Dear Colleagues,
In celebration of Veterans Day 2025, the Mizzou School of Medicine was proud to welcome Maj. Gen. (retired) Daniel J. Dire, MD ’84, as the keynote speaker for our annual Military Celebration. His story is one of service, leadership and commitment—a journey that began right here at Mizzou and extended across the globe.
Maj. Gen. Dire, a St. Joseph, Missouri, native, completed his Doctor of Medicine at Mizzou in 1984, where he joined the U.S. Army Health Professions Scholarship Program. Participating in this program was a decision that would shape his life and career. He would go on to serve in several leadership and command positions at U.S. Army medical centers, ultimately becoming Deputy Surgeon General for Mobilization and Readiness and Commanding General of the 807th Medical Command.
Throughout his distinguished military career, Maj. Gen. Dire was recognized with some of the U.S. Army’s highest honors, including the Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit and induction into both the Order of Military Medical Merit and the Order of Saint Michael. After an incredible 41 years of service, he retired in 2021.
I first met Maj. Gen. Dire at last year’s School of Medicine Physicians Alumni Weekend, which he attends every five years, and came away feeling inspired by his personal story. As I listened to him share his experiences, I reflected on my own 20-plus years of military service, which also began as an HPSP scholar. His insights on leadership and mission resonated deeply. The military taught us both the importance of structure, adaptability, and purpose—values that continue to guide our work in medicine today.
On behalf of the School of Medicine community, thank you to Maj. Gen. Dire for speaking at this year’s Veterans Day recognition. To all Mizzou veterans and service members, thank you for your service and the sacrifices you and your families have made on behalf of our nation.
Sincerely,
Rick Barohn, MD
Executive Vice Chancellor for Health Affairs and Hugh E. and Sarah D. Stephenson Dean, School of Medicine
rbarohn@health.missouri.edu
