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JANUARY 2019
BECAUSE
TOGETHER
WE STAND
INSIDE:
8 On & Off the Hill
22 Midway Museum
29 Shipmate Profile
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contents
January 2019 volume 98 number 1
COVER: Shari Duval,
Founder with her son
and President Brett Marine Raiders from Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command (MARSOC) K-9 Unit conduct
Simon of K9s for over-the-beach-bag (OTB) training in Naval Air Station Key West’s Truman Harbor during the Special
Warriors. Operations Command’s multi-purpose canine handler training. Navy photo by Danette Baso Silvers.
features
16 K9s for Warriors: Because Together We Stand
K9s For Warriors is an accredited charity organization located in Ponte Vedra, Florida,
that has been pairing rescue dogs with traumatized soldiers since 2011.
22 USS Midway Museum
The formidable aircraft carrier USS MIDWAY, the lead ship of the three Midway-Class
carriers, is now berthed alongside the Navy Pier in San Diego, where the city’s downtown
meets the bay.
29 Shipmate Joe Prusacik: A Lifetime of Service
That ice cream shop job did not fulfill him, so he made the decision to go and serve his
country. This member of the Greatest Generation knew that serving his country
meant a better future for him and his family.
departments
2 Communications 41 TAPS
LOYALTY,
PROTECTION 4 From the Bridge 43 Reunions/Looking For…
AND SERVICE 6 Shipmate Forum 44 Auxiliary of the FRA News
8 On & Off Capitol Hill Message from NVP Bea Parco
FRA is a
congressionally- Legislative updates 45 Meeting/Convention Calendar
chartered, nonprofit
organization 34 FRA Education Foundation 46 FRA Profile
advocating on The CFC giving year Earl Clark (Branch 230)
Capitol Hill for
current and former 36 Membership Matters 48 Finance Matters
enlisted members
38 Shipmate News Are you prepared for a financial crisis?
of the U.S. Navy,
Marine Corps and
Coast Guard.
FRAtoday /// January 2019 1
COMMUNICATIONS
National Officers/Board Of Directors
National President Robert Washington Sr., Navy Department Branch 181
National Vice President Donna M. Jansky, North Shore Branch 31
Happy, Healthy New Year! National Executive Dir. Thomas J. Snee, Navy Department Branch 181
Finance Officer Bryan M. Proctor, Headquarters
Junior PNP William E. Starkey, South Jersey Branch 57
H
National Parliamentarian PNP George P. Hyland, Groton Branch 20
opefully you all were informed of the new health care National Chaplain Valerie Toulotte, Annapolis Branch 24
changes that were just implemented. The Fleet Reserve
Regional Presidents
Association has just on boarded Kerry Van Horn-
Sprouffske as our new Legislative Program Health Care Advisor. Northeast/New England Joyce M. Harris, Groton Branch 20
East Coast Randy L. Phillipp, Triangle Branch 182
She will be assuming some of the functions that Bob Washington Southeast James P. Richmond, Pensacola Branch 22
provided while he was on the staff at HQ. North Central Barry White, Mo-Kan Branch 161
During a breakout session South Central Emmett H. Smith Jr., Shreveport Bossier Branch 98
Southwest John F. Quesnel Jr., Imperial Beach Branch 289
at a recent conference held West Coast Rick Athenour, Sierra Tahoe Branch 137
in Washington DC, the Northwest William H. Hall, Gem State Branch 382
topic of a new Department
Active Duty Advisory Council
of Veterans Affairs service
called Video Connect was Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Russell Smith
Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps Ronald Green
discussed. VA Video Connect
Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard Jason M. Vanderhaden
(https://mobile.va.gov/app/
va-video-connect) connects Reserve Advisory Council
veterans with their health Force Master Chief of the Navy Reserve Christopher D. Kotz
care service providers from Sergeant Major of Marine Forces Reserve Patrick Kimble
Force Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard
anywhere. You can use a computer, tablet or smartphone to connect Reserve George M. Williamson
through a secure, live video session. The service makes VA health
care more convenient and reduces travel times for veterans in rural FRAtoday Magazine
areas with limited access to VA facilities. It also allows quick and The monthly membership publication of the Fleet Reserve Association
easy health care access from any mobile or web-based device. Publisher Fleet Reserve Association
National Executive Director Thomas J. Snee, M.Ed.
