Cobra Medics: 17th Medical Group Change of Command

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Brian Lummus
  • 17th Training Wing Public Affairs
GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  

The 17th Medical Group held its change of command ceremony at the Powell Event Center on June 18.

U.S. Air Force Col. Ian Rybchznski, outgoing 17th Medical Group commander, passes the guidon to Col. Angelina Maguinness, 17th Training Wing commander, relinquishing command during the change of command ceremony at the Powell Event Center, Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, June 18, 2025. Passing the guidon represents the transfer of leadership responsibilities to the next commander. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Brian Lummus)

Cobra Medics: 17th Medical Group Change of Command

U.S. Air Force Col. Ian Rybchznski, outgoing 17th Medical Group commander, passes the guidon to Col. Angelina Maguinness, 17th Training Wing commander, relinquishing command during the change of command ceremony at the Powell Event Center, Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, June 18, 2025. Passing the guidon represents the transfer of leadership responsibilities to the next commander. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Brian Lummus)
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The 17th MDG welcomed the incoming commander, Col. La Rita Abel, and thanked Col. Ian Rybczynski for serving as their commander.

“When I got here, I asked the 17th MDG to really concentrate on three things for me: readiness, support to the 17th Training Wing and our patients,” stated Rybchznski. “I think the 17th MDG has absolutely killed it. We are way ahead of the pack, and I am so proud of that.”

The 17th MDG houses the 17th Medical Operational Readiness Squadron and 17th Medical Healthcare Operations Squadron. The 17th OMRS provides primary care to TRICARE patients through its six flights’ services of family health, dental services, public health, student clinic, flight medicine, physical therapy, bioengineering and mental health. The 17th HCOS consists of five supporting squadrons providing resource management, TRICARE operations, patient administration, medical readiness, information management, pharmacy, diagnostic imaging, laboratory and logistics.

“It is a tremendous privilege and responsibility to lead such a critical and compassionate organization, and I do not take it lightly,” expressed Abel. “I will do everything in my power to continue and build on the high performing, patient centered legacy.”

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 17th Medical Group present Col. La Rita Abel, 17th Medical Group commander, with her first salute upon taking command at the Powell Event Center, Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, June 18, 2025. The 17th MDG houses the 17th Medical Operational Readiness Squadron and the 17th Healthcare Operations Squadron that provides primary care to TRICARE patients, including active duty, dependents, and retirees. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Airman 1st Class Brian Lummus)

Cobra Medics: 17th Medical Group Change of Command

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 17th Medical Group present Col. La Rita Abel, 17th Medical Group commander, with her first salute upon taking command at the Powell Event Center, Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, June 18, 2025. The 17th MDG houses the 17th Medical Operational Readiness Squadron and the 17th Healthcare Operations Squadron that provides primary care to TRICARE patients, including active duty, dependents, and retirees. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Airman 1st Class Brian Lummus)
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U.S. Air Force Col. Ian Rybchznski, outgoing 17th Medical Group commander, receives the Legion of Merit during the change of command ceremony at the Powell Event Center, Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, June 18, 2025. Rybczynski led over 200 military, civilian and contract staff that serve 11,500 beneficiaries and 14,000 students in a community-based healthcare system in support of the 17th Training Wing. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Brian Lummus)

Cobra Medics: 17th Medical Group Change of Command

U.S. Air Force Col. Ian Rybchznski, outgoing 17th Medical Group commander, receives the Legion of Merit during the change of command ceremony at the Powell Event Center, Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, June 18, 2025. Rybczynski led over 200 military, civilian and contract staff that serve 11,500 beneficiaries and 14,000 students in a community-based healthcare system in support of the 17th Training Wing. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Brian Lummus)
Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 17th Medical Group present Col. Ian Rybczynski, outgoing 17th Medical Group commander, with his final salute upon relinquishing command at the Powell Event Center, Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, June 18, 2025. The 17th MDG houses the 17th Medical Operational Readiness Squadron and the 17th Healthcare Operations Squadron that provides primary care to TRICARE patients, including active duty, dependents, and retirees. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Airman 1st Class Brian Lummus)

Cobra Medics: 17th Medical Group Change of Command

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 17th Medical Group present Col. Ian Rybczynski, outgoing 17th Medical Group commander, with his final salute upon relinquishing command at the Powell Event Center, Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, June 18, 2025. The 17th MDG houses the 17th Medical Operational Readiness Squadron and the 17th Healthcare Operations Squadron that provides primary care to TRICARE patients, including active duty, dependents, and retirees. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Airman 1st Class Brian Lummus)
Photo Details / Download Hi-Res