Public Health Command Europe

Congratulations to Veterinary Readiness Activity, Italy's recent air assault graduates Sgt. Joshua Williams and Staff Sgt. Antonio Chavez!

U.S. Army Air Assault School is a 10-day course designed to prepare Soldiers for insertion, evacuation, and pathfinder missions that call for the use of multipurpose transportation and assault helicopters.

Air Assault training focuses on the mastery of rappelling techniques and sling load procedures, skills that involve intense concentration and a commitment to safety and preparation.

A big part of the Army Hearing Program is education. Public Health Command Europe hosts a quarterly Department of Defense Hearing Technician Certification and Hearing Program Officer training which Sgt. Cole Barnett supports.

“I love helping people. Teaching is a great way to interact and inform people about health diseases that they may not think about that often,” said Sgt. Cole Barnett. “I’d love to be an instructor at some point in my military career.”

Medical Readiness Command, Europe U.S. Army Medical Command CSM

Public Health Command Europe Soldier takes pride in his Army career LANDSTUHL, Germany - After six years of service, Public Health Command Europe Preventive Medicine Soldier reflects on his career and continues to work h...

For the first time in its history, a veterinary component was added to the medical exercise in Accra, Ghana, to provide veterinary care and train handlers on military working dog point of care training.

“For me it was almost like a deployment-like setting, resources and equipment were limited but the Ghanian partners showed me how to utilize the resources that were available and still provide enhanced care to military working dogs,” said Animal Care Technician Sgt. Ricardo Blancarte. “From our standpoint we were able to teach them more of the theoretical approaches which was very rewarding since they continued to ask questions and were eager to learn more.” https://www.army.mil/article/278281

Congratulations to Sgt. Nathaniel Gibbons, Sgt. Mercedes Hernandez and Capt. Samuel Tucker on their above-and-beyond efforts that advance and support the Veterinary Readiness Activity, Rheinland Pfalz, veterinary mission and promote international partnerships. Job well done!

Congratulations on your promotion!

Capt. Taylor Hughes, PHCE's Health Risk Management Chief, pinned on her new rank during a promotion ceremony at PHCE Headquarters at Kirchberg Kaserne Landstuhl in Germany this week.

"Promotion to Captain is such a significant milestone for all junior officers, but my promotion ceremony was extra meaningful because my father, Col. Eric Hughes, was present to pin my new rank and deliver the oath. My “Army Story” truly begins with his service, and I know we are both proud and honored to wear the uniform and serve in the Medical Service Corps at the same time," said Hughes. "I am looking forward to the increased responsibility, challenges, and leadership throughout the remainder of my time with Public Health Command, Europe as a captain."

Meet the employees of Public Health Command Europe's Health and Human Sciences Division!

Linda Carter, Occupational Health Nurse at Grafenwoehr in Germany, started working for Public Health Command Europe last year. As an occupational health nurse it is her duty to ensure civilians working for the U.S. Army are safe at the work place. Linda truly enjoys interacting with the Local Nationals and finds motivation in life through compassion, respect and her service to the U.S. Army.

This week, Public Health Command Europe hosted a Food and Water Risk Assessment training at the European Simulation Training Center in Landstuhl Germany.

The four day training event for the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army, U.S. Navy and Polish Military covered training objectives to identify foodborne and waterborne hazards and facilitate communication of associated health risks to U.S. Forces during missions where Department of Defense approved sources of food and water may not be available.

Are you moving back to the U.S. this summer with your dog?

The CDC set new import requirements for dogs entering the U.S. after 31 July.

Click here to find more information about these changes to prepare yourself for a smooth PCS:

CDC sets new rules for bringing dogs into the U.S. Starting August 1, 2024 at 12:01AM ET, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention set new import requirements for dogs entering the United States.

Yesterday, Maj. Olumuyiwa Adesoye, Deputy Director of Public Health Command Europe's Laboratory Sciences Division was welcomed into the ranks of a field grade officer.

“It has always been an honor to serve but it is a special privilege to have all the people who support me, my family, team, leaders and mentors, in one room and be able to thank them for making me who I am today," said Adesoye. "I am honored to be a part of the PHCE family and to be able to continue to serve.”

Congratulations on your well deserved promotion!

A heartfelt thank you to U.S. Army Capt. Javier Pino, a dedicated veterinarian with Veterinary Readiness Activity - Rheinland Pfalz, for his outstanding participation in the medical readiness exercise (MEDREX) in Accra, Ghana on May 24, 2024.

MEDREX, held in conjunction with African Lion 2024 and organized by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), is an invaluable program fostering the exchange of medical practices, procedures, and techniques between U.S. military health professionals and their African partners. Your expertise and commitment not only enhance treatment capabilities but also help build and strengthen lasting relationships.

Your service and dedication make a significant impact, and we are incredibly grateful for your contributions. Thank you, Capt. Pino, for helping to make a difference!

