8th Medical Group ‘Med Hawks’ receive new leader

Story by Senior Airman James Johnson

8th Fighter Wing

KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea – Col. Valerie OBrien accepted command of the 8th Medical Group during a change of command ceremony at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, June 12.
In a ceremony presided over by Col. Peter E. Kasarskis, 8th Fighter Wing commander, OBrien took over the 8th MDG from Col. Elizabeth Anderson-Doze.
This will be OBrien’s third stint at Kunsan AB. Now returning to the 8th MDG as ‘Hawk’, she emphasized the importance of the securing the Pack’s medical readiness.
“The professionalism, skill, caring and courage of the Med Hawks has always been constant in order to make the Wolf Pack mission happen,” said OBrien. “I am confident this will not change as we rally to meet the new challenges ahead.”
As 8th MDG commander, OBrien will lead two squadrons and 158 personnel, known as the ‘Med Hawks’, supporting 2,800 assigned active-duty personnel. They are responsible for executing a $3.5 million budget and overseeing a $29 million/13-building infrastructure, while delivering 13 product lines including a 24-hour ambulance response capability.