MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C. (May 3, 2010) -- As a chapter closes for the Cherry Point Naval Health Clinic another begins with command changing hands.
Navy Capt. John B. Burgess Jr., former Naval Health Clinic commander, relinquished his authority to Navy Capt. Edgardo Perez-Lugo, Naval Health Clinic commander, at a change of command ceremony in the air station theater, April 30.
The guest speaker for the change of command was Rear Adm. William R. Kiser, Navy Medicine East commander.
“As a commanding officer we have to take the jewel that we are given, whether that is a hospital or a platoon of Marines or Sailors, and nurture and repair it,” said Kiser. “Capt. Burgess has done that very thing.”
The master of ceremonies, Navy Capt. William J. Leonard echoed Burgess’ praises.
“Burgess leaves behind a greatly polished jewel,” said Leonard. “He has done many great things along with creating a great physical therapy clinic that has helped prevent the early separation of many Sailors and Marines alike.”
According to Kiser, Perez-Lugo will not only fill the shoes of the outgoing commander, but expand them to better the Naval Health Clinic for Cherry Point’s Marines and Sailors.
“I am honored to be passing the reins on to Capt. Perez-Lugo,” said Burgess.
“He is a great leader and will make our clinic better than ever.”
With his final words as the commanding officer of the Naval Health Clinic, Burgess thanked the clinic workers and passed on a piece of advice.
“I tell my fellow Sailors, it doesn’t matter how big of a building you are in,” said Burgess. “Besides its not the size of the dog in the fight, its about the size of the fight in the dog.”