Members of the 15th Wing Honor Guard present the colors during the singing of the national anthem at the 15th Medical Group change of command ceremony at the Missing Man Formation on Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, June 24, 2013. During the ceremony, Col. Virginia A. Garner assumed command from Col. Robie V. Hughes. (Photo by David D. Underwood, Jr.)

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Col. Johnny Roscoe, 15th Wing commander (left) passes the 15th Medical Group guidon to incoming commander, Col. Virginia A. Garner, (middle) as former commander, Col. Robie V. Hughes, (right) looks on during the 15th Medical Group change of command ceremony at the Missing Man Formation on Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, June 24, 2013. The change of command ceremony is a military tradition deeply rooted in history and dates back to the times of the Roman Legion. (Photo by David D. Underwood, Jr.)

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Col. Johnny Roscoe, 15th Wing commander, presents a Legion of Merit certificate to Col. Robie V. Hughes, former 15th Medical Group commander, prior to the change of command ceremony held at the Missing Man Formation on Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, June 24, 2013. The Legion of Merit is awarded for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements. The decoration is issued to United States military personnel and political figures of foreign governments. (Photo by David D. Underwood, Jr.)

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15th MDG change of command

Published June 26, 2013
By Capt Aspen Heger
15th Medical Operations Squadron

JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii -- The 15th Medical Group held a change of command ceremony on June 25 at the Missing Man Formation here.

Col. Virginia A. Garner assumed command of the 15th MDG from Col. Robie V. Hughes.

"When I get the opportunity to have a ceremony at this location, I always reflect on the storied history of our base," said Col. Johnny Roscoe, Commander, 15th Wing, who presided over the ceremony. "And as I hear airliners fly overhead today, I often wonder what it was like to stand in this spot 72 years ago and hear the Japanese bombers on their way to attack the fleet in Pearl Harbor... As the bombs fell out of the sky that morning, and the U.S. wounded servicemen started to roll in, the staff of the newly built hospital sprang into action. They worked non-stop that day, keeping their focus on the task of saving lives while explosions rattled the beds of their injured patients. A truly remarkable story and a reminder of the legacy we are tasked to uphold."

"That same unwavering focus on the patient has been the hallmark of the 15th Medical Group under Col Hughes' command," said Col. Johnny Roscoe. "For the last three years her team has continued to provide world class, patient-centered medical care to America's heroes and their families."

During the ceremony, Hughes was presented the Legion of Merit for her outstanding service and accomplishments as commander of the 15 MDG. Hughes thanked the local community and the 15th Wing for their unwavering support, and especially the Airmen of the 15 MDG for their dedication and service over the last three years of her command.

Garner comes to the 15 MDG from Southwest Asia, where she served as the Commander of the 386th Expeditionary Medical Group, and was responsible for providing combat medical support, dental, and force health protection for the Department of Defense and U.S. forces throughout Southwest Asia.

"It is an honor and a privilege to stand before you today as the 15th Medical Group Commander," said Garner. "Taking care of our nation's heroes, past, present, and future, and their families is why I joined the Air Force. Now I have the unique opportunity to lead, partner with our sisters services and the community, and care for the medics who will continue to fulfill this important mission. I am excited to be a part of this team and look forward to working with each of you as we continue the legacy of excellence in the 15th Medical Group."

As the new MDG Commander, Garner will lead nearly 243 personnel and three squadrons, overseeing a 35 million dollar infrastructure, operations and maintenance budget. Col Garner is responsible for providing medical and dental services for 14,800 beneficiaries and ensuring quality healthcare service for 90,000 outpatient visits, 22,000 dental visits, and over 125,000 pharmaceutical distributions annually.