An official website of the United States government
Here's how you know
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

386th Expeditionary Medical Group ushers in new commander

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Rachelle Elsea
  • 386th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  SOUTHWEST ASIA -- Several base leaders and members of the medical profession, witnessed as Col. Mark A. Koppen assumed command of the 386th Expeditionary Medical Group during a change-of-command ceremony here Dec 12, replacing Col. Craig H. Rice.

The 386th Air Expeditionary Wing Commander, Col. Michael Zick, presided over the ceremony and spoke a few short words.

"Today we get to brag on what a fantastic job the Group and Col. Craig Rice have done these past five months," said Col. Michael Zick, 386th Air Expeditionary Wing commander. "With just under 100 warriors, they faithfully supported Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation New Dawn completing some 4,200 patient encounters, 9,800 ancillary services and 6,300 immunizations. They did this without one additional medic despite the 55% increase in base population and over 420% increase in airfield assets, thus directly contributing to the Wing's 7,000 sorties flown and 99% mission effectiveness rate."

Additionally, the Group stood up the command's sole Patient Movement Item hub supplying 16 bases with 6,000 medical equipment items necessary for the movement of over 2,100 wounded warrior, he added

"Furthermore, they led the relocation of the western theater of operations patient staging hub, enabling 240 air and ground missions for the aeromedical evacuation of some 840 Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines," said Colonel Zick. "Finally, they supported over 130 combat convoy missions carrying some 200,000 short-tons of cargo into and out of 23 forward operating bases in Iraq. They did this by providing on-site processing, immunizations and resiliency training for over 318 combat truckers."

Then, Colonel Rice took the time to say a few words to his audience before he officially relinquished command.

"Medics ... the real heroes over here are you," said Colonel Rice. "You have sacrificed much and given 100% to providing medical care and aeromedical evacuation supporting our country in Operations New Dawn and Enduring Freedom. As part of the 386th Expeditionary Medical Group, you were recognized as number one several times during your rotation."

After acknowledging the multiple contributions of his Airmen, Col. Rice relinquished command. With the simple words, "Sir, I proudly assume command," and the receiving of the guidon, Colonel Koppen took command of the Medical Group.

Colonel Koppen began his tenure as the 386th EMDG commander by thanking the outgoing commander and sharing his thoughts on deployment.

"I look forward to the opportunity to get to know each of you over the coming days, week and months, and I pledge to give 100% each and every day to ensure the success of our Wing's mission," said Colonel Koppen. "Our nation needs us. Thank you for being here today; I am sincerely grateful."

Colonel Koppen arrived here after serving as the 23rd Medical Group commander, Moody Air Force Base, Ga.