FORT RUCKER, Ala.—The Fort Rucker community gathered at the U.S. Army Aviation Museum on June 25, 2025, to witness the Change of Command ceremony for the U.S. Army Aeromedical Research Laboratory (USAARL), where Col. Thomas A. Summers took over the command from Col. Matthew H. Hoefer.
Maj. Gen. Paula C. Lodi, the commander of the U.S. Army Medical Research & Development Command and the Defense Health Agency Director for Research and Development, addressed the audience and expressed gratitude to family members for their unwavering support.
“What USAARL does is truly important, groundbreaking and impressive,” said Lodi. “The audience in attendance is a testament to that.”
Lodi highlighted the presence of numerous senior leaders from the Aviation Center of Excellence, Army Futures Command, various MRDC laboratories, and the local community.
She emphasized that Col. Summers brings a wealth of medical expertise to his new role, describing him as a transformational leader renowned for his strategic planning and operational strengths.
“Tom has a rare combination of intelligence, capability, and a knack for making every assignment enjoyable,” Lodi stated, affirming his suitability for the position.
Col. Summers transitioned to USAARL from his previous role as the Assistant Chief of Staff, Support Operation, Medical Readiness Command East and Chief Medical Officer for Defense Health Network East.
His illustrious career includes vital positions such as Staff Pathologist and Hematopathologist at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Brigade Surgeon for the 210th Field Artillery Brigade, Medical School Faculty at the Uniformed Services University, and Chief of the Department of Pathology at Fort Belvoir Community Hospital.
Summers is a board-certified Anatomic and Clinical Pathologist with subspecialty certification in Hematopathology. He is also recognized as a Fellow of the College of American Pathologists.
Furthering his education, he holds a Master of Business Administration from Southern Illinois University, a Master of Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College, and he is nearing completion of a Master of Health Professions Education from the University of Illinois Chicago.
In addition, Summers actively participates in professional organizations, serving on the College of American Pathologists International Accreditation Committee.
His career is marked by various awards and decorations, including the Expert Field Medical Badge, Flight Surgeon Badge, and Parachutist’s Badge.
During the ceremony, Col. Summers expressed his gratitude to the attendees, acknowledging the support of families, soldiers, and all those involved in making the event possible.
“Every day,” he asserted, addressing the USAARL staff, “your research saves lives, improves readiness, and ensures our servicemembers have the best possible protection as they carry out their missions.”
Looking to the future, he pledged to build upon the strong foundation established by his predecessors, emphasizing a commitment to scientific rigor, innovation, and teamwork.
“We will remain agile and responsive to the evolving needs of Army aviation and the broader medical community,” he declared. “Above all, we will never lose sight of our mission.”
Maj. Gen. Lodi took the opportunity to commend Col. Hoefer on his exemplary service as commander and his contributions to aeromedical research as he prepares for his next assignment as the Medical Corps Deputy Corps Chief at the Defense Health Headquarters in Falls Church, Virginia.
“As commander, Matt not only advanced USAARL’s mission, but also guided the organization through a period of significant transformation aligned with MRDC and the Defense Health Agency,” Lodi noted.
She highlighted Hoefer’s leadership qualities, stating, “His calmness under pressure, forward-thinking management style, and ability to unite diverse teams have been commendable and will serve him well in future assignments.”
In his farewell address, Hoefer expressed confidence in the future of the lab: “This lab’s future is bright because of your focus on delivering whatever the DOD needs to make our warriors safer, more lethal, and more capable on the battlefield.”
He encouraged the USAARL staff to continue their vital work in innovation, urging them to seek new ways to support their teammates.
“Your work has been essential for aviators over the past 60 years, and I’m excited to see what you deliver for Army aviation in the future,” Hoefer said, leaving a lasting message of motivation for the team.
Before concluding the ceremony, Lodi presented Hoefer with a Legion of Merit medal in recognition of his significant accomplishments during his tenure at USAARL.
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