Where did you serve and what did you do?

Gulf War and Somalia – Communications Chief for 11th MEU SOC Marine Expeditionary Unit Special Operations Capabilities MSSG Marine Service & Support Group, Comm Detachment, Plt Sgt. EEECCC (Emergency Embassy Evacuation Critical Control of civilians) Gold team Stick Commander, Motorcycle Messenger / Scout. NCOIC Marine Signal Bridge watch NCOIC MSSG Landing Force Shore Party

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

Argos is my third service animal from America’s VetDogs Veteran K-9 Corps. He can hold open commercial doors, interior doors inside my home, and bring objects I can’t reach. He provides guidance going up or down stairs, 1 step at a time, to help me maintain balance. He pushes door buttons & turns lights on and off. Each day, we practice a variety of tasks to keep both in Q for when I need them.

Why do you do it?

I used to do a lot of speaking engagements that involved traveling to veteran sports functions and training camps to encourage newly injured veterans to continue on with life as a right-side amputee, my arm above the elbow, and leg below the knee. There are many adjustments to be made, living alone, a service animal can help in so many ways to improve the quality of life. They also force the veteran to go outdoors in all forms of weather for the animal’s bodily business and exercise. Service animals also serve as an icebreaker in public with the public. I have done workshops at large stores, so the employees are familiar with the dos & don’ts of public access with a service animal. As well as at schools with 1st & 2nd graders. Argos is blessed with an introduction command. People often see the patch don’t touch or pet, I’m working. Many ask If it would be possible? If not in a rush, I say he is working, yet you can meet him by crouching down, holding out your right hand & saying nice to meet you Argos – he will then shake their hand with his paw. The time spent with a service animal is not a chore; it is a life full of fun, adventure, and emotions with great memories. Where I go, Argos goes. We are a team and never apart.