VOL. 11 NO. 15 August 20, 2010 - September 2, 2010
Naval Consolidated Brig adopts Canines for Veterans program Written by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW/AW) Jennifer R. Hudson Naval Consolidated Brig (NAVCONBRIG) Charleston regimen can last from 1,800 to 2,000 hours and, after core aboard Naval Weapons Station Charleston announced a new training and the prospective wounded warrior is identified, program that will allow prisoners to train dogs for disabled training can be adjusted to accommodate any special needs veterans in conjunction with the Carolina Canines for the wounded warrior may need. Veterans (CCV) Program, Aug. 11. The canines, rescued from area animal shelters, go The first placement of the CCV Program at a military base through an extensive screening process to ensure the future started in January 2008, at Marine Corps Base Brig at Camp training is invested in a dog capable of meeting the rigors of Lejeune, but was shut down due to impending base closure the job. Some of the standards for acceptance are the aniunder BRAC base realignment. mal’s physical attributes and capabilities, temperament and “We have been very happy with the support of the Marine they must be within the age of 10-15 months. Corps and the success of the Carolina Canines for Veterans “When we go look at these animals at the shelters, we program at Camp Lejeune. The move to Charleston will may look at 60 of them but only a few will get selected,” said enable us to grow the program and serve more of our deserv- Hairston. “Our service members deserve the best and that is ing veterans,” said Carolina Canines for Service President what we are dedicated to giving them.” and CEO, Rick Hairston. The service dogs are taught to retrieve items like a coin on Since its inception in 1996, Carolina Canines has success- the floor, or a brief case or a dropped cell phone. They learn fully placed 41 service dogs, valued at more than $1.6 mil- to place clothes in a washing machine, place dishes in a sink, lion, with disabled people nationwide and since partnering open a refrigerator to retrieve an item, retrieve prosthetic with the Marine Brig in Camp Lejeune, have placed 10 dogs limbs and even open different types of doors. with wounded warriors. NAVCONBRIG Charleston can expect to begin the program with seven dogs Aug. 31. “This program will be a triple win for all involved,” said NAVCONBRIG Charleston Commanding Officer Cmdr. Ray Drake. “The wounded warrior gets a highly trained companion to greatly improve their quality of life; the Navy facilitates a useful program employing prisoners productively while helping them develop marketable skills they can use after release; and the dogs are rescued from local shelters (Above) Titus, a highly trained Lab mix, stands instead of being euthanized.” alertly by his trainer, Rick Hairston, CEO of Carolina The service dogs will be placed with their respective Canines for Service. Far right: Tyson demonstrates trainer, prisoners who have displayed exceptional behavior how he can assist wounded warriors by retrieving a and a temperament that will enable them to train the dog, prosthethic leg for his owner. who will care for and successfully train the dog. The training See Canines continued on page 16
IN THIS EDITION
Next issue street date
Friday, August 27
Submission deadline
Friday, Sept. 13
Flu season preps See page 3
Meet the CPO selectees See page 11
Ice heats up the Dive See page 17