JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas -- Brooke Army Medical Center once again has a general officer in command. The last general officer to command BAMC was in 2013.
BAMC Commander Col. Jeffrey Johnson was promoted to the rank of brigadier general June 21 during a ceremony at the Warrior and Family Support Center Amphitheater.
Maj. Gen. Joseph Caravalho Jr., Joint Staff Surgeon at the Pentagon and former BAMC commander, was the presiding officer for the ceremony.
"It's a great day for the Johnsons and a great day for Army Medicine," Caravalho said.
"I'm here purposely to talk about a great American, and someone reminded me I should also talk about her spouse, Jeff Johnson," he joked.
"Not only do I think the world of Jeff and Paula, but I love the men and women who have dedicated themselves to the military medical missions here in San Antonio."
Caravalho highlighted many of Johnson's past military assignments, saying he first met Johnson at Womack Army Medical Center in 2003.
"He was a calm collected lieutenant colonel at the time responsible for one of the busiest family medicine programs in the Army inventory," Caravalho said. "I was impressed then and I have remained impressed ever since."
Caravalho also praised Johnson's wife, Paula, saying, "She is an incredible individual with a heart of gold and an unbridled passion for our Soldiers and families."
Johnson's family including his wife, his parents Dorothy and Jack Johnson, sister Joy Myers, and his daughter Elizabeth Smart and her children all took part in the pinning ceremony and presentation of general officer items.
The ceremony also included special touches such as the delivery of gifts to Johnson's family by Sgt. Robyn Rothwell and her horse Junior. The inclusion of the horse in the ceremony and the period costume worn by Rothwell provided a link to Army's past.
"I first want to thank my God for the undeserving blessings He brings to my life," Johnson said. "My relationship with Him provides me with focus and wisdom through His word, humbling of my spirit through worship and the ability to strengthen others through His reflected presence."
Johnson thanked several people who helped guide him throughout his career.
"Year after year I was exposed to just the right mix of leaders who added to the mold and for this I am forever thankful," Johnson said.
He thanked his wife for always standing by his side and his parents and sister and brother-in-law for their steadfast support.
"There is no one who has added more color to my life than you and your family," Johnson told his daughter Elizabeth. "You provide me with insight to another side of the military and to the human side of life."
Johnson also thanked Caravalho for presiding over the ceremony saying, "You have been a consistent example of the balance needed to weigh clinical judgment with operational impact all the while demonstrating compassion."
"I wish you both the very best in your tenure here in what I trust will be your best assignment ever," Caravalho said. "The Army got it right by selecting Jeff for promotion to the general officers' ranks and I'm very happy to see that he is given the reigns here at BAMC."
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