PUBLICATION ISSUE

Nov 12, 2019

LOGISTICALLY SPEAKING

In this issue of Logistically Speaking, we take a look back in time. We feature two interesting historical articles, one written by Ms. Barbara Rosenthal, who works in our Medical Equipment and Logistics Solutions (MELS) Directorate. She introduces us to one of her relatives, Dr. John Shaw Billings, a medical pioneer from 1833 to 1913.

In addition, Mr. Andre Sobocinski, the historian for the U.S. Navy Bureau of Medicine and Surgery (BUMED), contributed a historical look back at The Advent of the Operational Optometrist. I am certain that you will enjoy both articles.

Speaking of optometry, I had the honor of presiding over the change of command ceremony in which we said goodbye to Capt. Richard Zeber and welcomed Capt. Marc Herwitz to his current position. In addition to that, we also celebrated the Medical Service Corp’s 72nd Birthday. Both are featured in this issue.

Rear Adm. Darin K. Via, MC, USN was the special guest speaker at our
244th Navy Birthday celebration. At this ceremony, we not only reflected on
the incredible past of our Navy’s history, we also recognized our best and
brightest Sailors in our Area of Responsibility. I think you will enjoy the
pictures that accompany the text in this photo gallery.

Another ceremony I had the honor of participating in took place during
the Navy Medicine Business Operations Training Symposium. It was there
that Mario Brito, a member of our MELS directorate, was recognized as the
BUMED Civilian Biomedical Equipment Technician of the Year. Mario
earned this tremendous award based on his support to 44 Military Treatment
Facilities (MTF) and eight non-MTF biomedical engineering divisions
across the entire Navy Medicine enterprise.

One of the standing features in Logistically Speaking is the Small Business
Programs section. Small businesses have been described as the lifeblood
of any organization. Knowledge of how to conduct business with the
Federal Government is one of the critical resources upon which small businesses focus. This feature describes how information is a resource for small
businesses.

As in business, the Government keeps a keen eye on resources. That’s
why this issue features A n Update on Unauthorized Commitments in FY 19.
This article appears in the LogTalk print blog, a section that always contains
valuable information critical in helping our reading audience remain up to
date.

Of particular interest is our awards section. Each month, I acknowledge
command personnel who continue to do an incredible job, but often times,
the leadership team rarely receives public accolades. I am happy to report
that we recognized two team members who constantly do their job without
any thought of praise. To me, it’s apparent when someone loves the job and
the mission at hand. So in this issue, we recognize awards earned by many in
our workforce and show appreciation to two outstanding leaders who are
well deserving. Please gaze through The Reason for Our Success is Our People
and if you know anyone pictured, please take a moment to send them a
congratulatory email.

As always, we welcome your comments, feedback and your article suggestions.
Contact our Public Affairs Officer with your suggestions. We are
very interested in your thoughts and if there’s information we can highlight
for you, we are only an email away.