FORT GORDON, Ga., (July 26, 2015) -- The colors of Public Health Command District -- Fort Gordon passed from Col. Jason Windsor to Lt. Col Robert Heath, who assumed command today at Alexander Hall here in a ceremony that was attended by more than 100 people.
The PHCD -- FG has command and control of six branches, which provide comprehensive veterinary services to all Department of Defense activities within the Southeast region.
The mission includes inspection of civilian and military food establishments which produce, store and distribute subsistence to military facilities. A comprehensive veterinary preventive medicine and animal health care program provides complete medical care for government-owned animals,
limited preventive services for privately owned animals and wildlife disease surveillance.
The assigned geographical area of responsibility includes South Carolina; Georgia; Alabama; Florida; Mississippi; Central and South America; Guantanamo Bay, Cuba; Fort Buchanan, Puerto Rico; and Joint Task Force -- Bravo, Soto Cano, Honduras.
In his outgoing remarks, Windsor said it was a "truly special privilege" to serve with the officers, Soldiers, civilians and contractors here. He commended the service of those who served with him.
Incoming commander, Lt. Col. Robert Heath, a North Carolina native, has more than 27 years of service in the Army, including two years in the S.C. Army National Guard while attending the University of South Carolina. He entered active duty in 1989 as a special operations medic with the 75th Ranger Regiment, participating in the combat airborne assault of Panama during Operation Just Cause.
He attended the U.S. Army Physician Assistant Program as a staff sergeant, graduating magna cum laude from the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio, and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Army Medical Specialist Corps in 1996.
Heath, who was accompanied by members of his extended family from around the nearby Carolinas, thanked the PHCD-FG staff for their support of Windsor and said he is looking forward to the same support and guidance.
The reviewing officer for the ceremony was Col. Robert Vontersh, commander, Public Health Command Region -- South. Vontersh reminded all that the care for public health "is an honor and privilege that should not be taken lightly.
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