Today we celebrate Veteran's Day with an update about the Healing Heroes program which we began in 2016 with the goal of raising enough money to provide 5 service dogs to local veterans. 

It is incredible what we have been able to accomplish together! Thanks to your generosity, we have raised $303,569.42 in donations and are now raising money for our fourteenth dog. This money comes from a range of community efforts including; contributions from Armstrong customers & employees, and partnerships & fundraisers coordinated by local community groups. 

A fully trained service dog costs about $22,000. So far, the Healing Heroes program has successfully paired 7 local veterans with service dogs. Here is more information about our most recent pairings:

Rosa & Reveille: A 44-year-old Army veteran, residing in Pittsburgh PA.  Rosa works full time but finds it difficult to go anywhere else.  Rosa is ready and willing to do what is necessary to properly care for a service animal as she wants to have a ‘normal’ life, including being able to go to the grocery stores, or just going outside.  

James & Jud: Jim is a Marine Veteran who served during Vietnam, where he was wounded. Jim knows his dog will help to mitigate his symptoms due to serving his country. Jim currently resides in Hermitage, PA.

Additionally, click to listen to a recent podcast featuring Carol Borden, CEO and founder of Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs (GAMSD) discuss how the pandemic has impacted Guardian Angels, the amazing partnership between Guardian Angels & Armstrong Healing Heroes as well as how you can help Guardian Angels in this time of need!

The best news is that there are service dogs available! If you know a veteran who is interested in applying for a service dog through Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs a part of the Healing Heroes program, please have them click here to apply.