Troop Command Message

TROOP COMMAND People First

Lt. Col. Christina Buchner Commander, Troop Command Landstuhl Regional Medical Center

When asked, what makes an organization memorable, CSM Forker stated, “Personally, I cannot recall moving to a new assignment and reminiscing about how great my last unit was at holding a particular meeting, or how wonderful the way we processed awards made me feel. What I often remember are the people from my organization. I reflect on meaningful conversations I had, the difference I made in someone’s life, the time spent training subordinates or working to develop others personally and professionally. I am the legacy of many who invested in me or chose not to.” His response reminded me that the identity of an organization is created by the mindset and behavior of the people and the legacy lies within the people.

It’s a proven fact that when people are treated well, given a sense of purpose and equipped with clear and achievable goals they thrive, and ultimately the collective team wins. While this fact is evident, we often redirect our energy and focus to more tangible things: systems, processes and metrics to name a few. Focusing on process improvement is necessary for growth, innovation and organizational evolution. Implementing tangible systems is also associated with quick wins and faster production of fruits of labor. Yet we must be mindful that most systems and processes have a shelf life usually associated with the movement of

COMMANDER continued... language is also the term “medical home.” Most of the time, when people think of home, they think of warmth and comfort. We want people to know that when they are at LRMC, they are receiving a level of care – both medically and emotionally – that is unsurpassed. While our warfighters are trained and ready to be lethal on the battlefield, during their time at LRMC, they can pause and reset physically, mentally, emotionally, socially and spiritually. We are their medical home away from home.

The modernization of the military requires that we are prepared to adapt to whatever circumstances come our way, which includes the changing character of war in the multi-domain environment. Our joint the personnel that created and implemented them. While systems, metrics and processes are important for operations and management of the organization, we must strike a balance between establishing and refining organizational systems and giving purposeful energy to the people on the team. If you want processes to endure, impress upon people so they may Lt. Col. Christine Buchner, LRMC Toop Commander, Command Sgt. Maj. Anthony Forker and the LRMC Color Guard joined German military counter- carry these new concepts and systems forward to parts Nov. 17, during two formal ceremonies that included speeches by local mayors and the laying of wreaths in nearby villages in commemoration of Volkstrauertag (German Memorial Day). Volkstrauertag is a public German future assignments and holiday observed two Sundays before the first of Advent to commemorate those who have died in war. organizations.

During this holiday season in peoples’ lives. As you’re focusing on policy, it’s ever more important to focus on people. medical stats, budget systems, nutrition care, Invest in your teammates, helping them by etc., don’t forget to teach, coach and mentor, generating an environment of teamwork, praise and give thanks, show concern, and cohesion, good order and discipline. Invest provide support to the people of LRMC. We time to train others, equipping them with the are members of the most dynamic and diverse necessary skills to promote organizational organization and it brings great joy to be part of success and continuity. Demonstrate regard for others as humans regardless of the role they play on the team. This will create trust, it. Maintain an outward mindset, work to support the team, promote innovation and never forget facilitate an unbreakable bond, and create to take care of our people. Be the legacy…build positive momentum towards a culture of pride a legacy. Be courageous and dare greatly!!! and excellence. You do not have to be in a formal leadership position to make a difference Happy Holidays from Service 6 and Service 7

warfighters will be simultaneously operating in all domains of space, cyberspace, air, land, and sea. The variety of domains from which they come to us will vary, as will their medical needs. Although LRMC has always cared for troops from all service branches, our understanding of the requirements of civilian and military leaders from the Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Army, interagency, allies, and coalition partners needs to agilely adapt to the future operating environment. Collectively, we are posturing our joint MEDCEN to adapt to future realities while bringing the essential elements of our services’ pasts with us.

This time of year highlights many different feelings – joy and generosity, comfort with family, and sometimes loneliness and despair. On Dec. 31, when the clock counts down to midnight, I hope that you find yourself in the presence of friends, family, or colleagues that help you feel happy. Leaders, please look out for your teammates; loneliness and despair are not inevitable feelings. When we ring in 2020, let us do so with one collective mindset, focusing ourselves on the bigger picture of what LRMC means to those outside of our hospital walls. Commit to changing your vision from 2020 hindsight to envisioning what you will achieve using 2020 foresight.

Happy holidays, Team LRMC! Wishing you and your families a wonderful holiday season and a Happy New Year!

Happy Holidays to my executive assistant, Viktoria Hackl, for keeping me organized! I appreciate everything you do for the DCO lane and for the whole hospital!

-Col. Claude Burnette Deputy Commanding Officer

Happy “I want to wish my husband SFC Robert Holmes Frohe Weihnachten ~ Gifts of time and love are surely the basic ingredients of a truly Merry Christmas~” - Holidays

Happy Holidays to MSG Robak! I appreciate all the work you do for theService Members, Civilians and Local Nationals on the DCHR team! Merry Christmas! "Happy holidays to Anna Komitov, Casey Becker, Dawn - Col. Randall Freeman Collins, and Carissa Remillard

Deputy Commander for (not pictured) my Defense and

Health and Readiness Veterans Brain Injury Center Research Team at Landstuhl. You ladies are the very best and it is such a pleasure and privilege to get to work with you in service to our military men and women!”

- Dr. Kendra Jorgensen-Wagers

REYNOLDS continued... the playing of reveille at 6:30 a.m. every morning across the base speaker system, or the calling of a unit to attention when the commander arrives, or even the time-honored gesture of the salute. Traditions help instill unit pride, build cohesion, and oftentimes, tie people together.

“The holidays can be challenging, especially overseas where some people don’t have any family,” said Reynolds. “I want Team LRMC to be considered an extended family, and my expectation is for teams around our hospital to start a holiday tradition within their own sections, clinics or departments.”

Whether one clinic hosts a holiday potluck, or another decides to volunteer as a team at a German shelter, the importance of sticking together, and looking out for each other, is critical, especially during the holidays.

“We don’t want anyone on our team to be alone,” said Reynolds. “We also want to ensure that people aren’t engaging in unsafe activities, and having traditions, something for everyone to look forward to, helps to achieve that.”

As for the Reynolds family, 2019 will see a change in Woosa’s operations.

“The girls don’t believe in Santa anymore,” said Tommi Reynolds. “But our youngest, Alexis, still wants Woosa to come around, so this year, it’s their turn to come up with activities for him and [Thurman] and I get to wake up to their creations every morning.”

One can’t help but wonder about activities the Reynolds girls will design for Woosa. Will he end up on CSM Reynolds’ grass? Will Woosa pass his ACFT? It appears Team LRMC will have to wait until 2020 to find out!