Photo by Hospital Corpsman 1st Class (FMF) Tina M. Felipe Joint Task Force National Capital Region-Medical Commander Rear Adm. John Mateczun passes the unit colors to a flag bearer who then joined in place the Joint Color Guard symbolizing JTF CapMed’s assumption of fully operational capable authority Sept. 29.

Established by Deputy Secretary of Defense Gordon Englandís Memorandum of Sept. 12, 2007, JTF CapMed is the militaryís first medical Standing Joint Task Force. The missions assigned to the JTF for the National Capital Region include; ensuring the effective delivery of world-class health care and oversight of the Base Realignment and Closure consolidation and realignment of military health care.

As part of the ceremony, Mateczun received fully operational capable status reports from his component commanders: Army Maj. Gen. Carla G. Hawley-Bowland, Air Force Maj. Gen. Gar Graham and Navy Rear Adm. Matthew Nathan; and JTF CapMed Chief of Staff Air Force Col. Scott Wardell. Upon positive reports from his commanders and chief of staff, Mateczun declared JTF CapMed fully operational capable and Command Master Chief Robert Elliott unfurled and delivered the unit colors to the commander. Mateczun in turn passed the unit colors to a flag bearer who then joined in place the Joint Color Guard symbolizing JTF CapMedís assumption of fully operational capable authority.

In his remarks, Mateczun focused on JTF CapMedís duty and commitment to ensuring that warriors and their Families are provided compassionate world-class care.

He closed by saying, ëëThis mission began the day the charter was signed. Not only is the establishment of this medical Joint Task Force historical in nature, but the significance of our mission will change the face of military health care in the National Capital Region forever. We cannot fail, we must not fail, and we will not fail.î (JTF CapMed release)