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JBSA News
NEWS | March 22, 2017

Brooke Army Medical Center welcomes new command sergeant major

By Maria Gallegos Brooke Army Medical Center Public Affairs

Brooke Army Medical Center Command Sgt. Maj. Albert Crews relinquished the organization colors to Command Sgt. Maj. Diamond Hough during a change of responsibility ceremony at the Warrior and Family Support Center at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston March 17.

 

Brig. Gen. Jeffrey Johnson, BAMC commanding general and the ceremony’s host, praised Crews for his continued support for BAMC and his dedication and commitment to the organization. Crews assumed responsibility in October 2015.

 

Speaking directly to Crews, Johnson summed up their time together at BAMC as “One fast - A ticket ride.”

 

“We have been ‘Battles’ for almost a year,” he told Crews. “And it has been such an unforgettable experience and together I feel we have made a lasting impact on the organization.”

 

He continued with Crews’ accomplishments and noted BAMC’s many new programs and initiatives during his time as command sergeant major.

 

“During his tenure, BAMC achieved substantial increases in quality, performance and productivity. Through his constant emphasis on the importance of the NCO (our backbone) and Soldiers’ roles in efficiency and accountability, BAMC saw an increase in outpatient encounters and the number of operating room cases,” he said.

 

The general also highlighted Crews’ leadership style and his implementation in development and maintenance of critical wartime readiness skills.

 

“Command Sgt. Maj. Crews worked diligently with the Health Readiness Center of Excellence to elevate the level of enlisted Phase 2 training,” Johnson said. “He was also an instrumental force in the initiation of the new 68W Utilization Program. While this program is just starting, it has the potential to be a watershed moment in how BAMC grows its readiness.

 

“We are well on our way to becoming a high-reliability organization and we continue to make many improvements in and around our facilities,” he added. “Thank you for all you have done and for the unwavering support you have provided me.”

 

Johnson also welcomed BAMC’s incoming Command Sgt. Maj. Diamond Hough, who he had met at Fort Benning, Ga., earlier in their careers.

 

“When we last bid farewell in 2014, I said we need to work together again in the future and here we are today,” Johnson said.

 

“Command Sgt. Maj. Hough, you have my complete trust and confidence as you take on this new role of great responsibility, serving as the senior enlisted leader for Brooke Army Medical Center. I am certain that your role in our leadership team at BAMC will lead to even greater accomplishments for this storied organization,” he concluded.

 

Crews bid farewell and reflected on his time at BAMC, thanking his family, current and former leaders, and the BAMC staff for coming to the ceremony. He also reflected on his tenure at BAMC, noting he has “walked with many giants” symbolizing the current and former leaders who have led him where he is today.

 

“The dedication of this team is what has impressed me the most. The staff here cares about their patients, and it shows,” he added. “Thank you for giving your all. I was very proud to be the command sergeant major of this great organization. Take care of each other and your families and foster strong relationships.”

 

Following Crews’ remarks, Hough expressed his excitement to serve at BAMC and thanked Johnson for choosing him for the position.

 

“I stand here today humbled and honored,” Hough said. “Honored to be selected to a historic institution; humbled with the opportunity to serve so many people.

 

“I thank God all the time for all he has done for me and for all of the opportunities, especially like this one to serve others,” he said.