Medical Group gets new leader at change of command ceremony

  • Published
  • By Lee Ross
  • Nucleus editor
KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  The 377th Medical Group change of command ceremony was held Thursday morning and set against a backdrop of the Sandia Mountains and blue skies outside the Mountain View Club.

Col. Eric Froehlich, commander of the 377th Air Base Wing, said he had only recently met incoming commander, Col. Jeffrey White, but is impressed by White's record.

"He has a career of outstanding performance," Froehlich said. "He is continuously ranked head and shoulders above the rest. Jeffrey, you've earned an incredible opportunity."

For the outgoing commander, Froehlich said, ceremonies like these are always emotional.

"It's impossible (for the outgoing commander) not to experience a mixture of pride and sadness," he said.

He commended Col. Rachel Lefebvre, who is assigned to Wilford Hall at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas.

"They have no idea how lucky they are to have her," he said.

Lefebvre received a second Legion of Merit medal during the ceremony.

Included in the citation were references to the medical group receiving the Air Force Materiel Command's 2014 Patient Centered Medical Home Team of the Year, 21 Air Base Wing awards, 16 Air Force Materiel Command individual awards, nine Air Force medical service awards and 2013 United States Air Force Clinic of the Year.

The citation also noted the medical group's civilian partnerships, reduced wait times (from five months to 17 days) and patient satisfaction rating of 98 percent.

Lefebvre said White has been a great friend of hers. She and White were stationed at Royal Air Force Lakenheath together from 2008 to 2010. Lefebvre and White chose the outdoor location together to capitalize on the state's beauty, she said.

"I absolutely fell in love with (New Mexico)," Lefebvre said. "The gorgeous sunsets, rich culture, the people and green chile. We put it on everything."

Lefebvre said handing over the guidon, and her command along with it, was difficult, but she would rest well knowing she left it in White's capable hands.

"As difficult as it is," she said, "I'm excited to hand it to a dear, dear friend."

White said he will work to make the "already great" medical group even better.

As evidence of the strong partnerships the medical group already has with the community, he pointed to the audience. In attendance were the medical group's partners -- including representatives from the Department of Veterans Affairs and local hospitals.

"The parties that are here is a testament to the relationship," he said.

He added that he looks forward to working with Froehlich and the Tiger Medics of the 377th Medical Group.