MILLINGTON, Tenn. – As Americans reflect on the service of military men and women this Veterans Day, some may not realize that they are fellow residents with those who serve in the U.S. Navy Reserve.
Cmdr. Steven Dater, a resident of Belmont, Michigan, supports and defends freedom around the world, as a Navy officer in charge.
Dater is a 1981 Livonia Bentley graduate and native of Livonia, Michigan. Dater also earned a degree from the University of Michigan in 1988 majoring in dentistry.
Reservists seamlessly support and actively aid military missions while continuing to lead their own independent lives in the civilian world, according to Navy officials.
“The Navy Reserve is a 100K strong team of sailors embedded across the fabric of society, loyal and dedicated patriots, serving both in uniform and civilian jobs, ready to defend the homeland and deploy across the world in a moment’s notice,” said Vice Adm. Luke McCollum, Chief of Navy Reserve.
The Navy Reserve provides strategic depth to America’s Navy as it protects the American homeland and advances economic prosperity by preserving freedom of the seas.
In addition to serving in the Navy Reserves, Dater has been working as a dentist for the past 31 years.
“The Navy is more of a full-time job, however discipline and organization of time helps,” said Dater. “Also strong support from family and employees is essential.”
As a Navy reservist, Dater serves with Expeditionary Medical Facility Great Lakes One which takes care of warfighters' medical and dental care throughout the world.
Dater is playing an important part in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.
A key element of the Navy the Nation needs is tied to the fact that America is a maritime nation, according to Navy officials, and that the nation’s prosperity is tied to the ability to operate freely on the world’s oceans. More than 70 percent of the Earth’s surface is covered by water; 80 percent of the world’s population lives close to a coast; and 90 percent of all global trade by volume travels by sea.
“Our priorities center on people, capabilities and processes, and will be achieved by our focus on speed, value, results and partnerships,” said Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer. “Readiness, lethality and modernization are the requirements driving these priorities.”
Though there are many ways for sailors to earn distinction in their command, community and career, Dater is most proud of receiving three Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals and one commendation.
“I have run numerous field exercises and was the officer in charge of a medical group in Alaska on a joint exercise with the Air Force, Army and Navy,” said Dater.
Serving in the Navy is a continuing tradition of military service for Dater, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Dater is honored to carry on that family tradition.
“My father was a Marine, and I have three nephews that serve in the Air Force, Army and the Navy,” said Dater. “I feel more connected to them with us all serving or have served.”
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Dater and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.
“Serving in the Navy has taught me that honor is truly something to strive for,” said Dater. “Always doing the right thing even when nobody is watching, caring for your sailors over self. It is a privilege to be able to serve.”