Every so often, this fine publication asks me to write a story about an individual's transition from military service to civilian life.

These are fun stories to do; I get a glimpse of different individuals' lives and how their military experiences shape their civilian occupations.

But in the case of Dr. Tracy Takenaka and Dr. Brian Rounds (who are also husband and wife), I suspect the opposite is true - they will have a positive and lasting effect on the military and civilian patients they see.

Don't get me wrong. They both gained a great deal of experience as Navy dentists, and neither regrets serving ashore or at sea. "We not only had the ability to travel and see parts of the world," Takenaka pointed out, "but we also had the opportunity to work with experienced dentists and specialists."

Rounds nodded his head in agreement. "Working with experienced dentists was a great learning experience," he added.

The two dentists met while students at the New York University College of Dentistry. Because the Navy helped pay part of the tuition, they both served and gained valuable experience.

At the end of their obligations to the Navy, both wanted to be closer to family and friends. "The transition was easy, very easy," Takenaka said with a smile.  "Everything just fell into place."

Did it ever.

Both dentists said they had initially thought about working and living in California but changed their minds due to the state's business climate. "We love the Seattle area, though," Rounds said.  "The hiking, snowshoeing, bike riding, it all can be done here."

Then they learned about a little gem of a town called DuPont.

"I Googled it," Takenaka said.  "We liked its central location and decided to stay in Washington."

They also received a vote of support from Denise and Dr. John Dhane, owners of Dhane Orthodontics (www.drdhane.com). "The military connection and mutual understanding are tremendous," Rounds said.

To that end, Takenaka opened Children's Dentistry (www.childrensdentistryofdupont.com in DuPont, and Rounds opened a general practice (www.brianroundsdds.com) in Lacey.

"There are good people here in this area," Takenaka concluded. 

"Our transition has been wonderful; we know that we are wanted by good people to serve their needs," Rounds added.