FORT BENNING, Ga., (Aug. 21, 2013) -- Col. William S. Drennon relinquished command of the 14th Combat Support Hospital to Col. Paula C. Lodi during a change of command ceremony Aug. 14 at Freedom Hall.

Col. Jeffrey Johnson, reviewing officer and commander of the 44th Medical Brigade, said he was confident in the transition and welcomed Lodi and her Family to Fort Benning.

"This is always a bittersweet time, as we lose one outstanding leader and welcome another proven leader," he said. "I'm sure that Col. Lodi and the 14th CSH will excel under her leadership and only continue their upward trajectory the unit now follows."

Lodi's new duties include responsibility for the unit's command readiness and the accomplishment of all missions associated with the full spectrum of healthcare and administrative duties.

A native of Franklin, Mass., Lodi's previous command was the 15th Sustainment Brigade, Special Troops Battalion, and her most recent assignment was on the Army staff at the Pentagon. She is a veteran of three tours in Iraq and has participated in humanitarian missions Operation Provide Comfort during the Gulf War and Hurricane Katrina relief.

"This is an important time for our Army as we reset the force, maintain mission readiness and focus on Soldier well-being," Lodi said. "I know the capability this formation contributes to our Army is even more to key its future strategy."

The commander since March 2011, Drennon's previous assignment was as deputy commander of Martin Army Community Hospital. He most recently led 14th CSH through training for deployment in support of Operation Enduing Freedom and Task Force 14's recent nine-month tour in Afghanistan. Johnson said Drennon's leadership has helped keep the 14th CSH in pace with today's technology and missions.

"Great units don't just happen, they start with great leaders who empower individuals throughout the organization and end with unparalleled performance," Johnson said. "You have shaped a formation and they have shaped you all along the way."

Drennon said he was pleased to learn that Lodi would become the next commander, and he and his wife Anne Marie would always appreciate the hard work and sacrifices of every Soldier and their Families.

"This was an awesome command and a time that I will cherish and will certainly never forget," Drennon said. "The credit for our accomplishments is directly related to the hard work, blood, swear and tears of our Soldiers and units."

Drennon next assignment is at Joint Base San Antonio, Texas, where he will serve as the chief of the Leader Training Center.