How a Family Legacy Fueled a Captain’s Rise at Public Health Command Europe

In Landstuhl, Germany, a special moment took place as Captain Christopher Harmon was promoted at the Public Health Command Europe. This ceremony wasn’t just about him; it highlighted a rich family history of military service.

Currently, Harmon serves as the assistant chief of Security and Operations at PHCE. His job is critical: he manages plans for brigade-level missions, which support vital public health efforts across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. “I joined the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps in college because military service has always been a part of my life,” he shared. His father sending care packages to relatives deployed in Iraq made that even clearer.

Graduating in 2021 from the University of Houston with a degree in history, he commissioned as a Medical Service Corps Officer. Harmon takes pride in his family’s legacy, which stretches back eight generations to the Revolutionary War. “Their service is a huge inspiration,” he said. “I stand on their shoulders.”

The COVID-19 pandemic solidified his desire to work in healthcare. He recognized the profound impact healthcare professionals can have. “I may not be a doctor, but I want to make healthcare more effective,” he explained. Harmon has embraced various roles in the military, each contributing to his personal growth. “The military taught me how to learn, adapt, and challenge myself,” he reflected.

Harmon also finds strength in his family’s military history. His relatives have served in numerous challenging situations, including conflicts in Iraq, Afghanistan, and World War II. “They faced incredible challenges and always chose to rise to the occasion,” he said. This mindset helps him tackle obstacles in his own career.

Before his current role, he was a medical platoon leader at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, where he oversaw medical support for around 2,000 personnel. “My first job was overwhelming, like drinking from a firehose,” he admitted, but it helped shape his military journey.

Harmon’s experiences highlight the importance of military service in shaping one’s character and capabilities. The commitment he shows is echoed by many in today’s military workforce, who feel a duty to serve. A recent survey by the Pew Research Center found that over 40% of veterans believe their military service positively impacted their personal development.

Harmon encourages others to consider military service: “If you can contribute something good to your country, think about joining.” It’s clear that for him, this path isn’t just a job—it’s a continuation of a family legacy that drives him forward.

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