Col. Karen J. Buikema is the commander of the 28th Medical Group, Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota. She commands more than 240 active-duty military and civilian members and is responsible for ensuring maximum wartime readiness by operating a community-based healthcare system maintaining the health and morale of Air Force members through accessible, quality medical and dental care for 16,000 beneficiaries.
Col. Buikema graduated from Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and received her commission through the Reserve Officer Training Corps in May 2003. She is certified by the American Society for Clinical Pathology as a Medical Laboratory Scientist and Specialist in Blood Banking.
Col. Buikema has led multiple laboratory teams and implemented Phase II laboratory training programs across the Air Force. Additionally, she has served multiple assignments as a squadron commander and in 2010 she deployed to the NATO Role 3 theater hospital at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Prior to her current position, Col. Buikema served as deputy commander, Lackland Medical Support Group, 59th Medical Wing, Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas.
EDUCATION
2003 Bachelor of Science, Clinical Laboratory Science, Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wis.
2007 Armed Services Blood Bank Fellowship–Distinguished Honor Graduate, Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, D.C. 2008 Master of Science, Immunohematology, The George Washington University, Washington, D.C.
2010 Squadron Officer School, Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala.
2013 Air Command and Staff College, Maxwell AFB, Ala., by correspondence 2017 Intermediate Executive Skills Course, San Antonio, Texas
2018 Air War College, Maxwell AFB, Ala., by correspondence
2021 Master of Strategic Studies with academic distinction, Air War College, Air University, Maxwell AFB, Ala. 2023 Joint Senior Medical Leaders Course, Falls Church, Va.
2026 Interagency Institute for Federal Healthcare Leaders, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, Md.
ASSIGNMENTS
- August 2003-June 2006, Transfusion Services Element Chief, 60th Medical Group, Travis AFB, Calif.
- June 2006-December 2007, Armed Services Blood Program Fellow, Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, D.C.
- January 2008-June 2011, Blood Services Element Chief, 88th Medical Group, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio July 2011-June 2012, Squadron Section Commander, USAF School of Aerospace Medicine, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio
- July 2012-August 2013, Chief of Laboratory Operations Element, 99th Medical Group, Nellis AFB, Nev.
- September 2013-May 2014, Chief of Commander Actions Group, 99th Air Base Wing, Nellis AFB, Nev.
- June 2014-May 2015, Executive Officer, USAF Warfare Center, Nellis AFB, Nev.
- June 2015-July 2016, Clinical Laboratory Flight Commander, 55th Medical Group, Offutt AFB, Neb.
- August 2016-May 2018, Lab Flight Commander & Senior BSC Executive, 55th Medical Group, Offutt AFB, Neb.
- June 2018-July 2019, Commander, 28th Medical Support Squadron, Ellsworth AFB, S.D.
- July 2019-July 2020, Commander, 28th Healthcare Operations Squadron, Ellsworth AFB, S.D.
- July 2020-June 2021, Student, Air War College, Maxwell AFB, Ala.
- June 2021-July 2023, Commander, 59th Diagnostics and Therapeutics Squadron, JBSA-Lackland, Texas
- July 2023-July 2024, Chief of Staff and Senior BSC Executive, 59th Medical Wing, JBSA-Lackland, Texas
- August 2024-July 2026, Deputy Commander, Lackland Medical Support Group, JBSA-Lackland, Texas
- July 2026-present, Commander, 28th Medical Group, Ellsworth AFB, S.D.
MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
Meritorious Service Medal with five oak leaf clusters
Air and Space Force Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal
Air and Space Force Achievement Medal Air and Space Force Recognition Ribbon
Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal
OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS
2008 American Association of Blood Banks Suzanne Ledin Award
2009 Air Force Material Command Clinical Lab Manager of the Year
2010 United States Air Force Clinical Lab Manager of the Year
2010 Tri-Service Junior Blood Banker of the Year
2013 Marquette University College of Health Sciences Professional Achievement Award
2013 Air Combat Command Biomedical Specialist FGO of the Year
2019 Society of American Federal Laboratory Scientists Distinguished Award for Excellence
2021 Air War College Surgeon General’s Award
EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION
Second Lieutenant May 18, 2003
First Lieutenant May 24, 2005
Captain May 24, 2007
Major November 1, 2012
Lieutenant Colonel October 1, 2017
Colonel March 1, 2025
(Current as of July 2026)