Wing stands up new squadron at Schriever AFB

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Julius Delos Reyes
  • 50th Space Wing Public Affairs
SCHRIEVER AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. --  Schriever Air Force Base and the 21st Medical Group welcomed a new unit June 22 with the activation of the 21st Medical Squadron. Lt. Col. Brent Sonday assumed command of the unit as its first commander.

"We are proud to welcome the 21st Medical Squadron - the 21st Space Wing's 29th squadron - to the Knight's family," said Col. Chris Crawford, 21st Space Wing commander. "I have no doubt this newly-minted squadron will continue to uphold 21st Medical Group's tradition of excellence while expertly and professionally serving the health care needs of Schriever Air Force Base."

The mission of the squadron will include development of processes to provide seamless, patient-focused care to the Schriever beneficiary population, which includes diagnostic, preventative and treatment related health care services. The squadron will also provide patient education and continuity of care for health maintenance as well as for the acute and chronic management of disease and injury.

In collaboration with the chief of medicine, the squadron will develop health-care related information requirements that will be used to establish programs that continuously analyze and improve provider performance, patient satisfaction and clinical outcomes while also enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of all key processes.

The 21 MDS will also provide the necessary medical response to support the 50th Space Wing's emergency management plan during contingency operations in event of major accidents, natural disasters and chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear terrorist threats.

"The [21st Medical Squadron]'s presence here means our 520 space operators have a very efficient way of getting medically cleared to do their jobs," said Col. James Ross, 50 SW commander. "Also, with addition of our housing here with approximately 780 people, they have a much shorter commute to find medical care. We absolutely love the medical group's presence here."

Even though the squadron has just been activated, the unit has actually been providing limited care for Team Schriever. The clinic comprises dental clinic, flight missile medicine, public health, family medicine and pediatrics.

As the new commander, Sonday is responsible for approximately 54 officers, enlisted and civilians and providing comprehensive medical care to more than 5,000 beneficiaries annually.

"I am very excited to be here at Schriever AFB, and we are very much looking forward to taking care of our outstanding troops and their family members," Sonday said. "This is such a great honor to be a part of standing up the squadron. The 21st Medical Squadron is confident that we will exceed our community's expectations providing great continuity of care and access to the best of our abilities."

 

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