FALL 2017
the Chris souza foundation P. 8 former pow cdr paul e galanti P. 14 Adam Driver’s arts in the armed forces P. 24
The Service Dog
Specialty www.americanservicedogs.org
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"I love being a brand ambassador for this company Empowering mi~itary spouses while creating amazing American Handmade products a~igns wrth my personal valut:!s and beliefs." -Amanda Ba ity
Visit RRiveter.com
and use code RRAmandaB for 15% signature handbags.
TABLE OF CONTENTS 10
14
22
26
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14
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The Service Dog Specialty
Former Vietnam POW CDR Paul E. Galanti
K9 Massage
FEATURE STORY
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ASK THE EXPERTS Training Tips For Your Dog
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VETERAN SERVICE ORGANIZATION The Chris Souza Foundation
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VETERAN OWNED Military Spouse Owned R. Riveter
AMERICAN GRIT
HEALTH & WELLNESS
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28
Psychiatric Service Dogs Help More Than Your Mental Health
Cole & Kaya
MENTAL HEALTH
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DESTINATIONS
USS Alabama Battleship Park
REAL STORIES
30
EVENTS CALENDAR ABOUT THE COVER
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ARTS IN ACTION Adam Driver’s Arts in The Armed Forces
USMC Combat Veteran, Cole Lyle with his service dog Kaya.
Publisher
Amanda Baity
amanda@americanservicedogs.org
Graphic Designer Ana Schwar
ana.schwar@yahoo.com
Editorial Team
Amanda Baity, Christopher Baity, Vréli Covington, Delia Engstrom, and Jill Londagin Visit our website to find out more about our editorial team members.
Photography Team
Amanda Baity and Delia Engstrom
Advertising Opportunities
For rates and information please contact Amanda Baity at info@americanservicedogs.org 571-494-5144 ext 2
Sponsorship Opportunities
American Service Dogs has several different sponsorship options for your brand. If you are interested in finding out more information please contact Amanda Baity: info@americanservicedogs.org 571-494-5144 ext 2
Editorial Opportunities
Do you have a story you’d like our team to cover? Contact us at info@americanservicedogs.org or visit our website to submit story ideas and press releases.
Subscriptions
Annual subscription rate (4 issues) is $25 (Continental U.S.). Change of address notices should be sent to info@americanservicedogs.org. Order back issues at www.semperk9.shop.
American Service Dogs PO Box 451 Quantico, VA 22134 Phone: (571) 494-5144 ext. 2
American Service Dogs magazine is a product of Semper K9 Assistance Dogs’ Community Education Program. Produced by Top Dog Consultants, American Service Dogs’ mission is to educate and inspire readers with the features we highlight each issue. All opinions expressed in the magazine and online are those of the authors, or persons interviewed and do not necessarily reflect the views of American Service Dogs. © Copyright 2017 by American Service Dogs, ISSN 2475-7810. All rights reserved. Materials may not be reproduced or translated without written permission. Contact the publisher for reprint information.
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AMERICAN SERVICE DOGS
Publisher’s Letter
W
elcome to our second issue of American Service Dogs Magazine. We had a lot of feedback from our first issue and are grateful to all who took the time to contact us! Again, our mission is to educate and inspire readers with accurate and useful information by telling real stories for the military community. Some of these stories you may have heard, and others you may have not. In this issue, you will read about a Gold Star Wife who is working to preserve the legacy of her husband while assisting veterans and families and bringing awareness to PTSD. You will also read about Marine Adam Driver’s Arts in the Armed Forces and how he strives to bring highquality theatre programming to military families across the country. For our Veteran Owned feature, we are changing it up a bit and giving you insight on the military spouse owned business R. Riveter. One of Semper K9’s service dog allies K9 Partners for Patriots shares their K9 Massage Therapy Class with us in Health & Wellness, giving us the reasons all dogs need a good massage! Our destinations feature this issue is USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park in Mobile, Alabama. Not only the home place of the USS Alabama, the park offers plenty of activities for all. Our American Grit feature is former Vietnam POW Paul E. Galanti, CDR. Find out how he survived one of the worst POW camps and experiences and his continued selfless service to the military community. We hope you enjoy our second issue and welcome your feedback. Don’t forget to check out our events calendar and submit your military friendly events on our website. If you have ideas for future articles, wish to sponsor a column or support our mission you can reach us at our website americanservicedogs.org or send me an email at amanda@americanservicedogs.org.
