GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind. -- For centuries, assumption of command ceremonies have allowed members the opportunity to witness the symbolic passing of the flag in the presence of friends, family and fellow Airmen.
The 434th Aerospace Medicine Squadron witnessed this tradition and met their new commander, Lt. Col. Kelli Bermudez, during a ceremony held here, Aug. 8.
“The Air Force needs strong leaders,” said Col. Thomas Pemberton, 434th Air Refueling Wing commander. “Moreover, the Air Force needs strong medical leaders especially through this pandemic. I am confident that Lt. Col. Bermudez will lead the 434th AMDS in this next challenge.”
During her 18-year career, Bermudez has served in multiple critical care assignments and deployments.
The mission of the 434th AMDS is to provide the medical, aeromedical and environmental health support to ensure all members of the wing are qualified for worldwide duty. It also conducts an aggressive medical training program with emphasis on health care delivery, medical readiness and support operations.
Her experience in evaluating training policies and leading thousands of medical reservists gave her the confidence to take on the duties as the newest commander of the 434th AMDS.
“What I have seen here at the 434th AMDS is that the people here have the right stuff,” said Bermudez. “Their expertise has brought their squadron up. They have shined and continue to shine through this pandemic. I found the hidden jewel we call Grissom and once again I have found the best people that the Air Force has to offer.”
The 434th ARW is the largest KC-135R Stratotanker unit in the Air Force Reserve Command. The Citizen Airmen from the Hoosier Wing routinely deploy around the world in support of the Air Force mission.
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