Air Force Surgeon General visits Holloman Published Nov. 13, 2014 By 1st Lt. Praneet Boparai, 49th Medical Support Squadron 49th Wing Public Affairs HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- Lt. Gen. Thomas Travis, Surgeon General of the Air Force and Chief Master Sgt. Jason Pace, Chief, Medical Enlisted Force, toured Holloman Oct. 29-30 to see how the 49th Medical Group supports the training mission. Gen. Travis and Chief Pace met the medics at the 49th Medical Group and learned about their role in supporting the Wing's mission. They were excited to hear about the diverse population served at Holloman that includes numerous and diverse tenant units, the German Air Force, the Royal Air Force and the growing F-16 training mission. Gen. Travis and Chief Pace met with medical staff over lunch and discussed developmental opportunities and the Air Force Medical Service (AFMS) strategic view. Gen. Travis held an "All Call" where he shared his vision and had an open dialogue with the medics about how we "fit-in" and our role within the growing needs of the Air Force. One of his more important messages was the emphasis on the scope of practice for the enlisted force, i.e. using people to their full potential and developing them. Gen. Travis also toured the 49th Wing Operations Group and met Colonel Mark Hoehn, 49th Wing Operations Group commander and Senior Master Sgt. James Howard, acting 49th Operations Group superintendent, to gain insight into the growing Remotely Piloted Aircraft training mission at Holloman and understand how the AFMS can better serve their needs. He applauded Holloman's RPA training program and emphasized the key role Remotely Piloted Aircraft play in the deployed setting by carrying on 24/7 operations. Holloman held the RPA Top Knife course last month for the second time and has now trained a total of 21 flight surgeons, psychologist and other staff members on the unique medical needs of this special career field. "As a medical community, we need to know the needs of the population we serve and understand their mission to better serve and support them," said Travis, and highlighted the new AFMS Human Performance Concept of Operations, which puts the medical team into the unit with an emphasis on tailoring medical care to the unique needs of each unit. For example, at Holloman, the Explosive Ordinance Disposal flight is enrolled to one Primary Care Manager at the Medical Group, ensuring their provider understands their mission and stressors, therefore addressing them quickly and directly. The future may see more of this sort of enrollment, as well as medical team shop visits to understand the patient's workplace. "You don't work for me, I work for you," Travis said, and he asked for feedback - being transparent and having an open dialogue with the audience. Furthermore, he emphasized the key role every airman plays in supporting the Air Force mission. During the "All-Call", Chief Pace discussed his "three C's" - commitment, courage and compassion. Pace highlighted the importance of implementing these principles in our daily operations, showing commitment to our mission by empowering our airmen to be courageous and having compassion for our fellow service members. "Gen. Travis was able to portray our significance not only as Medics, but as Airman. We constantly strive to understand our meaning with regard to the Air Force's mission and he clearly defined our purpose, as well as our impact," said Senior Airman Joshua Doyle, 49th Medical Support Squadron information services technician. After touring the base and gaining insight into our operations, the Surgeon General concluded his visit by addressing the airmen and stating that he is leaving Holloman re-energized. He echoed the 49th Wing's motto and said "Combat Airpower does Start Here at Holloman Air Force Base".