A significant event in the closure of Fort McPherson took place when the Lawrence Joel Army Health Clinic was re-designated as the Lawrence Joel Army Troop Medical Clinic (LJATMC) Oct. 1.
"Today's transition is important," said Col. Cheryl Taylor-Whitehead, LJATMC commander. "It is the first major milestone in closing the clinic."
The ceremony, while a step into the clinic's future, included reflection on the clinic's past, allowing attendees to learn and commemorate the clinic's history, which can be traced back to 1867.
At that time, health care was a 48-bed hospital located about two-and-a-half miles from the present location. Throughout the years, the clinic moved and expanded, ultimately operating as the current clinic building on Jan. 7, 1998.
The Family of Lawrence Joel, a Medal of Honor recipient for whom the clinic is named, was in attendance to see the change.
Dorothy Joel, the widow of Lawrence, said she was present for the initial dedication ceremony, a day she remarked was raining cats and dogs.
Blessed with better weather this time, Dorothy, along with her daughter, Deborah; son, Tremaine, and daughter-in-law, Cheryl, spoke about the way the clinic has honored them.
"My dad would have been proud," Tremaine said. "(Like him) you're helping take care of your own."
Col. Deborah Grays, U.S. Army Garrison commander, said like Lawrence - who was an Army medic - the clinic will continue to serve the military despite the name change.
"Even as we close this installation and transition, the legacy of hope will still exist in this building," she said. "Residing here will be doctors, nurses and patients still fulfilling the destiny - his destiny - going beyond the call of duty, treating fellow Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen, (and) offering care and comfort."
The guest speaker, retired Brig. Gen. Sheila Baxter, the first female general officer in the Army Medical Service Corps, shared similar sentiments, noting that despite the change in name and mission (the clinic will be outsourcing care for veterans and retirees, and focusing more on current military members and their Families), there will be no change in the attitude of its staff, who will continue to care for Soldiers and other personnel.
"We will continue to honor the man the clinic is named after," she said.
Attendees had a chance to learn some of the exploits of Lawrence following the ceremony.
A display and video of Lawrence receiving the Medal of Honor were set up in the clinic, in addition to other historical displays.
Rick McIntyre, logistician, U.S. Army Forces Command G-4, grew up in Lawrence's hometown of Winston Salem, N.C., and came to pay tribute to his hometown hero.
"I was in middle school when he came back from Vietnam. He was a hero to many in the military and our hometown," he said.
Sadly, such fame is relatively unknown outside these circles, said Deborah Joel.
"The new generation doesn't know about Vietnam and its heroes," she said.
To combat this, Deborah spoke about her father and his accomplishments: his two tours in Vietnam, his Medal of Honor, and his Silver and Bronze Stars.
She also spoke of a website, www.lawrencejoelmedal ofhonor.com, her Family created to educate people of Lawrence's accomplishments and serve as an inspiration to others.
It is important to remember heroes like Lawrence because of the many lessons they can teach, said McIntyre, a 30-year Army veteran who retired as a chief warrant officer 5.
"To learn what he went through, learn about what he did, it lends to our history and also teaches us what is possible," he said.
As for himself, McIntyre said Lawrence's example gave him a sense of pride, inspiration and the sense he could accomplish anything.
"He was the epitome of going the extra mile, being part of a team and putting the team before me," McIntyre said.
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