Commander US Navy
Darrel attended the University of Iowa and entered the College of Dentistry in 1971 with
only two years undergraduate studies. He was commissioned in the reserves in 1971
and did some active duty time in the summers.
He obtained a scholarship from the United States Navy and upon graduation in 1975 was
commissioned.
Duty Stations Included:
Sandpoint Naval Support Activity, Seattle, WA.
3RD FSSG, 3RD Marines, Okinawa, Japan
Naval Security Group, Winter Harbor, ME.
Naval Regional Medical Center, Oakland, CA. oralmaxillofacial surgery residency
USS Carl Vinson, CVN-70 two WESTPAC cruises
US Naval Hospital, Groton, CT.
Decorations & Awards:
Meritorious Unit Citation
National Defense Medal
Navy Achievement Medal
Navy Commendation Medal
After 13 years of active duty Darrel resigned his commission with the rank of Commander. He missed Iowa and had too much separation from family. He became Board Certified in 1986 and joined a private practice in Sioux City, Iowa where he still lives and works. He maintains membership in the American Legion and the US Navy Memorial support group.
As a civilian, Darrel takes great pride in his family: Jackie his wife, his sons Nathan a professor at Washington University Medical School, and Matthew a professional musician in London, England. Darrel is active in church, school, and civic matters. He was a long time Boy Scout leader, president and elder of Faith Lutheran Church, past president of the Iowa Society of Oral Maxillofacial Surgeons.