FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas –
Members of the 264th Medical Battalion, 32nd Medical
Brigade, U.S. Army Medical Department Center and School, U.S. Army Health
Readiness Center of Excellence, gathered at the U.S. Army Medical Museum on
Fort Sam Houston courtyard Aug. 14 to witness Lt. Col. Jerrod Killian’s
promotion to colonel and accept the oath of office to reaffirm his commitment
to the United States Army.
Killian’s wife, Rebecca, and sons, Adrian and Kaleb,
assisted with the presentation of his new rank.
Following the ceremony, guests moved to the AMEDD Museum
Amphitheater for the 264th Medical Battalion change of command ceremony where
Killian relinquished the duties of the battalion to incoming commander Lt. Col.
Werner Barden.
Barden was born at the old Brooke Army Medical Center on
Fort Sam Houston. He earned his master’s
degree in International Studies at North Georgia College, where he also
commissioned as a Medical Service Corps Officer in 1999. He previously served
with the 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.
Barden is not new to Fort Sam Houston, previously serving in
operations with the 232nd Medical Battalion and as the executive officer for
the 264th Medical Battalion. He has held a variety of duty and leadership
positions including treatment platoon leader, company executive officer,
medical platoon leader, battalion operations and intelligence officer and
company commander.
After the traditional exchange of the battalion colors by
Killian and Barden, Col. Jack Davis, commander, 32nd Medical Brigade, the host
for the ceremony, talked briefly about the mission of the 264th Medical
Battalion.
“The 264th Medical Battalion is an extremely dynamic new
complex training battalion with a diverse student population of over 1500
enlisted and officers,” Davis said. “They work with brand new Soldiers and
seasoned veterans alike sharpening their skills and molding them to embody the
Warrior Ethos and Army values while providing medical care.
“The 264th Medical Battalion, with its diversity can be
equated to a fine watch, it runs with several different components,” Davis
added. “It requires several specialist and leaders to make the Army Medical
Department run with smooth precision providing that world-class medical care to
our Soldiers, families and retirees. It is a daunting task, a tremendous
responsibility and a great honor.
“With the focus on Army profession and engaged leadership,
Killian improved processes, programs and systems within the battalion and has
been instrumental in developing countless Soldiers and officers to perform
their expert tasks in leading our force,” Davis said.
Acknowledging Barden, Davis said, “An experienced leader in
his own right, I have total trust, faith and confidence in his readiness to
lead the 264th Medical Battalion and continuing the mission in developing the
best trained medical personnel in the world. He has served in both clinical and
operations environments, with deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan.”
Killian acknowledged the leaders and staff of the 264th
Medical Battalion for their support while he served as
the commander of the battalion.
To Barden, he said, “You are the man for the 264th Medical
Battalion. You have the passion and know how to drive this team forward, enjoy
the ride. “
“My family and I are humbled, gratified and grateful to
serve in this capacity and I promise you I won’t fail my mission,” Barden said
in accepting the command of the 264th Medical
Battalion.