Where did you serve and what did you do?

USAF 1972-1992. Missile Systems Guidance Specialist, AF Band Musician, USAF Recruiter, Public Affairs specialist

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

My Golden Retriever, Sadie, is a registered therapy dog as a member of Keystone Pet-Enhanced Therapy Services. After the Covid restrictions were lifted we began serving at the Lebanon, PA Veterans Medical Center. Sadie has been visiting veterans in various clinics as well as the hospice center, nursing home and rehab center.

Why do you do it?

Before I retired from my civil service position I planned to get a golden retriever and get her trained to provide therapy specifically for the Lebanon VA Medical Center. I grew up in Lebanon, PA and always had a profound respect for the center and the veterans who received medical services there. (It was recently named “best in the US” again for the fourth consecutive year. It’s a special place.) Knowing how a dog can influence a patient’s overall well-being I was eager to get Sadie introduced to all my brothers and sisters in arms. She is a very special dog and loves meeting and hanging out with the vets. For me the experience is everything I imagined it to be…and sooooo much more. Sadie and I have made weekly visits to the center since March. And we’re looking forward to a long future of visits!