CHARLESOTN AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
The 437th Medical Operations Squadron welcomed a new commander during an assumption of command ceremony June 19 at the Charleston Club.
Lt. Col. Beverly Johnson, former 437th Medical Group chief nurse executive, replaced Lt. Col. Beverly Smith.
Colonel Johnson was born and raised in Iowa and later moved to Nebraska. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from Kearney State College in Kearney, Nebr., and was commissioned into the Air Force as a second lieutenant in July 1986. In 2003, she earned a Master of Science degree in community health nursing from the University of Washington in Seattle, Wash.
She spent much of her early Air Force career in maternal child nursing, both as a clinical nurse and nurse manager. During her career she was also a flight nurse and logged over 1,200 hours in the C-9 Nightingale, C-141 Starlifter and C-130 Hercules.
Why did you join the Air Force?
I joined to get out of Nebraska and see the world.
What is an interesting fact about yourself?
I have traveled to every European country except Estonia.
What is your favorite movie?
It's a Wonderful Life
What is your major pet peeve?
My major pet peeve is people who are lazy and would rather go around the system than change its inefficiencies.
Who is your favorite author?
Dan Brown
What is your favorite quote?
My grandma always used to say, "Be good; and if you can't be good, be careful!"
Who is your role model and why?
I have had several role models because I really appreciate a lot of my previous commanders. Now retired Col. Bob Brannon is one of my most memorable commanders. He came into the aeromedical evacuation squadron and established unit pride and a can-do attitude. He ensured we were well-trained and ready for whatever contingency came our way. He recognized his subject matter experts and relied on them to make sound decisions. Colonel Brannon flew cover for the unit no matter where the heat was coming from.
What was your most memorable assignment and why?
I loved flying the aeromedical evacuation at the 2nd Air Expeditionary Squadron and the 86th Air Expeditionary Squadron in Germany. I learned so much about the real Air Force mission, contingency operations and joint operations because, as an obstetrical nurse taking care of new moms and babies, it was sometimes difficult to see the big picture.
How do you feel about being at Charleston?
I am excited to be at Charleston AFB, the home of the C-17. As an old flight nurse, I have always loved the Air Mobility Command mission. Also, I haven't spent much time in the South, but I love the weather and the beaches.