CAMP ZAMA, Japan – Dr. (Col.) Jeremy Johnson assumed command of U.S. Army Medical Department Activity-Japan and the Brig. Gen. Crawford F. Sams U.S. Army Health Clinic here in a July 7 ceremony.
Johnson assumed the reins of command from Col. Tanya Peacock, who had led the unit since July 2020.
MEDDAC-J and the BG Sams clinic consists of approximately 180 Soldiers, civilians, and local national staff, and is the sole Army primary care clinic in Japan.
During his remarks, Johnson, a recent graduate of the U.S. Army War College, reflected on a quote by Simon Sinek, a motivational speaker and author of the book, ‘Leaders Eat Last.’
Attributing Sinek, Johnson said, “Leadership is not about being in charge. Leadership is about taking care of those in your charge.”
That was his goal, Johnson said, along with continuing the high standards of MEDDAC-J.
“We will also strive to provide world-class medical care to our patients,” he added.
Johnson, a West Point graduate and family medicine physician, is no stranger to Japan or the Indo-Pacific, having spent a total of 12 years during his career assigned in the area.
Peacock, the outgoing commander, said MEDDAC-J had accomplished much over the last two years, and had done it well.
“This team led the way during the pandemic effort, which resulted in zero loss of life to COVD-19 in Japan,” she said. “I’m so, so proud of you.”
Peacock, who is retiring from the Army along with her husband, Col. Mike Peacock of U.S. Army-Japan, said her time in command had been a career goal.
“This was my dream job in the Army,” she said, “and it has been. It’s been an amazing two years.”
Brig. Gen. Edward H. Bailey, commanding general of Regional Health Command-Pacific, under which MEDDAC-J falls, praised Peacock’s leadership and ability in his remarks.
“Tanya led through adversity,” Bailey said. “Her team trusted that she would lead them through crisis, and she has.”
Regional Health Command-Pacific, headquartered in Honolulu, is the most geographically dispersed command in Army Medicine, stretching more than 5,000 miles and five time zones across the Pacific.
The command oversees Army medical units in the Pacific Northwest, Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, Japan, and South Korea.
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