Veterans Day is a special time to honor those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. For many veterans, military service is more than a job; it’s a lifelong commitment driven by family history and a desire to help others. In public health, veterans bring unique skills and perspectives shaped by their diverse experiences around the world, making them valuable assets in improving lives.
Dr. Jim Bellamy, a public health expert at the University of Nevada, Reno, knows this well. Growing up in a military family gave him a deep understanding of sacrifice and empathy. His father served in both the Army and Air Force, while his mother, a World War II survivor, faced unimaginable loss. These experiences influenced his commitment to service.
“I always wanted to help people,” Bellamy shared. His time as a hospital corpsman opened his eyes. “I realized how fortunate I was compared to many others.” He reflects on how countless potential leaders, like Albert Einstein or Martin Luther King Jr., might have been lost due to uneven opportunities.
“Veterans Day is a tribute to those who served this country and helped others,” he added. He believes that public health, much like the military, is about ensuring no one is forgotten.
Another veteran, Dominique Elias, has a similar story. After serving seven years as a medic, she gained valuable friendships and a greater understanding of various cultures. “I learned what I could achieve, both physically and mentally,” she said. Her military experiences taught her lessons in public health, even if she didn’t know it at the time. She managed sanitation systems and taught about hygiene and safety, all while keeping mission priorities in mind.
Elias also witnessed mental health challenges among service members. “Many friends struggled but often didn’t seek help,” she explained. “We joked about our youth, but underneath, we carried heavy burdens in silence.” Now, as a graduate student in public health, her military past shapes her work aiming to support fellow veterans.
Melanie Muldrow, another veteran now pursuing a Ph.D. in epidemiology, joined the Air Force after earning her public health degree. Inspired by discussions in her class about the military, she saw an opportunity to serve while building her career in public health. Fifteen years later, she focuses on protecting military personnel through health programs.
“My military experience profoundly influenced my interest in public health,” she noted. Muldrow’s work includes managing health risks for deployments and emergency responses. A pivotal moment for her was providing care in Central America, which reinforced the link between public health and global welfare. “It showed me how essential public health is for national security,” she said.
On Veterans Day, Muldrow emphasizes the need to appreciate the diverse experiences of veterans. “It’s a moment to recognize both service and the difficulties veterans encounter,” she stated. She believes veterans bring unique skills to public health, from crisis management to teamwork, and should be a part of shaping health research specific to military populations.
The challenges veterans face can be serious. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, suicide rates among veterans are alarmingly high—57% greater than those of nonveteran adults. In Nevada, the rate is a staggering 59.4 per 100,000, compared to 19.5 for nonveterans. These figures highlight the urgent need for ongoing support and advocacy in public health.
For Bellamy, Elias, and Muldrow, the mission to serve continues. Whether in uniforms or labs, their goal remains the same: to protect and enhance the health of others.