Publisher
facebook.com/americanservicedogsmag
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twitter.com/servicedogsmag
linkedin.com/company/americanservicedogs
instagram.com/americanservicedogsmag Fall 2017
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FEATURE STORY
The Service Dog Specialty By Christopher Baity, CDT
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have enjoyed a career working with many types of dogs. Everything from 100-pound German Shepherds, to 20-pound terrier mixes. I trained and used these dogs to find all types of materials and perform many arduous tasks. Finding explosives, bed bugs, keys or medication. Walking dozens of miles and navigating difficult terrain. If it emits an odor, a dog can sniff it out. If they are physically able, they can be trained to perform almost any task. It takes a trainer who knows where the dog is naturally talented. When I started placing dogs to veterans with disabilities, I recognized that common disability mitigating tasks, had many versatile uses. Someone in a wheelchair will benefit from a dog trained to find and retrieve their cell phone. A veteran with TBI or memory loss could benefit from the same dog, performing the same task. What makes this so important? It demonstrates that the task a dog performs is only relevant to the current need of the handler. If the handler benefits from a dog that retrieves his cell phone, their disability or the type of service dog become irrelevant. The key is finding a dog that can perform three or more disability mitigating tasks. Service dogs must perform a minimum of three (3) disability mitigating tasks related to their handler’s needs. Commonly referred to as ‘tasks’, these skills or abilities are trained and not a naturally occurring behavior. Service dogs are prescribed by a medical professional as part of a disabled person’s treatment 4
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FEATURE STORY plan. Typically, the tasks performed are related to the current or future needs of the handler. This means that a service dog may not be working, but they are always prepared to perform when their handler needs. No matter the specialty, all service dogs must be treated equally. The community should be involved with the success of all service dogs, by remaining educated on the many positive aspects and efficient uses of service dogs. Guide dogs assist their handler with navigating public & private settings. Their handler may rely solely on their guidance from sunrise to sunset. Avoiding curbs, obstacles, and potential hazards. They are also trained to retrieve or find objects (cellphone, keys) or stop or assist at crosswalks or while using public transportation. Many guide dogs are strictly trained to ignore an entire host of stimulus and perform to a rigorous schedule. Hearing dogs assist the deaf or hard of hearing by alerting to certain sounds or situations. Hearing dogs can be trained to locate their handler and lead them towards or away from certain sounds. Some hearing dogs assist only within the home; alerting to common household sounds: doorbell, smoke alarm, a ringing phone or a crying baby. Others provide protective tasks in public, notifying their handler of an approaching car engine, the handler’s name being called or fire alarms. Medical response(alert) dogs: These dogs are trained to respond to a medical event such as an epileptic seizure or diabetes-related fluctuations in blood sugar. These dogs may also remove dangerous objects during a seizure, or alert family members in the event of a medical emergency. Some are trained to remain with the handler until the seizure ends or the person becomes coherent. Additional tasks may include retrieving medical equipment or assisting with standing/sitting. Psychiatric alert dogs: Sometimes categorized with Medical Response Dogs, these dogs are specially trained to facilitate or interrupt certain behaviors related to PTSD, anxiety,
depression, autism or other mental and behavioral health disorders. These dogs are trained to perform various tasks for the unique needs of their handlers. Assisting with medication reminders and locating medical items (medicine, Epi-pen, water). Some are trained to wake or disrupt night terrors. They may provide ‘deep muscle stimulation’ to ease body pain or tremors. Many are trained to assist their handler in social situations. Performing basic greetings or providing a buffer from a crowd. Mobility dogs: These are specially trained to assist with ambulation or mobility limitations. Typically largebreed dogs, mobility service dogs can retrieve wheelchairs, prosthetics or canes. The dogs may pick up or deliver items in a shopping situation, help exchange credit cards, receipts or currency. Many can carry objects or hold bags to allow the handler to remain standing, balanced or moving. Small-breed dogs can be trained to push buttons or assist their handler in removing items of clothing (socks, shoes, jacket). Mental Health-Mobility Dog: This is a term I use in reference to handlers with multiple disabilities or a disability that is difficult to manage with medication. I am typically training service dogs for veterans with a combination of challenges related to their disabilities. Many of our injured veterans suffer from physical and mental challenges. These service dogs are trained to locate a misplaced object, pick up or retrieve medical equipment, interrupt an emotional outburst. When a stranger encounters a service dog in public, their first thought should be “That’s a wellbehaved dog.” This also means that you may have no visual idea to the type of service dog or the tasks they perform for their handler. This can also be a challenge with business owners when a service dog team enters their establishment. They may unintentionally judge the legitimacy of the service dog if the handler’s disability is not obvious. In all cases, never challenge the validity of a service dog team if the service dog Fall 2017 5
“Service dogs must perform a minimum of three (3) disability mitigating tasks related to their handler’s needs. Commonly referred to as ‘tasks’, these skills or abilities are trained and not a naturally occurring behavior.”
