Medical group under new leadership

  • Published
  • By 55th Wing Public Affairs
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Nebraska --  The 55th Medical Group held a change of command ceremony at the Bennie Davis Maintenance Facility on Aug. 7.

U.S. Air Force Col. Jill Scheckel took command of the mighty medics from U.S. Air Force Col. Stephen Mounts during the time honored ceremony.

"Jill is an exceptional leader and visionary, and I have no doubt she will continue to propel this group to success," said U.S. Air Force Col. Marty Reynolds, 55th Wing commander, who presided over the ceremony.

Scheckel comes to Offutt from Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, where she served as the 52nd Medical Group commander.

"It is truly an honor and privilege to serve as the 55th Medical Group commander," she said. "I'm proud to be the commander and part of this wing's heritage."

The three-time group commander said she is excited for the opportunity to lead this group of more than 750 Airmen, civilians and contractors.

"The 55th Medical Group has a demonstrated history of superior performance and I'm confident this group will continue to excel as we maintain a tradition of medical and professional excellence," she said.

Reynolds said the Fightin' Fifty-Fifth is lucky to add Scheckel to its team.

"I know (she) will lead these Airmen to new heights," he said. "(She'll) dedicate herself to the mission, people and instill pride in everything her group does."

Mounts leaves the 55th MDG for Join Base San Antonio where he will serve as an administer at the Air Force Medical Operations Agency.

"This tour has been very special to me personally," said Mounts, who grew up as an Air Force brat, but graduated from Bellevue West High School, just outside the gates to Offutt. "It's a special treat to return to a place that seems so familiar and I've been fortunate enough to have had the opportunity to serve with some of the finest Airmen of my career."

Under Mounts command, the 55th MDG enhanced their critical partnerships with six major health care organizations in the local area, earned the Air Force Surgeon General Best Clinic of the Year and Air Force Outstanding Large Dental Clinic of the Year in 2012.

"Under (Stephen's) leadership, the medical group overcame manpower deficits, budget cuts and aging infrastructure to masterfully command Air Combat Command's most complex specialty clinic," Reynolds said.

Reynolds presented Mounts with a Legion of Merit for his service to the wing since July 2012.

"His vision is always mission focused," Reynolds said, "and the Fightin' Fifty-Fifth will miss the Mounts family."

The 55th MDG is home to the Ehrling Bergquist Clinic and provides medical care to more than 49,000 patients in the local area.