Desert Lightning News, Nellis-Creech AFB Edition, July 13 2018
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vol. 2, no. 14 Serving Southern Nevada’s military community, including Nellis, Creech and NTTR July 13, 2018 An Aerotech news And review publicAtion • www.Aerotechnews.com
99th MDG welcomes new commander
by Airman 1st Class Andrew D. Sarver
Nellis AFB, Nev.
The 99th Medical Group held a change of command ceremony June 29, at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev.
Col. Virginia Garner, 99th MDG out- going commander, was responsible for a patient population of over 10,000 active duty members and more than 238,000 Department of Defense Veteran’s Affairs eligible beneficiaries.
“We asked our team to focus on readi- ness, patient safety, our teaching mission and continuous process improvement,” said Garner. “It’s been my honor and privilege to be a part of this team and I will miss you all.”
Col. Al Flowers Jr., 99th MDG incom- ing commander, said he was looking forward to working with the men and women that make up the 99th Air Base Wing.
“I look forward to taking the next steps in this exciting journey with you,” said Flowers. “Together, we will enable mission success by delivering innovative support.”
Change of command ceremonies are deeply rooted in military history. In modern day ceremonies, the flag is symbolic and is used to indicate author- ity over a unit. The outgoing commander surrenders the flag to the incoming com- mander, who at that moment assumes command.
Air Force photograph by Airman 1st Class Andrew D. Sarver
Col. Alfred Flowers Jr., 99th Medical Group incoming commander, assumes command from Col. Cavan Craddock, 99th Air Base Wing commander, during a change of command ceremony at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., June 29, 2018. Flowers’ last command was for the 52nd Medical Group at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany.
Air Force photograph by Airman 1st Class Andrew D. Sarver
Col. Suzie Dietz, 99th Inpatient Operations Squadron commander, stands in front of a flight of Airmen during a change of command ceremony at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., June 29, 2018. The 99th IPTS is responsible for delivering safe care for Department of Defense patients.
Air Force photograph by Airman 1st Class Andrew D. Sarver
Air Force photograph by Airman 1st Class Andrew D. Sarver
Col. Cavan Craddock, 99th Air Base Wing commander, awards a Legion of Merit to Col. Virginia Garner, 99th Medical Group commander during a change of command ceremony at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., June 29, 2018. The Legion of Merit is awarded for exceptional service.
LEFT: Chief Master Sgt. Nicole Owens, 99th Medical Group superintendent, Col. Virginia Garner, 99th MDG outgoing commander, and Col. Alfred Flowers Jr., 99th MDG incoming commander, laugh during a change of command ceremony at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., June 29, 2018. Change of command ceremonies are a military tradition and date back to the time of Frederick the Great of Prussia.
Air Force photograph by Airman 1st Class Andrew D. Sarver
Col Alfred Flowers Jr., 99th Medical Group commander, speaks during a change of command ceremony at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., June 29, 2018. One of Flowers’ priorities as commander is supporting the community and providing exceptional levels of health care.
INSIDE: Commentary - 2; News - 3-6; Veterans’ News - 8; Hometown Heroes - 12; Nellis Living - 13


































































































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