452 Medical Group gets new commander

HONORARY CHIEF: Members of the 452 AMW Chiefs’ Group bestow the rank of honorary chief master sergeant to Colonel Raymond M. Butler, former 452nd Medical Group commander (center), during his retirement ceremony at the Cultural Resource Center, Sunday, which inducts him into the group. The gesture is the highest tribute chiefs can pay to a leader. (U.S. Air Force photo by Capt. Caroline Lorimer)

452 Medical Group gets new commander

Colonel Robert J. Weisenberger CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: Commander of the 452nd Aeromedical Staging Squadron at March ARB. Commander of the 332nd Expeditionary Medical Support Squadron, 332nd Expeditionary Medical Group at Balad AB, Iraq. Officer-in-Charge of 452nd the Air Base Clinic during Operations Noble Eagle and Enduring Hope. Operations officer of the Aeromedical Staging Facility, 23d Tactical Hospital, King Khalid Int’l Airport in Saudi Arabia during Operations Desert Shield/Storm. As a civilian, held senior executive positions in hospitals and health care organizations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Capt. Caroline Lorimer)

452 Medical Group gets new commander

Published Aug. 10, 2008
By Capt. Caroline J. Lorimer
452nd AMW/ Public Affairs

MARCH AIR RESERVE BASE, CALIF. -- Colonel Robert J. Weisenberger assumed command of the 452nd Medical Group from Col. Raymond M. Butler on Saturday during a change of command ceremony held at the wing's Cultural Resources Center.

Col. Weisenberger is not a stranger to the 452nd Medical Group. He has held multiple positions and continues to be a leader here at March Air Reserve Base. Prior to his new command of the group, Col. Weisenberger was assigned to the 752nd Medical Squadron in 1998 as Associate Administrator and as Administrator in 2001 for the 452nd Aerospace Medicine Squadron. For a brief stint he acted as commander of the 452nd Air Base Clinic and then, in 2004, he was assigned as the Commander of the 452nd Aeromedical Staging Squadron.

During the Change of Command, Col. Weisenberger thanked his parents and his brother, all of whom have served in the military, for their profound effect on his military career.

"I know that I did not get here solely on my own talents and that many people have helped me get here," Col. Weisenberger said. "You helped me become the leader I am today." The colonel thanked all of the members of the Medical Group for their good grace in forgiving any of his past errors during his journey to become the new commander.

His goals for the Medical Group are to continue work making sure all members of the 452nd Air Mobility Wing are ready to deploy; continue the high operations tempo; and to work together to continue international health medical teams.

"I know I cannot do this alone, and I have a lot to learn," he said. "I look forward to working with you in the years ahead," said Col. Weisenberger.

During his remarks at the Change of Command ceremony, Col. Butler expressed his gratitude to the members of the 452nd Medical Group and words of encouragement to Col. Weisenberger on his new command.

"You [Col. Weisenberger] will put your own unique mark on this command," said Col. Butler. On Sunday at the Center, the Medical Group reconvened for Col. Butler's retirement ceremony.

Just shy of a 40-year career, Col. Butler served 39 years in the Air Force as both an enlisted troop and an officer, on active duty and in the Reserve. His retirement ceremony was emotional and heartfelt, as he received a surprise honor. Col. Butler was named as an honorary Chief and presented with a plaque of the Chief's Creed.

During his final speech at March ARB, it was obvious to those who were in attendance that Col. Butler's emotions were worn on his face and in his eyes. As he concluded his thoughts, he came to the most difficult sentence in his speech. His final words on stage were, "Goodbye."