PTSD Retired Police Officer and Veteran's Dogs Missing

Woman asks for help locating service dogs who assist her husband with PTSD
WMBF News
Friday, March 2nd 2018

CONWAY, SC (WMBF) – A Conway woman is asking for the public’s help in locating two lost service dogs that her husband relies on daily.

According to Tillman, her husband, Chris, is a retired police officer and Army veteran who suffers from severe post-traumatic stress disorder. The registered service dogs help him to feel secure, she said.

Anyone with information is asked to call Tillman at (843) 340-6611 day or night.
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PTSD veteran couldn't donate plasma because of PTSD?

Veteran says he was denied service while trying to donate plasma
KAGS NBC News
Author: Kerrie Hall
February 20, 2018

COLLEGE STATION, Texas - After nine years and five deployments with the US Marines, Bratton says he never imagined one of his biggest battles would be faced after leaving the military.

Dogs are often seen as man’s best friend and for veteran Mark Bratton, his dog Benny is that and much more.

After nine years and five deployments with the US Marines, Bratton says he never imagined one of his biggest battles would be faced after leaving the military.

“My symptoms just compounded and got worse but I just kept shoving them down. This is where my symptoms started to really arise and I got severe anxiety, depression severe hypervigilance,” said Bratton.

It was not until after some testing, that Bratton was diagnosed with PTSD.

“I didn't want to accept it, I didn't want to accept that I had post-traumatic stress disorder, that those were the things I was going through. I was afraid of how people would view me,” said Bratton.

A fear he came face to face with after he was denied while attempting to donate plasma. Clinic staff initially telling Bratton it was because of his dog then later saying it was because the veteran has PTSD.

“First it’s about the service dog then whenever I have the paperwork to back it up they fall back on, well you can't be here because you have PTSD,” said Bratton.
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Iraq Veteran beaten and stabbed searching for PTSD Service Dog

Man says he was stabbed and beaten while trying to retrieve lost dog
WREG 3 News
BY WREG STAFF AND ANDREW ELLISON
FEBRUARY 16, 2018

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A veteran says he was stabbed, beaten and robbed all while trying to get his service dog back, but now fears for the worst.

Michael Chaney just wants his pitbull “Scrappy” back.

"He's part of the family," Chaney said.

Chaney an Iraq war veteran says the service dog helps him deal with his PTSD and alerts people if he’s having a seizure.

"It get me out in places I normally won't go such as the mall," Chaney said.

Three weeks ago Scrappy got out and disappeared.

Chaney says he spotted him with a man two days ago under the overpass at Germantown Parkway and Walnut Grove.
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Korean War veteran facing eviction over service dogs shot by police

Armed veteran, facing eviction over his service dogs, shot to death by police
Miami Herald
BY CHARLES RABIN AND DAVID OVALLE
February 12, 2018

A despondent military veteran — slated for eviction because of complaints about his service dogs, Roxie and Ranger — was shot to death after police say he pointed a gun at officers on Monday afternoon near Homestead.

Jonathan Rodriguez, a friend of Korean War veteran Raymond Bishop, said the 84-year-old Bishop was upset about a pending eviction. Police shot Bishop on Monday after being called to his apartment on a report of an armed man threatening suicide.
Charles Rabin crabin@miamiherald.com

Raymond Bishop, 84, died inside his home at the Hidden Grove apartments. Miami-Dade police officers had rushed to the home after receiving a call of an armed man threatening to kill himself.

At least four Miami-Dade officers wound up opening fire on Bishop from just outside the doorway where he stood, gun in hand — but only after pleading with him extensively to put his weapon down, law-enforcement sources told the Miami Herald. One officer even praised Bishop’s military background in an attempt to get him to surrender peacefully.

The dogs were inside the apartment and were not harmed, one source said.

Bishop, who served in the Korean War, was upset about the apartment complex’s eviction attempt, according to a neighbor. Bishop lived there, according to court records, under a Miami-Dade County government subsidy program.

“They were throwing him out. He had nowhere to go,” said neighbor Jonathan Rodriguez, who often fed Bishop and took him to the veterans hospital for medical treatment.
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Linked from Stars and Stripes

Vietnam Veteran and PTSD Service Dog Bonded and Dying

Despite illness, Honey the ‘wonder dog’ helps her human
Gainesville Sun
By Rebecca Santana / Correspondent
Posted Jan 26, 2018

Seven years ago, Michael Gaither felt hopeless. Long after his military service in Vietnam, he was still traumatized and suffering. He didn’t want to see his children. He drew the curtains and locked the doors of his Chiefland home.

This is how he planned to spend the rest of his life.

Then came Honey, a full mobility and post-traumatic stress disorder medical service dog.

Michael Gather, a Vietnam veteran, and his service dog Honey are reunited after Honey's 100th treatment at the University of Florida small animal clinic. Lauren Bacho Staff Photographer

Gaither and Honey met through a research project conducted by the Veterans Administration that pairs medical service dogs and veterans with PTSD.

Honey and Gaither were the first dog-and-man pair in the program. The moment Honey met Gaither she stayed with him, and she hasn’t left his side since. The couple call her “Honey the wonder dog.”

For the past seven years Honey has given Gaither physical and emotional support. She helps the 72-year-old dress every morning, picks up anything he drops and comforts him when he has night terrors.

“She’s like she’s part of me,” Gaither said. “I’ve never left the house for seven years without her.”

Both Gaither and Honey are terminally ill. Besides PTSD, Gaither has multiple sclerosis and osteoporosis. He’s currently in hospice care at Malcom Randall VA Medical Center.

“Honey takes his mind off all that,” said Gaither’s wife, Kaye, 75.

Honey is affected by aspergillus, a fungal infection that no amount of antibiotics has been able to quell. She’s being treated at the UF Small Animal Hospital with the integrative medicine service.
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Delta Airlines wants proof your dog is good to fly

Good dog or bad dog Delta wants to know before you board
Associated Press
David Koenig
January 20, 2018

A rift has grown between disabled people who rely on trained service animals, usually dogs, and passengers with support or comfort animals, with many in the first group suspecting that those in the latter are just trying to avoid paying $125.

However, owners of comfort animals, including veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress syndrome, often say that they wouldn't be able to travel without their companion.

DALLAS - Delta Air Lines will soon require owners of service and support animals to provide more information before their animal can fly in the passenger cabin, including an assurance that it's trained to behave itself.

The airline says complaints about animals biting or urinating or defecating on planes have nearly doubled since 2016.

Starting March 1, Delta will require owners to show proof of their animal's health or vaccinations at least 48 hours before a flight.

Owners of psychiatric service animals and of those used for emotional support will need to sign a statement vouching that their animal can behave. But owners will be on the honor system - they won't have to show, for example, that their dog graduated from obedience school.
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Considering you can buy a service dog vest at Walmart...

The Holiday Bar won in court but did right thing anyway

When the news came out this bar turned away a PTSD service dog, they were actually within the law. They won in court. But then, something stunning happened. They did the right thing and held training for other business owners to learn the law and what these fabulous service dogs do!

The Holiday Bar holds service dog training session for local businesses
WZZM ABC 13 News
Noah Fromson
January 13, 2018

GRAND RAPIDS, MICH. - The Holiday Bar in Grand Rapids hosted a service dog training session for local business owners Saturday.

"We thought they might be interested in hosting us because of what happened, and they were," said Jenn Gavin, owner and head trainer at A Pleasant Dog in Grand Rapids.

The Holiday Bar in Grand Rapids hosted a service dog training session Saturday for local business owners. (Photo: WZZM)

The bar and restaurant refused to serve veteran Jerome Smith, and his service dog, JoJo, on Friday, Nov. 10. The Holiday Bar manager said they were kicked out to keep JoJo safe, but apologized for "disrespectful and unprofessional" actions. The business then donated more than $2,000 to the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans.

Gavin, along with local attorney Nicholas Vander Veen, spoke to a small crowd about what business owners can and cannot do when people come into their establishments with service dogs.

"You can ask two questions: is that a service dog trained to mitigate your disability?" Gavin said. "What is it trained to do? You can't ask for certification. You can't ask why it's not wearing a vest."

On Jan. 4, a Kent County prosecutor said The Holiday Bar manager would not be charged because JoJo was not wearing a leash when the incident occurred.

According to the Americans with Disabilities Act, service animals must be "harnessed, leashed or tethered, unless these devices interfere with the service animal's work or the individual's disability prevents using these devices."
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Prisoners and puppies changing lives 4 paws at a time

Puppies Raised In Prison Go On To Help Disabled Veterans
WNPR
David Desroches
December 29, 2017

Prisons have actually been training dogs since the 1980s. A Dominican nun is credited with  bringing the first training program to a Washington state prison back in 1981.

