LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- 47th Healthcare Operations Squadron (HCOS) Airmen bid farewell to Lt. Col. Neil Boots and welcomed the new commander, Lt. Col. Daniel Griffith, during a change of command ceremony here, June 7, 2024.
Col. Angela Lacek, 47th Medical Group commander, presided over the ceremony, leading the transfer of command from Boots to Griffith.
Lt. Col. Daniel Griffith, previously served as the Chief of the Administration Division for the Office of the Command Surgeon, US Transportation Command; ensuring the planning and execution of the directorate’s third-party collections, budgets, contracts and human resources. As the commander of the 47th HCOS, he now leads the delivery of primary care medical services, support operations and ancillary services to three thousand beneficiaries.
The HCOS’s critical mission has remained the same since its introduction in 2019: providing healthcare service and support in Family Health, Pediatrics, Women’s Health, Laboratory, Radiology, Pharmacy, Immunizations, TRICARE and Patient Administration Services, Resource Management, Information Systems and Logistics.
“As we continue our mission of supporting Undergraduate Pilot Training, I ask you to give it all you’ve got; for not only your country but for your family and yourself,” said Griffith. “The planes we have flying today aren’t here just to cause a lot of noise, they’re here to provide freedom and secure the blessings of liberty.”
Boots served as the 47th HCOS commander since June 22, 2022.
“To the men and women of the 47th Healthcare Operations Squadron: you are the backbone of the 47th Medical Group, you are mitigating the stress of our Airmen who worry about the health of their families so that they can focus on the mission of building combat-ready Airmen, leaders and pilots,” said Boots. “It’s been an honor and a privilege to serve as your commander, you’ve taught me so much and made me a better leader and a better Airman.”