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Dedication proves vital stat for success: MSTC receives Vaccaro Award

  • Published
  • By Ed Mingin
  • ASA-Dix Public Affairs
JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. --  Keeping a finger on the pulse of training brought recognition to Dix medical trainers who grabbed an Army-wide award.

The Army Support Activity-Dix Medical Simulation Training Center here was presented with the Cpl. Angelo J. Vaccaro Award, which is given yearly by the U.S. Army Medical Department to the organization it deems as the best medical training facility in the Army.

"We beat out 254 other sites to win this," said Sgt. Maj. Douglas Levy, program director of the Dix MSTC.

The MSTC uses a variety of training techniques and props, including life-like mannequins that have a pulse, blinking eyes and the ability to bleed. But Levy says that's not what makes the Dix MSTC work so well. Instead, Levy praises his staff, saying they are the reason for the organization's success.

"Every site is pretty much doing the same things," Levy said. "What makes us stand out is the dedication of our people. We're presenting a better product with what we have."

Levy and his crew constantly look to revise the program while keeping an eye on the goal of presenting better service to those receiving training at the MSTC. He said they get feedback from Soldiers who have been through the training and applied it in a real-world situation.

Feedback also comes from Levy's staff. Several have military service and deployment experience. Jamell Hassell, a CSC contract employee, is the MSTC site manager and has firsthand knowledge he can pass on to Soldiers.

"I was a medic in the Army for eight years," said Hassell. "When my deployment was up, I started as a trainer."

Hassell and the MSTC crew strive to make the training as realistic as possible. They teach Soldiers how to do more than apply bandages and fix wounds. They'll often role-play and act as hostiles, putting Soldiers on the spot to make hasty decisions. Role-players will do what they can to put Soldiers in a difficult decision-making situation.

"We do a lot of innovative things the people do over there to try to trick us," said Levy. "We incorporate that into the training."

"We teach them what they need to know, but we try to get them thinking outside the box and give them more to consider," Hassell added.

Soldiers participating in the course might not realize the work that goes on behind the scenes, but they are aware of the value of the training.

"They really put us in a combat situation," said Spc. Christopher Ripoll, 288th Quartermaster. "It was different than other training I've had. The hardest part was the room at the end of the obstacle course. It was dark; there were some flashing lights and a lot of casualties. We had to check for a pulse and see who was still alive. There was a lot going on. It was really intense."

Spc. Anthony Stewart, 288th Quartermaster, echoed the statements of his comrade, alluding to the challenge of the dark room.

"I've had Combat Life Saver classes before and it was nothing like this," he said. "There were bodies and blood all over the place. It was a shock when the mannequin started blinking and had a pulse. It seemed realistic."

Levy and the ASA-Dix MSTC staff said they are dedicated to ensuring Soldiers have the best training they can provide; award winning program or not.

"We cannot be negligent and miss anything that might save someone's life," Levy said.