Colonel William F. Hefner is the Medical Group Commander for the 190th Air Refueling Wing, Forbes Field, Topeka, KS.
As the commander, his responsibilities include coordinating medical policy, plans and programs for the 190th Medical Group. The 190th Medical Group trains personnel to assume a direct role in medical operations in the event of wartime mobilization, natural or manmade disasters, and civil emergencies. He advises the Wing commander on the scope of available health care services, health care and services required by host-tenant agreements, health of personnel, and health protection requirements and measures.
Col Hefner entered the Kansas Air National Guard in 1997 by direct commission. He has been assigned to the 190th Medical Group, KSANG for his entire career. He is a 5-time member of the elite National Guard Bureau National Championship marathon team. Col Hefner is a partner in the group practice of Drs. Kohake, Deutscher and Hefner. Additionally, Col Hefner serves as an adjunct faculty member for Pacific University College of Optometry, Southern College of Optometry, Illinois College of Optometry and the University of Missouri-St. Louis School of Optometry.
EDUCATION:
1992: Bachelor of Science (Organismal Biology), University of Kansas
1996: Doctor of Optometry, Pacific University College of Optometry
1997: Masters of Education, Pacific University
1998: Commissioned Officers Training School, Maxwell AFB, AL
2005: Air Command and Staff College (Non-Resident), Maxwell AFB, AL
2007: Army Command and General Staff Officers College (Non-Resident),
Fort Leavenworth, KS
2007: Air War College (Non-Resident), Maxwell AFB, AL
2010: Naval War College (Non-Resident), Newport, RI
2011: Army War College (Non-Resident), Carlisle Barracks, PA
2011: Masters of Strategic Studies, US Army War College
ASSIGNMENTS:
1. Nov 2012-Present: Medical Group Commander, 190th Air Refueling Wing, Forbes
Field, ANG, KS
2. 1997-Nov 2012: Wing Optometrist, 190th Air Refueling Wing, Forbes Field, ANG, KS
MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS:
Meritorious Service Medal
Air Force Commendation Medal
Air Force Achievement Medal
Kansas National Guard Achievement Ribbon
OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS:
Capital Area Citizen Award for 2010
Topeka City Council Military Member of the Year 2008
Air National Guard Optometrist of the Year 2006
Kansas Optometric Association's 2002 Young Optometrist of the Year
Kansas Optometric Association's 2001 Vision Service Award
Major General Edward Frye Company Grade Office of the Year Award, 2000
Kansas Optometric Association's 1999 Distinguished Service Award for Children's
Vision Research
Clinician of the Year, Pacific University College of Optometry, 1996
President-Elect, Heart of America Contact Lens Society & Primary Care Congress
Past President, Kansas Optometric Association
Past President, Kansas Optometric Foundation
Fellow, American Academy of Optometry
Member, American Optometric Association
Member, Kansas Optometric Association
Member, Armed Forces Optometric Society
Member, National Guard Association of the United States
EFFECTIVE DATE OF PROMOTIONS:
First Lieutenant: 29 April 1997
Captain: 15 May 1998
Major: 9 June 2002
Lieutenant Colonel: 4 January 2007
Colonel: 11 November 2012