Since Spring of 2001, Lieutenant Colonel Brian J. Gentile, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, has volunteered his time and talent toward helping to care for many of the animals coming into the Briggs Animal Adoption Center (BAAC).
One day a week, and sometimes more, Dr. Gentile volunteers at the BAAC to provide veterinary services for newly arrived animals, working in conjunction with the BAACs staff veterinarian. Many times, animals brought into the BAAC have been previously neglected and are often in very poor physical condition. All are in need of initial physical examinations, followed by the necessary vaccinations, heartworm checks, fecal checks for intestinal parasites and any other treatments necessary. Before the animals are placed up for adoption, all are spayed or neutered and while under anesthesia are given dental cleanings, when needed.
As mentioned above, Dr. Gentile is also a Lieutenant Colonel in the US Army and currently serves with the Department of Defense to develop medical products that prevent battlefield disease and injury. He is presently working to bring new vaccines into approved use, which can have worldwide lasting impact for service members and civilians alike.
Dr. Gentile received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology in 1981, his Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in 1984 and 1986 and his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in 1991. He has received numerous military awards, including the Veterinary Corps Chiefs Outstanding Achievement Award, the Meritorious Service Medal 1st Oak Leaf Cluster, the Army Commendation Medal, and the United States Public Health Service Unit Commendation Award.
On June 4, 2001, Dr. Gentile was honored by the National Association of Federal Veterinarians, for outstanding contributions and notable service to the public when he was presented with the Dr. Daniel E. Salmon Award for Exemplary Achievement in Federal Veterinary Medicine. This award, established in 1984, is named for a world-renowned veterinary medical scientist who pioneered research in bacterial diseases of animals and immunology.
Before coming to this area, Dr. Gentile served as chief veterinarian at Fort Richardson, Alaska, where he was responsible for the veterinary support of all Department of Defense installations in Southern Alaska. He ran a stray adoption program at Fort Richardson, which had a 90% adoption rate for two consecutive years and the number of patients treated at the veterinary treatment facility increased by 25%.
Dr. Gentile also served as the Logistics Coordinator for the Innovative Readiness Training field exercise named Operation Arctic Care. This involved spending time out in the bush of Alaska working among the native Alaskans as part of public health service and training exercises, vaccinating 1,500 sled dogs in 23 remote villages and setting up dog bite prevention programs for village children.
We could go on about Dr. Gentiles many accomplishments and efforts as a scientist, clinician and veterinary public health worker. However, what is of utmost importance to us is his care and gentle treatment of the frightened Dr. Gentile examining Basil and sick animals that come into our center in need of kindness and support. And that is what he gives them. With his soft-spoken manner and calm nature, the animals begin their journey of healing, which continues on with the rest of the BAAC staff and through their placement into permanent, loving homes.
The BAAC and many of the animals taken into the center have been extremely fortunate to be the recipients of Dr. Gentiles knowledge and expertise. We wholeheartedly thank him for his compassion and selfless dedication to providing these animals with the proper veterinary healthcare, giving them perhaps their first real chance at living long, healthy lives.
