Dr. Rhodes checks in as new 16th MDG commander Published July 28, 2006 By Staff Sgt. Kelly Ogden 16th SOW Public Affairs HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. -- The 16th Medical Group changed commanders during a ceremony here July 20 in Commando Hangar. Col. (Dr.) David Rhodes took command from Col. (Dr.) Timothy Jex, who is moving across the base to become the command surgeon at Air Force Special Operations Command. "There are two major things that I will remember most about being your commander," said Colonel Jex. "First, was when the surgeon general visited us a year and a half ago and he left here giving us six ‘best practices’ awards. He said that we were the best medical group that he had ever seen. I don't think that I have ever been that proud. "The second thing was the recent operational readiness inspection, where we were expected to make order out of chaos, and that's just what you did," said Colonel Jex. "You were positive when you were thrown a curve ball. I couldn't have asked for a better group. "Looking around here, it's hard to leave," said Colonel Jex. "I feel like a grandfather who is only able to visit the grandkids occasionally. I can do that because I will be right across the street at AFSOC, where I will be able to watch the 16th MDG do great things." After accepting the flag, Colonel Rhodes returned his first salute to the men and women of the 16th MDG. "I am very proud to take over the leadership of the great men and women in this group," said Colonel Rhodes. "It is my plan to build on the foundation that this group already has." Colonel Rhodes' past assignments include a two-year tour as the 81st Aerospace Medicine Squadron at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss., and the chief of Air Force Physical Standards, Air Force Medical Support Agency at the office of the surgeon general, Bolling Air Force Base, Washington D.C., from July 2003 to July 2004. His military decorations include a Bronze Star, a Meritorious Service Medal with three oak leaf clusters, an Air Medal, an Aerial Achievement Medal with one oak leaf cluster, a Joint Service Achievement Medal and an Achievement Medal.