Penner says goodbye at Drum change of command ceremony

FORT DRUM — Col. Jerome Penner III had one goal for the change of command ceremony Friday — not to choke up.

While he was able to stand up the Warrior Transition Unit, collaborate to open an off-post behavioral health clinic and strengthen the working relationship between medical providers on Fort Drum and in the community, he wasn't able to accomplish the one last goal he had set for himself.

In a tearful goodbye, Col. Penner relinquished command of the Fort Drum U.S. Army Medical Department Activity to Col. Bertram C. Providence.

"You that live and work in the north country have made this the best assignment the Penners have experienced in 27 years," he said, as he looked toward his wife, Jamie, and sons, Jason and Jerome. "Although we move on to a much bigger challenge, there is no way any place could be better."

Col. Penner will become commander of Madigan U.S. Army Hospital at Fort Lewis, Wash., in the next few weeks. He leaves Fort Drum and multiple construction and renovation projects after two years.

"Looking to the future, Col. Penner has secured a $1.9 million grant that will link 30 large and small civilian health care facilities with Fort Drum through a fiber-optic backbone," said Maj. Gen. Carla G. Hawley-Bowland, commanding general for the North Atlantic Regional Medical Command. "You have fostered a culture of accountability, innovation and compassionate professionalism. You've set, and met, a high standard for warrior care."

In addition to the grant that will connect health care records, Col. Penner oversaw the beginning of approximately $96 million in construction and renovation projects to expand primary care and behavioral health services and create a complex for the WTU. Those projects are in the beginning stages, and Col. Penner leaves it to his replacement, Col. Providence, to ensure the completion.

Col. Providence said he is ready for the challenge and looks forward to the future of the Fort Drum MEDDAC.

"I hope you will find me open to ideas and willing to learn. I, as the newcomer, must learn from you who know the area, its people and culture," he said. "Together, I hope we will achieve whatever is demanded of us. ... To achieve our goal first, we must always place the needs of the patient first."

Col. Providence said he knows the community relationship is of particular importance to ensuring soldiers and families have the best health care possible. He said he intends to build on the existing relationship and work hard to move it forward.