Articles

Nov. 14, 2025

Lethality takes flight during Fort Polk’s first drone competition

Fort POLK, La. — During the awards ceremony, Brig. Gen. Jason Curl, commanding general of the Joint Readiness Training Center and Fort Polk, praised participants for advancing the Army’s drone capability.

Nov. 14, 2025

Calm in the Chaos: Emergency Nurses at BJACH Strengthen Readiness Through Expert Care

FORT POLK, La. — The emergency department at Bayne-Jones Army Community Hospital is more than a place for urgent medical care — it’s a cornerstone of readiness for Soldiers, Families and the broader Fort Polk community. During Emergency Nurses Week, observed Oct. 6–12, BJACH recognizes the nurses who provide calm, capable care amid the chaos of crisis.

Nov. 14, 2025

Change of responsibility at BJACH marks transition in senior enlisted leadership

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.

Aug. 26, 2025

BJACH Reintroduces School-Based Behavioral Health Services to Support Military Families

FORT POLK, La. — As the 2025–2026 school year gets underway, Bayne-Jones Army Community Hospital has reintroduced its school-based behavioral health program, placing an experienced clinical social worker inside Parkway Elementary School to provide direct care for military children. The initiative strengthens resilience and quality of life for Soldiers and Families—key components of Army readiness.

Aug. 18, 2025

From the Homefront to the Frontlines: Prevention is Readiness

FORT POLK, La. — August is National Immunization Awareness Month, a time to highlight the importance of vaccines in protecting individuals, strengthening unit readiness and safeguarding public health. Capt. Benjamin Tan, a pediatrician at Bayne-Jones Army Community Hospital, said the value of vaccines starts with the most vulnerable members of the community.

Aug. 16, 2025

Army Nurse Reaches New Milestone with Doctorate in Executive Leadership

FORT POLK, La. — Lt. Col. Shemica Ward, chief of the Labor, Delivery, Postpartum and Recovery ward at Bayne-Jones Army Community Hospital, has earned a Doctor of Nursing Practice in Executive Leadership from Baylor University, capping more than 20 years of service in the Army Nurse Corps.

Aug. 11, 2025

Challenged, Tested, Triumphant: BJACH Soldiers Earn EFMB

FORT POLK, La. — Two Soldiers from Bayne-Jones Army Community Hospital became part of a small community of highly skilled Army medical professionals Aug. 11, earning the Expert Field Medical Badge during the Expert Infantry, Soldier and Field Medical Badge testing event hosted by the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division at the Joint Readiness Training Center and Fort Polk.

July 31, 2025

Referral process changes at BJACH: Here’s what Fort Polk Families need to know

FORT POLK, La. — Bayne-Jones Army Community Hospital is encouraging beneficiaries to take greater ownership of their healthcare with a new digital process for managing off-post specialty referrals. As of June 9, all referrals are now processed through the TriWest Patient Portal, giving patients faster access to authorizations and the freedom to select their own provider.

July 30, 2025

Military, VA Leaders Meet to Strengthen Health Care Access in Central Louisiana

FORT POLK, La. — Leaders from Bayne-Jones Army Community Hospital and the Alexandria VA Health Care System met July 18 to explore opportunities for collaboration aimed at improving access to care for veterans and active duty service members across Central Louisiana.

July 16, 2025

BJACH nurse recognized as DHA Civilian of the Quarter

FORT POLK, La. — Cyndi Boone, a registered nurse at Bayne-Jones Army Community Hospital, was recognized as the Defense Health Agency Civilian of the Quarter during a monthly awards ceremony July 3 at the Joint Readiness Training Center and Fort Polk.