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Army medical team visits Laughlin

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Charlie Miller
  • 47th Flying Training Wing public affairs
LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  A specialized Army medical team treated patients here Jan. 19 through 21 that none of the 47th Medical Group's staff are qualified to treat - the four-legged variety.

The Soldiers, based at Randolph Air Force Base, Texas, are part of the Army Veterinary Service. It is composed of more than 700 veterinarians, 80 warrant officers and 1,800 enlisted Soldiers in both active duty and Reserves.

Claire Gaddis brought her Doberman pinscher, Mandy, to the Veterinarian Clinic in Building 25 here.

"I trust the doctor," said Gaddis. "Last time, the captain was really good with our cat so we brought our dog to the clinic today."

Gaddis said she liked the flexibility of the clinic since no appointments were needed and she could drop in anytime.

Pets are examined and treated by the captain and an animal care specialist.

"We are here once a quarter," said Army Capt. Rebecca Carden, veterinarian. "The Army has veterinarians on every major military post, all branches of the service."

Smaller installations, like Laughlin, receive regular visits from traveling vet teams.

The Army Veterinarian Service serves as the Department of Defense's Executive Agent for Veterinary Service. They provide animal care, medical research and development and food safety and defense. They were established by an Act of Congress in 1916.

"The Army staff is very friendly," said Staff Sgt. Nelly Cruz, 47th Medical Support Squadron. "I like the convenience of them coming on base."

The sergeant said that while she was stationed at Lackland Air Force Base, she had a similar positive experience with the Army clinic there.

Both Sergeant Cruz and Gaddis' dogs were given microchip implantations and a general check up as well as several vaccinations. The owners were advised on how to care for their pets and offered pet care products.

The care provided at the clinic is free but all medicines, supplies and administrative processing does have a cost. The Army Vet Services no longer stores pet records. If you have your pet's records, they ask that you bring them to the clinic when your pet is being seen. For more information, call 210-295-4250.