New leader for dental squadron
Staff Sgt. Melissa Pasion, left, a technician in the 81st Dental Squadron, meets her new commander, Col. (Dr.) John Embry, May 27. The colonel assumed command May 19 from Col. (Dr.) Kenneth Levin, who retired. This is Colonel Embry’s third assignment to Keesler. He’s responsible for providing dental care to almost 48,000 active-duty military, family members and eligible beneficiaries in the Keesler area and surrounding communities. He’s also responsible for a one-year advanced training program for general dentistry residents, a general practice residency and advanced specialty training in endodontics. The 81st DS is the second largest Air Force dental service squadron with 20 officers, 14 residents, 66 enlisted members and 11 civilians. Colonel Embry was previously the director of pediatric dentistry for Wilford Hall Medical Center and the 59th Dental Training Group, Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. (U.S. Air Force photo by Steve Pivnick)