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The 386th EMDG bids farewell to a great leader

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Rachelle Elsea
  • 386th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  Several base leaders and members of the medical profession, witnessed as Col. Craig H. Rice assumed command of the 386th Expeditionary Medical Group during a change-of-command ceremony here July 17, replacing Col. Brian K. Stanton.

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

"Today we recognize the accomplishments of Colonel Brian Stanton and welcome his replacement Colonel Craig Rice'" said Col. Michael Zick, 386th Air Expeditionary Wing commander. "Two great Americans, two great clinicians ... two great leaders."

The Contingency Aeromedical Staging Facility, known as CASF, supported 298 air and ground evacuation missions guaranteeing the safe movement of over 1,000 Joint and Coalition forces with a 100 percent survival rate, he added. Additionally, the MDG supported over 50 convoy missions carrying some 92,100 tons of cargo into and out some 23 forward operating bases in Iraq.

"They did this by improving the resiliency of 322 combat truckers through a comprehensive psychological training program to help combat the daily stresses they encountered," said Colonel Zick. "Finally, the MDG treated more than 4,300 patients, administered 3,370 immunizations and performed more than 294 dental procedures. All this directly contributed to the wing's ability to fly some 7,064 sorties and maintain an average of 98.3 percent mission effectiveness rate."

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

"I started out this tour stating I would outline the goals for the medical group, provide some direction, and then do my best to stay out of the way," said Colonel Stanton. "I can only say I hope I did as good a job holding up my part of the bargain as the men and women of the 386th MDG, did theirs. They, both the current group and the one before them, did an excellent job taking care of this wing, our Airmen and our mission."

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

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


"To the men and women of the 386th EMDG, I am honored to join your outstanding team," said Colonel Rice. "I know I have huge shoes to fill, but I commit my full and undivided attention to continuing with the outstanding medical and dental care you provide day in and day out and to our expanding CASF mission."


Colonel Rice arrived here after serving as the 88th Dental Squadron commander, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio.