Where did you serve and what did you do?
I served 21 years in the United States Air Force and have been TDY, PCS or deployed all over the world. I was a K9 handler in the jungles of Panama (Howard 1998-1999) and in Iraq/AFG. I have truly enjoyed my 21 years served in the United States Air Force!
Tell us how your dog is helping you continue #StillServing in your community.
My retired K9 Summer is the 2021 AH Military Hero Dog and was deployed with the 1st Battalion 7th Marines to AFG (Kandahar).
She has saved countless lives while forward deployed with the Marines and with the travelling public with Amtrak in Washington DC. There is no statistic available for what she or other MWD’s have done in their lifetime. She is an amazing dog and a true veteran. She is a proud member of the U.S. War Dog Association and I’m a big advocate of having these veterans recognized in the VFW just like you and I. Due to her wartime service, Summer is diagnosed with PTS and struggles with this day to day. So very proud and honor to have her by my side!
Why do you do it?
Being a K9 handler and trainer is my passion in life. From saving lives to training dogs to save lives, whether its explosive or narcotics detection, patrol or service related, the ability to train an animal for someone who is in need is beyond words. The bond that I have with Summer and other dogs I train is the best thing!