Public Health Command Europe conducts Relinquishment of Responsibility Ceremony | Article

LANDSTUHL, Germany — Sgt. Maj. Brett Lengthy relinquished his duty because the senior enlisted advisor to the Public Well being Command Europe Commander throughout a March 23 ceremony on Kirchberg Kaserne.

The relinquishment of duty is an occasion wealthy with custom, symbolism and heritage. The important thing to the ceremony is the passing of the unit’s colours. In Public Well being Command Europe, the senior enlisted chief is the principal advisor to the commander on all sides of enlisted soldier issues. In that function, the senior enlisted chief safeguards the unit colours. The colours signify not solely the lineage and honor of the unit, but additionally the loyalty and unity of its troopers. The passing of the colours symbolizes the relinquishment of duty from the outgoing command senior enlisted chief.

“With out query, during the last 2.5 years as this unit’s senior enlisted advisor, Sgt. Maj. Lengthy set the gold normal with respect to doing simply that,” mentioned Col. Kenneth Spicer, PHCE commander. “Fostering good order, instilling self-discipline, and caring for this excessive performing workforce.”

Lengthy held the place for nearly three years and is efficiently retiring after 30 years of navy service. He mentioned he might haven’t requested for a greater unit to finish his profession at.

“We have now completed a lot and have been an integral a part of the general public well being and veterinary mission for Europe and Africa,” mentioned Lengthy. “We began off sturdy and bumped into the COVID pandemic. It turned fairly clear that public well being specialists have been wanted and we rapidly stepped as much as the problem.”

Lengthy’s substitute won’t be right here till later this 12 months. Within the meantime, Grasp Sgt. Ilker Irmak will fill in because the interim.

Irmak has served a number of assignments at Military Medication Europe and most not too long ago because the 551st Medical Logistics first sergeant at Joint Base Lewis McChord, Wash.

“You’re no stranger to Military Medication Europe and it’s clear to me that you’re a excellent match for the senior enlisted advisor place,” mentioned Spicer. “It is going to be demanding, at instances attempting and typically outright tough. However, I can even guarantee you that it’s going to even be essentially the most rewarding alternative.”

Ilker is wanting ahead “to diving into all of those challenges as a workforce” and assured to satisfy them head-on.

“I wish to pledge my unwavering dedication and help to Col. Spicer, the Public Well being Actions’ command groups, troopers, employees and civilian workers,” mentioned Ilker. “The upcoming months look difficult, but thrilling.”