509th MDG earns Air Force Clinic of the Year

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Dawn M. Weber
  • 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

Standing out among all other clinics in the U.S. Air Force, the 509th Medical Group at Whiteman Air Force Base earned the 2019 U.S. Air Force Surgeon General Award for Clinic of the Year.

 

This prominent award is based on accomplishments submitted to each major command. Once selected at the MAJCOM level, award packages are then sent up to compete at the Air Force level.

 

Contributing to this prestigious award was the 509th Medical Group’s efforts during multiple secretary of defense-directed and MAJCOM-level nuclear exercises. Throughout the year, the 509th Medical Group maintains the medical qualifications of multiple B-2 Spirit pilots, enabling the completion of more than 1,500 bomber sorties. Their efforts directly contributed to the 509th Bomb Wing earning U.S. Strategic Command’s Best Bomb Wing award two years in a row.

 

Col. Chrystal Henderson, a physician and the 509th Medical Group commander, attributes the success of the 509th MDG to the Airmen and the dedication and passion they bring to work every day.

 

“Every member of the 509th MDG; active duty, federal employees, contractors and volunteers contributed to this awesome award,” Henderson said. “Additionally, each patient who walked through our doors gave us the opportunity to serve them and played a big part as well. The Medical Group truly feels a part of Team Whiteman which makes the staff feel and exhibit a sense of pride in everything they do.”

 

Henderson said moving forward the medical clinics will continue to exceed standards by providing the safest, highest quality of evidence-based care while using innovative measures to handle whatever challenges which may arise. They will also continue promoting a culture of safety anchored in cohesion, transparency, trust and leadership engagement at all levels.

 

“This award is important because it validates all of our efforts and shows our team that all of their hard work matters,” Henderson said. “And that their work is recognized and valued.”