Evans command gets Hart

By Mr. Jeff L Troth (Army Medicine)June 10, 2015

Evans command gets Hart
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

By Jeff Troth MEDDAC PAO

During a change of responsibility ceremony at Evans Army Community Hospital Command Sgt. Maj. William Rost relinquished responsibility of the Medical Department Activity to Command Sgt. Maj. Theon Hart, June 5.

Rost held the position for two years. During his tenure, he supported the Colorado Springs Military Health System in achieving market goals, improved the quality of data that increased patient access to care, facilitated enrollment growth, and helped lead Evans hospital to be recognized as among the Top 4 Army Military Treatment Facilities in a DoD military health system review. Rost has been commended for providing exemplary leadership to the MEDDAC's 2,300 Soldiers and civilian employees. He will now become the senior enlisted advisor for the CSMHS's enhanced multi-service market office.

"No matter what I say, I will fall short in giving proper recognition and honor to Command Sgt. Maj. Bill Rost and all that he has done for our organization," said Col. Dennis LeMaster, MEDDAC commander. "He brought us three things: Leadership, wisdom, and a Soldier who was a stellar example to follow."

LeMaster talked about how he could always count on his battle buddy to give him the "unvarnished truth" about issues around the hospital and that he galvanized the organization's NCO Corps into an indomitable force which was synchronized, effective and absolutely invincible in making Evans one of the Army Medical Command's premier hospitals.

"I couldn't have done what I did while here without the staff of Evans Army Community Hospital, both Soldiers and civilians," said Rost. "They are great Americans and their ability to support and heal families is remarkable and I am glad to have had the opportunity to serve alongside them."

One of the accomplishments that Rost hopes will continue after he leaves Evans is the hospital's participation in the Sergeant Audie Murphy Club.

"Evan's has the biggest Sergeant Audie Murphy Club in Army Medicine and on Fort Carson," Rost said. "My rule for the club is when you get in, NCOs must bring someone in behind them. I know they won't let that falter, and will continue to bring young NCOs into the Sergeant Audie Murphy Club."

During the ceremony, Rost thanked several groups of people that work at the hospital, including a "core group of NCOs."

"They took my vision and implemented it and made our noncommissioned officers what they are," he said. "I owe them a debt that I will never be able to repay."

Although LeMaster said that Hart had some big boots to fill, Rost had a different take on it.

"You hear people say 'big shoes to fill' or 'tough to replace', but I just had a job to do," said Rost. "I had my turn, now it is Command Sergeant Major Hart's turn and I know he will get after it."

"Command Sergeant Major Hart is a proven leader who joins us from Fort Drum where he was the CSM for the Fort Drum MEDDAC and before that the 10th Mountain Division Surgeon sergeant major," said LeMaster. "He has served in key leadership positions all over the world, to include multiple combat deployments. He is recognized as one of MEDCOM's premier command sergeants major and was handpicked for this assignment and I look forward to serving with him."

"I am honored and humbled and it is a privilege to have been selected as Evans next command sergeant major," said Hart. "Col. LeMaster I am looking forward to working with you and the tremendous staff -- officers, noncommissioned officers and civilians -- that make up Evans Army Community Hospital, the best MEDDAC and serving the best division in the Army."

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