Public Health Command Europe celebrates graduating class of 2022

LANDSTUHL, Germany – Five Public Health Command Europe soldiers received their associate’s, and or bachelor’s degree during a graduation ceremony Oct. 18 at Public Health Command Europe Headquarters in Landstuhl, Germany.

Class President Sgt. Alysia Long-Moses gave the opening remarks and noted that obtaining a degree while being stationed overseas was not an easy task.

"As you all know, getting orders to an OCONUS assignment can be difficult," said Long-Moses. "You are placed in a foreign country relying on everything and everyone and to things you've never known. To make it more complicated, you are trying to graduate with a degree online with no physical help from professors or advisors. For most of us, there is no traditional ceremony."

To recognize the soldiers and their accomplishments, Public Health Command Europe held its first ever graduation ceremony.

"Here's where we make a change. It is people and days like this that breaks the monotony," added Long-Moses. "Earning a degree is no small feat, and today we celebrate the hard work and dedication of these bright soldiers outside of uniform."

The recognized soldiers graduated from five different academic institutions, including an academic institutions on post — the University of Maryland Global Campus and four off-post colleges.

Public Health Command Europe commander Col. Kenneth Spicer was the guest speaker and expressed how proud he is of the soldiers.

"I commend the dedication you've showcased and the sacrifices you have made to complete your programs of study," said Spicer. "Furthering your education makes you a more well-rounded leader and increases your critical thinking, communication, and comprehension skills."

Spicer congratulated the graduates for their accomplishments and noted that "the Army’s – and really - any winning team’s biggest strength is our people."

"We win because of men and women of character who stand for our nation's values and are committed to the national defense," Spicer added. " And we will keep winning because of the great soldiers and civilians graduating from institutions of higher learning."

Graduating Class of 2022

• Sgt. Alysia Long-Moses - Associate's in Health Science from American Military University
• Sgt. Markell Mckee - Associate's in Small Group Management from Purdue
• Sgt. Trent Tardy - Associate's in Health Science from University of Texas
• Staff Sgt. Jordan Williams - Associate's in Liberal Arts from University of Maryland
• Sgt. 1st Class Chasidy Tenison - Bachelor's in Health Science from Southern New Hampshire