JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, WASH -- The change of command ceremony is a well-practiced Army tradition that is infused with history and symbolism. The U.S. Army recognizes the identity of units and faithfulness of soldiers, in part, through the change of command ceremony.
As summer brings change in leadership to many units, reviewing officers partake in the ceremonial change of command tradition with their subordinate commands. Public Health Command-Pacific (PHC-P) commander, Col. David W. Seed and senior enlisted advisor, Sgt. Maj. Roosevelt Nettles, Jr., attended the Public Health Activity-Fort Lewis (PHA-FL) ceremony at the American Lake Club on Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM), Washington. Overlooking the lake on a beautiful summer day, Lt. Col. Ronald L. Burke bid farewell to his troops of two years as he heads to other duties within PHC-P at its headquarters in Hawaii.
In the words of the ceremony's narrator, Capt. Natalie Erker, branch chief of PHA-FL Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, veterinary center, "The very soul of a military unit is symbolized in the colors under which it fights, for they represent not only the lineage and honors of the unit, but also the loyalty and unity of its Soldiers. The passing of the guidon symbolizes the transfer of command responsibility and authority from the outgoing commander to the incoming, demonstrating to the Soldiers of the unit that Lt. Col. Burke has passed the mantle of leadership to Lt. Col. Nicholas R. Cabano, and with this, also passes the loyalty of the Soldiers to their new commander."
Acknowledging the impact of Burke's tenure, with 1st Sgt. April Smith by his side, Seed remarked, "This team exemplifies Army Medicine's ability to shape and influence the Regional Health Command-Pacific and the [Pacific Command] PACOM area of responsibility towards a global community of health. These leaders embraced their role as Army medicine ambassadors, deepening relationships with our close friends and allies." He added, "Ron, you and your team have much to be proud of as you reflect back on the past two years. It has been an honor to serve alongside this team that cares so much about Soldiers and places their welfare above your own."
During his turn at the speaker's podium, Burke noted his particular philosophy on the path to success. "There's a difference between "F.A.I.L." -- first attempt in learning -- and "failure" -- the inability to learn from mistakes. The former is necessary for success. The latter prevents success."
Burke has filled a collection of roles within Army Public Health at JBLM that includes veterinary services division chief and executive officer for Public Health Command Region-West, prior to it rolling up its flag and merging into PHC-P and Public Health Command-Central, and veterinary public health instructor for Public Health Command District-JBLM.
Coming to PHA-FL from Fort Carson, Coloradp, where he served as clinical cadre for the First Year Graduate Veterinary Education (FYGVE) program, Cabano steps into PHA-FL's leadership role. As he was able to join the unit in its activity training exercise (ATX) earlier in the week, Cabano came to the change of command ceremony with an early view of the activity's capabilities.
In his speech, he acknowledged, ". . . what an impressive experience the week's ATX was. It showcased the remarkably high level of skill and motivation that soldiers in the PHA-FL possess."
Later, the new commander noted that he and his wife are honored and humbled to join the PHA-FL team. They intend to create an environment where the institution and its personnel are respected and successful in providing excellent health care and services to our nation's warriors, their families, and veterans.
The unit welcomes them with enthusiasm.
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