Photo By Marcy Sanchez | Col. Valerie Holmes (left), incoming commander, Fort Bliss Dental Activity (DENTAC),...... read more read more
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The Fort Bliss Dental Activity (DENTAC) held a change of command ceremony where Col. Michael Hemker relinquished command to Col. Valerie Holmes at Fort Bliss, July 14.
Under Hemker’s command, the Fort Bliss DENTAC initiated a pilot program titled “Go First Class” which enabled routine oral care procedures such as exams, cleanings, varnishing and fillings, all in a single appointment. The program showed significant reductions in the number of non-deployable Soldiers due to dental readiness.
“(Hemker’s) organization has accomplished a great deal,” said Col. Michael Roberts, commander, Dental Command-Central. “(Fort Bliss DENTAC) brought this organization from 35 percent wellness to over 60 percent.”
Another accomplishment under Hemker’s leadership includes the ongoing development of digital dentistry in the Army such as computer-aided design and manufacturing of dental restorations.
“Fort Bliss DENTAC has a reputation of excellence and innovation,” said Hemker, a native of Mansfield, Ohio. “I know (Holmes’) experience and fresh ideas will keep this DENTAC moving in the right direction.”
Hemker credits his wife with convincing him to join the Army and leaving a successful private practice behind in Ohio.
“We jumped into the Army with our family and I never once have regretted that decision,” said Hemker.
Hemker will go on to practice at the Fort Lee Dental Clinic as he prepares to retire.
Holmes, a native of Los Angeles, previously served as commander of the Fort Drum DENTAC, Fort Drum, New York.
“I feel like I’m walking into a very structured and progressive DENTAC,” said Holmes. “I have no doubt we’ll kick off where you left off and keep moving.”
The Fort Bliss DENTAC spans over three states including Fort Bliss, Texas, White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico, and Fort Huachuca, Arizona.
“Taking command is not a job; it’s more than a position, it’s a way of life,” said Roberts.
| Date Taken: | 07.19.2016 |
| Date Posted: | 07.19.2016 16:42 |
| Story ID: | 204411 |
| Location: | FORT BLISS, TEXAS, US |
| Hometown: | LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA, US |
| Hometown: | MANSFIELD, OHIO, US |
| Web Views: | 201 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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