FORT GORDON, Ga. (Aug. 2, 2021) – The day began unusually cool for August in Georgia. But as the sun rose, the day quickly reverted to the usual hot and humid form. Before then, Col. Carlene A.S Blanding had relinquished command of Eisenhower Army Medical Center to Col. Heidi P. Mon.
The ceremony, held at EAMC’s Myers Plaza, was officiated by Brig. Gen. Mary V. Krueger, commanding general, Regional Health Command–Atlantic.
“Under Col. Blanding’s leadership,” Krueger said, “the soldiers and civilians have been united in succeeding in two critical missions: the prioritization of world-class medical support to operational units and units in training, while ensuring that same level of support [for] the day-to-day provision of health care for our beneficiaries.
“Col. Blanding, as you leave Eisenhower, this assignment is the culmination of a 30-year career. I know this final command is personally special for you. I know the experiences here, certainly in the diverse and strategic community will be a highlight of your career.”
Col. Blanding, in her final remarks to the Eisenhower Team, pointed to the successes of her command during the pandemic, including the proven track record of COVID response and vaccinations, a stellar survey from The Joint Commission, significant progress in the Defense Health Agency transition and formation of Eisenhower’s central role in the Augusta market.
Blanding cited the success of the EAMC staff -- military and civilian – in meeting these challenges head on. Leadership and teamwork, Blanding said, lead to success.
Incoming commander, Col. Mon arrives at Eisenhower after recently serving as Chief of Staff for Regional Health Command–Pacific.
Krueger introduced Mon. “I am delighted to welcome Col. Heidi Mon and her family. … In Heidi, Eisenhower is receiving an outstanding Army Medicine leader who will build upon the legacy of excellence and take this organization to the next level.
“My confidence in her collaborative, insightful and mission-focused leadership not only comes from her reputation but from my personal experience in having served alongside her in Hawaii,” she said.
Mon’s command of EAMC is not her first experience at Fort Gordon. Just after the birth of her daughter, Mon attended a four-month training course here, and the care she and her daughter received here sticks with her to this day.
“What I remember about those days,” Mon said … “was how warm the wonderful the staff here at EAMC was to me and Miranda. Since then, I've always wanted to return to Eisenhower to be a part of this team.
“I'm sincerely lucky and grateful to be here,” she said. “I promise to work hard for you during our time together with the goal of being your choice as a commander just as EAMC was my choice for my new family.”
EAMC serves well more than 120,000 beneficiaries in the Central Savannah River Area as well as the active duty service members and their families stationed at Fort Gordon.
| Date Taken: | 08.02.2021 |
| Date Posted: | 08.03.2021 15:00 |
| Story ID: | 402359 |
| Location: | AUGUSTA, GEORGIA, US |
| Web Views: | 411 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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