Get to know Col. Concannon

  • Published
  • By Col. Kathleen Concannon
  • 319th Medical Group commander
Q: This is your second assignment to GFAFB, where else has your career taken you?
"I've been to Incirlik Air Base, Turkey, RAF Lakenheath, England, Davis-Mothan Air Force Base, Ariz., the University of Arizona, Tucson, Ariz., Holloman AFB, N.M., Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, F.E. Warren AFB, Wyo., and Nellis AFB, Nev."

Q: What do you expect out of the Airmen in your group?
"I expect professionalism, proficiency, customer service and a warrior mentality coupled with compassion, caring and concern for every individual they deal with."

Q: What is your vision for your group (where do you want the group to be when your time as commander is over)?
"[I would like to see] medics recognized for the vital role they have in almost every aspect of this wing's success, the most educated personnel in the wing, excellence in our peacetime and wartime roles, a base community who can't imagine anyone else but the 319th Medical Group taking care of them."

Q: What do you like to do off duty?
"I've ran 15 marathons, though I wouldn't say I like to run. I like the feeling of accomplishment when I cross the finish line since I want to quit a few times during the race. It reminds me I'm stronger than I think, and persistence will get you through a lot of adversity."

Q: What does it mean to you to be a group commander?
"When I came in the Air Force 25 years ago, nurses couldn't be squadron or group commanders. As the Air Force evolved, the opportunities evolved as well. This represents a lot of faith others have had in me - that they think I can do this job - and the faith I have that I can make a difference in the lives of our medics, our beneficiary population and this wing."

Q: How do you view the mission of your group?
"We ensure the physical, dental and emotional preparedness of our Airmen, as well as their family members. We ensure the safety of our food, water and workplaces. We keep our Armed Forces safe when deployed and we, along with every other member of this wing, put our planes in the sky and our fuel in the right place."

Q: If you could sit down and talk with every single Airman in your group, what is the one (or more) thing you'd tell every single one of them?
"The time here at Grand Forks is an opportunity to better ourselves personally and professionally. Master your job and look for ways to do it better. Take classes and get your Community College of the Air Force or bachelor's degree. The Air Force is going to take a lot from you - your time and energy - so make sure you take something from the Air Force - an education."

Q: What in your past has best prepared you for your new assignment?
"[The tings that have best prepared me are the] people who have taken the time to help me hone my skills and teach me new things, running, which taught me that you can do anything as long as you keep forward momentum - it doesn't have to be fast, just forward, and my family, who remind me to keep a balance between work and home, that balance needs to be in all we do so we'll not lose a dimension of our lives we may never recover."