Military doctors promoted, take Oath of Office in 2026 commissioning ceremony

Army Col. Dr. Darrell Edward Jones has spent 21 years serving as a military physician. A doctor of osteopathic medicine, Jones is the Family Medicine Hospitalist Fellowship director at the Womack Army Medical Center at Fort Bragg.

Jones has deployed twice to Afghanistan and has treated soldiers assigned to Special Forces. He has served in Syria and Iraq and as one of only two Military Free Fall Flight surgeons, in Yuma, Arizona.

Yet, in a keynote address to Campbell military student doctors May 6, Jones, in his words, came to the university as a mentor.

In introducing Jones during the Class of 2026 Military Commissioning Ceremony in Hobson Auditorium, Dr. Robert Agnello read off the Army's seven core values - loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity and personal courage.

"There is no one that exemplifies this more than Colonel Jones," said Agnello, Family Medicine chair and assistant professor at the Jerry M. Wallace School of Osteopathic Medicine (CUSOM).

Ten members of CUSOM's 2026 graduating class will enter the military as new officers. They graduated with their classmates in a ceremony May 7 in the Convocation Center. As part of the ceremony, the officers took the respective Oath of Office and were promoted to the rank of O-3, meaning captain in the Air Force and Army and lieutenant in the Navy.

Family members, including current service members and veterans, pinned the shiny, twin silver bars on the shoulders of each new military doctor. The inspirational ceremony also featured remarks by Campbell University President Dr. William M. Downs and a rendition of the Armed Forces Medley.

Speaking to the officers, Downs said they have chosen a challenging path.

"You did not settle for simply becoming a physician, although that, in and of itself, is a full enough plate for most, but you accepted the dual calling of healer and protector," Downs said.

"You are now officers tasked with the care of those who defend our nation's freedoms here at home and across the globe. And wherever your service may take you, you will carry the proud legacy of Campbell medicine into that mission."

CUSOM Dean David Tolentino said, "You stand at a unique and profound intersection of future osteopathic physicians as officers in the United States Armed Forces. These are not simply two titles you will hold. They are two callings you will embody."

"So," Jones asked the physician officers, "what advice do I have for you today?"

"The first, and I would argue the most important, is your reputation. Your reputation precedes you wherever you go," Jones said.

Embrace your assignment, your role as a physician, he said. Wherever that may be.

"Have an optimistic viewpoint of where you're assigned and determine how you can change your outlook and the outlook of those who are stationed with you, taking time to make your stay in this location better for you and the person that follows you."

Become an officer first and a physician second, said Jones, who has published multiple articles on operational medicine and inpatient medicine topics.

"Remember those whom you serve. Remember what they have sacrificed. Whether you serve four years after residency or stay for an entire career, always remember that you volunteered to serve your country, and be proud."

Apply for the hard jobs. Take care of your families and always remember the power of prayer, Jones said. Share your faith with patients. Encourage them to share their faith with you.

"There is no greater position than the great physician, no one better to learn from you than Christ Himself. There's nothing in medicine that He does not understand. The power of belief and the power of prayer is just as important, maybe more important, than the medication you're prescribing."

Class of 2026 Graduation Military Promotees:

Army
Capt. Isabele Christina Eisenberg

Capt. Lauren Merchant

Capt. Everett Pannkuk V

Capt. Jacob Ritter

Capt. Ryan Sparks

Navy

Lt. Abigail Garman

Lt. Jennifer Vasquez

Air Force

Capt. William Kagetsu Bukowski

Capt. Christina Michelle Hardin

Capt. Peter Sells

Contributors