Where did you serve and what did you do?
I served with 2-18th Field Artillery Regiment, a Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) battalion attached to the 4th Infantry Division in the US Army as a Fire Support Officer (13A) deployed to Iraq in 2004. Primarily tasked with security and weapons convoys. I was severely injured and medically retired and disabled.
Tell us how your dog is helping you continue #StillServing in your community.
I applied to Train a Dog Save a Warrior (TADSAW), a service dog nonprofit headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, upon the referral of my VA psychologist to help with my PTSD and mental health issues. I was accepted by TADSAW and provided with Buddy. Buddy is a four-year old German Shepherd and Boxer mix large breed dog. He completed training and was certified this year through TADSAW. Since TADSAW trains the trainer during the six-month service dog training program I now have the basic skills and experience to help train other service dogs for veterans. I am now helping to train other service dogs for veterans in the DFW area. There is a high demand for service dogs and not many trainers. Buddy not only helps me but helps train other service dogs now. I cannot imagine my life without him. He truly saved my life from depression and severe anxiety.
Why do you do it?
Buddy has given my life more purpose and meaning. He has given me a daily routine and a reason to get out of bed and help others. He inspires other veterans as they also recognize they have a lot to live for and their lives can also be more meaningful. I love the satisfaction I feel when a veteran tells me that their service dog in training in reacting to their PTSD symptoms and responds in a positive way to help them. I believe having more service dogs for veterans will help reduce suicide and provide much better quality of life.