Dr. Gregory S. Hammer, AVMA 2007-2008 president; Dr. Ron DeHaven, AVMA executive vice president; Dr. Leon H. Rus-sell, then president of the World Veterinary Association; Brig. Gen. Michael B. Cates, chief, Army Veterinary Corps; Col. Marc Mattix, deputy chief, Army Veterinary Corps; Col. Dave Rolfe, commander, Army Veterinary Command; and Col. Les Huck, commander, Europe Regional Veterinary Command

The U.S. Army Veterinary Corps has a key role in military medicine and stability operations as well as humanitarian assistance in today's world, said Brig. Gen. Michael B. Cates, corps chief, at the 54th International Military Veterinary Medical Symposium.

"One Medicine, One Health" was the theme of the symposium, May 12-16 in Garmisch, Germany. Brigadier General Cates also discussed the value and necessity of partnerships between U.S. Army veterinarians and veterinarians from other services, agencies, and nations.

Dr. Gregory S. Hammer, AVMA 2007-2008 president, spoke at the symposium about how the AVMA's strategic goals will serve to improve human and animal health while advancing the veterinary profession.

"'One health' is an integral part of our profession, and it has strong ties with the AVMA's strategic goals," Dr. Hammer said.

The hosts for the symposium were Brig. Gen. Cates along with Col. Les Huck, commander of the new Europe Regional Veterinary Command—previously the 100th Medical Detachment (Veterinary Service). Attendees included military veterinarians from 15 European countries as well as the United States. Also participating were Dr. Ron DeHaven, AVMA executive vice president; Dr. Leon H. Russell, then president of the World Veterinary Association; Dr. Marguerite Pappaioanou, executive director of the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges; and Capt. Hugh Mainzer, chief veterinary officer of the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps.