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The most recent appropriations for the Department of War expired at 11:59 p.m. EST on September 30, 2025. Military personnel will continue in a normal duty status without pay until such time as a continuing resolution or appropriations are passed by Congress and signed into law. Civilian personnel not engaged in excepted activities will be placed in a non-work, non-pay status.
If you have a scheduled appointment or other business at the MTF, please verify with your provider or applicable office within the MTF to ensure there are no changes in schedule. To learn how the lapse in appropriations affects your TRICARE benefit, visit tricare.mil/shutdown.
News | Nov. 8, 2022

Facility Dogs Promotion and Commissioning Ceremony at WRNMMC, October 18, 2022

By Harvey Duze, WRNMMC Command Communications

WRNMMC, Bethesda, MD  –   A promotion and commissioning ceremony for the Facility Dog Program and Nurse Officer Corps at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC) took place at the flagpole in front of Building 1 (The Tower), Oct. 18.
Navy Capt. Anthony W. Keller, executive officer, Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command officiated at the commissioning of the newest Nurse Corps facility dog – Angus Darling, who was commissioned as a lieutenant in the Nurse Officer Corps, U.S. Navy.
Navy Capt. Kelly Elmore, Chief of Staff at WRNMMC officiated at the promotion of four of the WRNMMC facility dogs: Truman (promoted to Army sergeant major); Apollo (promoted to Navy lieutenant), Ellie Mae (promoted to Navy commander); and Goldie (promoted to Air Force major general).
The Walter Reed Bethesda Facility Dogs Program was created by Navy Capt. David Bitonti in 2007 as a pilot program to provide an extraordinary experience to patients and staff. Through canine companionship, the program has provided an opportunity for volunteer staff handlers to create a unique bonding experience for wounded warriors, veterans, active-duty military, and their families at WRNMMC.
News | Nov. 8, 2022

Facility Dogs Promotion and Commissioning Ceremony at WRNMMC, October 18, 2022

By Harvey Duze, WRNMMC Command Communications

WRNMMC, Bethesda, MD  –   A promotion and commissioning ceremony for the Facility Dog Program and Nurse Officer Corps at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC) took place at the flagpole in front of Building 1 (The Tower), Oct. 18.
Navy Capt. Anthony W. Keller, executive officer, Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command officiated at the commissioning of the newest Nurse Corps facility dog – Angus Darling, who was commissioned as a lieutenant in the Nurse Officer Corps, U.S. Navy.
Navy Capt. Kelly Elmore, Chief of Staff at WRNMMC officiated at the promotion of four of the WRNMMC facility dogs: Truman (promoted to Army sergeant major); Apollo (promoted to Navy lieutenant), Ellie Mae (promoted to Navy commander); and Goldie (promoted to Air Force major general).
The Walter Reed Bethesda Facility Dogs Program was created by Navy Capt. David Bitonti in 2007 as a pilot program to provide an extraordinary experience to patients and staff. Through canine companionship, the program has provided an opportunity for volunteer staff handlers to create a unique bonding experience for wounded warriors, veterans, active-duty military, and their families at WRNMMC.
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