BAUMHOLDER, Germany  –   U.S. Army Health Clinic Baumholder (BAHC) held a change of command ceremony where U.S. Army Lt. Col. Elizabeth Gum relinquished command to Lt. Col. Mark Jones, May 26.
The ceremony was presided by U.S. Army Col. Andrew Landers, commander of Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, the clinic’s higher headquarters.
“You’ve done magnificent during a very challenging (assignment),” said Landers, noting Gum’s role as commander during the COVID-19 pandemic. “You achieved this while enabling the Soldiers, civilians and local nationals the opportunity to grow, contribute greatly to performance and the quality of (BAHC), while morale of (clinic staff) remained high. (Gum) also maintained trust with (the Baumholder Military Community,) something to be extremely proud of.”
Under Gum’s command, BAHC underwent a successful survey by The Joint Commission, a U.S.-based organization which promotes safe, high-quality patient care in health care organizations, a testament to the organization’s commitment to quality improvement and patient safety.
According to Landers, Gum initiated several programs to build unit cohesion, support training objectives and prevent burnout during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, BAHC was the first Army Clinic in Germany to offer the COVID-19 vaccination to the American general population overseas, a leap toward eradicating the COVID-19 threat.
“It's everything I had hoped for and more,” said Gum about her assignment as BAHC commander. “When this pandemic brought us together, I was honored to be part of this amazing team. The most special part about (BAHC) is everything they do is great, and once they’re done they try to figure out how to make it better, faster, more efficient, and more caring.”
Gum’s next assignment will be at Regional Health Command Europe’s office of the Inspector General.
“(Jones) is inheriting an organization rich in pride, professionalism and a commitment to the Joint Warfighter and their families,” said Landers. “I know (Jones) will excel as clinic commander here and enable us to continue exceeding standards at every opportunity.”
The transfer of command signifies the transfer of the unit’s legacy, history, traditions and accomplishments, represented through the passing of the unit colors from the outgoing to incoming commander.
“To the Soldiers and civilians that make up this organization and to those whose daily passion, expertise and professionalism are the foundation of medical readiness, wellness and support units, beneficiaries, and this community: your reputation is solid,” said Jones. “To command is probably the highest privilege the military has and I thank each of you whose leadership, guidance, mentorship and friendship brought me here today.”