Where did you serve and what did you do?

Around the world in and out of different combat areas in the last six years of my 36 year career. Assigned to NORAD – USNORTHCOM, working with delegations who met with national leaders (Prime Ministers, King’s, Presidents) and defense leadership on issues that hinder freedoms.

Tell us how your dog is helping you continue Still Serving in your community.

I was selected for a two year training program with Retrieving Freedom in September of 2022, and will be receiving a dog in the next two months. So far, I have trained with more than ten different Labrador and Golden Retrievers, and wish I could have taken any or all of them home. Whenever I finish my numerous training session, a calmness and happiness descend on me.

Why do you do it?

My plan is already in place where I will be a speaker and representative to assist in raising money for more dogs to be trained by Retrieving Freedom (one in Iowa and one in Missouri). Today’s costs for the two years of service dog training has increased exponentially, now reaching upwards of $50,000 per dog. Approximately 60% of their dogs go to veterans with PTSD and the remaining to children under 12 years old with autism. If you wish to support Retrieving Freedom with funds, food, kennels, beds, or other items, it is easy to use Amazon and send it. I know my relationship as a spokesperson for this excellent entity will benefit more veterans as a pay it forward action. I will submit a photo when I obtain my service dog.