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Dental Squadron salutes new commander

  • Published
  • By Brian Schroeder
  • Tinker Public Affairs
TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  On a sunny first day of summer, Col. Michael E. Fulton took command of the 72nd Dental Squadron in a change of command ceremony held at the 72nd Medical Group flagpole here. Colonel Fulton succeeds Col. James A. Loe.

Colonel Loe took command of the 72nd DS in July 2009, and has since led 15 dentists and 55 support staff in delivering over $5.8 million of comprehensive dental care for 8,700 multiservice personnel. Col. Robert J. Marks, 72nd MGD commander, spoke highly of Colonel Loe, calling him a "gentle giant" and "constant mentor."

"In the past couple of years I have seen things that would turn the average man to Jello, but (Colonel Loe) just stands fast and takes it all in, measures it from afar and takes action," Colonel Marks said. "You have been an instrumental part of the leadership team and I will personally miss you."

During his time at Tinker, Colonel Loe has led the Air Force Materiel Command in Dental Class 1 and 2 readiness, which led to the dental clinic being chosen as the AFMC Large Dental Clinic of the Year in 2010. He also oversaw the construction of a new $48 million dental facility on base, including 30 new dental exam rooms met current standards.

Colonel Marks raved about the dynamic group of Airmen and staff who have been an integral part of the 72nd DS mission, under the command of Colonel Loe.

"Despite the difficulty of the mission, I must say, this is the happiest bunch of folks I have ever met. I don't care where you are or what you are doing, they are always smiling. They are ready to go and accomplish the military mission in a moment's notice."

Colonel Loe said he felt fortunate to be able to work with the staff and Airmen on Tinker and tearfully said he has a heartfelt appreciation to the men and women of the 72nd DS.

"I am extremely blessed to work with such an extraordinary group of people," he said. "The smartest thing I did was stay out of the way and let them do their best. I have absolutely enjoyed the honor and privilege to serve as their commander. This has been the most rewarding experience of my 26 years in the Air Force and I will be forever grateful to have been part of their team."

The incoming commander, Colonel Fulton, was most recently stationed at Cannon Air Force Base, N.M., where he was the Dental Flight commander, 27th Special Operations Aerospace Medicine Squadron, 27th Special Operations Wing. He has deployed three times in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and said he is excited to take charge of his new command.

"No matter where your assignment is, the people you work with are going to make or break that assignment," he said. "I have heard really great things about the people I will be working with here, and I'm really happy to be here and I look forward to working with and for all of you."