6/23/2014 -- CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. – Navy Capt. James A. LeTexier, outgoing commanding officer, 1st Medical Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group, passed on command of the battalion to Navy Capt. Theodore P. Briski during a change of command ceremony aboard Camp Pendleton, Calif., June 17, 2014.
Briski, a native of Milwaukee, Wis., recently served as the executive officer of Naval Hospital Lemoore, Calif. He is taking command of a battalion of Marines who performed above and beyond the expectations through three deployments to Afghanistan, according to LeTexier, a native of North Dakota.
“When Marines go to combat, one of our first questions is, ‘What is our medical capability?’” said Brig. Gen. Vincent A. Coglianese, commanding general, 1st Marine Logistics Group. “Knowing you will receive the medical treatment necessary is critical to mission accomplishment in combat operations.”
Throughout their deployments, the battalion treated approximately 170 seriously injured troops, and had a 98% survival rate. LeTexier addressed his Marines and sailors as the ceremony neared its end, giving all credit for his success to their hard work.
“1st Med. Bn. may be one of the smallest battalions in [1st MLG]; however, what we lack in numbers, we make up for in capabilities and passion,” said LeTexier.