Pehrson assumes command of West Point Health Service Area
July 23, 2012
WEST POINT, N.Y. (July 23, 2012) -- Keller Army Community Hospital ushered in a new leader as Col. (Dr.) Felicia F. Pehrson assumed command from Col. (Dr.) Beverly C. Land during a July 20 ceremony at the United States Military Academy's Haig Room in the Jefferson Library.
Army Medicine has protected the health of those who serve here at West Point for many years and we are proud to be a part of this community, said Brig. Gen. (Dr.) Joseph Caravalho, Jr., commander of Northern Regional Medical Command, in his opening remarks.
"Bev, you have led Keller with your dedication and vision. I salute your accomplishments and it has been a distinct honor working with you," said Caravalho.
Caravalho cited many of Land's notable accomplishments, such as breaking ground on the $28 million out-patient clinic addition; maintaining a 93 percent patient satisfaction rate, the highest among MEDCOM's 34 medical treatment facilities; and establishing the first Integrated Disability Evaluation (IDES) site at a non-Department of Defense facility (Montrose Veteran's Affairs Hospital).
"Like any good leader would say their success is solely due to the staff that supported them," Caravalho said. "However, I'm here to tell you, Bev, that it is you who does the inspiring here at Keller."
"While in command of the West Point Health Service Area Colonel Land faced many challenges. It is because of her tenacity, stewardship and outstanding leadership that she was able to steer this command in the right direction and further the mission of the Army Medical Department," said Master Sgt. Rosalba Chambers, Keller's command sergeant major.
More than 35 years ago I started at West Point as a GS-9 athletic trainer, and have come full circle as a full-bird colonel commanding a medical treatment facility. I entered both of those phases of my life with many reservations, but am leaving left with very little regret, Land said.
"West Point is and will always hold a special in my heart," she continued. "Thank you for entrusting me to lead this fine command. It has truly been a privilege working with all of you."
In Land's next assignment, she will function as the director of the Operational Medicine Force Health Protection & Readiness Command, Office of Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense, in Falls Church, Va.
"Now it's time for another incredible officer whose energy, vision and compassion will lead Keller on to its next chapter," said Caravalho.
Pehrson comes to Keller from Walter Reed Army Medical Center where she was the Deputy Commander for Clinical Services prior to attending Senior Service College at the Industrial College of the Armed Forces.
Pehrson said she was humbled to be here and felt privileged to be part of the West Point community. She told her staff she is proud to serve with them as they continue to provide patient-focused, world-class medical care.
To the West Point community, Pehrson stated, "We exist to serve you. You deserve to be, and will continue to be, at the center of all that we do.