6 minute read
Shelter to Soldier Veteran-Graduate
Shelter to Soldier Veteran-Graduate Dustin Potash Appointed Veteran Advocate and Case Manager
By Eva M. Stimson In his newly appointed position as Shelter to Soldier (STS) Veteran Advocate and Case Manager, Dustin A. Potash (US Army), values how important it is to navigate through the application process for donated service dogs offered by the STS program to post-9/11 combat veterans suffering from Post Traumatic Stress (PTS) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). The challenges experienced by our veteran applicants are all too familiar for Dustin, and he utilizes his passion, understanding and desire to help other veterans continue to forge ahead, as he has done. Dustin welcomes this as an opportunity to help his fellow comrades, as he personally sought a solution through STS. Dustin is particularly qualified for his new position at Shelter to Soldier, having experienced the extensive training he went through during the process himself. He successfully graduated through the STS curriculum and was paired with his compassionate service dog, Nigel. According to Dustin, “I joined the Army in 2002 and was training as an Artilleryman at Fort Sill, OK. My first duty station was at Fort Campbell in Kentucky. In 2003 I was deployed to Iraq during the first invasion. My job was to follow the infantry and shoot artillery rounds into enemy defenses so that the infantry could continue to move forward. Once we moved forward, we would drive through the destruction and saw firsthand the damage we caused. I did this for the entire year I was in Iraq. No one should be subject to the sights and events I witnessed while in war
Later in my career, I would escort fallen soldiers to their hometowns as well as notify next of kin of their loved one’s death. During my twelve-year career, I always knew that something was off in me, but I could never talk about it or admit there was something wrong. I was taught in the military never to complain and learned very quickly how to hide and suppress my emotions. There was no outlet for me to talk about what was going on. All I knew was to put the left foot in front of the right and keep moving forward. Everyone has a breaking point and mine occurred in 2013. My mind and body just couldn’t take any more pain so I decided to leave the Military in 2014.
Photo by: © Allison Shamrell Pet Photography www.AllisonShamrell.com San Diego, CA
In 2013, I was diagnosed with PTSD with Major Depressive Disorder. During my last year in the military I started to see a therapist to address my symptoms. I was having panic attacks, nightmares, night terrors, hypervigilence, anxiety, and I was isolating from friends and family. It was very difficult for me to talk to someone who did not share the same experiences as I did. Finally, in 2014, I was honorably discharged from the Army and was now on my own to deal with my PTSD.
Now out of the military and away from any support, I had my first suicidal thoughts. I remember sitting in my car deciding if I was going to end my life to stop the emotional pain I was in. As I was sitting in my car contemplating suicide, I saw someone walking a dog and for a split second, it took my mind off my suicidal thoughts. As I followed them I noticed that they were walking into a shelter and I had a thought that maybe I needed a dog to be in my life. That’s when STS came to my rescue.”
Dustin elaborates, “If it weren’t for STS, I don’t know if I’d still be around…they are like an extended family for me. I have had suicidal thoughts since 2013, but they helped me overcome these thoughts by pairing me with my wonderful therapeutic companion (STS service dog), Nigel. STS has been nothing but a positive resource in my life. I am extraordinarily grateful to my sponsor UNITE Hair and Shelter to Soldier for providing me with a new positive outlook on life. I think one of the most impressive characteristics of STS is that they initially contacted me within 24 hours of my inquiry…without a doubt, they are highly dedicated to helping veterans like me in desperate, immediate need. It is no exaggeration to say that they helped save my life.”
Additional veterans have benefitted from transformative experiences through the STS program. Chris MeyerOntiveros, US Army and service dog Jade, “I have been diagnosed with severe and chronic depression, PTSD, and multiple traumatic brain injuries while in service. I had tremendous issues getting out of the house where the walls felt like they were closing in on me, including lots of anxiety, depression, night terrors every night and issues in social situations. Jade has had a tremendous impact on my life. I do not know if I would still be around today if it was not for her.”
Teri McConnell, USN (Ret.) elaborates on her STS journey with her service dog Riddler, “After returning home from deployment, things took a very downward turn for me. I lost a close friend onboard our ship while I was on watch during a collision. I was constantly on the tipping point of rage at everyone and everything that reminded me of the accident and my friend’s death. I started to have night terrors where I would wake up screaming two -to-three times per night. STS paired me with Riddler and it’s no exaggeration to say that he has made everything better. He literally watches my back for me when I can’t stand with my back against a wall. “
Witnessing the hands-on affect that rescued, trained service dogs have on the lives of military veterans has motivated Shelter to Soldier executives, staff and board members to advance their mission of Saving Lives, Two at a Time™. Graham Bloem, Shelter to Soldier President explains, “What started as an idea has, thanks to our dedicated team, blossomed into a highly impactful program that is forever changing the lives of deserving shelter dogs and veterans who need our support. We are so proud of all that Shelter to Soldier has accomplished, from the small victories we see in training sessions, to the big life moments our veterans and service dogs experience together. This program is a small expression of gratitude that we can provide to these brave men and women who have sacrificed so much to protect our country.”
About Shelter to Soldier
Shelter to Soldier is a California 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that adopts dogs from local shelters and trains them to become psychiatric service dogs for post9/11 combat veterans suffering from Post Traumatic Stress (PTS), Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and/or other psychological injuries.
Shelter to Soldier Co Founder, Graham Bloem is the recipient of the American Red Cross Real Heroes Award, 10News Leadership Award, CBS8 News Change It Up Award, Honeywell Life Safety Award, and the 2016 Waggy Award. Additionally, Shelter to Soldier is accredited by the Patriot’s Initiative.
www.sheltertosoldier.org
To learn more about veteran-support services provided by STS, call 760-870-5338 for a confidential interview regarding eligibility.