As Van Horn-Sprouffske becomes settled into her new role at the Editor-in-Chief William D. Stevenson
FRA, she plans to regularly provide valuable information regarding Assistant Editor Victoria Duran
health care topics. “I want to educate and inform our Shipmates Contributing Editor Elise M. Howard
Contributing Editor Ann Norvell Gray
about how to navigate through the health care systems available to Proofreader Desnee Stevens
them. I would like for them to feel like they can ask me questions so Design and Art Direction FRA Staff
I can easily and quickly provide answers,” says Van Horn-Sprouffske. Advertising Sales: GLM Communications (212) 929-1300
Kerry is particularly eager to provide answers to questions about Sales@glmcommunications.com
the VA Choice Program. Shipmates who live more than 40 miles FRAtoday (ISSN 1935-7192) is published monthly by FRA, 125 N. West St., Alexandria,
VA 22314-2754. A member’s subscription is covered by the member’s annual dues.
from a VA Center or Hospital may not be aware that they can Periodicals postage paid at Alexandria, Va. and additional offices. Publication of
receive care from a community provider and have the visit paid for nonsponsored advertising in FRAtoday does not constitute an endorsement by the FRA
or its representatives. Postmaster: Send address changes to Member Services,
by the Department of Veterans Affairs. To use the Veterans Choice FRA, 125 N. West St., Alexandria, VA 22314-2754. FRAtoday is published in the
interests of all current and former enlisted personnel of the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps and
Program, veterans must receive prior authorization from the VA to Coast Guard. Eligible nonmembers are not entitled to subscription rates. Established
receive care from a health care provider that is part of VA’s VCP November 1, 1923. Title registered with U.S. Patent Office.
network of community providers. FRA Administrative Headquarters
Van Horn-Sprouffske will be a point of contact for Shipmates 125 N. West St., Alexandria, VA 22314-2754
who have questions regarding health care. If you have any questions, Telephone: 703-683-1400, 800-FRA-1924
Fax: 703-549-6610 • email: FRAtoday@fra.org • www.fra.org
please contact Kerry at (703) 683-1400, ext. 124 or send her an Volume 98 Number 1
email at: KerryS@fra.org. FRA Find us on Facebook:
In Loyalty, Protection & Service, www.fra.org/fb
William Stevenson, Communications & Marketing Director Follow us on Twitter:
www.twitter.com/FRAHQ
Follow us on Instagram:
www.instagram.com/FRA_HQ
2 FRAtoday /// January 2019
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How to Attract Younger Members
O
ne of the things that I feel strongly Social Media
about, is changing how we recruit new We are living in the cyber age where learning and
Shipmates, but more importantly, younger communication has changed. Pictures and Google
members. I have spent some time talking with searches are becoming “the” source of learning.
several people from the younger generation. I You all know about social media and many of you
wanted to know where are we missing the boat on probably have a Facebook page. Many branches
attracting young folks and what they are looking have a Facebook page, just like headquarters. The
for in an organization such as the FRA. You should FRA Facebook page has nearly 40,000 followers.
consider using the following ideas to demonstrate If you have an online presence, try to use it in
Robert Washington how the association can help them. We can’t just ways that would appeal to the younger generation.
National President
tell them about the association’s value; we need to Imagery and short to-the-point messaging are
show them. effective. Your branch events can be announced
and then followed up with pictures or even a short
Workshops video. Be sure to share your posts with FRA HQ.
Try offering an annual event such as an all-day Some other trending social media tools are Twitter
workshop and activity festival for your Shipmates and Instagram.
and guests. You do not have to make it a big,
expensive extravaganza; keep it simple and on The FRA Toolbox
point. Network and ask your older Shipmates There are a few things young folks care about that
what activities and workshops would work in your the FRA already helps provide such as scholarships,
branch’s community. Food is always an element that getting better benefits faster and explaining how
brings people together so roll out that grill. to navigate within the folds of the VA system.
Reach out and ask your young shipmates to lead Millennials are starting to retire and a fresh new
their own workshop. Mention to them that this is flock of young retirees are looking for their next
the kind of volunteer work that looks good on a engagement. Most are family-oriented and would
résumé. Young people tend to appreciate new ways be interested in our scholarships and essay contest
to improve their credentials while doing something for their kids.
that is valued in their community. If the FRA can We have some of the finest materials with which
help them accomplish some of their personal goals, to work. The newly updated Membership Manual
you will capture their attention. has many great scenarios and suggestions about
how to attract new members.
