MEET SOME OF OUR PAST HEROES Assistance Dogs Transforming Lives
HEROES FIRST FOUNDATION
SSgt Randy Powers USAF (ret.) & MORGAN
Randy first discovered the paws4people organiza- tion/family in March 2016. In April 2016 he became a Volunteer Community Liaison for paws4people and shortly thereafter a client. Randy attends many fund- raising events throughout the year, but his primary focus is during the Combined Federal Campaign (Sept – Dec), when his goal is to visit as many Government agency fund raising events as possible and to share the paws4vets mission. Randy’s Assistance Dog MORGAN helps him by inter- rupting his panic attacks and nightmares. She can also retrieve items and helps Randy with balance through her Mobility Assistance Training. Shortly after being introduced to paws4people, Randy knew he had found his purpose post-retirement. He is in his element when he is working with his wife, Donna, and MORGAN, to raise awareness and promote paws4people, paws4prisons/paws4vets; three programs that he knows changes, and even saves lives each, and every day!
Adam Snow USMC Veteran & RUSHMORE
Adam requested an Assistance Dog to aid with his PTS symptoms. In Afghanistan in 2010 he was hit by an IED and he suffered a TBI as well as minor physical injuries. He returned from deployment and found that he is constantly on guard, easily agitat- ed and has a very short temper. He wants to be a better man for his wife and children. It’s hard to be that man when he has so much flashing through his head. Adam is also a firefighter and he feels like this is his calling in life, other than being a Marine. He loves his job but the stress of that job tends to heighten his PTS. He feels as though having an Assis- tance Dog will help him to better cope with his job. In July 2016, Adam met his new battle buddy, RUSH- MORE. This team will do amazing things together! RUSHMORE will interrupt negative behaviors that Adam is displaying by alerting him. RUSHMORE will also interrupt Adam’s nightmares and assist with his anxiety and hypervigilance by anchoring on him in his time of need.
Made with FlippingBook Online newsletter