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176 Mission Support Group commander receives full-bird rank

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. N. Alicia Goldberger
  • 176 Wing
JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON --  Col. Patty Wilbanks, commander of the 176 Mission Support Group, pinned on the rank of colonel May 20 at her promotion celebration here.

The rank of Air Force "full-bird colonel" is displayed by a silver eagle on each shoulder.

Promotions in the military are appointed based on potential, versus past behavior.

"These eagles are not a reward of what she's done in the past," said Col. Robert A. K. Doehl, vice commander of the 176 Wing. "If that were the case, we'd put them over her heart to show where she poured her heart and soul."