Warren, MI — Michigan’s military community and its distinguished supporters will gather for a landmark evening of celebration and purpose at the 10th Annual “Celebrate Michigan’s Military” Event. Taking place on June 6th, 2024, at the renowned Andiamos Banquet Center in Warren, this extraordinary event marks a decade of dedication to the courageous men and women who have gallantly defended our country’s freedoms.
With a commitment to service that shines as brightly as the stars on a June night, Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs is proud to host this semi-formal occasion. The mission of this year’s event continues to be unwavering: to honor the sacrifices of our beloved veterans and support those in need with the assistance of a trained medical service dog at no cost.
For nine successful years, Mary Lamparter, a resident of Grosse Pointe and the creator of this event, has made it an annual cornerstone of gratitude and giving. Together, the community has raised over $1,000,000 to support Guardian Angels’ admirable cause. All the proceeds directly contribute to the organization’s pivotal efforts — providing no-cost, highly trained service dogs to veterans in need. Deemed essential by the heroes themselves, these remarkable canines offer much more than mere service; they are trained to alert to the medical conditions of their recipients and assist them with tasks they can no longer do themselves.
The evening’s program is designed to touch hearts and inspire generosity. As the sun sets on the horizon, the celebration will commence with an exquisite cocktail reception, setting the stage for a night of profound speakers and celebration of our honored guests and the heroes among us. Afterward, guests will indulge in a delightful dinner buffet accompanied by a night of exclusive raffle opportunities. These raffles will feature a diverse selection of auction items generously donated by our sponsors and community partners, adding an extra touch of excitement for attendees.
As the evening progresses, the event will play host to notable and distinguished guests, including the remarkable veterans alongside their service dogs. Their testimonies of bravery and recovery highlight the indelible impact that donations and sponsorship have had on their lives.
In the spirit of gratitude and honor, Carol Borden, the Founder and CEO of Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs, remarked, “This event is not just a celebration, but a mission to change lives, and the support we receive each year truly humbles us. It ignites our commitment to continue the unwavering support of our nation’s heroes. We sincerely appreciate Mary’s unwavering dedication to our organization and her invaluable contributions to the success of this extraordinary event. Her tireless efforts have not gone unnoticed, and we are incredibly grateful for her hard work.”
Mary Lamparter, Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs Regional Coordinator, Michigan echoes this sentiment, stating, “Over the past nine years, I have been humbled by the tremendous support of our local community, including our defense and military organizations… Creating Celebrate Michigan’s Military has been extremely rewarding, and I have been honored to represent Guardian Angels and promote their dedication to serving our Nation’s Heroes.”
More than a milestone, the 10th Annual “Celebrate Michigan’s Military” Event encapsulates shared values and a collective spirit. The dedication of this evening’s participants has made a genuine difference, offering hope where it is much needed and deserved.
We invite the community to join us in attendance at this memorable event. Come prepared to bid generously in the raffle, as every dollar contributes to a brighter future for our Veterans.
Guests are requested to dress to impress in semi-formal attire, with a touch of patriotic flair in red, white, and blue, to honor our military heritage. For those unable to attend but wishing to make a difference, donations can be made directly to the event to help reach a fundraising goal of $300,000.
On behalf of Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs, we extend our sincere appreciation to our loyal supporters and dedicated sponsors for the past nine years. Your unwavering commitment propels us forward in our mission to deliver highly trained medical service dogs to those who have served and sacrificed.
For more event details, sponsor information, and to purchase tickets, please visit the official events page. Spread the word, extend the invite, and together, we can make the 10th Annual “Celebrate Michigan’s Military” Event our most unforgettable and impactful yet!
Mary Jo Brandt, COO of Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs recognized as a Diversity Game Changer by the Orlando Magic Basketball Team
Orlando, FL – November 30, 2023 – Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs is pleased to acknowledge Mary Jo Brandt, Chief Operating Officer, as the distinguished recipient of the Orlando Magic Diversity Game Changer of the Week award. This esteemed recognition highlights Brandt’s unwavering commitment to promoting social justice and equality within our community.
The Magic Diversity Game Changers program acknowledges local leaders who strive relentlessly to effect sustainable change and enhance the lives of residents in Orlando. For each game, one individual is honored, and this week, Mary Jo Brandt was selected for her exceptional contributions to both the service dog industry and our community.
