Goodfellow Operational Medical Readiness Squadron welcomes new commander

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Nathan Call
  • 17th Training Wing Public Affairs
GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  

The Goodfellow Operational Medical Readiness Squadron conducted an assumption of command ceremony at the Powell Event Center, June 17.

The assumption of command ceremony is a traditional event that symbolizes the transfer of authority. It serves as a public acknowledgement of the new commander’s leadership and reinforces the continuity of command within the unit. 

The GOMRS welcomed incoming commander U.S. Air Force Lt Col. Tonya Toche-Howard to their mission of readiness and trusted care everyday. Toche-Howard was previously the commander of the 88th Medical Group Pediatric Services Flight at Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. 

U.S. Air Force Lt Col. Tonya Toche-Howard, incoming Goodfellow Operational Medical Readiness Squadron commander, addresses attendees during her assumption of command ceremony at Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, June 17, 2026. The GOMRS welcomed Toche-Howard to their mission of readiness and trusted care everyday. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Nathan Call)

Goodfellow Operational Medical Readiness Squadron welcomes new commander

U.S. Air Force Lt Col. Tonya Toche-Howard, incoming Goodfellow Operational Medical Readiness Squadron commander, addresses attendees during her assumption of command ceremony at Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, June 17, 2026. The GOMRS welcomed Toche-Howard to their mission of readiness and trusted care everyday. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Nathan Call)
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“The strength of this organization is not found in a building, a title, or a position—it is found in the people standing before me today,” said Toche-Howard. “As your commander, my commitment is simple, I will strive to lead with clear communication, transparency, and trust.”

The ceremony was presided over by Col. La Rita Abel, Goodfellow Medical Group commander, who passed the guidon to Toche-Howard, a tradition symbolizing the transfer of command authority and responsibility for the squadron's Airmen and mission.

Toche-Howard takes command of a squadron of over 200 military, civilian and contract staff that serve 11,500 beneficiaries and 14,000 students. Their vision is to be an engaged team committed to a healthy population.

 

U.S. Air Force Lt Col. Tonya Toche-Howard, incoming Goodfellow Operational Medical Readiness Squadron commander, addresses attendees during her assumption of command ceremony at Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, June 17, 2026. The GOMRS welcomed Toche-Howard to their mission of readiness and trusted care everyday. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Nathan Call)

Goodfellow Operational Medical Readiness Squadron welcomes new commander

U.S. Air Force Lt Col. Tonya Toche-Howard, incoming Goodfellow Operational Medical Readiness Squadron commander, addresses attendees during her assumption of command ceremony at Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, June 17, 2026. The GOMRS welcomed Toche-Howard to their mission of readiness and trusted care everyday. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Nathan Call)
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U.S. Air Force Lt Col. Tonya Toche-Howard, Goodfellow Operational Medical Readiness Squadron commander, renders her first salute as commander during her assumption of command ceremony at Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, June 17, 2026. The first salute represents the squadron welcoming its new commander. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Nathan Call)

Goodfellow Operational Medical Readiness Squadron welcomes new commander

U.S. Air Force Lt Col. Tonya Toche-Howard, Goodfellow Operational Medical Readiness Squadron commander, renders her first salute as commander during her assumption of command ceremony at Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, June 17, 2026. The first salute represents the squadron welcoming its new commander. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Nathan Call)
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U.S. Air Force Col. La Rita Abel, left, Goodfellow Medical Group commander, passes the Goodfellow Operational Medical Readiness Squadron guidon to Lt Col. Tonya Toche-Howard, right, incoming GOMRS commander, during an assumption of command ceremony at Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, June 17, 2026. The passing of the guidon to Toche-Howard signifies her taking command of the GOMRS. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Nathan Call)

Goodfellow Operational Medical Readiness Squadron welcomes new commander

U.S. Air Force Col. La Rita Abel, left, Goodfellow Medical Group commander, passes the Goodfellow Operational Medical Readiness Squadron guidon to Lt Col. Tonya Toche-Howard, right, incoming GOMRS commander, during an assumption of command ceremony at Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, June 17, 2026. The passing of the guidon to Toche-Howard signifies her taking command of the GOMRS. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Nathan Call)
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U.S. Air Force Lt Col. Tonya Toche-Howard, incoming Goodfellow Operational Medical Readiness Squadron commander, seated on the right, listens to the proctor during her assumption of command ceremony at Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, June 17, 2026. The assumption of command ceremony is a traditional event that symbolizes the transfer of authority of a unit. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Nathan Call)

Goodfellow Operational Medical Readiness Squadron welcomes new commander

U.S. Air Force Lt Col. Tonya Toche-Howard, incoming Goodfellow Operational Medical Readiness Squadron commander, seated on the right, listens to the proctor during her assumption of command ceremony at Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, June 17, 2026. The assumption of command ceremony is a traditional event that symbolizes the transfer of authority of a unit. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Nathan Call)
Photo Details / Download Hi-Res