FORT HOOD, Texas  –   Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center marked a decade in its current facility with a ceremony recognizing both its people and its impact on the Army mission.

During the event, 12 staff members received the Order of Military Medical Merit, four civilians were recognized, and leaders announced the hospital’s fourth consecutive Leapfrog “A” grade.

Over the past 10 years, that commitment has translated into millions of patient interactions — more than 4.3 million primary care visits, 5.6 million specialty care encounters, and more than 460,000 emergency room visits. The hospital has also supported more than 18,000 newborn deliveries and filled more than 10 million prescriptions.

Col. Mark Jacques, CRDAMC commander, said these numbers represent lives touched and readiness sustained over the past decade. Our team shows up every day committed to taking care of Soldiers, Veterans, and families.

Behind those numbers are the people who have been there since the beginning.

When the hospital first opened, staff weren’t just stepping into a new building — they were navigating change while continuing to care for the Soldiers, Veterans, and their families.

“It felt like organized chaos — fast-paced, exciting, and full of moving parts,” said Mary Jackson, infection prevention nurse.

From the start, teamwork was critical. Staff balanced operations between two facilities while learning new systems and spaces.

“We had to perform a delicate balancing act: providing uninterrupted, safe patient care while our team and resources were split between the two locations,” said Jennifer Irby, health care risk manager and credentials manager.

Even routine tasks came with challenges.

“I remember always being lost in the hospital,” said Samarys Ortiz, clinical nurse officer in charge. “Trying to take patients to MRI and getting lost.”

Despite the early hurdles, staff leaned on each other.

“There was lots of confusion, but everyone was eager to assist patients and each other,” said Walter Alvarado, department of quality and safety administrator.

That shared experience helped shape a culture rooted in trust and connection.

“Co-workers became family,” said Mitzi Rogers, Interactive Customer Evaluation manager.

For Henderika “Ria” Anderson, quality assurance support assistant, that culture is grounded in purpose.

“Our patients are the most important in the country,” Anderson said. “It is a privilege to support care.”

“I love serving those whom we are entrusted to care for — Soldiers, families, and retirees,” Alvarado said.

For many staff members, the connection to the mission is deeply personal.

“As the spouse of a Veteran, serving Soldiers and their family members fills me with immense pride,” Ortiz said.

As the hospital has grown, so has the way care is delivered, with a stronger focus on access and patient-centered treatment.

“We are able to see more patients and provide more patient-centered, people-first care,” said Rogers.

For staff, the impact is often felt in individual moments — especially when caring for military families during challenging times.

“Being present with a mother in labor while her spouse is deployed … it’s about providing that human connection,” Irby said.

Those moments tie back to readiness, a mission at the core of everything they do.

“We continue to train and care for the warfighters,” Alvarado said.

Through challenges and growth over the past decade, staff say one thing has remained constant: the people.

“We have built a team that laughs together, mourns together, and supports one another without fail,” Irby said.

As CRDAMC looks ahead, staff say the focus remains on continuing that legacy of care and improvement.

“I hope the next 10 years brings continued growth, innovation, and an even higher standard of care,” Jackson said.

For those who have been there since the beginning, the milestone is about more than time — it’s about purpose.

“Every day I walk into the hospital, I am filled with pride,” Rogers said.