HomelandR4eventIssue

Homeland October 2016

When War Comes Home

R4 Alliance Membership Conference The Villages, FL October 19-21, 2016

Special Screening and Dinner Old Mill Playhouse/ City Fire Restaurant The Villages, FL October 19, 2016

World Premiere Screening The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum New York, NY October 24, 2016

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A DOCUMENTARY BY EMMY AWARD-WINNING FILMMAKER MICHAEL KING ®

THEIR WAR NEVER ENDS TALLWOOD PRESENTS

A FILM BY

MICHAEL KING “WHEN WAR COMES HOME” FEATURING GENERAL PETER CHIARELLI (RET.), SPENCER AND SARAH MILO, WES AND ANDREA CARLILE, AND EMMANUEL BERNADIN DIRECTOR OF EXECUTIVE CO-EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS DEBRA C. HYDE AND JENNIFER G. HARRIS PRODUCERS DUNCAN NIEDERAUER AND ED FOUCHÈ PHOTOGRAPHY JASON OLDAK ORIGINAL MUSIC WRITTEN PRODUCED AND EDITOR GEORGE ARTOPE SCORE BY JEFF BEAL SUPERVISOR AJ SORBELLO

BY ANTHONY E. VALLETTA DIRECTED BY MICHAEL KING

WWW.WHEN WAR COMESHOME.ORG

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www.homelandmagazine.com

The Villages, FL • October 19, 2016 Screening 5:00pm Old Mill Playhouse Lake Sumter Landing, 1000 Old Mill Run, The Villages, FL Dinner 7:00pm City Fire Restaurant Lake Sumter Landing, 1018 Canal St. The Villages, FL Host for the Evening: David BoothÂ

U.S. Army, MSG (Ret.) Combat Veterans to Careers, President, CEO R4 Alliance, Board of Directors

David Booth is retired U.S. Army Combat related Disabled Veteran.

He was medically retired with 100% disability from injuries sustained in Iraq from a roadside bomb. He retired from the U.S. Army in 2010 at the rank of Master Sergeant. Since his retirement, he has held the position of Director of Operations at MSA International Security in New York City. David Booth is the founder of Combat Veterans to Careers, a non-profit organization helping veterans and their families transition from the military and obtain a fulfilling civilian life. www.homelandmagazine.com

Master Sergeant (Retired) David Booth entered the Army in October 1991. After completing basic military training and advanced individual training, he served in various leadership and staff positions at the company level. He continued to serve in challenging positions at the battalion level. His experience includes serving as the senior medical personal and battalion personnel supervisor responsible for medical actions of 170 soldiers in combat during Operation Iraqi Freedom. He also served as 1st Sergeant for a multi-national and multi-component unit of over 3500 active duty personnel and their families stationed at a NATO air base in Germany. Prior to his retirement, he served as one of the senior enlisted leaders for the Warrior Transition Unit in San Diego, CA. Assisting over 180 combat wounded Army personnel in transitioning from the Army to civilian life.

In 2012 Mr. Booth founded Combat Veterans to Careers, a not for profit organization helping Veterans and their families through the transition from the military back to civilian life. Growing Combat Veterans to Careers from the ground up, in three years has made a national footprint, helping our Veterans back into successful, fulfilling lives and becoming an intricate part of their local community.

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Special Guests: Michael King

Emmy Award Winning Filmmaker and Director See Bio on next page

Matthew A. Staton

Staff Assistant to the Secretary of the Army

Duty Statement: To advise the Secretary of the Army on a variety of ill, injured, and wounded Soldiers issues based on my personal experience inside the military health care system. He works to bring oversight and the integration of activities within the Department of the Army to support troops who have been injured in combat, become ill, or injured on active duty.

Primary duties consist of gathering information, drafting correspondence, compiling short reports and updates, identifying obstacles, and help to streamline decision-making to achieve unity of effort within the Department of the Army on the care of wounded and injured troops. He assess the effectiveness of Army policies aimed at the health and welfare of Wounded Warriors, evaluate legislative proposals, respond to Congressional requests for input and information on Wounded Warrior issues, engage with veterans’ organizations and non-profit groups alike. Assists the Secretary of the Army in identify emerging issues affecting Wounded Warriors that will require action by the Department of the Army. He regularly visits Warrior Transition Units on behalf of the Secretary of the Army.

Biography: Mr. Staton was born in Madison Heights, Virginia, and is a graduate of the Virginia Military Institute, 1999 with a B.S. in Civil Engineering. That same year he enlisted in the Army as an 11B, infantryman completing Basic Training at FT Benning Georgia.

Mr. Staton was stationed in Vicenza, Italy, with the 1st-508th Airborne Combat Team, before deciding it was time to pursue a different path in the Army. After serving three years enlisted on active duty, and one year with the VA National Guard’s 29th Infantry Regiment, he attended Officer Candidate School and was commissioned in September 2002.

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Mr. Staton traveled to Fort Carson, CO as his first duty assignment after becoming a Second Lieutenant. He deployed to Iraq in July 2003 as the Rifle platoon leader of Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment. During his deployment, Matt was exposed to multiple IEDs, resulting in a mild traumatic brain injury (TBI), as well as sustaining a gun-shot wound to the leg. Mr. Staton Continued to serve and recover in multiple roles with the 1-8th Infantry, culminating in Commanding the Battalion’s Rear Detachment while the Unit deployed back to Iraq, during 2005 to 2006.

In August 2007, Mr. Staton returned to Virginia after completing the Army’s Physical Disability Evaluation System and being medically retired from the Army. Beginning in September of 2007, Mr. Staton began his current service as a Department of the Army civilian, a direct advisor and staff member to the Secretary of the Army for Wounded Soldier matters and concerns.

In the years that followed Mr. Staton’s deployment, Mr. Staton has begun to learn to cope with the impact of MTBI and PTSD, two invisible injuries of war along with the physical injuries sustained from Combat. Mr. Staton and has a 6 year old daughter, Samantha, and live in Fredericksburg, VA.

Debra Hyde

Executive Producer See Bio on next page

R4 Alliance is proud to promote the film “When War Comes

Home” to help raise awareness for PTSD and how it impacts not just the veteran, but their families and communities as well. R4 Alliance’s 76 member organizations help to tackle the negative effects of war helping Our Military Family through complimentary wellness services including: recreational therapy, mindfulness, counseling, outdoor adventure, mentorship, service dogs, equine therapy… the list goes on and on. R4 members have made a difference in the lives of over 200,000service members and their families. R4 Alliance will continue to strive to support these organizations so they can continue to do what they do best…serve those that served.

This film and screening is in conjunction with our 2016 Annual Membership Conference being held in The Villages, FL October 1921. Representatives from members nationwide come to together to learn from each other, network, and find ways to make their own organizations stronger all while being part of a bigger network with a common agenda. R4 Alliance – Unite Programs of Excellence to better serve Our Military Families.

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When War Comes Home The Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum October 24, 2016 6:30 Reception

Arnold Fisher Panelist

Opening remarks by:

Chip Fisher – Chairman & CEO of R4 Alliance Bert Gillette – Director of Operations, R4 Alliance Taylor Justice – CoFounder & CBO of UniteUS Rick Yount - Executive Director of Warrior Canine Connection Entertainment by: Tora Fisher

7:45 Screening of When War Comes Home 9:30 Panel Discussion

Special Guests Include Director Michael King, Arnold Fisher, Commissioner Loree Sutton, Spencer Milo, Emmanuel Bernadin and Andrea Carlile.

Duncan Neidereaur:

Duncan will be the welcoming host for the Intrepid event Duncan L. Niederauer is the former Chief Executive Officer of the New York Stock Exchange and President of IntercontinentalExchange, parent company of the NYSE. During his tenure as CEO, Mr. Niederauer is proud to have overseen the transformation of the company into an innovative, globally integrated organization with a high-tech, high-touch focus.

Prior to his tenure at the NYSE and ICE. At present, Mr. Niederauer is a limited partner of Manikay Global Management, a co-manager of 555 Capital and a Managing Director of Scenic Investment, LLC, which provides advisory services to private companies. In addition to advising several start up companies, Mr. Niederauer sits on the boards of First Republic Bank, Realogy, GEOX, Sorenson Communications and his alma mater, Colgate University.

An active supporter of the military, Mr. Niederauer sits on the board of the Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation, works closely with the Bob Woodruff Foundation and sits on the advisory board of Team Rubicon. www.homelandmagazine.com

Arnold Fisher Senior Partner, Fisher Brothers and Honorary Chairman, Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund. Arnold was Chairman of the Board of the Intrepid Air, Sea and Space Museum Foundation from 2003-2006. He also spearheaded the efforts of the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund (IFHF), and in 2007 constructed The Center for the Intrepid, a state-of-the-art physical rehabilitation center at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas. In 2008 Arnold led the construction of the National Intrepid Center of Excellence facility adjacent to the new Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. NICoE is designed to provide the most treatment plans for military personnel and veterans with traumatic brain injury (TBI), post-traumatic stress (PTS) and complex psychological health issues. Following the opening of NICoE, the IFHF committed to opening nine satellite facilities, known as Intrepid Spirit Centers to extend the care to the home bases of many of the troops suffering the effects of TBI and PTS. Arnold has also served as Chairman of the Fisher House Foundation from 1999 until 2003.To date there have been 70 Fisher houses built on US military bases around the country. He served as the Chairman of the Board of the Hall of Honor (Home of the Congressional Medal of Honor Society) and on the Board of the New York Chapter of the USO.

Michael W. King (Producer/Director)

Michael King has produced, directed, and written documentaries, music videos, and feature films for over two decades. He is an Emmy Award winning Filmmaker and Director of When War Comes Home which is a feature length documentary about the prevalence and impact of post-traumatic stress and traumatic brain injuries on the lives of Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans.

Michael graduated from Connecticut College with a B.A. in Government. He also holds an M.A. in Film Studies from the University of Amsterdam, Netherlands and a postgraduate degree in Feature Film Directing from the Amsterdam Academy

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of Arts (Maurits Binger Film Institute). Michael taught screenwriting and film for two years at Emerson College and was a filmmaker-in-residence and professor of film at Lynn University in Boca Raton, Florida. In 2009, Michael was awarded Switzerland’s Carl Lutz Medal of Freedom. He is a former board member of the International Documentary Association. Michael is also a member of the Directors Guild of America. He was presented Connecticut College’s 2010 Harriet Buescher Lawrence ’34 Prize for his lifework in film and television.

In 1999, Michael’s PBS documentary on youth violence in America, Bangin’, won the Emmy and International Television and Video Association Award for Best Documentary and Best Editing. In 2007, he completed a feature documentary entitled Rapping with Shakespeare and was nominated for an A&E Indie Filmmaker Award (2008). In 2011, Michael completed his critically-acclaimed documentary The Rescuers with Sir Martin Gilbert, Stephanie Nyombayire, and HRH Prince Charles. The Rescuers was nominated for an NAACP Image Award (2012).

Retired Army Brigadier General Loree Sutton, MD Panelist Lorree Sutton is a psychiatrist whose culminating military assignment involved serving as the Founding Director of the Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury (DCoE) from 2007 to 2010.

Sutton co-founded Threshold GlobalWorks (www. thresholdglobalworks.com) in 2011 and served as CoDirector until August 2014, when she was appointed as NYC Commissioner, Mayor’s Office of Veterans’ Affairs (MOVA).

Sutton assumed her new duties as MOVA Commissioner on September 1, 2014.

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and girls; global health leaders; and social entrepreneurs.

Organizations include PopTech, United Nations, St Johns University, Homeward Bound Adirondacks (HBA), National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Paws and Stripes, Barnard College, Center for a New American Security, Patton Veteran Productions, and Equus Medendi.

Sutton views New York City as an ideal place for Veterans, our nation’s leading renewable resource, to flourish. She is honored to serve as their Commissioner and advocate on their behalf.

Film Subjects: Spencer Milo Andrea Carlile Emmanuel Bernadin

Special Guests:

Tora Fisher

Tora Fisher has been avid supporter of veterans since she was a little girl. She helped dedicate the first international Fisher House at the age of 11 with her late father, M. Anthony Fisher. As an emerging singersongwriter, Ms Fisher was inspired to write “Man of Steel” – a song that donates 100 percent of its proceeds to the Fisher House Foundation. As a young woman, Tora now resides on the board of Trustees for the Warrior Canine Connection, which brings together her strong passion for both animals and veteran welfare.

Debra Coleman Hyde (Executive Producer)

Since retiring from military service in November 2010, Sutton has been recognized by numerous institutions, including New York University Department of Psychiatry; American Psychiatric Association President’s Award; Loma Linda University Alumna of the Year; and the Rockefeller Foundation Bellagio Fellowship.

Debra Coleman is an experienced, strategic, and entrepreneurial fundraising executive, whose interest in When War Comes Home is both professional and personal.

She was most recently the Director of Institutional Advancement at the KingswoodOxford School in West Hartford, CT, an independent coeducational day school.

Further, she has engaged with numerous organizations to catalyze and accelerate peer-to-peer self-regulation skills training for veterans, families and caregivers; women

Prior to Kingswood-Oxford, Debra held senior management positions at two non-profit organizations, including a Division I university and a premier children’s hospital. In 2010, she was

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also instrumental in establishing a camp for children with cancer in South America, through the Global Partners Initiative and the Paul Newman’s Hole in the Wall program.

Debra’s brother, Charles, is credited with writing the very first dramatic representation of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in the American cult-classic novel, Sergeant Back Again (published by Harper & Row, 1980). The story is internationally acknowledged as “the Vietnam War novel that made PTSD real”. At the time of its writing, the condition was still an unnamed disorder, now recognized as PTSD. The story was based on Charles’ own experiences.

