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72nd MDG assumption of command

  • Published
  • By Brandice Armstrong
  • Tinker Public Affairs
TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla., --  The 72nd Medical Group welcomed a new commander Aug. 5. Held outside the 72nd MDG's main facility, approximately 125 people witnessed Col. Robert Marks assume command of the group. 

"Today we welcome a superb Air Force senior leader as commander of the 72nd Medical Group," said Col. Allen Jamerson, 72nd Air Base Wing, Tinker installation commander and presiding officer of the ceremony. "Rob, you're the right person to take this group to the next level and I know you're going to excel at every point along the way. I'm honored to extend the flag of command to you today." 

Colonel Marks came to Tinker from Pope Air Force Base, N.C., where he was commander of the 43rd Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron. He had been there since June 2007. 

In his 19-year Air Force career, Colonel Marks has completed 10 assignments, many of which were major command and squadron-level positions including health care integrator, nurse manager and instructor flight nurse. 

"Colonel Jamerson, thank you for your vote of confidence and support," Colonel Marks said. "You have made me feel a part of this mission from the day we arrived; I will not allow the support to go to waste. Sir, I'm present for duty, I am ready and I am accountable." 

Colonel Marks said as commander of the medical group, he has three priorities. They are a commitment to the mission, a commitment to the Airmen and a commitment to the community. 

To the Airmen, Colonel Marks said, "We will work diligently to ensure you have the money, manpower, equipment and training to do your job. If we fail, we fail because one of those things is missing and that failure is my fault. But, we will not fail and it will not fail because of you." 

Colonel Marks succeeds Col. Roger Goetz, who is deployed to Kirkuk Air Base, Iraq.
"Even though Roger is out of sight today, he is certainly not out of mind," Colonel Jamerson said, "and it is absolutely fitting we praise him and his wife Sandy for leading the 72nd Medical Group to new heights and success, and leaving it better than they found it." 

Colonel Jamerson said while Colonel Goetz commanded the medical group, the Airmen achieved stellar successes including high scores on health services inspection.