Army Guard's top medical officer retires

Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Brett Miller | Col. Craig Lambrecht renders one last, final salute to N.D. Army National Guard members at his retirement ceremony Feb. 9 at Raymond J. Bohn Armory in Bismarck, N.D. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Brett Miller, 116th Public Affairs Detachment)  

BISMARCK, ND, UNITED STATES

02.10.2014

Story by Spc. Cassandra Simonton 

116th Public Affairs Detachment

BISMARCK, N.D. - After more than 30 years of exemplary service, the top medical officer for the N.D. Army National Guard has retired.

Col. Craig Lambrecht was honored during a formal ceremony Sunday, Feb. 9, at the Raymond J. Bohn Armory in Bismarck, N.D., where he celebrated his retirement with family, friends, fellow Guardsmen and colleagues from Sanford Health, where he serves as the West Region president.

"I have been an officer in the Guard longer than I have been a doctor," Lambrecht said during the ceremony. "The Guard taught me how to be a leader and greatly impacted my career inside and outside of the military."

Lambrecht, a native of Wishek, N.D., joined the N.D. Army National Guard in October 1983 and commissioned as a second lieutenant. He has served in a number of positions, including roles as a physician, flight surgeon and deputy commander and commander of the Guard's State Medical Detachment. In 1995, he was appointed to the position of state surgeon and was responsible for overseeing medical training for all members of the N.D. Army National Guard. He held the position until his retirement.

"My best accomplishment has been helping in facilitating the medical readiness for the entire state," Lambrecht said. "Creating medical awareness is critical to the Guard's success."

Col. Brian Keller, the N.D. Army National Guard deputy state surgeon, said Lambrecht was known across the organization as a supportive leader and mentor.

"I liked how he stepped in when he needed to, but always let us do our jobs when things were running smoothly," Keller said. "He did a lot behind the scenes that people never saw . if it be late at night phone calls or early morning schedule adjustments. He made what needed to happen, happen."

During his years of military service, Lambrecht also participated in overseas mobilizations in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in Iraq - once in 2004 and again in 2006. There, he was instrumental in expanding and improving services at the Smith Gate Burn Clinic in southern Iraq for pediatric burn patients across the country, and even some from Syria and Iran. He was able to procure equipment for the facility through generous donations made by Bismarck-area residents and others from across the United States.

"Col. Lambrecht has made a difference in the lives of many," Maj. Gen. David Sprynczynatyk, North Dakota adjutant general said. "He was instrumental in ensuring that the hospital in Iraq was fit to provide critical care for those in need. That shows the level of character, values and professionalism we have had in Col. Craig Lambrecht over the last 30 years."

Lambrecht's wife, Jewel, and their five children; Tabatha, London, Aidan, Tovah and Afton, all were recognized during the retirement ceremony as Lambrecht expressed appreciation and gratitude for their endless support during his military career.

"Their support has been wonderful," Lambrecht said. "When you deploy twice with five kids under the age of ten, it creates enormous stress. The awareness of the Guard, along with the support of my community, has also been instrumental to my success."

Upon his military retirement, Lambrecht said his primary focus will be to continue providing outstanding healthcare for communities in western North Dakota through his work at Sandford Health, as well as spending quality time with his family.

• Date Taken: 02.10.2014
• Date Posted: 02.10.2014 14:43
• Story ID: 120400
• Location: BISMARCK, ND, US