Jerrod Chapel working with his dog, Pete, teaching him how to fetch things for a future disabled veteran.DAVID DESROCHES / WNPR 

Inside Enfield Correctional Institution there are all the expected security measures: Huge steel doors. Armed guards. Barbed-wire fences. Locked gates.

But in one area of the prison, there's something a little different.

There's a room with a huge mural painted on the back wall. It shows men and women in army fatigues playing with dogs. One woman is in a wheelchair. Inside this room, there are all sorts of props built to mimic items in a home: a refrigerator; a portion of a wall with a light switch on it; a door -- literally a door to nowhere -- in the middle of the room, with a leash attached to a handle.

This room is where inmates train puppies to be service dogs for veterans.

One of the dogs Santiago got to train was Caspar, a big yellow lab, mixed with a little golden retriever. A few months ago, Caspar found a home with Bob Rapone. He's a Vietnam veteran who's been living with PTSD ever since he came home nearly 50 years ago.

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Afghanistan Veteran Takes Care of Homeless Veterans For Chirstmas

Afghanistan veteran gives back by providing Christmas Eve meals
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Meg Jones
Published Dec. 24, 2017

"The last four, five years Christmas has been a little lackluster for me. This year I decided to do something about it because Christmas is more than gifts and pretty Christmas trees." Matt McDonell 

The holidays are a difficult time of year for Matt McDonell ever since he lost a comrade in Afghanistan on Christmas Eve five years ago.

A photo of veteran Matt McDonell, who was stationed in Afghanistan's Logar Province when his friend was killed by small arms fire on Christmas Eve 2012. Since then, Christmas has been difficult for him. Photo courtesy of Matt McDonell

Each December memories flood back for the Fox Point man: hearing the horrible news, attending a memorial service and participating in the last roll call on Christmas Day.

But this year, McDonell decided to spend the holiday helping fellow veterans, collecting clothing donations and organizing a Christmas Eve luncheon for homeless veterans. And in a way, he's helping himself heal from his loss.
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PTSD Service Dog Stolen From Iraq Veteran

UPDATE

Police: Dog custody fight led to felony

New Hampshire Union Leader

Shawne K. Wickham

January 12, 2018

Two weeks before a Concord woman reported that her dog had been stolen during an assault, police say she and her husband had grabbed the very same dog from relatives in Manchester who claim that Jax the pitbull is theirs.

Now Christopher McCall faces a felony charge for allegedly assaulting his sister during that Dec. 1 incident, at one point driving off with her on the hood of his vehicle.

On Thursday, McCall, 36, appeared in a Manchester courtroom, where he waived arraignment for felony reckless conduct and domestic simple assault, a misdemeanor.

He and his wife, Ashley McCall, declined to talk with a reporter after the brief appearance in Hillsborough County Superior Court North. “We really have to go,” Ashley McCall said, walking away.

Meanwhile, Concord police say they are not charging anyone in connection with a Dec. 14 incident in which Ashley McCall, a military veteran, said she had been knocked to the ground outside her apartment by a man who then grabbed Jax and fled in a vehicle.

Both Ashley and Christopher McCall posted about that incident on social media, prompting outrage and sympathy from dog lovers across New Hampshire and beyond. They did not mention that they suspected their relatives had taken the dog, and the dognapping was widely shared on social media, even prompting a crowdfunding effort.

However, Concord police soon characterized the incident as a “custody battle.” 

read more here

Iraq War vet pleas for return of stolen service dog in Concord, N.H.

WHDH News
Alex DiPrato
December 15, 2017

CONCORD, N.H. (WHDH) — An Iraq War veteran in Concord, New Hampshire said she was attacked by a man who then stole her service dog.

Ashley McCall said she had just put her 3-year-old pit bull, Jax, in her car after taking him for a walk. She was about to go run some errands when she said a man approached her and started asking her questions about Jax.

“He starts asking me questions about what kind of dog he was, what his name was and then wanted to see the dog. And I told him, I really need to get going,” said McCall.

McCall said the man then reached for her car’s door handle and opened it. McCall said she shut the door and he shoved her onto the ground. The suspect then grabbed Jax and got into an awaiting silver Ford Focus. McCall said the man then threw Jax’s service vest and leash out of the car before taking off.

“I’m screaming at him, this is my dog, what are you doing, you can’t do this! He just takes off,” said McCall.
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Australia: PTSD Navy Veteran Has Dog as Co-pilot...on motorcycle?

Bundy, the biker dog who has clocked up 1 million kilometres to raise funds for charity
Sydney Morning Herald
Julie Power
December 10, 2017

How do you teach an Australian stumpy-tailed cattle dog to ride a million kilometres behind the wheel of a motorcycle?