Mentorship Programs In order to attract younger members to the
Once younger members start joining your branch, association, we must think outside of the box. We
be sure to keep speaking to, engaging with, reaching must find a way to have conversations with young
out to, and learning from them. In turn, you will folks in the military to listen and learn what they
enable them to learn from you. If you initiate care about. Then we will know how the FRA
a consistent dialogue, you will learn how the can provide those services (if we don’t already) to
association can appeal to these members. As these convince them of the value of joining this nearly
younger Shipmates encounter new professional century-old association. FRA
challenges, you can offer to direct them to resources In Loyalty, Protection & Service
or other Shipmates who have successfully grappled NP Robert Washington, Sr.
with similar problems—help build their network.
Bob is the National President of the Fleet Reserve Association.
4 FRAtoday /// January 2019
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SHIPMATE FORUM
October Advertising, He received the magazine this morning and I have
Make No Mistake About It. heard that seeing this article just made his day!
The Jerome Corsi October advertisement was not Papa turned 95 on October 15th and has
a mistake—it was a good business decision. We unfortunately been ill for the past several weeks.
approved, so we had no need to complain. How Reading this article definitely lifted his spirits and
many did complain compared to the membership? I have no doubt that he is already sharing it with
What is the percentage versus the membership? all the attendees and nurses! Thank you so much
Yes, Jerome Corsi can be controversial to some, for highlighting Papa’s military career. This article
but if we moved out of our silos and read what means a lot to him, as the Navy has been and
the other side is thinking we would be a better continues to be his second family.
country. With much appreciation,
After all, our military academies study the Jan Evans
enemy. Isn’t diversity a good thing?
Thank you for your good work and information.
UTCS Edwin R. Sparks USN (RET)
San Marcos, CA
FRAtoday: I appreciate your support of the decision
to accept an advertisement that rather shook up
a fair amount of our Shipmates. Our current
membership count is just shy of 42,000 Shipmates. We
received about 65 calls, letters and emails about the
advertisement. That would be 0.155 of one percent,
which is not much, but nonetheless we now have some
checks and balances in place regarding politically fueled Are We Shrinking?
advertising. I am sorry to say one Shipmate even sent I made a trip to the Norwood Branch of the U.S.
in his life membership card and resignation because of Post Office this morning and got my copy of the
the advertisement. November FRAtoday. I saw a ship on page six-
thank you! On October 1, 2018 a small group (13)
Lowe's Home Improvement store gathered in Kissimmee, Florida for our annual
I recently made a purchase at a Memphis, reunion of USS HISSEM (DER-400). About
Tennessee area Lowe’s store and ask the supervisor 25 years or so ago we had more than 200 sailors
if a person could make a purchase at the store and together. We are going away. I took a scrapbook
obtain the discount merely by showing a military that had several pages cut out of FRAtoday. The
I.D. if they did not have a My Lowe’s card. She scrap book was passed around, read and then re-
said certainly, all that is needed to obtain the read by all the Shipmates and their families. Great
discount is to present the military I.D. card. memories indeed.
I wish to express my appreciation to Lowe’s for Sincerely,
the discount they continue to offer to veterans. Brice “Old Catfish” Umstead CTRC (Ret.)
Franklin Schroer, TDCM USN (Ret.)
Submit Shipmate Forum letters to FRAtoday, 125 N. West St.
The Navy, My Second Family Alexandria, VA 22314. Submissions may be sent to fratoday@
fra.org. Please include “Shipmate Forum” in the subject line.
I am writing to you to thank you for writing such FRA reserves the right to select and edit letters for publica-
a nice article about our father, Herman Evans. Our tion. Letters published in Shipmate Forum reflect the opinions
father, or Papa as we call him, is currently living and views of individual FRA members. They do not necessarily
in Ventura, California in an assisted living facility. reflect the official position of the FRA as a whole. The FRA is
not responsible for the accuracy of letter content.
