68th Theater Medical Command

Leader Professional Development was on full display this week as Team PIONEERS discussed the topic "Leading Change While Designing a New Organization: Five Transformative Steps". At the conclusion of the training, all section leaders were charged with building ownership, sustaining momentum and providing enduring service to those we support as the premier theater medical enabler in the EUCOM and AFRICOM AORs. This final point was made with a quote from one of the most celebrated writers in the German language and a towering figure in Western intellectual history. “I have come to the frightening conclusion that I am the decisive element. It is my personal approach that creates the climate. It is my daily mood that makes the weather. I possess tremendous power to make life miserable or joyous. I can be a tool of torture or an instrument of inspiration, I can humiliate or humor, hurt or heal. In all situations, it is my response that decides whether a crisis is escalated or de-escalated, and a person is humanized or de-humanized. If we treat people as they are, we make them worse. If we treat people as they ought to be, we help them become what they are capable of becoming.” – Johann Wolfgang von Goethe We, the leaders within the 68th TMC, are the decisive element! "CONSERVE POWER"

On 20 December 2024, COL Michael and CSM Brunell conducted a town hall event as part of the inaugural PIONEERS Day. The venue provided Soldiers of the 68th a chance to have critical, two-way communication with the leadership on multiple topics such as Leadership Development Program, future readiness exercises, and the Defense Organizational Climate Survey. In addition, there was recognition of outstanding accomplishments of teammates which included graduations from Rappel Master and Air Assualt school, officer and enlisted promotions, and the publishing of a study in a medical journal. COL Michael amplified many important points throughout the event. From revisiting what it means to be a member of the US Army to embracing the charge of understanding the 68th TMC’s role in support of the warfighter, the PIONEERS overall mission was reinforced. At the conclusion of the town hall, P6 and P7 reiterated the significance of the holiday season and the imperative to think about safety in all we do. Also, to remember to be grateful of what we have and to offer others a lending hand in a time of need. From the 68th TMC family to yours, we wish you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! “CONSERVE POWER!”

The Pioneers conducted a 3-day Staff Exercise (STAFFEX) that moved the organization closer to meeting the future state of Optimized Readiness. The emphasis during the training event focused on the following areas: 1) Demonstrating mastery of Health Service Support (HSS) & Army Health System (AHS) fundamentals.  2) Maximizing available touchpoints to verify the HSS plan adheres to the AHS principle of conformity.  3) Ensuring the medical plan is synchronized with sustainment and supportable. 4) Building staff proficiencies that will assist the Commander with Command/Control and enabling mission command throughout all phases of the operations process. 5) Proactively communicating across echelons to ensure a successful medical support plan. Through the lenses of integration, organization, synchronization, visualization and communication, the team accomplished their mission with great pride, dedication, and professionalism.

On 25 November 2024, 68th TMC conducted a Key Leader Engagement with leadership of the Multinational Medical Coordination Center - Europe (MMCC-E) in order to lay the foundation for expanded medical interoperability and subject matter expertise exchanges. MMCC-E is a multi-nationally manned institution supporting participating nations, both, NATO and European Union. Their charge is to strengthen the cooperation between the participating nations and pave the way for multinational solutions through burden sharing. MMCC-E offers a bridging function between, both, military and civilian NATO/EU medical stakeholders. COL Tracy Michael, and many of the 68th TMC senior staff, had the pleasure of hosting Brigadier General (Dr.) Rolf v. Uslar, MMCC-E Director, COL Jurgen Muntenaar, Deputy Director NATO Matters, and LTC Christian Hilleke, Branch Head Operations/Plans. Topics discussed included how both organizations can leverage each other's expertise with regards to exercises, testing and experimentation across a multitude of medical functional areas. Collaboration between the 68th TMC and MMCC-E will enhance responses to challenges that confront the Alliance and partnered nations in Competition, Crisis and Conflict. BG von Uslar and COL Michael both envision a strong and enduring relationship. "CONSERVE POWER"

On 22 November, Soldiers and family members of the 68th TMC celebrated the Thanksgiving holiday with a potluck luncheon. The Pioneers took time to give thanks for all blessings received throughout the year. The themes revolved around the “coming together” of the Army’s premier theater medical enabler. The sharing of smiles, delicious food and camaraderie was on full display. A message to all: The upcoming holiday season is a time to remember the Army family: Soldiers, Civilians, and Families. These heroes are a blessing to our nation. The U.S. remains grateful and indebted to you for your service and sacrifice. Thank you for what you do every day. Our people are the strength of our Army, and our Army is stronger with you in it. “CONSERVE POWER”

The Pioneers celebrated many of their own today for exceptional dedication in support of two recent events. First, was the execution of key tasks during Sembach’s installation Force Protection exercise. Second, was the volunteer efforts during the post’s Halloween Trunk or Treat event. Thirteen Soldiers, and one spouse either received an Army award or Certificate of Appreciation for their efforts. Thank you for your service and congratulations! “CONSERVE POWER”

Another big week for the 68th TMC Pioneers! On 1 November, SGT Willis, SPC McLean and SSG Murphy graduated Air Assault School conducted in Grafenwöhr, Germany. On the same day, SPC Ramirez graduated the Basic Leaders Course. It was a great day in the 68th. And CW2 Jones promoted to CW3! What a week! We are proud of our teammates accomplishments. “CONSERVE POWER”

In September, soldiers from the 68th TMC worked with Medical Readiness Command, Europe to plan and execute the 31st Multinational Military Medical Engagement in Wroclaw, Poland. Over 250 medical leaders from 18 nations attended the incredible event.

A big week for professional development at the 68th TMC! During his monthly in-brief, CSM Brunnell provided guidance and mentorship to 68th's future enlisted leaders. COL Michael gave an LPD for the Silver Caduceus Society. Several soldiers completed Preliminary Marksmanship Instruction with German allies. And lastly, MAJ Rodriguez led map and mission analysis training.

The 68th TMC conducted an awards ceremony in recognition of the Soldiers who supported 3rd Medical Command (Deployment Support) during Avenger Triad 2024. The expertise and exceptional service displayed by the team was crucial to the fight, enabling the 3rd MC(DS) to effectively operate in the exercise. COL Tracy Michael and CSM Kyle Brunell spoke about the great things the 68th has accomplished over the last year, including Avenger Triad. The ceremony reconfirmed the commitment and role of the 68th TMC as the premier theater medical enabler in support of the Europe and Africa theaters. Congratulations to all awardees on this great accomplishment. CONSERVE POWER!!