Lieutenant Colonel John A. Adams is currently assigned as the Medical Group Commander for the 130th Airlift Wing located at McLaughlin Air National Guard Base in Charleston, West Virginia. He is responsible for all healthcare activities including medical readiness and upholding medical standards. He ensures medical mission readiness for flight and ground operations, CBRN Task Force Medical command oversight, and base health management and protection. He provides command and control for 90 personnel ensuring medical readiness, proficiency, and the ability to support federal active duty and state homeland response.
Lt Col Adams entered the Air National Guard in 2010 after earning his Doctorate of Optometry from Southern College of Optometry. He currently practices optometry at a private family practice in Greenup, KY, and maintains his credentials and privileges to practice in the WVANG. Prior to his optometric career, Lt Col Adams was enlisted in the Aviation Branch of the U.S. Army, as a UH-60 Blackhawk Crew chief and Flight Leader.
EDUCATION
1997 Primary Leadership Development Course, U.S. Army NCO Academy, Grafenwoehr, Germany
2002 Bachelor of Science in Professional Aeronautics, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical Univ., Daytona Beach, FL
2009 Doctorate of Optometry, Southern College of Optometry, Memphis, TN
2011 Reserve Candidate Officer Training, U.S. Air Force, Maxwell AFB, AL
2014 Squadron Officer School, U.S. Air Force, Maxwell AFB, AL (Distance Learning)
2019 Air Command & Staff College, U.S. Air Force, Maxwell AFB, AL (Distance Learning)
2025 Air War College, U.S. Air Force, Maxwell AFB, AL (Distance Learning)
ASSIGNMENTS
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February 1994-February 1998, UH-60 Helicopter Crew chief/Flight Leader, U.S. Army, 3rd Infantry Division and 1st Infantry Division, Katterbach, Germany (includes tours in Macedonia (2), Bosnia, Cyprus, and Lebanon)
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February 1998-August 1999, UH-60 Helicopter Crewchief/Flight Leader, U.S. Army, 10th Mountain Division, FT. Drum, NY
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August 1999-August 2001, AH-1, UH-1, UH-60 Helicopter Mechanic/Squad Leader, 142nd Aviation, New York State National Guard, Rochester, NY
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January 2010-July 2015, Optometrist, West Virginia Air National Guard, 130th Airlift Wing, MDG, Charleston, WV
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July 2015-August 2025, Chief of Optometric Services, Wing TCCC OIC, Vermont Air National Guard, 158th Fighter Wing, South Burlington, VT
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March 2021-July 2021, Vaccinator, JTF Coyote Emergency COVID-19 Mobile Response, Vermont Army and Air National Guard, various locations throughout VT
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September 2025 – Present, MDG Commander, West Virginia Air National Guard, 130th Airlift Wing, Charleston, WV
MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
Meritorious Service Medal
Air Force Commendation Medal
Army Commendation Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster Army Achievement Medal with five Oak Leaf Clusters Joint Meritorious Unit Award
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with three Oak Leaf Clusters Army Good Conduct Medal
National Defense Service Medal Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Armed Forces Service Medal with one Bronze Star Overseas Service Ribbon
Air Force Longevity Service Award with one Oak Leaf Cluster
Army Non-Commissioned Officer’s Professional Development Ribbon Air Force Training Ribbon
Army Service Ribbon
United Nations Medal
NATO Medal