Army Nurse takes command of Europe’s only Combat Support Hospital

By Sgt. 1st Class Christopher FinchamJune 15, 2011

Army Nurse takes command of Europe’s only Combat Support Hospital
1 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Col. Ann Marie Sammartino accepts the 212th Combat Support Hospital battalion colors from the Commander of the 30th Medical Command, Col. John M. Cho, during the 212th CSH Change of Command Ceremony in Miesau June 14. (US Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Army Nurse takes command of Europe’s only Combat Support Hospital
2 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Army Nurse takes command of Europe’s only Combat Support Hospital
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MIESAU, Germany -- Soldiers of U.S. Army Europe’s only combat support hospital gathered with friends, Family Members and area leaders here June 14, to say farewell to one commander and welcome another to the team.

Col. Ann Marie Sammartino assumed command of the 212th Combat Support Hospital from Col. Richard A. Jordan, during the unit’s Change of Command Ceremony.

The commander of the 30th Medical Command, Col. John M. Cho, reflected on the exceptional performance of the 212th CSH throughout Jordan’s two-year tenure.

“This ceremony is recognition of the outstanding accomplishments of the 212th CSH under the impressive leadership of Col. Jordan. We will miss you. We will miss your steady hand and your common sense approach to problem solving,” said Cho.

During Jordan’s time in command, the 212th CSH routinely strived to set the standard and received several awards from USARUER for supply excellence, as well as for the unit’s stellar barracks on the Miesau Ammo Depot. They executed the first multinational joint medical training exercises in USAREUR in recent memory with German and United Kingdom Army medical troops, and continuously supported missions in various locations including Afghanistan, Iraq, Poland, Romania, Kosovo and in support of US Army Africa.

Though Jordan was unable to attend the ceremony, Col. David Peterson, the 212th CSH chief nurse, read Jordan’s prepared remarks.

In his notes to the Soldiers, Jordan thanked them for their unwavering dedication to the unit and to the mission, saying that they truly make the 30th MEDCOM the best and most powerful MEDCOM in the Army.

As one leader leaves, another assumes command.

“To the Soldiers of the 212th Combat Support Hospital and the 67th and 160th Forward Surgical Teams, it the highest privilege to serve with and for the fine troops and patriots assembled here. I look forward to serving with you all,” Sammartino said.

Sammartino comes to the 212th CSH after serving as the Regional Nurse Executive for the Europe Regional Medical Command and the Deputy Commander for Nursing of Landstuhl Regional Medical Center. She has earned a bachelor of science in nursing from Boston College and earned a master of health science in anesthesia from Texas Wesleyan University while enrolled in the U.S. Army Nurse Anesthesia Program.

Sammartino’s awards and decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Meal (5th oak leaf cluster) and the Master Parachutists Badge. She is also a recipient of the coveted Order of Military Medical Merit.

Story and photos by Sgt. 1st Class Christopher Fincham, 30th MEDCOM Public Affairs NCOIC. For more information please contact him at 30thmed.pao@us.army.mil.

Related Links:

Official 30th MEDCOM Homepage

Official 30th MEDCOM Facebook page

Official 30th MEDCOM Photostream