According to the Patriotic Service Dog Foundation, there are an estimated  460,000 Veterans from the Iraq and Afghanistan war who are struggling with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). One of the most difficult statistics to read is that approximately 22 Veterans a day who are struggling to commit suicide. The Light Up to Live Foundation is working to find ways to help provide support, hope and help to our military men and women, especially those who are returning home from active duty and entering civilian life again.

The Light Up To Live charity, founded by Randall and Sherry Reed, is hosting the Valor Charity Events, September 21-22, 2018. It is a trifecta of events over two days to benefit the foundation. The final event, a black-tie ball, will be held on Saturday evening, September 22, 2018, at the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center located on 1501 Gaylord Trail in Grapevine, Texas.

A highlight of the evening is raising funds for two special service dogs, Gentle Ben and Jackel, named after two fallen heroes. The dogs, trained by the Patriotic Service Dog Foundation will be gifted to two Veterans.

 

Jackel, A Labradoodle

Gentle Ben, a German Shepard

Gentle Ben and Jackel are currently away on their own mission undergoing special training with the Patriotic Service Dog Foundation.

With the German Shepard, breed-defining character traits include: loyalty, courage, confidence, the ability to learn commands for many tasks, and the willingness to put their life on the line in defense of loved ones. It is clear that this can be an ideal match for many Veterans, especially those struggling with PTSD or TBI.

A Labradoodle is a hybrid breed crossed between a Labrador and a poodle. The breed makes for a great service dog with their high intelligence and eagerness to please their owner.

The Patriotic Service Dog Foundation mission is “to provide highly trained service dogs to those in need that can benefit from a service dog at little or no cost to the recipients, including but not limited to wounded servicemen and women of the United States Military Forces. Through donations solicited from the general public the organization will provide support for the raising, care, and training of service dogs from puppyhood to Certification with a recipient as a “Service Dog Team”. We will also support the ongoing dog/recipient training as needed to ensure a mutually beneficial dog/recipient relationship.”

To learn more about the Valor Ball, or other valor events, visit Lightuptolive.org