New squadron commander at Keesler Hospital

First Lt. Mary Dobrinski chats with Col. (Dr.) Joseph Giovannini, new 81st Surgical Operations Squadron commander, as he visits the post anesthesia care unit July 15. Colonel Giovannini assumed command of the squadron from Col. (Dr.) Bartlett Hayes June 17. The new commander comes to comes to Keesler from Travis Air Force Base, Calif., where he commanded the 60th Surgical Operations Squadron surgical specialties flight. Colonel Hayes, squadron commander since 2007, is headed to Houston for an Air Force Institute of Technology-approved two-year fellowship in retina and uveitis surgery. (U.S. Air Force photo by Steve Pivnick)

Longtime pharmacy volunteer passed away

The 81st Medical Group is mourning the loss of longtime volunteer Ernest Brant who passed away July 12 in Biloxi. Mr. Brant, 80, was a 30-year volunteer and had assisted in the main pharmacy since 1983. (Courtesy photo)

Tiny anglers brave heat for children's fishing rodeo

Four-year-old Joel Ahern places his three croakers on the scale during Saturday’s Kids Rishing Rodeo at the marina. His dad, Jimmy Ahern, 335th Training Squadron, looks on. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kemberly Groue)

Volunteer team puts sexual assault survivors first

Tammy Jegel has worked in the 81st Medical Support Squadron clinic research laboratory’s veterinary sciences section for 14 months. (Air Force photo)

Volunteer team puts sexual assault survivors first

Staff Sgt Tiffany Thompson is an air traffic control instructors in the 335th Training Squadron. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kemberly Groue)

Student bridge run collects teddy bears for pediatric patients

From left, Airman Stacy Nored and Airman 1st Class Phillip Honie, 332nd Training Squadron, pass teddy bears to Airmen 1st Class Matt Johnson, 334th TRS, and Jonathan Grote, 335th TRS, at Saturday’s Teddy Bear Run. Runners started on the Biloxi end of the U.S. Highway 90 span, picked up stuffed animals on the Ocean Springs end and deposited them in the collection box at the Biloxi end. The stuffed animals were donated to the Keesler Hospital’s pediatric unit. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kemberly Groue)