Medical Group welcomes new commander

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. — Eglin leadership gathered to welcome Col. Gregory Coleman, the new 96th Medical Group commander, during an assumption of command ceremony here June 11.

“We are going to have another great leader and a stellar partner for you in this awesome wing,” said Brig. Gen. Scott Cain, 96th Test Wing commander speaking to the audience.

Presiding over the ceremony, Cain recalled the pandemic challenges and expressed his thanks to the 96th MDG.

“This is the first change of command that resembles normalcy in quite some time. So it’s a big deal that we’re doing this,” said Cain.

“It’s worth thanking the entire MDG team for getting us to this point safely after a challenging 15 months.”

Cain said Coleman was selected to take up the next challenge.

Before assuming command, Coleman was the 377th Medical Group commander at Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico. Coleman also served as the Deputy, Strategic Plans and Programs, Office of the Air Force Surgeon General.

Throughout his career, he served in a variety of Air Force Medical Service administrative functional areas including medical logistics, medical readiness, resource management, TRICARE operations and patient administration.

After assuming command, Coleman spoke directly to his group.

“Your record of success is truly unmatched. This is the birthplace of operational medicine,” he said.

“I stand ready with you for we are our nation’s sword and shield and century and avenger committed to doing whatever it takes to be triumphant in the end. It is my honor to serve with you so let’s get after it.”

Story by Ilka Cole