As the daughter of a Korean War veteran and the mother of a son that did three tours of combat in Iraq and Afghanistan, and as an American, I believe we should be filled with appreciation and gratitude for the liberties and freedoms which have been secured by those willing to undertake the tremendous burdens of war.

Our military men and women have experienced the ultimate in sacrifice and suffering in our behalf – fighting for us, many serving multiple combat tours for people they don’t even know. For every serviceman and woman who pays the ultimate price, 10 more are severely injured or disabled. Everyone fortunate enough to live here as a free American citizen and every person who has sought refuge within the safety of our borders has done so at the cost of a veteran’s sacrifice.

These are sobering thoughts this Veteran’s Day – a time when far too many American veterans are homeless on the streets of our cities or struggling in isolation with the scars of combat.

I have never worn the uniform, been to war, been wounded or scared in a battle. I have never left my family for months or years to travel across the world to fight for and defend my country. I have never eaten an MRE, put on combat boots, shot at an enemy, or held a dying friend in my arms. I have no idea what war is like, but I do have an understanding from the traumas my father and son live with, as well as all of those we help.

Today…I ask you, as we all honor veterans – make a commitment to give back to the men and women who were, and are, willing to give their lives to defend your families and the way of life we all enjoy today.

It is an honor to serve my country, and I do that today…not in the military…but by helping veterans every day through our amazing service dogs. Our dogs bring our veterans peace and healing…even making them whole again. For those that have lost arms or legs, our dogs can take over the tasks they can no longer do without limbs, such as picking up dropped items, opening/closing doors, and turning on/off lights. Just imagine what life would be like if you were not able to do those things for yourself. For those suffering from the horrific impacts of PTSD, our dogs can stop the nightmares, flashbacks, and anxiety.

Today, I ask you to make a pledge to our brave men and women who have served and sacrificed on our behalf. Don’t just remember them today because it’s a holiday. I challenge all of you to go forward from this day and every day to give back to those that have given so much for us.

It is not just an obligation but an outstanding debt of honor and our sacred duty as grateful Americans to give back to our veterans. Do not take your freedoms for granted, as I can assure you, our veterans do not. Don’t let my message and the meaning of this day end at midnight.

Join me in paying forward our debt of honor to our veterans every day.

Message From Our Founder: January

PreviousMessage From Our Founder: Thank You to Our Supporters

NextDecember Message From Our Founder

0