Photo By T. T. Parish | Denver Beaulieu-Hains cannot help but smile. As a Veteran, as a mom, as a story teller...... read more read more
The U.S. Army Medical Materiel Development Activity (USAMMDA) is a hive of activity with more than 320 Soldiers, Department of the Army civilians and contractors working across five Project Management Offices at Fort Detrick, Md. Working hand-in-hand with both military and non-DOD partners, the USAMMDA team members have one unifying focus: developing and delivering the medical devices, technologies, vaccines and drugs America’s Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines rely on at the forward edge of the nation’s defense.
It is a fitting place, then, for military Veterans to continue plying their trades after removing their boots for the final time and rendering one last salute – what better way to continue serving the American people than helping develop the technology that will help preserve the lives of the next generation of Warfighters?
Below are the stories of some of the Veterans who continue to serve the U.S. Army and the American people as members of USAMMDA. To all current Veterans, and the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Coastguardsmen and the men and women of the U.S. Space Force who continue to defend the United States across the globe, Happy Veterans Day.
Liberian Civil War survivor, caps 21 year U.S. Army career with graduation cap, earns doctorate - Dr. Williamena Dahn, U.S. Army, 2000 to 2021
Williamena Dahn is not your average doctor. While many post-9/11-era Veterans were cruising the mall, drinking frozen coffee and listening to NSYNC as teenagers before joining the military, Dahn, currently a Senior Financial Analyst with the U.S. Army Medical Materiel Development Activity, was simply trying to survive – literally. During the First Liberian Civil War – which killed an estimated 200,000 men, women and children – Dahn immigrated to the United States in 1997, landing in Stone Mountain, Ga., hoping to live the American Dream. For Dahn, who completed her Doctorate in Psychology from California Southern University in 2021, that dream included nearly 21 years of service as a U.S. Army Accounting Specialist, Finance and Accounting Specialist, and Financial Management Specialist – she retired in 2021 before joining USAMMDA’s Warfighter Brain Health (WBH) Project Management Office in May of the same year. “I've always wanted to be a nurse, because nurses and doctors [were] important careers growing up in Liberia,” said Dahn. “I was going to join the Army as a medic and thank God I didn't because blood, needles and I do not mix very well.” Dahn, raising two children as a single mom, is clearly passionate about education – before earning her doctorate, she received Associate of Arts and Bachelor of Science from the University of Maryland-University College and Master of Science in Forensic Psychology from Walden University. During her career, Dahn was stationed across the United States and the world – she deployed to Kosovo in 2001, to Mosul, Iraq in 2003, Camp Phoenix, Afghanistan in 2007-2008, and Kabul in 2014-2015. During her career in the Army, Dahn focused on two things: taking care of Soldiers and mission accomplishment, she said, leading with respect and instilling discipline through compassion and care. “Ensuring that Soldiers were taken care of [led] to mission accomplishment. One thing I always stressed in my [noncommissioned officers] and Soldiers was respect and discipline.” Today, Dahn reflects on her life and career, beginning in Monrovia to now on the cusp of applying to serve as an Associate Psychologist, and looks toward the future as a licensed, practicing psychologist. “I help foster teamwork by being available to the PMO, no matter the task or mission. Whether it's working late to process an emergency or jumping on a call because my expertise is needed, I always make time to ensure the team succeeds,” said Dahn. “It's going to be difficult when I have to leave the unit because I've met so many great people.”
