Four Students Inducted into US Air Force Officer Corps

An induction ceremony was held in the Dean’s Office on January 18, for four first-year dental students: Geoffrey Carignan, Jim Li, Robert Newhouse, and Joshua Grenier. The students were inducted into the US Air Force by MSgt Terrance D. Ford. Dean Jeffrey W. Hutter and Assistant Dean of Students Dr. Joseph Calabrese attended the ceremony along with several special guests including some members of Newhouse’s family such as his aunt, Lt. Col. Cathy Bennett.

Said MSgt Ford, “The ceremony signifies the acceptance of a new member to the Air Force Officer Corps. These students are not only going to be fine doctors of dental medicine, but also hold the prestigious title of U.S. Air Force Officer—a  leader amongst the Air Force enlisted tier.”

During the ceremony the four students were presented with dollar coins. MSgt Ford explained, “The coin ceremony is a long running US military tradition of presenting a dollar coin to the first enlisted member who gives the new officer a salute. Basically, you have to buy your first salute and earn them thereafter. According to one Army officer’s guide, the presentation of the coin symbolically acknowledges the receiving the respect due the new officer’s position. Though the whole ceremony lasted just minutes, it is an instant in time that they will never forget!”

As members of the Air Force Officer Corps, the students gain 3-year scholarships for dental school, a year-for-year service contract, and an Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) program opportunity. There are 12 AEGD residency programs run by the US Air Force; these are guaranteed post-graduate programs, 25% didactic and 75% clinical, and include IV Sedation Certification.

Photos are available on facebook and flickr.