Where did you serve and what did you do?
Served in the U.S. Army from 1989-2005 as a 11B Infantry/92Y Logistics/31B Military Police (for 9/11 and Homeland Security) in Desert Storm, Bosnia, Korea and later as a First Responder for the WTC and Homeland Security after 9/11.
Tell us how your dog is helping you continue #StillServing in your community.
When I first got out, I was depressed all the time, and needed a lot of help getting out of my house, and connecting again with people. Through a lot of therapy and medication I got a little better, but was still not as social as I would have liked. GRUNT helps me by ensuring that I leave my house, makes it easier for me to be around others, and comforts me when I am down. Life still has its ups and downs, but GRUNT makes it easier. Since I have had him, I have been more involved with the VFW, work more on community projects, and am doing better at large gatherings.
Why do you do it?
When I first got out, I was angry at the world, closed off and often sitting in the dark. It was a VFW member that took me aside and helped me get back on my feet. He ensured that I got the help I needed. My days in the VFW are about paying it forward, ensure that veterans I cross have someone there for them, like he was for me.