Veteran Maryland Guard flight medic continues life-saving focus with U.S. Army medical materiel development team - Austin Langdon, Maryland National Guard, 2009 to 2013
Every service member has their own reason for joining the military – some want to travel, some want to afford college, some want to find adventure outside the confines of small-town America or the bustling inner city. For Austin Langdon, currently the Acting Deputy for the U.S. Army Medical Materiel Development Activity’s (USAMMDA) Warfighter Deployed Medical System (WDMS) Project Management Office at Fort Detrick, Md., the reason came down to a chance to serve his nation and the hope of saving lives. “For me, I was older than most,” said the former Maryland National Guardsman from Easton, Md. who enlisted in 2009. “I joined at 27 after I closed down my contracting company due to the recession in [2007-2008]. I had laid off my employees slowly and really started to look at what I wanted to do with my life.” Coupled with the economic woes experienced by small-business owners across the country, one of Langdon’s good friend’s and motorcycle riding partner died around the same time – out of tragedy came the final inspiration to serve, said Langdon. “That event changed a lot for me. Having to explain to his mom how her only son died was a major paradigm shift for me. I was already looking into the military and this event really solidified the [flight medic occupational specialty] for me.” Older by several years than the average recruit, Langdon jumped-in head first, joining the Maryland Guard hoping for a chance to deploy and serve at the front line of the Afghanistan War. In 2012, he got his chance. “I came in to deploy, so when the [first sergeant] asked me to join the medevac, knowing we were looking to deploy in the next three years, I was more than fine with it. I came in with the intent to deploy and help as many as I could while present. I deployed as a flight medic for [Company C, 1st Battalion, 169th Aviation Regiment] out of Edgewood, Md. It was an epic deployment where we were chosen to pilot the Army’s “Vampire Program” in Helmand Province, Afghanistan in 2012 at a little Marine [forward operating base] called Edinburg.” Leaving active guard duty in 2013 and ending his service in 2017, Langdon joined USAMMDA as a contractor in 2018. Reflecting on his service – “[serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 169th Aviation Regiment] will always be one of the greatest honors of my life,” – Langdon now balances work responsibilities with the passion he carries as a husband and father. Married for 10 years to his wife, Sara, Langdon lives as a role model for his two boys. “I have a beautiful wife that has been by my side almost 10 years now, and has blessed me with two amazing boys,” Langdon said. “They are the most important facet of my life. You know, when you die, your children are the only thing you really leave this world. So being there and raising them into men is my most significant role in this lifetime.” Today, Langdon carries with him the hard-earned legacy of the men and women he served alongside, not to mention the lives he saved while supporting the Marines in combat. He applies that legacy each day while continuing to serve as a team member with WDMS. “I believe it is imperative for the Veterans to step up and serve after leaving uniform because they have had very unique experiences,” said Langdon, who earned a Bachelor Degree in Health Services Management from the University of Maryland-University College in 2018. “In order to really formulate a great team there has to be trust while moving out to complete the objective. Whether working as a team to land on a hot [landing zone] and run out to get a patient, or trying to get a working group to come to the table as a team, the premise remains the same.”
U.S. Army Infantry Scout Veteran, Greenville, N.C. native continues service with U.S. Army medical materiel development team - Gregory Pugh, U.S. Army, 1991 to 1997
Before Gregory Pugh joined the U.S. Army Medical Materiel Development Activity (USAMMDA) at Fort Detrick, Md., he served as an Infantry Scout in the U.S. Army. Hailing from Greenville, N.C., Pugh, currently a logistics specialist with USAMMDA's Warfighter Deployed Medical Systems (WDMS) Project Management Office, enlisted in the Army in 1991 "[B]ecause I enjoyed the outdoors and I had a lot of youthful energy I had to learn how to manage - not to mention I tried college prior to joining but at the time I didn't like it." During his career, Pugh served across the globe, including Camp Greaves in the Republic of Korea, 9th Infantry Regiment at Fort Ord, Calif., 502nd Infantry Regiment at Fort Campbell, Ky., and with the 502nd Infantry Regiment during Humanitarian Operations in Panama. Today, Pugh is married to his wife of 26 years, Army retired Veteran Kellie, with two grown daughters, Brianna and Kayleigh. Pugh left the Army after six years and earned his Bachelor of Arts, Computer Science-Information Systems in 2010 from the University of Phoenix. Today, as part of WDMS, Pugh lives by the maxim "make it happen" - continuing the service he began in uniform to "support my brothers and sisters in arms with dedication and pride. Veterans often understand the urgency, a lot of the processes, [and] they have a bond with his or her branch of service, which motivates them to deliver solutions to support the Warfighter."
