MG Elder Granger Receives Medical Sciences Distinguished Alumnus Award

From The US ARMY Surgeon General’s Blog - 04-Aug-2008
LTG Eric B. Schoomaker, U.S. Army Surgeon General
Re: MG Elder Granger, MD – As the recipient of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Distinguished Alumnus Award

This week I want to extend personal congratulations to a good friend and one of the outstanding leaders in the Military Health System. MG Elder Granger, the deputy director of the TRICARE Management Activity, will receive the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Distinguished Alumnus Award on Aug. 22. Through our acknowledgement of Elder's achievement, I would like to extend my gratitude and deepest respect to all who serve as Army physicians — MG Granger represents the best in all of you.

Last month it was announced that Elder is also being honored as a distinguished alumnus by his undergraduate alma mater, Arkansas State University. Like many of you, Dr. Granger began his Army career in the ROTC; he graduated as the Distinguished Military Graduate from Arkansas State.

These are well-deserved awards for a uniquely gifted Soldier, physician, leader and humanitarian. I have admired and emulated Elder for my entire career.

He has taken difficult assignments without hesitation — as have so many of his fellow Army docs — such as division surgeon, hospital commander, command surgeon for Multinational Corps Iraq, commander of the 44th Medical Brigade at Fort Bragg, commander of the Europe Regional Medical Command and acting assistant surgeon general for force projection.

Never satisfied only with military honors and awards, Elder has always made the practice of medicine and caring for patients a high personal priority. He has earned board certification by the American Board of Internal Medicine and the Board of Hematology and Oncology. I had the privilege of working with Dr. Granger in earlier assignments; I have always been in awe of his commitment to stay clinically proficient even when burdened with many administrative duties.

As deputy director of TMA, he serves as the principal advisor to the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs on DoD health plan policy and performance. He leads a staff of 1,800 in planning, budgeting and executing the $18 billion Defense Health Program. The 9.2 million Uniformed Service members, Family members, retirees and other military health beneficiaries worldwide certainly can feel good about having Elder as one of the leaders of their health-care team.

MG Elder Granger represents what is best about his colleagues in Army Medicine —uniformed and civilian — who always put the comfort and well-being of his patients first.

We are blessed in Army and Military Medicine with many Elder Grangers among our ranks. I gratefully acknowledge your passion, commitment and selfless service. Join with me in sending congratulations and best wishes for continued success to MG Elder and his family.