She Walked These Halls as a Student. Now She Leads the Military Brigade That Calls Them Home

Navy Capt. Tammy E. Servies assumes command of the USU Brigade, readying military medical officers for operational service.

Uniformed Services University President Dr. Jonathan Woodson, a retired Army major general, passes the University's colors to Navy Capt. Tammy Servies as Army Col. Albert Kinkead (right) and Command Master Chief Phillip Jean-Gilles (left) look on. Capt. Servies assumed command from Col. Kinkead in a ceremony held on the NSAB Parade Field on July 1, 2026. (Photo by Tom Balfour, USU)

July 1, 2026 by Sharon Holland

More than 20 years ago, Tammy Servies arrived at the Uniformed Services University (USU) as a medical student, beginning a journey that would take her around the world—from caring for service members in the Indo-Pacific to leading military medical teams through the COVID-19 pandemic in Europe and commanding at Guantanamo Bay. 

On July 1, that journey came full circle.

During a time-honored military change of command ceremony, U.S. Navy Capt. Tammy E. Servies assumed command of the USU Brigade, returning to the institution that shaped her as a military physician and leader. She succeeds U.S. Army Col. Albert E. Kinkead, whose tenure strengthened the Brigade's role in preparing future military medical professionals for operational service.

Presided over by USU President Dr. Jonathan Woodson, a retired Army Major General who donned uniform for the event, the ceremony celebrated both an accomplished leader concluding his command and another returning home to guide the next generation of military medical officers, enlisted and leaders.

"Change of command ceremonies are among the military's most enduring traditions," Woodson said. "They remind us that while individuals come and go, the mission continues. Leadership is entrusted from one officer to another with confidence that the organization will continue to thrive because of the people who serve it."

The ceremonial passing of the Brigade colors—from Kinkead to Woodson and then to Servies—symbolized that transfer of responsibility, trust, and leadership.

Although an Army officer, Col. Albert Kinkead was accorded the naval tradition of being piped over the side as the departing USU Brigade Commander, reflecting the University's joint-service character. (Photo by Tom Balfour, USU)

A Legacy of Leadership

As Brigade commander since December 2023, Kinkead served as the University's senior active-duty military officer, responsible for the readiness, leadership development, and professional growth of more than 1,500 uniformed students, faculty, and staff representing every military branch, the U.S. Coast Guard, and the U.S. Public Health Service. 

Woodson credited Kinkead with expanding operational training opportunities, strengthening military readiness programs, and ensuring graduates leave USU prepared not only as exceptional clinicians, but as service members ready to lead wherever the mission takes them.

"Under your leadership, the Brigade has strengthened nearly every aspect of the military student experience—from accession and graduation, to field practicums, operational training, and leadership development," Woodson said. "You helped expand opportunities for students to train alongside operational units around the world, increased participation in military schools and readiness programs, and ensured our graduates left USU not only as exceptional healthcare professionals, but as officers prepared to lead in operational environments."

But, Woodson noted, Kinkead's greatest legacy may be the culture he built.

"What we will remember most isn't simply the impressive list of accomplishments," he said. "It's the way you led. You built a command climate rooted in professionalism, accessibility, and genuine care for people."

In recognition of his contributions, Kinkead received the Legion of Merit, one of the military's highest awards for exceptionally meritorious service. 

Navy Capt. Tammy Servies delivers remarks after assuming command of the USU Brigade. (Photo by Tom Balfour, USU) 

Coming Home

For Servies, assuming command is more than a career milestone—it's a return to the place where her own military medical career began.

After graduating from USU's F. Edward Hébert School of Medicine in 2003, she completed an internship in general surgery before serving as a Navy flight surgeon. She later returned to USU to earn a Master of Public Health degree and pursue a residency in preventive medicine, then later joined the faculty, where she helped expand operational learning opportunities for students around the globe.

Her career since then has reflected the breadth of modern military medicine. She led preventive medicine and global health initiatives throughout the Indo-Pacific, commanded Navy Environmental and Preventive Medicine Unit Seven during the COVID-19 pandemic in Europe, served as Executive Officer of Naval Medical Research Unit Indo-Pacific, and most recently commanded Naval Hospital Guantanamo Bay while simultaneously leading Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command Guantanamo Bay and serving as Commander of the Joint Medical Group for Joint Task Force Guantanamo.

To Woodson, those experiences make her uniquely suited to return to USU—not simply as an alumna, but as the leader responsible for developing those who will follow in her footsteps.

"Few people know this university as well as you do," he said. "You first came to USU as a medical student. You returned as a faculty member. Throughout your career, your focus has remained the same: preparing military medical teams to succeed in complex operational environments while caring for those who serve."

He added that Servies understands what makes USU different.

"You know that our mission extends well beyond educating outstanding clinicians," Woodson said. "We are developing officers, leaders, scientists, and military professionals who will care for America's service members wherever the mission takes them."

USU President Dr. Jonathan Woodson, a retired U.S. Army Reserve major general, presides over the USU Brigade Change of Command ceremony, July 1. (Photo by Tom Balfour, USU) 

Preparing Those Who Will Follow

The USU Brigade occupies a unique place within the University, ensuring military students develop not only as healthcare professionals but also as officers ready to serve in operational environments. Through military formations, physical readiness, leadership development, field practicums, and ceremonial traditions, the Brigade helps prepare graduates for the demands of military service around the globe. 

For Servies, leading that mission represents both a professional responsibility and a personal one.

The same campus where she once stood in formation as a student is now the place where she will mentor, challenge, and prepare the next generation of military medical leaders.

"I have every confidence that under your leadership, the Brigade will continue to thrive," Woodson said. "We look forward to supporting you and working together as you lead the Brigade into its next chapter."

As the ceremony concluded with the Armed Forces Medley and the official transfer of command, one chapter in the Brigade's history came to a close while another began—led by someone who knows firsthand what it means to walk these halls, answer the call to serve, and now, return to lead.