FEATURE STORY
is controlled and unobtrusive. This dog could be trained to ensure their handler remembers their medication or is aware of surrounding hazards. Many tasks are specific to locations or situations, and some dogs are trained to provide life-saving support in the event of an emergency. Ultimately, throughout the life of a service dog, they will provide a multitude of tasks and activities for their handler to include learning new ways to help manage the owner’s disability in the following ways: • Provide motivation and routine • Facilitate healthy behavior and exercise • Provide confidence and independence • Facilitate tasks commonly completed by a caregiver • Eliminate the need for an “Escape Plan” while in a public setting Regardless of the specialty or appearance, every service dog should be treated the same. Every service dog team should be respected. The moment we categorize service dogs, we diminish their importance by placing an unnecessary label for the handler’s disability. When a disabled person is judged based on their service dog type, this can inadvertently isolate the handler which defeats the purpose altogether. I recommend visiting the Association of Service Dog Providers for Military Veterans’ website and look to an organization who is their partner member. These partner members must meet their national training standard and utilize procedures that all member organizations follow, which is also listed on their website: www.servicedogs4vets.org. 6
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ASK THE EXPERTS
Ask the Experts Q. I just rescued a dog, where do I start with training? A. Every person to buy or adopt a dog planned ahead, they did extensive research and included all family members in the decision-making process…or should have. Now that we are back from a fantasy world let’s discuss your options; whether you already have your new dog or a considering it, having a plan is the most important step. Unfortunately, many dog owners make these long-term decisions about the training and care, after their dog misbehaves. Cost & Time: Your biggest challenge is deciding how much you can invest in the long-term care of your dog. Most dogs require, on average, $2000 per year in preventative and normal care. These costs do not include any training equipment or trainer fees associated with his/her training. Decide early on if you have a dog that will need professional assistance. Chances are, you do. Finding a Trainer: Whether your first dog or not, you will run into difficulties along the path to and through their maturity. Many behavior problems begin when they are puppies and only escalates as they grow and mature mentally and physically. Prepare yourself in advance to stop the unwanted or aggressive behavior before it is too late. Setting Goals: Everyone wants a Lassie, these dogs do not exist, without a plan in place. Plan to need maintenance training or continuation training at various times in your dog’s career as a family member. Examples of training classes: Puppy training (Star puppy), basic obedience (Canine Good Citizen), advanced obedience (Community Canine), specialty training (Rally, Public Access, Urban Canine, Nose Work.) Going the Distance: No one loses their dog to old age and relishes the freedom from their companionship. Training of your dog can end the day after they pass. Just like your children, invest in their future. To your dog, you mean everything to them. Keep them engaged throughout their life by providing recreation, socialization, and stimulation. Practical application: Like any sport or skills, consistency and repetition are essential to success in the field. Training tricks are great for your dog and provide the stimulation necessary to a well-rounded canine. However, you can take it a step further by teaching your dog skills that will be useful in
your time together. Teaching fetch is a common and helpful basic skill, that will some guidance and initiative could become a task. Life is full of success and failure. Knowing how to train or practice is the first step. Prepare you and your dog for success by having a plan. Don’t think you can handle everything a dog needs to know. Coming from someone working and training dogs for 16+ years, I learn something new about dogs every day. It is an ever-evolving industry. Be successful by preparing to succeed. -Christopher Baity, CDT If you have a question you would like to ask one of our experts, visit our website americanservicedogs.org and look under submissions. Fall 2017
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VETERAN SERVICE ORGANIZATION
The Chris Souza Foundation “My Husband and I were starting this non-profit together, to help Veterans with a lot of the one-off needs that the VA doesn’t provide services for”
F
ounded by Amanda Souza, the Chris Souza Foundation’s mission is to help, assist, honor, encourage, support and empower U.S. Veterans and Active Duty Service Members of all branches of the Armed Forces as well as their families in their time of need and crisis. Some of the ways this Richmond, Virginia based 501(c) (3) serves veterans and service members is through home improvement, wheelchair ramps, service dogs, temporary housing, counseling, financial grants for emergency situations and many of the other needs they may not have the ability to obtain services for on their own, helping to improve their quality of life. 8
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In 2015, Amanda lost her husband, SFC Jarrett Christopher Souza, to PTSD, and struggles every day with the pain of her immeasurable loss. Chris was not only a soldier who served with distinction for over 25 years in the US Marine Corps and Virginia Army National Guard but was the love of Amanda’s life, her best friend, and father, friend and role model to her children. “My Husband and I were starting this non-profit together, to help Veterans with a lot of the one-off needs that the VA doesn’t provide services for,” Said Souza. “The original name was Liberty Veterans Services. It had been a dream of mine to do this, and I was so honored that my husband wanted to join forces with me- he was always so proud of all the ways
VETERAN SERVICE ORGANIZATION I helped the community – especially our veteran and police communities.” Before starting the Foundation, Amanda, who is a Gold Star wife and recognized as a Blue Star Mother, had served on several non-profit boards and is known for giving back to the community. Volunteering through positions with local Police Departments, supporting local JROTC organizations, building wheelchair ramps for disabled veterans and as an active participant in USO programs and her local VFW helped prepare her for the role of CEO. “The actual day that my husband passed away someone brought the mail in and I noticed that the official approval documents from the state were in the mail for Liberty Veterans Services. I lost it, I cried even harder and said I was changing the name to Chris Souza Foundation immediately - I took it as a sign from above,” continued Souza.
Since the Foundation’s inception in 2015, the original mission Amanda and her husband set out to complete is still ongoing and growing. This year will be their 2nd Annual Charity Golf Tournament, and they have assisted with dozens of clean up and repair days for veterans in need. This young nonprofit has the potential to assist so many but needs your help. There are a number of volunteer positions listed on their website, some of which can be done from anywhere in the country. When asked how The Foundation is different than others with a similar mission Amanda responded with, “We can help someone in a time of crisis as opposed to working in the corporate world or other nonprofits that set internal and political boundaries to what and who the help and offer as far as services. We are able to manage our services without having delays. We can take a situation and escalate providing help without having to go through a million channels that only prohibits what we can offer and the time of which a Veterans and their family needs the immediate help.” If you would like more information about the Chris Souza Foundation, as well as current volunteer opportunities, please visit www.ChrisSouzaFoundation.org. Fall 2017
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VETERAN OWNED
Military Spouse Owned
R. Riveter O
n Veteran’s Day, November 2011, two military spouses who were seeking worthwhile employment decided to start making women’s handbags in an attic near Fort Merrill in Dahlonega, Georgia. Using a World War II-era sewing machine, Lisa Bradley and Cameron Cruse began building a business that today employs, inspires and empowers military spouses across the country. R. Riveter, a one-of-a-kind brand, creates American handmade products that caught the eye of many when they appeared on Shark Tank in 2015. Landing an investment deal along with the exposure from the show itself has made them even more successful than before. This fall they will launch a new line of signature handbags, American Service Dogs Magazine had an opportunity to interview the founders to get some insight on their mission, entrepreneurial struggles with military life and advice for others seeking to follow their dreams. What aspects of military life prepared you for this endeavor?
