RWBAHC changes command

FORT HUACHUCA, Ariz. – Raymond W. Bliss Army Health Center held a change of command ceremony bidding farewell to outgoing commander Lt. Col. Wendy L. Gray and welcoming incoming commander Lt. Col. Marie E. Carmona on May 25 at Brown Parade Field.

"There is so much to share about the success of RWBAHC under Lt. Col. Gray's leadership," said Brig. Gen. Shan K. Bagby, commanding general, U.S. Army Regional Health Command-Central.

"The impact of this team has been immense, particularly concerning the COVID-19 pandemic environment we have experienced over the past year and a half," Bagby said.

Gray was the voice of reason and calm about the risks associated with COVID-19 and the safety precautions necessary to protect those that call this Fort their home, he added.

"The initiative, forward-thinking and collaborative teamwork requires strong leadership," Bagby said. "You have been that leader for RWBAHC. Gray maintained over 90 percent Soldier medical readiness, opened a new student clinic at RWBAHC, and earned the Practice Green Health Partner for Change award for two consecutive years."

Since taking command in 2019, Gray empowered the RWBAHC team to set challenging goals to improve the readiness of their organization and the units of the Fort. Her relentless drive during the historic and difficult time for the nation will leave a remarkable legacy here, Bagby emphasized.

"I never imagined being a part of such an amazing organization," Gray said. ‘The team not only pulled together to support the installation but sought out opportunities to support the community as well."

The most challenging aspect of her command was maintaining operations to the beneficiaries while ensuring the RWBAHC team knew they mattered to her, she reflected.

"Even though the team needed to remain at work, the deputies and myself were doing everything possible to ensure they were safe as well," Gray said.

“Highlights of my command were witnessing promotions and re-enlistments of the many Soldiers across the formation,” she reminisced. “And also sharing in the births of family members and holding hands as some laid family members to rest.”

Gray added that for her, departing is bittersweet.

“I will see you later, it is not goodbye,” she said as she leaves Fort Huachuca to become the deputy director of talent management at the U.S. Army Surgeon General's Office in Washington, D.C.

Carmona said she feels fortunate to follow Gray's leadership.

"Your energy and genuine compassion to others have made a lasting impression on the team here," she said.

Carmona is a newcomer to Arizona previously serving in a deputy command position at Carlisle Barracks, Pennsylvania.

"I am extremely excited and humbled to be taking command here," she said. "I am so thankful for the opportunity."

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Fort Huachuca is home to the U.S. Army Intelligence Center of Excellence, the U.S. Army Network Enterprise Technology Command (NETCOM)/9th Army Signal Command, and more than 48 supported tenants representing a diverse, multiservice population. Our unique environment encompasses 964 square miles of restricted airspace and 2,500 square miles of protected electronic ranges, critical components to the national defense mission.

Located in Cochise County, in southeast Arizona, about 15 miles north of the border with Mexico, Fort Huachuca is an Army installation with rich frontier history. Established in 1877, the Fort was declared a national landmark in 1976.

We are the Army's Home. Learn more at https://home.army.mil/huachuca