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455th EMDG/TF MED-E changes command

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Richard Williams
  • 455th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan --  Members of the 455th Expeditionary Medical Group/Task Force Medical East welcomed their new commander during a formal change of command ceremony here, May 4, 2010.

U.S. Air Force Col. (Dr.) Christian Benjamin, previously assigned as the commander of the 99th Medical Group, Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., assumed command from U.S. Air Force Col. (Dr.) Joseph Chozinski.

"Task Force Med-East is in good hands. Chris, welcome to the team," said U.S. Army Col. John Collins, Task Force 62nd Medical Brigade commander and officiating officer. "We look forward to working with you as one team and we know you are going to do a great job. Remember that you have the privilege of leading an amazing team of professionals. Please cherish that very special privilege. "

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Curtis Scaparrotti, Combined Joint Task Force 82 commander, also welcomed Doctor Benjamin by saying, "Dr. Chris Benjamin, welcome to Afghanistan and Task Force Med. You have inherited a cohesive, confident and amazing team. Your challenge will be to continue to build on the accomplishments of those who have come before you and make it better."

General Scaparrotti added, "Our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines are counting on you to do so, and by the strength of their faith in this team, and they have great faith in this team, I know that you will."

Doctor Chozinski advised Doctor Benjamin to embrace the learning experiences both good and bad because this will be an experience he may never have again. He added,

"Remember, the generals, sergeants major and chiefs are strong, but the tasks shouldered by your youngest enlisted members are life saving."

"When I found out I had the opportunity to come to Afghanistan I was ecstatic," said Doctor Benjamin.

"We join the military to serve and we come to this place to serve in probably the ultimate way," said Doctor Benjamin.

"To the men and women of TF MED-E, we have a big job to do," he added. "The battle space is always changing and we will have new challenges, but in that same theme, we owe it to the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines who are out there putting it on the line every day. We owe them nothing but our very best."

Doctor Chozinski's next assignment is the National War College, Fort Lesley J. McNair, Washington, D.C.