SILVER SPRING, Md –
SILVER SPRING — The Walter Reed Army Institute of Research held a Headquarters and Headquarters Company change of command ceremony at Forrest Glen Annex, June 26.
Maj. Shanee E. Allen relinquished command to Capt. John R. Resch, during the ceremony which was presided by Col. Chad Koenig, WRAIR’s commander. During his speech, Koenig said one of Allen’s greatest accomplishments was being an ever-present advocate for Soldiers both on and off the clock.
“I've met a lot of young leaders, but few, if any, have had your level of compassion for those that they are charged to lead,” Koenig said. “You did an admirable job training, mentoring and developing those in your care all while supporting the science that WRAIR is known for.”
During the ceremony, Allen thanked unit members for embracing her leadership style and reiterated her gratitude to the Soldiers and civilians at WRAIR.
“My goals were to foster and cultivate a positive work atmosphere with an emphasis on teamwork, trust and understanding,” Allen said. “I helped them achieve their goal inside and outside the military…and without a doubt this has been the most rewarding experience in my Army career.”
Allen will assume responsibility as the Deputy Chief of Physical Therapy at the Dr. Alexander T. Augusta Military Medical Center, Ft. Belvoir, Virginia.
Resch, who joins WRAIR after serving as the Branch Chief for the North Texas Branch of Public Health Activity at Fort Cavazos, was officially welcomed following remarks from Koenig. Resch thanked Mrs. Heather Resch (spouse), Mr. David and Jackie Resch (parents) and other family for their attendance, support and sacrifice and expressed his excitement to work with the soldiers, civilians and families of WRAIR.
“My job is to make sure everyone has everything they need to accomplish the mission, which includes readiness,” Resch said. “It also means supporting and prioritizing the groundbreaking research and development executed in this organization,” “I [learned]that my service [in the Army] could broaden and the opportunity to serve you is the most exciting one yet,” Resch said.