Where did you serve and what did you do?

I served for 27 years in the Military Police Corps performing duties ranging from MP Station Desk Clerk, Patrolman, Platoon Sergeant, First Sergeant, culminating in being hand selected to be the Brigade CSM for 43rd ASG, Fort Carson, Co. I deployed as Platoon Sergeant for the 300th MP Company to Somalia in Apr-Aug 93, CSM for 793rd MP Battalion to Kosovo in Oct 02-Jul 03, and CSM for 759th MP Battalion to Iraq in May 04-Jan 05.

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

Prior to receiving my service dog, I had a very difficult time interacting with society and rarely ventured out in public. Once receiving my German Shepherd, Katy, I had the confidence to become more involved with my community and continue to do so to this day. I have served as President of the Penrose Chamber of Commerce, personally responsible for planning and conducting the annual Apple Day Celebration every October for 5 years. I also pursued and was successful in being elected as the VFW State Commander for Colorado during which time I achieved All American status. I continue to be involved with my Post and District level Posts that required assistance to maintain charter status. I also continue to participate with the Penrose Chamber of Commerce in planning their annual event.

Why do you do it?

I have always been active in community activities and was very disheartened when my PTSD seriously affected my ability to interact with people and even participate in events which usually involved crowds. Having my service dog provides me the space needed to still participate but keep people at bay enough that my anxiety doesn’t go through the roof.