Tex O'Grady and Bundy, who have ridden 1 million kilometres by motorbike for charity. Photo: Helen Nezdropa

Start by pushing the dog sitting on the motorbike up and down the driveway, said Tex O'Grady who owns the dog, Bundy. Then a lap of the block. Turn the engine on next time. "Eventually that block becomes a lap of Australia," Mr O'Grady said.

Bundy is a registered assistance animal, who received training from non-profit Young Diggers, which trains therapy dogs and veterans suffering from PTSD. 

Bundy is the only dog in Australia who has permission - except in the Northern Territory and South Australia - to ride between the handlebar and the driver of a vehicle.
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Seven Deployments Veteran Finds Solace with Service Dog

Navy veteran with amnesia and PTSD finds solace in service dog

WMTV 15 News

By Alissa Harrington 
Nov 14, 2017

LEXINGTON, Neb. (KSNB) -- 

Imagine waking up one day thinking it is 1994, but it is actually the year 2009.

That's what happened to Buf Kloppenborg, a Navy veteran from Nebraska. Luckily, a service dog has helped Kloppenborg tremendously in getting through his amnesia and severe PTSD, but now he's in need of a new dog and is look for the help of the community.

"I pull over to get some sleep and the next thing I know, I wake up and it's 2009, and I'm driving a Jeep that's not mine," Kloppenborg recalls, describing the night that when his world changed.

In 2009, the Navy Corpsman woke unable to recall the last 14 years of his life, including the last 4 out of 7 military deployments.
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Bar Donates Sales to Make Amends For Kicking Out Veteran with PTSD Service Dog

Even better update

Holiday Bar held training session for business owners to understand the law and what PTSD Service Dogs do!

UPDATE

Apology falls short for veteran kicked out of bar due to his service dog

MLive
Shandra Martinez
November 13, 2017

GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- A West Michigan veteran who was kicked out of a Grand Rapids bar over Veteran's Day weekend because he was accompanied by a service dog isn't happy with the bar's apology.

Jerome Smith with his service dog, JoJo, at the Grand Haven pier. (Courtesy | Jerome Smith)

It amounts to little more than than damage control, says Jerome Smith.

"The way I was treated was so disrespectful," said Smith, 35. "I want to give them a chance to grow and make this right."

Smith wants the Holiday Bar to sponsor a service dog through This Able Veteran, the same organization that gave him his service dog, JoJo, a German Shepherd mix, five years ago.
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Veteran and service dog denied entry to local Grand Rapids bar

FOX 17 Michigan

November 12, 2017

"In light of all the pain this has caused we will be donating 100% of all of our sales today to the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans, we know this doesn’t change what happened, but maybe it will be a cause for reflection in our own hearts if nothing else."

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- A local veteran says he and his service dog were denied entry to a Grand Rapids bar just before Veterans Day.

Jeremy Smith, who served in Iraq, said he went out with other Marines on Friday for some food in downtown Grand Rapids before going to the Holiday Bar. Managers reportedly wouldn't allow him or his service dog, Jo-Jo, inside. Smith told FOX 17 he was upset over the incident and said it was a violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

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Veterans Groups Joined Forces But Left Out Most Veterans

As with everything else, notice that not all veterans are helped by this group. 65% of the veterans committing suicide are pre-9-11 veterans but they are forgotten about. 

Nothing will change until there are "none the less" veterans. 

Nonprofit joins together veterans, rescue dogs 
WESH 2 News 
November 4, 2017 

Several veterans are looking for a new start with new K9 companions thanks to a nonprofit organization.

The American Legion Auxiliary presented a $9,100 check to the K9s for Warriors nonprofit. The organization provides service dogs to veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury and/or military sexual trauma during military service post-9/11. 

The cost to train each dog is around $27,000 which the organization provides to veterans at no cost. 
read more here

Service dogs are wonderful but they would be wonderful for all generations of our veterans. I am unapologetic about the way I feel toward all these new groups totally dismissing the sacrifices made by older veterans and the fact they waited longer for someone to care about them.

What kind of Veterans Day is it for the majority of our veterans? Ever think about what kind of message this sends them? Ever wonder what it is like for them to read about something wonderful happening for other veterans while they are abandoned?

Australia Veterans Get "pills with four legs" for PTSD

Man's best friend aids Australian military vets with PTSD

AFP
September 29, 2017

"Ex-servicemen were also about 14 percent more likely to kill themselves than men in the general population."

