Jonathan Vie went to the Sam’s Club parking lot in Glendale, on Saturday, to find a partner in Project Valor, A Service Dog Companion Program designed
to provide more than companionship for veterans facing PTSD or mobility challenges.
The Marine spent two tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. On his second tour, a helicopter was shot down, he lost colleagues who were “family,” and he suffers from the lingering effects of his military service.
“PTSD doesn’t care who you are,” Vie’s sister said in a nomination letter. “He mentions it sometimes – quietly, almost apologetically. A service dog won’t undo what he’s seen, but it could walk him through the hard moments – easing the anxiety, breaking through the isolation.”
The day ended well. Jonathon became a handler of a service dog. And importantly, Sasha, the dog in training, picked him.
Sydney Martinez, one of Sasha’s trainer said the dog met with four incredible veterans, all of whom had powerful stories and were more than deserving.” The service dog training and placement was led by Patriot Dog Training and Behavioral
Academy, founded by her husband Army veteran and former service dog handler James Martinez. Martinez brings firsthand military experience and extensive training expertise to the program, creating a veteran-centered approach to service dog placement.
The veterans and Sasha were brought into an enclosed area so they could interact one-on-one. “Jonathon was visibly nervous and this is where Sasha showed exactly why service dogs are so special,” Sydney said. “Instead of getting overexcited, licking or jumping, she stood still, stayed calm and held her position. Because of that, Jonathon was able to calm down as well,” she said. “And that is exactly what we like to see from our service dogs.”
Project Valor combines the efforts of Patriot Dog Training Behavioral Academy, the Phoenix Legacy Foundation and Honoring America’s Veterans.
“At a time when too many veterans are battling invisible wounds, Honoring Americas Veterans (HAV) has joined this new initiative in Arizona that is stepping forward to pair a deserving veteran with a professionally trained service dog” HAV executive director Paula Pedene said.
Jonathan Vie and his wife Hannah were so moved by this event. It was beautiful to witness,” Pedene said. “All though the other four veterans walked away without a service dog placement, our goal will be to help them get one through the Project Valor GoFundMe efforts to get service dogs for all of them to help make this transformational partnership possible.”
“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.
Jason Bressler, Director of Phoenix Legacy Foundation is doing wonderful things for Veterans, for animals, and the community. His leadership is inspiring,” Pedene said.
For me, this event was all about the partnerships. We met some wonderful in community leaders through the Phoenix Legacy Foundation and Patriot Dog Training and Behavioral Academy, Pedene said. “It highlights another way that HAV seeks meaningful, lasting partnerships to stand beside veterans and their families.”