Staff Sgt. Stacey Haga
325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

Lt. Gen. (Dr.) George Peach Taylor Jr., shown here before his final flight at Tyndall, said the flight included basic fighter maneuvers, the pulling of 7.7Gs "not bad" and a post-flight hosing down, among other activities. "All in all … just a great day," he said. (Courtesy photo)

TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Lt. Gen. (Dr.) George Peach Taylor Jr., Air Force surgeon general, visited Tyndall July 12 and 13 as one of his last visits before officially retiring Oct. 1.

The visit consisted of a tour of the 325th Medical Group facilities and a final flight in the F-15 Eagle with Lt. Col. George Menker, 1st Fighter Squadron commander.

"[For] my first assignment, I was a flight surgeon for the 67th Tactical Fighter Squadron flying F-15 C and D models," said Taylor. "Twenty-seven years later, here I am, my last flight in a D-model. It was a flashback to when I was a captain. It was fun. I thank the 1st Fighter Squadron for hosting it."

Twenty-seven years of service delivered many high points in Taylor's career, but he considers his role in the Air Force mission to be the highlight of his career.

"The most fun is always when you are involved in Air Force operations. One of the exciting things about being a doctor in the Air Force is you can be involved in something more than medicine; you can learn the mission and support it," he said.

Once retired, Taylor plans on staying in Washington D.C.

"I don't really call it retirement. I call it graduation. Serving has been a brilliant education, and, because of that, it feels more like a graduation than a retirement," the general said. "I will always be an Airman."

During Taylor's visit to the 325th MDG, he met with several staff members and toured the facility.

"The visit was terrific," said Col. George Nicolas, 325th MDG commander. "General Taylor was very complimentary."

The medical group has received many praises recently, receiving high marks in patient satisfaction in their surveys, according to Nicolas.

"He was most impressed with the positive energy and attitude of the staff," said the colonel. "The best he's seen in a medical group, which I took as an extreme complement."

Taylor also provided guidance for the medical team members regarding the many changes the Air Force is facing.

"He gave us his view on what the future may bring to the Air Force medical service as well as hints on how we might be able to tweak our processes to be even better," said Nicolas.

"We were all honored that he chose Tyndall to visit as one of his last few official trips before his retirement ceremony in [August]," added Nicolas.

Taylor left the Airmen in the medical field some sound advice.

"Medics are in the profession of the healing arts and profession of arms, so your challenge is to learn both," he encouraged. "In order for the Air Force to carry out its mission, it needs medics who are experts in their field, but are also Airmen. We are on the same team."