ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Airmen and leaders from the 97th Medical Group welcomed Col. John Davis, Air Education and Training Command command surgeon, Chief Master Sgt. Paul Ellis, AETC chief of the medical enlisted force, Col. Betty Venth, incoming Medical Wing Medical Readiness Command-Alpha commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Jovan Leach, MW MRC-A senior enlisted leader, and conducted a tour of the 97th MDG at Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, Nov. 20, 2024.
The visit began with a mission brief highlighting the 97 MDG's capabilities and roles in supporting the mission at Altus AFB. The group toured several sections, including the operational support team, tactical combat casualty care, flight medicine, mental health, resource management, referral management, bioenvironmental engineering, and medical logistics to gain an understanding of the 97 MDG’s day-to-day operations and engage with Airmen across various specialties.
“Our visit today was all about building on the incredible work happening here at Altus Air Force Base. We’re focused on enhancing opportunities, resources, and understanding to ensure the mission runs even more effectively for our medics,” Ellis said. “The Airmen here are truly exceptional. They juggle multiple roles, and they do it all with remarkable skill and precision.”
The tour concluded with an all-call, during which Airmen were able to discuss the future of medical care within the Air Force, current trends within the Air Force Medical Command, and engage in mentorship sessions.
“We are grateful to the leadership team for investing the time to visit us and allowing us the opportunity to showcase our capabilities and the vital role we play in supporting the wing’s combat readiness,” said Claudia Eid, 97 MDG commander. “We appreciate their support of our unique mission requirements and addressing our challenges. Our strength comes from our incredible Airmen. At the 97th Medical Group, ‘small but mighty’ isn’t just something we say, it’s how we operate every day.”