A promotion and commissioning ceremony for the Facility Dog Program and Nurse Officer Corps at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC) took place at the flagpole in front of Building 1 (The Tower) on Tuesday, Oct. 18.
Navy Capt. Anthony W. Keller, executive officer, Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command officiated at the commissioning of the newest Nurse Corps facility dog – Angus Darling, who was commissioned as a lieutenant in the Nurse Officer Corps, U.S. Navy.
Navy Capt. Kelly Elmore, Chief of Staff at WRNMMC officiated at the promotion of four of the WRNMMC facility dogs: Truman (promoted to Army sergeant major); Apollo (promoted to Navy lieutenant), Ellie Mae (promoted to Navy commander); and Goldie (promoted to Air Force major general).
The Walter Reed Bethesda Facility Dogs Program was created by Navy Capt. David Bitonti in 2007 as a pilot program to provide an extraordinary experience to patients and staff. Through canine companionship, the program has provided an opportunity for volunteer staff handlers to create a unique bonding experience for wounded warriors, veterans, active-duty military, and their families at WRNMMC.
(DoD photographs by Harvey A. Duze – Office of Command Communications, WRNMMC)