NMCP Skin Cancer Screening Rodeo Brings Awareness, Treatment

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Nikki Smith, Naval Medical Center Portsmouth Public Affairs

PORTSMOUTH, Va. (NNS) -- Naval Medical Center Portsmouth's Dermatology clinic observed Skin Cancer Awareness Month with a weeklong Skin Cancer Screening Rodeo, May 7-11.

The rodeo allowed patients to be seen by providers in the Dermatology clinic for skin cancer screenings without a referral.

Dermatology saw 492 patients during the rodeo week, all who received 15-minute head-to-toe skin cancer screenings. Providers worked to identify any dangerous or possibly dangerous skin cancer legions. If any were identified during the screening they were removed during the appointment. There were 198 lesions identified, removerd and sent to the lab for biopsies. Patients will be called 10-14 days following their lesion removal with biopsy results. If biopsies come back as positive for skin cancer the patient will be automatically enrolled into the Dermatology clinic and scheduled for any procedures they need.

"Skin cancer is the most common of all cancer types," said Lt. Esther Colbert, Dermatology clinic manager and rodeo organizer. "With the summer months approaching, May is the perfect time to provide this service along with education on sun protection and skin cancer awareness."

The rodeo is an annual event open to active duty, dependents, retirees, and all government employees.

This year had the most ever slots open for patients, with providers from other clinics around the hospital donating their time to accomodate more patients.

Helen Petro and her husband Joseph, a retired Navy chief warrant officer, both came out to get screened. Helen had been worried about a few spots on her husband's head, but they hadn't had a chance to get to their primary care manager to obtain a referral to dermatology so he could have the lesions checked out. During the screening, Helen got a clean bill of health but, Joseph had two spots where legions needed to be removed and biopsied.

"I'm so glad he's getting this taken care of today," Helen said. "I'm just thrilled we were able to make it out here this year, and that the staff has been so friendly and helpful. We are looking forward to coming back to the screening in future years."

A lot of time and effort from the Dermatology clinic's staff went into ensuring the rodeo was a success. The clinic worked very hard to use all possible avenues to advertising the event to make sure patients were aware of the rodeo. Staff also needed to be on their toes to guarantee good customer service and follow the rigorous schedule of the week.

"I am so proud of the teamwork and exceptional patient care that was delivered by the Dermatology team this week," Colbert said. "This year's Rodeo was completely booked! We have received some very positive feedback from our patients; who appreciated the access, the customer service, and the smooth flow of the clinic."

According to the American Cancer Society, more than 3.5 million skin cancers are diagnosed each year in the United States, which is more than all other cancers combined. NMCP put on the rodeo with hopes to help bring awareness to these numbers, and help cut them down. Summer is on its way, so the Dermatology clinic is telling everyone to "Slip! Slop! Slap! Wrap!" Slip on a shirt, slop on sunscreen, slap on a hat and wrap on sunglasses.

Face of Defense: Airman Earns ‘Miss Rodeo USA’ Title

By Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Nancy Ausland
South Dakota National Guard

OKLAHOMA CITY  – Air Force Staff Sgt. Trisha Smeenk of the South Dakota Air National Guard was selected as Miss Rodeo USA for 2012 here Jan. 15.

She received the crown in conjunction with the International Finals Rodeo.

Smeenk is the first South Dakotan and first National Guard airman to receive the honor as the 49th official ambassador for the International Professional Rodeo Association. She will travel throughout the United States and Canada during her reign, representing the Miss Rodeo USA organization and the International Professional Rodeo Association.

"It has been my dream since I was a little girl growing up on a ranch in western South Dakota. I have been fascinated with rodeo since I was born," Smeenk said. "Continuing a family legacy, I competed in my first rodeo at age 5, and the rest is history. I find myself now 24 years old and still as much in love with the sport of rodeo as I have ever been."

Smeenk has served in the South Dakota Air National Guard for seven years and is a journalist in the 114th Fighter Wing public affairs office. She will take time off from her studies at South Dakota State University, where she is pursuing her master's degree in counseling and human resource Development.

"It is a goal of mine to accomplish a master's degree, but I can't imagine a better reason to put that dream on hold,” she said. “I will be living out another dream of mine in the meantime."

Smeenk practically grew up on horseback, competing in 4-H, Little Britches and high school rodeos. She spent four years as a Western rider for South Dakota State University's equestrian team.

The eldest of three children, Smeenk credits her family for her recent success.

"I am lucky to have such an amazing family who always supports and encourages me,” she said. “I am excited for this opportunity to meet and educate people [and] experience the industry I love while traveling to as many places as possible, and I couldn't do it without my family."

Smeenk will travel for a year as the reigning Miss Rodeo USA. In addition to rodeos, she will visit schools and events along the way while promoting the International Professional Rodeo Association.

Rodeo, Navy Team Up For a Special Message

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Ian Lundy, Navy Office of Community Outreach Public Affairs

AUSTIN, Texas (NNS) -- Austin Navy Week 2011 and Rodeo Austin provided the opportunity and venue March 23, for a Sailor to see his family while serving his country in Afghanistan.

Between the saddle bronc and bull riding portions of the rodeo, the master of ceremonies (MC) announced to the crowd that in just a few moments Cmdr. Clay Green—a local Austin sailor deployed to Afghanistan—would be talking to his family and everyone else at the Luedecke Arena, via the Defense Video and Imagery Distribution System (DVIDS).

After the applause died down Green's image appeared on the jumbo-screen high above the arena floor.

"I'd like to take the opportunity to say hello to my family," said Green. "My beautiful wife Michelle, I know you're sacrificing as much as I am, I just appreciate everything you're doing."

Green had a lot to say to everyone at the arena, telling them how proud he was to serve with his fellow service members, that he believes in the mission and that the military is making a difference in Afghanistan.

He had additional messages for his children.

"I want to say hi to my kids. I love you guys, and I am extremely proud of you. To everybody out there in Austin Texas, 'Hook 'em Horns.'"

After the emotional cheers tapered off in the arena, the MC thanked Green for all he was doing.

Michelle Green and her family were very excited and thankful to the Navy for providing this unique chance to speak with Green.

"We haven't seen him since Thanksgiving and it was a really good feeling to see him," said Michelle. "I was excited to see him. Often times you feel isolated in dealing with the separation, it felt good to know so many people support him."

His deployment wraps up at the end of the year and he will return to Austin. It will be 13 months since he and his family were last together.

For more information about Navy Weeks and how "A Global Force for Good" transforms into a local force for good, log onto www.navyweek.org.