SCHOFIELD BARRACKS, Hawaii -- Col. Joseph Bird relinquished command of U.S. Army Health Clinic-Schofield Barracks to Col. Mary Krueger during a change of command ceremony, June 26, at Soldiers' Pavilion, here.
The health clinic is one of the largest free-standing ambulatory care facilities in the Department of Defense and Krueger is ready for the opportunity to lead the more than 650 military and civilian personnel who provide care to Schofield's Soldiers and their families.
Bird said he is comforted knowing that he is leaving the health clinic in good hands and proud that he had the opportunity to command the clinic.
"It's been the highest honor and privilege of my military career to lead this team of committed professionals in taking care of our nation's warriors, their families and our veterans, all who have sacrificed so much, and who so richly deserve the best medical care our nation can provide," Bird said. "It's hard to leave such a great team and such a beautiful clinic, but easier by knowing how fortunate we were to be here in the first place. I am so very proud to be counted among your ranks."
As Bird readies to leave the nest and heads to his new assignment at Fort Gordon, Ga., Krueger, who's most recent assignment was division surgeon for the 4th Infantry Division at Fort Carson, Colo., is stepping up.
"I was humbled and grateful when I first heard that I would have the opportunity to serve here at the Schofield Barracks health clinic, and this sentiment has only grown over time, as I have come to experience first-hand what a great organization this is," Krueger said. "Ironically my first rotation as a medical student 17 years ago was just up the road at Tripler, so it is even more special to me to be returning here this time with my two sons to share the experience."
Krueger brings extensive leadership and health professional experiences with her to Schofield.
"Learning what I have of the (clinic's) culture in the last week, I believe that it is a very good fit with my personal philosophy of medical leadership: take care of patients; take care of each other; and do the right thing," she said.
In 2012, Krueger will use her experience to guide USAHC-SB as it expand its capacity to include the addition of an Integrated Pain Management Clinic, Pediatric and Family Medicine Medical Homes, a Medical Management Center, and the addition of spirometry testing at the Occupational Medicine Clinic.
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