FORT SILL, Okla. Aug. 13, 2015 -- Snatching a tossed handful of brass from Col. Michael Roberts, Col. Michael Dinos accepted the keys to his sleek, well-tuned new ride -- the command of Fort Sill Dental Activity (DENTAC) -- Aug. 7 at Kerwin Auditorium, here.
Sure, passing the office keys wasn't near the customary transfer of command, like the guidon pass that occurred earlier, but the resulting laughter and relief certainly presaged the passing of leadership from one commander to the next.
Dinos arrived at Fort Sill following a tour as the DENTAC deputy commander and chief of periodontic services for the Kaiserslautern military community at Landstuhl, Germany.
As for Roberts, he's headed deep in the heart of Texas where he will become the special projects officer for the Army Dental Directorate at Joint Base San Antonio for a year. After that, he will become the Central Regional Dental Command commander at Fort Bliss, Texas.
The ceremony's officiating officer, Col. Lee Covington, Southern Regional Dental Command commander, said Dinos was highly regarded during his recent assignment.
"I called Colonel (Michael) Doran and asked 'what am I getting?'" said Covington. "Colonel Doran had great praise for Michael (Dinos) and the job he did at Landstuhl."
Dinos began his remarks by drawing attention to DENTAC's victorious softball team that captured the post intramural softball championship. He said Roberts must have been the pitcher as evidenced by his on-the-money toss of the office keys.
"Colonel Covington thank you for your very kind words, but most importantly thank you for entrusting me with this position; it is indeed a great honor for me to have the opportunity to command this great organization," said Dinos.
Army leadership has created an interesting pattern with its most recent Fort Sill commanders as Dinos and Col. Kenneth Lemons, Reynolds Army Community Hospital commander, could sing a duet of "Home on the Range."
"After 23 years I'm happy to return back to my alma mater, as I completed my dental school studies at the University of Oklahoma, Go Sooners!" said Dinos. Like any true-blooded Oklahoman, Dinos then extended his index and pinkie fingers downward and gave a "hook 'em horns" salute to folks who reside in a state to the immediate south. "After 11 years in Germany, I do look forward to watching some Sooners games on real-time."
Dinos thanked Roberts and his wife, Mitzi, for making the transition to Fort Sill a smooth one.
"We appreciate everything you've done for us and wish you the very best with your move to San Antonio. Our paths will surely meet again as you'll be my boss in about a year," he added with a laugh.
Then, he set his sights on his immediate future and work to be done.
"To the active-duty Soldiers and civilian members of this DENTAC, I'd like you to know I've come here with a blue collar work ethic. Come Monday I'm ready to roll up my sleeves and work along your side to provide the best support and care to Fort Sill's Soldiers."
For the outgoing commander, the accolades and accomplishments were legion, some of which were revealed during a Legion of Merit ceremony which preceded the command change.
During his three years in command, Roberts launched the Go First Class wellness initiative resulting in greatly improved dental readiness and wellness of permanent party Soldiers. In two years, Roberts and his team of dental professionals took a baseline of 20-percent dental wellness reaching to a goal of 65 percent. Instead, they exceeded that mark as 75 percent of Soldiers here had all their dental care needs met.
Roberts also served as the dean of the Comanche Dental Residency Program, a 12-month advanced education and general dentistry program for newly commissioned Army dentists.
In talking about the departing commander, Covington cited what an effective command team he and Mitzi proved to be.
"You don't always have that, but it was definitely the case here," he said.
Covington told the audience Roberts was the type of commander who required very little guidance and was instrumental in the Army dental community's effort to change the mindset to dentists being Soldiers first.
"Colonel Roberts has had many significant accomplishments and an exceptional staff," said Covington. "But, it also takes a great leader to ensure everyone is marching in the same direction."
He frequently heard comments that spoke of Roberts' professionalism and personal interest in guiding his DENTAC staff.
"Mike you've done everything I've asked of you, and the DENTAC has performed extremely well under your leadership," said Covington. "You've made the place better, built great partnerships within the Fort Sill community, and we appreciate the legacy of success you're leaving behind."
He then cited Mitzi's work with the Red Cross as the station's senior adviser as well as her initiative to reinvigorate the DENTAC family readiness group.
"Mitzi re-energized the newcomers' orientation, which is so important, because spouses are a key part of the team and play a role in whether young Soldiers stay with the Army or go on to other things," he said.
Covington spoke of how the Roberts helped improve Fort Sill and how, in turn, leaders honored him by inducting him into the Order of Saint Barbara. Furthering that recognition, he was also added to the Order of Military Medical Merit, which Covington said was the highest honor to give to clinical providers.
Roberts shared how the Army transformed his life from a struggling civilian dentist to a Soldier who first signed on for a three-year commitment. Soon, it became apparent the Army dental care system agreed with him and thoughts of command led to a goal to be realized.
"Was it what I dreamed of 20 years ago? Yes, it was and a whole lot more; to be honest it was rewarding, frustrating, satisfying, aggravating, humbling, frightening and fun all rolled up into one," he said.
Referring to the civilians and military personnel he served with, Roberts alluded to the good memories of his time here.
"You folks are what has made this special and you're what I'll miss," he said. "What we did accomplish was impressive, at times we've been the best [DENTAC] the entire Army."
A smile illuminated Roberts face as he told everyone of a brief comment he received from a member of his headquarters staff.
"Colonel Roberts you can go now, but would you please leave your wife."
Speaking to Dinos, Roberts then shared a memory from when he first took command three years ago.
"I thanked the previous commander for giving me the keys to a Ferrari of an organization. I promised I'd keep it between the guardrails. I've hit them on the left and right a few times, but it's been a great ride and I hope the same for you," said DENTAC's departing boss.
Social Sharing