U.S. Army Health Contracting Activity Welcomes New Commander

Story by Wesley Elliott

U.S. Army Medical Command

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO, Texas (July 12, 2024) – Lt. Gen. Mary K. Izaguirre, U.S. Army Surgeon General and Commanding General, U.S. Army Medical Command, hosted a ceremony on July 12, to recognize the outgoing Commander of the U.S. Army Health Contracting Activity (USAHCA), Col. Anthony K. Whitfield, and welcome the new Commander, Col. Michelle Lewis.

Whitfield served as the Commander for USAHCA for two years and ensured the delivery of over $3 billion in critical healthcare services, medical supplies, and equipment. He delivered critical programs such as the Holistic Health and Fitness (H2F) medical contract which has drastically improved the management and prevention of musculoskeletal injury across the Army.

Whitfield also set the conditions for numerous contracts to include behavioral health providers for Army Recruiting and Army Direct Care Medical Services in support of overseas healthcare.

“Over the last few years, I have watched as the Army Medicine Team has responded when our nation called and accomplished unforeseen missions in the most challenging circumstances in recent times. Your dedicated and rapid response to crisis has demonstrated the relevance and readiness of Army Medicine,” said Whitfield.

“It is great leaders such as Anthony and Michelle that ensure our Army is prepared to meet the challenges of tomorrow,” said Izaguirre.

A change in command ceremony is about ensuring continuity of leadership and “Colonel Whitfield has set up the Health Contracting Activity for a smooth and seamless transition to the next commander,” said Izaguirre. “And as we say farewell to one great leader, we welcome another. COL Lewis brings a blend of experience, talent, concern for people, and strategic insight that will take this command to the next level.”

Lewis’ previous assignment was to provide support to Ukraine, advising on industrial base capabilities, contracting, and replacement timelines. She was instrumental in requesting more than $13 billion in funding for the Army to replace equipment and supplies provided to Ukraine.

“COL Lewis, I have incredible confidence in you. Having just left the Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army (Procurement), you know the dynamic state of the world today, and you are incredibly familiar with the transformation our Army and Army Medicine is undergoing,” said Izaguirre.

“I am deeply honored to be a part of the U.S. Army Health Contracting Activity,” said Lewis. We will continue to provide contract support to the warfighter.

The U.S. Army Health Contracting Activity, located on Joint Base San Antonio, Texas, enhances Army Medicine globally through the power of contracting for the total Army force, families, and veterans. It provides medical contract support that increases efficiency and enhances responsiveness to the needs of the Army.