© Facebook Sarbi, an Australian military dog trained in explosives.

They are nicknamed "pills with four legs" -- highly-trained dogs helping ex-Australian military veterans overcome the mental scars of war.

Australia's servicemen and women have in recent times been posted to danger zones in Iraq, East Timor, and Afghanistan -- the nation's longest-running military conflict.

With some undertaking multiple tours of duty, psychologists are concerned traditional treatment such as counselling do not sufficiently address the trauma of combat.

"I lost my home, my marriage," Ken Lloyd, an experienced former special forces commando who has battled severe Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), told AFP.

"Thankfully I am still in contact with my sons, thankfully I'm better," he added.

The Afghan veteran found he was able to better understand PTSD symptoms, such as anxiety and anger, when he began training his pet labrador Jaeger to help him with tasks.
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Air Force Tech Sgt. Gets Diesel For PTSD

Rebuilding Warriors presents Air Commando with service dog
Cannon Air Force Base
By Senior Airman Luke Kitterman, 27th Special Operations Wing Public Affairs
Published September 28, 2017

“Dealing with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, the anxiety never really leaves.”  Tech. Sgt. Michael Farthing

CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, New Mexico

Eastern New Mexico University’s football team won their third game of the season September 23, 2017, with the Greyhounds beating Angelo State 31-21 and improving their record to 3-1. Accurate passes, long runs and big hits highlighted the rain-soaked match; however, the biggest play of the night didn’t happen during the game. It happened before the first whistle was even blown.

Tech. Sgt. Michael Farthing, 16th Special Operations Squadron aerial gunner on the AC-130W Stinger II, embraces his new service dog “Diesel” before the start of the Eastern New Mexico University’s Greyhounds football game September 23, 2017, at Al Whitehead Field in Portales, New Mexico. It was through Rebuilding Warriors, a program that provides service dogs with military members who have been diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Traumatic Brain Injuries as well as amputees, that Farthing was able to receive Diesel. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Luke Kitterman/Released)

Tech. Sgt. Michael Farthing, 16th Special Operations Squadron aerial gunner on the AC-130W Stinger II, received a service dog during a ceremony before the start of the military appreciation game at Al Whitehead Field in Portales, New Mexico. He was joined by family, friends and colleagues to support him in the big moment.

“I was extremely nervous,” Farthing said. “Dealing with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, the anxiety never really leaves. I was worried more than anything that everything would go smooth. The rain put a damper on things for a while but my family who are a major support system for me helped keep me grounded and calm.”

Farthing stood on the track at the 50-yard line as the announcer spoke of his accomplishments and dedicated service during his time in the Air Force. Then, his service dog, “Diesel,” was brought out to him as the crowd erupted in cheers.

“Receiving Diesel and seeing my Gunship family in the stands, along with my family and commander behind me, was very emotional,” Farthing explained. “Happiness, excitement, humility – all these things were rushing through me. Seeing the support of my squadron members in those stands was unlike anything I can describe.”

Farthing has flown 1,400 combat hours on more than 10 deployments including 270 combat missions, where he faced the threat of manned portable air defense systems and anti-aircraft artillery. Through Rebuilding Warriors, a program that pairs service dogs with military members who have been diagnosed with PTSD and Traumatic Brain Injuries as well as amputees. Farthing was able to receive Diesel.
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PTSD Veterans Change Again With Service Dogs

Veteran: 'Just because we made it home…this fight's not over.'
WUSA
Andrea McCarren
September 26, 2017

WASHINGTON (WUSA9) - A major development played out on Capitol Hill for proponents of a bill helping veterans with PTSD get free service dogs starting next year.

"When I got Axel in 2012, I was on 32 different medications," said Capt. Haag. "Twelve of them were narcotics. I was severely addicted. I was abusing them. I was also drinking heavily."

Today, he has only needed two medications and neither is a narcotic. 

Capt. Jason Haag, U.S. Marine Corps veteran said his service dog changed his life. Photo: Elizabeth Jia, WUSA9

The Subcommittee on Health of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs held its first legislative hearing to discuss the PAWS Act. PAWS stands for Puppies Assisting Wounded Servicemembers. 

To date, the bill, H.R. 2327, has 199 bipartisan co-sponsors in the House. The Senate has also drafted a corresponding bill, S.1014.

If the bill becomes law, then a five-year, $10-million pilot program would begin in 2018. It would grant $25,000 to eligible organizations to raise and train service dogs for veterans in need.

