Where did you serve and what did you do?

Radio Operator for 3/11 USMC, Seabee for NMCB-17 USNR, and Light Wheel Mechanic for 3rd ID AVN Frontline OIF/OIF 5 and 6

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

Well Lon Smith Jr or Lj is an Imperial Shih Tzu, he helps me with my combat PTSD. At 7yrs old, he is my Emotional Response Dog. I have a short fuse at times, anxiety, depression, and flashbacks. Lj is trained to be a distraction from those intense moments because they’re very random. We have been together helping at events, supporting programs for students, and being a local public figure in our community.

Why do you do it?

There was a time where people weren’t so fearful. By establishing trust, and being there to support each. It doesn’t take a degree to help people. It takes heart, Lj and I share that care with all and people enjoy us.