Jennifer Andersson Reporting
jandersson@clarksvillenow.com
FORT CAMPBELL, Ky. – Col. Paul R. Cordts, Blanchfield Army Community Hospital’s Commander, turned over his command to Col. George “Ned” Appenzeller Wednesday, July 31 during a Change of Command Ceremony on the lawn outside of the hospital.
Maj. Gen. Jimmie O. Keenan, commander of the Southern Regional Medical Command and Chief of the U.S. Army Nurse Corps, spoke at the ceremony, lauding Cordts’ many achievements he and his team have attained over the last two years.
However, Cordts graciously lauded his team for BACH’s accomplishments during his command.
“We at BACH do our best to balance the need of the individual and ensuring each Soldier patient, family member and retiree of the greater Fort Campbell area, meet their rendezvous with recovery while empowering our patient population through education and preventive measures to protect their personal health and well-being,” Cordts said.
This is not the first time Appenzeller has followed Cordts’ command.
“Colonel Appenzeller and I used to work together at Fort Stewart, Georgia – he was the deputy commander for clinical services, and I was the commander,” Cordts said.
“You have the best Army medicine leader here coming in to follow me,” he said. “Although I am sad about leaving command, I have total confidence in the Appenzeller family to lead and work with this division.”
Appenzeller said he is ready to complete what Cordts initiated at BACH and has already been welcomed with open arms.
“We are excited and proud to be here and serve this community and the staff and families of Blanchfield Army Community Hospital,” Appenzeller said. “Even though it is our first assignment here, it has felt like coming home.”
“Thank you Clarksville, Hopkinsville and Oak Grove,” Cordts said. “We have truly enjoyed the rich culture and uniquely positive partnership between this thriving community and its military citizens.”