Reynolds Army Health Clinic welcomes new commander

FORT SILL, Okla. Reynolds Army Health Clinic held a change of command ceremony on Wednesday July 16 at Fort Sill’s Old Post Quadrangle. A cool breeze tempered the rapidly rising heat of the Oklahoma summer morning where Soldiers, friends and family of Reynolds Army Health Clinic gathered to say farewell to Col. Jason Ferguson, and welcome to Col. Nicole Charbonneau. Col. Ferguson may be departing Reynolds but will remain at Fort Sill as the Command Surgeon for the Fires Center of Excellence after an extremely successful two year command. Since Col. Ferguson took command in July 2023, he has ensured that Reynolds Army Health Clinic enabled the Fires Community to be one of the most medically ready fighting forces in the U.S. Army.

On hand to host the ceremony was Brig. Gen. YR Summons, the Commanding General of Medical Readiness Command, West, who took a moment to highlight some of Col. Ferguson’s accomplishments. “Col. Ferguson has worked through some complex and unpredictable times; in the past 24 months you have led Reynolds through challenges all while delivering readiness and providing exceptional care to the Beneficiaries,” said Summons. Brig. Gen Summons continued to highlight Col. Ferguson’s many accomplishments during his tenure as Reynold’s commander and thanked him for his capable leadership.

In his farewell speech Col. Ferguson expressed his thanks to the Reynolds staff, and all those in the Lawton/Fort Sill community that made his time in command a success. “If there is one word that can describe my time here it is pride. So many accomplishments have been made, missions completed, all of them by you, the men and women of Reynolds,” said Ferguson.

In a brief ceremony before the change on command Col. Ferguson and his wife Yvonne received much earned awards recognizing their accomplishments over the past two years. Col. Ferguson was awarded the Legion of Merit and Mrs. Ferguson was recognized for her support to her husband, and the Lawton/Fort Sill community with citations signed by Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt and Brig. Gen. Patrick Costello Commanding General of the Fires Center of Excellence and Fort Sill.

Filling Col. Ferguson’s position at Reynolds Army Health Clinic is incoming commander, Col. Nicole Charbonneau, who originally hails from Montana. A Registered Dietitian by trade Col. Charbonneau has just completed a tour as the deputy director for administration at Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center at Fort Hood Texas.

In her welcoming speech Col. Charbonneau emphasized her support for the ongoing missions at Reynolds and stated her excitement to work with a great team. “Every day the dedicated administrators, support staff, and providers at Reynolds give their absolute best to preserve the health of the Soldiers and their families throughout Fort Sill. I have the utmost respect and gratitude for our team and am thankful to get to work alongside you for the next two years,” said Charbonneau.

Col. Charbonneau direct commissioned in May 2001. She graduated with a degree in Food and Nutrition from Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana. She completed requirements to be a Registered Dietitian in 2002. Her education degrees are Masters of Science in Clinical Nutrition, Central Michigan University, Master of Strategic Study, US Army War College. She is a Board Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics, personal trainer with the National Council of Strength and Fitness and Certified Strength and Conditioning Coach with the National Council of Strength and Fitness.