The Fort Meade Medical Department Activity welcomed Command Sgt. Maj. Gustavo Gurrola during a change of responsibility ceremony that took place Aug. 4 at the Rascon Center, Fort George G. Meade, MD.Gurrola, a Los Angeles native, began his military career when he entered the Army in 1989, and attended Basic Training at Fort Knox, KY. He then graduated Advanced Individual Training as a Distinguished Honor Graduate of Veterinary Food Inspection course at Fort Sam Houston, TX. Over the course of his career, Gurrola has held myriad leadership positions ranging from Operations NCO to Sergeant Major, and has served at locations including U.S. Army Public Health Command, Landstuhl, Germany; Madigan Army Medical Center, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA, and NCOIC Force Veterinary Services, Multi-National Forces and Observers, El Gorah, Egypt. Col. Daniel G. Bonnichsen, MEDDAC Commander, welcomed Command Sgt. Maj. Gurrola and looks forward to join forces in advancing the mission and medical readiness of the Fort Meade MEDDAC."Together let's focus our efforts at the Fort Meade MEDDAC as a part of Army Medicine, moving the team forward as the nation's premier, expeditionary and globally-integrated medical force ready to meet the ever-changing challenges of today and tomorrow," said Bonnichsen."Our journey together has just begun but I know it will be rewarding for us both."Bonnichsen also addressed 1st Sgt. James West, thanking him for his support, passion and leadership during his tenure."I have been blessed over the last six months with the assignment of 1st Sgt. West. His timely and sound counsel, through good times and bad, has always been spot on. He is a trusted friend, mentor and counselor," expressed Bonnichsen. "His passion for excellence and patient care is higher than any Soldier."West thanked the command for all the support he'd received during his period as the Acting MEDDAC Command Sgt. Maj. "This has been a great experience and I hope to continue this experience and knowledge at the next position."West will take a position as the senior enlisted advisor at Kirk US Army Health Clinic in Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD.As Command Sgt. Maj. Gurrola addressed the audience, he thanked 1st Sgt. West for his hard work and dedication during the past six months. "You have provided the bridge and leadership when most needed; thank you for setting me up for success."Gurrola stated that his experience so far has been wonderful and he looks forward to meeting and working with all team members. "This is a great organization and I can already feel the positive atmosphere and the dynamic environment."Gurrola is grateful for the chance to serve as the Fort Meade MEDDAC Command Sgt. Maj. "As part of the team, I look forward to elevate the Region and the Command goals to the next level."At the conclusion of the ceremony, West took a moment to address the MEDDAC Soldiers and thanked everyone for their support and wished Command Sgt. Maj. Gurrola 'the very best.'Fort Meade MEDDAC includes Kimbrough Ambulatory Care Center at Fort Meade, Fort Meade Army Wellness Center (AWC), Medical Clinic at Raven Rock Mountain Complex, US Army Allergen Extraction Lab -- Forest Glenn in Silver Spring MD, Barquist Army Health Clinic at Fort Detrick, Occupational Health Clinic at U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID), Kirk Army Health Clinic at Aberdeen Proving Grounds (APG), Edgewood Occupational Health (OH) Clinic, APG AWC, Rader Army Health Clinic at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Medical Assistance to The Old Guard (TOG), McNair Army Health Clinic at Fort McNair, Dunham Army Health Clinic at Carlisle Barracks, Carlisle Barracks AWC and Senior Leader Sustainment Program, Letter-Kenney Occupational Health Clinic at Chambersburg, PA, Fort Indiantown Gap Troop Medical Clinic at Anneville, PA, Filmore Health Clinic at New Cumberland, PA, Forensic Toxicology Drug Testing Lab (FTDTL) at Fort Meade.