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386th EMDG welcomes new commander

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Patrice Clarke
  • 386th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  Amidst members of the medical profession from different services, countries and nationalities, Col. Brian Stanton assumed command of the 386th Expeditionary Medical Group during a change-of command ceremony here Jan. 21, replacing Col. Parker Plante

The 386th Air Expeditionary Wing Vice Commander Col. Michael Katka, presided over the ceremony and had a few short words about Colonel Plante.

"Today we say farewell to an extraordinary leader," said Colonel Katka. "Colonel Plante has been an incredible leader and has led the expeditionary medical group to its best performance in years."

During his six-month tenure, Colonel Plante and his team of medical experts executed 24-hour critical care operations which enabled the treatment of more than 5,300 patients, administered 5,400 immunizations and conducted 2,000 dental and medical consultations; all of which directly contributed to the wing's 98.3 percent mission effectiveness rating.

Colonel Plante also oversaw the contingency aeromedical staging facility, one of three in the entire area of responsibility.

"This CASF has been termed the best CASF in the AOR by the aeromedical evacuation crews," commented Colonel Katka. "The crews truly think that what this medical group does is the best out there. "

The aeromedical crews, with the help of the CASF have evacuated and secured the movement of more than 900 wounded warriors on 298 different air and ground missions with zero delays and 100 percent survivability rate.

Colonel Katka lauded the departing medical group commander for his dedication.

"You are leaving behind a legacy of sustained continuity that will serve this wing for years to come," said Colonel Katka. "You are without a doubt a leader for primary care here and have made an AOR-wide impact. You are a tremendous officer and friend."

Colonel Plante took the time to say a few words to his medical group team before he officially relinquished command.

"Over the last 12 years I have had the privilege of commanding or deputy commanding more than nine medical squadrons and groups," said Colonel Plante. "You guys simply are the best. As a collective group you have truly amazed me in what you bring to the fight. I would love to serve with all of you again."

With the simple words, I assume command, and the passing of the guidon, Colonel Stanton took command of the medical group.

"No one is more prepared for the work here than Colonel Stanton," said Colonel Katka. "As a career health professional, we are fortunate to have you with us on the team. We believe that you are critically important to what we do here."

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

"I want to thank Colonel Plante for the fantastic job he's done in leading the EMDG and giving me a really great running head start taking over the group," said Colonel Stanton. "I have been trying for a long time to land a deployment. If you don't know, podiatrists really just don't get deployed in the Air Force. I consider myself very fortunate to have been selected for this opportunity."

The new EMDG commander also had words for his group members.

"My pledge to you is that I will do my best to help you complete the mission you are charged with and stay out of your way so that you can," he commented. "The Rock has a proven track record of providing excellent combat support. We will continue to build on that tradition and contribute to a legacy of people first and mission always."

Colonel Stanton received his doctor of podiatric medicine degree from the California College of Podiatric Medicine and is board certified by the American Board of Podiatric Surgery and the American College of Healthcare Executives. He arrived here after serving as the podiatric surgeon at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla.