Command changes at MDSS

  • Published
  • By Frank McIntyre
  • 71 Flying Training Wing public affairs
VANCE AIR FORCE BASE,Okla. --  The former chief of medical operations at Headquarters, Air Mobility Command, Scott Air Force base, Ill., became the new 71st Medical Support Squadron commander in a change of command ceremony held here Tuesday at the Vance Club.

As the commander of the 71st MDSS, Lt. Col. Mark Batcho is responsible for ensuring the unit provides administrative and managerial support to the staff and medical providers of the 71st Medical Group and supports approximately 4,300 people involved with undergraduate pilot training at Vance AFB with medical care.

"I am honored with the opportunity to serve as commander for this great 71st Medical Support Squadron. It's vital to remember how incredibly blessed this great nation is with so many selfless servants who were committed to making a difference for a future of freedom that we all enjoy today," Colonel Batcho said. "And we, the 71st Medical Group, have the privilege of providing medical care and support for our current warriors, as well as the heroes and great patriots that came before them. I am honored to be part of this legacy and to do all I can to support our warriors, families, and this outstanding Vance team."

The Redwood City, Calif., native received his Bachelor of Science in 1988 from Florida State University and was commissioned through Air Force ROTC as a missile launch officer. He also holds a Masters of Business Administration Degree from Missouri State University.

Colonel Batcho's assignments as a missile officer included Vandenberg AFB, Calif., and Whiteman AFB, Mo. After becoming a medical service corps officer in 1995 his assignments included MacDill AFB, Fla., Ellsworth AFB, S.D., Ramstein Air Base, Germany and Lackland AFB, Texas.

His awards include the Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters, Air Force Commendation Medal with two oak leaf clusters, Joint Service Achievement Medal and Air Force Achievement Medal.

The new commander and his wife Treva are the parents of Brittney, Brad, Allie, Erin and Katie.

Colonel Batcho replaced Lt. Col. Jeffery Jones who will become the deputy chief, health care support division, Air Force Material Command at Wright Patterson AFB,
Ohio.

"It was an honor to have served as the MDSS commander. The men and women comprising Team Vance are phenomenal," Colonel Jones said. "Jenny and I will miss this community tremendously. I'd like to publicly thank the diverse group of civilians, contractors and active-duty military that make up the 71st Medical Support Squadron for their unwavering support in ensuring we lived up to our motto 'Best Care Anywhere'."