Lt. Col. Timothy Dykens new 72nd MDSS commander Published June 19, 2009 By Brandice J. Armstrong Tinker Public Affairs TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- It was an overcast, muggy morning June 12 when Lt. Col. Timothy Dykens accepted command of the 72nd Medical Support Squadron. Held outside the north entrance of Bldg. 5801, Col. Robert Marks, 72nd Medical Group commander, presided over the change of command. Colonel Dykens succeeded Lt. Col. Elmo Robison, who during the ceremony was presented with a meritorious service medal - third oak leaf cluster. "Through his assignments, [Tim] has acquired the skill and knowledge that are needed to command this squadron," said Colonel Marks. "Tim, welcome, I have great confidence in your ability and am looking forward to working with you." Prior to accepting command, Colonel Dykens was the 72nd MDG senior group practice manager. He has been at Tinker since 2007. Colonel Dykens entered the Air Force in 1996 after serving as an Oklahoma Army National Guard member since 1988. Medical assignments have dominated his 13-year Air Force career. Although he has served primarily as a chief in past assignments, he was a medical logistics flight commander. "I am humbled by the fact that the Air Force, Col. Allen Jamerson (72nd Air Base Wing and Tinker installation commander) and Colonel Marks agree that I deserve the opportunity and privilege to command," said Colonel Dykens. "Thank you for believing in me and allowing me to serve as one of your squadron commanders." Colonel Robison, who led the medical support squadron for two years, left Tinker for Langley Air Force Base, Va., where he is the Medical Readiness director for Air Combat Command. Colonel Marks said Colonel Robison performed an exceptional job as 72nd MDSS commander, which ultimately benefits the 72nd Medical Group mission and Tinker. "These responsibilities Colonel Robison has accomplished were with amazing ability and vision," Colonel Marks said. "He has seen and cured minor problems that can cloud the mission from day-to-day and got right to the heart of the matter. Everything he did was to further the mission and the ability of the medical group." "To the men and women of the 72nd Medical Support Squadron, working with you has been one of the greatest times in my life," Colonel Robison said. "You've shown your professionalism, dedication and patriotism in so many ways ... you are a vital part of the defense of our country and our way of life. Never forget how important you are."