VICENZA, Italy -- The sun shone brightly on the formation of troops lined up on the parade grounds here as the U.S. Army Health Clinic -- Vicenza welcomed its newest commander during a change of command ceremony July 1 on Hoekstra Field.
Lt. Col. Brian Bender assumed command from Col. Andrew Barr, who commanded the Health Center for the past 24 months. The ceremony was officiated by Landstuhl Regional Medical Center Commander Col. James Laterza, who passed the guidon from one commander to the next. Sgt. First Class Marquisha Battle served as the commander of troops.
During his remarks, Laterza give high praise to Barr on a job well done.
"Colonel Barr is one of those commanders that has taken on every challenge we have put before him, and excelled," he said. "He can take pride in the fact that he is leaving a legacy and a positive mark on this great community during a time of unprecedented change."
Barr made sure to thank the many people who helped him during his time in command in Vicenza. He also emphasized how grateful he was to be able to serve the members of this community.
"We serve the greatest country on earth and live in the most beautiful," Barr said. "The past two years have been a time of intense challenge for the health center and this community. Serving as the commander of this great organization has been the highest honor of my career and I am honored and humbled to stand before you. I am richer for the experience and hope that you are as well."
Barr will attend the Army War College at Carlisle Barracks, Pa., before taking command of the Womack Army Medical Center at Fort Bragg, N.C.
Bender most recently served as executive officer for the Western Regional Medical Command at Fort Lewis, WA. He also served previously as the Deputy Commander for Administration at the SHAPE and NATO Health Clinics in Belgium.
"In your new role as Vicenza commander," Laterza said to the new commander, "you have a great mantle of responsibility, but one you are well prepared for. Command will challenge and satisfy you in many ways, and we know that you will flourish."
Bender said he is looking forward to an exciting tour as commander of the U.S. Army Heath Center -- Vicenza. He added he and his family are very thankful to be in Vicenza.
"We understand the unique strategic missions of U.S. Army Africa and the 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team," he said, "and look forward to supporting the Vicenza and Livorno Military Communities."
He concluded his remarks by stating the medical command motto as his predecessor and commander had just done.
"Serving to heal, honored to serve."
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