LB: Being a military spouse allowed me to easily put down roots in a new location and we’re inventive and resourceful. You’re able to re-start when you move and think outside the box when it comes to problem-solving. 10
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VETERAN OWNED
CC: There is something very strategic about it, but you have to be flexible at the same time. It’s the same with being an entrepreneur, you have to know what you want big picture, but at the same time, you have to roll with the punches. Before starting your business did you have previous business experience?
LB: Yes; I have an MBA and have had a few jobs in different areas of business. Both of my parents are entrepreneurs, and I am very familiar with the different aspects of owning your own business. CC: No, I’ve only had part time job experience. With this, we were able to dive right in without even knowing what we were getting ourselves into. With this, we were able to shape R.Riveter exactly how we wanted it to be. Did you ever entrepreneur?
think
you
would
become
an
LB: Yes I always knew I wanted to be an entrepreneur because my parents were. I knew the ups and downs of owning your own business, and I knew this is something that I have always wanted to do. CC: No. It wasn’t the direction I wanted to go, but now I couldn’t imagine it any other way.
R. Riveter, a one-of-akind brand, creates American handmade products that caught the eye of many when they appeared on Shark Tank in 2015. Fall 2017
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VETERAN OWNED
Do you hold any specific certifications/awards for your field/sector/market?
LB: I do hold a patent for a previous product idea. Recently we won the honor of being recognized on the INC. 500 list. We were named number 298. CC: Apparel 30 under 30. INC #5 in North Carolina Manufacturing. What challenges had to be overcome?
LB: I think the challenge that everyone assumes military spouses have is moving all of the time but instead we looked at it differently, and we thought about how this could make us successful. We took that and turned it into the foundation of our business model. CC: Everyday brings a new challenge. Problem-solving and being agile to fit the day to day company needs. 12
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What has your business enabled you to do with your life? What qualities has it brought?
LB: It’s allowed me to fulfill my husband’s dreams and aspirations while I am able to follow my own. We’ve moved nine times in the last ten years, and it’s also allowed me to create something of my own; ownership of my career and business while being mobile for my husband. CC: It’s allowed me to have a perspective that I would have never gained if I went the route of my original life plan. I’ve grown about ten times faster personally and professionally than I would have in a different setting. What is your future vision for your company?
LB: The future of R.Riveter is always going to be rooted in
VETERAN OWNED
helping military spouses. We plan to expand in ways that allow us to grow our remote manufacturing network. CC: I think we are going to continue to redefine what it means to manufacture in America and continue to provide mobile, flexible income on a larger scale. Can you give any advice or a one liner to help inspire others to go for their dreams?
LB: “Well behaved woman rarely make history.” It’s a reminder that you should always be pushing the boundaries as well as pushing yourself. CC: Don’t over think it. Don’t question yourself and just do it.
“Well behaved woman rarely make history.” It’s a reminder that you should always be pushing the boundaries as well as pushing yourself. To find out more about R. Riveter, shop their fall line of handbags, and other American handmade products visit their website at www.rriveter.com. Our publisher has recently been selected as a brand ambassador for the company, and you can utilize her discount code RRAmandaB to receive 15% off signature handbags now through the end of 2017. Fall 2017
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AMERICAN GRIT
Former POW Paul E. Galanti, CDR “I learned that no matter how bad I had it, somebody else always had it worse. “
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AMERICAN GRIT
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June 1966. That was the date Paul E. Galanti, who had flown 97 combat missions in an A-4C Skyhawk, was shot down and taken prisoner by the North Vietnamese. He was blindfolded, handcuffed and paraded through the streets of Hanoi—where he was mocked and kicked as the cameras rolled—before eventually ending up in a prison camp later dubbed the “Hanoi Hilton.” Sen. John McCain was a prisoner at the same place, and Galanti spent seven years there, suffering infamous mental and physical torture. After graduating from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1962, then-ENS Galanti reported to fighter jet training, learning to fly the A-4C Skyhawk. In November 1965, he deployed on the carrier USS Hancock to South East Asia. During a LIFE magazine photo shoot, as he sat on a cot the North Vietnamese had staged as a propaganda event, Galanti took the photos with both middle fingers extended in a defiant move, only to have both fingers airbrushed out before print by LIFE magazine editors. Upon his release, Galanti was among the first POWs brought back to the states. His wife Phyllis, who passed away
“But the most important thing I learned came from solitary confinement – there’s no such thing as a bad day when there’s a door knob on the inside of the door.” in 2014, had campaigned vigorously for information on her husband—and for his return. Phyllis became a fighter for POW rights and the release of her husband. Her role in life went from housewife to POW/MIA crusader, and her Write Hanoi project garnered more than 750,000 handwritten letters from Virginians. She personally delivered them to the North Vietnamese Embassy in Sweden. She eventually became chairwoman of the National League of Families of American Prisoners and Missing in Southeast Asia. When asked what he learned from his time as a prisoner of war, Galanti states, “The first was, I wasn’t as tough as I thought was. I learned that no matter how bad I had it, somebody else always had it worse. But the most important thing I learned came from solitary confinement – there’s no such thing as a bad day when there’s a door knob on the inside of the door.” Galanti’s military decorations include the Silver Star, Two Legions of Merit for combat, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Bronze Star for combat, nine Air Medals, the Navy Commendation Medal for combat and two Purple Hearts. He is a recipient of the Liberty Bell Award, the Outstanding Virginian Award and numerous other awards and citations for civic service. He is Past President of the Science Museum Fall 2017 15
