79th Medical Wing welcomes new commander Published June 30, 2014 By Melanie Moore 79th Medical Wing Public Affairs JOINT BASE ANACOSTIA-BOLLING, WASHINGTON -- Maj. Gen. (Dr.) Roosevelt Allen became the new commander of the 79th Medical Wing during a ceremony today. The 79th MDW consists of approximately 1,550 health care professionals who organize, train, equip, and provide medical forces for deployments, homeland defense operations, and supports joint operations within the National Capital Region. "I look forward to this great opportunity," Allen said. "I am dedicated to ensuring that our medical forces sustain the excellent health care to which our beneficiaries are accustomed. We like to say we are a part of an integrated military medical center without walls. You will find Air Force medics everywhere you go in the NCR. They have devoted their lives to their roles as medical professionals, and I am privileged to serve with them. In my role as commander, I will ensure a ready medical force capable of delivering quality medical care to all of our beneficiaries." Prior to this assignment, General Allen, a board-certified comprehensive dentist, served as the deputy command surgeon of Air Education and Training Command at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas.