Hepburn awarded second star Published Dec. 9, 2010 By Sue Campbell 59th Medical Wing Public Affairs LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Brig. Gen. (Dr.) Byron Hepburn, 59th Medical Wing commander, assumed the rank of Major General during a ceremony at Wilford Hall Medical Center Dec. 3. Gen. Edward A. Rice Jr., commander of the Air Education and Training Command, officiated the ceremony. "This is someone whom our institution has had its eye on for a long time," said General Rice. "Ever since he graduated from the Air Force Academy he has continued to demonstrate that he not only had the skills and expertise to do the job, but to take on ever increasing levels of responsibility in our U.S. Air Force." One of the Air Force's few pilot-physicians, General Hepburn has commanded a medical squadron, group and center and is a command pilot with more than 3,000 flying hours in the T-37, T-38, C-9A and C-17A. He assumed command of the 59th Medical Wing here Nov. 16. "He is not just a medical leader, he is an Air Force leader and you can see that throughout his Air Force career," said General Rice. "This is a huge job, but one his broad shoulders I am sure can handle." As commander of the 59th MDW, General Hepburn leads the Air Force's largest medical facility with a staff of 6,200 and a $330 million budget, spread across seven groups and eight locations. "This promotion is not about privilege or prestige, but actually a call to a higher level of responsibility, dedication and commitment to the Air Force," said General Hepburn. "Our nation has men and women in harm's way and we face many challengers in a very dynamic international environment. I recognize that the stars I am wearing belong to the nation and must always be worn with a dedication to duty, our core values, and mission success." The 59th MDW is home to the Air Force's largest dental facility, the Department of Defense's critical care air transport team pilot unit, the DoD's largest blood donor center, the DoD's warfighter refractive surgery center, and the only extracorporeal membrane oxygenation system capability in the DoD. "These stars and the strong team that supports them are dedicated to the health and wellness of all our beneficiaries - Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines and their families," said General Hepburn. "They are also dedicated to high quality teaching and research and building a strong San Antonio Military Health System to capably serve our nation's finest in the years ahead."