AMERICAN GRIT
Photo by Delegate Rich Anderson
of Virginia Foundation, Past President of Nam-POWs, the national Vietnam POW Fraternity, a River Rat, POW Coordinator for the Skyhawk Association and an Elder at First Presbyterian Church in Richmond, Virginia. Additionally, he was President of his class at Annapolis. In the 2000 and 2008 presidential election cycles, he campaigned tirelessly for his friend and fellow Vietnam POW, Arizona Senator John McCain. Recognized for his speaking ability, Galanti’s inspirational message has been delivered to more than 1,300 groups ranging from school children to groups of physicians. Galanti is currently active in the Families of the Wounded Fund, a nonprofit that raises funds for the primary next of kin for post 9/11 wounded service members. Galanti states, “It’s the most rewarding thing I think I’ve ever done.” To find out more about his current projects, please visit www. fotwf.org or visit the Vietnam POWs website, which he is author and webmaster, www.nampows.org. 16
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MENTAL HEALTH
PSD’s Can Help More Than your Mental Health
By Jill Londagin
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t is well known that your service dog can perform tasks that are vital to your mental health like medication retrieval or arousal during nightmares, but they can also assist in other ways that are important to your overall health. Being the owner of a service dog also requires you to get out and provide them daily exercise, not only does this benefit your service dog but benefits you as well. Studies have shown that by walking your dog, you are more likely to meet guideline for daily physical activity, which can provide numerous benefits to your health such as lowering your chances for heart disease and diabetes. Other studies have also shown that interactions with animals cause biochemical changes in both the person and the animal, such as lowering blood pressure and inhibiting the production of stress hormones. So it’s time to get out and enjoy the weather with your four-legged service dog, and know that not only are you contributing to your mental health but to your overall well-being.
Disclaimer: The views expressed are those of the author and do not reflect an official position of the US Army or Department of Defense. Fall 2017
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DESTINATIONS
Battleship Memorial Park Mobile, Alabama
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rom her humble beginnings on February 1, 1942, as the keel was laid at the Norfolk Navy Yard in Portsmouth, Virginia, Battleship USS ALABAMA (BB-60) has had a remarkable career. She began her World War II adventures in the North Atlantic in 1943, then later that year, went to the South Pacific seas. Home to a crew of 2,500 courageous Americans, this 45,000-ton gentle giant’s WWII adventure culminated when she led the American Fleet into Tokyo Bay on September 5, 1945, the day after the Surrender documents were signed. Nine Battle Stars for meritorious service were awarded the “Mighty A” during her brief three-year tenure as the “Heroine of the Pacific.” Decommissioned in 1947, the ALABAMA was scheduled to be scrapped in the early 1960s. A forward-looking group of Alabamians saw a bright future in the aging warship as the anchor attraction of a Memorial Park to be located in Mobile. That dream came true on January 9, 1965, when USS ALABAMA Battleship Memorial Park opened to the public. Photos provided by Battleship Memorial Park Fall 2017 19
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DESTINATIONS
Today, Battleship Memorial Park welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors from around the world each year. These guests come to tour the Park and learn about the men who served aboard the USS ALABAMA and USS DRUM, our nation’s military history, and the price paid for freedom. Alabama Governor George Wallace signed into law Senate Bill 152 on September 12, 1963, establishing the USS ALABAMA Battleship Commission as a state agency to acquire, transport, berth, renovate, maintain, and establish Battleship USS ALABAMA as a memorial to all those Alabamians who had served so valiantly in WWII and Korea. The law has modified to make the memorial applicable to those from the state who served in all branches of the military service in all armed 20
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conflicts of the United States. In the early 2000s, the Commission, supported by a major fundraising effort, embarked on a major restoration and renovation program. 2.7 million gallons of fuelcontaminated water was removed from the Battleship in 1999, and then in 2001, the Commission moved Submarine USS DRUM out of the water to a land base, allowing complete hull repair and allowing visitors to see the bottom of a submarine. The project then completed a water-tight cofferdam around the Battleship so the water could be removed and hull repair on the mighty warship was completed in 2003. The project eventually totaled $15 million. Along with the memorials, some of the finest military equipment of the United States is installed throughout the
DESTINATIONS
