Fort Meade, MD –
Public Health Command, East (PHC, East) held a Change of Responsibility ceremony on April 23, 2025, at Fort Meade’s McGlachlin Parade Field, marking a significant transition in leadership. Command Sergeant Major Francis V. Famularcano assumed the responsibilities of the Senior Enlisted Advisor from Command Sergeant Major Rafael J. Colon. The ceremony was presided over by COL Justin R. Schlanser, Commander of Public Health Command, East.
CSM Francis V. Famularcano, who enlisted in 1997, brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of leadership to PHC, East. Having served as a Respiratory Specialist and holding every leadership position from Squad Leader to Directorate Sergeant Major, he understands the critical role of the noncommissioned officer corps. CSM Famularcano’s previous assignments include key roles within the 82nd Airborne Division, Brooke Army Medical Center, and most recently as the Directorate Sergeant Major of AMEDD Personnel Proponent Directorate at Medical Center of Excellence, Fort Sam Houston, TX. A recipient of the Legion of Merit and a member of both the Order of Military Medical Merit and the Sergeant Audie Murphy Association, CSM Famularcano is prepared to lead and mentor the Soldiers of PHC, East.
CSM Rafael J. Colon, a native of Hato Rey, Puerto Rico, served as the PHC, East’s top enlisted leader from April 2023 - April 2025 with distinction. Enlisting in the Army in 1993, CSM Colon brought over three decades of dedicated service, including deployments in support of Operation Desert Fox and Desert Thunder, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Enduring Freedom, as well as disaster relief for Hurricanes Harvey and Maria. His leadership has been instrumental in maintaining the command’s readiness and responsiveness. A graduate of the Sergeants Major Academy (Class 70) and holding a master’s degree in National Defense Strategic Studies, CSM Colon maintained an unwavering commitment to professional development and mission accomplishment.
COL Schlanser expressed deep gratitude to CSM Colon for his exceptional leadership and dedication to the health and well-being of the military community throughout the region. He praised CSM Colon’s commitment to Soldier readiness and his tireless efforts to support the PHC, East mission. COL Schlanser then welcomed CSM Famularcano and his family to the PHC, East team, expressing confidence in his ability to build upon the strong foundation established by his predecessor.
The Change of Responsibility ceremony was a celebration of CSM Colon’s accomplishments and a welcoming of CSM Famularcano to the PHC, East family. It underscored the command’s resilience, dedication, and commitment to excellence.
PHC, East remains steadfast in its mission to protect and promote the health of service members and their families, and with CSM Famularcano’s leadership, the command is poised to continue to excel in public health readiness and response. The entire PHC, East family extends its heartfelt thanks to CSM Colon for his remarkable service and warmly welcomes CSM Famularcano as he assumes his new responsibilities.
