51 years young, area dentist in Army now

PLAINS TWP. – The reason for making such a unique decision was simple, said Rick Coslett.

For the past 51 years, he has served his family, his religion and his community.

Surrounded by his wife, daughters, parents and a few friends, the 51-year-old Back Mountain dentist and member of the Dallas School Board was sworn into the U.S. Army Reserve Dental Corps on Friday during a ceremony at the U.S. Army Health Care Recruiting Station on River Street.

“I have served my family, religion, community and friends my entire life,” Coslett said to the gathering, reading from his letter of intent that was part of a four-month process. “I have not yet served my country – a service for which, as I become older, the calling becomes stronger. I share the values that have made the United States Army a beacon of light around the world…The honor is mine to be able to provide dental care to those remarkably brave American soldiers and their families.”

Coslett briefly contemplated joining the U.S. Navy after graduating from Temple University Dental School. He “placed the idea on the backburner” after meeting his future wife.

The thought of joining the military resurfaced following the tragic death of family friend 1st Lt. Michael Cleary, who was killed in action in Iraq in December 2005. Cleary’s father, Jack, administered the commission oath to Coslett on Friday.

A December 2006 trip to the U.S. Naval Academy to attend the retirement dinner of friend Lt. Col. David Bethel also played a key role in Coslett’s decision.

“Everyone was in their dress uniform,” Coslett recalled. “You start to think about all of the sacrifices these people have made for their country. I was in awe. It was inspiring.”

The former basketball standout at Wyoming Valley West High School and Moravian College began the enlistment process started about six months ago. After doing research, he contacted Sgt. 1st Class Tony Landi, a U.S. Army health care recruiter stationed in Wilkes-Barre.

There are only a handful of ways to become an officer in the U.S. Army – West Point, college ROTC, Officer Candidate School, a rare battlefield promotion and a direct commission.

Coslett received a direct commission and obtained the rank of a major because of his “vast civilian experience in the dental field,” said Landi.

The longtime non-commissioned officer said the eligibility requirements are very stringent.

“It’s like a golfer trying to get into an exclusive country club,” said Landi. “You just don’t join. You have to apply and maybe you will be selected. I’m happy to say Dr. Coslett will be part of our golf club – the officer corps of the United States Army.”

Coslett should receive his orders in the next 45-60 days, said Landi. At some time next year, Coslett will attend a three-week Officer Basic Leader Course at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas, where he will learn the basic skills and knowledge to serve in a U.S. Army Medical Department unit.

Coslett joined the U.S. Army Reserves under the Individual Mobilization Augmentee program. Physicians, dentists, and a few other health care professionals are allowed to join the program until age 60.

Under the program, Coslett isn’t required to serve as a typical reservist. He won’t be assigned to a local Army Reserve unit and doesn’t have to attend monthly meetings. He will serve on active duty two weeks a year, most of those at the Brooke Army Medical Center in Fort Sam Houston.

Coslett, however, will be subject to mobilization. Doctors, dentists and nurse anesthetists do not have to spend more than 90 days on active duty, but can volunteer for a longer mobilization.

With tears in her eyes, Carol Coslett took pictures of her husband as he took the oath. The couple has two children – Chelsey, 23, and Catherine, 15 – and recently celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary.

“He’s so ready to serve his country,” she said. “That makes me a little nervous, but I have faith in his decisions. I’m so proud of him and I’m honored to be his wife.”

An emotional oath of office

As his parents George and Audrey Coslett of Kingston looked on, the 6-foot-5 Coslett stood straight with his right hand raised while repeating the words of the oath spoken by Jack Cleary, a former Army officer.

After completing the oath, Coslett presented flowers to his wife, mother and daughters. During one of several emotional moments, Jack Cleary then presented Coslett with his combat patch from 199th Infantry Brigade and the collar brass he earned during his time in the military, as well a combat patch from the Third Infantry Division and the collar brass of his son Mike.

Coslett followed with a few heartfelt words to the Cleary family, which was represented by Jack and his son Patrick.

“Patrick, the heroism your father and your family has shown, and the ultimate sacrifice paid by your brother, the Cleary family inspires me to do this and I do this in your name,” he said.

Coslett said he knew he was making the right decision during a recent visit to Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C., for a physical.

“As soon as you walk in, you can see our wounded warriors,” he said. “The expression on their faces was unbelievable. The smiles. The look of hope. You could see in their eyes that they had a setback. But the inspiration and the hope in their eyes was amazing. I knew right then I was doing the right thing.”

Before Friday’s ceremony ended, Patrick Cleary asked to say a few words to Coslett.

“The day Mike left, I never got the chance to say goodbye to him,” he said. “From the bottom of my heart, I just want to say good luck. I love you, man. And I hope everything goes well with you.”