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“My job and No. 1 mission at Tyndall is to take care of the military working dogs. They are my first priority ”—- Capt. Ted M. Hankes. new veterinarian at Tyndall• The veterinary clinic is located on Beacon Beach Road, just past the education center. The clinic’s office hours are 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday-Friday.• Telephone number: 283-2434.Army veterinarian on staffAirman Oshawn J. Jefferson325th FW public affairsCats and dogs don’t agree on much, but now they both have something they can call their own. Capt. Ted M. Hankes, chief of veterinary services at the vet clinic here, became the base’s first permanent full-time Army veterinarian Oct. 2, making him the shaman of the Tyndall animal kingdom.Hankes received his undergraduate degree in animal and dairy science from Auburn University in 1992. He then went back to AU from 1992-1996 and received his doctorate degree in veterinary medicine. “My wife worked hard to help put me through school, and even though those were busy years, we really enjoyed them,” commented Hankes.After all his schooling was completed, Hankes joined the veterinary corps, which is a small group of military veterinarians, so he could go active duty and be a full-time veterinarian. “The veterinary corps is run by the Army, so most military veterinarians are going to be Army personnel,” said Hankes.“My job and No. 1 mission at Tyndall is to take care of the military working dogs. They are my first priority,” said Hankes.In addition to his duties at the clinic, healso inspects commercial food establishments off-base that make products for the Tyndall community to make sure there is no contamination or spoilage of food. Along with his other duties, Hankes sees between 35 different cats and dogs during the two days of clinic on varying days each week.“We deal only with infectious diseases and zoonotic diseases, which are diseases passed from animals to humans,” Hankes said.In checking the animals for diseases, it not only ensures their safety, but the safety of the Tyndall community as well.In addition to infectious and zoonotic diseases, the veterinarian clinic specializes in preventive medicine for animals.“We are limited to the tasks we can perform — because of certain laws, we can’t do surgeries, spays or neuters,” Hankes said. “Even though we are limited, I’m still here to provide comprehensive care to cats and dogs.”Tyndall is Hankes’ first tour of duty. “I like it here — the fishing, the hunting, the beautiful water and the nice weather,” he said. “I like the military; it gives you an opportunity to travel and I enjoy being on an Air Force base. Although, there is not much difference from an Army base, the facilities are a little nicer,” he said smiling.Hankes is joined here by his wife, Michelle; 15-month-old daughter, Lauren; and his pet cat, Boog.“I like animals, and I enjoy helping them and working with their owners in the effort to treat their illnesses,” said Hankes.And all the cats and dogs can at least agree on that.Airman Oshawn JeffersonCapt. Ted M. Hankes, chief of veterinary services at the vet clinic here, examines a cat. Hankes became the base’s first permanent Army veterinarian Oct. 2.
Newspaper Details
Panama City Gulf Defender
Panama City, Florida, US
Fri, Nov 15, 1996
Page 10
Full Page
Clipped by
Camille C.
USA 07 Jun 2025
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