232d Medical Battalion helps expand the JBSA Adopt-A-School program

By Tish Williamson, Director, Communications, MEDCoESeptember 16, 2022

232d Medical Battalion helps expand the JBSA Adopt-A-School program
1 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Veterans Memorial High School Principal, Dr. Sue Arredondo, left center, and 232d Medical Battalion Commander, Lt. Col. Genna Speed, right center, alongside her Command Sergeant Major, Command Sgt. Maj. Lori Ingram, officially sign an Adopt-A-School charter between the organization on the 50-yard line, in front of the hundreds of soldiers, students and family members in attendance, during the school’s Red, White, and Blue, Patriot Day Commemoration Football Game, at D.W. Rutledge Stadium, San Antonio, Texas, September 9, 2022. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Mark Luther) (Photo Credit: Courtesy) VIEW ORIGINAL
232d Medical Battalion helps expand the JBSA Adopt-A-School program
2 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – The Veterans Memorial High School football team take the field for the school’s Red, White, and Blue, Patriot Day Commemoration Football Game, at D.W. Rutledge Stadium, San Antonio, Texas, September 9, 2022. Prior to the game, Soldiers and leaders assigned to the 232d Medical Battalion, 32d Medical Brigade signed an Adopt-A-School charter with the San Antonio school. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Mark Luther) (Photo Credit: Courtesy) VIEW ORIGINAL
232d Medical Battalion helps expand the JBSA Adopt-A-School program
3 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Lt. Col. Genna Speed, left, alongside her Command Sergeant Major, Command Sgt. Maj. Lori Ingram, and the 32d Medical Brigade Commander, Col. Marc Welde, engages with the crowd during the signing ceremony for the Adopt-A-School charter between the organization and Veterans Memorial High School, during the school’s Red, White, and Blue, Patriot Day Commemoration Football Game, at D.W. Rutledge Stadium, San Antonio, Texas, September 9, 2022. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Mark Luther) (Photo Credit: Courtesy) VIEW ORIGINAL

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas -Soldiers and leaders assigned to the 232d Medical Battalion, 32d Medical Brigade signed an Adopt-A-School charter with Veteran’s Memorial High School (VMHS) at a public ceremony during the school’s Red, White, and Blue, Patriot Day Commemoration Football Game, at D.W. Rutledge Stadium, September 9, 2022.

VMHS Principal, Dr. Sue Arredondo, and 232d Medical Battalion Commander, Lt. Col. Genna Speed, alongside her Command Sergeant Major, Command Sgt. Maj. Lori Ingram, officially signed the charter on the 50-yard line, in front of the hundreds of soldiers, students and family members in attendance.

232d is the largest medical training battalion within the 32d Medical Brigade, the singular training brigade within the U.S. Army Medical Center of Excellence (MEDCoE). Together, they train over 4,000 combat medics annually.

Each of the MEDCoE’s training battalions have participated in the JBSA-Fort Sam Houston Adopt-A-School Program, mainly in support elementary schools, for nearly a decade. Beginning in March of this year, MEDCoE, the Army’s medical training and education institution, began adopting local high schools, greatly expanding their reach across San Antonio.

Through the Adopt-A-School program, MEDCoE Soldiers aim to demonstrate what it means to live a life of serving others through shared Army values, while getting meaningful interactions with students. Through the program, Soldiers volunteer their time during various activities to include mentorship, school beautification, and school supply fundraisers.

“It is with great excitement that the 232d Medical Battalion joins with Veteran’s Memorial High School as partners in developing the leaders of tomorrow,” said Speed. “At some point in all our lives, there has been a trusted advisor, mentor, or guide to help each of us reach our fullest potential. It is truly an honor for the 232d to be a part of that process for the students of Veteran’s Memorial.”

In her remarks, Speed also thanked several people for their support of the Adopt-A-School initiative to include Dr. Jeanette Ball, Judson Independent School District, Superintendent, Col. Marc Welde, the 32d Medical Brigade Commander, Retired Army Lt.Col. John Baker, VMHS JROTC Senior Military Instructor, and Nita Ford-Hightower, JBSA-Fort Sam Houston School Liaison.

“This event would not have been possible without you,” said Speed. “We are thrilled to continue working together!”