Where did you serve and what did you do?

I served in Operations: Restore Hope – Somalia, Continue Hope – Somalia, Distant Runner – Rwanda, Southern Watch & Enduring Freedom – Afghanistan, and Iraqi Freedom. I was in communications as a U.S. Marine.

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

My Service Dog “Mattis” has allowed me to be comfortable in my own skin again. He has allowed me to get into the community and not be afraid and gives me a battle buddy no matter where I go or what I am doing. I have seen the worst in humanity through my multiple deployments, the things I have seen made me question humanity and I had a very skeptical outlook on everyone I met. Mattis assists me with seeing the best in people. Those that treat Mattis with love and respect allows me to do the same to them. Which in turn allows me to relax and enjoy life. He alerts me prior to a Panic or Anxiety attack. Before Mattis I did not trust anyone, I would not go out in public unless it was absolutely necessary. Mattis saved my Life, if not for him and 5 years of EMDR Therapy, I would not be here today.

Why do you do it?

To support my Brothers and Sisters that have or are struggled like I have, and to fight for the rights and benefits we have earned. Active Military and Veterans seem to get forgotten by society and todays society truly does not understand the sacrifices we have made so they can say and do the things they do without persecution. Mattis and I have been very involved in the community not just as members of the VFW, we also sit on the Board of Directors for the Chamber of Commerce representing VFW Post 1924.