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JBSA News
NEWS | Sept. 19, 2022

232nd Medical Battalion helps expand the JBSA Adopt-A-School program

By Tish Williamson, Director, Communications, Health Readiness Center of Excellence Director, Communications, U.S. Army Medical Center of Excellence

Soldiers and leaders assigned to the 232nd Medical Battalion, 32nd Medical Brigade at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston signed an Adopt-A-School charter with Veteran’s Memorial High School at a public ceremony during the school’s Red, White, and Blue, Patriot Day Commemoration Football Game, at D.W. Rutledge Stadium, Sept. 9, 2022.

Dr. Sue Arredondo, VMHS principal, and Lt. Col. Genna Speed, 232nd Medical Battalion commander, alongside 232nd MED BN Command Sgt. Maj. Lori Ingram, officially signed the charter on the 50-yard line, in front of hundreds of Soldiers, students and family members in attendance.
 
The 232nd Medical Battalion is the largest medical training battalion within the 32nd Medical Brigade, the singular training brigade within the U.S. Army Medical Center of Excellence. Together, they train more than 4,000 combat medics annually.
 
Each of the MEDCoE’s training battalions has participated in the JBSA-Fort Sam Houston Adopt-A-School Program, mainly in support of elementary schools, for nearly a decade. Beginning in March of this year, MEDCoE, the Army’s medical training and education institution, began adopting local high schools, greatly expanding their reach across San Antonio.


Through the Adopt-A-School program, MEDCoE Soldiers aim to demonstrate what it means to live a life of serving others through shared Army values while getting meaningful interactions with students. Through the program, Soldiers volunteer their time during various activities including mentorship, school beautification, and school supply fundraisers.

“It is with great excitement that the 232nd Medical Battalion joins with Veteran’s Memorial High School as partners in developing the leaders of tomorrow,” Speed said. “At some point in all our lives, there has been a trusted advisor, mentor, or guide to help each of us reach our fullest potential. It is truly an honor for the 232d to be a part of that process for the students of Veteran’s Memorial.”

In her remarks, Speed also thanked several people for their support of the Adopt-A-School initiative including Dr. Jeanette Ball, Judson Independent School District Superintendent; Col. Marc Welde, 32nd Medical Brigade commander; retired Army Lt.Col. John Baker, VMHS JROTC senior military instructor; and Nita Ford-Hightower, JBSA-Fort Sam Houston School Liaison.

“This event would not have been possible without you,” Speed said. “We are thrilled to continue working together!”