Debra is a Past President of the Warrior Canine Connection in Baltimore, MD and Oasis Global. She received her B.A. in Spanish from the American University in Washington, DC.

Jennifer G. Harris (Executive Producer)

Jennifer Harris grew up in Connecticut as the youngest of five children. She attended Kingswood Oxford School in West Hartford and graduated from Villanova University with a B.A. in political science. From there, she worked on Wall Street for nearly 10 years. She has always believed in the power of film to educate and was a supporter of the recent documentary Money For Nothing- Inside the Federal Reserve.As a cancer survivor, longtime dog owner, and equestrian, Jen experienced firsthand the healing power of animals. When War Comes Home gives Jen the honor and opportunity to engage in her most passionate interests.

Jen resides in Greenwich, Conn. with her 14-year-old daughter, her horse, and two Labrador retrievers.

“WHEN WAR COMES HOME” 2016 R4 ALLIANCE MEMBERSHIP CONFERENCE Join us in The Villages, Florida · Educational Seminars · Grant Writing October 19-21,2016 Special Screening of “When War Comes Home” October 19th at The Old Mill Theater followed by a dinner at the City Fire Restaurant.

For info email jenni@r4alliance.org

· Social Media Strategies · Volunteer Training · Fundraising · Writing Press Releases · Software Demos for your Organization to use. · Introduction to a National · Coordinated Care Network · Dragon Boat Races

RESEARCH | RECRUIT | RESOURCE | REINTEGRATE

REGISTER TODAY | r4alliance.org www.homelandmagazine.com

HOMELAND / Octomber 2016 7

EDITOR’S

LETTER

Homeland Publisher Editor-In-Chief Mike Miller Contributing Writers CJ Machado Vicki Garcia Vesta Anderson Rachel Bolles Healing Waters Eva M. Stimson Robyn Payne Chad Storlie Briana Hartzell Sara Wacker Jenni Riley

Greetings and a warm welcome to HOMELAND Magazine!

Please take some time to get to know the layout of our magazine. Homeland Magazine focuses on real stories from real heroes; the service member, the veteran, the wounded and the families that keep it together.

Public Relations CJ Machado Thomas McBrien Linda Kreter Graphic Design Trevor Watson

Our magazine is driven by passion, vision, reflection and the future. The content is the driving force behind our magazine and the connection it makes with service members, families, veterans and civilians. Homeland is about standing your ground, resilience, adaptation, inspiration and solidarity.

HOMELAND is inspirational, “feel good” reading; our focus is on veterans, military and civilians alike. I believe HOMELAND is where the heart is, and our publication covers a wide variety of topics, and issues about real life and real stories.

We are honored to share the work of so many committed and thoughtful people.

We appreciate your support and are so happy to have you as a reader of HOMELAND Magazine.

With warmest thanks, Mike Miller, Publisher 8

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Homeland Magazine is published monthly.

Submissions of photographs, Illustrations, drawings, and manuscripts are considered unsolicited materials and the publisher assumes no responsibility for the said items.

All rights reserved.

Homeland Magazine 9528 Miramar Road, Suite 41 San Diego, CA 92126

858.275-4281 Contact Homeland Magazine at: info@homelandmagazine.com

inside this issue

When War Comes Home

3 The Villages, FL 10/19 - Screening 5:00 pm

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5 The Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum 10/24 28

10 When War Comes Home

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17 Bagels & Baloney 22 The Forgotten Hero 28 Travel Tips Service Dogs

12 What is R4 Alliance?

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BY JENNI RILEY

F

lag Day in Seattle helped shed a spotlight on one of the most common struggles of our returning veterans with a screening of Emmy Award-Winning Filmmaker Michael King’s When War Comes Home. Four Star General Peter Chiarelli, US Army (retired) and CEO of One Mind is featured for his crusading efforts to find better solutions for treating posttraumatic stress and traumatic brain injury with an ongoing challenge to provide the help our Veterans need. Two of the film’s featured veterans and spouses, Spencer Milo and Andrea Carlile, were also in attendance to talk about the film and some of the more personal moments that the film revealed regarding their struggles.

Awareness for these struggles is taking on a much broader reach on October 24th with a screening and reception aboard The Intrepid aircraft carrier in New York City. The featured veterans and spouses, Michael King, General Chiarelli and Executive Producers Debby Hyde and Jennifer Harris will all be in attendance to discuss the film after the screening at a private reception on board. TALLWOOD and R4 Alliance will once again be joining forces to promote the screening. R4 Alliance recognized the importance of the film after the first viewing and knew they had to help get it out to the public where Our Military Families could benefit most from it.

It is a powerful and moving movie that will hit home for many of our veterans and families of those veterans “Three Iraq/ Afghanistan War Veterans return home to discover their PostTraumatic Stress affects not only their own lives, but the lives of their wives, children and friends. Witnessing these powerful stories and many others, retired Four Star General Peter Chiarelli leads the search for better treatment for these invisible wounds of war.”

Deep in the heartland of Indiana, Wes Carlile, a former U.S. Army Chaplin’s Assistant during the Iraq War, was overwhelmed by

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the death of friends and fellow soldiers. Returning home, Wes discovers his post-traumatic stress endangers his wife Andrea and their two daughters. Seeking help for his survivor’s guilt through his church and the local VA Hospital, Wes attempts to seek redemption from his violent behavior. Meanwhile, as affected family members, Andrea and the girls seek relief from their secondary trauma affect caused by Wes’s return. Andrea is the author of “The War that Came Home” which also inspired the name of the movie.

Florida resident, Emmanuel Bernandin served as both a Naval Technician in Afghanistan and in a naval detainee camp in

“Three Iraq/Afghanistan War Veterans return home to discover their Post-Traumatic Stress affects not only their own lives, but the lives of their wives, children and friends.

Iraq. He was inflicted with PTS, from the guilt of surviving his fourteen fellow brother-in-arms in a massive suicide bombing in Afghanistan. After returning home, the affliction leads him down a path of attempted suicide and commitments to mental institutions. He finds himself a burden on both his family and his girlfriend, Amanda, only finding solace with his dog, Bronze.

Emmanuel’s struggle is to must break this cycle of despair in order to survive and lead the normal life he craves. www.homelandmagazine.com

The film puts a “spotlight” on how secondary trauma inflicts the Veteran’s families and children. As such the film provides insight to how post-traumatic stress affects our nation as a whole. The United States’ Department of Defense (DOD) has approved and offered their official support to When War Comes Home. The DOD understands the importance of the issue of PTS and TBI, and it realizes the significant effect this film can have on increased public awareness and support and, ultimately, on the lives and conditions of veterans. You can learn more about the movie at www.whenwarcomeshome.org

R4 Alliance Co-Chairman Bill Potter & Chip Fisher with General Peter Chiarelli (ret) Living in the mountains of Colorado, Spencer Milo was once a Sergeant in the US Army until an injury from a suicide bomber medically retired him. He now attempts to adjust to civilian life with his wife Sarah, his daughter, and the help of a service dog named, Nemo. Spencer has crippling anxiety and is grossly over medication from doctors who are still struggling to understand the nature of his illness. Damaged both physically and mentally, Spencer hopes that a path of helping other veterans can help him cope with his trauma.

