The Army added two trained medical laboratory specialists to the force Oct. 27 when Spc. Christian I. Bell and Pfc. Fredy J. Munoz Ordonez graduated from Phase II of the 68K Medical Laboratory Specialist Course at Bayne-Jones Army Community Hospital at the Joint Readiness Training Center and Fort Polk, Louisiana.

After completing a 26-week clinical practicum in the BJACH Department of Pathology, Bell and Munoz Ordonez are prepared to perform the laboratory testing health care teams rely on to diagnose illness, guide treatment and support patient care in military hospitals and field environments.

Before arriving at BJACH, both Soldiers completed 26 weeks of instruction at the Medical Education and Training Campus at Fort Sam Houston, Texas. Phase II bridged the gap between classroom instruction and clinical practice through supervised training in an active hospital laboratory.

At BJACH, Bell and Munoz Ordonez rotated through phlebotomy, urinalysis, serology, chemistry, hematology, blood banking and microbiology.

Although much of their work occurs outside the patient’s view, medical laboratory specialists provide information clinicians use to identify health concerns, make treatment decisions and monitor recovery.

Bell, a Kansas native, earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Kansas in 2025. He joined the Army to continue his Family’s tradition of military service.

“I chose to become a 68K so that I could work behind the scenes to help others,” Bell said.

Blood banking was his favorite part of the program. He credited the laboratory’s civilian staff with creating a welcoming learning environment and preparing him to succeed as a medical laboratory specialist.

“The most rewarding part of my training was being able to identify problems affecting patients so that they may start to work toward recovery,” Bell said.

Munoz Ordonez, a native of Corpus Christi, Texas, graduated from high school in 2025. He joined the Army to honor his grandfather’s final wish and selected the 68K specialty because of his interest in medicine and desire to help others.

Hematology became his favorite section, particularly performing complete blood counts on patient specimens. The test measures components of the blood and provides clinicians with information used to evaluate a patient’s health.

Both graduates identified microbiology as their most challenging rotation. Munoz Ordonez said his instructor created reference charts that helped him follow the testing process and identify bacteria. Bell also credited his instructor’s patience and willingness to answer questions with helping him master the section.

Representing Class 25-045 during the ceremony, Bell thanked the BJACH laboratory staff and instructors who guided both Soldiers through the program.

“Munoz and I would not have made it this far without y’all’s help,” Bell said.

Sgt. 1st Class Sharlene John, the laboratory’s noncommissioned officer in charge, said the graduates demonstrated the mindset needed to continue developing as Army medical professionals.

“I trust that wherever you end up in the future, you’re just going to climb higher and higher and higher because that’s the mindset that you’ve shown us,” John said.

Bell will report to Okinawa, Japan. His long-term goals include earning a master’s degree in psychology and completing a bachelor’s degree in nursing.

Munoz Ordonez will remain at Fort Polk. He plans to earn certification through the American Society for Clinical Pathology, return to college and pursue his goal of becoming a surgeon.