Benson takes reins of 882nd TRG

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Matthew Varga
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  The 882nd Training Group welcomed its new commander, Col. Lista Benson, June 30 during a change of command ceremony in front of Bldg. 1900. 

Colonel Benson arrives in time to take command of the 882nd TRG before it begins the move to Fort Sam Houston, Texas, to the brand new $1.2 billion joint medical training campus. It is the largest Defense Base Closure and Realignment Commission move in Department of Defense history. 

Brig. Gen. O.G. Mannon said the colonel is more than prepared for the move. 

"She is well versed in our Air Force business, has done lots of things, has been lots of places, and has been involved first hand with the product of this training group," the general said. 

This is a historic event for Sheppard as well. Not only will it be the last change of command this year for the 82nd Training Wing, it will also mark the last change of command in the 882nd TRG's 44-year-long history at Sheppard. 

Colonel Benson will have large footprints to fill, General Mannon said. Her predecessor, Col. Nancy Dezell, oversaw the formation of the joint medical training project at Fort Sam Houston as well as increased production of graduates from the 882nd TRG by 48 percent. She also had the overall responsibility of providing tri-service, total force medical service and medical readiness training for 15,000 students annually at Sheppard, three operating locations, one detachment and 15 clinical sites throughout the United States. 

"Don't be mistaken it's going to be a long hard road, but you've been set up for success," the general told Colonel Benson. 

After accepting the guidon from General Mannon, Colonel Benson said the group represents everything the Air Force stands for. 

"This group's performance epitomizes the Air Force core values of integrity, service before self and excellence, and I am glad to be here working among you," she said. 

Colonel Benson's last assignments include: chief nursing administration, Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, Ramstein Air Base, Germany; chief nurse, 435th Medical Group, Ramstein AB, Germany; 4th Medical Operations Squadron commander, Seymour-Johnson Air Force Base, N.C. 

Major awards and achievements include: Defense Meritorious Service Medal; Meritorious Service Medal with four oak leaf clusters; Air Force Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster; United States Air Force Europe Barbara C. Brannon Award, Best Chief Nurse, 2007; First Air Force Nurse Graduate of National War College, 2004; Air Force Field Grade Nurse of the Year, 2002.