Medical commander from MAFB takes over medical group in support of OEF

  • Published
  • By Maj. Damien Pickart
  • 376th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
MANAS AB, KYRGYZSTAN --  Col. Roosevelt Allen assumed command of the 376th Expeditionary Medical Group in a change-of-command ceremony here Sept. 6.

Colonel Allen is deployed to Manas AB from Minot AFB, N.D., where he serves as commander of the 5th Medical Group and director of base medical services. He replaced Col. Thomas Grace, who is stationed at Barksdale AFB, La., and completed a four-month deployment here.

"Today is both a bittersweet and a special day as we say goodbye to Colonel Grace and welcome Colonel Allen to the Manas team as he prepares to take the 376th Expeditionary Medical Group to the next level," said Col. Christopher Bence, 376th Air Expeditionary Wing commander. "Colonel Grace's leadership, enthusiasm and devotion to his people and the mission will be missed. But today is also a special day as Colonel Allen prepares to take the flag of the medical group and carry its mission to the next level."

Colonel Allen received a direct commission from the Air Force in 1986. He has been a clinician, educator, commander and advocate for the Air Force's medical service at various assignments throughout his military career. A strong advocate for organized dentistry and dental education, Colonel Allen was one of two elected delegates to his profession's national organization, the American Dental Association, representing over 600 Air Force dentists from 2004 through 2006.

In addition, Colonel Allen has led or participated in remains identification of fallen Americans and service members from 1998's U.S. embassy bombings in Kenya and Tanzania; the MV-22 Osprey crash in Arizona in 2000; and the 2001 USS Cole terrorist bombing. He was chief of dental services while deployed to Turkey in support of Operation Provide Comfort and Saudi Arabia for Operation Southern Watch.

"I'm looking forward to advancing the 376th Air Expeditionary Wing's mission and plan to use my knowledge and prior experiences to continue to provide the high-quality medical care that the 'Liberandos' have grown accustomed to receiving," said Colonel Allen.

Under Colonel Grace's command, the 376th EMDG set several accomplishments, including recognition as # 1 of 15 locations in the U.S. Air Forces Central area of operations with 100 percent vaccination rates for six consecutive weeks. Additionally, the medical group provided health care in support of 28,000 coalition servicemembers that transited through Manas AB during the busiest operations tempo ever. He also oversaw the move of the medical group into a permanent, state-of-the-art medical facility following nearly seven years in a tent complex.

"It's comforting to know I'm handing this group off to a good friend and someone I've known and respected for more than 15 years," said Colonel Grace. "Colonel Allen will take good care of the medical group and ensure the continuation of excellent medical care for the personnel and mission at Manas Air Base."

Manas AB serves as the premier air mobility hub supporting coalition and International Security Assistance Force operations in Afghanistan. Its primary missions include aerial refueling and mobility support to include intra-theater combat airlift, airdrop, and aeromedical evacuations.