18th Medical Group proves to be PACAF's best

by Airman 1st Class Justin Veazie
18th Wing Public Affairs

1/30/2013 - KADENA AIR BASE, Japan -- The 18th Medical Group was recently recognized by Pacific Air Forces' headquarters for meritorious service in 2012.

The 18th MDG won Best Ambulatory Clinic Patient Safety Program, Air Force Surgeon General Award for Best Clinic, Largest Dental Clinic of the Year and Outstanding Medical Logistics Small Account of the Year.

"We are extremely proud of (our) unit," said Col. Barbara King, 18th Medical Group commander. "This is just a resolve of good mentorship, and our Airmen doing their job to the best of their ability and being recognized for it!"

Kadena's medical group is the Air Force's largest freestanding ambulatory clinic in terms of personnel. It is comprised of more than 80 medical and dental care providers who see nearly 600 patients daily.

The clinic provides Kadena and other Department of Defense beneficiaries with extensive medical, dental and other support services.

"Thanks to the professional men and women of the (18th MDG), we are able to keep all operations running smoothly," said King.

Twelve medical group individuals also received command awards. The individuals and their awards are:

U.S. Air Force Biomedical Clinician Category I Company Grade Officer of the Year: Capt. Rodney A. Ho

Clinical Dentist of the Year: Capt. Jeremy B. Lake

Outstanding Biomedical Equipment Repair NCO of the Year: Tech. Sgt. Dustin M. Sprague

Outstanding Base Bioenvironmental Engineering NCO of the Year: Tech. Sgt. Dion J. Taylor

Outstanding Mental Health Airman of the Year: Senior Airman Danielle A. Meadows

Outstanding Diet Therapy NCO of the Year: Tech. Sgt. Jennifer J. Randolph

Aerospace and Operational Physiology NCO of the Year: Staff Sgt. Clint K. Copeland

Outstanding Aerospace Medicine NCO of the Year: Tech. Sgt. John E. Glover

Outstanding Dental Airman of the Year: Airman 1st Class Amanda E. York

Outstanding Dental NCO of the Year: Tech. Sgt. Cheyanne L. Brown

U.S. Air Force Clinical Excellence Award - CGO Category: Capt. Shannon M. Brodersen

U.S. Air Force Clinical Excellence in Nursing Award - CGO Category: Capt. Lindsay B. Howard

Making sure patients get the best care is a main priority of the medical group.

The 18th MDG's motto is "Trusted Care, Here and in the Air."