guests come to tour the Park and learn about the men who served aboard the USS ALABAMA and USS DRUM, our nation’s military history, and the price paid for freedom. grounds. Included are an M26 Pershing tank, an M48A1 Patton tank, and a Vietnam PBR Gun Boat. This collection gives visitors an up close look at the United States military might. Other memorials include Korean Memorial, Vietnam Memorial, complete with a standing POW bracelet, and the Fallen Guardian Memorial honoring those whose lives were lost in service to the U. S. Coast Guard and the Fallen Hero 9/11 Memorial that pays tribute to Alabamians who have given their lives in service since 9/11. On Veterans Day in 2008, a tribute was unveiled to canines that have served in the military. The four-ton granite slab supports statues depicting a war dog, his handler, and other service members. The marble back side contains a listing of war dogs associated with handlers from Alabama. In front of the piece are boot prints made from an actual service member’s footwear, along with paw prints. Enjoy the recreational areas of the park while visiting by having a bayside picnic, fishing off the pier or exploring the coastal birding trail. There is plenty to do and see at Battleship Memorial Park so plan your trip with at least 4 hours to explore it all. To find out more information about the park visit ussalabama.com Fall 2017
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Photo by Delia Engstrom
Adam Driver’s Art in the aRMed forces By Delia Engstrom 22
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ARTS IN ACTION
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ll the world’s a stage- and thanks to Arts in the Armed Forces, theater performances are making their way to military installations around the globe. A non-profit organization, Arts in the Armed Forces (AITAF) provides an alternative to typical entertainment programming common on military bases. Service members are treated to contemporary American plays and monologues that are performed by professional actors in a setting far offBroadway. Arts in the Armed Forces was founded by Emmy-nominated actor Adam Driver. Best known for his roles on HBO’s “Girls” and as warrior Kylo Ren in “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” many fans are unaware that Driver is also a Marine Corps veteran. His journey to the service and then screen reads like a script itself: Indiana high-schooler with acting aspirations applies to Julliard and gets denied. The starry-eyed, wanna-be actor follows in the footsteps of many before him and heads west. During previous interviews, Driver recounted “I heard all these stories of people moving to California with no money and making it. I was there for two days- 48 hours- and I had lost all of my money. It was a disaster.” He moved back home, eventually enlisting in the Marine Corps after the attacks of September 11th. Assigned to Weapons Company; 1st Battalion, 1st Marines at Camp Pendleton, Driver served for over two years before dislocating his sternum in a mountain biking accident. Forced to medically separate from the Marine Corps mere months before his unit deployed to Iraq, he dealt with many of the emotions common to service members who, for various reasons, are no longer able to serve with their comrades. Moving back home to Indiana once again, Adam had a renewed determination to pursue acting, and auditions again for the acclaimed Julliard School and is finally accepted. Once enrolled, he finds that many of the feelings he was grappling with after his military service are oddly embodied in the plays he is exposed to. Putting words to those emotions that inevitably rise to the surface- no matter how often they’re pushed back down- is extremely beneficial. For Driver, seeing commonalities between himself and the various characters and story lines is therapeutic and inspires him to share that experience with the military community. In 2008, Driver gathered fellow actors and delivered a quickly formed production of monologues on Camp Pendleton. The experience emboldens him and sets the stage
once the actors took the stage and began their dialogues, the crowd became engrossed in the conversations and emotions taking place before them. for the formation of Arts in the Armed Forces. Since then, Driver and fellow Julliard alum Joanne Tucker (whom he married in 2013) have been on a mission of sharing the art of theater to those trained in the art of war. To date, they’ve traveled to locations worldwide, such as Camp Arifjan, Kuwait; Walter Reed Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland; Osan Air Base, Korea. A recent AITAF performance on Marine Corps Base Quantico brought together three actors who were unfamiliar with military bases but at ease bringing unfamiliar characters to an audience. Ryan Eggold (Blacklist Redemption) Kieran Culkin (Fargo) and Mamie Gumer (Emily Owens, MD) joined to perform the one-act play “Tape”, written by Stephen Belber. The stage, devoid of props, greeted audience members as they Fall 2017 23
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took their seats. Only three lecterns with microphones faced the crowd, which consisted of service members, dependents, and civilians. Those familiar with typical theater performances as well as newcomers to live theater seemed equally dubious. However, once the actors took the stage and began their dialogues, the crowd became engrossed in the conversations and emotions taking place before them. Eggold, Culkin, and Gumer instantaneously became Tape’s three high school classmates reuniting years after graduation, forced to tackle a tough subject- date rape. The starkness of the surroundings enabled the viewer to imagine the backdrops and scenery as they saw fit, but more importantly, it didn’t detract from the performance unfolding before them. The thought-provoking, although sensitive, subject matter had audience members riveted- all finding aspects of the character personalities to relate to. This is the type of encounter that Driver originally envisioned highlighting the shared experiences between two seemingly dissimilar communities. To further forge a bond, base tours are given to the performers before show time, offering a chance for them to interact with military personnel. At the close of each AITAF performance, a Q & A session is followed by a brief audience meet and greet with the cast. John DeBerry, Visits Coordinator for Marine Corps Base Quantico thinks it’s important for service members to feel supported and understood by celebrities and that, “it is enlightening for them to meet face to face with young Marines to get an understanding of all the requirements and training they must have in order to be proficient in their job specialty. They also gain a better appreciation for our young men and women in uniform and the sacrifices they make.”
Find a show near you by following AITAF on social media or at aitaf.org. Their offices are located at 220 36th Street, B520, Unit 21 in Brooklyn, NY 11232.
