Where did you serve and what did you do?

US Air Force, Active Duty and Reserves, Civil Engineering Officer

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

Satchmo is a Rhodesian Ridgeback and a registered therapy dog. He currently volunteers at the Naval Weapon Station on Joint Base Charleston. He visits the Navy Nuclear Power Training Unit every other week where he is a part of their “Paws Program”. The NPTU is a high-stress training environment where students learn how to operate nuclear reactors on submarines. Every other Wednesday at noon they announce over the loudspeaker an invitation to take a “Paws” from their rigorous studies and visit Satchmo in the courtyard.

Why do you do it?

I love volunteering and I like supporting fellow veterans where I can to positively impact their lives in my community. This also gives my dog a sense of purpose and he looks forward to his volunteer days.