72nd MDG welcomes new commander

Published July 22, 2011
By Brandice J. O'Brien
Staff Writer

TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- The 72nd Medical Group welcomed a new commander July 13. Col. Dean Prentice succeeded Col. Robert Marks at a change of command ceremony.

Originally scheduled to be held outside Bldg. 5801, the event was moved inside to Heritage Hall when a rainstorm began just moments before the start of the ceremony. Despite the last-minute change, spirits remained dry and high. Col. Bob LaBrutta, 72nd Air Base Wing and Tinker installation commander, presided over the event and presented the Legion of Merit award to Colonel Marks.

"Colonel Marks is a great leader and was an outstanding mentor," Colonel LaBrutta said. "Rob, you've done a great job. As you look back on this assignment as you head to Ramstein -- just know, 'I got it done right and I'm leaving a great foundation for Col. Dean Prentice."

Colonel LaBrutta said Colonel Prentice has a proven reputation as a leader and commander.

"I have no doubt he is going to take this outstanding organization to even greater heights," Colonel LaBrutta said. "He came to us from Misawa Air Base, Japan, where he was the 35th Medical Group deputy commander. Just think about what happened there, a tsunami and a nuclear meltdown of a power plant and he and his family were in the epicenter of all that. He was actively involved in the response and recovery for that wing and he brings that experience here to Tinker. I'm hoping we never have to tap into that knowledge, but am glad we have a leader who's been tested."

Though never previously assigned to Tinker, Colonel Prentice is familiar with Oklahoma. He is 1988 graduate of Oral Roberts University in Tulsa. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing.

"It is a great honor to be here," Colonel Prentice said. "I am so looking forward to working with you. Your reputation precedes you. With four very diverse squadrons that work here, you have a mission that's so independent, but yet you work so well integrated that it's palpable. That is awesome to come into as a medical group leader."

Colonel Marks said he will miss Tinker and the medical group personnel.

"To be the leader of such tremendous group of folks is probably is the best honor," said Colonel Marks. "It's all about you, the mission and everything you do. I am honored to be here as your commander and be able to represent you ... and I want to thank you all personally for allowing your name to be associated with mine."