R4 Alliance hopes to raise awareness with more screenings across the country in the future and will include one at their Annual Membership conference in The Villages at the Old Mill Theater on October 19th. To find out how to get tickets for either of these events, please email events@r4alliance.org. To learn more about R4 Alliance please visit www.R4Alliance.org.

R4 Alliance and When War Comes Home are either registered trademarks or trademarks of R4 Alliance or TALLWOOD in the United States and/or other countries.

The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

Acclaimed Director Michael King, Executive Producers Debby Hyde and Jennifer Harris, When War Comes Home, is a documentary feature film focusing on the lives of these three soldiers returning from combat. They search for the courage to overcome their demons and painful memories of war. The crusading efforts of Seattle’s retired Four Star General Peter Chiarelli to find better solutions for treating post-traumatic stress and traumatic brain injury is an ongoing challenge to provide the help our Veterans need.

Spencer Milo, Michael King, Andrea

For more information on “When War Comes Home” www.whenwarcomeshome.org For more information on R4 Alliance www.R4Alliance.org www.homelandmagazine.com

HOMELAND / Octomber 2016 11

“What is R4 Alliance?”

N

ow that people are seeing the name across the country, this question has come up more than once. R4 is an Alliance of Programs of Excellence joining forces to better serve Our Military Family. What is better than an organization that provides services for veterans, care givers and military families? 76 organizations that do this joining together! Think of R4 Alliance membership as the “Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval” in the non-profit world for organizations serving OMF. R4 Alliance members go through a vetting process to be recognized as a Program of Excellence and are not only fiscally responsible but also provide programs founded on effective practices and dedicated to the veteran’s reintegration back into society.

One way of supporting reintegration is through the implementation of a Coordinated Care Network (CCN) which connects service providers, making it easier to provide wraparound services to OMF. This has been a major goal since R4’s inception and so it is an exciting time to see the pieces coming together to actually make this dream a reality. Veterans and caregivers across the country know all too well the struggle of sorting through the ocean of resources and programs available to them without knowing which ones are effective and proven. Then once you do find services that work for you, the endless sea of paperwork begins when you have to fill out forms for each separate entity. The CCN will help eliminate this stress with a HIPAA compliant database that will connect people with providers across the nation.

Through education, collaboration and shared research and methodologies, R4 members become better equipped to provide services to those needing assistance. R4 strives to provide the resources, education and access to their Partner’s services to ensure their success with these collaborative

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efforts. R4 has partners to help with everything from setting up a website, volunteer training, fundraiser ideas and their own research library.

How did R4 Alliance even happen you ask? In 2010 Admiral Mullen, former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, founded the Office of Reintegration. In 2011 this office embarked on an effort to establish more effective public private partnerships and help the private sector better align their resources. This team visited programs nationwide to identify some of the top nonprofits serving OMF across the nation and teach them to better align their services.

Also in 2011, the concept started simply. A small group of grassroots organizations sought reliable resources for clients they served. As these organizations collaborated and developed a referral network, they began discussing bigger issues facing their industry, and started entertaining the idea of coming together for a workshop to discuss ways to leverage their collective impact to overcome barriers to care.

During 2012 and 2013, three workshops were hosted with eight of the top national nonprofit organizations providing therapeutic and community recreation services to Our Military Family. Working with these organizations were representatives from the Office of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Secretary of the Army, the Veterans Administration, and Our Military Family.

In November of 2013, R4 (Research, Resources, Recruit, Reintegrate) Alliance was formed to meet these needs. R4 defined its mission/vision/objectives, and laid the foundation for the strategic next steps. In February 2014, R4 Alliance gained formal 501c3 status.

R4 Alliance’s Board of Directors and Administration understood that in order to achieve a large scale collective impact, critical mass had to first be achieved. In the first two

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years since inception, R4 experienced unparalleled growth increasing their membership from eight founding members to forty-eight in 2014. By the end of 2015 R4 consisted of over 70 programs of excellence nationwide who had collectively served over 170,000 members of OMF and at present are 76 members strong serving over 180,000 members!

One of the biggest benefits R4 strives to provide is Research.

Helping others recognize Therapeutic Programs as acceptable and effective treatment supplements takes national studies.

R4 recently received back exciting results from the completed Clemson Research Project. R4 worked with Jaimee Rizzotti of Chico State University to develop a share evaluation tool for members to use. The object was 2 fold: the first to help determine what program attributes Our Military Family feels are most important when considering non-profit programs and also to determine the level of client satisfaction within these attributes. The questions were organized into 3 general categories: Staff and Volunteer Factors, Program Factors, Facility and Equipment factors. Over 27 organizations collaborated to collect over 650 responses at the time of the report (over 11,000 today). They found that all of the factors listed were regarded as important or very important across the board. R4 members were also found to have a very high level of satisfaction with all programs getting 4 out of 5 stars or better in each category. This evaluation has been important to R4 and its members. It has lent cadence to the assessment that R4 members facilitate programs of excellence. It also provided the members with valuable feedback from those they served. Richard Rhinehart, Director of Communications for World TEAM Sports said “The R4 Alliance’s online evaluation provides our national non-profit organization with valuable information about our inclusive sporting events. This statistical data is used by our staff to improve the management of our events, as well as offering helpful insights about our participating athletes. Our board of directors also reviews the provided data to determine how our organization is meeting our mission.”

R4 is working on partnerships with other universities to improve upon the current assessment tool and launch version 2.0. This version will have scales and questions designed to garnish more constructive feedback and be more universally applicable across R4 membership.

Comes Home at The Intrepid Sea, Air and Space museum in New York on October 24th and screenings across the country.

R4 will also be teaming up with other non-profits for some fundraising events and are working with Beaver Hollow in upstate New York to plan next year’s R4 Education Conference!

Here is a list of R4’s current member organizations and they have more applications every day! I am sure you will recognize some and may have even worked them! They truly are great programs and we encourage you to check them out if you haven’t already. 10 CAN, About Face, Angels of America’s Fallen, Blaze Sports, BREATH Wellness Foundation, CAMMO, Canines for Service, Catalyst Sports, Combat Veterans To Careers, Comfort Crew, Cross Bar D Recreation Foundation, Disabled Sports Eastern Sierra, Eagle Rock Camp, English River Outfitters, Expedition Balance, Freedom Service Dogs of America, Georgia Aquarium, Gratitude America, Healing Our Heroes Project, Heartmath Institute, Heroes on the Water, Higher Ground, Honor House, Hooves for Heroes, Hope for the Warriors, Horse Rhythm Foundation, Horses 4 Heroes, Idaho Horse Therapy, Ignite Adaptive Sports, Incight – CA, Institute of Heartmath, Lava Lakes Live, Leaps of Faith - Adaptive Skiers, Life Adventure Center, Marriage Management, My Warriors Place, National Veterans Wellness and Healing Center, No Barriers USA, Northeast Passage, Not Forgotten Outreach, Operation AMPED, Operation Game On, Operation Reinvent, Patriots Path, Paws 4 People, Phoenix Multisport, Project Healing Waters, Project Rebirth, Project Sanctuary, Reno Parks and Recreation, Ride 2 Recovery, SADLES Ranch Code Horse, Saratoga War Horse, SD Gunner Fund, Sew Much Comfort, Sierra Club, Silver Lining Villages, Smokey Mountain Service Dogs, Summit for Soldiers, Team River Runner, Tee It Up for the Troops, Telluride Adaptive Sports, Trout Unlimited, Vet TRIIP, Veterans Wellness and Healing Center, Veterans 360, Vail Veterans Program, Warrior Bonfire Program, Warrior Institute, Warrior Ride, Warrior Wellness Solutions, Warriors on Cataract, WATERS, World T.E.A.M. Sports, Wounded War Heroes, Wounded Warriors in Action Foundation.

To find out even more about R4 Alliance or its member organizations visit www.r4alliance.org .

You will be seeing a lot more from R4 Alliance in the near future. Awareness initiatives are being planned across the country such as the promotion and screening of Emmy Award Winning Filmmaker Michael King’s documentary When War

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communities built to support those who serve.

. 24/7 Maintenance . No Security Deposit . Gas & Water Included Roadside Assistance . Average Electrical Use Included . Intrusion Alarms

Free Family Events

Call 866-779-5434 or visit www.lincolnmilitary.com

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HOMELAND / Octomber 2016 15

Research Opportunities

VETERANS: WE NEED YOU VA San Diego Healthcare System and Veterans Medical Research Foundation are looking for participants for human subject research studies on Veterans health issues. Findings will help provide better treatments for Veterans and the general population.

• We are one of the largest VA research programs in the nation • We employ the most advanced research technologies • We employ some of the best, talented and world renowned researchers in the country • We conduct approximately 400 human subject studies annually

Sign up for a research study TODAY!

Some studies provide medical care and/or reimbursement for participation.

Check out our current list of research opportunities.

Visit: www.sandiego.va.gov/studies.asp and www.vmrf.org/studies.html 16

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Bagels and BAloney (BAB) Aviators and veterans gather around to relax, reminisce and enjoy a mean cup of coffee, preferably jet black

A Retiree’s “Ready Room” is the best way to describe the “Bagels and Baloney (BAB)” aviator enthusiast meet up group. Aviators and veterans gather around to relax, reminisce and enjoy a mean cup of coffee, preferably jet black.

It’s the Comradery that is valued most amongst these aviator enthusiasts. Their ages and experiences span from WWII through the current Global War on Terror. Most are experienced aviators that have served and retired military or moved on to flying commercial airlines. They all have a story to tell. As I scanned the room, I tried to keep track of all the different branches of service they proudly displayed on their baseball caps. They didn’t boast and they didn’t brag, unless provoked by a fellow aviator, then hanger banter broke loose until one of the opponents surrendered from laughter. No, instead, these aerial giants preferred to sit and listen, nodding in agreement with the conversation at hand or offering an opinion and some insight.

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A Retiree’s “Ready Room” is the best way to describe the “Bagels and Baloney (BAB)” aviator enthusiast meet up group. Aviators and veterans gather around to relax, reminisce and enjoy a mean cup of coffee, preferably jet black.

It’s the Comradery that is valued most amongst these aviator enthusiasts. Their ages and experiences span from WWII through the current Global War on Terror. Most are experienced aviators that have served and retired military or moved on to flying commercial airlines. They all have a story to tell. As I scanned the room, I tried to keep track of all the different branches of service they proudly displayed on their baseball caps.

They didn’t boast and they didn’t brag, unless provoked by a fellow aviator, then hanger banter broke loose until one of the opponents surrendered from laughter. No, instead, these aerial giants preferred to sit and listen, nodding in agreement with the conversation at hand or offering an opinion and some insight.

A gentleman by the name of Bill Kent sat comfortably on a sofa, wearing a Korean War Veteran cap. He granted me a smile and I snapped a picture, unknowing that he once flew the celebrated F4U Corsair off carriers, which is not an easy task to do. The engine of the F4U was positioned in such a way that the pilots could not see beyond the nose very well. Due to the poor visibility, they were forced to land on a curved approach, relying mainly on the directions of their Landing Signal Officer (LSO).

“If we’re going to keep meeting like this, don’t you think we ought to have a name?”

They agreed upon “Bagels & Baloney.” It was decided that Sidny’s Deli would provide the bagels and the pilots would provide all the baloney..

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The oldest aviator present was 98 year-old, Colonel Vince LaBerge, USAF, Retired. He’s flown over 43 different types of planes and served in three wars, WWII, Korea and Vietnam.

It was difficult not take a knee before him, in gratitude, respect and honor.

Not all who gathered were aviators, Michael McManus is a Marine Corps veteran. He served with the ground troops during the Vietnam War, which was notable by the missing flesh on the right side of his neck caused by Agent Orange exposure. It took years, but eventually the exposure developed into cancer as we are finding that commonality amongst our Vietnam veterans today. McManus attends the BAB www.homelandmagazine.com

Group to help with his PTSD. “It’s good therapy for me. When you suffer from PTSD, you want to be in the presence of those who understand you,” Mc Manus explains.

The group initially started with four men enjoying their Friday morning cup of coffee at a local Starbucks. They would tell stories of their day of reign, and as customers came in with distinctive veteran caps, another conversation would begin. The group expanded and eventually became so large it moved to a spot outside of “Sidny’s Deli,” off Bernardo Plaza Drive. The owner would keep a “2 Buck Bowl” out and if you wanted a cup of coffee or a bagel, you’d throw two bucks into the bowl. One of the group members suggested, “If we’re going to keep meeting like this, don’t you think we ought to have a name?” They agreed upon “Bagels & Baloney.” It was decided that Sidny’s Deli would provide the bagels and the pilots would provide all the baloney.

The moderator of the BAB group is forty year jet flying veteran, Hank Goetz. Hank was a jet fighter with the Air Force and then retired as a 747 Captain with TWA after 34 years. He has more than 21,000 hours of flying and he has visited over 85 countries during his career. When asked, “What inspired you to fly?” Hank quickly responded, “The love of freedom, there’s nothing like it. When you’re up there, you are in total control of your life. I remember being 7 years old and looking straight up into the sky as an airplane flew by, saying to myself, that’s what I want to do… It’s an incredible experience and the best part is someone else was paying me to have all that fun.”

