The story of our Nation's response to the World War II biological warfare threat is a compelling one. It highlights the summoning of national scientific and technical resources to focus on and meet a critical need. Mr. Covert's telling of the story skillfully captures both the strategic importance of the program and the unique local flavor of Fort Detrick and Frederick.
The conversion of the World War II-era program to an all-medical-defensive effort is equally compelling. The adaptability of Fort Detrick to changing military requirements and national priorities is the reason this community of excellence still exists and continues to play a valuable role in national defense.
Today, medical biological defense is just one area in which Fort Detrick units provide critical leadership. In medical materiel acquisition, medical logistics, medical information technology development, cancer research, and many other areas, Fort Detrick is leading the way to the ultimate goal of saving military and civilian lives through improved health care delivery on the battlefield and in the hospital. The high quality of life on the installation has been recognized by the Army Chief of Staff through Fort Detrick's designation as an Army Community of Excellence.
Proud of our past, we at Fort Detrick are focused on a future of continued excellence in service to the Nation.
Major General John S. Parker, MC
Commanding General
U.S. Army Medical Research and
Materiel Command and Fort Detrick