WRNMMC hosts Washington Commanders, their first in-person public visitor since onset of COVID-19 pandemic

Photo By Vernishia Vaughn | NFL's Washington Commanders’ players pose with Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Estevan Rios during the team’s visit to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC) as part of their Salute to Service Week – a series of events honoring veterans and active duty service members, Nov. 1. While adhering to the hospital’s current COVID-19 safety protocol, WRNMMC hosted the Warrior Family Coordination Cell (WFCC) led event, making it the hospital’s first public visit since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. (DoD photo by Vernishia R. Vaughn-Lucas)  

BETHESDA, MD, UNITED STATES

11.01.2022

Story by Vernishia Vaughn 

Walter Reed National Military Medical Center

WRNMMC, Bethesda, MD – Nearly two and a half years ago, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC) suspended in-person public visits, but that changed as WRNMMC hosted the NFL’s Washington Commanders players during a visit, Nov. 1.
The Commanders visit kicked off the team’s Salute to Service Week, and in adherence with WRNMMC’s current COVID-19 protocol, made it the medical center's first official public visit since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The WFCC Warrior Family Coordination Cell (WFCC) -led event began with a meet and greet at the Warrior Café, inside Tranquility Hall onboard Naval Support Activity Bethesda (NSAB) where the team away swag bags, signed autographs and took photos.
Navy Lt. Leanne Landry, lead coordinator for the football players’ visit with wounded warriors and staff, shared that the event is a step in the direction in being able to coordinate future morale-boosting events.  
“Not only was hosting this event a morale-booster for our wounded warrior patients we see on a daily basis, it’s important,” shared Landry. “It’s important to my team and I because as the Warrior Family Coordination Cell mission states, it’s crucial to our wounded warrior’s recovery and integration back into society.”
Following the meet and greet at Tranquility Hall, the players separated into two groups where they visited with patients from both the inpatient wards and the Military Advanced Training Center (MATC).
For Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Estevan Rios, an inpatient soon transitioning to rehabilitation in Tampa, Fla., the visit from the Commanders team was a surprise and a nice wrap up as an inpatient.
“What stood out the most about the players was how personable and humble they were,” said Rios. “I even got a challenge coin!”
Following a private conversation with Rios, Commanders’ defensive end, Shaka Toney, presented Rios a challenge coin.
In Toney's private conversation with Rio he shared, "I've had and still have family who serve in the military.”
On a day-to-day basis, Landry and her team actively serve as the central coordination point between military branches and commands for all non-medical support with wounded, ill and injured (WII) service members, and work to provide experiences leading to increased morale, which Landry states, is the most rewarding part of the job.
Adding to the list of things to advocate for when it comes to the wounded warriors, Landry is working to coordinate more up close and personal experiences for wounded warriors and staff.
“I believe the message behind the Commanders’ visit got across,” shared Landry.  “Today’s event successful.”
WFCC’s mission shares that visits from individuals or organizations within the global community are crucial in the service member’s reintegration back into society after very serious injury or illness, and as WRNMMC and WFCC continue to adhere to the current COVID-19 protocol, Landry is already thinking ahead and hopeful the Commanders’ visit open the door to more opportunities with others in or around the National Capital Region (NCR) community.
“I’ve already received a lot of messages about how much fun this event was,” said Landry. “Even the Commanders’ players are already talking about continuing the relationship, and I’m looking forward to it.”
Because patient safety is WRNMMC’s number one priority, all public visitor requests will be reviewed and granted based on, but not limited to WRNMMC’s local guidance, DOD guidance and WRNMMC’s health protection condition (HPCON). Approval will be case by case in a way that best protects the health and safety of patients and staff of WRNMMC. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, in-person public visits have been canceled and offered virtually.
Approved in-person public visitors should be aware of the following requirements:
• All visitors are required to wear a face mask in all patient care areas to include but not limited to clinics, nursing units and corridors. If you do not have a mask when you arrive, one will be provided.
• If you or anyone in your party becomes ill, you must contact your point of contact to cancel your visit. Schedule permitting, visits can be rescheduled for a later date.
• WRNMMC may postpone or cancel your visit for any reason for the safety of our patients and staff. You will be notified if your visit is canceled.
For more information on WRNMMC’s visitor policy visit: walterreed.tricare.mil/Getting-Care/Visitor-Guidelines
For more information on WFCC visit: walterreed.tricare.mil/ Health-Services/Other/Warrior-Care/Warrior-and-Family-Coordination-Cell-An-Overview

• Date Taken: 11.01.2022
• Date Posted: 11.02.2022 13:33
• Story ID: 432496
• Location: BETHESDA, MD, US
• Hometown: KNOXVILLE, TN, US