VILSECK, Germany -- A ceremonial passing of the colors here Friday placed a new commander at the helm of Bavaria Medical Department Activity.
Col. E. Darrin Cox assumed command from Col. Robert Goodman at a change of command ceremony on Rose Barracks.
"Thank you to the professionals and staff of BMEDDAC for the warm welcome and for everything you have done and continue to do every day as we take care of that most precious national resource the men and women of our military, who along with their loved ones and other beneficiaries, are entrusted to us for their care," Cox said. "I appreciate your professionalism and the way you represent our MEDDAC and our Army."
Prior to taking command, Cox served at William Beaumont Army Medical Center in Fort Bliss, Texas, as the chief for the Department of Surgery and Chief of Thoracic Surgery.
Cox served three combat tours throughout his career, two in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and one in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. He also served an operational tour in support of Joint Task Force-Bravo in Honduras.
"I gracefully turn over the Command to you," Goodman said. "I offer the same charge my predecessor, Col. Steve Brewster, gave to me two years ago. Steve had made huge improvements to an organization, which was really struggling. He told me that my job was to improve Bavaria MEDDAC beyond what he had done. I have done that. The mission now belongs to you. I know the MEDDAC could not be in more capable hands. I wish you the greatest success in further improving Bavaria MEDDAC and the healthcare and services we provide to our patients."
The commander takes over the command during a period of transitioning for the MEDDAC, Goodman said. Clinics in Bamberg and Schweinfurt are scheduled to close within the time period of Cox's command. Major construction projects for health clinics in Bavaria are also expected to take place during Cox's command.
After the change of command, Cox took part in a groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of a new $34.7 million facility on Rose Barracks. The final phase of the construction project is scheduled to be complete in 2016.
Goodman is scheduled to retire in June after 30 years of military service.
Col. Jeff Clark, Europe Regional Medical Command commander, presided over the ceremony.
Cox's awards and decorations include the Bronze Star with three Oak Leaf Clusters; Meritorious Service Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters; Army Commendation Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster; Army Achievement Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster; the Meritorious Unit Commendation two Oak Leaf Clusters; the Army Superior Unit Award; the National Defense Service Medal; the Afghanistan Campaign Medal; the Iraqi Campaign Medal; the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal; the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; the Armed Forces Reserve Medal; the Army Service Ribbon; the Overseas Service Ribbon; the NATO Medal; and the Combat Medical Badge.
Social Sharing