Robison assumes command of 72nd MDSS

  • Published
  • By Brandice J. Armstrong
  • Tinker Public Affairs
The 72nd Medical Support Squadron embraced change July 6. Lt. Col. Lorn Heyne relinquished command of the squadron to Lt. Col. Elmo Robison.
   Nearly 100 Airmen and civilians sat in cushioned folding chairs outside the 72nd Medical Group by the flag pole. The flag flew at half staff in honor of the late retired Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Gary R. Pfingston who passed away June 23 from cancer. An additional 75 attendees gathered around the perimeter of the chairs. It was a clear and warm summer morning.
   "Change is good when it is received and accepted by all involved," said Col. Roger Goetz, 72nd Medical Group commander. "For the Medical Support Squadron, the change allows a new officer the opportunity to command at the most important level: the squadron. The change also allows the Airmen in the squadron to show their stuff for the new leader and to move to even greater accomplishments."
   Col. Robison came to Tinker from Air Force Space Command Headquarters at Peterson Air Force Base, Colo., where he was the chief of Plans, Programming, Communications and Expeditionary Operations in the Command Surgeon's Office.
   "I believe we picked the best with Lt. Col. Elmo Robison to command the 72nd Medical Support Squadron," Col. Goetz said. "He comes fully qualified to lead his unit to even greater heights.
   "His experience at the military treatment facility level, major command and air staff levels will add significantly to his ability to lead us forward in the years to come."
   Col. Robison said he is fortunate for the opportunity to lead the squadron and looks forwards to conquering future challenges.
   "Even though at the times the task may seem insurmountable and the odds for success are against us, let me remind you that your boundaries are only limited by the imagination and your willingness to accept risk," Col. Robison said. "As a team let's overcome those obstacles, let's leave continuing legacies of success in all that we do."
   Before he relinquished command, Col. Heyne was awarded a meritorious service medal fourth oak leaf cluster for his service to the 72nd MDSS.
   "Prior to becoming the squadron commander, I was told there was no better job that would give me more satisfaction than this one," Col. Heyne said. "What I found was a squadron of skilled specialists, men and women of integrity, service and excellence.
   "This has been a great assignment with enough memories to last a lifetime and I will soon not forget you," Col. Heyne said.
   Col. Heyne will transfer to Stuttgart, Germany where he will be Medical Plans Programs officer at the African Command, a new formation, based on a new military command headquartered in Africa.