Col. David Kryszak relinquished command of the Fort Leonard Wood Dental Activity to Col. Alex Eke during a ceremony Friday in the John B. Mahaffey Museum Complex.
Col. George Hucal, Western Regional Dental Command commander, officiated the event.
"I am proud of this team here at Fort Leonard Wood. Col. Kryszak did an outstanding job of leading," Hucal said. "Fort Leonard Wood leads the way in going first-class."
Hucal said Kryszak's leadership established the Fort Leonard Wood DENTAC as the pacesetter for numerous DENCOM level programs.
"These dental clinics are now ranked among the DENCOM's best treatment facilities. During (Kryszak's) command, readiness and wellness here exceeded the DENCOM standard," Hucal said. "You all are excelling at all of the programs."
Hucal said some of the changes Kryszak made to the Fort Leonard Wood DENTAC resulted in an average of 70 more cleanings a month -- without increasing the staff.
When Kryszak took the podium, he thanked the ones who helped him while he was commander on post.
"This really is the best DENTAC in the Dental Command. My accomplishments here are because of the DENTAC staff," Kryszak said. "I want to say thank you to all of the brigades for supporting the DENTAC's initiatives. If you didn't support us, we wouldn't be where we are today."
"Since I have been here you all have accepted the challenges I have given you. You have excelled, lead the way and set the example for the rest of DENCOM," Kryszak added.
Kryszak's next mission is in Fort Campbell, Kentucky.
Eke attended the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, where he received a Doctorate of Dental Medicine in 1995.
He was commissioned in the U.S. Army Dental Corps in 1998.
Eke deployed in 1999 in support of Stabilization Force V to Hungary. In 2011, he deployed to Iraq with the 673rd Medical Company.
"Col. Eke is bringing Fort Leonard Wood a unique set of skills," Hucal said. " Originally from Nigeria, he has done two residences. That means he has had four years after dental school to hone his skills. He is very talented."
Eke said he is looking forward to commanding the DENTAC on post.
"It is an honor and a privilege to be here with my Family," Eke said. "Above all I am here to take care of Soldiers."
He said he hopes to lead DENTAC as an organization where people can grow and be productive.
"I will try to fill the boots of Col. Kryszak. You guys are already doing so well here. I don't know how we could make that better." Eke said. "It's a tough challenge, but we will rise above it -- together. I am honored to be leading here -- the best Dental Activity in the U.S. Army."
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