On Friday, July 26, 2019, the most senior and junior ranking medical officers convened at The Women in Military Service for America Memorial on the grounds of Arlington Cemetery in order to commission Sergeant First Class Ruby Teniente. The 44th Surgeon General of the Army and Commanding General of US Army’s Medical Command, Lieutenant General Nadja West, conducted the Oath of Office for SFC Teniente promoting her to 2nd Lieutenant.
2LT Teniente joined the Army Reserve in 2001. She has served in Vicenza, Italy, San Antonio, Texas, and currently serves as the Senior Enlisted NCO to the Surgeon General in Falls Church, Virginia. Nearly 20 members of her friends and family were in attendance for this momentous event. Her husband, Staff Sergeant Richard Teniente, and their two sons, Ricky and Jesse, participated in the commissioning.
The team responsible for recruiting 2LT Teniente into the Medical Service Corps was the 1st Medical Recruiting Battalion's Military District of Washington Company Commander, CPT Blake Corbitt, who was present for the commissioning, said it takes “dedicated and highly skilled soldiers to bring qualified candidates into the Medical Service Corps and my recruiters are just that.”
2LT Teniente’s recruiting team included Sergeant First Class Robert Bennett and Staff Sergeant Alessandra Gabrieli who is a Nutrition Specialist by trade.
“Recruiting someone into the Army Medical Department means that I did my part to ensure Soldiers and their family members have access to the best qualified medical professionals. It makes me feel like I played an instrumental part in maintaining the readiness of the Army,” said Gabrieli.
SFC Bennett says the commissioning ceremony was not only an exciting day for the recruit, but for their families, friends, and the audience that are witnessing it, as well.
“It’s a good day when we can bring together both uniformed and civilian people to celebrate a huge milestone in someone’s life,” he added.