In today’s episode, Col. Sam Whitehurst (Ret.), your host, is joined by

Carl Cricco, the CEO of K9 For Warriors, and John Tappen, a Navy veteran who has directly felt the impact of K9 for Warriors in supporting veterans and their families.

K9 for Warriors is the largest provider of service dogs to military veterans suffering from PTSD, traumatic brain injury, or military sexual trauma. Carl shares K9’s history, approach, and impact, and John, as someone who has a service dog from K9s for warriors, shares his inspiring story and how his dog, Henry, made all the difference in the world for him on his journey of healing with honor.

Key Takeaways:

[2:03] Col. Sam Whitehurst (Ret.) explains what Heal with Honor is about.

[4:02] Carl shares the background for K9 for Warriors.

[6:15] Carl talks about 9/11 being the second worst day of his life.

[8:03] John shares his perspective about K9 for Warriors.

[12:38]  How are dogs selected? What kind of training do they go through?

[14:24] John talks about his experience with a service dog.

[15:51] Carl describes the K9 for Warriors program.

[17:58] John talks about the science that backs up the importance of the connection between veterans and service dogs.

[19:26] Carl talks about the legislation that helps to connect a service dog to a veteran.

[21:02] John shares his words with all those struggling veterans: Ask for help; you are not alone.

[25:07] John and Carl share their call to action with all military veterans.

[27:14] Donate to K9 For Warriors,

Mentioned in this episode:

Dixon Center: Reaching America

At Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services, we believe our veterans and military families can succeed where they live.

Dixon Center is named after Staff Sergeant Donnie Dixon, who was killed in action on September 29, 2007, in Iraq. Staff Sergeant Dixon was a father, husband, and Soldier who always placed the mission first and the safety of his fellow Soldiers above his own. Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services stands as a testament to his example and leadership.

Dixon Center on Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Instagram

Learn more about Heal with Honor.

Tweetables and quotes:

“K9s prevent veterans to fall into suicidal ideation.”

“When you are not seeing any progress, suicidal ideation is inevitable.”

“My scars were not visible, I thought I didn't deserve a service dog, but getting one saved my life.”

“It takes 6 months for a dog to get the proper training to become a service dog.”

“82% of veterans with service dogs had a reduction in their suicidal ideation, and 90% have a reduction in their medication dependency.”