Air Force Veteran, continues service with U.S. Army medical materiel development team - Chris Benson, U.S. Air Force, 11 years
Chris Benson was absolutely sure of one thing before she enlisted in the U.S. Air Force: the Navy was definitely not an option. Tagging along with her father, Chief of the Ship, Command Master Chief Petty Officer Webster Wallace, to work aboard ship one day – he was then assigned to the USS Seattle (AOE-3) – Benson could not imagine living in the small confines familiar to the men and women who make up the Navy’s fleet aboard vessels across the globe. So, after high school, Benson, currently the Command Support Coordinator in the Office of the Commander, U.S. Army Medical Materiel Development Activity (USAMMDA) at Fort Detrick, Md., took aim at the ‘Wild Blue Yonder,’ enlisting as a Bioenvironmental Engineering Technician. “My style is transformational,” said Benson, who met her best friend and future husband, now retired Air Force Chief Mater Sgt. Gerald Benson, while in the Air Force. “I focus on the future, moving toward our mission. Also on people – mentoring is extremely important to me. As well as setting up what is expected, having processes and teamwork. And last, I am comfortable with change; even understating that it is not only constant, but necessary.” Change has been a constant for the self-described “Navy brat,” first during childhood, then as an Airman serving across the world, now as the chief coordinator of unit administrative tasks at USAMMDA – her daily duties and responsibilities are too numerous to list, but, according to Benson, the paces suits her. Reflecting on the special status she holds as a Veteran, Benson credits her parents, Webster and Georgetta, her family, and the lessons learned in the Air Force as part of her success. “[I joined the Air Force for] my sense of patriotism and my father's influence, and I wanted a different path than school at the time,” she said. “My parents were amazing and instilled an incredible work ethic and values in me that made me who I am today. The training and skills a Veteran learns in the military are invaluable in the civilian world, and vice versa. The civilian world taught me to ‘soften’ my hard military exterior to be a better leader.”
Afghanistan War Veteran, retired U.S. Army medic carries ‘toolkit’ learned in service to duties with Army medical materiel development team - Natasha Davis, U.S. Army, 1997 to 2017
Natasha Davis has Army green running through her veins. Born in Frankfurt, Germany to Angela and Keith, both Army Veterans, Davis wanted to carry on the family tradition – she enlisted in October 1997 as a Combat Medic, inspired by her parent’s service and the opportunities Army service can provide. “I was born overseas in Germany and had dual citizenship until I turned 18,” said Davis, currently the Program Coordinator for the U.S. Army Medical Materiel Development Activity’s (USAMMDA) Warfighter Brain Health (WBH) Project Management Office at Fort Detrick, Md. “I joined the military because I see what the military offered my parents and I wanted help make a difference. Another reason was to get out of my parents’ house and get out on my own.” After 20 years in uniform, which Davis retired in 2017, carrying the lessons of Army service with her into the civilian world – these lessons prepared her well for her current duties with USAMMDA. “As the mission for the Warfighter changes, so do the technologies that they need on the battlefield,” said Davis, who was raised in Columbia, S.C. “Every lesson you learn in life can be used in different stages of your life. In the Army we carried aid bags on the battlefield, [which] had most of the instruments and medications need to help the Soldier on the battlefield. The aid bag is like a toolkit. My toolkit now helps me to ‘tactical’ the day here at USAMMDA.” The physical aid bag Davis carried with her during her 2004-2005 deployment at Forward Operating Base Orgun-E in Afghanistan’s Paktika Province is not unlike the mental aid bag she carries with her today as part of USAMMDA. The internal toughness developed during 20 years in uniform, as a medic, Health Care Specialist and Equal Opportunity Advisor, shines through as she reflects on her career, and what she and other Veterans offer in their continued public service. “Veterans having the opportunity to continue to serve once leaving uniform is important,” said Davis, who recently earned her Master of Health Care Management degree from American Intercontinental University. “The Army taught me to be a servant leader. Servant leadership is a style based on the desire to serve and give back to your community. All of the knowledge that [I learned] the military gave to me, and now I get to use that knowledge to help the Warfighter on the battlefield. That gives me great joy.”
