The U.S. Army Institute of Surgical Research (USAISR) Company welcomed a new commander during a change of command ceremony June 26 as Capt. Lashawnna N. Ray relinquished command to Capt. Jose A. Juarez Jr.

USAISR Commander Col. (Dr.) Michael D. Wirt hosted the ceremony and commended Ray for her leadership and accomplishments.

"The ISR's success has a great deal to do with the leadership of Captain Ray who enables our staff to perform at a high level driving everyone around her to be the best," said Wirt.

During her remarks, Ray thanked the USAISR leadership for the mentorship, support and believing in her and the Company. "I can't tell you how much I've learned from you," said Ray. "Thank you for being exceptional role models.

"The success of this Company goes far beyond the Company leadership, far beyond the section leadership, and right down to the individual Soldier. I've said it before'you are the best collection of Soldiers I know. You've made me proud to serve with you."

Juarez reports from Alpha Company, 187th Medical Battalion at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston, Texas, where he served as an instructor/writer. He thanked Wirt for giving him the opportunity to command and Ray for setting the standard and setting the ISR up for success.

"I promise to build on that success moving forward," said Juarez. "Over the last week I have had the opportunity to see what a great organization you are turning over to me, and I can honestly say that I am excited."

A graduate of Cameron University, with a bachelor's of science in Interdisciplinary Studies, Juarez earned his commission through the Army Reserve Officers Training Corps in 2008. His military experience includes serving as an Army Medical Recruiting Officer, 5th Recruiting Brigade, JBSA-Fort Sam Houston; Brigade Security Officer, 1st Medical Brigade, Fort Hood, Texas; Treatment Platoon Leader, 546th Medical Company, Fort Hood; Executive Officer, 583rd Medical Logistics Company, Fort Hood; Ambulance Platoon Leader, 546th Medical Company, Fort Hood; and Executive Officer, 61st Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, Multifunctional Medical Battalion, Fort Hood.

"We gain a truly great leader in Capt. Juarez," said Wirt. "He values and respects the power of teamwork, and I have no doubt that he'll bring great ideas and enthusiasm to the ISR. The company and the ISR can feel confident that you're getting an outstanding new commander."