Photo By Jean Graves | Fort Johnson, La. —Fort Johnson Dental Health Activity has a new leader following a...... read more read more
Fort Johnson, La. —Fort Johnson Dental Health Activity has a new leader following a change of command ceremony at 9 a.m., May 22 on Warrior Field at the Joint Readiness Training Center and Fort Johnson, Louisiana.
The outgoing commander, Col. Ann Behrends, relinquished command to Col. Suzanne Jones, in front of military and local leaders, dental professionals from across the installation, family and friends.
Throughout military history, unit colors have marked the position of the commander on the battlefield and served as a rallying point in times of confusion. Now, the colors symbolize the authority of the command. During the change of command ceremony, the passing of the colors represents the transfer of authority between commanders.
While the clouds and a cool breeze kept the Louisiana temperatures in check, Behrends passed the unit colors to Col. Stefan Olpinski, commander, Dental Health Command, West and host of the ceremony, indicating her relinquishment of command. Olpinski then passed the colors to Jones charging her with the responsibilities and authority to lead the organization.
Olpinski said the Fort Johnson DENTAC is a key component of the DHC, W and thanked the Soldiers, Civilians, and contract staff for their compassionate commitment to providing world-class dental care for the Army.
Olpinski said Behrends leaves behind a legacy of service, dedication, and unmatched success.
“The accomplishments of the Fort Johnson Dental Health Activity are a direct reflection of Ann’s leadership and commitment to her team,” he said. “Nothing happens by chance. It takes great leadership to forge a cohesive and highly accomplished team.”
Olpinski lauded Behrends for tackling challenges head on.
“The Fort Johnson Dental Health Activity is a shining star in our region,” he said. “Under Col. Behrends leadership, the team has improved systems and procedures, despite staffing shortages and budget cuts, resulting in the delivery of more than $5 million worth of dental readiness. Her team also expertly prepared 3rd Bridge Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, for deployment by increasing their dental readiness to more than 95 percent.”
Olpinski welcomed Jones to the DHC, W family.
“Suzanne has a rare and successful blend of transformation leadership coupled with superior management skills that will assure success in every undertaking,” he said. “Col. Jones understands that building cohesive teams and readiness are top priorities and this DENTAC can be confident that they are getting an outstanding commander.”
Behrends thanked her husband, her dental health team and the JRTC and Fort Johnson leadership for their support during her tenure.
“This past year has gone by quickly,” she said. “I hope I have left the organization a little better than I found it.”
Behrends, who is retiring from active-duty service, said she was grateful to leave on a high note from her favorite duty station.
“I feel truly blessed to end my Army career at Fort Johnson,” she said. “I spent four years here as a staff prosthodontist. That assignment remains, to this day, one of my favorites. I was so thankful to come back here, even if it was only for a year.”
Behrends wished Jones good luck and assured her the team at Fort Johnson would take care of her.
“To all the DENTAC Soldiers and Civilians, thank you for fighting the good fight. You show up every day and take care of Soldiers,” she said. “Col. Jones, you are gaining a great team and I know I’m leaving them in good hands with you.”
Jones said she was honored and privilege to lead the dental health team at Fort Johnson. She remarked that as a young high school graduate, college was not a priority.
“One day, I found myself taking a prerequisite English course at a local community college and a professor encouraged me to pursue a four-year degree,” she said. “No one had ever really said that to me, and looking back I know he presented me with an opportunity I had never envisioned for myself. Fast forward and here I am humbly before you as a reminder that you never know what impact you may have on others. So be a good mentor to someone and as you climb the ladder remember to reach back, and pull someone up with you.”
Jones said she wakes up every morning and is honored to serve the country and vowed to serve the Fort Johnson community to the best of her ability.
“Thank you for the warmest of welcomes,” she said. “God bless America.”
| Date Taken: | 05.22.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 05.22.2024 15:18 |
| Story ID: | 472025 |
| Location: | FORT JOHNSON, LOUISIANA, US |
| Web Views: | 74 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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Dental Corps Officer
