Medical Group Change of Command Published April 25, 2012 By Maj. Nancie Margetis 183rd Public Affairs Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport, Illinois -- March unit training assembly marked another page in the unit's history. This time, the 183rd's Medical Group changed commanders. The assumption of command for the 183rd Medical Group took place March 3, in the P-48 auditorium. Col. Michael Meyer, 183rd Fighter Wing Commander, received the Group's flag from Col. Patrick Durbin, and ceremoniously handed the flag to Col. Joseph P. Maslar, symbolizing the change of command from Durbin to Maslar. Colonel Durbin had been the Group's commander for over two years and has been with the 183rd a little over five years. After 28 years serving his country in the Air National Guard, he is retiring. He recalls a memorable moment with the Medical Group. "Assuming command of the Medical Group was a great honor. As the commander before me had done so expertly before me, I set out to continue the strong tradition of the Medical Group. And to put it plainly, not mess anything up!" His words to gaining commander, Colonel Maslar were, "steady as you go." He added he feels confident that the right person was selected for the position. When asked how he felt about leaving, Colonel Durbin commented with a confident smile, "We couldn't ask for a more qualified person than Colonel Maslar...his experience and what he can bring to the unit will have a strong, positive effect and not only for the Medical Group, but the entire unit. I know the Medical Group is in great hands." Colonel Joseph Maslar has been with the unit for seven years and with the Air National Guard for a little over 20 years. He was an F-16 pilot before becoming a medical doctor. When asked how it felt to receive the flag during the ceremony, he commented, "heavy," jokingly stating that it symbolizes the weight of total responsibility for the Group, the personnel and processes that goes along with it. "I am coming into the commander position at a great time. I am very fortunate to have such a great mentor as Colonel Durbin, and I believe our Medical Group is the best in the Air National Guard," said Colonel Maslar. One of his first priorities will be to ensure the Medical Group is ready for next year's Health Services Inspection. He added that he could not ask for a better unit of people, leadership support or the unit patient population that he has here at the 183rd. This is the first command position Colonel Maslar has assumed and has set high standards for himself to live up to his former predecessor and continue the strong tradition the Medical Group has earned.