WHITE SANDS MISSILE RANGE, New Mexico -- McAfee United States Army Health Clinic held a change of command ceremony where Col. Brian Weisgram relinquished command of the clinic to Lt. Col. Kirsten Swanson at White Sands Missile Range, July 7.
The clinic is part of the William Beaumont Army Medical Center System for Health and is the sole health clinic serving White Sands Missile Range, a mission that may include more than 3,500 beneficiaries, active-duty Soldiers, dependents and retirees.
“(The clinic) created a culture of empowerment for every member of the staff,” said Col. John A. Smyrski III, commander, WBAMC. “(Weisgram) is an exceptional Army Nurse Corps officer and leader.”
During the ceremony, Smyrski mentioned one of the biggest challenges the clinic’s commander faced during his tenure, the annual Bataan Memorial Death March. Weisgram served as the medical mission commander for the march with oversight and coordination of over 500 medical personnel to support over 6500 marchers at the event.
“(McAfee) has done incredible things,” said Weisgram, a native of Valier, Montana. “The clinic has made it one step better than it was before.”
Over the past year, Weisgram led the clinic during multiple inspections including unannounced inspections resulting in an average higher than 98 percent compliance in seven external inspections.
“We are now the model for Department of the Army Inspector General Survey inspections for nuclear chemical inspections,” said Weisgram. “We implemented systems and processes, I gave you a vision and you blew my mind. It proves the dedication of the team, preparation and commitment to the mission.”
Aside from the impressive efforts Weisgram and his team lead in the clinic’s unique role in supporting the Army’s Nuclear Accident or Incident Response and Assistance (NAIRA) mission, the clinic’s 27 Soldiers also accomplished many feats during Weisgram’s tenure as commander.
“The most vital (accomplishment) to my heart in this community is what the Soldiers and civilians have done,” said Weisgram. “This is just the start of where this command is going.”
Over the past year, the Soldiers of McAfee partook in multiple promotions, distinguished honor graduates and Air Assault Course graduates within their ranks.
Weisgram is slated to join the 627th Hospital Center, 10th Field Hospital at Fort Carson, Colorado as the unit’s chief nurse.
“I want to be here, I love the people, I love the place, it’s beautiful,” said Swanson, a native of Carmel, Indiana. “There’s a certain pride about being here at (McAfee).”
Swanson is joining the clinic after serving as chief, Task Force 51, U.S. Army North.
“I look forward to delivering timely and high-quality care and being able to support (the mission) no matter what, whenever needed,” said Swanson.