Medical Group Change of Command

Col. Jim P. Duong (right), 132d Wing (132 WG) outgoing Medical Group (MDG) commander and Col. Shawn D. Ford (left), commander 132 WG, pose for a photo during the exchange of the 132 WG MDG guidon during the change of command ceremony at the 132 WG MDG, Des Moines, Iowa on May 7, 2017. This action formally recognized Duong passing over the MDG commander role, where he served for five years. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Airman 1st Class Katelyn Sprott)

Medical Group Change of Command

Lt. Col. Chad M. Hynnek (right), 132d Wing (132 WG) incoming Medical Group (MDG) commander and Col. Shawn D. Ford (left), commander 132 WG, pose for a photo during the exchange of the 132 WG MDG guidon during the change of command ceremony at the 132 WG MDG, Des Moines, Iowa on May 7, 2017. This action formally recognized Hynnek accepting the MDG commander role, Hynnek is the 10th commander of the MDG. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Airman 1st Class Katelyn Sprott)

Medical Group Change of Command

Retired Chief Master Sgt. Mike Handsacker, Chief Master Sgt. Kris A. Rode, Col. Jim P. Duong, retired Col. Raymond Webster, retired Col. James Bartlett, retired Col. Michael Peters and Lt. Col. Chad M. Hynnek of the 132d Wing Medical Group pose for a photo after the change of command ceremony at the 132 WG MDG, Des Moines, Iowa on May 7, 2017. This ceremony formally recognized Hynnek accepting the MDG commander role. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Airman 1st Class Katelyn Sprott)

Medical Group welcomes new commander

Published May 10, 2017
By Airman 1st Class Katelyn Sprott

132nd Wing, Iowa Air National Guard --
The 132nd Medical Group (MDG) at the 132nd Wing in Des Moines, Iowa welcomed a new commander on May 7, 2017, during a change of command ceremony.
Lt. Col. Chad M. Hynnek has been with the MDG for 16 years, since he commissioned in January of 2001 in an administrative role. Previously he was in munitions storage and a weapons loader for the A-7 Corsair. Hynnek plans to focus on the recent mission changes in the coming years.
“We’ve met that initial operations capability and now we’re moving in to sustainment,” said Hynnek. “I think that’s where we’ve got to really focus on, supporting the unit.”
Hynnek is also excited about deepening the focusing on Maj. Gen. Timothy E. Orr’s, The Adjutant General of Iowa, vision of innovative training with the Kosovo Partnership Program. He is also humbled by his selection for this role, and looking forward to the opportunity to learn more about the Airmen from a commander position instead of an admin role.
“My job as the commander is to help remove obstacles so that you can excel at your job,” said Hynnek. “I look forward to getting to know each and every one of you better.”
Moving out of the commander position is Col. Jim P. Duong. Previously in the Army, Duong joined the 132 WG as a flight surgeon in 2008. Since 2012 he has been in command of the MDG.
Duong is headed up to Joint Force Headquarters as the State Air Surgeon and the senior medical officer for the Iowa Air National Guard. He will be assisting the 132 WG and 185th Air Refueling Wing with any medical issues at the state level.
Duong is excited for a new commander like Hynnek, who brings in experience from his many years with the MDG and his civilian job as well.
“He’s been with the medical group for 16 years, so he knows them very well,” said Duong. “And he’s well qualified to lead the medical group.”
Duong said he will miss the troops out here and that they have become family to him. He has also been very impressed with the noncommissioned officers and the senior noncommissioned officers within the MDG and the 132nd Wing, and appreciates all their help over the years.
“Even though I’m leaving the 132 WG, it’s not leaving me,” said Duong.