6 FRAtoday /// January 2019
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capitol hill
ON& OFF
News & Notes from the Fleet Reserve Association’s Legislative Team
New Year Offers Opportunities and Challenges
The 116th Congress will be convening about the time you get this issue of
FRAtoday. Your FRA Legislative Team is working to advance the FRA’s Legislative
priorities for 2019. These have been selected from FRA’s legislative agenda
(available at www.fra.org and in the November, 2018 issue of FRAtoday) based
on the concerns of its members, the number of personnel affected and the
potential for legislative action during the session. In addition to these priorities,
the Association continues to work to advance other legislative proposals that will
benefit active duty, reserves, retired and veteran shipmates and their families. As
we start the new year we will be working with a new Congress. As we look back
John Davis DLP the FRA Legislative Team is energized by our successes in 2018, which included:
• Blocking a huge TRICARE fee increase that would have doubled annual
fees for TRICARE beneficiaries under age 65;
• Passing the Agent Orange Blue Water Navy Bill (H.R.299) out of the House
(at press time pending in Senate Veterans Affairs Committee);
• Expanding the VA caregiver program to include all severely disabled
veterans. Original program applied to badly disabled veterans who were
injured after September 11, 2001;
• Limiting rent increases for residents at Armed Forces Retirement Home
(AFRH) in 2018 and phasing in next year’s scheduled huge fee increase
over three years;
• Prohibiting AFRH from removing residents only because they are unable to
pay rent;
• Increasing Navy and Marine Corps reserve and active duty end strength for
FY2019;
• Consolidating seven VA community care programs into one to improve
efficiency and access to care;
• Increasing annual active duty pay (2.6%) to keep pace with civilian pay
increases (largest pay increase in 9 years);
• Repealing a scheduled 1 percent cut in Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH)
for active duty service members;
• Expanding the availability of Military One Source for retired and discharged
members of the Armed Forces;
• Allowing Purple Heart and Medal of Honor recipients, former POWs,
veterans with a service-connected disability, and caregivers of disabled
veterans to use commissaries and MWR facilities;
• Filing a Senate floor amendment, at the FRA’s request, to expand
concurrent receipt. Amendment was not called for a vote;
8 FRAtoday /// January 2019capitol hill
ON& OFF
Retiree / Veterans' Issues
• Permitting veterans, who have a 100 percent service-
connected disability, to utilize a travel benefit currently
extended to active duty and retired military members
and their families, which allows them to travel on
military aircraft when there is extra space onboard;
• Mandating that service members deployed in
a combat zone are provided with maximum life
insurance coverage; and
• Increasing VA funding (6.1%) for FY2019.
Shipmates using the FRA Action Center to generate
significant grassroots participation will be an important
factor in determining success or failure in 2019. Shipmate
participation with the Action Center complements the work
of the FRA’s Legislative Team. The Association is working
with a new vendor to establish a new and improved FRA
Action Center so Shipmates can effectively engage in timely
and critical communication with their elected officials. The
new system should be available in early January.
Veterans’ Day 11-11-2018
In accordance with a long-standing tradition, FRA shipmates
participated in Veterans Day ceremonies around the country
on Sunday, November 11th, 2018, which also marked FRA’s
94th anniversary. FRA National President Bob Washington
attended a Veterans Day breakfast at the National Press
Club in Washington, D.C., before ceremonies
at Arlington National Cemetery. NP Robert
Washington was joined by FRA National
Vice President Donna Jansky and others at
a special wreath-laying ceremony at the
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier following VA
Secretary Robert Wilkie’s address to veterans
and their family members who had assembled
for the occasion.
Veterans Day (also known as Armistice
Day) was originally created to recognize the
end of World War I. This Veterans Day marks
the 100th anniversary of the armistice, or
temporary cessation of hostilities, between
the warring nations, which ended World War
I that went into effect on the eleventh hour of
the eleventh day of the eleventh month.
FRAtoday /// January 2019 9capitol hill
ON& OFF
Retiree / Veterans' Issues
FEDVIP Enrollment and TRICARE Open Season Combined
TRICARE beneficiaries recently had the opportunity to (DHA) TRICARE Retiree Dental Program (TRDP) expired.
change benefits during TRICARE Open Season The FY2017 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA)
(November 12, 2018 through December 10, 2018) or allowed military retirees and their families, who were
because of a Qualifying Life Event. Beneficiaries could eligible for the expiring TRDP, the opportunity to enroll
switch from individual to family plans, from Select to in FEDVIP. The first opportunity to enroll in FEDVIP
Prime, or vice versa. was during the Federal Benefits Open Season, which
On the same dates there was also open enrollment ran from November 12 through December 10, 2018,
in the Federal Employee Dental and Vision Insurance with coverage becoming effective on January 1, 2019.
