An official website of the United States government
Here's how you know
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.


MCAS Cherry Point News

 

Photo Information

Navy Capt. John B. Burgess Jr., former commanding officer of Cherry Point’s Naval Health Clinic; Rear Adm. William R. Kiser, Navy Medicine East commander; Capt. Edgardo Perez-Lugo, the new Naval Health Clinic commanding officer; and Capt. William J. Leonard, the master of ceremonies for the change of command, stand and salute while the National Anthem is played at the Naval Health Clinic’s change of command ceremony, April 30.

Photo by Lance Cpl. Cory D. Polom

New boss at Health Clinic helm

10 May 2010 | Lance Cpl. Cory D. Polom Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point

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.”


Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point