A Message from the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs

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Colleagues,

I am deeply concerned by the news from Israel over the past few days, as I am sure you are, too.  As I follow reports of the continuing conflict and take in the horrific images of war, I can’t help but think of our solemn responsibility for readiness.  What’s happening now in Israel is a stark reminder that peace can turn to war in the blink of an eye, that vigilance must be constant, and that we must be ready, at all times, in all places, to carry out the defense of our country.

What this means for us is a renewed understanding of and emphasis on readiness – the readiness of our forces to meet the physical, psychological, and emotional demands of conflict and the readiness of our medical providers to take care of them.  Everything we do is oriented to that mission, that sacred trust those who serve our nation have placed in us. 

I renew my commitment to all of you and to all we serve to bring the very best I have to this job every day, and I know I can count on you to do the same.  The challenge is real and is not going away.  We must be even more resolute in every decision we make and every action we take to help our people be stronger, healthier, and ready for whatever we must face.

Very Respectfully,
Lester

Lester Martinez-López, M.D., M.P.H.

Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs

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