Program (FEDVIP) dental and/or vision plans through the Those who were enrolled in a TRDP plan, did not get
BENEFEDS (www.benefeds.com) enrollment portal. automatically enrolled in a FEDVIP plan for 2019 and had
On December 31, 2018, the Defense Health Agency’s to enroll during the open season.
April 15th Deadline for Education HUD Report: Veterans Homeless Shrinks in 2018
Foundation Scholarships The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
The deadline to apply for FRA Education recently released its annual report on homelessness. HUD’s
Foundation scholarships is April 15, Annual Homeless Assessment Report found that the total
2019. The Foundation’s board of directors number of reported veterans experiencing homelessness in 2018
encourages all eligible candidates to apply decreased 5.4 percent compared to the previous year, falling to
now for academic awards of up to $5,000. nearly half of the number of homeless veterans reported in 2010.
You can submit applications, donate, or Each year, thousands of local communities around the country
obtain more information online at: www.fra. conduct one-night "Point-in-Time" estimates of the number of
org/Foundation. persons experiencing homelessness in emergency shelters,
Applicants must be affiliated with transitional housing programs and in unsheltered locations. This
the Navy, Marine Corps or Coast Guard, year’s estimate finds 37,878 veterans experienced homelessness
either through their own service or that in January 2018, compared to 40,020 reported in January 2017.
of a spouse, parent or grandparent. In announcing the latest annual estimate, HUD Secretary Ben
FRA Education Foundation scholarships Carson and U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) Secretary
are funded through private donations, Robert Wilkie noted that all local communities are reporting
established trusts and corporate reductions in the number of veterans in their shelter systems
sponsorships, and recipients are selected and on their streets.
based on financial need, academic standing, “We owe it to our veterans to make certain they have a place
character and leadership qualities. The to call home,” said HUD Secretary Carson. “We’ve made great
Foundation awarded more than $90,000 in strides in our efforts to end veteran homelessness, but we still
scholarships last year and donations in any have a lot of work to do to ensure those who wore our nation’s
amount are welcome at any time. uniform have access to stable housing.”
Some scholarships have very specific “The reduction in homelessness among veterans announced
award criteria. The Hazel E. Benn today shows that the strategies we are using to help the most
Scholarship, for example, is available to vulnerable veterans become stably housed are working,”
children of Navy enlisted personnel who are said VA Secretary Robert Wilkie. “This is good news for all
serving or have served in a medical rating veterans.” In 2010, the VA established a goal of eliminating
with the U.S. Marine Corps. Additional veteran homelessness by 2015. That goal was never obtained,
information is available at: www.fra.org/ but the VA, HUD and other agencies have continued to work on
Foundation. the problem.
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Active Duty/Reserve Issues
A Tale of Two Elections
As election results were announced, it appeared there
were two different elections occurring at the same time.
Republicans gained seats in the Senate and Democrats
gained seats in the House. The House shifted majority
control to the Democrats after 8 years of Republican
control. In the Senate, Republicans increased their
majority, defeating many Democratic incumbents in
so-called “Red States” (states that voted for President
Trump in 2016). The election was also marked for its
heavy turnout of voters in a midterm election. The FRA
has worked to improve active duty voter participation
in Federal elections and to expedite the military mail
processing of overseas ballots.
HVAC Subcommittee Reviews
Partial Government VA EHR Implementation
Shutdown Possible The House Veterans Affairs Subcommittee
Congress is facing the possibility of partial on Technology Modernization held an
government shutdown as legislators oversight hearing on the Electronic Health
return to Washington, D.C. after their Record Modernization (EHRM) program’s
Thanksgiving Day recess. Before the accomplishments throughout its first 180 days.
November elections, Congress passed a They also reviewed the activities planned for the
Continuing Resolution to keep certain parts upcoming year. The subcommittee experienced
of the government open (Departments of “sticker shock” regarding estimated cost
Justice, Commerce, Housing and Urban overruns. Mr. John Windom, Executive Director,
Development, State and Homeland Office of Electronic Health Record Modernization
Security) until December 7, 2018. at the Department of Veterans Affairs assured
The Department of Defense Authorization the subcommittee that the VA would continue
and the Defense and Veterans Affairs to look for efficiencies and savings as EHRM is
Appropriations bills have passed and have implemented. Mr. Windom stated that the VA
been signed into law. Since Defense and was meeting its implementation goals and is
Veterans spending legislation has already working with the Department of Defense (DoD)
been enacted, FRA members should not be with the implementation of their new HER. It
impacted by a shutdown. The one exception will be interoperable with the VA program. It
would be the Department of Homeland is still early in the process, but he assured the
Security (DHS), which includes the U.S. committee that best practices were going to
Coast Guard. Coast Guard retirees will be used at every available step in the process.
continue to receive benefits. Active duty The VA was using the analysis report from the
might have their pay delayed, but it would Defense Health Agency’s Military Health System
be paid after the shutdown ends. (Genesis System) as a baseline for the EHRM.
