Wing's shield symbolizes medical mission Published March 9, 2007 By 59th Medical Wing Public Affairs Office LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AFNEWS) -- The 59th Medical Wing shield symbolizes the unit's mission and its present vision. In 1993, when the wing became a numbered medical wing, the shield of the 59th Fighter Wing, formerly the 59th Observation Wing, was acquired. Its use was approved for the 59th Medical Wing Feb. 3, 1995. Wilford Hall and its predecessors never had an official logo until 1960. The 1960 design did not follow the normal rules of military heraldry since it showed the medical center's main building. That deviation from policy indicated how former commanders saw it as the core of the hospital's mission. In addition, there were three lighting flashes that stood for three missions -- care of patients, teaching program and clinical investigation. The choice for the 59th FW's lineage and heraldry was a good step, according to George Kelling, former Wilford Hall historian. Even though Wilford Hall's original unit was formed in 1942, the organization's official lineage only went back to 1948, and the organization had no official history for significant World War II service. By taking on the 59th FW designation, the center was able to save the history of a World War II unit and preserve its own World War II service. The colors of ultramarine blue and yellow represent Air Force colors with the blue alluding to the sky, which is the primary theater of Air Force operations. The yellow refers to the sun and the excellence required of Air Force people. The cloud represents an element of doubt and the unknown. Rays emanating from the cloud indicate the wing's ability to overcome difficulties and reach the objective as symbolized by the star. Under the insignia the Latin word "Exemplar," for "an example," was in the scroll. In 1994, the words changed to the unit designation according to guidance from the Air Education and Training Command.