Three major USFK medical units redesignated

Three major USFK medical units redesignated
By Jimmy Norris, Stars and Stripes
Pacific edition, Sunday, November 4, 2007


YONGSAN GARRISON, South Korea — The 18th Medical Command redesignated three of its major units Friday, paving the way for “more precise” medical care for the military community as U.S. Forces Korea braces for thousands of additional family members.

During a brief ceremony Friday on Knight Field, officials announced that the 121st Combat Support Hospital, 618th Dental Command and 106th and 129th Veterinary Detachments were changed to the Medical Department Activity, Dental Activity and District Veterinary Command.

“This is not hype. It’s not just a bunch of PowerPoint charts,” USFK commander Gen. B.B. Bell told the audience. “It’s a real change that will directly enhance the quality of life for all of us, especially our families.”

Bell, who has lobbied to “normalize” military duty in South Korea, authorized doubling the amount of billets allowing troops to bring their families to South Korea.

More family members will mean a greater need for things such as schooling and medical care, according to Bell.

Col. James G. Jolissaint, 18th MEDCOM commander, said that before Friday’s change, the medical resources were tactical units designed primarily to provide care in combat environments.


Rest of article at: http://stripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=50012



uhc comment: It sounds like we're expanding our presence in Korea.