Army Entomologist Jamie Blow Speaks on Veterans Day
Lieutenant Colonel Jamie Blow talks about her experiences in the military during Alma College’s annual commemoration of Veterans Day.
Her talk, “How Did I Get Here? Evolution of a Soldier,” takes place at 8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 11, in the Dunning Memorial Chapel. Admission is free; no ticket is required.
Blow, a 1984 Alma College graduate, is an entomologist and director of Overseas Laboratory Operations at Walter Reed Army Institute of Research. She has worked as a certified medical technologist in Germany, fought insect-transmitted diseases in Honduras, assisted with post-hurricane rebuilding efforts in Central America, inspected food and water facilities in Bosnia, and provided medical assistance to nomadic peoples in Afghanistan.
Jamie Blow
“If I’m doing my job right, no one knows I’m doing anything,” says Blow. “The food and water are not making anyone sick, the pests are not causing any significant problems and everyone is healthy.”
Blow, a former student-athlete and biology major at Alma, brings a different perspective on life in the military, says Jamie Smith, assistant professor of history.
“She’s exciting because she’s not your typical idea of a soldier,” says Smith. “Being in the military is multi-layered, and there are many ways we can serve our country, whether as administrators, medical workers or public relations representatives. Not everyone in the military totes a rifle.”
In addition to her public talk, Blow will visit with students and faculty during informal question-and-answer sessions at 4 p.m. Nov. 10 and 11. Blow is eager to talk about her specific career path, as well as more general topics such as scientific research, the military and internships.
“She’s an amazing woman who is full of energy and dedication,” says Smith. “Her message will resonate with students and the community.”
Posted: Mon, November 1st, 2010 at 9:23AM
