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FEATURE

At Left, a display of a MASH surgical team in action. Below right, a helicopter used to trans-
port patients from the battlefield and between medical facilities.

who do remarkable and glorious things tended for members of the Department, it is open to the public,
in extreme circumstances. suitable for general audiences, and very supportive of older school
groups that call ahead (210-221-6358).
Fan of M*A*S*H? Spend time with
the 555th Forward Surgical Team, It makes a great field trip for the whole family during summer
“Cheatin’ The Reaper,” recently back break; go to the Museum, then pick up lunch, head downtown and
from Afghanistan. Or bask in the tale of picnic in Hemisfair Conservancy playgrounds, another under-ap-
the Warrior Dentist, Dr. Benjamin Sa- preciated gem. It will be a day the kids will long remember.
lomon, finally awarded the Medal of
Honor 60 years after he stood a rear- The museum address is 3898 Stanley Road, but for newbies to
guard action during the Battle of Saipan, Fort Sam (like me) navigating to the best access began at Broadway
allowing the safe evacuation of the and Burr Road until it met up with Harry Wurzbach Road, going
wounded, killing at least 98 enemy down Wurzbach but stopping short of the fort’s entry gate to check
troops before being killed himself. in at the Visitor Center on Scott Road. It’s just off Wurzbach, to the
left, prior to the gate checkpoint.
The storyline that will bring me back
soonest is that of the U.S. Army Veteri- HOURS
nary Corps. Recognition of the need for Hours are 10-4 Tuesday-Saturday; and while it’s free, remember
veterinary expertise had been evolving
since 1776 when General Washington something for the plate: this museum is supported by a private foun-
directed that a “regiment of horse with dation that enables improvements and enhancements.
a farrier” be raised. But this summer marks their Centennial an-
niversary as a component of the Medical Department, organized on David Schulz, a certified HIPAA and privacy professional, appears
3 June 1916 in preparation for the European Conflict. With the in publications throughout Texas and the country since 1982. CEO of
large number of horses and mules required for overseas service with Cyber Risk Associates, a member of the BCMS Circle of Friends, he cur-
the American Expeditionary Forces, a professional corps to care for rently focuses on cyber security, privacy and HIPAA breach threats, but
sick and injured animals was needed, and more than 2,000 vets saw writes on subjects from entertainment, food trends, and cool museums
active military service during World War I. — any topic concerning the intersection of technology and lifestyle.

Army veterinarians ensure the health of military working dogs
and assist with host-nation related animal emergencies. Veterinary
staff advisors also play key roles regarding issues involving chemical
and biological defense. Because “an army travels on its stomach,”
the Veterinary Corps continues to have significant impact on oper-
ations by assuring low food borne illness rates, conducting inspec-
tions and approval of safe food sources around the world.

While not on the traditional tourist agenda — requiring more
planning and effort than typical — the Army Medical Department
Museum combines our heritage in military and healthcare leadership
creating a unique attraction in which every citizen can take pride.
It’s a family staycation activity that will inspire conversation, dis-
tinctive memories and revisits.

VISITING THE MUSEUM: A PRACTICAL GUIDE
Visiting the AMEDD Museum takes planning and effort,
but not cost!

The museum is free, parking is plentiful, and while primarily in-

visit us at www.bcms.org 25