ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. - The Aberdeen Proving Ground community gathered at Top of the Bay June 26 to bid farewell to one leader and welcome another during the change of command ceremony for Kirk U.S. Army Health Clinic.
Outgoing Commander Lt. Col. Ellen S. Daly relinquished command of the organization to Incoming Commander Lt. Col. David R. Zinnante.
Guests included APG Commander Maj. Gen. Robert. S. Ferrell; Installation Command Sgt. Maj. Kennis Dent; Garrison Commander Col. Gregory McClinton and Garrison Command Sgt. Maj. James Ervin.
The reviewing officer, Col. Danny B.N. Jaghab, commander of the U.S. Army Medical Activity, Fort Meade, Md., led the passing of the unit colors signifying the change in leadership from Daly to Zinnante, and was assisted by KUSAHC senior clinical NCO, Sgt. 1st Class Keyana T. Washington.
Noting that Daly is promotable and will advance to the rank of colonel in the near future, Jaghab said it was his pleasure to oversee the event and celebrate Daly's service to APG over the past two years.
He said that Daly "relentlessly pursued" the dream of a Wellness Center and while the one at APG has only been open five months, it is already one of the leading centers in the MEDCOM. Crediting her with the successful establishment of APG's Health Promotion Council, he said KUSAHC experienced record numbers in improving overall health of the community; namely helping more than 1,500 customers improve and better manage their help as Daly oversaw a $15 million renovation to the facility. He lauded her positive relationships with the on and off post communities despite budget cuts and staffing shortages.
"She and her staff are testimony to being the backbone of a fine medical department," Jaghab said, "that delivered world class service."
Jaghab welcomed Zinnante adding, that KUSAHC is being handed over to "a strong and capable leader."
Zinnante thanked APG leaders for their trust and confidence in him, Daly and the KUSAHC staff for the smooth transition for him and his Family and God for allowing him "to continue to serve this great nation."
"I promise to work hard," he said. "You have my pledge that Kirk will continue to provide world class care."
At the ceremony's conclusion Zinnante and Ferrell signed the Army Medicine Healthcare Covenants.
Lt. Col. David R. Zinnante
A native of Wharton, Texas, Zinnante enlisted in the Army in 1991 and was commissioned as a 2nd lieutenant in the Medical Corps in 1997. He holds a bachelor's degree in Biology from the University of Texas at Austin and a Master's in Environmental Management from the University of Maryland University College.
His past assignments include Fort Meade, Md., Fort Bragg N.C., Fort Hood, Texas; and Fort Sam Houston, Texas as well as deployments to Honduras, Afghanistan and Iraq.
Zinnante's military awards and decorations include the Bronze Star; Defense Meritorious Service Medal; Iraq and Afghanistan Campaign medals; and Combat Action, Combat Medical, Army Jumpmaster and Air Assault badges.
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