Congratulations to first-year medical student Carmelo LaMancusa, who was commissioned into the U.S. Army during a ceremony held Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2026, in NEOMED’s Purple Star Military Lounge.
NEOMED Provost C. Forrest Faison III, M.D., a retired U.S. Navy vice admiral and the 38th Surgeon General of the Navy, administered the oath of office. LaMancusa’s family, recruiter Sgt. 1st Class David Chovan and fellow first-year medical students attended the ceremony.
“Since I was young, I’ve wanted to serve in the military and become a physician,” LaMancusa shared. “The path to this moment was longer and different than I ever imagined, but standing here today as a commissioned Army officer and future physician is the realization of both dreams. This ceremony represents not only an achievement, but a commitment to a lifetime of service, leadership, and care for others.”
LaMancusa was joined by many of his M1 classmates, as well as President John T. Langell, a Veteran of the U.S. Air Force and served as Commander of Air Force Health Care Facilities as a reservist. College of Medicine Dean Marc Basson, M.D., Ph,D., Douglas Moses, M.D., associate dean for admissions and student affairs, and Corrie Stofcho, M.D., assistant dean of student affairs and Veteran of the U.S. Navy, were also on hand to help celebrate LaMancusa’s accomplishments and service to the country.
Following medical school, LaMancusa plans to complete an Army residency program. His currents interests are anesthesiology and emergency medicine.
Gallery
Caption: Carmelo LaMancusa watches as Dr. Forrest Faison signs his commissioning papers.
Caption (from left): Dr. Forrest Faison, Carmelo LaMancusa and NEOMED President Dr. John Langell
Caption (from left): Dr. Doug Moses, Dr. Marc Basson, Carmelo LaMancusa and Dr. Corrie Stofcho
Caption: Carmelo LaMancusa (right) with his mother
Caption: Carmelo LaMancusa (left) and Subi Simmons, who was commissioned into the U.S. Navy earlier this year