554th Medical Detachment inactivates

Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Kelvin Ringold | (From left to right) Maj. Kayla Vickers and Sgt. Kiyuana Strong, the command team for the 554th Med. Det. (Opt.), gently case the unit’s colors signaling the unit’s inactivation at Fort Hood on Oct. 15. Part of the 61st Multifunctional Medical Battalion, 1st Medical Bde., 554th Med. Det. (Opt.) was established on November 14, 2006, and has continued to uphold the traditions set forth by its parent unit through multiple deployments.  

FORT HOOD, TEXAS, UNITED STATES

10.15.2018

Story by Sgt. 1st Class Kelvin Ringold 

13th Armored Corps Sustainment Command (13th ESC)

FORT HOOD, Texas—The 554th Medical Detachment (Optometry) held a ceremony, on Monday, casing its colors for possibly the last time at the 1st Medical Brigade annex.

The ceremony was hosted by the 61st Multifunctional Medical Battalion commander Lt. Col. Samuel L. Fricks, as he recalled his own experiences with inactivation ceremonies.

“Unit inactivations are not easy,” Fricks said. “This is no different for the 554th.”

Part of the 61st Multifunctional Medical Battalion, 1st Medical Bde., 554th Med. Det. (Opt.) was established on November 14, 2006, and has continued to uphold the traditions set forth by its parent unit through multiple deployments.

Even though the unit’s colors are being cased, the legacy the unit leaves behind in its 12 year history cannot go understated.

“The 554th has definitely made its mark on the Army known by supporting two combat deployments, and a multitude of home station requirements,” Fricks said. “The 554th’s guidon will be safely guarded until the United States Army needs its services yet again.”

After the commander’s remarks, the 554th Med. Det. (Opt.) command team faced their guidon, and began the longstanding military tradition of casing the colors.

After the colors were gently cased, commander Maj. Kayla Vickers showed her gratitude to the Soldiers and leaders of the detachment.

“As we case the colors and inactivate the unit, I say thank you to the Soldiers, NCOs and officers who flew the 554th guidon in support of our nation,” Vickers said. “No matter how small the unit the purpose is always the same; supporting the warfighter in the defense of our great nation against all enemies, both foreign and domestic.”

Units being inactivated or deactivated have been a part of the military for many years.

While many share in the feeling of disappointment when it happens, Fricks wanted those with ties to the detachment to leave the ceremony with their heads held high.

“Thank you for your service and for your leadership at home and abroad. Job well done.”

• Date Taken: 10.15.2018
• Date Posted: 10.16.2018 12:42
• Story ID: 296605
• Location: FORT HOOD, TEXAS, US