Nurse holds infant in onesie in her arm.

Oct. 3, 2024

2025 Changes to the TRICARE Childbirth and Breastfeeding Support Demonstration

FALLS CHURCH, Va. — Are you expecting a baby in 2025? Have you considered getting breastfeeding counseling or support from a labor doula? If so, you should know about some changes coming to the TRICARE Childbirth and Breastfeeding Support Demonstration on Jan. 1, 2025, including expansion overseas.

Winn Army Community Hospital director and commander Col. Margaret Berryman and inpatient pharmacist Adrian Bell cut the ribbon Oct. 2 on the new clean room while Col. Felisia Hibbler, deputy commander of nursing, and Maj. Jason Cha, pharmacy chief, celebrate. A project eight years in the making, the hospital’s inpatient pharmacy clean room ensures the safe preparation of sterile medicines, including intravenous drugs, for inpatient use.

Oct. 2, 2024

Winn ACH celebrates addition of pharmacy clean room supporting patients, combat readiness

FORT STEWART, Ga. — A project eight years in the making had its ribbon cutting ceremony Oct. 2 at Winn Army Community Hospital. With a celebration complete with oversized scissors, a purple ribbon, balloons, confetti and chocolate cake, staff and pharmacy specialists celebrated the official opening of the hospital’s inpatient pharmacy clean room. The facility ensures the safe preparation of sterile medicines, including intravenous drugs, for inpatient use.

Cmdr. Louis Lewandowski (left front), an Expeditionary Medical Facility Kilo orthopedic trauma surgeon, works with Hospital Corpsman Second Class Brandon Cassidy (left back) and Honduran orthopedic residents to place a femoral external fixator on a trauma patient in the operating room at Hospital Escuela, Tegucigalpa, Honduras, Sep. 17, 2024. In collaboration with joint forces and the partner nation, EMF Kilo conducted its first orthopedic surgical mission alongside Hospital Escuela medical staff treating and performing surgical procedures on patients with oncologic or orthopedic traumatic injuries. (U.S. Navy photo by Lt. Cmdr. Sheree Blackwell)

Oct. 2, 2024

Expeditionary Medical Forces provide care for partner nation, raises health security and capabilities

TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras — Expeditionary Medical Facility (EMF) Kilo personnel partnered with Joint Task Force-Bravo (JTF) for a Global Health Engagement (GHE) at Hospital Escuela in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, Sept. 14-28, 2024.

Chiefs Pinning Ceremony takes place for NCR Navy Medicine in Memorial Hall at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center September 27, 2024. 16 Servicemembers received anchors at the ceremony. (DOD Photo by Christian Lilakos)

Oct. 2, 2024

16 Servicemembers receive anchors at Chiefs Pinning Ceremony for NCR Navy Medicine

Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, BETHESDA, Md — National Capital Region Navy Medicine hosted its FY-25 Chief Petty Officer Pinning Ceremony Sept. 27 at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, and 14 Sailors along with two Soldiers received their coveted gold fouled anchors and chief’s cover during the program rich in time-honored traditions.

Are you a TRICARE beneficiary in need of eye care? Look no further. The Optometry Clinic at Irwin Army Community Hospital is now accepting patients of all ages, including Active Duty, dependents, and retirees. Our experienced optometrists offer a wide range of eye care services from routine eye exams to treatment for various eye conditions. Whether you need glasses or specialized care, we're here to help. For Active Duty and retirees, TRICARE provides glasses at no cost. Dependents will receive a copy of their glasses prescription, which they can take to their preferred optical provider to purchase glasses at their own expense. Schedule your appointment today by calling (785) 240-7335 or 240-7721 and experience the quality eye care you deserve. The Optometry Clinic is located on the second floor of the hospital. Business hours are Monday – Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Oct. 2, 2024

