Alumni Military Veterinarians Present to OSU Veterinary Students

Thursday, December 17, 2020

Thanks to a presentation request from Dr. Timothy Snider, an Oklahoma State University professor of veterinary pathobiology, two alumni recently joined forces to co-teach a lecture in international military veterinary medicine from Camp Arifjan in Kuwait. Maj. Arden Gillespie (’03) and Maj. Robert Miller (’05) were deployed to Kuwait from March to November in support of Operation Spartan Shield with responsibility over the veterinary mission in Kuwait, Iraq, Qartar, Jordan, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.

Gillespie served as the chief of clinical operations for the 3D Medical Brigade Forward and oversaw deployed medical units including hospitals, veterinary clinics and a combat stress team. He also coordinated the 3D Medical Brigade’s response to COVID-19.

Miller is the commander of the 994th Medical Detachment (Veterinary Services) out of Round Rock, Texas. He is responsible for preventive medicine, food surveillance and military working dog care in seven countries.

“Oklahoma State’s veterinary college has a strong history of veterinary graduates going into various uniformed services,” Snider said. “As they serve our nation overseas, we not only appreciate their service as they protect our freedoms, but they also live out veterinary medicine and One Health in international contexts as they utilize their veterinary degree to the benefit of the Army, Air Force, and other allies. This international perspective is valuable to the course “International Veterinary Medicine” that Drs. Gillespie and Miller participated in. I always try to schedule this lecture around Veteran’s Day as an additional tie-in to military appreciation. I sincerely appreciate Drs. Gillespie and Miller providing this educational material to our students.”

OSU College of Veterinary Medicine graduates have many career choices, including serving in the military. Gillespie’s and Miller’s Zoom presentation included their experiences as Veterinary Corps officers, their contribution to One Health through zoonotic disease control and examples of ways the next generation of veterinarians can serve their country.

MEDIA CONTACT: Taylor Bacon | Public Relations and Marketing Coordinator | 405-744-6728 | taylor.bacon@okstate.edu