Some notable achievements of Mary Jo as a Diversity Game Changer include:
- Successfully placing individuals with service dogs to foster enduring partnerships
- Demonstrating unwavering dedication to the mission and goals of Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs
- Providing hands-on support to partner families, establishing robust support systems
- Advocating for diversity and inclusion within the service dog industry and the wider community
Carol Borden, the CEO of Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs, shared her excitement about Brandt’s well-deserved recognition. Borden stated, “Mary Jo Brandt, our exceptional COO, is truly revolutionizing the service dog industry. Her strategic placements and unwavering commitment to our mission have earned her the esteemed title of Orlando Magic Diversity Game Changer of the Week. We are extremely proud to have her as a part of our team.”
Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs is proud to celebrate the invaluable work of Mary Jo Brandt, shining a spotlight on her dedication and the profound impact she has made on countless lives.
For more information about the Orlando Magic Diversity Game Changers program and Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs, please visit OrlandoMagic.com and MedicalServiceDogs.org.
About Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs
Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs is a nonprofit organization dedicated to training and donating highly skilled medical service dogs for individuals living with disabilities, with a focus on U.S. military veterans and first responders. With an emphasis on enhancing the lives and independence of their recipients, Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs has successfully paired hundreds of dogs with deserving individuals, making a positive impact on families and communities across the nation.
Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs Joins Prestigious Congressional Initiative to Advance the Medical Service Dog Industry
Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs has been selected as one of the two dozen medical service dog organizations nationwide to participate in a special initiative mandated by Congress. The primary objective of this program is to determine if the in-depth details outlined in this initiative for training and pairing service dogs meet the needs of permanently disabled service members and veterans.
This initiative, directed by Danny Benbassat, Ph.D., Commander, U.S. Public Health Service, CofS, Assistant Professor, Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, and managed by the Medical Technology Enterprise Consortium OTA and acting Wounded Warrior Service Dog Program integrator Jeremy Ramirez, DrPH, MPH, Veteran, US Army, Assistant Professor of Health Informatics, California State University Long Beach Department of Health Care Administration, was created to maintain safety measures to protect service dogs and the public while using data-driven decisions to ensure continued improvement within one of the most vulnerable communities these organizations serve.
As a leading medical service dog organization with highly advanced programs and over a decade of experience, Guardian Angel Medical Service Dogs will work with other organizations like themselves to collect and share their best practices, which will then be used to refine and improve the prototype guidelines for future organizations when it comes time to train and pair assistance/service dogs with qualified service members and veterans.
“Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs is proud to have been selected for this crucial project. They have been a highly sophisticated leader in this industry for nearly 14 years, bringing forth many programs above and beyond the current industry standards, thus raising the bar of excellence with our milestones and benchmarks,” said Carol Borden, Founder and CEO of Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs.
The current “prototype guidelines” will be tested by the Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs and other selected organizations where they can share best practices to refine existing guidelines, which will allow them to improve service dog programs. This initiative will evaluate the effectiveness of the suggested guidelines while examining a range of issues affecting service members and veterans with service dogs and those who train service dogs.
Once each organization has gathered empirical data on each of the protocols in this program, they will participate in focus group meetings for further discussion and analysis that will help build future guidelines and best practices related to the quality-of-service dog training, the optimal education and matching of service dogs with service members and veterans, and the safety to canines, service members, and the public.
“Our goal is to further shape the future of this life-changing, life-saving industry that deserves much more clarity and respect for the work these amazing dogs do every day. With this valuable opportunity to assist Congress, we will accomplish another enormous milestone in moving the service dog industry forward,” said Borden.
When the study concludes, the findings will be presented to Congress. Currently, it can take 2-10 years for someone to get a service dog. With the additional funding, Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs will be able to hire more people and enlarge their facilities, which means they will be able to pair more dogs more quickly with veterans and service members in need.
To learn more about Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs, visit https://www.medicalservicedogs.org/.
About Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs
Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs is a nonprofit organization dedicated to training and donating highly skilled medical service dogs for individuals living with disabilities, with a focus on U.S. military veterans and first responders. With an emphasis on enhancing the lives and independence of their recipients, Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs has successfully paired hundreds of dogs with deserving individuals, making a positive impact on families and communities across the nation.
[PITTSBURGH, PA] – Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs has announced they are breaking ground on their Pennsylvania Campus. This campus will bring the organization’s mission to help those with permanent disabilities to the northeast region of the United States.
