Command of 71st MDG changes hands

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Vance Air Force Base, Okla. --  Command of the 71st Medical Group changed hands Thursday, in a ceremony at 10 a.m. at Hangar 170.
Col John C. McCafferty accepted command of the group from Col James E. Calhoun
Colonel McCafferty comes to Vance Air Force Base from Sheppard AFB, Texas.
"My wife and I are very excited about the opportunity to join Team Vance. We've heard nothing but postive things about the base and the supporting community of Enid," Colonel McCafferty said. "I'm honored to have been named to lead such an outstanding group of medics."
Colonel Calhoun now travels to Travis AFB, Calif., to serve as the Surgeon Generals' Consultant for Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy.
"I can't express in words how much Vance means to me. Vance will be permanently ingrained in my heart," Colonel Calhoun said. "Vance/Enid ... thank you for a fantastic ride!"
As the 71st MDG commander, Colonel McCafferty commands and coordinates the medical mission for the 71st Flying Training Wing as it conducts joint specialized undergraduate pilot training for more than 460 U.S. Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps and allied student pilots each year. The group ensures access cost and quality of medical services for more than 5000 eligible beneficiaries.
Colonel McCafferty received his commission from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1979. He has served in a variety of assignments including chief physical exams and standards, commander, 81st Aerospace Medicine Squadron, and commander, 81st Surgical Flight, Keesler Medical Center, Keesler AFB, Miss.
Colonel McCafferty is a rated senior flight surgeon with more than 700 flying hours in the KC-135, WC-130, HC130, C-130, C-9, C-141 and HH-60. He also has 140 hours of combat and combat support flight time.
His awards and decorations include Meritorious Service Medal with four oak leaf clusters, the Air Force Achievement Medal with one oak leaf cluster, Southwest Asia Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal and Air Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon with Combat Border.
(71st FTW Public Affairs)