1 AF-AFNORTH hosts military, local medical leaders Published Nov. 18, 2010 By Mary McHale AFNORTH Public Affairs TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Col. (Dr.) Robert Todaro, Command Surgeon, First Air Force - Air Forces Northern hosted an AFNORTH Medical Networking Meeting November 10 with local community medical leaders to help foster relationships and share the Tyndall story and Air Forces Northern mission. Along with members of his staff, guests included the 325th Medical Group Commander, Col. Paul Skala; the deputy 325th MDG commander and Chief of the Medical Staff, Lt. Col. (Dr.) Phil Cover; the Gulf Coast Medical Center Chief Executive Officer/President, Mr. Brian Baumgardner; and Bay Medical Center CEO/President Mr. Steve Johnson. The group received an AFNORTH mission briefing, an AFNORTH surgeon's brief and tours of the 43rd Fighter Squadron's F-22 Raptor and the 601st Air and Space Operations Center. "We have always enjoyed a strong relationship with our local counterparts in the medical community and we felt this mission familiarization opportunity would be a great way to strengthen it even further," said Colonel Todaro. According to the guests, they achieved that goal. "The visit to Tyndall was an amazing experience," said Mr. Baumgardner. "I am always impressed with the professionalism, dedication and patriotism of the service men and women who work hard every day to protect us. Having a behind the scenes tour allowed me to more fully understand the importance of Tyndall Air Force Base to our community and nation, and reminds me of the importance of ensuring Gulf Coast Medical Center remains engaged." Mr. Johnson agreed. "I was blown away by all I saw on the tour," he said. "I really didn't know what to expect and I was really impressed and humbled by the invitation to let us come out and spend the day. It's extremely helpful to our relationship to understand the mission that is accomplished here - it's a message we can take back to Bay Medical Center to share." As the day concluded, the 325th MDG deputy reflected on the importance of the interrelationship that exists between the base and downtown medical community. "We need the care and support that downtown facilities provide," said Colonel Cover. "We certainly appreciate the value that support brings to our mission." "I am extremely pleased with today's interactions, and very appreciative of the outstanding support we received from the 43rd FS and 601st AOC," said Colonel Todaro. "Additionally, we are indebted to Maj Gen Garry Dean, the AFNORTH commander and William Scott, the AFNORTH Chief of Staff, who took time from an extremely robust exercise to speak with our guests. It truly reflected the importance and inherent commitment to our mutual health care association."