IACH Optometry for All TRICARE Beneficiaries

FORT RILEY, Kansas — Are you a TRICARE beneficiary in need of eye care? Look no further. The Optometry Clinic at Irwin Army Community Hospital is now accepting patients of all ages, including Active Duty, dependents, and retirees. Our experienced optometrists offer a wide range of eye care services from routine eye exams to treatment for various eye conditions. Whether you need glasses or specialized care, we're here to help. For Active Duty and retirees, TRICARE provides glasses at no cost. Dependents will receive a copy of their glasses prescription, which they can take to their preferred optical provider to purchase glasses at their own expense. Schedule your appointment today by calling (785) 240-7335 or 240-7721 and experience the quality eye care you deserve. The Optometry Clinic is located on the second floor of the hospital. Business hours are Monday – Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Joseph Baxter, allergist and immunologist with the 56th Healthcare Operations Squadron, Maj. Lauren Gabreski, allergist and immunologist with the 48th HCOS, and Lt. Col. Tasha Hellu, allergist and immunologist with the 10th HCOS, pose for a graduation photo by a Republic P-47 Thunderbolt at the Lackland Parade Field, Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, in June 2024. Gabreski’s grandfather, retired Air Force Col. Francis “Gabby” Gabreski, flew the Republic P-47 Thunderbolt during World War II and the Korean War, becoming one of only seven U.S. combat pilots to achieve ace status in two wars. (U.S. Air Force photo by Daniel Steigelman)

Oct. 1, 2024

Air Force Officer Honors Family Legacy Through Medical Service and Leadership

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas — In a small Greek diner on Long Island, New York, U.S. Air Force Maj. Lauren Gabreski remembers the summers spent with her grandfather, Francis "Gabby" Gabreski. While she and her brother played in the booth, their grandfather—better known as one of America’s top fighter aces—shared stories not of aerial combat, but of faith and family. As an Air Force allergist and immunologist, Gabreski carries the values instilled by her grandfather. After completing the Allergy and Immunology Fellowship at Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center on June 30, 2024, she transitioned to the 48th Healthcare Operations Squadron at Royal Air Force Lakenheath in the United Kingdom. Reflecting on her journey before the move, Gabreski shared how her family's military service shaped her path.

The Department of Defense’s Substance Use Education campaigns include “Own Your Limits,” focused on responsible drinking; “You Can Quit 2,” DOD’s tobacco cessation initiative; and “Too Much To Lose,” addressing prescription and illicit drug misuse.

Oct. 1, 2024

Substance Use Disorder Symposium highlights knowing the red flags, testing, novel therapies

Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, BETHESDA, Md — Drug testing in the military, red flags [for abuse], and the use of psychedelics and psychedelic-assisted therapy were some of the topics discussed during the 2024 Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Symposium, recently hosted by the National Capital Region (NCR) Pain Initiative (NCRPI) and Tele-Pain Program at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.

Doctor wearing white coat sits on a couch next to an elderly patient and shows her a clipboard.

Oct. 1, 2024

Unlock Your Health by Understanding How TRICARE For Life Works With Medicare

FALLS CHURCH, Va. — Are you approaching Medicare eligibility? Unlock your health by understanding how TRICARE For Life works with Medicare and plan your coverage effectively, while avoiding out-of-pocket costs.

September is Healthy Aging Month, a time to recognize the positive aspects of aging and raise awareness about the physical and mental health of older adults.

Sept. 30, 2024

Healthy Aging Month: Improving, maintaining health with age

Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, BETHESDA, Md — September is Healthy Aging Month, a time to recognize the positive aspects of aging and raise awareness about the physical and mental health of older adults.

Woman lies in dental chair with eyes closed and has teeth examined.

Sept. 26, 2024

Finding the Right TRICARE Dental Program Dentist After Moving

FALLS CHURCH, Va. — Relocating can be an exciting, but stressful, time. Worrying about your family’s dental needs shouldn’t be part of that stress. Here’s a guide to help you find a dentist and understand the advantages of choosing a network provider with the TDP.

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