FORT LEE, Va. (June 25, 2015) --
Kenner Army Health Clinic welcomed a new senior leader at a change of command ceremony Friday in the Wylie Hall auditorium.
Col. Thomas S. Bundt, who is transitioning to the U.S. Medical Research Institute for Infectious Diseases at Fort Detrick, Md., passed the command colors to Lt. Col. Brett H. Venable, a 19-year Medical Service Corps officer who last served as the chief of staff for the military medical command at Fort Sill, Okla.
Maj. Gen. Stephen R. Lyons, CASCOM and Fort Lee commanding general presided over the ceremony and spoke highly of the incoming and outgoing officers during his remarks.
"Today is a time of reflection and offering thanks as we consider the accomplishments of Col. Tom Bundt and welcome Lt. Col. Brett Venable as the new commander for Kenner Army Health Clinic," Lyons said. "We have an incredible health care team at Kenner, dedicated to readiness through wellness, part of 240 years of Army medicine, the best in the world."
While leading the clinic for the past 28 months, Lyons said Bundt has "continued a tradition of medical excellence" -- promoting, sustaining and enhancing the wellness of the Fort Lee community and building patients' trust through quality and compassion. "Today, the Kenner reputation for excellence is well known by Soldiers, family members and retirees," he added.
The commanding general cited several noteworthy accomplishments that occurred on Bundt's watch. For example, the clinic saw a dramatic turn in ICE comments from 75-80 percent negative to 75-80 percent positive. The Kenner team addressed previous deficiencies identified by the Joint Commission facility inspection and achieved accreditation in all areas. In fact, KAHC became the only military treatment facility in the U.S. Army Medical Command to pass with zero faults.
"All of these accomplishments, and many more unmentioned, signify a command and commander commitment to providing the highest quality health care," said Lyons.
Bundt later acknowledged in his remarks that all of his accomplishments over the past couple of years are the result of excellent guidance, teamwork and cooperation.
"For all the great leaders and friends, both past and present, who have provided me mentorship and comradeship over the many years, allow me the license to simply say thank you," said Bundt.
"Kenner staff, you are the quiet professionals who give your all to support this community," he continued. "You live the mantra that a hero is one who gives his or her very best when no one is watching. Thank you."
Described by Lyons as an "equally exceptional command team," Venable and his wife Anja will carry the Kenner torch over the next few years.
The incoming lieutenant colonel is a native of Portsmouth and graduate of Old Dominion University. Venable most recently served as the chief of staff, Fort Sill Medical Department Activity and Reynolds Army Community Hospital. In that role, he led a staff of more than 1,100 employees, providing world-class health care services to over 50,000 beneficiaries. The Fort Sill MEDDAC is a health system consisting of a 24-bed community hospital; two outlying health clinics and a warrior transition unit.
"Lt. Col. Venable is well qualified to command Kenner," Lyons said, "and we are happy to have him on board to lead this team into its next chapter of an important journey of taking care of this community."
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