A Message from the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs
Colleagues:
Today is my last day as the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs, and I can’t leave without expressing my gratitude to all of you for your support while I was privileged to serve in this office. The people of the Military Health System are its lifeblood – and we in military medicine know the meaning of that analogy! Without your talent, experience, and dedication, fulfilling our sacred mission to take care of our people would be impossible. Each of you have a variety of professional opportunities and options, and the fact that you have chosen service to our county, service to our mission, service to the people we are trusted to care for is something I don’t take for granted. Thank you.
The challenges facing our world, our nation, and our system are great. In my time here, I have worked to create a climate where candid assessment and truth telling is encouraged and rewarded. It’s not always easy, and within the MHS, we don’t always agree on how best to overcome challenges and make the most of opportunities. But to a person, we share a commitment to our mission, to delivering outstanding health care to everyone who depends on us, whether that’s in combat or at home. That sense of mission is what unites us, motivates us, and makes us an outstanding organization.
As Ms. Seileen Mullen once again answers the call, taking on the role of Acting ASD HA, I know that she can count on your continued support, advice, and energy. I’m confident that with her leadership, you will maintain and increase the momentum we’ve achieved together to stabilize and strengthen the MHS.
Again, I thank you for all you do every day, for all the support you generously provided to me, and I wish all of you the best.
Very Respectfully,
Lester
Lester Martínez-López, M.D., M.P.H.
Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs
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