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AMERICAN SERVICE DOGS
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Canine
Massage By VrĂŠli Covington
T
hink about how your body feels after a long days work, both physically and mentally exhausted, those trigger points or knots forming in your neck, shoulder or lower back? Dogs are no different; their muscles ache, they get trigger points in similar places that we humans do. We get repetitive strain injury from performing a task repeatedly, guess what? So do dogs!!! K9 Partners For Patriots takes the mental and physical health of our service dogs very seriously. As with all service dogs, our dogs are dedicated to their handlers. They are on duty 24/7, and even when tired, sore or injured, they will carry on giving 100%, doing their best to hide what is ailing them, not allowing anything to prevent them from doing the job they know is so important to their human. We provide massage to accompany regular veterinary treatment and make it available for all of the dogs in the program from day 1 of their training throughout their service life. Sometimes a training issue is not a training issue. If we 26
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find a dog is struggling with a certain command or task it is possible this could be due to an old injury such as a strain. The last thing we want is for a dog to associate a command with pain in a muscle or joint and refuse to do it. Massage has been effective in easing those sore areas, so the dog is then able to continue its work with no further discomfort. We encourage our veterans to bring their dogs for treatment on a regular basis, that way we can be sure the dogs are in good muscular shape and identify areas that could cause an issue if left unattended. In addition to the physical work, our service dogs do there is also the psychological aspect of their job. Our veterans are battling with PTSD, TBI or MST; their dogs are right there by their side supporting them through this. Just like their veterans, it is so important for the dogs to have some down time and recharge. Massage is a wonderful way to help the dogs relax and ease away those tensions. Massage is not just valuable for working or sports canines,
HEALTH & WELLNESS our pet can also benefit. Some dogs may have orthopedic conditions such as hip dysplasia; some may have needed surgery for some reason such as cruciate repair. Over time, as with people, some dogs will develop arthritis. All these things take a toll on the muscles in those limbs that are having to compensate. While there is nothing we can do to reverse these conditions, massage is an invaluable therapy to help support those hard-working muscles, providing drugfree pain relief and keep our canine friends mobile for longer. Head Line News! The number 1 cause of injury in dogs is slippery flooring. Sliding around on wood, tile or laminate floor can cause some dreadful injuries, and I’ve treated several dogs that have been paralyzed as a result of this. Thankfully these dogs have returned to mobility, albeit not 100%, but at least they can once more get around under their own steam. So how do we avoid this from happening with our own dogs? Put down rubber backed, non-slip runners in those areas where your dogs come in contact with slippery flooring. Don’t play games such as throwing toys around in areas with slippery floors. Vréli Covington is a certified clinical canine massage therapist working in the Tampa Bay area of Florida and has been practicing for six years. She trained with the Canine Massage Therapy Center in the UK, studying for two years to gain her diploma. She started her own business, K9 Body Works, ran clinics in the South West of England and was also an assistant tutor with the Canine Massage Therapy Center before moving to Florida in 2016. Vréli works closely with a veterinary office near the K9 Partners for Patriots HQ and a veterinary chiropractor on the Florida agility circuit. As well as the K9P4P service dogs her clients include some of the top US agility dogs, international canine athletes from Canada, England & UK agility teams and canine movie stars. www.k9-bodyworks.com T: 352-650-8080 E: info@k9-bodyworks.com E: Vreli@k9partnersforpatriots.com Fall 2017
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REAL STORIES
Cole and Kaya C
ole Lyle, a Marine combat veteran, is our Real Stories feature this issue. Throughout this feature, you will hear his heartbreaking account of desperation as he struggled with PTSD, found Kaya and what he is doing now to help veterans who are going through the same, or worse. You will also learn about his advocacy efforts and how he is trying to prevent others from the same struggles. You can follow his & Kaya’s story on Instagram at @kayalyle. “Before getting Kaya, I was a wreck. I got out of the Marine Corps in February 2014 and was addicted to a cocktail of prescription drugs. I was concurrently going through a divorce, didn’t have a job, and wasn’t in school yet. I had recurring nightmares and anxiety attacks being around people that weren’t family or fellow Marines, and there were lots of days I couldn’t get out of bed. A lot of Marines experience the same sort of problems, and the crazy thing is that I am but one example, and a fortunate one, amongst the 20 veterans a day that commit suicide. Folks lifted me up and were there for me at dire moments, and 28
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REAL STORIES
“The best advice I can give is just to make sure this is the right thing for you.”
