944th Medical Squadron welcomes new commander

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Denise Willhite
  • 944th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  The 944th Medical Squadron welcomed their new commander, Col. Judith P. Patton, in an assumption of command ceremony here Dec. 3. Col. Jose R. Monteagudo, 944th Fighter Wing commander presided over the ceremony.

"I am excited about taking command of the 944th Medical Squadron," Patton said. "I am joining a squadron with great people, and I know that collectively we will be ready for any challenge we face as we move the organization forward and learn together."

Earlier during day, Patton relinquished command of the 944th Aeromedical Staging Squadron during a change of command ceremony to Colonel Curtiss B. Cook.

During her ceremony, Patton mentioned three common threads in her career that led her to reach this pinnacle which we all can use in pursuit of our goals. First, she said to always be in a state of readiness and be prepared for the next steps in life. Second, Patton mentioned having mentors who support and take the time to give good advice to get you to the next level. Finally, she said to always surround yourself with great people who remind you that you are never too old to learn something new.

The 944th Medical Squadron ensures reservists assigned to the 944th Fighter Wing are medically ready and worldwide deployable.