This week’s Borne the Battle podcast features Dr. Albert Weed, whose career has taken him from enlisted Green Beret Army medic to an Army medical officer to VA surgeon. Weed discussed his name, and how his family’s military background and medical experiences led him to, among other things, peacekeeping in Egypt, swimming in Saddam Hussein’s pool, and receiving four different DD-214s.
Weed traces his journey’s beginnings from high school and later to Special Forces training, where he volunteered to work as a medic. The future doctor realized during training that he wanted to stay in the medical field. He was inspired to become an Army medical doctor while doing his clinical. He had just finished a late shift helping labor and deliveries and was planning to take a nap when he was called to the operating room to help. After the operation, Weed went out for a run instead of taking his nap. In that moment, he realized he wanted to pursue a medical career.
Listen as Weed recounts his experiences in the military and medical fields and his current work serving Veterans as a surgeon with the Salem VA Medical Center.
CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL TRANSCRIPT
Borne the Battle Veteran of the Week:
- Marine Corps Veteran Harry “Bud” Carlsen.
Additional Links:
- https://www.vacareers.va.gov/
- https://benefits.va.gov/benefits/appeals.asp
- https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/suicide_prevention/
- https://maketheconnection.net/conditions/suicide
- https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/
Michelle Cannon is a podcast intern with the VA’s Digital Media Engagement Team. She is currently a graduate at Liberty University studying Professional Writing.
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I loved learning about the peacekeeping force he was a part of; I didn’t know about peacekeeping missions like that that aren’t affiliated with the U.N.
Glad to hear you are doing well Dr. Weed. Don’t know if you remember me or not, but I was in your squad while you were in the 82nd. I also followed in your footsteps and joined the 11th group (Louisville Det). I won’t say how Sfc Wiza gave you your nick name while in the 82nd, but it involved all of us reading stories to the platoon while out in the field. I transitioned to the 20th when the 11th shut down. Please email back I’d like to catch up.
I do not deserve adulation.