Troop Command welcomes new commander

by Marcy Sanchez
Landstuhl Regional Medical Center

Landstuhl Regional Medical Center’s Troop Command held a change of command ceremony where Lt. Col. Stephanie Sido relinquished command to Lt. Col. Christina Buchner, at LRMC, July 30

Landstuhl Regional Medical Center’s Troop Command held a change of command ceremony where Lt. Col. Stephanie Sido relinquished command to Lt. Col. Christina Buchner, at LRMC, July 30.
Troop Command oversees four companies at LRMC and is responsible for the training, welfare and discipline of Soldiers assigned to the hospital.

“Under (Sido’s) command LRMC maintained above 90 percent compliance on all training stats,” said Col. Michael Weber, the hospital commander. “That’s a great number, but it’s what she’s done with our Soldiers that has impressed me so much more. Since taking command, she’s increased the number of Soldiers sent to Captain’s Career Course, (Intermediate Level Education), and Soldiers are now afforded more opportunities to train for (Expeditionary Field Medical Badge), Air Assault School, and the (German Armed Forces Badge for Military Proficiency).”
The courses and certifications represent professional development achievements and identify Soldiers who have earned highly coveted accolades. The improvements for opportunities are remarkable, said Weber.
During Sido’s farewell remarks, she thanked the Soldiers of LRMC and praised their commitment to the Army Medicine mission and their contributions to overall readiness.

“Change is good and necessary. Being the stewards of the Army profession, I have no doubt in my mind that as dedicated professionals, you are committed to contributing to the warfighter and operational mission,” said Sido. “There are many achievements and opportunities so keep making a difference because it matters.”
Sido’s next assignment will be at U.S. Army Medical Command and Office of the Surgeon General as the chief of congressional and legislative affairs.
“What I’m most proud of is the growth of each Soldier, and their part of success of the combatant command. You’re now a part of the Landstuhl legacy and a part of tradition,” said Sido.
Following in Sido’s footsteps is Lt. Col. Christina Buchner, a Medical Service Corps officer who joined the LRMC team after serving as the interagency medical planner for the Directorate of Operational Medicine under the Department of State. Buchner’s prior military assignments include serving as the operations officer for 299th Forward Support Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division; chief of medical plans and operations for the 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne); and executive officer of the 47th Combat Support Hospital, 62nd Medical Brigade.

“It’s an honor to stand before you today as a successor of a lineage of troop commanders who worked diligently to maintain the readiness of our organization,” said Buchner. “Five years ago no one would have ever convinced me that I’d be standing in before an awesome formation of troops as a team member of one of the most coveted medical centers in the Department of Defense.
“I will ensure as a team we are always ready and able to conserve the fighting force,” said Buchner.