Email   Print   Share By Daniel Cernero, Sentinel Staff

Facebook Digg Delicious July 26, 2012 | News

Col. Troy Marburger, Fort Hood DENTAC incoming commander, receives the unit colors from Col. Lemuel Covington, commander of U.S. Army Southern Regional Dental Command, during a change of command ceremony July 18 inside Club Hood. Marburger comes to Fort Hood from Alaska Dental Activity, located at Fort Wainwright, Alaska. Daniel Cernero, Sentinel Staff

Col. Johnette Shelley, Fort Hood DENTAC outgoing commander, shares her remarks with the unit during a change of command ceremony July 18 inside Club Hood. Shelley will move on to a position within Dental Command Headquarters in San Antonio. Daniel Cernero, Sentinel Staff

Fort Hood Dental Activity held a change of command ceremony welcoming Col. Troy Marburger while saying goodbye to the outgoing commander, Col. Johnette J. Shelley, July 18 at Club Hood.

Marburger comes to Fort Hood from Alaska Dental Activity, as Shelley will move on to a position within Dental Command Headquarters in San Antonio.

Col. Lemuel Covington, commander of U.S. Army Southern Regional Dental Command, served as the ceremony’s reviewing officer, and he complimented both colonels on their excellent work within the Army’s dental community.

While referencing a list of Shelley’s accomplishments during her time as the Fort Hood DENTAC commander, he noted her initial hurdle upon first taking command in 2010, as the unit transitioned away from Great Plains Dental Command, realigning as a member of the Southern Regional Dental Command.

“One of her first priorities was to improve dental readiness and wellness, and boy did she,” Covington said.

For her time in command, Covington commended Shelley for being a supportive leader, always quick to encourage, recognize and reward excellence.

“I realize you didn’t do all of this all by yourself – you have an exceptional staff,” he said, “but it also takes a great leader to ensure that everyone is marching in the same direction.”

Upon taking to the podium, the outgoing commander let out, “Wahoo! Free at last.”

“When I assumed command, I had hoped to find my passion for improving the dental health of Soldiers and have fun doing it,” Shelley said. “I think at the time I said, ‘We’re going to work hard and play hard.’

“Did we?” she asked those in attendance.

Affirmative responses answered back.

Shelley was quick to compliment her staff on the accomplishments made during her time in command.

“We put goals out there for you, and you did it,” she said. “I’m so proud of you.

“You’re responsible for taking care of Soldiers. You are our front line in dental disease,” she added. “The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan may have ramped down or are ramping down, but we continue to fight an uphill battle against dental disease. With everyone coming back, our workload has increased a lot. It’s a struggle to maintain readiness while improving wellness at the same time.”

Covington said he knows Fort Hood DENTAC will remain in capable hands under Marburger, a native Texan, who was happy to return to the Lone Star state, a stark contrast to his previous post of Fort Wainwright, Alaska.

First off, Marburger thanked his Family for their support.

“Without you, I wouldn’t be here taking command today.

To his new unit, Marburger gave assurances to his commitment to ensure the readiness and dental wellness of the Soldiers and units at Fort Hood.

“Now, as the last remaining units return from battle, it will be our job to reintegrate them back into garrison and begin the arduous task of restoring them back to dental health,” he said. “I have no doubt that we will succeed.”