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Jan 16, 2008

Reedsburg Top Doc Named Medical Group Commander

REEDSBURG, WI — Dr. (Lt.Col.) Philip Hasler has been selected to be the new commander of the 115th Medical Group of the Wisconsin Air National Guard. Dr. Hasler will succeed previous commander Dr. (Col.) Thomas Wildes. Dr. Hasler has been a member of the 115th Fighter Wing since 1989, after a tour as Staff Optometrist at March AFB, CA.

Since 1989, he has practiced in Reedsburg, WI, both in private practice and more recently with Davis Duehr Dean. Dr. Hasler has in that time been a very active member of the Reedsburg community, serving on multiple commissions and committees and coaching several youth sports, as well as being a respected member of its medical community.

Dr. Hasler attended North Dakota State University and the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point before graduating from the Illinois College of Optometry. He is also a graduate of the USAF Air War College and the prestigious “Top Eye ” program for military optometrists.

For years, Dr. Hasler has prepared for this leadership position by taking on additional duties in the Medical Group, including 16 years as the Medical Readiness Officer. He recalls that in 1996, after being informed that another officer had been chosen to command the Medical Group, then-commander of the 115th Fighter Wing, Brig Gen Fred Sloan, said to him, “Your time to command will come.” Nearly twelve years later, that time is now and Dr. Hasler is excited and motivated to meet the challenge of being a group commander.

“I am honored to command one of the ANG’s finest Medical Groups, as witnessed by overall Outstanding rating on the April 2007 Health Services Inspection,” says Dr. Hasler. “The strength of the 115 MDG is a team of quality, dedicated health care professionals and technicians. There should be a smooth transition from Dr. Wildes to me in leadership style and 115 FW members can expect the same excellent health services they are accustomed to.”