Command of 71st MDOS changes hands

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Vance Air Force Base, Okla. --  The 71st Medical Operations Squadron welcomes new leadership during a ceremony at 9:30 a.m. today at the Vance Club.
Lt Col Craig Christenson accepts command of the squadron from Lt Col Janice Wallace.
Colonel Christenson comes to Vance Air Force Base from Mountain Home AFB, Idaho, where he was commander of the 366th Medical Support Squadron.
"I'm excited about the opportunity to work with the men and women of the 71st Medical Operations Squadron in providing quality health care to the Vance AFB community," Colonel Christenson said. "My wife Sandy and I were very much looking forward to our move to Enid."
Colonel Wallace's new assignment is commander of the 72nd Medical Operations Squadron at Tinker AFB, Okla.
"It has been an honor and a privilege to work with the members of the 71st Medical Operations Squadron and Team Vance.
My family and I have truly enjoyed our time at Vance...so much they have decided to remain," Colonel Wallace said. "So instead of goodbye, I'll say best wishes and see you around."
Colonel Christenson received his commission through the Reserve Officer Training Corps in 1985 after graduating from Washington Jefferson College. The Greensburg, Penn. native served in the U.S. Army Reserves from 1985 to 1989 while on an educational leave to attend the Pennsylvania College of Podiatric Medicine.
He served on active duty with the U.S. Army from 1989 to 1993, when he left active duty for the Army Reserves and private podiatry practice. He entered the Air Force in 1994.
Colonel Christenson served as officer in charge of the ortho/podiatry clinic, 82nd Medical Group at Sheppard AFB, Texas and surgical services flight commander, 75th Medical Group at Hill AFB, Utah prior to being assigned to Mountain Home AFB. Before commanding the 366th MSS, Colonel Christenson served as the medical readiness officer of the 366th Medical Group, deputy commander of the 366th Aerospace Medical Squadron and deputy commander 366th Aeromedical-Dental Squadron.
Colonel Christenson's awards include the Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters, the Air Force Commendation Medal and the Army and Air Force Achievement Medals.
(71st FTW Public Affairs)