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Col. Kevin J. Stevens assumed command of 115th Combat Support Hospital from Col. Patricia Darnauer during a change of command ceremony Feb. 1 at 1st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade Gym.
"Today has special significance for the 115th Combat Support Hospital as we say farewell to a great, caring and dynamic commander, Col. Patricia Darnauer, and we get to formally welcome the new Combat Support Hospital commander, Col. Kevin Stevens and his family," said Col. Bruce McVeigh, commander, 1st Medical Brigade. McVeigh said during the past 31 months, Darnauer has led the 115th CSH with a steadfast hand and unwavering spirit and the unit is stronger and better because of her leadership.
"There's no doubt this leader gave her all everyday in caring for the families and soldiers of this magnificent 115th Combat Support Hospital," McVeigh said. "Her passion for her soldiers was always evident and at the forefront of all her decision making. Like a true unsung hero, it was never about her, it was always about her soldiers and team. Trish, for all you have done, I salute you. For all you are going to do, I wish you the best."
McVeigh said Stevens is no stranger to the 'Silver Knights' team and has had "the distinct pleasure" to work with him over the years.
"As I know, he will truly be a valued asset to this outstanding combat support hospital and our entire Silver Knight team," he said. "His dedication, passion and continued quest for excellence makes him the perfect choice to be here today. This gifted officer stands ready to assume his command and I know he will lead these soldiers, NCOs and officers to success in all the tasks and missions that will lie ahead for him."
Darnauer said she was thankful for the opportunity to lead the 115th CSH and highlighted the unit's many accomplishments, including their recent return from a year-long deployment in Afghanistan.
"When I assumed command in August 2009, I did not truly appreciate the path before me," Darnauer said. "Today, I am humbled by the opportunity to have led this organization and am very proud of the many successes we shared. Thank you to all members of the 115th, my command team, staff, leaders and each soldier for providing me such an exceptional opportunity. To Colonel Stevens, welcome. Kevin, you are now the commander of the proud organization before you. Your strengths will complement the needs of this unit as it resets and prepares for future missions. I wish you well."
Stevens said he was honored and humbled to take command of the 115th CSH during a time of war and promised to uphold the warrior medic tradition.
"Officers, NCOs, soldiers and family members of the 115th, our number one priority is to be trained and ready to provide life-saving medical care," Stevens said. "Thanks to the diligence of our soldier medics, survival rates on the battlefields of Iraq and Afghanistan are the highest in the history of warfare. Our brothers and sisters in arms are counting on us with their lives to be ready, and ready we'll be."
Col. Kevin J. Stevens assumed command of 115th Combat Support Hospital from Col. Patricia Darnauer during a change of command ceremony Feb. 1 at 1st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade Gym.
"Today has special significance for the 115th Combat Support Hospital as we say farewell to a great, caring and dynamic commander, Col. Patricia Darnauer, and we get to formally welcome the new Combat Support Hospital commander, Col. Kevin Stevens and his family," said Col. Bruce McVeigh, commander, 1st Medical Brigade. McVeigh said during the past 31 months, Darnauer has led the 115th CSH with a steadfast hand and unwavering spirit and the unit is stronger and better because of her leadership.
"There's no doubt this leader gave her all everyday in caring for the families and soldiers of this magnificent 115th Combat Support Hospital," McVeigh said. "Her passion for her soldiers was always evident and at the forefront of all her decision making. Like a true unsung hero, it was never about her, it was always about her soldiers and team. Trish, for all you have done, I salute you. For all you are going to do, I wish you the best."
McVeigh said Stevens is no stranger to the 'Silver Knights' team and has had "the distinct pleasure" to work with him over the years.
"As I know, he will truly be a valued asset to this outstanding combat support hospital and our entire Silver Knight team," he said. "His dedication, passion and continued quest for excellence makes him the perfect choice to be here today. This gifted officer stands ready to assume his command and I know he will lead these soldiers, NCOs and officers to success in all the tasks and missions that will lie ahead for him."
Darnauer said she was thankful for the opportunity to lead the 115th CSH and highlighted the unit's many accomplishments, including their recent return from a year-long deployment in Afghanistan.
"When I assumed command in August 2009, I did not truly appreciate the path before me," Darnauer said. "Today, I am humbled by the opportunity to have led this organization and am very proud of the many successes we shared. Thank you to all members of the 115th, my command team, staff, leaders and each soldier for providing me such an exceptional opportunity. To Colonel Stevens, welcome. Kevin, you are now the commander of the proud organization before you. Your strengths will complement the needs of this unit as it resets and prepares for future missions. I wish you well."
Stevens said he was honored and humbled to take command of the 115th CSH during a time of war and promised to uphold the warrior medic tradition.
"Officers, NCOs, soldiers and family members of the 115th, our number one priority is to be trained and ready to provide life-saving medical care," Stevens said. "Thanks to the diligence of our soldier medics, survival rates on the battlefields of Iraq and Afghanistan are the highest in the history of warfare. Our brothers and sisters in arms are counting on us with their lives to be ready, and ready we'll be."
