Lanier Takes Command of USAISR
Col. (Dr.) J. Brian Lanier assumed command of the U.S. Army Institute of Surgical Research (ISR) when Col. (Dr.) Mark E. Stackle relinquished command during a change of command ceremony July 7 at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston, Texas. Brig. Gen. Tony McQueen, Commander, U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Command and Fort Detrick, Maryland, hosted the time-honored Army ritual.
During his remarks, McQueen applauded the Stackle family for their support and love.
"Leaders are shaped by their experiences, and also by the teams that surround them," said McQueen. "I'd like to take this moment to thank Mark's family for being the team who has supported his Army career throughout the years.
"Mark, thank you for your extraordinary leadership. It's been a true pleasure to work with you."
"My departure comes with many mixed emotions, but I'm extremely grateful to know that the ISR is gaining a great leader in Col. Brian Lanier," said Stackle during his remarks. "I have known Brian for nearly 20 years and know for certain that his fresh ideas and enthusiasm will propel this institute to new heights."
Stackle is transferring to the U.S. Army Medical Center of Excellence at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston where he will be assigned as the Medical Corps Specific Branch Proponency Officer.
"While relinquishing command is bittersweet, I do so knowing that I am leaving the ISR team in capable and caring hands," added Stackle.
Lanier joins the ISR after completing an assignment with the Defense Health Agency as the Chief of Credentialing and Privileging where he was responsible for policy, oversight, and the governance of all military treatment facilities in the Military Health System.
"As their first program lead, Brian helped to ensure that providers with the right education, training and experience were in the right place to deliver safe, high-quality healthcare," said McQueen.
McQueen added that Lanier brings a wealth of relevant experience to the ISR from nearly 20 years of Service. Lanier has served in critical leadership roles in diverse environments to include clinical and operational medicine and a battalion command.
"Throughout this time, Brian demonstrated a passion for both taking care of Soldiers and for medical research," McQueen said.
"Brig. Gen. McQueen, thank you for the opportunity to command this remarkable organization," said Lanier during his initial remarks to the command. "I am truly humbled and in awe of the work of the team here at ISR. Whether performing the impactful and cutting-edge research for which the ISR is internationally known, providing world-class medical care in the prestigious burn center, or providing the needed support services to our researchers and clinicians, this team is a team of heroes."
While concluding his remarks, Lanier added that change of command represents a time of transition for the organization, saying "even in the time of transition, the important work of the ISR that you do each and every day continues."