Commander's Blog

As I begin to wrap up things during my final few weeks in command of USAMMDA, I can't help but think of the wonderful experience I've had over the past two years. The men and women who support USAMMDA are among the best and brightest I've encountered in my career, and I will certainly miss our comradery and the success we've shared together. However, I know that so much more awaits you all, and I am excited to hear about your many accomplishments in the future.

Recently, I conducted my final briefing for our newcomers, and we've added some fantastic people to our team. As usual, one of the things I ask of everyone is that they share with the group their initial impressions of USAMMDA. Almost universally, folks say that they immediately feel our sense of mission and our welcoming family environment, and they also say that it seems like a really great place to work. Clearly, I am very proud of these statements, but I know that it all goes hand-in-hand with the great mission we've been given, the fantastic people we have on our team, and the tremendous passion we have for what we do. In many cases, the work we do at USAMMDA is a calling for many of our staff, and I will certainly miss this aspect of my job a great deal.

I'd like to thank the entire staff for their support, and also the leadership – at all levels – from within the ranks of USAMMDA. Folks at all levels really can make a difference, improve things and drive change. I hope that I've been able to help support this feeling during my time here. I encourage everyone to continue to devote time and energy to making things better at USAMMDA despite the daily obstacles and bureaucracy, because the fact remains that change is an ever-constant factor. Therefore, I expect that change will continue throughout USAMMDA as the command grows and matures – and the outcome of this will be left in the hands of the USAMMDA staff going forward. The mission must continue despite the hurdles, because it's much too important to compromise.

Colonel Bailey is certainly getting a great team, and I'm sure he'll immediately feel the sense of warmth and family that we have here. I also know that he'll have plenty of fun times as well, with the many social teambuilding events we hold each year, like the chili cook-off, pie-in-the-face challenge, potluck meals, birthday lunches, and, of course, farewell parties. Honestly, I may miss these gatherings most of all, because I truly have enjoyed spending time with you all.

Sincerely, I encourage everyone to stay in touch, and if I can assist USAMMDA and its mission in any way within my new role with the Army Medical Department Board, I will certainly do so. I think many people know that I am always willing to provide any support I can. I am sure that I will bump into many of you whenever I'm back at Fort Detrick, or when you may be down in San Antonio. In fact, the AMEDD Board will be conducting tests involving some products from the Medical Support Systems Project Management Office this summer, so I will be in contact with some USAMMDA folks through this as well. So you see, chances are I will probably be "close to home" for quite a while!

But again, if you are ever down in San Antonio, please make sure to contact me, as I would love to see you. I am certain that the friendships we've made here will last a lifetime; if you know me well, you know that I always do my best to keep up with friends throughout the years.

Although I may be leaving, the USAMMDA mission continues – and it's a mission that remains critical to the health and strength of our Warfighters worldwide. Just like all of you, I am very proud to be a part of Army Medicine. No other organization does what we do, and nobody could ever do it better regardless. I will always hold a special place in my heart, and in my mind, for the wonderful people and the tremendous mission of USAMMDA – and I feel very blessed to have worked with each and every team member. Thank you for making my job easier.

Continue to take great care of yourselves, your families, and our Warfighters.

Hooah!

COL William Geesey