Medical Squadron receives new commander

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Carlos J. Treviño
  • 433rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas --  

Col. (Dr.) Bradley G. Butler assumed command of the 433rd Medical Squadron during an official ceremony here July 15. Butler is coming to the Alamo Wing from Dyess Air Force Base, Texas where he was the chief of aerospace medicine, 489th Aerospace Medical Dental Flight.

The presiding official, Col. Ernest Vasquez, 433rd Medical Group commander, officially passed on the unit’s guidon to Butler and expressed his confidence for the incoming commander’s ability to lead.

“He’s got everything that we are looking for,” Vasquez said. “I knew him when he was a captain, he wanted to go to every course,” he said mentioning that Butler originally began his Reserve Citizen Airman career with the Alamo Wing in 2005.

Vasquez knew 13 years ago that one day, Butler would become an O-6 (colonel) and a commander he said. “In my opinion, someday he will put a star on when some of us are retired.” Vasquez said.

“He’s the right person, he’s the right fit. He is going to lead you like you have never been led before. He is inheriting a very, very good team. Very good leadership, very good Airmanship. He is going to lead you the way you need to be led,” he said.

“Welcome back to the 433rd,” Vasquez said to Butler before handing over the squadron’s guidon.

Not only was the change of command ceremony auspicious for Butler’s military career, it also marked the 18th anniversary for him and his wife Audra he said.

“It seems my military career has come full circle,” Butler said. “I was a brand new captain when I came here and had no prior military experience whatsoever, I had always just wanted to serve. I learned here. People taught me and mentored me, and now it is my turn to do the same,” he said.

“I do want to say I am humbled by this opportunity to command,” Butler said. “I commit to be your Airman, I need you to be mine,” he said. “I can assure you, I am going to make mistakes, because we all do. We’re going to work to correct them. I promise I will be the best example I can of our service values of integrity, excellence and service before self,” Butler said in closing.