Alex Gries & Sherman – Stories About Veterans & Service Dogs
U.S. Army veteran Alex Gries served in Iraq. Struggling with the aftermath of combat, Alex partnered and trains with her beloved service dog Sherman at Operation Freedom Paws. Alex is finding her “new normal” with Sherman as he is by her side, helping to...
Carlos Vera & Ruthie – Stories About Veterans & Service Dogs
At age 18, veteran Carlos Vera enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and served for six years. In 1992, he deployed to Somalia, Operation Restore Hope, and was among the first troops to arrive to that conflict. Poorly equipped and on call 24/7, the war left its mark....
Julie Kirk & Mal – Stories About Veterans & Service Dogs
Vietnam-era veteran Julie Kirk Vietnam-era veteran Julie Kirk joined the Army at age 18. She trained as a medic and worked on the surgical floor of the hospital at Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri taking care of injured soldiers returning from the Vietnam War. Several...
Chris Dolan & April – Stories About Veterans & Service Dogs
U.S. Army veteran Chris Dolan was deployed three times, once to Iraq and twice to Afghanistan. After coming home, it was only after a hospitalization that the Army finally diagnosed him with PTSD. Eventually, he learned about service dogs and found Operation Freedom...