Military Connection: Non-Profit Connects Veterans to Service Dogs
By Debbie Gregory.
In the preamble to the Declaration of Independence, a list of “unalienable rights” outlined by the founding fathers stated that every human has a right to “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” The belief in these rights is a part of what compels our nation and its citizens to greatness. There aren’t any Americans that do more to secure these rights than the men and women who serve in our armed forces. That is why, when their service is complete, there are organizations such as The Battle Buddy Foundation to help ensure that Veterans maintain the freedoms they fought to protect.
The Battle Buddy Foundation (TBBF) is a 501(c)(3) public charity, founded by Veterans for Veterans. TBBF is on a mission to ensure that Veterans and their families have access to programs and services that will help them transition and acclimate back to civilian life. This mission is accomplished by 1) providing service and therapy dogs, at no cost, to Veterans from all eras, who suffer from a variety of afflictions and limitations. 2) Connecting Veterans to a network of organizations that offer resources and opportunities in the areas of housing and employment. 3) Constructing a community of peer support for Veterans and their families through a variety of programs, events and social media.
TBBF was founded by Marine Corps Veterans Kenny Bass and Joshua Rivers, along with Bass’s brother, Jon Campbell. Bass, who served with the Marine infantry, 1st Battalion, 4th Marines, serves as the Executive Director of TBBF.
In Iraq, on July 20, 2003, Bass was wounded by an IED. Since that day, Bass has suffered from many afflictions as a result of his service, including Behcet’s Disease, hearing loss, and PTSD. Although Bass was prescribed a service dog in 2012, he had difficulty in locating an organization to provide the dog. This need led to the formation of TBBF as a solution.
With the services, resources and opportunities that TBBF facilitates, Veterans are in a better position to reap the benefits of their service and their rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
To find out more about The Battle Buddy Foundation, and its programs and events, please visit them on the web at tbbf.org.
Military Connection proudly serves those who serve in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Guard and Reserve, Veterans and their Families. We are the go to site for Veteran Employment and information on Veteran education. Militaryconnection.com provides Veterans with and Directory of Employers, a Job Board, information on the Post-9/11 GI Bill, and a blog that offers Veterans boundless information. Be sure to visit Militaryconnection.com, the go to site.
Military Connection: Non-Profit Connects Veterans to Service Dogs: By Debbie Gregory
