GRAFENWOEHR, Germany -- A ceremonial passing of the colors here July 11 placed a new commander at the helm of health services in Grafenwoehr.
Lt. Col. Tara L. Hall assumed command from Lt. Col. Mark C. Carder at the change of command ceremony for Grafenwoehr Health Clinic.
"U.S. Army Health Clinic Grafenwoehr could not ask for a better commander," Carder said during his speech. "You will take them to heights I could only dream of."
Carder improved several programs for beneficiaries including the Exceptional Family Member Program, which was recognized as a Best Practice at the Department of the Army level, said Col. Darren E. Cox, commander for Bavaria Medical Department Activity.
"Grafenwoehr has become the second most productive clinic in all BMEDDAC despite a currently declining enrollee population," Cox said, who presided over the ceremony.
Hall takes command at a time when U.S. Army Europe is transforming. Units are being moved from Bamberg and Schweinfurt to Grafenwoehr, which is filling a garrison population that has declined due to the deactivation of 172nd Separate Infantry Brigade.
Carder continued to recognize Hall and finished his speech with a humorous gesture that has similarities to the passing of the unit's colors.
"And by the way, here is your new best friend," Carder said and then placed the commander's mobile phone at the podium for Hall.
Hall served as the Medical Service Corps Branch Assignment Officer before taking command. She thanked her family and said she cherished the opportunity to command the health clinic.
Hall's awards and decorations include the Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal (with four Oak Left Cluster), Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal (with two Oak Left Clusters), National Defense Service Medal with Bronze Star, Iraqi Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon, Air Assault and the Expert Field Medical Badge. She is also a recipient of the Order of Military Medical Merit.
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