The new state-of-the-art campus will cover 102 acres, with one hundred acres in Washington County, McDonald, and two in Allegheny County. It will be located twenty minutes from downtown Pittsburgh, ten minutes from the airport, and run along the Montour Trail. (more…)
PNC Bank, Pittsburgh Pirates Unite for the Annual Community Mutt Strut Benefiting Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs
[PITTSBURGH Aug. 08, 2023] — Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs announced the Annual Community Mutt Strut, presented by PNC Bank and sponsored by the Pittsburgh Pirates, will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16 at the Great Lawn on the North Shore. This event brings together dog lovers, supporters and community members for a day of fun, entertainment and education in support of Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs and its life-changing work.
The Community Mutt Strut aims to raise awareness about the impact of medical service dogs in the lives of those living with disabilities, with a focus on U.S. military veterans and first responders.
This year’s event will feature a scenic dog-friendly walk, pet dog trick demonstrations, a dog costume contest, pet-related vendors, live music by local Southern classic rock band Shady Mugs, food trucks and activities for the whole family.
“We’re thrilled to once again host the Community Mutt Strut, and we’re especially grateful for the support of PNC Bank and the Pittsburgh Pirates, who share our dedication to improving the lives of those in need through the unique bond between humans and canines,” said Carol Borden, founder and CEO of Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs.
Statistics show approximately 22 military veterans die by suicide each day, and the COVID-19 pandemic only heightened this crisis. Once paired with a Guardian Angels Medical Service Dog, the suicide rate in recipients drops to zero.
“PNC is honored to once again join forces with Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs for this meaningful event,” said Stacy Juchno, general auditor for PNC. “We’ve seen firsthand how this work changes lives as many of our employees and those in our communities have benefited from pairing with medical service dogs. We look forward to ushering in the next chapter of the Community Mutt Strut in Pittsburgh with terrific organizations like the Pirates.”
As part of the Pirates’ sponsorship, the Pirates are offering a group ticket option for that evening’s game that includes Loaded Value and a donation to Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs. The Pirates play the New York Yankees at 6:35 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 16. All are welcome to purchase tickets, whether or not they are attending the Community Mutt Strut.
“The Pirates are continually committed to making a lasting, positive impact to individuals in our community, and we’re proud to do that by joining our partner, PNC Bank, in support of Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs for such a worthwhile event,” said Travis Williams, president of the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs is a nationally recognized nonprofit organization that has been training and pairing medical service dogs with individuals in need since 2010. These highly skilled dogs are trained to mitigate the challenges of an individual’s disabilities while providing companionship and support, helping them regain their independence and enhance their quality of life.
Participants and supporters of the Community Mutt Strut can register online at www.medicalservicedogs.org or in-person on the day of the event. All proceeds will benefit Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs and its ongoing mission to train and provide medical service dogs to those in need.
For more information about Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs and the Community Mutt Strut, including the online silent auction taking place from Sept. 13-16, please visit the Community Mutt Strut website or the Facebook event page.
About the Pittsburgh Pirates
Now in their 137th National League season, and 141st overall, the Pittsburgh Pirates have a lasting and deep commitment to the Pittsburgh region that continues to grow stronger each season. The Pirates celebrate a rich history filled with five World Series Championships, legendary players and some of baseball’s most dramatic games and moments. The Pirates continue to build upon that rich history with an exciting, young team playing its home games at PNC Park, widely considered the Best Ballpark in America. While the organization has led countless community endeavors since its inception, the Pirates formed Pirates Charities in 2006 to make an even deeper, positive impact on the lives of others.
About PNC Bank
PNC Bank, National Association, is a member of The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (NYSE: PNC). PNC is one of the largest diversified financial services institutions in the United States, organized around its customers and communities for strong relationships and local delivery of retail and business banking including a full range of lending products; specialized services for corporations and government entities, including corporate banking, real estate finance and asset-based lending; wealth management and asset management. For information about PNC, visit www.pnc.com
About Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs
Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs is a nonprofit organization dedicated to training and providing medical service dogs for individuals living with disabilities, with a focus on U.S. military veterans and first responders. With an emphasis on enhancing the lives and independence of their recipients, Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs has successfully paired hundreds of dogs with deserving individuals, making a positive impact on families and communities across the nation.
Funds to benefit Michigan Veterans living with Permanent Disabilities
Jackson, MI (EIN Presswire): Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs is honored to have received a grant in the amount of $10,000 from the Consumers Energy Foundation.
