Meet the 354th Medical Group commander

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  • 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
EIelson AFB, Alaska --  The new 354th Medical Group commander, Col. Howard Hayes, is settling into his new job here. Colonel Hayes holds a Bachelor's Degree in Microbiology a Master of Science Degree in Public Health and a Ph.D. in Medical Parasitology in 1984. Later that same year he received a commission in the Air Force and attended the laboratory internship at Malcolm Grow  Medical Center at Andrews AFB, Md. The Arctic Sentry recently asked Col. Hayes a few questions to help you to get to know him.

Q: Why did you choose the military for a career?

A: My father was a career Army officer and as a young boy I met heroes from World War II and Korea. I traveled to countries that were impoverished by war and understood that we had an obligation to help the victims of those wars.

Q: What has been your best experience while serving and what made the experience so memorable?

A: Deploying to the Gulf and working with Airmen, Soldiers, Marines, and Sailors who were fighting the war. Despite the wounds that many of them had endured, their spirits and love of country never wavered.

Q: What has been your most challenging job in the military and why?

A: The greatest challenge that I faced was during the recovery of one of our technicians who was lost in the Oklahoma City bombing. The firefighters did not recover her body for 10 days. Our medical teams worked 18 hour shifts at the bombsite and spent long hours with the family members trying to reassure them. 


Q:  What are your initial impressions of Eielson and Alaska?

A: My wife and I enjoy the wildlife and history of the land, but most of all we are delighted with the warmth of the native Alaskans. We have felt welcomed here like at no other base that we've been assigned. What a great place to live. 

Q:  Can you tell me something about yourself that most people wouldn't be able to guess?

A: I entered the military as an Army private during the Vietnam War. After receiving a discharge, signed by President Nixon, I returned to school and completed my education before joining the Air Force. 

Q:  What are your goals during your tenure of command?

A: To support the men and women at Eielson during the historic mission transition. We will ensure the safety and health of the wing by forging new relationships with local health care providers and strengthening our bonds with both Bassett Army Hospital and Fairbanks Memorial Hospital.

Q: What are your personal goals for your time in Alaska?

A: To enjoy the great adventure that Alaska has to offer. I hope to get out and photograph the wildlife and spectacular sights that make Alaska our greatest natural resource.