UTHealth Houston celebrates veterans and their legacy of service
From the clinic to the classroom and beyond, veterans at UTHealth Houston continue to serve with the same dedication and teamwork that defined their military careers.
This Veterans Day, the university honors students, faculty, and staff who once wore our country’s uniform and now bring their values of discipline, focus, and service to their roles across campus.
Weston Campbell
Systems and applications specialist IV – User Experience and Support
U.S. Navy veteran – Radioman, petty officer third class
Weston Campbell grew up in Houston and signed up to join the Navy right out of high school, without even telling his parents. Hoping to travel and see the world, the first ship he was assigned to work on was the USS Blue Ridge stationed in Yokosuka, Japan, from 1990-92.
He first arrived on a helicopter during Operation Desert Shield in the Persian Gulf War, and while there, visited several other places, including South Korea, Bali, Hong Kong, Australia, and the Philippines.
“Having to work, sleep, and eat with the same people day in, day out on a ship for four years, you learn how to work with all types of different people and personalities. I believe that experience has helped me prepare for working in a desktop support position. I am proud to have been employed at UTHealth Houston now for 23 years, and I hope to be here until I decide that I am done. I cannot imagine working anywhere else.”
Stuart Harlin, MD
Director of outpatient vascular operations in the Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston
U.S. Air Force veteran
A professor and board-certified vascular surgeon, Harlin specializes in the minimally invasive treatment of vascular disease and has contributed extensively to research in his field.
Before launching his medical career, Harlin served in the U.S. Air Force from 1992 to 1999. This was a decision that, as he explained, was both practical and deeply formative. “I couldn’t afford to get to medical school without it,” he recalled. “The military was a way for me to go to medical school.”
His years in the Air Force not only helped him begin his medical career but also instilled lessons that continue to guide his work today.
“The military is very, very good about allowing you to gain focus on what you’re doing,” he said. “That focus and mission-driven mindset translate very well into medicine and my work at UTHealth Houston. It teaches you to do more with less, to stay disciplined, and to work closely as a team to accomplish the mission.”
Michael J. Snyder, MD
Professor of surgery at McGovern Medical School
Program director of the colon and rectal surgery residency
U.S. Army veteran
Board certified in both general and colon and rectal surgery, Snyder is an accomplished surgeon, educator, and leader in his field. He has edited two books, authored numerous chapters, and published widely in peer-reviewed journals.
Following graduation from Louisiana State University, Snyder began his residency in general surgery at William Beaumont Army Medical Center in El Paso, Texas, through the U.S. Army, which funded his medical education. His military service took him around the world, from serving as clinic commander at a U.S. base in Sinop, Turkey, to being deployed with the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment during Operation Desert Storm.
During the Gulf War, he helped establish and manage a medical clearing station, gaining invaluable experience in leadership, logistics, and patient care.
“You can’t do it all by yourself,” reflected Snyder. “That was probably the most important experience of the whole thing. You learn how to make something happen together.”
Those lessons in teamwork and mission-focused efficiency continue to shape Snyder’s work at UTHealth Houston. “In the military, everybody’s the same. You learn to treat everyone the way you want to be treated. That experience made me a better doctor, teacher, and person.”
Vicente Gallegos
UT Police at Houston
U.S. Army
Gallegos, a native of Missouri City, Texas, began his career of service in the U.S. Army, where he spent eight years as a signal support systems specialist and was later promoted to sergeant. During his service he completed one deployment to Iraq and two to Afghanistan before returning home to Texas. After leaving the military, Gallegos sought a career that offered the same sense of structure and teamwork.
“I ended up going to the HCC Police Academy and became a police officer,” Gallegos said. He began his law enforcement career with the METRO Police Department before joining UT Police in 2024, drawn by what he described as the division’s “positive, professional environment with ample opportunities for promotion and growth.”
In 2025, Gallegos was promoted to investigator and assigned to the Recruitment and Retention Unit, where he helps identify and guide new candidates through the hiring process. His responsibilities include contacting potential applicants, administering entrance exams, and conducting background investigations.
Having previously served on day shift patrol, Gallegos said his time in the field gave him valuable perspective he now applies to helping others join the force. “The most rewarding part of my role is being able to bring people on board and see them become part of the team,” he said.
Motivated by a sense of purpose and family, Gallegos takes pride in both his military service and his current role. “I enjoy my current assignment and, of course, providing for my family,” he said.
Whether serving his country abroad or mentoring future officers at UT Police, Gallegos continues to embody leadership, teamwork, and dedication to service.