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Man's best friend: serving those who serve

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Shane Ellis
  • 315th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
CHARLESTON, S.C. --  Meet Sam. Sam entered the military in November 2012. She has a military ID, her own uniform, a business card and carries a personal brochure with her everywhere she goes. Sam's life changed when she was rescued from the Summerville SPCA, and it's her job now to help change the life of a wounded veteran.

Sam is a service dog with Canines for Veterans, which is a member of Canines for Service. Service dogs help wounded veterans who have mobility and/or post-traumatic stress disorders. Sam is currently in training and will eventually be placed with a wounded veteran.

Sam attended her first Unit Training Assembly April 21 with 1st Lt. Shawna Rogers, 315th Airlift Wing intelligence officer, here. Over the course of the weekend Sam interacted with Rogers and other members of the 315 AW to build confidence and increase social skills, which is part of her training.

Rogers got involved with Canines for Service in 2013 after reading a book about a former Army captain who received a service dog for his disabilities and post-traumatic stress disorder.

"The quickest way to my heart is through a dog and a veteran," said Rogers. "After reading the book I realized how debilitating PTSD can be and how a service dog can help a wounded veteran have the quality of life he or she deserves."

Within a month Rogers began serving on the board of directors for Canine for Service where she has since been actively engaged to promote and support the program.

Laura Conn, head trainer for Canines for Veterans, rescued Sam from the SPCA and oversees all canine training at the Naval Consolidated Brig - Charleston. Inmates are responsible for all dog training from the beginning to placement with a veteran. The program is completely voluntary and inmates may ask to be removed from the program at any time.

"The program has many benefits," said Conn. "We refer to it as a 'triple win' since the benefits are far reaching and make their way to the wounded veteran, the military prisoner and the rescued dogs. The dogs are provided to veterans at no cost to them or the taxpayer, and the military prisoners are certified as service dog-trainers through the Department of Labor. Not to mention the fact that each dog rescued has an opportunity to discover its new purpose in life."

Rick Hairston, co-founder of Canines for Service, is proud of the fact that this non-profit service for veterans is one of 54 organizations accredited by Assistance Dogs International.

Service dogs are available to service members and veterans who have actively served between 1991 to present and were disabled while serving their country. Service members interested in learning more about service dogs should call 866-910-3647 or click here for more information.