From Central Appalachia to Asia and back again, U.S. Navy Veteran plies trade as writer with U.S. Army medical materiel development team - Scotty Hogan, U.S. Navy, 1998 to 2005
Scotty Hogan loves to travel – sit down with him and he will regale you with stories of his globetrotting, first as a U.S. Navy Aviation Electrician's Mate then as a civilian traveler and educator. Today, Hogan is a Technical Writer and Public Affairs Specialist with the U.S. Army Medical Materiel Development Activity (USAMMDA) at Fort Detrick, Md. Hailing from the very center of Appalachia to parents Sidney and Sandra – from the small town of Rhodell, W. Va., population 139 as of 2020 – Hogan felt drawn to the Navy due to his wanderlust and his father’s influence, he said, enlisting immediately after high school in 1998. “I wanted to travel, and I thought the Navy would give me the opportunity to do that. Additionally, my father really encouraged me to join one of the military services.” Landing aboard the USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) – literally, he joined the ship’s crew onboard the forward-deployed Kitty Hawk, flying onto ship in a C2 Greyhound during a resupply in the Persian Gulf – Hogan loved the ocean breeze familiar to Sailors underway, the roar of jet engines catapulting from the flight deck, the port calls feeding his love of adventure. Originally stationed with the Kitty Hawk at its then homeport of Yokosuka, Japan, Hogan loved the camaraderie of the Navy, learning from his shipmates, and the feeling of purpose during the time immediately before and after 9/11. “We deployed to the Persian Gulf several times to support Operation Southern Watch, Operation Enduring Freedom and the Global War on Terrorism,” said Hogan. “After leaving the Kitty Hawk, I was stationed in Sigonella, Sicily,” before leaving service in 2005. After the Navy, Hogan earned his bachelor's degree in English and Literature from Mountain State University, master's degree in Adult Education and Training from the University of Phoenix, and is working toward completing a second master's in Mass Communication from the University of Arkansas-Little Rock. His passion for learning and teaching stems directly from lessons learned during his Navy service, and his experiences as a Veteran and educator continue to fuel his passion for adventure. “As a former teacher, I believe that education is extremely important and can improve both your professional and personal lives,” said Hogan, “Teach people what they need to do, give them the tools to succeed, and allow them to do their jobs.” Today, now living in Martinsburg, W. Va. with his wife, Huyen, whom he met while teaching in Bangkok, Thailand, Hogan is proud of his time in uniform and thoughtful about his approach to work and life as a Veteran. “Veterans are a snapshot of America, we come in all varieties. At the same time, we have a unique perspective on serving the country and I believe that meshes well with [continued] service.”
U.S. Army Veteran, mom, survivor shapes Army communications with medical materiel development team - Denver Beaulieu-Hains, U.S. Army, 1996 to 2000
Denver Beaulieu-Hains cannot help but smile. As a Veteran, as a mom, as a story teller and avid family historian, she exudes the confidence gained through years of hardship and sacrifice in both her personal life and as a Soldier. The Public Affairs Officer for the U.S. Army Medical Materiel Development Activity (USAMMDA) at Fort Detrick, Md., is an extrovert, chatting with her team during the day, passing through the headquarters building halls to keep her finger on the pulse of the unit, working with media members to highlight the hard work of the USAMMDA team. It is her duty, after all, to direct the communication activities of USAMMDA, telling its audience what new and emerging health care technology, devices, vaccines and partnership U.S. Warfighters can expect to see in the coming years. Beaulieu-Hains, originally from Bushwood, Md., comes from a long heritage of military service – her father, father, uncle, brother and great grandfather all served – and she followed in her family members’ footsteps in 1996, enlisting as an Army Broadcast Specialist. Before mobile technology and social media made news from the frontlines nearly instantaneous, Beaulieu-Hains, who earned her Master of Science in Administration-Organizational Development and Leadership from Central Michigan University in2006, told the Army’s story the old fashioned way: notebook, pen and camera in-hand, Beaulieu-Hains spent four years honing her storytelling skills, learning to put people at ease and focusing on the human side of military service. Shooting and editing video, coordinating with civilian press, emceeing official ceremonies, she also became very comfortable being the focus of attention, a learned skill valued in the public communication field. Following her service, Beaulieu-Hains joined government service, and has since served as a public servant nearly 30 years, including her Army career – from the U.S. to Germany to Asia and back again, Beaulieu-Hains has risen through the Army and government service ranks while living through the pain and turmoil of domestic abuse. Raising three children largely alone, Beaulieu-Hains now carries the mantle of Survivor with pride, no longer a victim but a role model of strength through perseverance. The emotional scars have largely healed, due in large part to the restoring salve of advocacy for other domestic violence victims – she has shared her story in public and in private, and encourages the victims of domestic violence to seek help and find strength in knowing no one need suffer alone. “My time serving my country was the best time of my life,” she wrote recently. “I survived. I’m still here as living proof that the process, procedures and programs work. It took courage to ask for help. I’m glad I got help.” (Read Ms. Beaulieu-Hains’ full Survivor story here https://dvidshub.net/r/aqhs6d)
| Date Taken: | 11.10.2022 |
| Date Posted: | 11.10.2022 10:05 |
| Story ID: | 433043 |
| Location: | FORT DETRICK, MARYLAND, US |
| Hometown: | BUSHWOOD, MARYLAND, US |
| Hometown: | COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA, US |
| Hometown: | EASTON, MARYLAND, US |
| Hometown: | FORT DETRICK, MARYLAND, US |
| Hometown: | FREDERICK, MARYLAND, US |
| Hometown: | GREENVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA, US |
| Hometown: | RHODELL, WEST VIRGINIA, US |
| Hometown: | STONE MOUNTAIN, GEORGIA, US |
| Web Views: | 256 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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