By Maj. John Heil
332nd Medical Brigade Public Affairs Office
NASHVILLE – Soldiers of the 332nd Medical Brigade listened to their new commander, Col. James W. Snyder, as he challenged them to be the best that they could be and take personal responsibility for their actions, fellow Soldiers and their unit at the Army Reserve Center on July 12.
Col. James W. Snyder took over as acting commander of the 332nd MED BDE, known as the Warrior Medics, on July 2. In addition to serving as interim commander, Snyder wears another hat as the G-7, chief of staff, for AR-MEDCOM in Pinellas Pak, Fl. A formal change of command ceremony with Brig. Gen. Margaret Wilmoth, outgoing commander, is scheduled in Nashville, Tn., in September.
"Honor and support your families," said Snyder, "adhere to the chain of command and most importantly be proud of who you are, what you do, and who you represent."
Snyder's military experience includes commanding the 307th Medical Group, and serving as acting commander of the 337th and 801st Combat Support Hospitals, executive officer of the 337th CSH, and chief of staff (special projects) of the 330th Medical Brigade.
"Mission focused leadership and a genuine effort to take care of the Soldier," said Snyder, "That is what my Soldiers can expect of me."
"I will lead by example and ensure that each member of this Brigade will understand the importance of their role in elevating this brigade to the highest level," said Snyder, "I will ensure individual readiness for deployment."
"I foresee the 332nd as the premier medical brigade throughout the Army Reserve medical structure," said Snyder, "It will continue to provide command and control over assigned medical units based on the guidance received from its higher headquarters. The brigade and the assigned direct reporting units will be prepared to deploy upon order and provide C2 and medical support based on the assigned mission."
As Snyder addressed Soldiers, he emphasized the importance of families. "The family is the foundation of every soldier and ultimately the unit," said Snyder, "The success of the soldier and the unit is dependent on the Soldier having a strong family support structure."
Snyder's first battle assembly with the medical brigade included family day on July 13. "The family is an integral part of the unit," said Snyder, "And we as Soldiers must ensure that the family is fully integrated into the functions and activities of the unit."
Soldiers and their family members were briefed on the importance of family related responsibilities such as ensuring the completion and availability of a family care plan, being aware of the importance and value of a family readiness group, and related resources for assistance, including military one source, in the event that the Soldier or family member is deployed or is in need of special support.
The Warrior Medics and their family members enjoyed family day catching up and participating in activities like playing flag football, softball, horseshoes, volleyball, playing dominoes, and participating in teams in a creative relay matchup.