JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. - - Regional Health Command-Pacific (RHC-P) Commander Brig. Gen. Bertram Providence and Command Sgt. Maj. Richard Watson, learned what makes the first year graduate veterinary education (FYGVE) program so appealing and got a hands-on inspection demonstration of meals ready-to-eat (MRE) on a recent visit to Public Health Activity-Fort Lewis (PHA-FL). As the command team for a brigade level organization that has a footprint that spans the Pacific region, it takes frequent travel and a highly coordinated itinerary to get leaders to all points within their command. During their visit to PHA-FL, the command team was interested in both the day-to-day work and long-term goals of personnel within their area of responsibility.
Veterinarian medicine specialists and FYGVE instructors Maj. Todd French and Maj. Kimberly Yore offered a presentation on the history, objectives and training elements of the FYGVE program. Following this overview, each of the four interns introduced themselves to the command team, detailing the motivation that led them to the program. Providence displayed a keen interest in the educational background and career aspirations of the interns.
Escorted by Lt. Col. Ronald Burke and 1st Sgt. April Smith, a quick trip to the MRE in-processing facility gave an opportunity for Sgt. Monique Davis, food safety inspector, to walk the group through the hands-on steps of inspecting a MRE package. Food Inspector, Sgt. Jerick Gaoat offered details of the particular MRE specifications from the online database as Davis handled the package.
The food inspectors displayed their knowledge of regulations and expectations for the safety, quality, and observable attributes of the product as the RHC-P command team gained greater insight into the inspection process. Undertaking a short tour of the adjoining warehouse facility, Gaoat gave the group a view of the refrigerator and freezer rooms while Providence examined a pallet of food awaiting in-processing.
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