Leadership of the Kenner Army Health Clinic changed hands during a Friday change of command ceremony at MacLaughlin Fitness Center.
Col. Thomas S. Bundt, a Ph. D. and a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives, assumed command from Col. Joseph Pina, who is moving to a medical command position at the Pentagon.
Bundt, a native of Washington State, takes command after serving as the chief of staff at Joint Base Lewis-McChord's Madigan Army Medical Center. This is his first time serving as a clinic commander.
Col. Donald R. West, commander of the Northern Region Medical Command, praised Pina -- who assumed command in July 2011 -- during the ceremony. Pina oversaw the growth of both Fort Lee's population and the addition of medical facilities on the installation without any effect on the service or quality of care provided to the community, said West.
"That is a true testament to Pina's leadership here during the last two years," West said. "He understands the way to build an outstanding patient experience is through the clinic staff. I mentioned earlier that he is standing as a successful commander on the backs of the clinic staff members who do the work on a daily basis, and we should all be proud."
West said that Kenner is the best facility in the region, citing the recent U.S. Army Medical Command Best Military Treatment Facility Contest results where KAHC placed second out of 34 facilities.
Pina thanked his family and the Kenner staff for making his first command a memorable one.
"To say that this command has been rewarding for me would be an understatement," he said. "I will always remember my service to the great staff of Kenner Army Health Clinic and the people of Fort Lee."
Pina was awarded the Legion of Merit for his exceptionally meritorious performance as commander and his highly effective community outreach and partnerships.
Switching gears, West said Bundt is an outstanding officer who is prepared for the mission ahead.
"I have confidence you'll keep Kenner Army Health Clinic in the lead of the Army Medical Team," he said to Bundt.
During his first speech to the community, Bundt asked the Soldiers and staff of Kenner to try their best in all activities large or small, on and off duty.
"Strive to improve yourselves every day," he challenged. "Take care of the military and the military family and that way you sustain and maintain the most powerful force on the face of the Earth."
Bundt said he was looking forward to continuing the long tradition of phenomenal health care at Kenner.
"I'm very happy to be here and to be supporting the thousands of beneficiaries of the Fort Lee and surrounding community, which includes active-duty students and permanent party, family members and retirees," he said.
The new commander said the clinic continues to move toward Army Medicine's patient centered model with the Patient Centered Medical Home shaping up at Kenner.
"This model allows a much greater continuity of care and embraces a whole- team concept to address the myriad of health care treatments, recommendations and preventive measures that can lead to healthier lifestyles," he said. "Increasing the health of our population over the long term is the intent, and we are committed to it."
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