Medical Group welcomes new commander

  • Published
  • By Capt Brus Vidal
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  Col. Kerry Dexter assumed command of the 22nd Medical Group Tuesday during a change-of-command ceremony in the Robert J. Dole Community Center ballroom here.
The ceremony was presided over by Col. David J. Kramer, 22nd Air Refueling Wing vice commander, who formally turned responsibility of command over to Colonel Dexter, who succeeded Col. Lori L. Montgomery. 

Colonel Montgomery will assume duties as Deputy Command Surgeon/Command Nurse at Headquarters, U.S. Air Forces in Europe, Ramstein Air Base, Germany.
Colonel Dexter comes to his new post from Elmendorf AFB, Alaska, where he served as the Deputy Commander, 3rd Medical Group. Colonel Dexter was commissioned in the Air Force Medical Service Corps in May 1983.  Prior to that, he attended Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, and earned a bachelor's degree in history in 1980 and a master's degree in public administration in 1983.    

He completed Squadron Officer's School by correspondence, Air Command and Staff College by seminar and Air War College by seminar.  Colonel Dexter also earned the title of "Diplomate," American College of Healthcare Executives.
He is board certified in Healthcare Management by the American College of Healthcare Executives.  

He has also held positions at the medical treatment facility level, in aeromedical evacuation and medical recruiting, and at the Air Staff. 

Colonel Dexter commended Colonel Montgomery for her leadership and said he looks forward to improving on the legacy of customer service. 

"The quality and dedication of the people I serve with is the reason I decided long ago to make this profession my career." Colonel Dexter said. "The Air Force and its medical service face many challenges during this period of War. In the fiscally-constrained environment we continually face, we're constantly asked to do more with less - I am amazed at what we accomplish. 

"The challenges are many and will ever be with us. However, I know that the men and women of the 22nd Medical Group will continue to excel, and will continue to meet and exceed expectations. I am honored and consider it a great privilege to lead this organization."