Lt. Christopher Rodeheffer, Research Psychologist, Naval Submarine Medical Research Laboratory (NSMRL), Groton, Connecticut, was selected as one of two Navy Medical Service Corps (MSC) representatives to attend the Army MSC Junior Officer Week (JOW) in Washington, D.C. September 22-27.

This program provides personal recognition to outstanding junior MSC officers who have made significant contributions to the U.S. Army Medical Department (AMEDD) mission and have performed in an exceptionally outstanding manner. Rodeheffer was one of eleven attendees from the Army, Navy, Air Force and other public health services.

"Having the opportunity to be a part of this was a fantastic professional development experience," said Rodeheffer. "It was such an honor to be selected and I am grateful to the command for supporting my attendance. I learned a lot about how our sister services operate, which will serve me well as I transition to a joint command."

Since 1982, the Chief, Army Medical Service Corps has invited a select group of deserving junior officers to participate in JOW activities. The purpose of JOW activities is to recognize outstanding junior officers and to provide the opportunity to meet and discuss issues with senior leaders of the Army Medical Service Corps, the Army Medical Department, and across the Department of Defense. Additionally, briefings by several key organizations are provided, including the Office of the Army Surgeon General, Army Human Resources Command, and Military Health System Joint partners.

Attendees spent two days discussing the future of the Army MSC with strategic leaders and toured historic monuments in the D.C. Capital region, including the White House, the Capitol building, the Pentagon, and other monuments located on the National Mall. In addition to sightseeing, Rodeheffer was one of four officers who had the honor of laying a wreath at the Tomb of The Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery.

NSMRL provides research solutions to the most medically challenging platform in the Navy - the U.S. submarine. NSMRL serves the submarine fleet by taking the lead in undersea human factors, sensory sciences, and operational medicine, delivering timely evidenced-based healthcare solutions.

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