CORVALLIS, Ore. - An Oregon State University College of Veterinary Medicine student from Missoula, Mont., has earned the one of the nation's toughest military scholarships from the Army Veterinary Corps.
Bethany Atchley, who is scheduled to graduate in 2008 from the college's professional degree program, was awarded a two-year U.S. Army Health Care Department's F. Hébert Armed Forces Health Professions Scholarship. She is the second person from OSU in the last 10 years to be selected.
Army duty means being prepared for anything, Atchley said. The military could send her to the Middle East to care for camels or to the poles where she might treat penguins or seals.
She's also hoping to get a chance to work with some of her favorite critters.
"I'm primarily interested in large animals; horses and swine," said Atchley. She'll hold the rank of second lieutenant in the Army Reserve until she graduates and will then be promoted to captain.
Health professions awards are the most competitive of military scholarships, Army officials said.
As part of her scholarship, she'll receive about $1,200 per month. The Army will cover fees, tuition and books. In exchange, Atchley will owe the Army three years of active duty.
The Army's Veterinary Corps has responsibilities for animal health, food safety and research and development in U.S. military facilities at more than 1,000 locations throughout the world.
And, since the Army is the only branch of the service with a veterinary section, Atchley could find herself working with the Air Force, the Navy or any other branch of the service.
Army veterinarians also help develop vaccines and antidotes to protect U.S. troops from chemical and biological agents, help ensure the integrity of food supplies and care for government-owned animals ranging from working dogs to marine mammals and ceremonial horses.
In addition to veterinary science, the Army offers more than 90 professional health care career paths - more than any other military service. Army Health Care annually employs about 73,500 active duty professionals and 72,000 reserves, interacting with more than 200,000 patients on an average day.
Debrah Rarick,
541-737-6776