On June 24, 2024, Public Health Command, East (PHC, East) witnessed a significant transition during the Change of Command (CoC) ceremony at Fort Meade's McGlachlin Parade Field. COL Justin R. Schlanser officially assumed command from COL Jody Brown, marking a new chapter in the unit's history. The ceremony was presided over by Brigadier General (BG) Lance Raney, Commander of Medical Readiness Command, East.
COL Jody Brown, who began her illustrious military journey in 1999, has been an exemplary leader throughout her tenure. Her first assignment as an Army Nurse was at Tripler Army Medical Center, and she has since taken on numerous missions and commands that have shaped her distinguished career. In 2022, she assumed command of PHC, East, where she continued to demonstrate her unwavering commitment to service and readiness.
BG Raney, in his address, expressed profound gratitude to COL Brown for her exceptional leadership at PHC, East over the past two years. He highlighted her significant contributions to public health, which have profoundly impacted the well-being of the military community throughout the region. Her dedication and strategic vision ensured that PHC, East remained at the forefront of public health readiness and response.
As COL Brown relinquished her command, BG Raney welcomed COL Schlanser, his wife, and children to the PHC, East family. He offered his full support to COL Schlanser, emphasizing the importance of continuity and the future success of the command. BG Raney's words underscored the confidence in COL Schlanser's ability to lead PHC, East with the same dedication and excellence demonstrated by his predecessor.
COL Schlanser brings a wealth of experience and a determined vision for the future of PHC, East. His leadership philosophy is rooted in collaboration, innovation, and a steadfast commitment to the health and readiness of the military community. As he takes the helm, COL Schlanser aims to build upon the strong foundation laid by COL Brown, ensuring that PHC, East continues to excel in its mission to protect and promote the health of service members and their families.
The Change of Command ceremony not only marked a transition in leadership but also celebrated the achievements of PHC, East under COL Brown's command. The event was a testament to the resilience, dedication, and excellence of the entire PHC, East team. As COL Schlanser steps into his new role, the PHC, East community looks forward to a future of continued growth, innovation, and commitment to public health.
PHC, East remains dedicated to its mission, and with COL Schlanser at the helm, the command is poised to achieve new heights in public health readiness and response. The entire PHC, East family extends its heartfelt thanks to COL Brown for her remarkable service and warmly welcomes COL Schlanser as he embarks on this new journey of leadership.
