Delayed hypersensitivity disorders and food allergies are often challenging for 
the clinician and patient alike. A recent discovery of an IgE antibody specific 
to galactose-α-1,3-galactose, which is a carbohydrate abundantly expressed on 
cells and tissues of beef, pork, and lamb, adds one more tool to aid the 
clinician in making the appropriate diagnosis. A link has been discovered 
between the bite of the Lone Star Tick (Amblyomma americanum) and the 
development of sensitivity to galactose-α-1,3-galactose. With a high prevalence 
of Lone Star Tick populations inhabiting major U.S. Army Installations, and the 
type of duty required by our Service members, it could potentially affect 
susceptible individuals. We describe a case of an active duty soldier who went 4 
years searching for this elusive diagnosis and connection and discuss why it 
should remain in the differential diagnosis when treating military health care 
beneficiaries.