30th Medical Group welcomes a new leader

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Wesley Carter
  • 30th Space Wing Public Affairs
The 30th Medical Group is experiencing a leadership change as a new commander took the helm March 30.

Col. Janice Wallace took command of the group in an assumption of command ceremony at the Pacific Coast Club here. Arriving from Sheppard AFB, Texas, Colonel Wallace is an Air Force nurse that has been in the Air Force 22 years. This is her first job as commander of a group, but she feels ready to take on the added responsibility.

"All of the challenges I have faced up to this point have helped prepare me for this job," Colonel Wallace said. "I plan on doing the best I can in every job. Bloom or you're planted; that's my motto."

Colonel Wallace doesn't only expect to bloom herself, but the Kentucky native expects those under her to do the same.

"I have challenged the leaders of the group to lead from the front and to take care of the staff," she said. "We need to build a cohesive team and keep it going."

A task that heavily deployed bases like Vandenberg might find difficult. However, Colonel Wallace is optimistic that the 30th MDG will meet the goals she has put forth.

"It takes the team working together and being prepared," she said. "Training people how to do your job in case you get tasked and have to leave--it takes planning."

At any base the medical group is not only an important part of base operations, but also to Airmen who are deploying to support the Air Force's current operations. The 30th MDG currently has people deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan, and will continue to support Airmen deploying from other career fields stay fit and healthy under Colonel Wallace's command, she said.

However the new medical boss' most important goal doesn't just affect deploying Airmen but the entire base community.

"Our number one priority is to support Airmen, their families and the mission," Colonel Wallace said. "We will be a customer friendly service."