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Face of Defense: Duty and the Beasts

Nov. 27, 2018
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Army Maj. Ami Campbell
Job Title: Army Veterinarian
Unit: U.S. Army Public Health Activity - Fort Belvoir
Hometown: San Diego, Calif.

A veterinarian examines a cat.
A veterinarian examines a cat.
Cat Check
Army Capt. Amy Campbell, veterinarian branch chief at the Dover Air Force Base, Del. vet clinic, examines the condition of a cat during an emergency visit to the clinic May 1, 2013. The Army is the only branch in the Defense Department with a veterinary corps.
Download: Full Size (1.61 MB)
Credit: Senior Airman Jared Duhon
VIRIN: 130506-F-VJ706-001C

What got you in this career field?

I’ve always been interested in animals since a young age. I really wanted to do my part for conservation of animals and to get to know the different species. I always turned to veterinary medicine because I felt like they were not only able to work with pets, but the duties of a vet are quite expansive.

Studying a sample.
Studying a sample.
Study Sample
Army Maj. Ami Campbell studies a sample through a microscope at Joint Base Andrews, Md., Nov. 13, 2018. Campbell is a veterinarian assigned to help care for military working dogs across all branches of service.
Download: Full Size (573.44 KB)
Credit: Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Ashley Guire
VIRIN: 181113-D-FY142-001

Do you have any pets at home?

I have two cats. Technically I’m a dog person, but I got these cats while I was in vet school because they needed a home. They’ve travelled with me through my vet career and lived with me while I was assigned in Germany.

.Military working dog is sedated.
.Military working dog is sedated.
K-9 Assistance
Ricky, a 87th Security Forces Squadron military working dog, is sedated prior to a root canal procedure at the veterinary clinic at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., July 26, 2018. To ensure Ricky feels no pain, the sedation is monitored throughout the procedure.
Download: Full Size (2.86 MB)
Credit: Airman 1st Class Zachary Martyn
VIRIN: 180726-F-CN368-085

What is the oldest Military Working Dog you’ve treated?

I’d say about 10 and a half. Typically when they get to be about seven or eight years old, we start looking to medically retire them. In this particular location, they’re just so good that we’ve held onto them.

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