Reuniting Brothers in Arms SGT. FIELDY COMES HOME
atmosphere at all of our clinics. “Even as we get busier, we have the same values,” she says. “We’re down to earth, and we meet people where they are. We focus on making this a fun and friendly place to be. Fun is a big part of who we are. We want to make people laugh and have fun when they come in.” It’s part of the friendly, familial climate that makes Altitude PT great. “Because of our one-on-one treatment model, we get to know patients and their families, as well,” Cherie says. “It makes a lasting impression. Even years after their treatments, patients come back to visit us. Last week, we had four patients stop in just to say hi.” Outside of work, you’ll find Cherie staying active in her church community. She also loves to sew and spend time with her husband and their two dogs. For any of you who are familiar with her already, you know she’s a pro on a pair of skates. Having recently retired from roller derby, she’s excited to stay active and keep skating, just with a little less ruckus. Congratulations, Cherie, on your new role. We’re so grateful for you! Sgt. Fieldy was deployed to Afghanistan with his handler, Cpl. Nicolas Caceres, in 2011. Early in their deployment, their vehicle struck a pressure plate while they were on patrol. Fieldy and Caceres were all right, but one of the other Marines in their company was badly injured in the explosion. The injured Marine could not be evacuated by helicopter until the landing zone was secured. Fieldy found another IED in the area and alerted Caceres. The bomb was quickly disarmed, and the injured soldier was taken to safety. This wasn’t the only IED Fieldy found. His sharp nose and dedication helped save thousands of lives. After his deployment, Caceres returned home, but Sgt. Fieldy served several more tours without him. While Fieldy continued to protect soldiers and civilians by tracking down IEDs, Caceres worked tirelessly to make sure he could bring Fieldy home when his service was over. Military working dogs can be adopted by former handlers, law enforcement, or qualified civilians
when they retire. After three years apart and a total of four tours served, Sgt. Fieldy was reunited with Caceres. In 2016, Fieldy received the K9 Medal of Courage Award, and in 2018, he won the American Humane Hero Dog Award for his service. “These dogs are out there with us,” said Caceres when he and Fieldy accepted the Hero Dog Award. “The dangers we face, they face them too. They deserve to be recognized. We ask so much of them, and all they want is to get petted or play with a toy. They’re amazing animals, and Fieldy is just an amazing dog. I can’t begin to express the gratitude I have for him.” If you are interested in supporting our nation’s working dogs or would like to adopt a retired working dog yourself, you can learn more at Missionk9rescue.org.
There are around 2,500 military working dogs currently in service, and their efforts help save the lives of countless soldiers and civilians every day. One of these brave military dogs is Sgt. Fieldy, an 11-year-old black lab who was trained to locate the No. 1 threat in Afghanistan: IEDs.
CHERIE IS YOUR CHAMPION FINDING JOY IN PROBLEM-SOLVING
Many of you who have been to our Midland clinic know and adore Cherie. She’s served as our receptionist — commonly known as our problem- resolution person — there for the past 4 1/2 years. Cherie excels at easing patients’ worries and resolving anything that’s concerning them. We recognize how amazing and talented she is, and it’s the reason she’s now taking on the role of office manager. Congratulations, Cherie! Speaking with Cherie, it’s easy to understand why she’s such a great part of Altitude. Her compassion for our patients shines through when she discusses her job. “It’s a big joy when I’m able to resolve something for a client. It’s one of my biggest joys — making sure that I can take something off someone’s plate,” Cherie says. “When a patient comes in, usually they aren’t feeling great, and stress makes that worse. I want them to know that we care and will go the extra mile to make sure that whatever it is gets resolved.” Seeing Altitude grow since she’s started here, Cherie credits the team’s commitment to our values and maintaining the warm and friendly
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