my life changed completely when I figured out that service dogs were an option, even before I got one. That was why I was so passionate about helping other veterans get them.” One of the ways he has been doing just that is working on the P.A.W.S. Act (Puppies Assisting Wounded Service Members). It is currently a bill (H.R. 2327) introduced to the 115th Congress by Representative Ron DeSantis, R-FL-6. Gaining huge bipartisan support, Lyle and other organizations are optimistic that this will revolutionize access to service dogs to wounded service members once passed. Cole’s journey to Kaya was not an easy one, however, here is his story on the struggles he endured along the way as well as some advice to others needing the same help: “After I went through a divorce and tried to commit suicide, I had decided to get out of town and clear my head. I was an Eagle Scout and had spent a lot of time in the outdoors as a teen. A friend of mine lived and worked in Breckenridge, Colorado, and an airline was having a 20th-anniversary sale for $20 one-way flights, so I got a roundtrip flight to Denver for $40, and my friend just drove to get me. I spent five days in Breckenridge, and while my friend was at work during the day I borrowed her jeep to explore the area; go hiking, jeeping, all that. As fate would have it, I ran into an old Marine friend of mine as I was out and about one day, and he had a service dog. It turns out he had been going through the same challenges, and he told me how a service dog helped him. That’s when I decided to pursue [getting a service dog].” Knowing that the wait list could be long, Cole did as many veterans often do and purchased a puppy from a breeder,
then paid to have her trained. Often the outcome may not be as successful as Cole’s, but he had two friends who were professional dog trainers. “I had two friends that trained dogs. One of them trained basic obedience, the other had been training dogs for SWAT teams and such. The latter of the two had a brother in 2/7 that had committed suicide, which inspired him to start training service dogs for PTSD. Both of the trainers said they would help me at a discounted rate. In conjunction with the advice I got from the trainers, I picked Kaya from a litter. She went to be obedience trained with the one friend, then got trained for service work by the other.” Cole leaves this advice for any veteran seeking “The best advice I can give is just to make sure this is the right thing for you. A lot of guys see me with the dog and think just getting a dog would help, but they’ve got kids that are allergic, or other territorial animals, or are going through a divorce. Pills and therapy work for some people, for others they don’t. But even for those who they don’t work for, sometimes you have to get your life at least to a point where the dog won’t suffer unnecessarily if you get one. Sure, a service dog’s job and mission are primarily to help you, but it’s still a living thing that needs to be well cared for. I love Kaya more than anything; she saved my life in more ways than one, and deserves to be cared for as such.”
To see more photos of Kaya’s journey, you can find them online at AmericanServiceDogs.org under ‘Real Stories.’ To submit your real service dog story, visit the submission section of our website. Fall 2017
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fall EVENTS september
23-24 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Americans in Wartime Museum Open House |Nokesville, VA
Family-friendly activities such as vehicles and helicopter displays, living history displays, a scavenger hunt, service dog demonstrations, model displays, a veterans round table and much more! Visit www.nmaw.org for more information and registration information.
october
8 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM 2017 Battle for Hustle and Muscle | San Antonio, Tx
This competition is benefiting our veterans and will be held at the VFW Post 76, the oldest post in Texas. Proceeds will go to support the veteran’s relief fund, a fund that assists local veterans in need. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to participate in this unique competition and support those who have served our country. More info here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-battle-of-hustle-and-muscle-tickets
november 11 6:30 PM America’s Parade | New York, New York
America’s Parade, produced by the United War Veterans Council, is our nation’s largest celebration of our veterans. Today, the Parade is approaching its 100th Anniversary. It has evolved from a traditional march of local veterans, to a major public event with participating groups from across America, a live television broadcast, internet stream, and new initiatives in social media and mobile technologies. To register to participate or for more information visit www.americasparade.org.
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If you have a military friendly event that you would like to promote on our website please visit americanservicedogs.org and look under the ‘Events’ tab. There is no cost to list your event. All events listed are subject to change. Please check the website or contact information listed to verify dates, times and locations.
24 Gold Star Mother’s and Family Day
The American Gold Star Mothers, Inc. was incorporated in 1929 and obtained a federal charter from the United States Congress. It began in the Washington DC area and soon expanded to include affiliated groups throughout the United States. On June 23, 1936, a joint congressional resolution designated the last Sunday in September as Gold Star Mother’s Day and proclaimed annually by each president. In 2011, President Barack Obama amended the day to “Gold Star Mother’s and Family’s Day”. Visit www.goldstarmoms.com for more.
14 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
22 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Semper K9’s 1st Annual Hero Hike Triangle, Va
Marine Corps Marathon Washington D.C.
Semper K9’s 1st Annual Hero Hike will take place October 14th at the National Museum of the Marine Corps in Triangle, Virginia. Join us as we all hike in honor or memory of our heroes! Registration opens at 10:30 am. We’ll have a short program at the conclusion of the race with prizes for the top fundraising individuals and teams. Registration details here: www.semperk9.org/herohike
Back in the nation’s capital with a picturesque start on the National Mall, the MCM10K hosts a 6.2 mile course from the US Capitol to the Marine Corps War Memorial. Participants will enjoy throngs of cheering spectators, entertainment, numerous landmarks and the inspirational finish at the Marine Corps War Memorial. Visit www.marinemarathon.com for more information.
17 9:00 AM - 11:30 aM Memorial Arboretum Walking Tour Arlington National Cemetery, Va
In this tour, you will learn about the cemetery’s Memorial Arboretum, a level II accredited arboretum. You’ll gain insight into the urban forestry program, extensive tree collection, and state champion trees. The overall Horticulture program and the variety of techniques used to create some of the most breathtaking formal and informal landscapes and gardens will also be highlighted.
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Coming NEXT ISSUE ARTS IN ACTION
Three Beards Band
VETERAN OWNED
Coffee Vets
CONTINUED SERVICE
Duskins and Stephens Foundation
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American Service Dogs is currently seeking nominations for active duty MWD Teams to be featured in upcoming issues. If you would like to apply, please visit our website americanservicedogs.org and complete the MWD Team submission form or email info@americanservicedogs.org.