McCann retires with 30 years of Air Force service

Published May 27, 2010
By Steve Pivnick
81st Medical Group Public Affairs

KEESLER AFB, MS -- Col. Stephanie McCann, 81st Diagnostics and Therapeutics Squadron commander, was honored for 30 years of Air Force service during a retirement ceremony May 21 in the Keesler Hospital's Don Wylie Auditorium The colonel assumed command of the squadron in July 2008. The unit is comprised of more than 250 military members and civilian employees in nutritional medicine, pharmacy and pathology and clinical laboratory flights.

Colonel McCann earned bachelor's and master's degrees in food science and human nutrition from the University of Florida before entering the Air Force in 1980.
Her final assignment was her second Keesler tour. She was chief of clinical dietetics here from August 1987-July 1990.

During her career, the colonel was selected to be Air Mobility Command consultant dietician from August 1995-June 1998, Air Education and Training Command consultant dietitian from July 1998-August 2000 and chief, Air Force Surgeon General consultant for nutrition and dietetics from 2000-2003.

Prior to her assuming command of the 81st MDTS in July 2008, Colonel McCann commanded the 60th Diagnostics and Therapeutics Squadron at Travis AFB, Calif.
Commenting on her three decades as a member of the Air Force and especially her Keesler assignment, the colonel said, "This is probably one of the best places to end a career because of the superb support the community shows Keesler. It's such a warm community.

Colonel McCann noted, "I'm inspired to see what our Airmen do daily, holding down a fulltime job, going to school and volunteering in the community.
She had strong praise for the leadership from civilians and noncommissioned officers under her command.

"What I think I'll miss most is the fact the Air Force has been an organization that celebrates the achievements of our outstanding people, encouraging others to succeed as well," she pointed out. "That's what makes the Air Force so terrific; the caliber of people. They care about you not just for what you bring to the mission but as a whole person. You don't see that in other organizations."

The colonel hasn't finalized her retirement plans yet. She and her husband William reside in Ocean Springs with son John, 16, a sophomore at Ocean Springs High School. Daughter Melissa, 20, attends the University of the Pacific in Stockton, Calif.