Page 4 - Desert Lightning News So. AZ Edition, March 2021

4 March 2021 Desert Lightning News Desert Lightning News March 2021 5
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355th Medical Group conducts reorganization ceremony D-M Airmen become Guardians

by Airman said Lt. Col. Joshua Curtis, former 355th Medi- by Senior Airman been selected for,” Maldonado-Seguinot
said. “Having some of my co-workers and
wiLLiAM TuRNBuLL cal Support Squadron commander. “I’ve had the JACoB T. STePheNS leadership be a part of this transition with
distinct pleasure of leading a team of 117 Airmen 355th Wing Public Affairs
355th Wing Public Affairs me is a unique and special thing. This
through a time of many historical events over the Five Airmen from the 755th Opera-
During a reorganization ceremony, the 355th last 18 months.” tional Support Squadron were sworn in
Medical Group consolidated from three squadrons Under the command of Curtis, the 355th MDSS as Guardians in the United States Space
to two at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Feb. 2. led the Wing’s response to COVID-19 deployments, Force during an induction ceremony at
By the order of the Secretary of the Air Force while still supporting current deployment opera- Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Feb. 10.
and Chief of Staff of the Air Force, the Air Force tions, as well as the COVID-19 sampling line for U.S. Space Force 1st Lt. Anthony Fer-
Surgeon General has been directed to reform Air five days a week for nearly a year. nandes, Sgt. Caleb Swanson and Special-
Force medical services. The 355th Medical Sup- “I am eternally grateful to have been the last ist 4s Makhi Richburg, Salvador Austin
port Squadron was deactivated and all personnel commander of the 355th MDSS,” Curtis said. “I Zaragoza and Victor Maldonado-Seguinot
were moved into the 355th Healthcare Operations am proud of my Airmen and I want to thank you were sworn in as intelligence troops.
Squadron. for everything you have done, and for the amazing “This is truly a once in a lifetime op-
“After 27 years of service, the 355th MDSS is things I know you will do. I wouldn’t have wanted portunity to be a part of something this
standing down and being absorbed into the 355th to serve with anyone else.” historic,” Fernandes said. “The last time
HCOS,” said Col. Patrick Parsons, 355th Medi- The 355th MDSS was recognized for being able to a new branch of the military was created,
cal Group commander. “The 355th HCOS will be sustain normal medical operations while combating the Air Force separated from the Army
under the command of Lt. Col. David Dennison.” COVID-19 for the past year, by winning 8 of the 10 Air Corps in 1947, and to be able to be a
In the past, the 355th Medical Group has under- group-level 2020 annual awards and earning a 98 part of something like this feels kind of
gone many efforts that the members of the unit percent from the College of American Pathologists unreal. It is an honor to take this step in
refer to as “The Big Five”: (1) The consolidation no-notice inspection with just 30 percent of their history and be able to bring some of my
Senior Airman Jacob T. Stephens
of Tri-Service medical functions to the Defense manning. troops with me and lead them as we build From left, U.S. Space Force Sgt. Caleb Swanson, Specialist 4 Makhi Richburg, 1st Lt.
Health Agency, a wing reorganization; (2) the As per tradition, the furling of a squadron flag the newest branch of the military.” Anthony Fernandes, Specialist 4 Victor Maldonado-Seguinot and Specialist 4 Salva-
Medical Community of Interest network migra- signifies the end of a unit and after Lt. Col. Curtis The ceremony included Brig. Gen. Craig dor Austin Zaragoza pose for a photo during a U.S. Space Force Induction Ceremo-
tion; (3) the Military Health System GENESIS resigned command of the squadron to Col. Parsons, Airman William Turnbull Baker, 12th Air Force vice commander, ny at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Feb. 10. These five Guardians from the 755th
electronic health record transition; (4) the Air the flag of the 355th MDSS was furled marking the From left, Col. Patrick Parsons, 355th Medical Group commander, commissioning Fernandes by administer- Operational Support Squadron transitioned from Airmen to Guardians in the United
Force Medical Service manpower reduction; (5) end of its 27-year presence. Master Sgt. Chakemia Chambers, 355th Medical Support Squadron ing an oath of office. This was followed States Space Force during the ceremony.
and now two medical group reorganizations as The Air Force continues to make efforts to build superintendent, and Lt. Col. Joshua Curtis, former 355th Medical Sup- by Fernandes swearing in the four other Senior Airman Jacob T. Stephens
part of the Air Force Medical Reform. a more ready, resilient force by accelerating change. port Squadron commander, stand at attention during the MDG reorga- Guardians as the newest members of the A Guardian listens to a speech during transition is exciting and I cannot wait Defense Strategy, by heading into the
“As I reflect on the magnitude and significance The 355th Wing exemplifies these efforts as the nization ceremony at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Feb. 2. The 355th Space Force. a U.S. Space Force Induction Ceremo- to see what the future holds.” great unknown to help the Space Force
of these actions, it underscores how blessed I Airmen of the 355th MDG are continuing their MDSS was deactivated and its Airmen were realigned under the 355th “This is an amazing opportunity and ny at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Airmen across the Air Force are taking continue to develop and grow to increase
have been to command such an amazing team,” mission under the newly reformed 355th HCOS. Healthcare Operations Squadron. one that I am humbled and blessed to have Feb. 10. the challenges set forth by the National both readiness and national security.

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