CHIÈVRES, Belgium -- Army Col. Kathleen G. Spangler assumed command of the SHAPE Healthcare Facility and Brussels Army Health Clinic during a ceremony, June 19, on SHAPE, Belgium.
Spangler replaced Army Col. Yolonda "YR" Summons who took command in June 2017. Summons was the first female to serve as the commander for the facility.
As a leader for two health clinics in an international military community, Summons personified the motto of "selfless service." She optimized readiness and premiere healthcare to over 15,000 beneficiaries including U.S. service members, their families and Department of Defense civilians in addition to NATO partners.
"I am a better person and leader after serving such a wonderful team of professionals. It was, in the halls of our clinics, that I witnessed a culture of excellence and committed professionals," said Summons, outgoing commander.
"Together, we achieved monumental success."
According to Army Col. Claude Burnett, deputy commanding officer for Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, the parent organization for both military treatment facilities in Belgium, Summons led LRMC's highest performing clinic and achieved many accomplishments including improvements to the patient-reception processes.
"Under your watch, the clinic consistently met and exceeded access to care standards," said Burnett to Summons during the ceremony.
Summons will serve as the deputy chief for the Medical Service Corps. In the summer of 2020, she will assume command of the 62nd Medical Brigade at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash.
Spangler received her ROTC commission in the Army Nurse Corps in 1996. She recently served as the director of Patient Care Integration, G-3/5/7, Office of the Surgeon General. Her previous assignments include serving as the commander of the Andrew Rader Army Health Clinic in Fort Myer, Va., from July 2016 to July 2018 and director of nursing of the DiLorenzo TRICARE Health Clinic in Washington, D.C., from August 2014 to June 2016.
"From the moment that I stepped into the clinic two days ago, I felt the presence of a dynamic team. They ensure patients receive extraordinary care every time," said Spangler, incoming commander.
"I am thrilled and honored to be a part of this team, and I look forward to our next two years together."
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