What I found most appealing about the group was the discussion format.

Captain Hank would ask one of the members to give a debriefing on a recent aviation event, then he would open up the group to questions, encouraging feedback and stories that members would like to share.

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“What inspired you to fly?”

Hank quickly responded, “The love of freedom, there’s nothing like it.

When you’re up there, you are in total control of your life. I remember being 7 years old and looking straight up into the sky as an airplane flew by, saying to myself, that’s what I want to do…

Everyone was very at ease with each other, you felt a great sense of admiration and respect for one another.

When someone spoke, they all listened. It’s hard not to.

There wasn’t one story told without distinctive flying hand gestures waving about, depicting an airplane.

Their overly excited facial expressions seemed as if they had just stepped off their plane moments before. The others would follow with a comment or a playful tease as aviators often do to rile each other up.

Hank would bring up interesting aviation topics, such as the “Pilot Shortage, Back with a Vengeance” article featured in Air Force Magazine or the more humorous article, “Under the Big Jets,” by, Christine Negroni, where Saint Martin beachgoers tempt fate near a runway despite the “Do Not Stand. DANGER. Jet Blast” signs on the runway chain linked fence. The tourists risk their lives for a thrill and try to get as close as possible to an incoming commercial airplane to only find themselves blown away by the force of the jet exhaust. The BAB group laughed whole-heartedly at the stupidity of the vacationers.

The topics were interesting and fun, which made it easy for members to engage in conversation. The group then closed the meeting

HOMELAND / Octomber 2016 19

with mostly clean jokes and Hank welcomed any last comments they wished to express.

At this particular meeting, it was CAPT E. Royce Williams, USN, Retired that was asked to debrief the 2016 Tailhook Convention and Symposium. CAPT Williams and I recently attended Tailhook in Reno, Nevada. Williams attends annually for aviation updates and to visit with old friends, whereas I had a very important mission to accomplish. I was gathering signatures to request a re-review for recognition on CAPT Williams behalf. During the Korean War, Williams single-handedly engaged 7 Russian MiGs and shot down four of them. His amazing feat was kept “Top Secret” for over fifty years. He has yet to be recognized for his act of valor, protecting Naval Task Force 77 and at that time conceivably preventing us from WWIII. Russia claimed neutrality, but in truth they were supporting North Korea. America did not want that information disclosed publicly to avoid the possibility of war.

I was asked to visit the BAB group back in January, 2016 when I had first taken an interest in writing an article on behalf of CAPT Williams, “The Forgotten Hero of The Forgotten War.” 91 year old, Williams has been a long time member of the Bagels and Baloney Group.

Williams joined the service when he was only 16 years old and has served our country for over 35 years. He has flown over 220 missions, mainly in Korea and Vietnam, but one aerial engagement during the Korean War stood above them all.

On November 18th, 1952, CAPT E. Royce Williams, USN Retired, then Lieutenant (Lt.), during the height of the “Korean conflict,” single-handedly engaged in a fierce 35 minute aerial combat that no other American aviator has accomplished either in the Korean War, Vietnam War or since then. Up against freezing temperatures, 400’ ceiling, snow clouds and 40 knot winds, Williams fought 7 MiG-15s while protecting Naval Task Force 77. His superb piloting skills and gunnery accounted for three known MiG-15s downed and a fourth

Williams fought 7 MiG-15s while protecting Naval Task Force 77. His superb piloting skills and gunnery accounted for three known MiG15s downed and a fourth (the flight leader) confirmed some years later by the Russian government.

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(the flight leader) confirmed some years later by the Russian government. Lt. Williams fired all of his ammo and suffered a 37 mm hit in his right wing stub by a closely pursuing Mig-15, which caused total loss of rudder and flaps, forcing Williams to dive for cloud cover. He was left with only elevator control and a little aileron control.

Lt. Williams skillfully jinked and porpoised until he was safely in the snow clouds. Williams was preparing for a straight in approach towards the USS Oriskany, when he momentarily was forced to avoid friendly fire. Williams dropped his tailhook and gravity dropped his landing gear.

The damage made the aircraft uncontrollable below 170 knots, critically above the normal 105 knots, with 40 knots of wind across the deck. Still, Lt. Williams demonstrated masterful airmanship in landing safely aboard, barely catching the #3 wire. Examination of his F9F-5 Panther aircraft revealed 263 bullet holes. The damage was so severe they could not repair the plane and it had to be pushed overboard. He fought entirely over water, halfway between the USS Oriskany and Vladivostok. Lt. Williams’ courage above and beyond the call of duty against overwhelming odds, stopped the MiG-15s’ attack in its tracks.

During a private one on one meeting with Vice Admiral (VADM) Briscoe, Commander Naval Forces, FarEast, Briscoe disclosed that there www.homelandmagazine.com

was a “secret” intelligence agency in place, called the National Security Agency (NSA) and that they were on their first mission when the Nov. 18th event took place. The NSA confirmed 3 MiG-15 kills on the “real time” voice intercepts that day. VADM Briscoe ordered Lt. Williams “not to tell anyone” about the engagement. Williams didn’t… Not his squadron Commanding Officer (CO), not his Commander Air Group (CAG), not the CO of the USS Oriskany, not Carrier Task Force 77 (CTF-77), not even his wife.

Shortly after the confirmation, at President elect Eisenhower’s personal request, Lt. Williams was honored and toasted in a meeting in Seoul, Korea mid-December, 1952. Also present were Secretary of Defense Wilson, General (Gen) Mark Clark, Gen Omar Bradley, Gen Ridgeway, Admiral (ADM) Radford, Vice Admiral (VADM) Jocko Clark (CTF-77), and Eisenhower’s son, John Eisenhower. Due to political concerns in Washington regarding the newly established secret intelligence (NSA), the recording of the aerial engagement could not be revealed. At that time, Russia insisted they were neutral during the Korean conflict and the MiG-15s were obviously flown by Russian pilots.

These two major factors invoked a “Top Secret” lid on the event to avoid the “conflict” to escalate into another World War. Although, Williams was awarded the Silver Star for one confirmed kill, the crucial NSA information was not available to the USS Oriskany nor the drafters of the Silver Star awarded.

His extraordinary feat was kept “Top Secret” for over fifty years.

The challenge has been obtaining accurate records, which has proven to be an incredibly difficult task, since a “phony” report was submitted to appease Washington’s request on the day of the event. Although Russia has confirmed the names of the four downed pilots, the death certificates of the Russian pilots have not yet been obtained.

