FORT RUCKER, Ala. (July 5, 2012) -- Fort Rucker welcomed the new commander of the U.S. Army Dental Clinic Command during a ceremony at the U.S. Army Aviation Museum June 25.
The change of command became official with the traditional passing of the colors from outgoing commander Col. Edward Cathright Jr. to Col. Stephen J. Awe, commander of U.S. Army Dental Activity at Fort Benning, Ga., then incoming commander Maj. Robert J. Selders Jr.
After the passing of the colors, Selders said he saw the assignment as a "wonderful opportunity" and he looked forward to building relationships with the people of Fort Rucker in the future.
Selders is a native of Omaha, Neb. He held dental positions in Arkansas and Georgia, and a teaching position with the University of Tennessee's Department of Periodontology, before accepting a commission with the U.S. Army Dental Corps.
His previous assignments include Fort Wainwright, Alaska, and serving as officer-in-charge of the Fairbank Dental Clinic at Fort Hood, Texas. He has received the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal and the Army Achievement Medal, as well as several other awards and decorations.
"Major Selders, we're expecting great things from you," Awe said during the ceremony. "You're the right person at the right time for this job."
Cathright said his departure from Fort Rucker to go to Fort Meade, Md., was bittersweet because he is an Alabama native and has been able to spend time with Family during this assignment.
He praised the Brown Dental Clinic staff for its work to exceed MEDCOM standards of customer satisfaction and wait times, as well as the staff's support of a near-complete building renovation project.
"Nothing but the best for our Soldiers here at Fort Rucker," he said of the upgraded dental clinic, scheduled to open later this month.
The building has been under construction for about a year and when finished will feature state-of-the-art technology and five additional chairs.
Awe said customer service defined Cathright's time at Fort Rucker.
"Taking care of Soldiers is what it's all about," he said. "We hate to see him go, but that's the culture of the Army. We keep moving on."
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