DVIDS – News – Ohio-born Army Changemaker in Brain Health, Trauma and PTSD Elevated

After being deployed to Baghdad, Iraq, U.S. Army Colonel Robert Blutcher, from Lakewood, Ohio, reaffirmed his Army career and long-term commitment to fighter aircraft as a Ph.D. (physiology and pharmacology), focusing on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance abuse. Already a pharmacist, he chose a nontraditional career path and it paid off. Critics may view an additional doctorate as the best, but Blücher was promoted to colonel on October 1 after his 18 years of service.

Returning from deployment, he turned his attention to helping other service members combat the struggles and stigma associated with mental illness and PTSD.

As Deputy Military Project Manager for the United States Army Medical Material Development Activity (USAMMDA), he is active in developing and delivering brain health medical solutions to help prevent, detect, manage, and treat neurotrauma, fatigue, and psychological disorders. are working on it. US Military Health. As a forward thinker, his decision earned him more time in the Army and a promotion to the next rank, at least over his three years.

“It’s no mistake he’s here. He’s definitely going to double our strength,” said USAMMDA commander Colonel James “Andy” Nuce. “USAMMDA leverages partnerships to develop and deliver quality medicines, vaccines, devices, and other medical support equipment. He can definitely do that here.”

“I’m happy to have him on the team,” he said.

Brutcher attributes his success to his wife, children and family. He thanked his wife, pointed out that being an Army spouse was the hardest job, and thanked his children as well.

“It’s okay to be scared,” he said to his three sons.

“Don’t let fear stop you from being great,” Brutcher said. “I’m here as a direct result of being part of some great teams.”
He also commended his colleagues for their hard work and dedication to their mission.

“Thanks to my previous experience in the military and my connections with soldiers and warriors,” he said. “I wanted to bring my background and his interests back to the military.”

He chose to study brain health because he wanted to help military personnel who might be suffering from mental health problems, and high on his list was a new life-changing technology. and treatment.

“The best-case scenario for me is to be involved in developing or delivering new capabilities, new technologies, new drugs, or treatments,” he said. It ensures that military personnel also have options.”

An introverted and unpretentious personality, Blucher said everyone has their own unique skills and hopes to use those skills to best serve the Army. is the desire to serve and help others.

“I’m 100% nerdy,” he said. “I never wanted anything less than an A.”

Brutcher said one of his greatest achievements aside from the feel of the book was his ability to help young servicemen reach their goals.

“Rob is humble, but he’s also one of the smartest people in the room,” said retired Col. Stephen Ford, a friend and former pharmacy manager at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. Additionally, Rob is a husband and father, and he is dedicated to Beth and his extended family.”

Ford said that despite setbacks, adversity, and disappointments, Blucher never quits or gives up.

“Today is a proud day for Rob and his family,” he said.