Texas A&M CVM Graduate To Treat Base Animals, Cavalry Horses At Fort Hood

Not only did Texas A&M University student Don Barnett receive his degree in veterinary medicine on Wednesday, he was also promoted to Captain in the U.S. Army, and received his commissioning pin from his sister, Maj. Coleen Barnett.

The ceremony, a virtual commencement held online because of the COVID-19 pandemic, was held Wednesday afternoon. Barnett became Capt. Don Barnett, one of the newest veterinarians stationed at Fort Hood. He is one of 132 graduates who received Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degrees from the College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (CVM).

Barnett, a native of Goliad, taught high school science in nearby Victoria before entering the CVM four years ago.

“I get to serve my country in a meaningful way that I have trained for,” Barnett said.

“On the base at Fort Hood is a fully functioning veterinary clinic where we not only care for military working animals, but also offer veterinary care to dogs and cats owned by military personnel. On top of animal care, Army veterinarians also have a food safety and a defense mission,” he said. “Besides military dogs and horses, the Army also has marine mammals, mostly dolphins; veterinary and agricultural missions; and many research opportunities. I cannot wait to see where all of this takes me.”

Barnett said his older sister Coleen, a 15-year veteran of the Air Force and an ROTC graduate of Southwest Texas State University (now Texas State University), conducted his officer’s oath when he first decided to enter the military.

“I’ve always looked up to her, and she played a huge role in my decision to enter the Army,” Barnett said. “I thought it would be fitting if she gave me the promotion to captain from second lieutenant. She’s been in the Air Force for 15 years and now works for the Joint Staff.”

Barnett received a commission as a second lieutenant during his first year as a veterinary student.  Upon graduation, he was “recommissioned” to a higher rank of captain.

Barnett said his wife Chelsea, an elementary school teacher, and their young daughter Rylee will soon get ready for military life. Once his Army career is over, he said he may move back to Goliad and become a rural veterinarian.

Also earning his DVM and entering the U.S. Army Corps of Veterinarians is Luke Tomaso, who will be stationed at Fort Campbell, Kentucky.

At Fort Hood in Killeen, Barnett will treat the base’s 1st Cavalry Division Horse Cavalry Detachment, a 40-soldier unit with 40 horses and eight mules. It is one of seven horse-mounted units in the Army, and it performs at various functions such as the Rose Bowl Parade, U.S. presidential inaugurations, professional rodeos and other events. The unit also has its own mascot, a dog named Sergeant Buddy.