FORT POLK, La. –
Bayne-Jones Army Community Hospital held a change of responsibility ceremony Oct. 24 on Spike Field at the Joint Readiness Training Center and Fort Polk, marking the transition of senior enlisted leadership from Command Sgt. Maj. Larry D. White II to Command Sgt. Maj. Victor M. Contreras Jr.
The ceremony, hosted by BJACH commander Col. Patrick Miller, was attended by Brig. Gen. Jason Curl, commanding general of JRTC and Fort Polk, along with military and civilian leadership from across the installation, local hospital and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs partners, BJACH Soldiers and staff, families and community stakeholders.
In his remarks, Miller emphasized the significance of the event and the critical role of the senior enlisted advisor in Army Medicine.
“A change of responsibility isn’t just tradition — it’s a transfer of trust, leadership and a promise that what we do here continues without hesitation,” Miller said.
Miller also acknowledged the presence of civilian hospital partners and VA representatives.
“Military medicine is unique, but it’s strengthened by those who stand beside us in care, collaboration and crisis,” he said.
White reflected on his time serving as the hospital’s senior enlisted leader, sharing pride in the team’s resilience and commitment.
“This has been one of the best assignments of my career,” White said. “We’ve faced wildfires, storms, rotations, power outages, outbreaks — and through it all, our Soldiers, civilians and providers continued delivering first-class care and making sure people could fight, heal and feel safe. You made every day worth giving 100 percent.”
White also thanked his family for their unwavering support and said Fort Polk and BJACH will always feel like home.
Following the passing of the colors, Contreras officially assumed responsibility as the hospital’s senior enlisted leader.
“My responsibility is to uphold standards, care for Soldiers and families, and make sure every Soldier knows they have a voice — and that voice is heard through me,” Contreras said. “I’m honored to be part of this team — and as Col. Miller likes to say, let’s go.”
Miller closed with a quote from Hall of Fame Buffalo Bills coach Marv Levy.
“Where else would you rather be than right here, right now?” he said. “The colors may change hands today, but the mission does not pause. Our commitment to Soldiers, families, patients and this community continues.”
The ceremony concluded with a farewell to White and his family and a reception welcoming Contreras and his family to Team BJACH.