HOHENFELS, Germany -- Hohenfels Health Clinic bid farewell to its commander, LTC Christopher David, and welcomed LTC Shane Roach in a Change of Command ceremony April 3 at the Community Activities Center, here.

Those gathered for the occasion heard words of wisdom one more time from David, who has been known throughout the community for his positive attitude and community engagement projects.

?"Today is a blessing in so many ways, and I am exceedingly grateful," he said. ?"The fact that I am departing command on schedule, without paying for lost property, still as a LTC, and with all lawsuits favorably closed, is cause for celebration."

David thanked members of the community, host nation medical providers, local and Bavaria MEDDAC leadership teams, personal friends and his staff at the HHC.

?"To the Soldiers and Employees of the Clinic: Serving along your side has been my honor and privilege," he said. ?"You made me want to be a better leader. Despite my personal limitations, and the small size -- four contractors, 11 Local National employees, 22 GS employees, 36 Soldiers, and 3 Red Cross volunteers -- your individual and organizational accomplishments are impressive."

COL E. Darrin Cox, commander of the Bavaria Medical Department Activity, spoke at the ceremony about the accomplishments David and the HHC can count among their best.

?"Under his guidance, the Hohenfels Health Clinic was the first clinic in the Europe Regional Medical Command to be recognized with NCQA Level II recognition," Cox said. ?"Upon receiving the results, the clinic corrected its deficiencies and recently received Level III accreditation -- another ERMC first."

Cox said patient services in the Hohenfels community improved greatly during David?'s time in command.

?"Some of these accomplishments include: establishing an extended appointment schedule; implementing care coordination meetings during inprocessing; establishing support groups for issues such as weight management, diabetes, and cancer; establishing high risk coordination meetings; and supporting the 1-4 Infantry Battalion ?'Soldiers of Concern?' forum. LTC David and his team have worked diligently to provide quality, patient-centered care to our beneficiaries who call Hohenfels their home."

LTC Shane Roach now takes command of the clinic after serving as the Deputy G-4 for 30th MEDCOM. He is no stranger to Army Medicine in Europe, previously serving in Wurzburg.

?"I look forward to leading the team to further great accomplishments in the future and being a productive and proactive member of the community, while leading these impressive civilians and Soldiers throughout the next few years," he said.

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