82nd MDG breaks ground on new clinic Published Sept. 10, 2018 By Airman Madeleine E. Remillard 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas – Team Sheppard celebrated a new era of comprehensive health services during a groundbreaking ceremony for the new 82nd Medical Group clinic at Sheppard AFB Sept. 10, 2018. The clinic, scheduled to open in 2020, will have the same mission as the existing clinic – providing quality care to active-duty military, Airmen in training, international partners and other beneficiaries. However, accomplishing the mission will be considerably more efficient in the new treatment facility. The clinic will be 178,000 square feet with new technology, upgraded equipment and improved energy use. 01:23 VIDEO | 01:23 | 82nd MDG New Clinic Groundbreaking During the ceremony, 82nd Training Wing Commander Brig. Gen. Ronald E. Jolly Sr. spoke about the significance of this project. “This groundbreaking marks a historical event for our medical group,” he said. “The 82nd Medical Group provides comprehensive health services for two wings, including 20,000 beneficiaries here at Sheppard Air Force Base and the surrounding area.” The cost of the new facility is estimated to be $94 million, which includes construction of the new clinic, equipment and demolition of the existing building. 82nd Medical Group Commander Col. Kevin McCal discussed one of the most significant changes that will take place. “It’s really about increasing efficient use of space,” he said. “Right now we have roughly 350,000 square feet of space, most of which is not used. The arrangement will be more fitted for modern medical delivery.” Jolly also spoke about the history of the clinic here at Sheppard. “The current hospital was built in 1963 and was configured as a 300-man hospital,” he said. “At the time, it was the most technologically advanced medical treatment facility in the Midwest.” Now, that is no longer the case. Al Bridges, the medical group facility manager, summed up the true purpose of building a new facility. “First impressions mean a lot with patient care,” he said. “The new facility will give the patients confidence in the care they’re receiving.”