Innovation sets Air Force apart

  • Published
  • By Col. Stephanie McCann
  • 60th Medical Diagnostics and Therapeutics Squadron
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  The 60th Medical Group was honored to host legendary Air Force Medical Service leaders, Lt. Gen. James Roudebush, Air Force Surgeon General, and Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Paul Carlton, retired AF/SG (1999 to 2002) July 12. 

During their visit, both leaders took the opportunity to share their unique perspectives with medical group personnel. 

Both leaders focused on the critically important role our armed forces continue to play in helping our nation fight for freedom around the globe. General Carlton, architect of the forward leaning medical readiness platforms employed today, advised 60th MDG medics on the remarkable strides made in minimizing casualties, and treating wartime disease and battle injuries, innovations were in large part due to the skills and training of our warrior medics, and, the airlift capability provided by the world's greatest Air Power. 

He explained to the group that the current fight for freedom would not be short-lived and that Air Force personnel will continue to play a prominent role against future terrorism whether at home or abroad. The general urged the group not to be afraid to build on and change the innovative platforms of the past -- he stated that innovation is what continues to set our Air Force and our nation apart. 

General Roudebush echoed General Carlton's concerns about the long-term nature of the Global War on Terrorism and thanked all Airmen present for their efforts in sustaining the drive needed to support our wartime efforts. In response to a question from the audience, General Roudebush encouraged all Airmen to embrace the Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st Century culture in order to lead change and spur continued innovations. 

General Roudebush also emphasized that what makes our Air Force Medical Service unique among the other services is our direct connectivity to our line and wing leadership. 

He said that in contrast to our sister services who serve under medical commands, our medical units serve line commanders directly and this creates a tremendous bond which is a great strength for our Airmen. General Roudebush praised the efforts of all 60th MDG deployers and thanked them for excelling in joint and international environments. 

He also commended David Grant USAF Medical Center staff for building strong alliances with the Reserve and Air National Guard components, Veterans' Administration, University of California Davis and other civilian agencies. The general indicated that these partnerships are critical to sustaining our graduate medical education and medical readiness training platforms. 

As the medical group said farewell to these inspirational AF leaders, I could not help but think how proud our original freedom fighters and first commander, George Washington, would be to know that the nation they founded continues to answer freedom's call around the world.