ALI AL SALEM AIR BASE, Kuwait -- The 386th Expeditionary Medical Group welcomed a new commander during an assumption of command ceremony here, June 17.
Col. Henry Triplett, 386th Air Expeditionary Wing commander, officiated the ceremony and led the symbolic change of leadership by passing the guidon to Col. Richard Palmer.
“Your background will serve you well over the next year,” said Triplett. “We found another great leader who is a combat medic for the 386th Expeditionary Medical Group. Welcome aboard. I’m confident that you will do very well here.”
Triplett also thanked and praised the previous commander, Col. John Modra, and his family for their efforts, dedication and teamwork over the last year.
“The medical group chief has given me a rundown of what this team has done over the past rotation,” said Palmer. “I just hope I can pick up where Col. Modra left off and do the same thing. I’m here to make sure I provide the medical group with the most equal opportunities that I can based on Air Force Instructions and policies. I’m also here to make sure we treat each other with dignity and respect and take care of our patients.”
Palmer took command after serving as the deputy commander of the 959th Medical Group at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston, Texas, where he directed daily operations of the third largest medical group in the Air Force Medical Service.