Rodney H. Allen holds degrees of Batchelor of Science from NC State University and of Doctor of Medicine from the University of Chapel Hill (NC). He served for many years in the US Army, first in Special Operations assignments in various parts of the world, and then as a physician with the Army, receiving his Specialty Board Certification following internship and residency at Walter Reed Army Medical Centre in Washington, DC. In that capacity, he served as Staff Physician, Clinic Chief, Department Chief in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, finally as Director of Women’s Health Services for the Medical Centre where he was assigned. Rodney has served on numerous Medical Centre Committees and leadership roles in support of the Medical Centre mission within the Department of Defence and deployed on multiple occasions for mission assignment and unit support. He retired from the US Army and continued to serve the Army as a Government employee, finally retiring from Federal Service after many years in that capacity. Rodney and Diane are involved with the Scottish community in America and in Scotland. Rodney has received hereditary Letters Patent (Grant of Arms) from the Lord Lyon King of Arms for Scotland, in the name of the late Queen Elizabeth the Second.
Dr. Allen and his wife, Dr. Diane Allen were married at Walter Reed, and are active in their local Catholic community as Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, and as certified Catechists in Religious Education within the community. They have travelled on multiple occasions to the Holy Land in support of Christians at risk, and of facilities who aid and employment to them. Rodney received his Certificate in Franciscan Studies and made his Profession into the OFS after many inspiring interactions with Franciscans in the USA and in the Holy Land. Rodney and Diane serve with Foundations to promote ecumenical dialogue in consultation with Vatican committees for that purpose. Rodney is a member of the Knights of Columbus in the rank of Fourth Degree. Rodney and Diane serve at the Regional and National level with an ecumenical Christian organisation who partners with and supports the Franciscan Foundation For the Holy Land, the Custody and the Latin Patriarchate of the Holy Land.
