Nashville, Tenn. -- The 118th Medical Group underwent a change of command ceremony on Sept. 9, 2018 at Berry Field Air National Guard Base, Nashville, Tennessee.
Col. Peter Geleskie, the flight surgeon for the 118th MDG, assumed command of the group from Col. Joseph Benson, who is retiring soon.
When asked about how he feels about his new role, one word in particular kept coming to Geleskie’s mind.
“I think the best word to describe it is anxious,” said Geleskie. “I think it’s because it’s a reflection of my people, my staff, and I want them to be happy for me, as I am happy for them.”
Members of the 118th MDG expect a lot of the same leadership qualities in their new commander that they witnessed under the previous one.
“Col. (Geleskie) is very detailed, very studious, very caring, very similar to Col. Benson’s leadership style,” said Staff Sgt. Dillon Chambliss, an aerospace medical technician for the 118th MDG. “I expect great things from Col. (Geleskie) taking over command.”
Geleskie is glad for the opportunity to command the group, but respects the contributions of those that came before him.
“The fact that I'm moving forward means that somebody has to step out of the way a little bit, and that means a retirement,” said Geleskie. “That will be a little sad step, but it just leaves room for us to keep moving, it’s part of the circle of life.”