71st Medical Group changes command Published June 18, 2015 By Tech. Sgt. James Bolinger 71st Flying Training Wing Public Affairs VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Col. Kirsten Benford assumed command of the 71st Medical Group from Col. David Chiesa in a ceremony June 16 at Hangar 199. Benford joins Team Vance after a tour as the 99th Inpatient Operations Squadron commander, 99th Medical Group, Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada. Chiesa leaves Team Vance after two years in command of the 71st MDG. He retired during a ceremony June 16 at the Vance Collocated Club. Benford is a native of Chicago and holds a Bachelor's in Nursing from Arizona State University. She also holds a Master's in Pediatric Nursing from the University of Maryland, Baltimore. Commissioned in 1988, she has held assignments as a clinical nurse, a medical readiness flight commander and a chief nurse among other jobs. Her major decorations include a Meritorious Service Medal with three oak leaf clusters, an Air Force Commendation Medal and Air Force Achievement Medal. "I couldn't be any happier to be here," said Benford to her new troops. "I do not take this challenge lightly, and I have high expectations, and I know that you have high expectations for me as well. "I have no doubt that we will excel working as a team, 'Preparing Tomorrow's Joint Air Warriors to Fly, Fight and Win," she said.