AMEDD Professional Management Command welcomes new commander

FOREST PARK, Ga. – Few seats were empty in the Army Medical Department Professional Management Command assembly area as friends, family and coworkers gathered to congratulate and farewell their new and outgoing commanders during a change of command ceremony held Monday, June 18, 2018, at the command headquarters.

Maj. Gen. Mary Link, commanding general for Army Reserve Medical Command, presided over the ceremony held to honor outgoing commander, Col. Regina Powell, and incoming commander, Col. Todd Traver, while recognizing the important role APMC plays for the total force.

“AMEDD Professional Management Command is responsible for providing centralized credentialing for the more than 6,300 Army Reserve medical professionals, ensuring needed assets are available for mobilization while positively impacting readiness, recruiting and retention for the Army Reserve’s medical community,” said Link.

The change of command is a traditional event rich with symbolism and heritage. The key to the ceremony is the passing of colors which not only represents the lineage and honor of the unit, but also the loyalty and unity of its Soldiers. The unit’s colors are the commander’s symbol of authority representing his responsibility to the organization.

Following the passing of colors, Link recognized the contributions of the outgoing commander during her tenure with the command. “Since June of 2016, APMC has been superbly led by Colonel Regina Powell… Under her command, APMC has provided unparalleled support – reinforcing not only the operational readiness of the Army Reserve’s medical professionals, but the command’s relevance in meeting Total Army requirements,” Link said.

Link thanked Col. Powell for her service, and congratulated her on her selection to serve in her follow-on assignment at the U.S. Army Reserve Command Surgeon’s office in Fort Bragg, North Carolina, before welcoming Col. Traver as the new commander for APMC.

“A consummate medical professional who has commanded at every level prior to serving as the assistant chief of staff, Reserve Affairs, in the Office of the Surgeon General; Colonel Traver’s dedication to duty and commitment to excellence is reflected in everything he does,” said Link.

Traver then approached the podium to recognize the Soldiers and civilians assigned to APMC.

“I’m so excited to finally be home. I served here at APMC back in 2014, and I used to talk about my desire to one day return and command this fine organization. So today, quite honestly, is a dream come true for me,” said Traver.

He then shared his vision and his commitment to ensuring APMC’s success.

“I will give every ounce of energy to APMC to ensure this unit meets and exceeds the mission requirements that have been given to us. I’m cognizant of the critical role that this command plays in enabling Army medicine and the Army as a whole, and we won’t let them down,” said Traver.

He concluded by recognizing the role families play in the success of Soldier’s lives, and thanking his wife, daughter, mother and other family members and friends in the audience for their sacrifices that allow Soldiers to focus on their mission.

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