Veteran of a Lifetime: Navy Commander Dennis Ringle Honored at Michigan–Ohio State Game

Amid the roar of more than 100,000 fans and the intensity of college football’s greatest rivalry, retired U.S. Navy Commander Dennis J. Ringle takes the field of Michigan’s Big House, to be honored as the Veteran of the Game. 

For Ringle, the moment is far more than a ceremonial recognition — it was the culmination of a lifetime of service, scholarship, resilience, and renewed health.

“At first, I was in disbelief,” Ringle said, “then overwhelmed with unbelievable gratitude. At 71, it felt like everything I’ve worked for in my military and academic life came together in one unforgettable moment.”

A native Michigander born and raised on Detroit’s east side, Ringle grew up inspired by his father, a Navy veteran who served at Guadalcanal during World War II. That early influence shaped a path of service that began at Wayne State University, where Ringle was a three-year letterman on the varsity rowing team, and continued through Officer Candidate School following his graduation in 1976.

Over the next two decades, Ringle built an exceptional Navy career, serving aboard multiple surface ships on both the East and West Coasts, earning his Surface Warfare Officer qualifications, and rising through the ranks to commander. His assignments included instructor duty at the U.S. Naval Academy, senior engineering leadership roles at sea, and service on the staff of Commander, Naval Surface Forces Pacific. Ringle’s on-ship service culminated with the role of Executive Officer while serving on the USS Cook. 

One of his most meaningful tours brought him back home to Ann Arbor, where he served as Executive Officer of the Navy ROTC unit at the University of Michigan. There, he taught naval engineering, leadership, management, and history, while mentoring midshipmen preparing for their own careers of service. Decades later, standing on the same field where he once supervised military flag-raising ceremonies, Ringle finds himself recognized by the university he served so closely.

“Being honored during the Michigan–Ohio State game was incredibly humbling and exciting,” he said. “The whole day was memorable, but being recognized on the field in front of that crowd is something I’ll never forget.”

After retiring from active duty in 1997, Ringle’s commitment to service never stopped. He went on to educate future generations as a Navy Junior ROTC instructor at Monroe High School, authored the acclaimed book Life in Mr. Lincoln’s Navy, and spent 20 summers teaching sailing in Newport, Rhode Island as part of a Navy leadership program. He later continued teaching history at local community colleges.

In recent years, recovery from a cardiac issue led him to the Ann Arbor VA’s cardiac rehabilitation program — and ultimately to Gerofit, a free, VA-sponsored fitness program for veterans.

“That recommendation changed my life,” Ringle said. “After my rehab, I was introduced to Gerofit, and committed myself to returning to the best physical health possible. I’m now in the best shape I’ve been in since my college rowing days.”

Gerofit focuses on strength, balance, flexibility, cardio, and overall wellness, and Ringle credits the program with restoring not only his physical strength but his mental clarity as well. “After a tough workout, I feel relaxed and mentally sharp,” he said. “It truly is a total health program — sound body, sound mind.”

Equally important to Ringle is the camaraderie Gerofit provides. “The fellowship reminds you of the bonds you form on active duty,” he explained. “I’ve made many close friends through the program.” One of those friendships now includes attending Michigan football games with fellow veteran and Gerofit participant Jack Gregory.

Reflecting on his Veteran of the Game honor, Ringle sees Gerofit as a key part of the experience. “Gerofit gave me the physical and mental health to fully experience the wonder of that honor,” he said.

Now fully retired and enjoying life with his wife, Donna, Ringle remains active, grateful, and deeply connected to both the veteran community and the University of Michigan. As he summed up the day that brought his journey full circle: “In more than 30 years as a season ticket holder, this was without a doubt the most memorable game of all.”