WE NEED YOUR HELP to honor our “Forgotten Hero,” CAPT Williams. Please sign & share the petition to request a rereview for recognition: www.HomelandMagazine.com

to immigrate to the United States. Unable to speak English and with only $8 dollars to his name, he fled to America. With great persistence, Pisanos became a famed WWII Flying Ace. “The Flying Greek” movie trailer, was recently featured in the San Diego GI Film Festival. Fellow aviators and BAB members, Director Mark “Viz” Vizcarra, and Producer Vic Vizcarra, knew Pisanos well and were compelled to tell their friends inspiring story. The film is seeking funding and if you are interested in supporting this amazing project, please contact Director Mark Vizcarra: info@aviatorsphotos.com, (858)487-5818.

Bagels & Baloney preserves our American history through conversation and comradery. Their concern and great respect for each other restores what seems to be lost in the world…

Brotherly love. God Bless BAB and all their members!

Our hope is to honor Williams with the Medal of Honor before he is off to his final mission.

CAPT Williams is just one example of our American history that is found at the Bagels & Baloney Meet Up Group. Another beloved member and fellow aviator, who recently passed this last year at the age of 96, was legendary, Steve Pisanos, “The Flying Greek.”

At a very young age, Pisanos wanted to fly, but, being from a poor family, he knew the only way he could accomplish his dreams was www.homelandmagazine.com

By CJ Machado Veteran advocate and photo journalist

HOMELAND / Octomber 2016 21

The Forgotten Hero of The Forgotten War

CAPT E. Royce Williams, USN, Retired,

W

e are coming upon the decade of extinction of the greatest men that ever lived. During World War II, “The Greatest Generation” gave their lives in service to our country without hesitation at a time where tyranny was plaguing the world and our nation’s fate was uncertain.

Many of these young men were barely the legal age of drinking and some were still in their teens. They stood on principles of integrity, courage and their love of country.

What we have at present are their fading memories and their stories that few can bear to tell. It is our responsibility as the “Next Generation” to recognize and honor the sacrifices and accomplishments of the generations before us. If we want a nation that values integrity, courage and our founding principles, then we must stand next to our brothers and sisters who have fought and continue to fight for our great nation. We must raise our voices of gratitude, to re-assure them, that we, the reminisce of the “Greatest Generation,” will continue to preserve what they fought so hard to protect. We must honor them today, before they are gone tomorrow.

What seems to be lost as a nation is not lost forever… America, as in the people can regain their conscience. We have the opportunity to honor the last of our Living Legends and our Forgotten Heroes. CAPT E. Royce Williams, USN, Retired is one of the remaining “Forgotten Heroes of the Forgotten War.” He was only 16 when he joined the service in February, 1942. Williams served our country for over 30 22

HOMELAND / October 2016

years and retired in 1980. He has flown over 220 missions, mainly in Korea and Vietnam, but one aerial engagement during the Korean War stands above them all.

On November 18th, 1952, CAPT E. Royce Williams, USN Retired, then Lieutenant (Lt.), during the height of the “Korean conflict,” singlehandedly engaged in a fierce aerial combat that no other American aviator has accomplished either in the Korean War, Vietnam War or since then. Up against freezing temperatures, 400’ ceiling, snow clouds and 40 knot winds, Williams fought 7 MiG-15s while protecting Task Force 77 in his inferior F9F-5 Panther. His superb piloting skills and gunnery accounted for three known MiG-15s downed and a fourth (the flight leader) confirmed some years later. With Lt. Williams having fired all of his ammo and suffering a 37 mm hit in his right wing stub by a closely pursuing Mig-15 that caused total loss of rudder and flaps, Williams dove for cloud cover. He was left with only elevator control and a little aileron control and still, Lt. Williams www.homelandmagazine.com

skillfully jinked and porpoised until he was safely in the snow clouds. Williams was preparing for a straight in approach towards the USS Oriskany, when he momentarily was forced to avoid friendly fire. Lt. Williams dropped his tailhook and gravity dropped his landing gear. The damage made the aircraft uncontrollable below 170 knots, critically above the normal 105 knots, with 40 knots of wind across the deck, yet, Lt. Williams demonstrated masterful airmanship in landing safely aboard, barely catching the #3 wire. Examination of his F9F-5 Panther aircraft revealed 263 bullet holes. The

During a private one on one meeting with Vice Admiral (VADM) Briscoe, Commander Naval Forces, FarEast, Briscoe disclosed that there was a “secret” intelligence agency in place, called the National Security Agency (NSA) and that they were on their first mission when the Nov. 18th event took place. The NSA confirmed 3 MiG-15 kills that day with Signal Intelligence, “real time” voice intercepts. VADM Briscoe ordered Lt. Williams “not to tell anyone” about the engagement. Williams didn’t, not his squadron Commanding Officer (CO), not his Commander Air Group (CAG), not the CO of

CAPT Williams is 91 years old and he humbly resides in Escondido. He is our “Hometown Hero” and we have the opportunity to honor this great man before he leaves on his final mission.

Artist Richard W. DeRosset, Seven Mice and a Panther, www.DeRossetPaint-

1952. Also present were Secretary of Defense Wilson, General (Gen) Mark Clark, Gen Omar Bradley, Gen Ridgeway, Admiral (ADM) Radford, Vice Admiral (VADM) Jocko Clark (CTF-77), and Eisenhower’s son, John Eisenhower. Due to political concerns in Washington regarding the newly established secret intelligence (NSA), the recording of the aerial engagement could not be revealed. At the time, Russia insisted they were neutral during the Korean conflict and the MiG-15s were indeed flown by Russian pilots. These two major factors invoked a “Top Secret” lid on the event to avoid the “conflict” to escalate into another World War. Although, Williams was awarded the Silver Star for one confirmed kill, the crucial NSA information was not available to the USS Oriskany nor the drafters of the Silver Star awarded.

His amazing feat was kept “Top Secret” for over fifty years. The challenge has been obtaining accurate records, which has been very difficult since a “phony” report was submitted to appease Washington’s request on the day of the event. Although Russia has confirmed the names of the four downed pilots, the death certificates of the Russian pilots have not yet been attained.

CAPT Williams is 91 years old and he humbly resides in Escondido. He is our “Hometown Hero” and we have the opportunity to honor this great man before he leaves on his final mission. We are asking for your help. We are gathering signatures to demand a rereview for recognition on CAPT Williams behalf. You can help honor our “Forgotten Hero,” by signing and sharing the petition at www.HomelandMagazine.com. We need 100,000 in less than 30 days for Congress to consider a re-review for recognition.

damage was so severe they could not repair the plane and it had to be pushed overboard.

He fought entirely over water, halfway between the USS Oriskany and Vladivostok.

Lt. Williams’ courage above and beyond the call of duty against overwhelming odds, stopped the MiG-15s’ attack in its tracks. www.homelandmagazine.com

the USS Oriskany, not Carrier Task Force 77 (CTF-77), not even his wife.

