By School of Dentistry - August 1, 2012
Granted military and professional titles on the same day, five 2012 LLUSD doctor of dental surgery graduates embarked on a double challenge—pursuing a dental career and military service.
L-R: James Feliz; Jeffrey Clark and wife, Nicol; Patrick Ferguson and wife, Valerie; Jason Fowler and friend, Olivia Stepien; and Ryan Holmes and wife, Kiley
Commissioned on May 27, 2012, at the Randall Visitor Center by retired Brigadier General Michael Walter, MD, associate professor, LLU School of Medicine, the five would soon enter their military assignments.
Gary Golden, SD’76, assistant professor, Department of Restorative Dentistry (Air Force Colonel); W. Patrick Naylor, DDS, MPH, MS, associate dean, Advanced Education (Air Force Colonel); Clyde Roggenkamp, SD’70, MSD, MPH, associate professor, Department of Restorative Dentistry (Air Force Lieutenant Colonel); R. Leslie Arnett, DDS, MS’68, professor, Department of Periodontics (Navy Lieutenant)
Lieutenants Jeffrey Clark, Jason Fowler, and James Feliz began their dental service in the Navy at Great Lakes Naval Base in Illinois. Lieutenant Ryan Holmes’ assignment took him to the Naval Air Station in Jacksonville, Florida. Dr. Patrick Ferguson entered the Army as a captain, with an appointment in Fort Jackson, South Carolina.
Dr. Fowler cited the military’s strong opportunities to pursue advanced training in dental specialties as an advantage in his career path. “And,” he added, “it’s an honor to serve the service men and women of our country.”