Photo By Maj. John Heil | Command Sgt. Maj. Donnie Montgomery, 332nd Medical Brigade command sergeant major,...... read more read more
By Maj. John Heil
332nd Medical Brigade
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The first female commander of an Army Reserve Medical Brigade, Brig. Gen. Margaret Wilmoth, was awarded the Legion of Merit after formally handing over her command to Col. James Snyder at the Gaylord Opryland Resort in Nashville, Tenn., on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2008.
Wilmoth began her command of the 332nd Medical Brigade when she was a colonel in December 2003. "I was an interim commander of the Brigade, while our CG was deployed, until January 2005" said Wilmoth, "Then I became full-time commander as a brigadier general in May 2005."
Brig. Gen. Wilmoth was also the first female Army Nurse Corps to command an Army Reserve Medical Brigade. She was presented the Legion of Merit by Maj. Gen. James Hasbargen, commander Army Reserve Medical Command, for her meritorious and distinct service as commander of the 332nd.
She commanded the Brigade until July 2008 and then accepted a position as the assistant for Mobilization and Reserve Affairs with Force Health Protection and Readiness for the Office of the assistant secretary for Health Affairs.
During her tenure of command, Wilmoth commanded all Reserve medical units in the Southeastern United States to include Puerto Rico. Wilmoth ensured that more than 3,000 Soldiers were ready to mobilize during the three years she served as commanding general.
"I am proud of our Soldiers who demonstrate their patriotism and devotion to duty by following through on their commitment to serve whenever and wherever called by their country," said Wilmoth, "We are blessed to have Soldiers who love their country enough to be willing to make the ultimate sacrifice and wear the uniform of our country."
The Brigade participated in many exercises throughout Wilmoth's command. Some were Golden Medic, Global Medic, and Lightning Rescue. "Our Soldiers and units serve all over the globe in a variety of exercises," said Wilmoth, "To include training in Central and South America so that we are ready for any mission."
Col. James W. Snyder took over as interim commander, on July 2, 2008. In addition to serving as interim commander, Snyder wears another hat as the G-7, chief of staff, for AR-MEDCOM in Pinellas Park, Fl.
"Honor and support your families," said Snyder to Soldiers, on July 12, 2008, "adhere to the chain of command and most importantly be proud of who you are, what you do, and who you represent."
Snyder's military experience includes commanding the 307th Medical Group, and serving as acting commander of the 337th and 801st Combat Support Hospitals, executive officer of the 337th CSH, and chief of staff (special projects) of the 330th Medical Brigade.
"Mission focused leadership and a genuine effort to take care of the Soldier," said Snyder, "That is what my Soldiers can expect of me."
"I will lead by example and ensure that each member of this Brigade will understand the importance of their role in elevating this Brigade to the highest level," said Snyder, "I will ensure individual readiness for deployment."
As Wilmoth leaves the 332nd Med. Bde., she expressed having fond memories. "Every moment with our Soldiers was a proud moment," said Wilmoth, "But I would say that welcoming our returning Soldiers from deployment and thanking them and their families for serving our country has been my proudest."
"I am also proud of the work done by my Brigade staff and leaders throughout the command who ensured that our units and Soldiers were ready to deploy when called," said Wilmoth.
"There is a special bond among those of us who serve, which surpasses the bonds we have with colleagues in civilian careers," said Wilmoth, "While I was in command and ultimately responsible and accountable, leadership doesn't happen in a vacuum and I had an outstanding staff, subordinate commanders and non-commissioned officer's who supported our efforts."
Snyder holds the same passion for Soldiers as his predecessor. "I foresee the 332nd as the premier medical brigade throughout the Army Reserve medical structure," said Snyder, "It will continue to provide command and control over assigned medical units based on the guidance received from its higher headquarters. The brigade and the assigned direct reporting units will be prepared to deploy upon order and provide command and control and medical support based on the assigned mission."
| Date Taken: | 09.13.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 09.22.2008 13:23 |
| Story ID: | 23996 |
| Location: | US |
| Web Views: | 1,026 |
| Downloads: | 467 |
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