VILSECK, Germany -- The U.S. Army Medical Department Activity Bavaria (MEDDAC Bavaria) welcomed their new commander during a change of command ceremony, here, 8 August on the Rose Barracks parade field.
During the ceremony Brig. Gen. Dennis LeMaster, Regional Health Command Europe (RHCE) commander received the MEDDAC Bavaria colors from Col. Andrew Powell, and passed them to incoming commander Col. Mark Swofford, signifying the responsibility he accepts as the new Commander of U.S. Army Medical Department Activity Bavaria.
LeMaster presided over the ceremony which is rooted in military customs and traditions dating back as far as the 18th century, when organizational flags were developed with unique symbols and color arrangements to identify particular units. Throughout the centuries the flag served as a Soldier's rallying point and reminder of their allegiance to their leader during battle - a symbol of trust between commander and unit. During a change of command, the flag was passed to the individual assuming command in the presence of the entire unit and all Soldiers present acted as witness to their new leader assuming the responsibility of leadership. 'He who possessed the flag also held the unit members' allegiance.' The symbolism of passing the colors has survived to the present day.
Swofford comes to MEDDAC Bavaria from the American College of Healthcare Executives where he served as the Army Regent.
During the ceremony, speaking from the lectern to the more than 200 clinic and MEDDAC Bavaria personnel in attendance, LeMaster was unstinting in his praise of outgoing commander Powell. "Col. Powell was called to command just as spring began - a chaotic time when training accelerates and it seems everything is in flux and change is everywhere because so many people are underway, not only our patients but our staff. "Col. Powell was outstanding in making a turbulent period practically unnoticeable to MEDDAC Bavaria patients and as commander he provided a seamless organizational transition. That's the way it's supposed to be - that's commitment to our mission."
During his remarks LeMaster officially welcomed Swofford as incoming commander adding, "Col. Swofford brings a wealth of education and experience to Regional Health Command Europe that makes him the ideal choice to continue the MEDDAC Bavaria command's proud legacy. He is board certified in Healthcare Administration and a Fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives, he holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology from Davidson College; a Master of Healthcare Administration Degree from Baylor University, and a PhD in Health Services Organization Research from Virginia Commonwealth University." said LeMaster.
Following LeMaster, Powell addressed the attendees and spoke of the many achievements he and the organization had accomplished and his pride at leading such a talented group of professionals. He ended his remarks by acknowledging that he could not have succeeded alone. "To all MEDDAC Bavaria staff, thank you for being there when I called on your support." Powell said.
In his first remarks as the new commander Swofford expressed his gratification and pride at being chosen to lead the MEDDAC Bavaria team and said how impressed he was with the organization, it's pride in service and support to the Army readiness mission. He also recalled being on the same Vilseck field 21 years before. "Back then I could never have imagined that I would be with you here today, taking the guidon for such a storied organization and joining what I believe is the Team of Teams: U.S. Army Europe, Regional Health Command-Europe, and of course MEDDAC Bavaria."
"Today is a very special day for me, and my family," said Swofford to the assembled ceremony participants and well-wishers.
"To the Soldiers, civilians and family members of MEDDAC Bavaria, I am honored to be part of your organization. your reputation precedes you and I look forward to working with each of you to ensure the readiness of the Soldiers we support, to improve the health of the families we serve and to build relationships with our communities."
ABOUT THE U.S. ARMY MEDICAL DEPARTMENT ACTIVITY BAVARIA:
The U.S. Army Medical Department Activity Bavaria (MEDDAC Bavaria) is part of the Regional Health Command Europe (RHC-E) and provides services to U.S. Army installations located in Ansbach (Shipton Kaserne), Grafenwoehr (Tower Barracks), Garmisch (Artillery Kasern and Sheridan Barracks), Hohenfels (Hohenfels Training Area), Stuttgart (Patch Barracks) and Vilseck (Rose Barracks), Germany.
In 2017 MEDDAC Bavaria established a clinic aid station in Mihail Kogalniceanu (MK) Romania by the Black Sea which also supports the Novo Selo Training Area (NSTA) in Bulgaria.
The approximately 600 service members and civilians who comprise the headquarters and clinic staffs in the footprint serve more than 35,500 community members in Bavaria as well as an additional 11,000 community members in the five U.S. Army installations located in and around the city of Stuttgart, capital of the neighboring German state of Baden-Wuerttemberg.
MEDDAC Bavaria clinics provide responsive, reliable quality health care to ensure a medically ready force, and provide support to Soldiers and their family members stationed overseas in our area of responsibility, that they are cared for medically as well as mentally.
MEDDAC Bavaria promotes health and readiness through a number of programs in support of Soldiers and military families in Germany including the Performance Triad and Preventive Medicine programs such as smoking cessation, proper dietary and eating habits, effective strategies for dealing with stress, et al. Locally, clinics acts as trusted partners and knowledgeable referral specialists with regional German (Local National) hospitals and medical facilities to ensure that patients receive the safest, best care available.
Fundamental services include: primary care, pediatric care, laboratory services, physical therapy, as well as behavioral health services like social work, psychology and family advocacy programs. Some of the specialty services provided include: audiology, preventive medicine, wellness programs, nutritionists, dermatology and education and developmental intervention services. MEDDAC Bavaria has a strong partnership with German health care providers in Bavaria and Baden Wurttemberg. If a Soldier or family member can't be treated in one of the Army clinics, they are referred to a German provider. This includes all patients requiring obstetric and surgical care. Together, military and German providers ensure the Soldiers and families in Bavaria receive safe, world-class health care.
To learn more about the people and facilities of the U.S. Army Medical Department Activity Bavaria (MEDDAC Bavaria) and the clinics they support in Ansbach, Grafenwoehr, Hohenfels, Stuttgart and Vilseck visit the MEDDAC Bavaria website at http://rhce.amedd.army.mil/bavaria
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