Where did you serve and what did you do?
I was in both the Air Force (8yrs) and the Army (13 yrs). I was in Combat Communications in the AF and was a Forward Observer in the Army. I served in Desert Storm, Bosnia and 2 tours in Iraq.
Tell us how your dog is helping you continue #StillServing in your community.
After I retired I noticed that I didn’t want to get out of the house and do anything, I dreaded going to the store or any place in large crowds or gatherings. I withdrew from almost all of my friends and family. I entered a service dog program in my town and completed the training after about a year and a half. My dog Sophie allows me to leave the house now, she provides a physical barrier between me and new people. If I have an anxiety attack Sophie will get in my face and get my concentration on her and then lead me out of the situation. She has been a life changer for me.
Why do you do it?
I wanted to have a more normal life and be able to enjoy my friends and family.