More than 35 years of military medical service came to a close Oct. 24, as the U.S. Army Medical Command (MEDCOM) said farewell to Command Sgt. Maj. Donna A. Brock as she relinquished her responsibilities to incoming Command Sgt. Maj. Gerald Ecker at a ceremony held at Joint-Base Fort Sam Houston, Texas. The ceremony was officiated by Lt. Gen. Patricia D. Horoho, Army surgeon general and commanding general, U.S. Army Medical Command.
"I started this thing more than 35 years ago as a Private E-1," said Brock to an audience of more than 500 Army Medical Department personnel (AMEDD), Family members, and friends. " I never planned on being in the Army this long. I can't believe that I'm retiring from the Army as the pinnacle of the AMEDD for an NCO -- the MEDCOM CSM."
Brock became a combat medic when she joined the Army more than 35 years ago and has maintained that military occupational specialty throughout her career and rose to the top of her career field in both rank and position. Her final assignment was as the command sergeant major (CSM) of the MEDCOM, based in the Washington, D.C. area. She was also dual hatted as the senior enlisted advisor to the Army Surgeon General.
Brock has held assignments all across the AMEDD including Hawaii, as well as Korea and served in Iraq as part of Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom in 2003 with the 21st Combat Support Hospital. Her service awards and decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal and more.
"Command Sgt. Maj. Brock has been the champion of the NCO (Non-Commissioned Officer) Corps," said Horoho. "The impact that she has had on Army Medicine and the Army as a whole is sure to be felt for years to come. She was a tremendous partner who helped me lead the transformation of Army Medicine. She is a friend and a colleague. I will miss her dearly and wish her all the best," said Horoho. "I could never thank her enough for her tremendous service to the Army, Army Medicine, and the nation."
During her farewell remarks, Brock spoke of her two Families, "my Family and the Army Family" who she credited with her giving her the capacity to "juggle job, career, Family, and myself," she said. "I did it all! -- Because of the support of people like you."
In closing Brock left behind a message focused on taking care of people and the business of medicine.
"We must ensure our entire staff has the training, education, and knowledge needed to move forward into the future and be able to sustain our Force," said Brock. "Make sure the most junior lieutenant, private, or junior civilian understand where they fit in the mission and the importance of their job."
Brock then spoke to her mantra "It's All About People" which was a permanent attachment to her email signature line as command sergeant major.
"People and taking care of people must be among the highest priority on your list. Your attitude, spirit, sense of purpose, and the way you treat people makes a difference," said Brock. "When it's all said and done, technology changes every year, equipment is bought and sold, but people are everlasting and will ALWAYS be here!"
Brock is a native Californian and is finishing up her master's degree in Health Care Management at Trident University. One of the things she plans to do after retirement is to mentor and coach leaders. She also looks forward to spending time with her daughter Danielle, and son John who recently joined the Army National Guard.
Brock credits her dad, Ike, with convincing her to stay in the Army for as long as she did. "Part of the reason that I'm here now, in front of you, is because of my dad who told me at the 20-year mark, 'Stay in until they kick you out!' Well dad, that time has come," said Brock.
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