TOP STORY >> 314th Medical group welcomes new commander

By Airman 1st Class Nathan Allen
314th Airlift Wing Public Affairs


The 314th Medical Group bid farewell to commander Col. James Carroll and gave a warm reception to incoming commander Col. David Stanczyk July 10.

Col. David Stanczyk, former 10th Dental Squadron Commander at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO, said that it’s vital to continue to perform to the highest standards in the midst of change.

”We all must take responsibility for our actions and hold ourselves accountable,” he said. “Our profession is demanding, and it is critical that all of us uphold and perform the highest standards. Every job and every person is important in winning today’s fight. We have dedicated officers, enlisted, and civilians that are the absolute key to our success.”

As Col. Carroll says goodbye, he passes those standards of excellence and accomplishment after three productive years as the medical group commander. Col. Carroll is heading to Air Force Headquarters in Falls Church, Va., as deputy assistant surgeon general.

“This is my second tour through Arkansas. I was here from 1993 to 1996 as an aerospace physiologist…I love the mission here; the mission is fantastic, being in the largest C-130 base in the world,” Col. Carroll said. “This facility, these people, the clinic, the duties here…I have never been part of an organization so dedicated to taking care of their patients.”

Among his many accomplishments including a complete renovation of the base clinic, Col. Carroll says he is most proud of the staff he has been able to assemble.

“I’m most proud of the assembled staff,” Col. Carroll said. “We’ve assembled an awesome group of doctors, nurses, technicians, and leadership…I’ve been part of many groups where squadron commanders don’t talk to each other or don’t talk to the group commander, and that never works. I’ve yet to find that here. We work well not only with our own group, but with the other groups on base.

According to Col. Carroll, the Airmen of the 314th Medical group are owed a great deal of thanks for making his tenure as commander easy and efficient.

“They have been a joy to work with and have made my job completely easy. I’ve never seen a better assembled medical group. That is the highlight of this job. It’s been a joy to come to work, because you know things will get done and get done right.”