Wakeman takes charge of MEDDAC-AK Company

By Ms. Brandy C Ostanik (Army Medicine)February 28, 2017

MEDDAC-AK Change of Command
Col. (Dr.) Christopher Jarvis, Commander, Medical Department Activity - Alaska, right, presents Cpt. Lee Wakeman the MEDDAC-AK Company guidon during a change of command ceremony Feb. 28 at Bassett Army Community Hospital. Wakeman takes over command f... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT WAINWRIGHT, Alaska - Medical Department Activity -- Alaska welcomed a new company commander during a change of command ceremony Feb. 24 held at Bassett Army Community Hospital. Capt. Lee P. Wakeman assumed command from Capt. Emily S. Bleich who is reporting to Ft. Sam Houston where she will serve as the Expert Field Medical Badge Test Control Officer.

Col. Christopher G. Jarvis, Commander MEDDAC-AK served as the reviewing officer for the ceremony. "Our mission to provide high quality healthcare through teamwork to ensure a globally ready force, and absolutely Capt. Bleich has stepped up and supported that mission since she's been here," said Jarvis. "She has absolutely excelled at that mission."

Jarvis spoke of the many contributions Bleich made during her tenure, highlighting the transformation of the MEDDAC-AK physical fitness training program which raised medial readiness to be consistently over the 88% benchmark, raised the average PT scores by 25 points and saw 89 Soldiers, almost 25% of the formation, with a score of over 270.

"If you look at what that does to an organization, when you have that much of a reduction it is amazing," Jarvis said. "Being able to focus more on the mission and less on trying to get Soldiers back into physical fitness standards is truly was amazing and I appreciate her efforts."

During her remarks, Bleich thanked the MEDDAC-AK leadership and the Company Soldiers for allowing her the opportunity to lead the company. "I have loved this job because of what this position stands for and that is serving you," said Bleich. "I also know that most of my success is because of the support I have received from all of you."

"This hospital and our people do an awesome job," said Bleich. "I have loved the opportunity to see everyone in their day-to-day roles, interact with one another and consistently impress me with the amount of skill and talent we have in this building."

Wakeman, who served as Adjutant for MEDDAC-AK before being selected for the Company Commander position thanked Jarvis for entrusting him with this opportunity.

"This command is truly an honor and a privilege, and I look forward to serving the Soldiers and our organization in this new role," said Wakeman. "Thank you for providing your leadership and guidance throughout this transition."

"I look forward to the honor of serving our Soldiers and civilians staff," said Wakeman. "Arctic medics, one team!"

A graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, with a Bachelor's of Science Degree with honors in Philosophy, Wakeman earned his commission as a 2nd Lt. in the Medical Service Corps. His military experience includes serving as Battalion Medical Officer, 1-5 Field Artillery Battalion; Evacuation Platoon Leader and Executive Officer, Charlie Company, 101st Brigade Support Battalion, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kansas. He deployed to Kuwait in support of Operation Spartan Shield.

"Capt. Bleich, I cannot thank you enough for your leadership an direction in making this unit a success," said Wakeman. "It is my intent to continue the tremendous work you have done."

"Arctic medics, one team."