Articles

Sept. 14, 2026

CAVHCS Leaders Visit Lyster Army Health Clinic

FORT RUCKER, AL — Leadership from Lyster Army Health Clinic (LAHC) hosted senior executive leaders from the Central Alabama Veterans Health Care System (CAVHCS) on Sept. 9. The bilateral leadership engagement brought together clinical, operational, and executive representatives from both organizations to identify shared opportunities for enhancing patient experiences and optimizing healthcare capabilities. Both organizations reaffirmed their dedication to open collaboration, ongoing staff cross-coordination, and sustained outreach efforts to support beneficiaries stationed at Fort Rucker as well as the substantial retired military community residing across southeast Alabama. The Wiregrass VA Clinic is located on the second floor at Lyster Army Health Clinic. Pictured from left to right: Dr. Sandra Foster, the CAVHCS Acting Chief Nurse, Valerie Russell, the CAVHCS Deputy Director, Laundrena LaPradd-Bradley, the CAVHCS Interim Executive Director, U.S. Army Lt. Col. Ryan Allred, Commander of Lyster Army Health Clinic, U.S. Army Sgt. Maj. Garret Cleland, LAHC Senior Enlisted Advisor, U.S. Army Maj. Daniella Pettinari, LAHC Deputy Commander for Clinic Services, Dr. Kittra Owens, the CAVHCS Chief of Staff and Stephen Sheets, the CAVHCS Associate Director.

Sept. 14, 2026

Lyster Hosts 10th Annual TRICARE Collaboration

FORT RUCKER, AL — FORT RUCKER, Ala.— For service members, veterans, and their families, access to quality healthcare isn’t just a benefit — it is a cornerstone of readiness and well-being. To ensure the local military community receives the best possible care, Lyster Army Health Clinic (LAHC) and Humana Military hosted the 10th annual TRICARE Network Providers Collaboration event, August 19, 2026, at Fort Rucker. The annual event gathers TRICARE network providers to enhance relationships, optimize Military Treatment Facility (MTF) care, and increase patient satisfaction. It also affords a valuable opportunity for military physicians, civilian healthcare providers, nursing staff, and administrative teams to meet face-to-face and discuss medical best practices.

Sept. 14, 2026

Lyster welcomes new commander

FORT RUCKER, AL — FORT RUCKER, Ala.— Lyster Army Health Clinic welcomed incoming commander Lt. Col. Ryan Allred and bid farewell to Lt. Col. Leah Steder during a change of command ceremony at the Army Aviation Museum at Fort Rucker on July 9, 2026.

Sept. 14, 2026

Lyster Army Health Clinic Releases Eight-Part Aviation Medicine Podcast Miniseries

FORT RUCKER, AL — FORT RUCKER, Ala.— For an Army Aviator, the cockpit is an office where split-second decisions, clear communication, and total mental focus are non-negotiable. To maintain that edge, medical readiness is just as critical as mechanical maintenance. Recognizing the busy, high-tempo lives of aircrews at the Home of Army Aviation, Lyster Army Health Clinic has released a comprehensive audio resource in their Aviation Medicine miniseries available now on the Lyster Health Talks podcast, hosted by Lt. Col. Leah Steder, commander of Lyster Army Health Clinic.

Sept. 14, 2026

Selfless Service Beyond the Uniform: Spotlight on Volunteering

FORT RUCKER, AL — FORT RUCKER, Ala.— The Fort Rucker community recently gathered to recognize the outstanding contributions of individuals who dedicate their off-duty time to serving others during the installation's Volunteer Appreciation Ceremony. Among those honored were three dedicated Lyster Army Health Clinic staff members who received Certificates of Appreciation for their unwavering commitment to local volunteer initiatives.

Sept. 14, 2026

Step Forward: Lyster Army Health Clinic hosts Denim Day Walk

FORT RUCKER, AL — FORT RUCKER, Ala.— Staff from Lyster Army Health Clinic and partner organizations donned blue jeans Wednesday, April 29, walking together to support sexual assault survivors and promote the message: “Step forward. Prevent. Report. Advocate.” The Denim Day Walk, held in observance of Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month, was hosted through an annual partnership between Lyster, the AMCOM Combined Logistics Command (ACLC) and Fort Rucker SHARP. Denim Day serves as a visual and vital reminder that clothing is never consent and reinforces the standard that every person deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. For the participating organizations, the event highlighted the connection between a safe environment and military readiness. Officials noted that building a culture of trust and accountability strengthens the team, ensuring that safe, cohesive workplaces allow Soldiers, civilians and healthcare professionals to remain focused on the mission and caring for others.

Dec. 18, 2025

Great-Grandson of Clinic Namesake Visits Lyster Army Health Clinic

Fort Rucker, AL — While many calls come into Lyster Army Health Clinic each day, one recently stood out: a call from Dave Ehlers, the great-grandson of Brig. Gen. Theodore Lyster, the clinic's namesake. Ehlers, traveling in the area, noticed a sign for Fort Rucker and seized the opportunity to see the clinic named after his great-grandfather. “When I realized, we're near Fort Rucker, I knew I needed to at least try to reach out and see if we could stop by,” he said.

Feb. 4, 2025

Wolf Pack Award presented to Lyster AHC

Fort Novosel, AL — Lyster Army Health Clinic’s collaboration team was presented the Wolf Pack Award for fourth quarter fiscal year 2024, at a ceremony held at Fort Novosel on January 15, 2025. Lt. Gen. Mary K. Izaguirre, the 46th Surgeon General of the U.S. Army and Commanding General, U.S. Army Medical Command, presided over the ceremony.

Nov. 1, 2024

Soldiers for Life: Lyster hosts annual Fort Novosel Retiree Health Fair

Fort Novosel, AL — Lyster Army Health Clinic opened the hangar doors at Yano Hall to welcome Retired Soldiers for Life and their families to the annual Fort Novosel Retiree Health Fair during Retiree Appreciation Day events on Friday, October 25. Over 245 retirees took advantage of the health and wellness activities, and booth displays.

Oct. 10, 2024

Lyster Aviation Medicine Clinic delivers targeted care

Fort Novosel, AL — Army Aviators are subject to various physical and psychological stresses, timely access to specialized medical care is essential to address these challenges and maintain optimal performance. Specialized care teams within a military treatment facility that focus on the unique needs of aviators can improve access to appropriate care.