces and
spices table; an
organized
cornucopia of
ginger, garlic,
olive oil, BBQ
sauce, red
pepper, soy
sauce...the list
goes on and on.
Like a mad
chemist, I mix and match in an attempt to and shoulders that could lead to catastrophe
improve on last Wednesday’s culinary within seconds. I sit down at my table. With
experiment. Maybe just a touch more deliberate intent, I open my utensil packet. I
Worcestershire sauce... have been waiting all week for this moment,
“Next please!”, the short order cook the first bite, the tastiest bite...
barks. I hand him my concoction, he gingerly
tips it onto the grill. Chop, flip, flop, chop, flip. LCDR Nicole Delpidio, MC, USN
With finesse and dexterity that rivals any
Benihana Chef, he cooks my meal. I look on

FAMILY READINESS MAILING ADDRESS

Family Readiness Officer Rank Last Name, First Name
Leah Prouty CLR-15 FWD
leah.prouty@usmc.mil Bravo Surgical Company
Unit 42135
FPO AP 96427-2135