Local military officials and civic leaders came together at Camp Bullis this past week to discuss the critical role the installation plays in training the nation's military medical professionals while addressing the challenges of growth surrounding one of Joint Base San Antonio's most important training sites.
Major General Anthony "Tony" McQueen, Commanding General of the U.S. Army Medical Center of Excellence (MEDCoE), hosted members of the San Antonio City Council representing Districts 8 and 9, city staff and representatives from the Greater San Antonio Chamber for an in-depth briefing and tour of Camp Bullis.
McQueen discussed the installation's dual mission of military medical training and Air Force Security Forces base defense training. The conversation also explored recent infrastructure improvements, future construction projects and the importance of protecting the land surrounding the installation to ensure its long-term viability.
"San Antonio always has our backs, and we really appreciate Councilmembers Spears and Meza Gonzalez taking the time to see the impact of Camp Bullis up close,” said McQueen.
“This isn't just open land. It's where we run the realistic field training that saves lives and prepares our forces for global operations. Being good stewards of this space, and collaborating with the city on development around it, is exactly how we maintain that readiness and a critical asset to military medicine, the U.S. Army and Department of War.”
Military leaders emphasized the need to prevent encroachment from residential and commercial growth around Camp Bullis that could interfere with training operations through increased light and noise. They also discussed the importance of preserving mature woodlands surrounding the installation that provide habitat for the endangered golden-cheeked warbler.
The group witnessed a combat lifesaving demonstration showcasing the advanced training provided to future military medics. Military medical instructors used state-of-the-art programmable patient simulators capable of responding in real time to the treatment decisions made by students, creating highly realistic battlefield medical scenarios.
During a driving tour, participants viewed legacy training ranges alongside modernized facilities under development, including a new motor pool that will replace a World War II-era stable currently serving that function. The tour also featured construction of a new 400-seat dining facility capable of serving as many as 1,600 students during each meal period.
“In my role as a tri-chair of the region’s Military Transformation Task Force, protecting our critical military missions is among my highest priorities,” said District 9 City Councilwoman Misty Spears. “Camp Bullis’s joint medical training, Air Force security training, and other important missions need and deserve our community’s partnership and leadership, and I’m proud to help shape and lead advocacy for these missions locally, in Austin, and in our nation’s capital.”
District 8 City Councilwoman Ivalis Meza Gonzalez, echoed her colleague’s comments saying, “Camp Bullis is a tremendous San Antonio asset to our nation. As home to most of the installation, District 8 understands the importance of maintaining a strong partnership between the city and Camp Bullis – one that supports military readiness while encouraging compatible growth that benefits our entire community.”
The visit reinforced the partnership between military, civic and chamber leaders as they work together to support the missions of Camp Bullis, preserve the installation's training capabilities and ensure the San Antonio region remains the nation's premier center for military medicine.