This grant will assist Guardian Angels in training, donating, and supporting our veteran recipients in the State of Michigan. The funds will help to cover the costs to raise and train medical service dogs for veterans with visible and invisible disabilities.
“Veterans are an asset to our communities and our company, and we worked closely with our Veterans Advisory Panel employee resource group to support the important work Guardian Angels does in our communities.” said Carolyn Bloodworth, secretary/treasurer of the Consumers Energy Foundation. “We are proud to support our local heroes through this grant.”
When asked to comment on the grant award, Carol Borden, Founder and CEO of Guardian Angels said “We are honored that we’ve been selected for support by Consumers Energy Foundation. With several paired teams already in Michigan, and several more applicants already on our waiting list, this grant will be of great assistance in serving Michigan’s veterans in need.
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About Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs
Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization based in Williston, Florida and has grown into a nation-wide medical service dog organization. The organization rescues, raises, trains and then donates individually trained medical service dogs to veterans, first responders and others who suffer from disabilities including PTS, Traumatic Brain Injury, diabetic and seizure disorders, mobility issues and more. Since their inception in 2010, Guardian Angels has donated and paired hundreds of individually trained medical service dogs with those in need, in more than 30 states across the nation. For more information, visit: MedicalServiceDogs.org
About Consumers Energy Foundation:
The Consumers Energy Foundation is the charitable arm of Consumers Energy, Michigan’s largest energy provider. The Foundation enables communities to thrive and grow by investing in what’s most important to Michigan – its people, our planet and Michigan’s prosperity. In 2021, the Consumers Energy Foundation, Consumers Energy, its employees, and retirees contributed more than $17.5 million to Michigan nonprofits. For more information, visit ConsumersEnergy.com/foundation
U.S. Secretary of Labor Martin J. Walsh recognized Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs as one of the 835 recipients of the 2022 HIRE Vets Medallion Award during a virtual award ceremony presented by the U.S. Department of Labor. Guardian Angels is one of only 19 Platinum awardees in the State of Florida, and one of only 66 Florida companies to receive a HIRE VETS award of any level from the Department of Labor.
The Honoring Investments in Recruiting and Employing American Military Veterans Act (HIRE Vets Act) Medallion Program is the only federal award program that recognizes employers who successfully recruit, hire, and retain veterans.
Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs Founder and CEO, Carol Borden stated: “At Guardian Angels, it is not only our mission to serve our veterans with disabilities, but to hire and train veterans for civilian career paths as well. Our veterans have given so much of themselves to serve our country and all of us. I believe, it is now our responsibility as Americans to do whatever possible to assist them in their transition from military to civilian life”.
Guardian Angels is honored to join 835 other companies from 49 states, plus the District of Columbia, who have shown a commitment to hiring veterans, but also ensuring that they have a long-term career and growth plan that uses the diverse skills they acquired through their military service.
Recipients of the 2022 HIRE Vets Medallion Award meet rigorous employment and veteran integration assistance criteria, including veteran hiring and retention percentages; availability of veteran-specific resources; leadership programming for veterans; dedicated human resource efforts; pay compensation and tuition assistance programs for veterans. More than 1,400 employers have earned a HIRE Vets Medallion Award since 2018.
About Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs:
Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs is a 501(C)3 Based in Florida that rescues, raises, trains and then donates individually trained medical service dogs to veterans, first-responders and others who suffer from disabilities including PTSD, Traumatic Brain Injury, seizure and diabetic disorders, mobility issues and much more. Over the past 12 years, Guardian Angels has paired hundreds of individually trained medical service dogs with recipients across the nation, and with your help, that number can continue to grow. Visit our website at: www.MedicalServiceDogs.org to get involved or learn more.
Pittsburgh, PA November 21, 2023: Chris Ann Phillips, Chief Administrative officer of Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs has been awarded the Pittsburgh Veteran of the Year by veteran-owned Military Friendly® in a contest sponsored by Fort Pitt Capital Group.
Phillips was chosen from among six outstanding veterans through public online voting. Those candidates included another Guardian Angels’ staff member, Mr. Jack Wagner.
Chris Ann’s story will be highlighted in the April 2023 issue of G.I. Jobs Magazine, which is distributed free to transitioning service members and veterans worldwide.
