Army Medicine Celebrates Army Animal Care Specialists
National Veterinary Technician Week is celebrated every year in the third week of October by the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America and the American Veterinary Medical Association, to recognize the work that veterinary technicians provide.
For Army Medicine that means recognizing their Army Animal Care Specialists.
These specialists provide skilled, compassionate care that supports the health, welfare, and readiness of military working animals worldwide. Their technical expertise and adaptability are essential across clinics, training environments, and deployed settings in support of the Joint Force and interagency partners.
From routine wellness care to surgical support and providing emergency care for military working animals, these 68Ts (the military occupational specialty designation) work alongside their veterinarian counterparts, animal handlers, and joint partners to care for military working dogs, equids, and other animal species entrusted to the Department of War.
Sgt. Clara Maia, a clinic noncommissioned officer in charge at Camp Bondsteel, Kosovo, said she entered the field to advocate for military working animals.
“I chose this profession because I believe military working animals deserve a strong advocate,” Maia said. “They serve alongside our Soldiers, support the mission and help save lives.”
Maia recently organized a training day for 32 medics and NATO partners at Camp Bondsteel to prepare participants to respond when a military working dog requires urgent medical evacuation. The event built practical skills and confidence for emergency situations.
In Japan, Staff Sgt. Derek Amsden serves as a branch NCOIC and has spent seven years as a 68T after first serving five years as an infantryman. He has helped demonstrate canine tactical combat casualty care alongside Air Force military working dog handlers during joint training.
Amsden said the most rewarding part of the work is seeing patients recover. “We often see patients when they are at the worst,” he said, “so being a part of the treatment plan and seeing them fully recovered … is always a good experience.”
At Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston, Texas, Sgt. Megan Juan-Tomas serves as a clinic NCO. She said becoming an Animal Care Specialist allowed her to work with animals while pursuing a path toward veterinary school.
Her advice to Soldiers considering the career field is to “be flexible and take initiative.” Juan-Tomas encouraged Soldiers to volunteer and step forward when work needs to be done.
At Patrick Space Force Base, Florida, Sgt. Carlos D. Vergas Medina serves as a clinic NCOIC. His experience includes providing care for military working animals and supporting joint veterinary care. “Resiliency and self-discipline are what keep me moving forward,” Vergas Medina said. “Knowing that the care we provide makes a difference for both the animal and the person on the other side of that leash gives purpose to what I do.”
These Soldiers exemplify the care, compassion, and competence of Army Animal Care Specialists. Their work strengthens the teams supporting Soldiers, installations and missions worldwide. Army Medicine is proud to recognize and celebrate these Soldier professionals.
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