“We’re doing it to save lives,” testified Rep. Ron DeSantis, an original co-sponsor of the PAWS Act. The Republican from Florida added, “If you end up having a veteran where that works well and they stop using some of the prescription drugs, that’s actually going to save a lot of money.”
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REMINDER: Who you are is not changed by how you are. It is all still inside of you. These dogs can remind you of that by giving you love and hope once you see, your life can change again!

Woman Loses It Over PTSD Service Dog

And the winners are the veteran, his family, people who stuck up for him and Kathy's Crab House because of what they are doing about this!

Kathy's Crab House & Family RestaurantYesterday at 9:05am · 
We would like to express at this time how sorry we are over the embarrassing turn of events that occurred earlier this week in our restaurant, here in Delaware City.
It is unfortunate that some of the public are not familiar with federal regulations regarding service animals, which, in fact, do permit service animals into establishments such as grocery stores, public buildings and restaurants, giving aid and comfort to their masters in their time of need.
That being said, we would like to take what may have been perceived as a negative incident and turn this into a positive opportunity, by educating and enlightening the public about the role of service animals and how they help and serve many returning veterans who have suffered serious wounds and injuries, as well as those veterans suffering from PTSD.
So, at this time, we would like to announce that we will be sponsoring a fundraising effort for veterans and service animals thru the Montana Wounded Warriors. We would like to enlist your help as a sponsor, volunteer, or as a donor and help us enlighten and educate the public as well as to help those veterans in need.
Details need to be finalized at this time, but as they come together, we will make additional announcements to keep you apprised of our progress.
Thank you

Video captures argument about veteran's service dog in restaurant
USA Today Adam Duvernay
Wilmington News Journal
September 21, 2017


WILMINGTON, Del. — A now-viral video depicting the argument over a veteran's service dog in a Delaware restaurant has participants on all sides explaining their actions.

The video begins in the middle of an argument where a woman believed a veteran's service dog ruined her dining experience. The video shows Delaware resident Ciara Miller standing in the middle of Kathy's Crab House in Delaware City, Del., arguing with a small group of people, which included a man holding the leash of a Great Dane wearing a vest indicating it's a "PTSD service dog."

"I'm not going to keep my opinions to myself. I'm going to voice it just like I did. There's nothing you can do about it," Miller said in the video.
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Iraq Veteran With PTSD Got Keys to New Home

Iraq War veteran receives keys to new home

KWQC News
Gabriella Rusk
September 3, 2017

DAVENPORT, Iowa (KWQC) - Sunday at the QC Festival of Praise featured the Christian rock singer Crowder as the headlining act.

But before he took the stage, Sgt. Angel Camacho received a special gift.

"It means a lot to us," Camacho says.

After serving for 13 months in Iraq, Camacho returned home suffering from PTSD and needing the aid of a service dog. His wife quit her job in order to help her husband adjust.

At the concert, the Military Warriors Support Foundation gifted the Camacho family with keys to a new, mortgage free home.

"I can't even describe how wonderful it makes you feel because you see their lives change right in front of your eyes," says Retired Lt. General Leroy Sisco, who works with the Military Warriors Support Foundation.
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Iraq Veteran Speaks Out After PTSD Service Dog Kicked Out

Milton veteran speaks out after restaurant turns away service dog
Pensacola News Journal
Melissa Nelson Gabriel
August 17, 2017

A Milton Army veteran is speaking out after being questioned by a Fort Walton Beach restaurant owner about her service dog.

Brittney Healy, who spent a year in Baghdad, Iraq, working in mortuary affairs in 2010, relies on her service dog to help her feel comfortable and safe in public places. Healy, 25, enlisted in the Army at age 17 and deployed to Iraq a year later.

She said she wasn't fully prepared for the emotional impact of processing the bodies of dead Americans, Iraqis and children.

"That was tough," said Healy, who has battled post-traumatic stress disorder since leaving the Army. Healy is also a survivor of military sexual assault.
read more here

Where Service Animals Are Allowed
Under the ADA, State and local governments, businesses, and nonprofit organizations that serve the public generally must allow service animals to accompany people with disabilities in all areas of the facility where the public is normally allowed to go. For example, in a hospital it would be inappropriate to exclude a service animal from areas such as patient rooms, clinics, cafeterias, or examination rooms. However, it may be appropriate to exclude a service animal from operating rooms or burn units where the animal’s presence may compromise a sterile environment.

Read  the rest of the law and print it. Take it with you in case you run into someone else who did not bother to get the facts ahead of time.