A heartfelt thank you to U.S. Army Capt. Javier Pino, a dedicated veterinarian with Veterinary Readiness Activity - Rheinland Pfalz, for his outstanding participation in the medical readiness exercise (MEDREX) in Accra, Ghana on May 24, 2024.

MEDREX, held in conjunction with African Lion 2024 and organized by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), is an invaluable program fostering the exchange of medical practices, procedures, and techniques between U.S. military health professionals and their African partners. Your expertise and commitment not only enhance treatment capabilities but also help build and strengthen lasting relationships.

Your service and dedication make a significant impact, and we are incredibly grateful for your contributions. Thank you, Capt. Pino, for helping to make a difference!

Shout out to our Public Health Command Europe employees of the quarter!

Within the last month, two Veterinary Readiness Activity, Rheinland Pfalz, Veterinary Food Inspection Specialists, were selected to become Veterinary Corps Food Safety Officers and will attend Warrant Officer Career College in February 2025.

Staff Sgt. Castonia Ming, who joined the U.S. Army in May 2013 and Staff Sgt. Anna Long, who joined in September 2012, show dedication and passion to their roles. Their decision to continue their careers in the military is a testament to their commitment and love for their work.

"I decided to submit my food safety officer packet because I love food inspection and the ability to be a part of the Veterinary Corps," said Ming. "As a warrant officer, you are the subject matter expert for food safety and defense. We oversee food protection for the Activity and commercial audits".

Read the full article here https://www.dvidshub.net/news/474226/veterinary-readiness-activity-rheinland-pfalz-soldiers-accepted-attend-warrant-officer-school

U.S. Army Veterinary Corps Chief

A team of inspectors from Public Health Command Europe and members of United States Army Garrison Ansbach Directorate of Public Works recently toured Ansbach's water extraction and distribution plant in a rare opportunity to see firsthand where and how the local water supply works.

According to Public Health Command Europe, the local water regulations are in many parts more stringent than stateside rules. Nevertheless, USAG Ansbach operates its own set of water treatment and distribution stations where all water entering the military installation undergoes additional chlorination and fluorination.

Read the full article here

Public Health Command (PHC) Europe inspects, finds healthy, clean water at Ansbach water distribution plant ANSBACH, Germany - A team of inspectors from Public Health Command (PHC) Europe and members of United States Army Garrison (USAG) Ansbach Directorate of...

Today we salute the U.S. Army for 249 years of unwavering dedication to staying healthy, mission-ready, and serving our country.⭐

Today Public Health Command Europe kicked off the summer season by hosting their annual summer safety day.

Spring and summer are a season for Soldiers and their families to get outdoors for some fun and relaxation, not injuries or mishaps. All too often accidental injuries tend to peak during this time while taking part in outdoor activities. This year when you venture out into the sunny days of spring and summer, filled with swimming, cookouts and traveling, it’s important to be prepared.

For more information click here https://safety.army.mil/MEDIA/Seasonal-Safety-Campaigns/Spring-Summer-Safety-2024

Congratulations on your reenlistment, Sgt. First Class Nathaniel Alejandro!

"I couldn’t think of a better place to reenlist, then on the 80th anniversary of D-Day," said Alejandro. "It was truly a special occasion and my brigade commander, Col. Paul Lang, made it happen."

Yesterday, at the 80th anniversary of D-Day, Alejandro reenlisted at Omaha Beach, France.

“I started smoking when I was 18 years old because my friend had a v**e and I was curious about it,” said Animal Care Specialist Breanna Bryant. “It was quickly addicting, and the variety of flavor makes it easy for everyone to find something that they like.”

Bryant smoked for six years and quit a year ago because she wanted to improve her health and reduce the risk of heart disease, cancer, lung disease, and other smoking-related illnesses.

Read more about the benefits of not smoking here https://www.army.mil/article/276866

A permanent change of station move is stressful as it is, but moving with your pet can add an extra layer of stress unless you are well prepared. Public Health Command Europe Veterinarians have some tips to help make moving your furry companion as easy as possible.

Read our recommendations here: https://www.army.mil/article/254612/how_to_prepare_for_a_smooth_pcs_with_your_pets

Medical Readiness Command, Europe U.S. Army Garrison Rheinland-Pfalz U.S. Army Garrison Bavaria Garrison Wiesbaden Ramstein Air Base, Germany

How to prepare for a smooth PCS with your pets A permanent change of station move is stressful as it is, but moving with your pet can add an extra layer of stress unless you are well prepared.

Lt. Col. Paul Hester, Public Health Command Europe Director of Environmental Health Sciences, was recently inducted into the Order of Military Medical Merit for his accomplishments during his career.

“We are the safety net for all service members and their families,” said Hester. “If there’s an issue that isn’t covered by a different entity, we step in and provide the expertise and experience to solve the issue.”

It is the role of an environmental science and engineering officer to identify and evaluate potential health risks and develop a course of action to control or prevent disease, illness, and injury. https://www.army.mil/article/276865

Medical Readiness Command, Europe

Tick exposure can occur year-round, but ticks are most active during the upcoming warmer months from April to September.

