CAMP HOVEY, South Korea --With clear skies and mild temperatures, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Soldiers celebrated the opening of the new Combined Troop Aid Station with a gauze (ribbon) cutting ceremony on Camp Hovey April 10, 2013.

The center -- formerly Soldiers' living quarters-- has been renovated and is providing CTAS Soldiers a more spacious and cleaner location for all Camp Hovey Soldiers in need of medical care. The new work place also brought many changes for the staff.

"The new building is providing more space," said Sgt. Ryan A. Scott with Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 4th Squadron, 7th U.S. Cavalry, 1st ABCT. "New computer network systems, a bigger pharmacy and more exam rooms have been some of the upgrades that will give better quality care to the Soldiers," he continued.

Besides the new space and a bigger pharmacy, there is something that makes this clinic special. There are three different 1st ABCT medical units working under one roof. The medical professionals of 4th Squardon, 7th Cav.; 1st Battalion,15th Field Artillery Regiment; and the 1st Brigade Special Troops Battalion, consolidated to staff the new building.

"Coming together under one roof allows more staff to work in a shift," said Scott. "This creates better customer service and gives the CTAS the ability to see more patients in a day," he continued.

Providing care while moving all the office equipment to a new building was not an easy task for the Soldiers at the CTAS.

"Each medical section broke down into small teams and started moving to the new facility," said Scott. "Doing all this while still providing care for Soldiers without closing the CTAS was a challenge," he continued.

The CTAS team was able to meet all their deadlines with teamwork and communication.

"It's great to see how we can come together and work for the same common goal," said Sgt. 1st Class Marisa V. Richardson, the noncommissioned officer in charge of the 1st Brigade Special Troops Battalion medical Soldiers.

With the new building Soldiers at the CTAS have become more eager to go work and provide better customer care.

"I am excited that we have this new facility," said Pfc. Priscilla J. Rosas a medic with 1st BSTB. "I am more motivated to come to work, we have a better office and more room to see patients."

Scott said, "We know that every move is difficult but the Soldiers and the leadership have made this transition as smooth as possible."

"The building serves not only as a testament to how far we have come, but also a representation of the hard work of everyone involved with its planning and execution," said Maj. Eric M. Swanson, brigade surgeon for the 1st ABCT.

After the ceremony, the guests were permitted to tour the new facility, taking in the bright and spacious rooms of the new CTAS.

There are future plans for the old CTAS building.

"Plans have been implemented for the old CTAS to serve as a behavioral health center," said Swanson. "Renovation will start as soon as June 2013," he continued.

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