In front of a formation of Soldiers on the Fort Sam Houston MacArthur Parade Field, Major General Patrick D. Sargent assumed command of the U.S. Army Medical Department Center and School, Health Readiness Center of Excellence, from Major General Brian C. Lein during a ceremony hosted by Lieutenant General Nadja Y. West, the Surgeon General and Commanding General, U.S. Army Medical Command.
In thanking MG Lein for his 30 years of service, LTG West reflected on his Army career and accomplishments while commanding the AMEDDC&S. "It's a great day, and also a sad day as we bid farewell," said LTG West. "During these times you get nostalgic. I don't know an Army Medicine without Brian Lein, he will be missed."
"Under Brian's tenure, AMEDD Center and School's focus on rapid deployability resulted in the development of lighter, scalable medical units such as the forward resuscitative surgical team and expeditionary resuscitative surgical team," said LTG West. "Realizing the need to increase medical capability at the point of injury, and address the need for prolong field care, AMEDDC&S initiated the expeditionary combat medic program, which will provide forward deployed forces with increased medical capability."
Before his remarks, MG Lein first joined Soldiers on the parade field in reciting the Soldier's Creed. During an impassioned speech, MG Lein thank his command for their efforts during the past two years, and reminded everyone why AMEDDC&S exist. "That's why we're here today, these young men and women, and the thousands they represent on parade fields across the Army, are the reason we come to work every day," said MG Lein. "Over the past two years I've had the opportunity to command a phenomenal organization. It was easy to command here, because we're surrounded by great people doing great things. LTG West spoke of the AMEDDC&S accomplishments, but I did none of them. It was the people here. It was an honor to serve side by side with you."
Prior to commanding the AMEDDC&S, MG Lein previous assignment was as the commanding general for U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command, Fort Detrick, Maryland. MG Lein has served in various leadership and command positions to include Deputy Surgeon General/Deputy Commanding General for Operations, U.S. Army Medical Command; command of Landstuhl Regional Medical Center and Evans Army Community Hospital, as well as Command Surgeon positions in ISAF Joint Command, U.S. Army Forces Command, Coalition Forces Land Component Command/Third Army, and 4th Infantry Division. He is a graduate of the AMEDD Officer Basic and Advanced Courses, the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, and the U.S. Army War College where he earned a Master's Degree in Strategic and National Security Studies.
In his remarks, MG Sargent thanked LTG West for the opportunity to lead the AMEDDC&S. "We're standing on the shoulders of every Army medical professional since 1775, and during our tenure will continue to provide the Army Medical Department Soldiers and leaders," said MG Sargent. "There is no greater mission, there is no greater challenge because success is never static. Sadly, Plato got it right when he said only the dead have seen the end of war. Our enemies have adapted, grown, and shown great resolve. Our resolve needs to be even greater, and it is."
"The strength of academia is to illicit the broader spectrum of ideas, perspectives, and experiences. Properly leveraged we can raise new questions and new possibilities, to regard old problems through new angles, challenging the status quo," said MG Sargent. "That's how we will keep our sacred promise, even though these challenging times, to protect those who are set into harm's way, through their education, training, and doctrine."
MG Sargent's most recent assignment was Deputy Commanding General for Operations, U.S. Army Medical Command. MG Sargent's former assignments include Deputy Chief of Staff, G-3/5/7 for the U.S. Army Medical Command, Washington, D.C. and Commander, Darnall Army Medical Center, Fort Hood, Texas, where he led efforts to implement Soldier and Patient Centered Medical Homes and the CRDAMC Replacement Project.
MG Sargent is a graduate of the Adjutant General Officer Basic Course, Initial Entry Rotary Wing Course, Aviation Officer Advanced Course, Combined Arms and Services Staff School, Command and General Staff College, and the National War College. MG Sargent is board certified in Healthcare Administration and a Fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives. He is a member of the Order of Military Medical Merit and Order of Saint Michael. He is the recipient of the Tuskegee Airman, Inc. prestigious General Benjamin O. Davis Jr. National Military Award. MG Sargent earned the Army Surgeon General's prestigious 9A Proficiency Designator for being eminently qualified as an Aeromedical Evacuation Officer. He is a Distinguished Military Graduate, receiving his commission and earning a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science from Florida State University. He earned a Master of Arts Degree in Human Resource Development from Webster University and a Master of Science Degree in National Security Strategy from the National Defense University. He also earned a Certificate in Healthcare Leadership from Cornell University.
In his closing MG Sargent said, "Over the past two years I've been very impressed in watching the AMEDDC&S flawlessly execute it's noble mission. I'm looking forward to joining this team."
Social Sharing