Chris Ann has been deeply involved in the veteran community for more than 20 years. Before joining Guardian Angels, Chris Ann established the military recruiting program for PNC Bank, and was the lead in creating the Community Mutt Strut. Chris Ann has served as a mentor for American Corporate Partners, and a recipient of the ESGR Patriot Award. She was a two-time finalist for the UA Chamber of Commerce’s Colonel Michael Endres Leadership Award and serves as the Director of Development for Pittsburgh Warrior Hockey.
Notified about the award, Chris Ann said: “I am honored to receive this award on behalf of all of us that serve our nation’s veterans. It is a privilege to be the voice of those in the veteran community, no matter the need. In my role at Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs, I am blessed to be part of a mission that truly saves lives. My work is not done and as long as one veteran is in need, I will continue to serve”.
Phillips served in the United States Marine Corps from 1981 to 1985, separating as a Sergeant.
Military Friendly will present the award to Chris Ann at this year’s Gala of Angels, a fundraising event to be held on December 7 in Pittsburgh.
Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs has been recognized as the winner of the 2022 VETTY Award in the suicide prevention category, presented by the Academy of United States Veterans. Guardian Angels is a national 501(c)3nonprofit organization whose mission is to rescue, raise, train, and donate highly skilled medical service dogs to veterans, first responders and individuals to mitigate the challenges of both visible and invisible disabilities.
Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs’ recipients suffer from a myriad of disabilities, including PTS, military sexual trauma, traumatic brain injuries, diabetic and seizure disorders, mobility issues and more.
These disabilities can often lead to feelings of isolation and suicidal ideation for those affected. The highly trained service dogs that Guardian Angels provides to their recipients help to improve overall health and happiness, restore their sense of freedom and independence, and create a new normal full of possibilities.
Over the past 12 years, Guardian Angels has provided hundreds of service dogs to individuals across dozens of states in the U.S. To date, not a single Guardian Angels Medical Service Dog recipient has been lost to suicide.
“We are so proud of everyone connected with our organization,” says Carol Borden, Founder and CEO of Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs. “From staff to volunteers and foster trainers, everyone involved has played a fundamental role in advancing our mission of making a difference in the lives of veterans and our other recipients. It’s an honor to have our work once again recognized by the Academy of United States Veterans.”
This marks the nonprofit’s third VETTY win and fifth consecutive year as a finalist for the award. The organization previously won the award in 2021 for outstanding efforts in veterans’ suicide prevention, and awarded the 2018 VETTY for outstanding efforts in Veterans’ Mental Health. The Academy of United States Veterans established the annual VETTY awards to recognize those that contribute to the well-being of the veteran community.
The 7th annual VETTY award gala was held on April 23rd at the M Resort and Casino in Las Vegas. Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs’ staff member and Army veteran, Sean O’Rourke was in Las Vegas, along with one of our incredible Service Dogs to accept the award from Assal Ravandi, Founder & CEO of the Academy of United States Veterans.
As he accepted the award on behalf of Guardian Angels O’Rourke said, “Let’s ensure the focus remains on all our veterans and helping them find healing and that beautiful new normal through extraordinary dogs. Thank you so very much for recognizing our labor of love”.
To learn more about how Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs works to prevent suicide among veterans and others affected by disabilities, visit https://www.medicalservicedogs.org/
About Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs
Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization based in Williston, Florida and has grown into a nation-wide medical service dog organization. The organization rescues, raises, trains and then donates individually trained medical service dogs to veterans, first responders and others who suffer from disabilities including PTSD, Traumatic Brain Injury, diabetic and seizure disorders, mobility issues and more. Since their inception in 2010, Guardian Angels has donated and paired hundreds of individually trained medical service dogs with those in need. For more information, visit: www.MedicalServiceDogs.org
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GUARDIAN ANGELS MEDICAL SERVICE DOGS TO HOLD CAREER DAY
APRIL 23, 2022: Williston, FL (EIN Presswire) –Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs will host its first ever Career Day at its Headquarters in Williston, Florida on April 23, 2022.
Due to rapid growth, Guardian Angels will be interviewing for several positions including:
- Veterinarian
- Service Dog Trainers
- Veterinary Technicians
- Recipient Relations Specialist
- Dog Care Specialists
- Veterinary Assistant
Please join us for a day of networking and interviews. Pre-registration is required, and interview schedules will be set in advance of the event. We are looking for people with a passion to help others, and a love of dogs. Please visit: Career Day to learn more and register to attend.
About Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs
Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs is a 501(C)3 Based in Florida that rescues, raises, trains and then donates individually trained medical service dogs to veterans, first-responders and others who suffer from disabilities including PTS, Traumatic Brain Injury, seizure and diabetic disorders, mobility issues and much more. Over the past 11 years, Guardian Angels has paired nearly 400 individually trained medical service dogs with recipients in 29 states, and with your help, that number can continue to grow. Visit our website at: MedicalServiceDogs to get involved or learn more.
WILLISTON, FL, UNITED STATES- Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs is pleased to announce the launch of the Puppy Love Campaign for the month of February. This campaign will benefit the organization’s mission of pairing veterans and first responders in need with lifesaving service dogs. (more…)
Nonprofit dedicated to providing Service Dogs to those in need honored to receive second VETTY Win from the Academy of United States Veterans
WILLISTON, FLORIDA, UNITED STATES, July 14, 2021 /EINPresswire.com/ — Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs has been recognized as the winner
of the 2021 VETTY award in the suicide prevention category, presented by the Academy of United States Veterans. Guardian Angels is a national 501(c)3 nonprofit organization whose mission is to rescue, raise, train and donate highly skilled medical service dogs to veterans, first responders and individuals to mitigate the challenges of both visible and invisible disabilities.
We are so proud of everyone connected with our organization. From staff to volunteers & trainers everyone involved has played a critical role in advancing our mission of changing the lives of veterans.”— Carol Borden, Founder & CEO
Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs’ recipients suffer from PTSD, military sexual trauma, traumatic brain injuries, diabetic and seizure disorders, mobility issues and more. These disabilities can often lead to feelings of isolation and depression for those affected. The highly trained service dogs that Guardian Angels provides to its recipients help improve those recipients’ overall health and happiness, restores their sense of freedom and independence, and creates a new normal full of possibilities.
Over the past 11 years, Guardian Angels has provided hundreds of service dogs to individuals across 29 states. Not a single
Guardian Angels Medical Service Dog recipient has been lost to suicide.
“We are so proud of everyone connected with our organization,” says Carol Borden, Founder and CEO of Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs. “From staff to volunteers and foster trainers, everyone involved has played a fundamental role in advancing our mission of making a difference in the lives of veterans and our other recipients. It’s an amazing honor to have our work recognized by the Academy of United States Veterans.”
This marks the nonprofit’s second VETTY win and fourth year as a finalist for a VETTY award. The organization previously won the award in 2018 for outstanding efforts in veterans’ mental health. The Academy of United States Veterans established the annual VETTY awards to recognize those that contribute to the well-being of the veteran community.
The 6th annual VETTY award gala was held at the Andrew W Mellon Auditorium in Washington, D.C. on July 3, 2021. Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs Recipient and Advisory Council Co-Chair, Chris Cadigan was in Washington, D.C with his service dog, Brit, to accept the award from actor Casey Affleck.
As he accepted the award on behalf of Guardian Angels Cadigan said, “This week, I attended the memorial service and funeral of two friends who succumbed to their invisible injuries. It is unknown if a medical service dog could have helped them. Both had met my dog and were considering the application process at the time of their deaths. Should you have the ability to make a donation to help train and pair an amazing dog [through Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs] you’ll have a direct impact on helping a veteran.”
To learn more about how Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs works to prevent suicide among veterans and others affected by disabilities, visit https://www.medicalservicedogs.org/
Raises funds to train service dogs for veterans in need
SEWICKLEY, PA, UNITED STATES, September 28, 2021 /EINPresswire.com/ — GGC National Contractors hosted their first-ever charity golf outing with incredible success on September 20th at Diamond Run Golf Club on a beautiful day in Sewickley, PA. The event was sold out. (more…)
Guardian Angels becomes one of only 17 Platinum Medallion Awardees in Florida, and one of only 108 companies nationwide to receive the award for 3 of 4 years.
WILLISTON, FLORIDA, UNITED STATES, November 15, 2021 /EINPresswire.com/ — U.S. Secretary of Labor Martin J. Walsh recognized Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs as one of the 848 recipients of the 2021 HIRE Vets Medallion Award during a virtual award ceremony presented by the U.S. Department of Labor. Guardian Angels is one of only 17 Platinum awardees in the State of Florida, and one of only 108 companies nationwide to receive the award for three out of four years of the awards existence.
