59th MDW showcases medical mission to AETC's new boss

by Staff Sgt. Jason Huddleston
59th Medical Wing Public Affairs

3/3/2014 - JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas  -- Air Education and Training Command's top leader recently visited the 59th Medical Wing to meet with Airmen and senior leaders, and learn more about the scope of its medical mission.

Gen. Robin Rand, AETC commander, viewed several areas throughout the Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center Feb. 24, including the wing's Refractive Surgery Center, Aeromedical Staging Facility and Clinical Research Division. Rand also visited nearby Reid Clinic, whose medical staff cares for more than 86,000 trainees, technical training students, Defense Language Institute and Inter-American Forces Academy students annually.

Rand also hosted commander's calls throughout the day, and had lunch with junior 59th MDW Airmen. His primary message was simple - get to know the Airmen around you, let them know you care about them, and teach each other how to be great Wingmen.

Charged for ensuring the education and training of all Airmen, the general also spoke about the importance of the medical mission in relation to the rest of the Air Force.

"I have a special affinity for medics. I've served with you in combat and know how important military medicine is in combat," said Rand. "I've seen it and lived it first hand and just want to tell you how much I appreciate what you've done for our Air Force and our country."

Of particular significance was the status of several military construction (MILCON) projects at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, to include the new Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center, the San Antonio Military Medical Center's Hyperbaric Medicine addition and the Reid Clinic replacement.

Maj. Patrick Ryan, of the Air Force Medical Support Agency Health Facilities Division, said it was important to familiarize Rand with the plethora of MILCON projects underway in San Antonio.

"We appreciate the opportunity to showcase the new WHASC to General and Mrs. Rand," Ryan said. "There is a great deal of work underway in JBSA to modernize health care facilities in order to support high quality patient care."