LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- 47th Medical Group (MDG) Airmen bid farewell to Col. Angela Lacek and welcomed new commander, Col. Kelly Vermillion, during a change of command ceremony here, July 9, 2024.
Col. Tyler Ellison, 47th Flying Training Wing (FTW) commander, presided over the ceremony, expressing his gratitude towards both commanders of the 47th MDG and his confidence in their leadership.
“Col. Lacek’s tenure has been defined by a tireless pursuit of excellence, innovative approaches to healthcare in this remote part of Texas, and a deep sense of compassion from those under her command,” said Ellison. “Kelly, your proven track record of leadership and dedication to the welfare of our military community makes you the right officer to lead this [MDG] into even greater accomplishments; we welcome you and your family with open arms and are confident that under your leadership the 47th Medical Group will continue to thrive, evolve and knock down the barrier’s associated with access to care.”
Vermillion previously served as the Healthcare Operations Squadron commander at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada; overseeing 425 military, government civilian and contract personnel divided into six flights: Emergency Services, Family Health Clinic, Pediatrics Clinic, Medical Specialty Services, Internal Medicine Clinic and Family Medicine Residency providing healthcare for six wings, 52 tenant units and 238,000 Department of Defense beneficiaries.
As commander of the 47th Medical Group, she is now responsible for leading 145 Airmen, civilians and contractors who support the 47th FTW by ensuring the medical readiness and health care of 1,500 Active Duty, 400 Reservists and 3,200 additional beneficiaries.
“I’m truly honored and humbled to stand before you today as I assume command of the 47th Medical Group,” said Vermillion. “Team XL, I am excited to be working with each and every one of you as we continue to carry out our mission with excellence and dedication. I have full confidence in the abilities and commitment of this team, and I know we will achieve great things together.”
The 47th MDG’s critical mission has remained the same since its accreditation in 1997: supporting the 47th FTW’s mission of producing combat-ready Airmen, leaders and Undergraduate Pilot Training (UPT) pilots in their medical, dental and aeromedical needs and ensuring the medical readiness of Department of Defense beneficiaries for wartime and worldwide contingencies.
Lacek served as commander of the 47th Medical Group since June 13, 2022.
“[The MDG Airmen] really have been the best team and it has truly been an honor leading the Medical Group; we were entrusted to care for the Air Force’s most precious commodity and that’s the people here at Laughlin, often when they are most vulnerable, and you all did a phenomenal job,” said Lacek. “Kelly, I am so happy that you get to take the reins where we left off.”