Our mission is not only to serve veterans, but to hire & train them for civilian careers as well. They’ve given so much, it is now our responsibility to assist them as they transition to civilian life” — Carol Borden, Founder & CEO Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs
The Honoring Investments in Recruiting and Employing American Military Veterans Act (HIRE Vets Act) Medallion Program is the only federal award program that recognizes employers who successfully recruit, hire, and retain veterans.
Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs Founder and CEO, Carol Borden stated: “At Guardian Angels, it is not only our mission to serve our veterans with disabilities, but to hire and train veterans for civilian career paths as well. Our veterans have given so much of themselves to serve our country and all of us. I believe, it is now our responsibility as Americans to do whatever possible to assist them in their transition from military to civilian life”.
Guardian Angels is honored to join 848 other companies from 49 states, plus the District of Columbia, who have shown a commitment to hiring veterans, but also ensuring that they have a long-term career and growth plan that uses the diverse skills they acquired through their military service.
Recipients of the 2021 HIRE Vets Medallion Award meet rigorous employment and veteran integration assistance criteria, including veteran hiring and retention percentages; availability of veteran-specific resources; leadership programming for veterans; dedicated human resource efforts; pay compensation and tuition assistance programs for veterans. More than 1,400 employers have earned a HIRE Vets Medallion Award since 2018.
About the HIRE Vets Medallion Program:
The HIRE Vets Medallion Award is earned by businesses that demonstrate unparalleled commitment to attracting, hiring, and retaining veterans. The 2022 HIRE Vets Medallion Award application period will open to employers on Jan. 31, 2022. For more information about the program and the application process, visit HIREVets.gov. There are different awards for large employers (500-plus employees), medium employers (51-499 employees), and small employers (50 or fewer employees). Additionally, there are two award tiers: platinum and gold.
Celebrating their 50th Anniversary, Southwest Airlines asked non-profit organizations across the U.S. to tell them how they would benefit from free flights…
WILLISTON, FLORIDA, UNITED STATES, November 29, 2021/EINPresswire.com/ — As part of Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs’ program we cover the cost to fly our recipients to our headquarters in Williston, Florida to be paired with their Service Dogs from wherever they are.
Providing transportation to and from our headquarters is just one part of our assistance to them – but an expensive one.
Our program just received a great deal of help from Southwest Airlines.
This grant award will uniquely benefit our program. In our first eleven years, we’ve paired service dogs with deserving recipients from 29 states across the nation.— Carol Borden, Founder & CEO Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs
They have gifted Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs 100 domestic one-way travel awards as part of Southwest Airlines’ 50th anniversary. This gift will allow us to continue focusing on getting more service dogs trained for those on our waiting list, while continuing to provide transportation for those in need
It will cover the cost of flying recipients to meet and train together with their new lifesaving medical service dogs and fly them back home once paired.
“As the airline with Heart, kindness has been one of our guiding principles for our 50 years of service to our customers and the communities of which we are a part. It’s incredibly fitting that we celebrate our 50th anniversary and our one million Acts of Kindness Challenge by supporting organizations who are working today and every day to spread kindness in their communities,” said Linda Rutherford, Executive Vice President People & Communications. “We’re thrilled to support these organizations and the impactful ways their missions help spread kindness.”
About Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs:
Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs is a 501(C)3 Based in Florida that rescues, raises, trains and then donates individually trained medical service dogs to veterans, first-responders and others who suffer from disabilities including PTSD, Traumatic Brain Injury, seizure and diabetic disorders, mobility issues and much more. Over the past 11 years, Guardian Angels has paired nearly 400 individually trained medical service dogs with recipients in 29 states, and with your help, that number can continue to grow. Visit our website at: www.MedicalServiceDogs.org to get involved or learn more.
About Southwest Airlines One Million Dollars of Thanks contest:
- Southwest Airlines reached its one millionth Act of Kindness in September, months ahead of our end of year goal. To continue its quest for kindness, Southwest Airlines announced a one million dollars of thanks contest.
- The contest offered 501(c)(3) organizations an opportunity to enter a contest* to win 100 domestic one-way Southwest Airlines travel awards. The contest granted travel to nonprofit organizations across the country that each won 100 domestic one-way Southwest Airlines travel awards, enabling them to further spread kindness.
- The total travel prize is more than 5,000 domestic one-way Southwest Airlines travel awards at over $1 million, bolstering one million Acts of Kindness already recorded in 2021.