Public Health Command Europe’s Entomology Department provides helpful ticks and tricks for tick prevention.

Medical Readiness Command, Europe U.S. Army Garrison Italy Garrison Wiesbaden U.S. Army Garrison Bavaria U.S. Army Garrison Rheinland-Pfalz U.S. Army Garrison Stuttgart

Tips and tricks for tick prevention from Public Health Command Europe LANDSTUHL, Germany --- Tick exposure can occur year-round, Public Health Command Europe offers helpful tips for tick prevention.

Congratulations on your reenlistment, Sgt. David Poppick!

Sgt. Poppick is a preventive medicine specialist at Public Health Command Europe and was able to reenlist at Utah Beach, France, during PHCE's recent staff ride.

"It's my plan to make it to 20 years whether that is on the enlisted or the officer side," said Poppick. "I am going to return to school for a masters degree and further my education."

Congratulations to the following Public Health Command Europe Soldiers who received coins from the U.S. Army Surgeon General and Commanding General, U.S. Army Medical Command Lieutenant General Mary K. Izaguirre.

Outstanding job,
Staff Sgt. Gloria Rodriguez,
Sean Starr,
Maj. Christopher Reeves,
Staff Sgt. Johnel Jones
and Staff Sgt. Jacquelyn Schindler
(names are in order of pictures).

Last week, Capt. Michael Dunbar and Dr. Fabian Haas, entomologists at Public Health Command Europe,
conducted a Technical Assistance Visit with USAHC-Vicenza Preventive Medicine section in preparation for the upcoming vector season.

"The intent of the trip was to train and retrain the environmental science & engineering officers and preventive medicine specialists on their individual critical tasks for their yearly requirements," said Lt. Col. Sherl Pedersen, PHCE Chief of Entomology. "Part of it was to validate the surveillance sites and to assist in any recommendations and or changes to the surveillance sites, surveillance and trapping methods."

Army Medicine Medical Readiness Command, Europe

First Lt. Isabella Carr, a Medical Service Corps Officer from the Maryland National Guard had the opportunity to shadow Public Health Command Europe Veterinary Corps officers for a week during her 9-month rotation to Poland.

“I was fire hosed with information for a week and I really, really enjoyed it,” said Carr. “It gave me a good idea of what the Veterinary Corps is like.”

Looking back at her with week with PHCE, Carr is grateful for the time and people she met. Carr is finishing her tour in Poland in September of 2024 and will continue working on her veterinary degree at Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine before she intends to switch over to active duty and becomes a Veterinary Corps officer upon completing her degree.

https://www.army.mil/article/276408

Medical Readiness Command, Europe U.S. Army Veterinary Corps Chief 104th Area Support Medical Company

More than 100 military veterinary personnel from 20 countries participated in the International Military Veterinary Medical Symposium, hosted by Public Health Command Europe in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany, May 6-10.

The theme of this year’s symposium was “Combating Global Health Threats through Veterinary Services” and brings together military veterinarians from the U.S., NATO allies and partner nations to exchange and discuss best practices, share ideas, build interoperability and foster relationships.

“Military veterinary personnel are engaged in public health, food protection, and animal health/medicine around the world; therefore, expertise and readiness are vital not only for the military personnel and working animals, but families and the local civilian population. Bringing personnel together at events like IMVS builds bonds that decrease response time and communication hurdles when hazards arise,” stated Public Health Command Europe Commander Col. Paul Lang.

https://www.army.mil/article/276265

Congratulations on your reenlistment, Sgt. Joel Robles.

Robles decided to reenlist because the leadership at PHCE made him feel like part of a family.

"I had the best leaders a young Soldier could hope for, and now I want to be that same type of leader to any future Soldiers I might have," said Robles. "This reenlistment means that I was able to accomplish the goals I set for myself three and half years ago, and now I can set more goals for my career and help people accomplish theirs."

Robles serves as the S1 Human Resources Specialist at Public Health Command Europe Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment since 2021.

Congratulations to Staff Sgt. Ryan Cable on his recent reenlistment.

“The Army is my home,” said Cable. “I’m looking forward to continuing to train and develop future leaders.”

Cable has been the Veterinary Readiness Activity, Italy, Branch noncommissioned officer in charge of the Vicenza Veterinary Treatment Facility since 2022.

Last month, 35 leaders from across Public Health Command Europe, Veterinary Readiness Activity, Rheinland Pfalz and Italy, engaged in a Battle Staff Ride to Normandy, France.

Throughout the staff ride, they learned about the actions and history of U.S. Army Medicine during D-Day and the Normandy Invasion taking part during World War II.

Today, Public Health Command Europe's 69th International Military Veterinary Symposium kicked off in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany.

The theme of this year's symposium is "Combating Global Health Threats through Veterinary Services".

IMVS is a unique opportunity for military veterinary professionals from 19 countries in Europe and Africa to meet face-to-face to share knowledge, best practices, collaborate and build partnerships, which will increase capability in individual countries as well as the capability for a collaborative response if and when required.