Where did you serve and what did you do?

I was a yeoman aboard the USS Long Beach (CGN9) during operation Ernest Will, Persian Gulf 1987. My general quarters station was repair locker 2.

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

Without my dogs I would have given in to my impulse of isolation from the general community. Taking them to the dog park or on walks has given me the opportunity to practice engaging with individuals of the community. This engagement has given me the time I needed to relearn civilian social skills and find the ability to relax in crowds that usually had me in edge and uncomfortable. Once I was comfortable amoung groups of people I was able to join the VFW and start engaging with the community through the Buddy Poppy program. Now that I can do that service I plan to help our posts service officer reach out to other veterans who are isolated. Without my dogs, I would still be isolated myself.

Why do you do it?

I continue to serve because I see how lonely and unfulfilling my life was before my dogs helped me reengage with life and the world outside of work and sleep. I know there are many veterans who are living that life of isolation and loneliness and I just want to help them to know they don’t have to be alone in the world.