With temperatures chilly enough to warrant coats and gloves and signs of the upcoming holidays everywhere, the Medical Command Band entertained guests with “Frosty the Snowman” and other holiday favorites before the ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Watkins Terrace community center Thursday.
Special guests for the ceremony were Michelle Czerw; Mary Pat Stumberg; Col. John Cook, commander, 32nd Medical Brigade; Col. Thomas Smith, deputy director, Installation Management Command-West; Doug Dupree, Association of the U.S. Army; Richard Wynot, Society for the Preservation of Historic Fort Sam Houston; Greg Oveland, president, Eisenhower Bank; Col. Karen Judkins, Staff Judge Advocate; Command Sgt. Maj. Howard Riles, AMEDD Center and School; Command Sgt. Maj. Pedro Class, U.S. Army Garrison; Command Sgt. Maj. Stephen Paskos, commandant, NCO Academy; and Dee Johnson, San Antonio Credit Union.
Following introductions, Maj. Gen. Russell Czerw, commanding general U. S. Army Medical Center and School said, “Thank you for coming today to celebrate this wonderful community center, named for someone who gave the ultimate sacrifice. I think Watkins would be proud this day, of this commitment, pleased with our partnership with Lincoln Military Properties. It reflects the commitment that the Army is making for Soldiers and their Families, dedicated to providing our Families housing like this. We couldn’t ask for a better partnership.
We have asked for better living areas, and Lincoln has provided us with better housing and playgrounds, similar to what’s outside the post. Hopefully in June we will open the third community center.” Bruce Peterson, South Texas Regional Vice President for LMH, said, “Army leadership and Resident Community Initiatives have paved the way for this partnership. LMH is excited to be here to open the second of three community centers, the first in Harris Heights Oct 15. Community centers are a focal point for community activities, Family neighborhood events, and social gatherings.
The center has a catering kitchen, pool, playground, computers with printer, fax and scanners for residence use, a living, study and dining area with televisions and DVD players.”
“LMH is dedicated to providing our military partners quality homes and neighborhoods, our goal is to improve our communities with the goal on longer term with periodic modernization. We believe modern neighborhoods and customized services will result in improved quality of life for military Families,” added Peterson.
Following the opening remarks the ribbon cutting ceremony took place with Czerw, Allison McKay and Bruce Peterson of Lincoln Military Properties, Mary Pat Stumberg, Theresa Elhabr and Command Sgt. Maj. Howard Riles, AMEDDC&S doing the honors. Once the ribbon was cut the doors were opened and guests were invited to tour the facility and enjoy refreshments.
