November 17,2009:

Sierra Medical Center in El Paso, TX became the first AUSA community partner to adopt an Army Battalion deployed to Iraq via video teleconferencing. Sierra Medical Center is officially the proud community partner of the 1/77th AD. The ceremony took place in the Fort Bliss Headquarters secure video teleconferencing complex. The live feed from Iraq with Battalion Commander LTC Gallivan, CSM Yuraska and staff was an AUSA, Omar Bradley Chapter adoption ceremony first. Gus Rodriquez, the President of AUSA presided over the ceremony and the officials on hand from Sierra Medical Center included Edmundo Castaneda, the CEO for SMC, Matt Caldwell, the COO for SMC and Linda Lawson, the CNO for SMC. The traditional covenant signing and cake cutting were accomplished by simultaneously performing the task both at Fort Bliss and in Iraq. Also on hand were the Family Readiness Support group leadership to include Valarie Gallivan and many of the families and soldiers from the 1/77th. SMC was represented by many of the directors and staff from SMC. SPHN takes great pride in our Military Community Partners and has already planned a Holiday Party for the families of the 1/77th.