[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 93 (Friday, June 21, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Page S6671]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         THE 80TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE U.S. ARMY VETERINARY CORPS

 Mr. INOUYE. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to the 
U.S. Army Veterinary Corps on the occasion of its 80th anniversary.
  Established on June 3, 1916, the Veterinary Corps has distinguished 
itself through exemplary service in two world wars, the Korean and 
Vietnam conflicts, Operation Desert Storm, and, most recently, in the 
peacekeeping operation in Bosnia. The responsibilities of the 
Veterinary Corps have evolved from that of equine medicine for the 
cavalry of 1916 to diverse roles encompassing not only the traditional 
role of animal medicine but also food hygiene and quality assurance, 
prevention of diseases transmissible between animals and man, and 
medical research and development.
  The professional excellence of the 396 officers serving in the 
Veterinary Corps is exemplified by the fact that 186--47 percent--of 
these officers are board certified in at least one specialty recognized 
by the American Veterinary Medical Association.
  As the Department of Defense Executive Agent for Veterinary Services, 
the U.S. Army Veterinary Corps is responsible for providing its 
expertise to all of the military services on a worldwide basis. Through 
the assurance of a safe and wholesome food supply, animal disease 
prevention and control, animal-facilitated therapy for hospitalized 
service members and families, and medical and subsistence research and 
material development, the contributions of veterinarians as health care 
providers are essential to the well-being of the soldier, sailor, 
airman, and marine. It is indeed a pleasure for me to salute the U.S. 
Army Veterinary Corps in recognition of its innumerable contributions 
to our national defense, and to extend my congratulations to the 
members of the Veterinary Corps, past and present, upon this 80th 
anniversary.

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