At a time when too many veterans are battling invisible wounds, a new initiative in Arizona is stepping forward to pair a deserving veteran with a professionally trained service dog through Project Valor: A Service Dog Companion Program. Honoring America’s Veterans (HAV) has joined forces with the Phoenix Legacy Foundation and Patriot Dog Training & Behavioral Academy to help make this transformational partnership possible.
As part of the Phoenix Legacy Foundation’s broader Paws and Play program, Project Valor delivers more than companionship. For veterans facing PTSD, mobility challenges, or the lingering effects of military service, a trained service dog can mean restored independence, increased confidence, and a renewed sense of purpose. Together, these organizations are ensuring that those who served our nation never have to walk their journey alone.
To create this new partnership, the three organizations will host the complimentary service dog placement as part of the larger Paws and Play community event, which will take place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 21, at Sam’s Club in Glendale, located at 18501 N 83rd Ave, Glendale, AZ 85308
It highlights another way that HAV seeks meaningful, lasting partnerships to stand beside veterans and their families. With Project Valor providing a trained service dog in partnership with a veteran, the lifelong companionship can restore confidence, strengthen independence, offer daily comfort, and renew a veteran’s sense of connection to the world. It is a powerful reminder that their sacrifice is seen, valued, and will never be forgotten.
The service dog training and placement will be led by Patriot Dog Training & Behavioral Academy, founded by Army veteran and former service dog handler Jamie Martinez. Martinez brings firsthand military experience and extensive training expertise to the program, creating a veteran-centered approach to service dog placement.
A unique feature of Project Valor is its matching philosophy, which allows the dog to choose its veteran companion, helping build a stronger connection and long-term success for both.
“We started Patriot Dog Training & Behavioral Academy with the belief that the right dog, with the right training, can truly change someone’s life,” said Jaime Martinez, co-founder of Patriot Dog Training & Behavioral Academy. “As a veteran-owned company, supporting fellow veterans is especially meaningful to us. Watching a veteran gain confidence, independence, and connection through a service dog is one of the most powerful outcomes we can be part of.”
“The Paws and Play initiative was created to bring healing, connection, and opportunity to people who need it most, and supporting veterans through Project Valor is a natural extension of that mission,” said Jason Bressler, President and Executive Director of Phoenix Legacy Foundation. “We are proud to partner with Honoring America’s Veterans and Patriot Dog Training & Behavioral Academy to help provide a service dog that can make a lasting difference in a veteran’s life. When organizations come together with a shared purpose, the impact is powerful.”
Applications must be received by March 14 to be eligible to participate. You can apply online at honoringamericasveterans.org/project-valor-service-dog-companion-program.