May 15, 2020 | BY CHUCK CANNON
Warrior medics with the Joint Readiness Training Center and
the 115th Field Hospital, 32nd Hospital Center, deployed from Fort Polk,
Louisiana, in support of Task Force
Evacuare, operating in U.S. Central Command's area of responsibility.
Army Brig. Gen. Patrick D. Frank, the commanding officer of
JRTC and Fort Polk, and Army Col. Lee Burnett, the commander of the 32nd HC,
were guest speakers at a May 6 deployment ceremony.
Burnett spoke first, thanking the soldiers for heeding their
country's call.
"Today you head overseas to support our fellow soldiers
and civilians as they endeavor to provide peace and security," he said,
noting that the soldiers completed months of deployment preparation in just a
matter of weeks.
"I'd like to recognize that every soldier here, to a
person, whether the most junior enlisted or the most senior officer, willingly
and proudly accepted this assignment," he said.
Burnett specifically highlighted the leadership shown by
Army Lt. Col. Jason Marquart and Army Sgt. 1st Class Erik Regalado.
"When this mission came down, they both immediately
stepped forward and took on this challenge," he said. "Every day,
they put their soldiers and mission first. I am thankful we have such
professional leaders and rest easy knowing our soldiers are guided by this
stellar team."
Burnett also recognized the 1st Medical Brigade, the JRTC
and Fort Polk for their unwavering support and laser focus on the task force's
success.
Burnett, who is slated to change commands during the summer
and will not be present when the soldiers return, took a moment to thank
Marquart for his support.
"Since Day One, you've had a clear vision to ensure the
entire hospital was trained and ready to take on any mission," he said.
"You developed our young leaders and built this team into a hospital that
has proven itself time and again."
Burnett said Marquart's proven track record is why Forces
Command has recognized the 115th FH as the most-trained and ready hospital in
the Army.
"That's why Forscom went to us first for Hurricane
Dorian response, first for [Kosovo Force], and now first for Centcom — and not
for just one task force, but two," he continued. "That's unheard of.
I cannot think of any other unit that has taken on more missions in more
locations."
Burnett thanked the soldiers for their dedication and
devotion, as well as the family members who were unable to attend.
"Each soldier and family member is making a personal
sacrifice to ensure the success of this important mission," Burnett said.
"Some have temporarily put off school; others extended their service in
the Army. You are a testament to our shared Army values: loyalty, duty,
respect, selfless-service, honor, integrity and personal courage. You inspire
me. I know you will do us proud and represent our country well."
Frank then addressed the deploying soldiers, saying that
when he looked at the formation, he thought he was looking at a brigade combat
team.
"That's how tough you look," he said. Opposing
forces usually attack targets they think are soft targets, he said. "They
would walk away from you," he added.
Frank said the nation, the Army and Centcom needed the
soldiers of the 115th FH to go into the theater and help U.S. service members
and civilians.
"All of you are medical providers," he said. "You're
all volunteers. This is an incredible formation. You couldn't be deploying with
a better team. If I was going to be in a field hospital setting, I'd want to be
with this one."
"I want to be in your formation," Frank continued.
"I don't think there is anything a soldier can tell another soldier that
is more a point of pride than, 'I want to be in your formation.' That's how
much I respect you and the job you’ve done to get ready for this mission."
Lt. Col. Jason Marquart, the commander of the 115th FH, said
the team not only would not only be supporting service members, but also would
be doing battle with COVID-19 — a new enemy they've never seen before.
"Fortunately, we have highly trained medical people in
our Army that are always ready and willing, so this deployment is a good
opportunity to take these people and combine them in a time of need, just like
we would do here in the United States," Marquart said. "We will
provide excellent care for anyone who needs it."
The 115th FH is unique in that many of the officers are
assigned to hospitals throughout the United States to keep up their technical
skills. The augmentees for the current deployment come from San Antonio and
from Fort Gordon, Georgia.
"When the time comes, these individuals, within 72
hours, left their homes, moved here and were prepared to go," Marquart
said. "With the help of the team here at Fort Polk, they were completely
mission-ready in a short time. This is truly a rapid deployment."
(Chuck Cannon is assigned to Fort Polk.)
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