A Message from the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs

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Colleagues:

As this month draws to a close, I wanted to acknowledge the fast pace at which we are all working and start by thanking you for keeping up with the ever-changing and wide-ranging issues we face.  I don’t ever want to get so caught up in the pace that I neglect to recognize the effort made every day and the accomplishments that effort yields.

We welcomed more than 2,100 of you to Portland earlier this month for the first MHS Conference in more than a dozen years.  All of the feedback so far matches my own view that it was a resounding success – bringing us together to share knowledge, learn, and strengthen the relationships that are such a vital factor in our success.  I’m grateful to Hon. Vazarani for kicking off the week, and for the MHS leaders who provided their perspectives in eleven plenary sessions and 64 break-outs.  I came away with a better understanding of our opportunities and challenges and with renewed energy and enthusiasm about our ability to meet them.  Plenary session recordings and all presentation materials will soon be posted at the conference website.  I hope you’ll be happy to know that planning is already underway for next year’s conference.

Spring in Washington D.C. means posture season on the Hill, and we are deep in preparations for our annual presentations to Congress.  We have worked hard to develop strong working relationships with Members and staff and look forward to productive discussions with them. 

I began this week at an event with Veterans Affairs, announcing an expansion of services at the Keller Army Community Hospital in West Point, NY.  Our growing partnership with the VA helps us maintain clinical readiness by increasing access to care for beneficiaries of both agencies – it’s a win for everyone. 

Again, thank you for everything you do every day to advance our mission, and as always, stay safe!

Very Respectfully,

Lester

Lester Martínez-López, M.D., M.P.H.

Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs

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