U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas) said on May 1 that he welcomed the Defense Health Agency’s confirmation that Fort Riley’s Irwin Army Community Hospital will not face downgrades or reductions at this time.
The announcement is significant for soldiers, military families, and local communities who rely on the hospital for medical care and support. The hospital serves a key role in supporting readiness and ensuring access to quality healthcare in the Flint Hills region.
“I’m glad to see that Fort Riley’s Irwin Army Community Hospital will continue serving our soldiers, military families, and the surrounding Kansas communities without disruption,” said Senator Marshall. “IACH plays a vital role in supporting readiness and ensuring access to quality care in the Flint Hills region, and this is welcome news for everyone who depends on it.”
Marshall has engaged with Department of War officials, Defense Health Agency leadership, and Fort Riley representatives throughout 2025 and into 2026 to advocate for maintaining services at IACH. His efforts included securing an on-site assessment by DHA leadership, pushing for expanded care access provisions in the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act, and seeking better coordination between Pentagon agencies and Veterans Affairs to improve veterans’ access to Military Treatment Facilities.
During a visit to Fort Riley, Dr. Stephen Ferrara, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs said: “My goal is to figure out how I can make IACH even more successful. To me, the definition of success for a hospital is a busy hospital doing high volume, high complexity care.”
Marshall’s office offers various services such as military academy nominations, assistance with federal agencies including American flag requests and internships according to his official website. He served seven years in the U.S. Army Reserves according to his official website.
Marshall grew up as a fifth-generation farm kid before becoming the first member of his family to pursue higher education according to his official website. He earned degrees from Butler County Community College, Kansas State University and University of Kansas School of Medicine according to his official website.
He chairs subcommittees focused on conservation within agriculture as well as primary health within health policy areas; he also participates in congressional caucuses according to his official website.
The decision by DHA means continued stability for healthcare delivery at Fort Riley while discussions about expanding veterans’ access are ongoing.
