On December 13, 2024, officials from the SHAPE Medical Facility and the Brussels Army Medical Facility gathered to celebrate and pay tribute to the clinic's extraordinary legacy. The Brussels Army Medical Facility was established in the 1950s and the SHAPE Medical Facility is located in Mons, Belgium, and the ceremony celebrated both past achievements and the enduring partnership between NATO allies. (U.S. Army photo: Richard Komlek)
View original
SHAPE, Belgium – Officials from the SHAPE Medical Facility and the Brussels Army Medical Clinic gathered on December 13, 2024 to celebrate and honor the clinic's extraordinary legacy. These facilities embody our unwavering dedication to supporting NATO and U.S. military personnel and their families through comprehensive support. medical services.
This event not only commemorates an important historical milestone in military medicine, but also recognizes the resilience and commitment that has enabled the evolution of these facilities since their founding during World War II. . For decades, they have been important hubs for multinational medical assistance, providing a wide range of services to military personnel and their families from various countries.
As we reflect on this journey, we thank the countless medical professionals who have contributed their skills and compassion to ensure the health of our service members, both in peacetime and in times of conflict. This celebration honors their hard work and dedication and emphasizes the importance of collaboration and innovation in military medicine.
legacy of excellence
SHAPE Healthcare facilities date back to World War II, specifically when the 196th Station Hospital was established at Camp Breckenridge in Kentucky. The unit played a critical role in supporting military operations in the Pacific Theater, with exceptional performance across four major campaigns. His efforts were recognized with the prestigious Presidential Award for Outstanding Achievement.
In 1955, the 196th Station Hospital was reopened and relocated to France. This transition allows the unit to continue providing critical medical care to U.S. military personnel and its NATO allies under the auspices of Supreme Allied Command Europe (SHAPE). Medical facilities became an essential resource for military forces stationed in Europe during the Cold War.
In 1968, the 196th Hospital moved with SHAPE to Casteau, Belgium, where it was renamed SHAPE Medical Center. This new designation reflects the company's commitment to serving the region's growing military community. Over the next several decades, SHAPE Medical Center expanded its services and capabilities to provide comprehensive inpatient and outpatient medical services. As the population of military families in the SHAPE and Benelux regions grows, the center has adapted to meet their diverse medical needs and established itself as a vital component of the community's health and wellness infrastructure .
Just a short distance away, the Brussels Army Clinic plays an important role in supporting the U.S. military community in Belgium. Founded in the late 1950s, the clinic has expanded its services to meet the medical needs of active-duty military members, their families, and civilian members.
Adapting to change
In 1995, the transition to the SHAPE medical facility represented an important milestone in the evolution of medical services within NATO. This change marked the establishment of a new era focused on outpatient care aimed at improving access and promoting the well-being of service members and their families. This transition was formalized through a Memorandum of Agreement established between the U.S. Medical Command and SHAPE leadership, highlighting their mutual dedication to improving healthcare delivery.
The spirit of cooperation between participating countries was particularly noteworthy, as medical professionals from 10 NATO countries came together to fulfill a common mission of providing quality medical services. This collaboration not only demonstrated a firm commitment to partnership, but also emphasized the importance of medical excellence across diverse health systems.
Collaborative care and community support
As a key component of military health care in Europe, the SHAPE Healthcare Facility and the Brussels Army Health Clinic serve as important resources for military personnel and their families stationed in the region. Together, they provide comprehensive medical support tailored to the unique needs of the military community and ensure quality care across a variety of specialties.
Today, SHAPE Healthcare facilities serve as beacons for essential medical care, featuring a U.S.-led primary care clinic and a diverse and highly skilled workforce from the U.S., Canada, Greece, Italy, Poland, and Turkey. It is staffed by a national medical team. Each member of the team brings unique expertise and perspectives to improve the quality of care provided.
In addition to US-led clinics, this facility proudly hosts primary care specialty clinics from Belgium, Canada, Germany, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. These clinics work together to ensure access to comprehensive health services, embodying the spirit of cooperation and mutual support that is at the heart of the NATO alliance.
In addition, SHAPE Healthcare facilities house dental clinics in the United States, Belgium, Canada, Germany, and the United Kingdom. These services complement primary care clinics and create a holistic approach to health care that addresses both medical and dental needs. Together, they strive to provide an integrated healthcare experience that reflects a firm commitment to the overall well-being of all employees and their families who call SHAPE home.
This multinational coalition embodies NATO's core principles and demonstrates the strength and unity that comes from cooperation. This strengthens the commitment of member states to mutual support and ensures that all individuals receive the healthcare they deserve.
On December 13, 2024, officials from the SHAPE Medical Facility and the Brussels Army Medical Facility gathered to celebrate and pay tribute to the clinic's extraordinary legacy. The Brussels Army Medical Facility was established in the 1950s and the SHAPE Medical Facility is located in Mons, Belgium, and the ceremony celebrated both past achievements and the enduring partnership between NATO allies. (U.S. Army photo: Richard Komlek)
View original
Continuing efforts
In a remarkable display of dedication and service, the SHAPE Medical Facility and Brussels Army Clinic have made an impressive contribution by providing care to approximately 14,000 beneficiaries from 32 NATO and 18 Partnership for Peace countries. It has a great influence. These facilities are successfully navigating modern challenges through their resilience and commitment to innovative solutions.
Despite facing resource constraints and increasing patient demand, both clinics continue to demonstrate medical excellence while fostering strong international collaboration. U.S. military personnel assigned to these medical facilities proudly wear the Landstuhl Regional Medical Command emblem, which embodies the motto of “Selfless Service,” reflecting an unwavering commitment to supporting NATO's mission. are.
Col. Charles L. Douglas, commander and director of the SHAPE Medical Facility and Brussels Army Health Clinic, praised the multinational team's relentless determination and excellence in providing high-quality care. He highlighted the tremendous potential for continuous improvement in patient support and reinforced the commitment to excellence shared by all staff.
On December 13, 2024, officials from the SHAPE Medical Facility and the Brussels Army Medical Facility gathered to celebrate and pay tribute to the clinic's extraordinary legacy. The Brussels Army Medical Facility was established in the 1950s and the SHAPE Medical Facility is located in Mons, Belgium, and the ceremony celebrated both past achievements and the enduring partnership between NATO allies. (U.S. Army photo: Richard Komlek)
View original
For the future
These facilities are steeped in their rich history and embraced with optimism for the future. Colonel Douglas expressed confidence in the team's ability to adapt to the evolving healthcare environment, saying: We are excited that our SHAPE team and our medical team in Brussels are ready for the mission ahead. ”
Today's ceremony celebrated not only past achievements, but also the enduring partnership between NATO allies. It exemplified the spirit of collective security and mutual support that unites everyone in a common commitment to the health and well-being of service members and their families. The event highlighted our commitment to continue providing excellent medical services to NATO communities and their families.