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George H. W. Bush: Former President, Navy Pilot and Much More
FRA members were saddened to hear that George H. W. serve as America’s first diplomatic liaison to communist
Bush, 41st President of the United States, recently passed China, be selected as Chairman of the Republican National
away at age 94. Committee, appointed Director of the Central Intelligence
George Bush Agency and be elected twice as vice president. Bush
hearing the possibly had one of most extensive resumes before
news of the becoming president. He was elected president in 1988
Japanese attack and saw the collapse of the Soviet Union and championed
on Pearl Harbor the American Disabilities Act (ADA). Perhaps his greatest
immediately achievement, Bush led the U.S. and allies to victory in
signed to join the the Persian Gulf war (Operation Desert Storm) to liberate
Navy. He became Kuwait after it was invaded and occupied by Iraq.
a Naval aviator He was defeated for re-election in 1992 by Bill Clinton.
and was assigned Bush and Clinton became close friends while working
to fly torpedo bombers off Navy aircraft carriers in the together after the Asian tsunami disaster in 2004 and after
Pacific. In September 1944, his plane was shot down by Hurricane Katrina the following year.
enemy ground fire. His crew perished but he survived to “It was an amazing experience. This man who I had
be rescued at sea by a Navy submarine. He received the always liked and respected and ran against ... I literally
Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism under fire. came to love,” said Clinton in 2011.
After the war, he went on to get elected to congress, President Barack Obama awarded Bush the Presidential
be appointed U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, Medal of Freedom that same year.
FRA Prepares 2019 Navy and Marine
Corps Legislative Fellows CFC Contributions Fund Education Foundation Scholarships
This week at FRA HQ, staff gave separate The FRA Education Foundation is approved to participate in the 2018
legislation process briefs to the 2019 Navy and Combined Federal Campaign (CFC), which is administered by the Federal
Marine Corps Legislative Fellows. Both the Office of Personnel Management (OPM).
Marine Corps and Navy offer Congressional Pledges by federal civilian, postal and military donors support the
Fellowship Programs, in which participants get Foundation and other eligible non-profit organizations. Federal and military
the opportunity to work in the legislative branch retirees are also authorized to participate in the CFC.
of the federal government for one year. FRA has Tax-exempt contributions can be made online. Military retirees can also
provided several legislative process briefs to contribute using allotment by completing a DD Form 2558 on their DFAS
active duty Marine and Navy Legislative Fellows MyPay account. Contributions of any amount support annual Education
in recent years. Foundation scholarships that are awarded to deserving applicants.
The FRA Education Foundation is also a member of CFC-related Military
Support Groups of America, and was recently awarded its designation as
being one of America’s Best Charities. More information is available online
at: www.militarysupportgroups.org by entering “Fleet Reserve Association
Education Foundation” in the search box.
Be sure to also check out the Best of the CFC website, www.bestcfc.org
and spell out “Fleet Reserve Association Education Foundation” in the search
line. The Foundation’s participation code is #80236. The solicitation
period is currently underway and concludes on January 11, 2019. Scholarship
applications are available online at: www.fra.org/foundation.
14 FRAtoday /// January 2019IF YOU’RE A VETERAN WEARING
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K9s for
Warriors
Because Together
We Stand
By Scott Smith
Master-at-Arms 3rd Class Anthony
Rouillard is a military working dog
handler stationed on Naval Base
Kitsap-Bangor. As a military working
dog handler Rouillard’s mission is to
maintain, train and utilize
Ring daily. Photo by
Mass Communication
Specialist 2nd Class
Jacob G. Sisco
16 FRAtoday /// January 2019FEATURE
Soldier, take me from this shelter’s cage.
Give me back my life. In return, I’ll cover your back.
I’ll be your canine warrior, your sixth sense.
