JBSA-FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas –
Soldiers and staff members at the U.S. Army Institute of Surgical Research, or USAISR, bid farewell to one commander and welcomed a new one during a change of command ceremony June 15 at Fort Sam Houston.
Capt. Jose A. Juarez Jr. relinquished command of the USAISR Company to Capt. Cleveland S. Bryant, Jr., in a ceremony hosted by Col. (Dr.) Michael D. Wirt, USAISR commander.
“Capt. Juarez, your accomplishments as the company commander are impressive,” Wirt said. “This command is a success because of your leadership, motivational skills, inspirational integrity and your ability to plan and successfully execute all missions.”
Juarez thanked the institute’s leadership for their support and allowing him to fulfill his longtime dream.
“As a young enlisted Soldier, I was impressed by a company commander and I told myself that someday I would be in that position,” Juarez said. “I didn’t know when or where, but I knew that it’s what I wanted to do. To do that at this command was more than I imagined. It has been an honor and a privilege to have served as your company commander.”
Bryant’s most recent assignment was a medical logistics officer at the 2nd Infantry Division Sustainment Brigade in Waegwan, Korea.
“It is a great honor and privilege to be part of an organization of which spearheads innovation, creativity and ingenuity of Army medicine to new levels of excellence,” Bryant said.
Bryant enlisted in the Army in 2000, earning the military occupational specialty of medical laboratory technician, or 68K. In 2007, he attended the
Officer Candidate School and commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Medical Service Corps in 2008.
“Capt. Bryant, welcome to the USAISR,” Wirt said. “I have heard nothing but great things about you, and I’m confident that you will pick up where Capt. Juarez left off. You have outstanding NCOs and Soldiers under your command who will give you their best every day to ensure that you will also have a successful tour as well.”