July 23, Fort Knox's Medical Recruiting Brigade said good-bye to its outgoing commander Col. Rafael Montagno-fondly known as "Gino"-and welcomed the new commander, Col. Scott Dingle, in a change of command ceremony under the blazing Kentucky sun on Brooks Field.
The MRB was activated in 2007 when it assumed command of the existing five medical recruiting battalions. They were the 1st MRBn in Fort Meade, Md., the 2nd MRBn of Redstone Arsenal, Ala., the 3rd MRBn at Fort Knox, the 5th MRBn at Fort Sam Houston, Texas, and the 6th MRBn in Las Vegas, Nev. Falling under the Recruiting Command umbrella, the MRB is now responsible for medical recruiting, as well as the chaplain recruiting branch, warrant officer recruiting mission, and the Special Operations Recruiting Battalion in Fort Bragg, N.C.
The MRB has been designated as Allgood's Highlanders, in honor of Col. Brian Allgood, a surgeon who was killed when the Blackhawk he was in was forced down under enemy fire near Baghdad in 2007. Dr. Allgood is the highest ranking medical officer to die in the Global War on Terror. When MRB staffers greet one another, they accompany their salute with the cry of "Highlanders" and the respondent replies with his own salute and "It's Allgood."
Prior to the standup of the MRB, the Recruiting Command was responsible for the Army Nurse Corps recruiting mission while other medical service recruiting missions were shared by the Office of the Surgeon General and Office of the Chief, Army Reserve. Today, the three entities are united in a partnership to recruit medical professionals to active and Army Reserve components.
U.S. Recruiting Commander Maj. Gen. Donald Campbell hosted the ceremony and congratulated the work of Col. Montagno, who had the distinction of two assignments within the MRB; first as battalion commander of the 5th Recruiting Battalion at Fort Sam Houston, then later as the brigade commander at Fort Knox.
In the two years of his command, Col. Montagno surpassed his mission goals, in spite of the stiff competition throughout health care arena for medical professionals. The general said that stretch of production was the best of any leader since MRB joined USAREC in 1995.
"Under his leadership, 7,168 professionals were added to the Army," Maj. Gen. Campbell said.
Further, recruiting nurses and dentists has been a perpetual challenge for recruiters. The dental corps recruitment traditionally ranged from 20-31 percent, but this year has already hit the 123 percent mark. The nursing corps recruitments are enjoying similar success, thanks to Col. Montagno's efforts.
In his final remarks, Col. Montagno said it was a bittersweet moment to say farewell to the only medical recruiting brigade in America. He thanked many others for their support, to include the command sergeants major, all of whom he considered battle buddies who provided him with patience, wisdom, and sound counsel.
"The Highlanders are better off today because of your efforts," Col. Montagno said. "I came to the MRB with little knowledge of what it takes to be successful in recruiting."
His voice choked with emotion, Col. Montagno left his team with one piece of advice that he had garnered from Lt. Gen. Timothy Maude: Take care of Soldiers and their families and the rest will work out. He thanked all for the opportunity to have served them and concluded with the traditional MRB greeting, "It's Allgood. Highlander 6, out."
Commander Dingle has come full circle since his first military assignment with the 194th Separate Armored Brigade at Fort Knox. He has had a broad range of assignments in the Medical Service Corps and most recently served in the Office of the Surgeon General and the Army Medical Command.
He told his audience that it was with great honor, pride, and humility that he looked forward to the leading the MRB.
"We will continue to build upon your success and take it to the next level," Col. Dingle told his predecessor. "I assure you with all goodness-and it's Allgood-that we will succeed. Highlander 6 is back on the net."
Social Sharing