Abson assumes command of 452 MDG Published May 11, 2018 By Staff Sergeant Kevin Mitterholzer 452 AMW Public Affairs March Air Reserve Base, Calif. -- Col. Paul A. Abson assumed command of the 452nd Medical Group at the Cultural Resource Center, here at March Air Reserve Base, May 8. Col. Matthew J. Burger, 452nd Air Mobility Wing commander, presided over the assumption of command ceremony. “I think that Paul’s attributes are exactly what we desire for our medical professionals,” said Burger. “We want both this highly accomplished Air Force officer and a highly skilled medical professional.” Col. Abson is originally from England, arrived in Canada in 1960, and then eventually made his way to America in 1961. He first joined the Navy where he served as a corpsman. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Washington in 1980 and then graduated from medical school at the University of Washington in 1986. “I want to emphasize and assure the command and the squadrons that I’ll be there,” said Abson. “You won’t have any difficulty recognizing my face. I want to work smarter, not harder to help this group achieve its goals.” Col. Abson will be in charge of all of the medical squadrons here at March ARB. Many service members that are part of the medical group and medical squadrons report to both the A and B Unit Training Assemblies each month. “I am thoroughly impressed by the work that all of you do, each and every UTA,” said Abson. “I promise to listen and analyze, any and all suggestions that you may have in order to improve this medical group. Our job is to improve the quality of life for each and every member of Team March.” Col. Abson ended his speech by speaking of how he knows his job won’t always be easy and there will be challenges along the way. “There are a lot of things that we have to do,” said Abson. “Notify your chain of command if you think that something can be improved. We are responsible for making sure that our members are medically ready to deploy and perform their duties.”