Army vet runs clinics for Afghan farmers
Captain Laura Holmes, aged 29, is a member of the Veterinary Engagement Team, based in Lashkar Gah. Describing her work in Helmand, she said…
Captain Laura Holmes, aged 29, is a member of the Veterinary Engagement Team, based in Lashkar Gah. Describing her work in Helmand, she said:
Local farmers bring in their sheep, goats and cattle for a health check. We give the animals some medicine, and deal with any ailments they might have. Each farmer has a few animals which he uses to feed his family, so their animals are fundamental to their lives.
We get to interact with the farmers too,” she added. “Whether we’re talking about animals or football teams, we can have some face-time with them.
Captain Holmes also runs classes for the farmers, showing them how to look after their animals themselves:
I teach them a bit of veterinary medicine and modern animal husbandry,” she said. “It’s absolutely fantastic to see the difference that it makes to their lives.
Captain Holmes decided to become a vet because of her lifelong love of animals:
I’m very lucky, I have an affinity with animals,” she said. “I also enjoy the medical side of things. I really enjoy seeing them get better.
And why the Army? I really enjoy the challenge it provides. Every day here is different, whether I’m out on foot patrol or flying to a new location, no matter where I go or who I meet, I learn something new every day. No two days are the same, so it’s always exciting and always challenging.