By Shavonne Potts
spotts@salisburypost.com
After 12 years as the director of Allied Health Services for the Rowan County Health Department, Jim Cowan will leave that job for another public health post.
This new post will allow him to do something he’s passionate about ó serve his country through military service.
He’ll return to active duty in the Air Force, serving as public health flight commander with a medical group at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware. Cowan, as he puts it, has been working full time with the Rowan County Health Department and part time with the Reserves, the 315th Aerospace Medicine Squad in Charleston.
“Ever since I came off active duty over 12 years ago, I’ve been torn with my love of country and community,” Cowan said Monday.
Cowan worked nine years as a public health officer for the Air Force, where he promoted and protected the health of airmen and airwomen. Following his active service Cowan continued to serve with the Air Force Reserves.
Cowan was sent to Balad Air Base in Iraq in May 2004, where he was assigned for five months as the public health officer for the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing and led public health programs protecting the health and safety of 2,400 military personnel.
“In my mind, I’ve always had a pull at the heart strings to return to active duty if that opportunity ever arose,” he said.
Cowan said when he discussed his return to active duty with the Air Force chief of public health, the chief asked if Cowan realized what that would mean.
Cowan understood.
“There’s such a tremendous need to protect the health of our men overseas,” he said.
Cowan said there is a huge demand for public health services in the military, involving a broad range of programs. A few of the duties include ensuring the men and women are healthy before they deploy and during deployment and strengthening their health after deployment; preventing the transmission of communicable diseases such as the swine flu; operating food and sanitation inspection programs, and conducting annual physical exams.
His family is supportive of the life-changing decision, he said. And it’s a decision he’s pondered for many years.
“It’s something we have to wrestle with as a family. I would not be returning if my family was not 110 percent behind me. It’s important to have the right balance between God, country and family,” Cowan said.
Once Cowan is situated, his family will join him in Delaware.
How much will he miss the Rowan County Health Department?
“I already miss it. It’s not at all an easy decision,” he said.
Along with the support of his family, he said he’s thankful for the support of his colleagues and the community.
He’s prepared plans that are designed to continue the support of programs that have been instituted throughout his 12 years in Rowan.
In 2001, Cowan became the Healthy Rowan! coordinator. He created the Smoke-Free Rowan Coalition in April 2006.
The contingencies that are being put into place now will allow a seamless transition, no matter what happens, he said.
“I am torn. On one hand, I’m pleased to serve my country full time and there’s so much to be done. I am fortunate to know I’m leaving the community in such good hands,” he said.
Cowan sent an e-mail notifying colleagues of his resignation and return to full-time military service. His last day will be Monday. He anticipates reporting for duty June 20.
Cowan has signed on for a 48-month tour. He said that is the minimum, but anyone can request a longer tour.
“I’ll stay as long as they keep me,” Cowan said.
Ever the military man and recruiter, Cowan said there is a public health officer position available at the Charleston Air Force Base.
He’s found the community to be supportive of his return to military service.
“There’s so much to receive, but so much to give,” Cowan said.