FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas --Soldiers and civilians celebrated the anniversary of the Army Medical Department Regiment Aug. 14 with a social at the AMEDD Museum.
Gregg Stephens, deputy to the commanding general, Army Medical Department Center and School, hosted the event, standing in for Maj. Gen. Russell Czerw and Command Sgt. Maj. Howard Riles who were unable to attend.
Commander Sgt. Maj. Stephen Paskos, Commandant of the Noncommissioned Officers Academy provided opening marks, saying "This afternoon we are celebrating the establishment of our Army Medical Department Regiment; a regiment that has a proud and historic 234-year heritage, dating back to the earliest days of our Army."
Paskos thanked the Sergeant Major of the Army Leon Van Autreve Sergeant Audie Murphy Club for sponsoring the event for the Army Medical Department, and introduced guest speaker, retired Sgt. Maj. Stephen Spadaro, the honorary sergeant major of the regiment.
The U.S. Army Medical Department was formed July 27, 1775 when the Continental Congress authorized a Medical Department Service for an Army of 20,000 men.
"Today we are charged to maintain the fighting strength of over 1,000,000 Soldiers," said Spadaro. "The U.S. Army Medical Department Regiment was activated July 28, 1986, here at Fort Sam Houston. The regiment's mission is to enhance combat effectiveness through a framework that provides the opportunity for affiliation; develop loyalty and commitment; foster a sense of belonging; improve unit morale and institutionalize the war fighting ethos."
"Stay involved, talk to your Soldiers, about (AMEDD Regiment) history and the sacrifices and commitment made each and every day by our members throughout the world," he advised.
Spadaro named several Soldiers memorialized on a plaque at the entrance of the AMEDD Museum.
"These medics, like so many before them, made the ultimate sacrifice while performing their duties, representing you, our Army and our medical regiment," Spadaro said.
"My message to you today is stay involved, support and be proud of our Army Medical Department Regiment. You are and will always be a part of this great history."
Social Sharing