PULASKI BARRACKS, Germany -- Public Health Activity Rheinland-Pfalz bid farewell to 1st Sgt. Elizabeth Marroquin and welcomed 1st Sgt. Brian DeMeio during a change of responsibility ceremony Oct. 3.
For the past six years, Marroquin served in various capacities within Public Health Command Europe, from operations non-commissioned officer for Public Health district Northern Europe to NCO-in-charge of Veterinary Medical Center Europe and finally culminating as the first sergeant for Public Health Activity Rheinland-Pfalz for the past 14 months.
Lt Col. Brianna Perata, PHA-RP Commander, described Marroquin as "a humble leader laser focused on the success and morale of the team. First sergeant always focused on the growth and development of her soldiers. From promotion boards to warrior training tasks to personal mentoring, she groomed her Soldiers to be the best."
Marroquin leaves Europe to go to Walter Reed Army Institute of Research where she will work as NCOIC of the Veterinary Division.
Marroquin said, "the job of any NCO is teach, train and mentor Soldiers so that they progress and learn to take over. I enjoy teaching Soldiers, especially when I get to see them succeed. It is a proud moment when I get to think to myself, 'I had something to do with that Soldier's successes.' Or when they advance and find out what an amazing leader they are, I hope that I gave them a positive example of what a leader is."
DeMeio is coming to PHA-RP from Public Health Command Atlantic, Fort George G. Meade, Md., where he served as a Preventive Medicine NCO.
"First Sgt. DeMeio brings with him a wealth of knowledge sure to push PHA-RP to the next level. I am confident his leadership will drive our activity to surpass the demands of our mission." Perata said.
"One of my goals as the first sergeant of PHA-RP is the same goal I have everywhere, leave the organization a better place than I found it," DeMeio said. "PHA-RP is already a pretty well-oiled machine, but there is always room for growth. Additionally, I will use the opportunity I've been given as first sergeant to lead and mentor Soldiers. I've been told that the first sergeant position is the best position in the Army. I'm excited to see what I can do with it."
PHA-RP veterinary service supports all military communities in Germany and Belgium, encompassing sanitary audits of commercial food establishments, provision of food safety, food defense, animal medicine and facilitating the Industrial Hygiene and Occupational Health missions.
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