I’ll stand guard into the night and chase the demons away,
the uninvited, cloaked in night sweats and darkness.
I will help you open your cage of solitude
then walk tall by your side into the light of day.
Together, our faith will rise as tall as your soldier’s pride.
We are now family in this post-911 world.
Because together, we stand.
-Bridget Cassidy
Meet James and Dunkin
James Rutland is a 12-year Army veteran who served a
tour of duty in Iraq in 2004, followed by two more tours
in South Korea. He left the military in 2014, suffering
from multiple medical conditions related to his service,
including mild traumatic brain injury (TBI), sleep apnea
and hearing loss, to name a few.
Most importantly, he suffered from depression and
often thought about suicide. Thinking he could do it
alone, Rutland tried healing from the trauma on his
own. “If you do what you’ve always done, you’ll get what
you always got,” says Rutland.
“What Life Without Dunkin?”
- James Rutland of K9s For Warriors
In 2016, Rutland finally rounded the bend of recovery
when he was paired with his service dog, Dunkin. “I
started focusing on ‘we’ instead of ‘me’,” says Rutland.
He has a semi-colon tattoo on his right wrist, a
known symbol of taking a pause when thinking about
suicide. Unlike a period, which ends a sentence, the
semicolon creates a pause, for the reader, then continues
the story. Rutland wears it proudly. “It’s a great
conversation starter,” he says.
The Program: K9s for Warriors
K9s For Warriors (www.k9sforwarriors.org ) is a
BBB-accredited charity organization (www.give.org/
charity-reviews/national/veterans-and-military/k9s-for-
warriors-in-ponte-vedra-fl-39883 ) located in Ponte
Vedra, Florida, that has been pairing rescue dogs with
traumatized soldiers since 2011.
FRAtoday /// January 2019 17FEATURE
K9s For Warriors partnered with Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine on a pilot study testing
the effectiveness of service dogs as a complementary treatment for military members and veterans who
suffer from PTSD. Dr. Maggie O’Haire (shown in photo), assistant professor of human-animal interaction,
along with Kerri E. Rodriguez, research assistant, conducted the study that found PTSD symptoms were
significantly lower in veterans with service dogs. “The initial findings showed lower depression, lower PTSD
symptoms, lower levels of anxiety, and lower absenteeism from work due to health issues,” says Dr. O’Haire.
“The skill sets our dogs learn help Duval began looking for answers success rate.
these warriors with anxiety, isolation, elsewhere.
depression and nightmares,” says “On average, soldiers take 14 meds a They Rescued Each Other
Shari Duval, the founder of K9s For day to treat PTSD, TBI, or MST,” says Her senses were always up, in a constant
Warriors. “So, the warriors can function Duval. “I even knew one soldier who state of fight or flight, ever since that day
again in public.” was taking 44 meds per day.” in May of 2012. Tiffany Baker, an Army
Specifically, the dogs are trained to After two years of researching National Guard soldier, was traveling
deal with symptoms of post-traumatic alternative PTSD treatments, Duval in a Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected
stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain came upon a program that paired (MRAP) vehicle while stationed in
injury (TBI), or military sexual trauma service dogs with veterans to alleviate Afghanistan when it hit a 250-pound
(MST), as a result of military service on PTSD symptoms in veterans. IED. The bomb was so powerful, it
or after 9/11. According to Simon, “Mom was the rolled the heavily-enforced vehicle.
one that suggested I use a service dog to Baker sustained major physical
“K9s For Warriors sees it as two deal with my PTSD when nothing else injuries, requiring four hip surgeries the
battles: fighting the past of the worked.” Duval saw her son’s symptoms next year. She also suffered a traumatic
begin to improve. She then wanted to brain injury because of the attack.
dog and fighting the past of the
help other veterans do the same. “I was taking 17 medications between
warrior. We’re saving two lives Thus, the K9s For Warriors program being overseas and then coming back,”
here.” was born. With her son’s background says Baker. She was frequently going
-Brett Simon in training dogs, including 13 years as a to the VA and seeing a counselor,
canine police officer, Duval convinced psychiatrists and psychologists.
Duval’s own son, Brett Simon, was Simon to start the nonprofit with her. “They were constantly giving me
diagnosed with PTSD after returning To date, the program has rescued medications,” Baker recalls. She was
home from Iraq. After watching more than 850 dogs and paired them feeling more and more isolated.
