By Ashleigh Fields,
AFRO Assistant Editor,
afields@afro.com
Lieutenant General Raymond Scott Dingle is set to retire from his post as the 45th U.S. Army Surgeon General, a role dedicated to serving the American military by providing crucial information to healthcare professionals and patrons. Dingle’s tenure required extreme tenacity as he established pandemic protocols and practices for those in the armed forces during the global COVID-19 outbreak.
“The greatest lesson that I learned through my military journey has been the importance of teamwork,” expressed Dingle. “The success of any individual, organization, or team is based upon the collective synergy of them working together or with others.”
He prepared cross-functional teams with his mantra of the “Five R’s,” ready, reformed, reorganized, responsive and relevant. When he first took office in July of 2019, the Defense Health Agency was in the process of acquiring administrative responsibility for Military Treatment Facilities. Dingle managed to flawlessly juggle this transition amidst an international crisis with outstanding leadership, a skill he can trace back to his undergraduate days in ROTC at Morgan State University.
“This position greatly impacted this African American male from Prince George’s County, Upper Marlboro, Md., and graduate of Morgan State University. It has given me the opportunity to lead over 120,000 Soldiers and civilians who comprise Army Medicine, manage one of largest healthcare systems in the country, and provide the foundational response to our nation’s call for help in response to the COVID-19 epidemic,” said Dingle. “Whether speaking in front of congressional hearings, across the country to large audiences or overseas at international forums, each opportunity has greatly added to my life experience. However, the one experience that I enjoy the most, is impacting, helping and inspiring the many people that I have met across all races and nationalities.”
On campus at Morgan State, Dingle was a year round athlete, excelling in the sport of football and track. He pledged a life of service to Omega Psi Phi Fraternity and went on to study at the National War College. His roles after graduation include Commanding General of the Regional Health Command – Atlantic, Deputy Chief of Staff, G-3/5/7 and Commander of the 30th Medical Brigade in Germany. Because of his stellar work in these positions he has earned the Bronze Star Medal, Distinguished Service Medal and Legion of Merit.
“Both in and out of uniform he is a mentor and counselor who is respected by superiors, subordinates, and peers as someone who is a trusted listener who truly cares about people and their personal and professional improvement,” said Colonel Lawanda Warthen who worked alongside him in his role as Army Surgeon General. “He is deeply concerned about preparing young people for tomorrow.”
Dingle’s credentials and accomplishments will be celebrated at his special retirement review hosted by Chief of Staff of the Army, General James C. McConville on July 31. The ceremony will take place at Conmy Hall on Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall in Arlington, Va. at 10:30 a.m. For Guests that are unable to attend the in-person ceremony, the link to view the virtual ceremony is www.dvidshub.net/webcast/32353
“My first six months I am going to do nothing but relax, decompress and deprogram. Ministry –I am an ordained African Methodist Episocpal Elder– is always the priority as I help my pastor, Rev. Jerald Graham expand our church’s ministry,” said Dingle. “I see myself providing mentorship and consultation to future leaders, whether in the military or civilian sector. I am a servant leader who believes in pouring into others. We leave our mark on the world by those we have touched.”
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