Med squadrons get new emblems Published Oct. 5, 2010 By John Spann 460 SW Public Affairs BUCKLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- While they've been around for a little more than two years, the 460th Medical Group's two medical squadrons have recently gotten their squadron emblems approved by the U.S. Army's Institute of Heraldry Office. The two squadrons: the 460th Medical Operations Squadron (MDOS) and the 460th Medical Support Squadron (MDSS) each had their unit patches designed and approved for use at the end of September. The MDOS is the organization that provides direct clinical and preventive medicine for our community that includes but is not limited to: primary care, pediatrics, flight medicine, immunizations, public health, bio engineering, dental operations and mental health. The MDOS emblem is designed to recognize the squadron's mission. The blue alludes to the sky, the primary theater of Air Force Operations. Yellow refers to the sun and excellence required of Air Force personnel. The globe signifies the earth and the mission of Buckley Air Force Base to monitor and defend air and space. The globe also represents the faithfulness and devotion to the nation's defense. The cardiac rhythm signifies the Medical Operations Squadron's mission to sustain medical readiness for war fighters and community health to all beneficiaries as well as the blood of life and strength. The cross with the orbiting star is one combined object that signifies the international symbol of medical care and the direct medical support of the space mission. The star alludes to space assets and represents the highest values, honor and mission consistency. The MDSS is the organization that provides ancillary support to include laboratory and pharmacy operations as well as administrative support that includes but is not limited to: Resource Management, medical supply, medical information systems, TRICARE operations and patient administration as well as medical readiness plans and programs. The MDSS emblem is also designed to recognize the squadron's mission. Ultramarine blue and Air Force yellow are the Air Force colors. Blue alludes to the sky, the primary theater of Air Force operations. Yellow refers to the sun and the excellence required of Air Force personnel. The geodesic dome signifies the relationship to the mission of Air Force Space Command with its network of satellites and space-based operations. It also represents deployments and is the international symbol of medical care. The cross with the rod of Asclepius signifies the blood of life and is the international symbol of medical care. The cross supported by a Corinthian column signifies strength and permanence. The column symbolizes the squadron's dedication and steadfastness to its mission and creates the foundation for care. The Latin motto, "CREPIDOINIS PRO TUTELA," translates to "FOUNDATION FOR CARE" in English. The MDOS stood up as an active duty squadron on Sept. 19, 2007 and the MDSS on Oct. 1, 2007. The U.S. Army Institute of Heraldry is the approval authority for emblems for all federal government agencies and all branches of military service. Approval of an emblem by the Institute of Heraldry allows the recipient official use of the emblem for uniform patches, as well as unofficial uses like unit coins.