UNM healthcare professionals visit the base

Dr. Vanessa Hawker, associate budget director at the University of New Mexico's Health Science Center, gets ana hands-on demonstration of the 377th Security Forces K-9 unit by dog handlers Airman 1st Class Stephen Farrell and Staff Sgt. William Hollendonner. Senior leaders from the UNM healthcare system received a tour of several facets of the base. (Courtesy photo)

UNM healthcare professionals visit the base

Senior leaders from the UNM healthcare system were invited by the 377th Medical Group to Kirtland to tour facilities and aircraft and to receive a K-9 unit demonstration. The MDG invited the group to demonstrate appreciation for the specialty care they provide to Airmen and their families, to build upon and explore opportunities for continuing medical education, to introduce them to military culture and missions, and to establish personal relationships. (Courtesy photo)

377th Medical Group hosts UNM healthcare professionals

Published Jan. 24, 2014
By 377th Medical Group

KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- In an effort to build community relations, the 377th Medical Group recently hosted senior leaders from the University of New Mexico healthcare system.

The visitors toured aircraft from the 58th Special Operations Wing and learned about the wing's mission. Additionally, the 377th Security Forces K-9 handlers showed off their skills, along with their canines, in a series of dog-handling demonstrations.

"These personal and professional relationships we continue to build are critical to the delivery of healthcare and to the strengthening of our community partnerships," said Col. Rachel Lefebvre, 377th MDG commander.

Lefebvre said the intent of the visit was four-fold: to demonstrate appreciation for the specialty care the medical professionals provide to Airmen and their families, to build upon and explore opportunities for continuing medical education, to introduce them to military culture and missions, and to establish personal relationships.

"All of this was met and more," she said. "It was a resounding success."