51st MDSS Change of Command

Col. Jennifer Vecchione, 51st Fighter Wing Medical Group commander, left, receives the guidon from Col. Theodosia Montgomery, 51st Medical Support Squadron (MDSS) outgoing commander, as a symbol of Montgomery’s relinquishment of command of the MDSS at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, June 17, 2022. A change of command is a military tradition, which represents a formal transfer of authority and responsibility for a flight, squadron, group, wing or MAJCOM from one commanding officer to another. The passing of the guidon ensures the unit and its Airmen are never without leadership. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Trevor Gordnier)

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51st MDSS Change of Command

Col. Jennifer Vecchione, left, 51st Medical Group commander, presents Lt. Col. Theodosia Montgomery, 51st Medical Support Squadron (MDSS) outgoing commander, a Meritorious Service Medal (MSM) medal during the 51st MDSS change of command ceremony at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, June 17, 2022. The MSM is a military award presented to members of the Armed Forces, who distinguished themselves by outstanding meritorious achievement or service to the U.S. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Trevor Gordnier)

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51st MDSS Change of Command

Lt. Col. Marc Rittberg, 51st Medical Support Squadron (MDSS) commander, delivers his acceptance speech as the newly-appointed MDSS commander at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, June 17, 2022. Changes of command represent the formal transfer of authority and responsibility for a flight, squadron, group, wing or MAJCOM from one commanding officer to another. They are a tradition rooted in military history, dating back to the 18th century. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Trevor Gordnier)

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51st MDSS Change of Command

Col. Jennifer Vecchione, left, 51st Medical Group commander, presents the guidon to Lt. Col. Marc Rittberg, 51st Medical Support Squadron (MDSS) incoming commander, as a symbol of his taking command of the MDSS at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, June 17, 2022. The passing of the guidon from an outgoing commander to an incoming commander ensures the unit and its Airmen are never without leadership. It also signifies an allegiance from the unit’s members to their corresponding commander. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Trevor Gordnier)

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51st MDSS Change of Command

Published June 21, 2022
By Senior Airman Trevor Gordnier
51st MDSS

OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea -- Col. Jennifer Vecchione, 51st Fighter Wing Medical Group commander, left, receives the guidon from Col. Theodosia Montgomery, 51st Medical Support Squadron (MDSS) outgoing commander, as a symbol of Montgomery’s relinquishment of command of the MDSS at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, June 17, 2022. A change of command is a military tradition, which represents a formal transfer of authority and responsibility for a flight, squadron, group, wing or MAJCOM from one commanding officer to another. The passing of the guidon ensures the unit and its Airmen are never without leadership. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Trevor Gordnier)