Maj. Kristina McElroy will deploy to the Horn of Africa this month to augment an Army Reserve civil affairs battalion as a veterinarian.

Although she grew up on a small farm in central Missouri raising chickens and rabbits for 4H, it was really science and medicine that fascinated her, she said. In 7th grade, she briefly thought about following in her father's footsteps to be a physician, but joked that she really didn't like being around sick people all that much.

Veterinary science was the answer: "I like problem-solving," she said. "I'm a disease detective."

In Africa, she plans to work with local veterinary providers to relay best practices from the U.S. and help provide them continuing education in animal husbandry, livestock production and related fields.

While many think of overseas veterinary engagements as deworming, vaccinating and treating the animals of local villagers, McElroy says it goes well beyond that. Veterinarians try to help local professionals establish sound public health policies as part of civil governance.

When not deployed, McElroy works as a DOD civilian, helping track such veterinary assistance, known as Global Veterinary Engagements or GVEs. She also serves as the veterinary subject-matter expert to coordinate Defense Support of Civil Authorities in the U.S., known as DSCA. Her Army Reserve assignment is with the 354th Civil Affairs Brigade in Riverdale, Maryland.

McElroy says she feels lucky that her duties as a reservist intertwine with her responsibilities as a civilian employee. She enjoys her job and looks forward to working closely with host-nation vets in a challenging environment. She provided the following information in her own words:

Nicknames: Kris, Mac

Hometown: Jefferson City, Missouri

Favorite thing about hometown: It's the capital of Missouri and Central Dairy Ice Cream is the best! Local dairies produce the milk Central Dairy uses to make great flavors such as Tiger Stripe and mint chocolate chip.

Least favorite thing about hometown: Hard to find good sushi in a landlocked state.

When I was 10, I wanted to be a teacher when I grew up.

Childhood hobbies: 4H, reading, horseback riding

Current hobbies: traveling, reading, gardening

What motivated you to join the Army: I was motivated to serve because I wanted to challenge myself and, this sounds cheesy, I felt "called" to serve. While I had considered the Veterinary Corps when I was in Veterinary School, full-time active-duty service wasn't a good fit for a soon-to-be veterinarian interested in population herd health and food animal medicine. However, as a Reservist, it was a great fit! My civilian and military careers complement each other and I think make me a better employee all around.

Favorite line from favorite movie: "laugh it up fuzzball" from Star Wars

If you caught me singing in the car, I'd probably be singing some oldies like the Righteous Brothers or Beach Boys or rocking out to Tom Petty.

Personal strength: I can eat almost anything (helpful trait to have in the military, have you tried those omelet MREs?)

Challenges faced in military: The Army Veterinary Corps is a small, but very important part of the Army and the Department of Defense, yet many service members don't realize that we ensure their food protection as well as take care of military working dogs. Veterinary personnel have an important role in force protection for the entire DoD. As a veterinarian, who works for the Department of Defense as a civilian, as well as a Reservist, I relish the challenge of taking care of Service Members and beneficiaries from "behind the scenes" and those opportunities to share the incredible importance of what we do to keep people healthy. After all, it isn't just the Army that marches on their stomach, but the Air Force, Marines and Navy too. (did I mention those MREs?)

What do you consider your most significant achievements in the Army: Some of my most significant achievements in the Army are both professional and personal. Professionally, the privilege of serving alongside fellow Soldiers and leading them is an honored achievement. Personally, being selected as one of only 11 Reservists to attend Command and General Staff College in residence at Fort Leavenworth was a highlight.

What are the keys to leadership? The keys to leadership include honest communication and living the Army values while having a confident, positive attitude and provide consistent, clear guidance. Successful leaders need to continuously develop themselves and encourage that in their employees and subordinates as well.

What do you consider the most important Army value? I use the Army values in both my civilian and my military life. In my opinion, there isn't just one "most important" Army value. Just as the Army relies of different types of Soldiers to work together as a whole, so do the Army values work together to shape the Soldier and the organization. Some days, and some situations, require me to draw upon the strength of different values such as integrity and respect in the face of adversity, and other days require duty and selfless service.