AF Wants to Decrease Manning for its UAVs. Navy s Cutting-edge Method to Launch Aircraft Faces Reliability Issues. Top Story from each of the branches of service for February 27, 2018 Full-stories can be found at: www.military.com Coast Guard Dive Team to Inspect Sunken Tugboat off Kennebunk. Marine General is Chastised for Meddling in Hazing Case. Jump Policy Update Ensures Paratroopers Maintain Hazardous Pay.
February 27, 2018
Touching 2 Lives at Once Jay Montoya Event & Volunteer Coordinator SoldiersBestFriend.org (623) 218-6486
Touching 2 Lives at Once Soldier s Best Friend provides U.S. military veterans living with combat-related Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) with Service or Therapeutic Companion Dogs, most of which are rescued from local shelters. The veteran and dog train together to build a trusting relationship that saves two lives at once and inspires countless others.
It s hard to describe the sheer terror, horror and boredom of war to someone that has never experienced it. Your brain produces chemicals to keep your body and mind at a high state of vigilance in the presence of danger and death. My brain spent an entire year re-wiring itself to cope with lifethreatening situations while serving in combat and unfortunately, there is no off switch. It is no small wonder that veterans return with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Dave & Service Dog Caleb August 2015 Graduates It was no more than a 26 hour flight; that was my transition from being in a combat zone to being back with my family. Phillip & Service Dog Samson June 2017 Graduates
Our Goal Help Combat Veterans: Improve their symptoms Adjust back into civilian life Lead a more productive life Rebuild self esteem Help the pet overpopulation problem by: Placing shelter or rescue dogs into good homes Give these dogs honorable work
About Us Arizona based 501(c)3 nonprofit charity Founded & Training began Spring 2011 Current training locations: Phoenix, Prescott, Flagstaff, Tucson and Sierra Vista
Why we re unique Working with combat veterans Shelter dogs or veteran owned dogs No cost to veteran during training Owner handler model: live and train together Service Dog or Therapeutic Companion Dog Advised by a volunteer PTSD counselor
Symptoms of PTSD or TBI Nightmares Irritability Flashbacks Startle response to sudden noises Depression Anxiety/crowd anxiety Reclusive behavior Panic attacks Inability to concentrate, memory loss Suicidal thoughts ( * 20 veterans commit suicide daily) *Source: va.gov News Release 8/3/16
The Process 2. In-home Interview 3. Secure Rescue Dog or Evaluate Veteran Owned Dog 1. Veteran Application 4. Foster Rescue Dog for Further Evaluation (2-4 weeks) 5. Pair Veteran with Dog & Begin Training Average time: 6-9 months Average cost: $4,000
Training Program Graduation Canine Good Citizen Basic Obedience Special Task Training Tasks (minimum 3) Outings Variety Store Barber Shop/Salon Slow Restaurant Fast Restaurant Grocery Store Pet Store Mall Public Transportation Airport Public Access Test Husbandry Lecture Proper Animal Care Written Test Husbandry Test ADA Laws Transfer ownership Certificate of completion & ID card Encourage continued engagement
A Look Inside the SBF Training Campus Practicing Under Practicing Lead & Follow Practicing Sit Practicing Focus
A Look Inside the SBF Training Campus Gaining Confidence Practicing Focus Practicing Through Gaining Confidence
Public Outing Training: Working Dog in Training Air Port Practicing Leave it Public Access Test Practicing Load & Unload
Stone Emma Chief Sundance Que Kenai Hera The many faces of a service dog. A service dog is a WORKING DOG!
Frequently Asked Questions: What is a service dog? A service dog is one that has been trained to perform tasks for an individual with a disability. Task(s) must be directly related to the person's disability. All SBF service dogs are trained to perform a minimum of three tasks. Examples of PTSD and TBI Service Dog tasks. Provide gentle physical space between veteran and other people so they can comfortably interact. Alert the veteran to an approaching person. Turn on the lights after a nightmare or before entering a room. Medication reminder Brace/Balance Source: ada.gov
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Under ADA, two questions can be asked to determine if a dog is a service animal? Is the dog a service animal required because of a disability? What work or task has the dog been trained to perform? Which Public Accommodations Must Allow Service Animals? Service animal law applies broadly to any place of business, office, or place of recreation to which the general public is invited, whether it is run by a public or private entity. Examples: Public Transportation, Restaurants, Schools, Hotels, Parks, Etc. Source: ada.gov
Tips to remember when you encounter a Service Dog team When approaching a service dog team, speak to the handler first. Ask handler s permission before petting a service dog. Please do not feed or offer treats to a service dog. If you have a dog with you, only approach the service dog with the handler s consent. Avoid asking personal questions about the handler s disability.
Current Statistics Accepted into program: 435 Graduated veteran/dog teams:210 (February 2018) Teams currently in training: 44 Dogs adopted to date: 120+ Average cost to pair, equip & train a team: $4000
Up coming event: Registration Includes: 50 Clay Pigeons 50 Shot Gun Shells Lunch T-Shirt
Thank you for your support! For more information about our program, volunteer opportunities, or ways to support our mission, check out our website or contact our office. Touching 2 Lives at Once Contact Us: Web: SoldiersBestFriend.org Email: contact@soldiersbestfriend.org Phone: 623.218.6486
Scott Duke
Mark Grindle
Topic Food for Kidz Packing Day Volunteers (Mar 6, 2018) We are 100% complete with volunteers Food for Kidz Golf Tournament (March 16, 2018) We are 100% full w/120 golfers POC Paul Bernard Table Captain Bob Meizinger
Topic Mita Club Flag Pole Display POC Bob Alford
20 April 2018 Team Captain Meeting: March 15 th @ 10:00 am 28700 N. 127 th Lane Team Captains: John Nawrocki (Army) Mike Pagliarulo (Army) Steve Winer (Air Force) Joe Ingalls (Air Force John Fritze (Navy) Bill Morse (Marines) Les Kessler (Board of Directors) Justice Tarburton (Luke AFB) Engraved Bocce Dog tags
Charity Best Ball Tourney Supporting Falcon Dunes Golf Course Luke AFB, AZ November 16th Tee-off start: 8:30 am POCs Nancy Duke (Chair) Marv Shadman Jim Brager
Lake Pleasant Marina stated that veterans, who can show proof, can get into the marina for free. If they have a boat, they just pay the difference between the entrance and launching fee. Chris Salzer, Trilogy Veterans Club
Be sure to pick one of these cards up Located at the front of the room