Meet the 319th MDG commander Published Aug. 13, 2010 By Airman 1st Class Rachel Martinez 319th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- Col. Jane Denton formally assumed command of the 319th Medical Group on Aug. 5. But who is Colonel Denton? Colonel Denton is a happily married wife of 11 years and a mother to three children. "Our anniversary was Aug. 6 and we spent it unpacking our household goods because they had just come in," Colonel Denton recalled. "Needless to say it wasn't the typical anniversary." Colonel Denton's family also includes three pet; two dogs and one cat. Colonel Denton said her father was in the Air Force for more than 30 years. Because of this, Colonel Denton said she was born on Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark. "In the past, enlisted personnel didn't move often like they do now, so we lived in California, Texas and New Mexico," explained Colonel Denton about her childhood. "I spent a great deal of my life in Eastern New Mexico at Cannon AFB." "Since I joined the Air Force, I have been stationed at Cannon twice," laughed Colonel Denton. "I joined the Air Force to see the world and they left me there." Colonel Denton holds three degrees. "My bachelor's degree is in nursing and I got that from what was then known as West Texas State University but now is West Texas A&M," explained Colonel Denton. "My first master's degree I received from the University of Texas at Arlington in child health and nursing education. My second master's degree is in strategic studies from the Air and War College. It was a lot of work but I learned tons." Colonel Denton decided after receiving her bachelor's degree that she wanted to join the Air Force. Colonel Denton said she worked for five and a half years as a civilian nurse before she realized she hadn't joined yet, so she simply walked into the recruiter's office to start the process. Colonel Denton didn't receive her commission through the more common sources such as the Reserve Officer Training Corps cadet nor did she attend Officer Training School, instead she walked into a recruiter's office and told them that she wanted to join the Air Force. Colonel Denton said that her process to join the Air Force was different then it is today. "I did all the paperwork, the physical and attended the Medical Military and Doctor Service Officer training at Sheppard AFB, Texas," said Colonel Denton. "The training was two and a half weeks long where it basically taught us how to wear the uniform properly. Now everybody has to attend officer training school." "I have been in the Air Force for 21 and a half years and I've loved every minute of it," said Colonel Denton. Colonel Denton said her first impression of the base is that it is very pretty, friendly and the populace has been extremely welcoming. "This is going to be an adventure, I have never been stationed any farther north than Altus, OK," said the self-proclaimed southern gal. "I am going to freeze but it will be okay, I'll learn to adapt." As a commander, Colonel Denton has a hands-off approach. "Have faith in your people, tell them what you need them to do then give them the opportunity to succeed," said Colonel Denton. "Just get out of the way. If you don't give your people an opportunity to succeed or fail, then they'll never learn, they won't grow and they'll never want to take chances. If they need you, they'll let you know." As a leader, Colonel Denton has a hands-on approach. "I like to stay in the trenches and spend time in the trenches with the people working there," said Colonel Denton. "I have every intention of seeing patients in pediatrics because the medics need to know that I have walked in their shoes and I'll support them any way I can. You can't lead if your people won't follow." In her spare time, Colonel Denton said she enjoys reading. "Just give me a good book and a comfy chair, and I'll be fine," said Colonel Denton.