“Medic 6 out,” outgoing Winn Army Community Hospital commander Col. Paul Cordts said as he turned command of the hospital over to incoming commander Col. Ronald Place.

Cordts, a board-certified surgeon, faced a number of serious challenges during his time at Winn including a hostage-taking and a hazardous substance scare last year.

In September 2010, three people were held hostage by an armed gunman who walked into Winn’s emergency room demanding mental health care. Winn personnel managed to talk the former soldier into surrendering and no one was injured in the incident.

The potential hazardous substance, which was found to be shaving powder, temporarily closed down the hospital’s emergency room and Fort Stewart’s post office in October 2010.

The outgoing Winn commander said these incidents resulted in heightened security, including limited access to the hospital, more strident ID checks and “a higher level of force protection.”

Cordts also oversaw the opening of an Army community-based primary care clinic in Richmond Hill in March. Cordts said the new clinic in Richmond Hill “initiated a culture change” in health care for warriors and their family members.

Read more in the July 9 edition of the News.