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319 MDSS welcomes new commander

Lt. Col. Leah J. Erwin, (right) assumes command of the 319th Medical Support Squadron from Lt. Col. David Cockrum, 319th Medical Operations Squadron commander, during a change-of-command ceremony, June 25 at Grand Forks Air Force Base, North Dakota. Col. Erwin assumed command of the 319 MDSS from Lt. Col. Larsen. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Johnny Saldivar)

319th MDSS welcomes new leader

Published June 25, 2010
By Tech. Sgt. Joseph Kapinos
319th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- Lt. Col. Leah Erwin assumed command of the 319th Medical Support Squadron from Lt. Col. Stephen Larsen during a change-of-command ceremony here June 25.

During his tour of duty at Grand Forks AFB, Colonel Larsen was responsible for the strategic planning and daily operations of a multi-specialty ambulatory care facility and 183 personnel, who provided health care to more than 1,500 active-duty Airmen and 5,600 beneficiaries in a tri-state region.

"I am truly honored to have served with you here at Grand Forks," said Colonel Larsen. "I have been to many assignments since I joined the Air Force in 1985 and I can honestly say that this has been among the best. Thank you 'Warrior Medics' for all you have accomplished."

Colonel Larsen's next assignment will take him to San Antonio, Texas, where he will work in the medical manpower field for the Air Force Medical Operations Agency.

Colonel Erwin served as the director of operations for the 43d Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron at Pope AFB, N.C. prior to her arrival at Grand Forks. She has extensive operational experience and has deployed to various locations in the Middle East. Colonel Erwin also served as acting commander of the 43d AES for six months while the commander was deployed.

"It is my privilege to join you as we support our global mobility mission," said Colonel Erwin. "I look forward to working with each and every one of you in the coming months."