White Sands Missile Range begins a new chapter of leadership with the ceremony for the change of command for McAfee Us Army Health Clinic | Article

White Sands Missile Range, NM (June 6, 2025) A ceremony of change of command was carried out on June 6 to officially recognize Lieutenant-Colonel Joseph J. Pavelites as a new McAfee commander US Army Health Clinic at White Sands Missile Range.

This event highlights the army’s commitment to provide exceptional health care to the military and their families. It also marks the start of several leadership transitions while time warms up to the White Sands missile range.

Military staff, civilians, community members and out-of-post partners gathered in front of the organ mountains while Pavelites assumed his new functions, and the outgoing commander, Lieutenant-Colonel Joseph E. Fisher, has given up his responsibilities.

The host of the ceremony was the commander of William Beaumont Army Medical Center, Colonel Lee C. Freeman.

“You and the team supported the joint orders here on the White Sands missile range, as director of health services and medical policy advisor to the senior mission commander, Brig. Gen. Turner, as well as the connection with local, medical and support agencies,” said Freeman when he was thinking about Fisher acts. “Joe, you had a lasting impact on the mission here. Know that.”

“For Joe Pavelites, I have a few points to achieve while you are running the most difficult and enriching moment of your career so far, and I think you will be decisive in the success of your team,” said Freeman.

Freeman highlighted the importance of preparation and encouraged the pavelites to challenge himself and his civilians and his soldiers to prepare mentally and physically. He stressed the importance of maintaining good order and good discipline while ensuring care for high quality patients. He also reminded Pavelites that it is essential to remain vigilant about the well-being of his team and to execute recognition and justice in a timely manner. Finally, he urged Pavelites to add value by putting the example both in service and offering clear advice and communication.

“I would like to thank Brig. Gen. Turner and Colonel Freeman for the distinct honor and privilege of commanding this unit in the past two years,” said Fisher when he was addressed to the participants. “I learned an extensive amount of you both and I appreciated your advice, your mentoring and your support that you provided by sailing on this chapter of my life. Thank you again.”

“I did not make improvements or achievements alone; the truth is that I am just an average guy who was blessed with an incredible team. The truth is that McAfee’s staff who are incredible, McAfee’s staff who are great, exceptional even,” said Fisher humbly while he gave credit to his team for the achievements made during his assignment.

Fisher continued: “They are the ones who brought the weight of all the inspections, all the exercises, the closure of COVID, two Bataans, a coherent quality, the safety and care of our beneficiaries, the countless industrial hygiene inspections on 2.3 million square acres and, more recently, the response of measles.”

Fisher expressed his latest thanks and farewell to all those present. He also shared sincere words with his wife, Krystal Fisher, and his six children. Shortly after, Pavelites addressed the White Sands missiles, expressing his enthusiasm for starting her new trip with his wife, Luisa Hernandez.

“Assuming that command, assuming the mantle on the last change for me, consists in listening, learning and raising others. I undertake to maintain the values ​​of the army in each decision and to direct with transparency, compassion and objective,” said Pavelites. “My philosophy of command is simple: people first, the mission always. When we take care of our people, our soldiers, civilians and families, the mission will end.”