Silver Spring, Maryland – On May 9, 2022, Lt. Gen. R. Scott Dingle, the Army Surgeon General, and Command Sgt. Maj. Diamond D. Hough of the MEDCOM traveled to the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research — known as WRAIR — to thank staff for more than two years of work preventing, detecting and treating COVID-19. During his visit, Dingle toured laboratories and participated in a recognition ceremony.
WRAIR provides unique research capabilities and innovative medical solutions for a range of health protection challenges currently facing U.S. service members and future potential threats, including bacterial, viral, and emerging infectious disease research.
Dingle first met with the command group, but then addressed a WRAIR formation, where he and Hough gave coins to several Soldiers.
“What you do here,” Dingle said, after asking the Soldiers to gather around and take a knee, “sets the standard — not just for the Army, but for the world.”
WRAIR has been a stalwart of military medical research since 1893. At WRAIR, civilian researchers, medical professionals, and military personnel have developed and tested products that reduce the morbidity and mortality of some of the most dangerous and debilitating diseases in the world. During COVID-19, the unit has been part of the whole-of-government effort in fighting the disease, including creating its own vaccine, providing testing options and advising the White House COVID-19 Task Force.
We thank you “for what you do to support our nation and support your Soldiers,” added Hough.
The local NBC affiliate covered the WRAIR event and interviewed Dingle. He was asked about his personal experience and history, the role and goals of Army Medicine to include the future of Army Medicine.
Later, both Dingle and Hough joined in a much-deserved recognition ceremony during a town hall-style forum. WRAIR recognized the outstanding work of a number of individuals — individuals who went above and beyond the requirements of the job. Dingle and Hough added their congratulations as well.
One particular WRAIR team member honored was Dr. Sheila Peel, whose work on diagnostics during the pandemic was recognized with the Department of Defense Distinguished Civilian Service Award.
The ceremony was light-hearted and punctuated by applause and laughter. “The smiles on your faces and the laughter,” said Dingle, “it’s contagious, don’t lose that.”
“I wish that you could see what we see,” said Dingle. “The profession that you are serving in is a very serious profession that deals with saving lives — of Soldiers and civilians around the world.”
Dingle encouraged all in the audience to “dare to be great” as a leader.
“Leadership is not the title, not the position, but it’s the person, by example, impacting the people that they serve with,” Dingle said. “I dare all of you to be great.”
“The resounding, thunderous laughter, smiles, and applause — you support each other like that always — Soldiers and civilians — know your teammates, check your buddy and know that they are OK. Life is going to happen. We all have to matriculate through the minefield of success. Your success is dependent on you, your health, your families and loved ones. Take care of your families, take care of your loved ones,” said Dingle.
“I thank you for making Army Medicine, Army Strong,” Dingle said.
| Date Taken: |
05.26.2022 |
| Date Posted: |
03.27.2025 13:56 |
| Story ID: |
421578 |
| Location: |
SILVER SPRING , MARYLAND, US |
| Web Views: |
39 |
| Downloads: |
0 |
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This work, Army Surgeon General visits Walter Reed Army Institute of Research to thank staff, by Ronald Wolf, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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