Shortly after the confirmation, at President elect Eisenhower’s personal request, Lt. Williams was honored and toasted in a meeting in Seoul, Korea mid-December,

We are working with Congressman Hunter and Peters office to help with the cause and efforts have been made in support of the “Petition for Recognition.” 95 year old, Rear Admiral Shelton, who is a fellow Golden Eagle to Williams, started the initial request for re-review for recognition through Congressman Hunter’s office in 2014. This year, American Legion, Combat Veteran Association and many other Rider groups joined the May SD Ride for Vets to support HOMELAND / Octomber 2016 23

the cause. San Diego Harley-Davidson owner and veteran advocate, NY Myke, assisted Homeland Magazine’s representative with the nationwide campaign to gather signatures and to meet with the Rolling Thunder in DC. Our local newscaster, Matt Rascon, excellently covered the exclusive on Channel 8 to help promote awareness amongst San Diego residents. San Diego Mayor Faulconer, Escondido Mayor Abed and Chula Vista Mayor Salas deemed and set forth proclamations that on Nov. 18th, “CAPT Williams Day” will be honored in recognition for his act of valor given in service to our country during the Korean War.

Despite all of our effort, we were not able to obtain all of the signatures needed on our first attempt, which impelled this September’s ROUND 2! “Petition for Recognition.” The most recent effort in support of “The Petition for Recognition” was organized by Patriot guard and American Legion Rider, Bill “Doc” Reid and Sweetwater HarleyDavidson. The event was held on August 20th, where Artist Richard W. DeRosset presented CAPT Williams with a commemorative painting of the remarkable aerial engagement that took place over 63 years ago.

The painting is called, “Seven Mice and a Panther” and it is the most accurate depiction of the event to date.

Part of the mission for CAPT Williams “Petition for Recognition” is to revive what has been forgotten and to restore what has been taken; Our love and respect for our country and each other. Please join us in honoring our Forgotten Hero, CAPT E. Royce Williams, USN, Retired, by signing the petition at www.HomelandMagazine.com

Written by, CJ Machado, photo journalist and veteran advocate 24

HOMELAND / October 2016

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www.homelandmagazine.com

HOMELAND / Octomber 2016 25

Mentorship for children in military families who deserve our thanks and support. Enroll a child or become a Big Brother or Big Sister.

Call (858) 746.9173 SDBigs.org/OperationBigs

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IMPORTANT TRAVEL TIPS FOR SERVICE DOGS

By Judy Keene, Next Step Service Dogs

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HOMELAND / Octomber 2016 27

Trained to be incredibly adaptable and calm, service dogs are trained to go everywhere possible with their owner/ client. Many clients of Next Step Service Dogs can now rejoin the world -- hike, camp, attend events, fly, and go places with a sense of safety that their PTSD/TBI service dog provides. Here are tips about traveling with a service dog to make each new adventure as easy as Sunday morning.

GETTING AIRPLANE TICKETS & NOTIFYING THE AIRLINE Schedule your trip on flights that are not full. It is best to book late night and midnight flights where you can have an empty seat between you and another passenger. Your dog MUST NOT sit on any seat but the extra space gives good stretching and easy sleeping in the footwells.

with an expensive bill to go with it.

If you travel to another country, research the additional requirements. For example, flights to Australia and England only allow ADI-member accredited service dogs on their flights; some countries allow no dogs.

At least one or two weeks before your flight, confirm that your dog is registered and approved in the airline’s database and is expecting your dog. United Airlines issues a service dog pass; other airlines may start doing them also.

PREPARATION BEFORE THE FLIGHT Do a few trial runs visiting the airport the weeks before your flight, make sure that your dog and you are comfortable with escalators, elevators, crowds with baggage, little children, and little dogs, and all the sounds there.

Groom/clean your dog within a couple of days prior to the flight.

Service dog Billy enjoying a moment in a USS Midway helicopter

Service Dog Question: Be prepared to answer the question: “ What tasks does your service dog perform to help with your disability?”

When you book your tickets, find out what they require from you. Each airline has a slightly different protocol; some require documentation, others do not, but all require notification ahead of time. A service dog does not automatically get onto a flight. All airlines have a limited number of service animals per flight so you must confirm that your service dog can board.

Traveling to Hawaii: Plan at least 6 months prior to any trip to Hawaii with a service dog – you must submit paperwork proving that your dog has two rounds of rabies vaccine and is a certified service dog – this can take 3 months or more. If you do not have the proper authorization when you land, the dog will be quarantined for 180 days

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Get a health check by a veterinarian especially for your dog’s ears, a few days before your flight. If your dog has even a small ear infection, it could cause pain and extensive howling and whining during the flight – worth avoiding!

If your dog (or your dog’s breed) has a delicate stomach under stress, gets car sick or sea sick with movement, check with your veterinarian on how to best keep your dog calm before and during the flight.

Bring: A copy of all your dog’s medical records with you in case you need to visit a veterinarian during your visit.

Plenty of wipes and poop bags. www.homelandmagazine.com

A portable water bowl, food, and high value snacks for your dog to have ready when you land.

Have a bully stick for your dog to chew just before the dog’s first airplane ride taking off, to pop his ears as the plane gains altitude. This is usually only needed for the first time; once the newness wears off, the dogs naturally relax and will yawn to pop their ears on later flights.

THE AIRPLANE FLIGHT NO FOOD OR WATER at least for 6 hours before the flight (longer if there is a delicate stomach), so that you can fully toilet your dog shortly before boarding.

DO NOT ALLOW your dog to sit on a seat. He must be in the footwell at all times no matter how squished you both might feel. It is do-able!

Be aware of small dogs and other service dogs on the flight. Your dog must not react to other dogs by barking, whining, lunging, or any disruptive behavior. Just control your dog at all times, and quietly distract him when needed.

flight attendant to move your seat.

If you are on an aisle seat with your service dog, use your feet as a barrier between the dog and the aisle.

It is critical that the dog is kept separate from any pathways or passengers. His tail, feet, and body must not slip onto the aisle or into the space of another passenger.

NO food or water to your dog during the flight.

As soon as the plane lands, IMMEDIATELY TOILET your dog outside or at a dog toilet area PRIOR to getting your luggage. It is no fun to have a poop pile in the luggage area.

Based in San Diego County, Next Step Service Dogs is a 501(c)3 nonprofit that trains and certifies amazing service dogs for active military, veterans, and first responders with PTSD and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), at no cost to the client.

www.nextstepservicedogs.org

VERY IMPORTANT: When you locate your seat, check with neighboring passengers. If any of them dislike dogs or are allergic to dogs, ask the

Bo relaxes at the feet of his veteran www.homelandmagazine.com

HOMELAND / Octomber 2016 29

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Veterans of America Fighting PTSD Jobs For Vets Education & More

Available & Online Now At

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Mark Your Calendar

2017 R4 Alliance

Member and Educational Conference

October 3 3--6, 2017 The Perfect Balance of Technology and Nature Beaver Hollow Conference Center brings state-of-the-art facilities to the heart of this distraction-free environment. 300 scenic acres provide the perfect setting to get things done and experience the natural beauty of the resort.

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