Simon’s symptoms fail to improve with with 440 military service members, In February 2015, Baker medically
standard talk therapy and medication, with an astounding 99 percent program retired, saying goodbye to her unit, the
18 FRAtoday /// January 2019FEATURE
Tiffany Baker and service dog Buddy. Photo by Patrick Johnson NextMoveMedia.com
1157 Transportation Company. That veterans. The bill directs the VA to carry around 225,000 Army soldiers having
same year, she met Buddy through K9s out a five-year pilot program, providing been deployed at least three times or
For Warriors. grant funding to qualifying nonprofits more.
Buddy had been badly abused and that provide service dogs to military The DoD reported that between
neglected by his owner. Before being members or veterans who suffer 2000 and September 2017, about
rescued, he was found tied to a tree from PTSD after they finalize other 173,000 active duty service members
without any food or water. traditional treatments. were diagnosed with PTSD in the
“K9s For Warriors is great at pairing But Buddy has helped Baker to military health system, with about
the dog with veterans,” says Baker. She get back out into the community. 139,000 of those being diagnosed
explains that Buddy always covers her Tiffany graduated this past May from following a deployment of 30 days or
back. He’s “got her six” and he creates Waukesha County Technical College more.
a safe barrier between her and other with a degree in business management According to the DoD, PTSD is
people, allowing her to function in and an emphasis in social media treatable, and many service members
public. marketing. As Baker puts it, she is like will recover with appropriate treatment.
every other broken person whose service However, many do not.
“Just as Buddy is my service dog, dog keeps them going.
I am Buddy’s service human.” She says, “I need to get out of bed to “It is invisible and causes panic
take care of him.” attacks, survivor guilt, anger, etc.”
-Tiffany Baker, K9s For Warriors
The two rescued each other.
graduate and advocate -Brett Simon
War Trauma: The Monster Dr. Andrea Roberts (www.hsph.
Baker was so taken with Buddy and
in the Room harvard.edu/andrea-roberts) Research
the K9s For Warriors program that she
According to a recent Rand Scientist with the T.H. Chan School
got involved in supporting the PAWS
Corporation report, 2.77 million service of Public Health at Harvard University
(Puppies Assisting Wounded Service
members have been deployed on 5.4 (www.hsph.harvard.edu) says PTSD is
Members) Act of 2017 that got the
VA on board with service dogs helping million deployments since 9/11, with common in civilian life.
FRAtoday /// January 2019 19FEATURE
Honorary Lt. Finley Lewis, Naval Health Clinic Corpus Christi facility dog, gives
Capt. Marnie S. Buchanan, executive officer, a kiss of encouragement before the
beginning of the clinic’s change of command ceremony. Photo by William Love
well, so the “brace” command prepares the dog to
assist the warrior with standing, sitting or kneeling.
“Most PTSD goes untreated,” says Roberts. The “cover” command is used to cover the warrior’s
“Individuals suffering from PTSD have higher back.
tendencies for cardiovascular disease, high blood
pressure and autoimmune disease.” Dogs and Warriors Together:
Roberts went on to explain there are effective Let the Healing Begin
treatments for PTSD, including talk therapy or The three-week program is open to veterans or
exposure therapy (in which a patient is led through military members who became disabled while
the trauma to understand that the event is part of serving in the U.S. Armed Forces on or after 9/11.
the past and not in the present). Another treatment The program costs $27,000 per participant, but is
is prescription medication on its own or in provided at no cost to the warrior. If one cannot
combination with talk therapy. cover travel costs, K9s pays for travel to and from
the facility.
How K9s for Warriors Is Saving Lives: “We bring the warrior home to heal, to a place to
I Got Your Six regroup, to hit the reset button,” says Duval.
The K9s For Warriors program trains shelter dogs To qualify, a warrior must submit an application
to perform four specific tasks: averting panic attacks, and have a verified clinical diagnosis of PTSD, TBI,
waking warriors from nightmares, creating personal or MST. All applications go through a full vetting
space comfort zones in public situations by standing process that takes 2-4 weeks to complete. During
in front of the veteran and reminding warriors to that time, a trained service dog is identified that
take their medications. matches the applicant’s specific situation and needs.
Dogs also learn two other commands: “brace” and The organization stays in constant contact with
“cover.” Many warriors suffer physical disabilities as applicants throughout the entire application process,
20 FRAtoday /// January 2019You can also read
