From Civilian Veterinarian to Performing Special Roles in the Army and at the Exchange
One in a series highlighting service members assigned to the Exchange
Who she is: Lt. Col. Katheryn E. Hanson, Public Health and Food Safety Advisor, Antiterrorism/Force Protection Officer, stationed in Sembach, Germany.
Years of experience: 18 years of service in the Army. Hanson is a Veterinary Corps Officer and has been with the Exchange for one year.
Why she joined the Army: Hanson comes from a military family and wanted to continue the tradition of serving her country. “I had been a civilian veterinarian for 13 years and wanted to travel and experience life in other countries in the process, so joining the Army was the logical decision!”
What she does in the Army: Hanson provided healthcare for military working dogs and service members’ pets while serving in the Veterinary Corps during her first couple of years in the service, but soon discovered a love for public health and preventive medicine, specifically with zoonotic diseases (infections that are spread between people and animals). Thanks to the Army, she obtained her master’s in public health in global infectious diseases with certificates in humanitarian assistance and disaster preparedness.
“As an Exchange veterinarian, I ensure that our service members are receiving safe food and services throughout Europe, Southwest Asia and Africa at even the most remote areas like Niger, Iraq and Lithuania,” she said. “I’m able to achieve such wide reach though partnerships with local Army and Air Force Public Health and Food Inspector teams.”
Being part of the Exchange family: “The best part of the Exchange family is that I get to perform my job with a team of people that are very passionate about what they do and have been for decades.” Hanson explained, “Working with the civilian workforce reminded me of why the military is here … to serve not just the military and contract members, but their families.”
Lt. Col Katheryn Hanson and friend. Hanson, who has a passion for volunteering, provided healthcare for military working dogs and service members’ pets while serving in the Veterinary Corps during her first couple of years in the service, but soon discovered a love for public health and preventive medicine.
We Go Where You Go: Hanson said that she has learned much about the Exchange and the astronomical amount of thought, effort and logistics that it takes to bring a touch of home to our military personnel and their families.
”Before I took this position, I never knew all of Exchange earnings went back to supporting the community, plus they play a huge role in the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) school meals.” While in her position, Hanson has been privy to the diverse population that keeps the Exchange rolling. ”I have met so many AAFES employees that have deployed everywhere our military members are, from Iraq and Afghanistan to Poland and Kosovo. It’s humbling.”
Family serving family: “I have a special role in assisting with health-related decisions. We just opened a dental clinic at Ramstein, for example, that caters to the military families. This not only relieves the burden of the local military treatment facilities which are already in high demand, but now family members can be seen sooner and by American dentists and staff. The military cannot do what they do without the support of their families, and I love being able to help both at the same time. This is the best job ever!”
