To Salute or Not? When is it appropriate for Veterans to render a salute

In response to a discussion on Facebook, below is a link to an article discussing when it's appropriate for Veterans to render the Salute when not in uniform.  Some of the major Veteran Organizations don't like this regulation.  They think it sets a wrong precedent to children and adult civilians.  They believe it encourages the wrong type of people to salute.  I say it gives us a perfect opportunity to educate the public.

What do YOU think?

Until the next time, my friends.....

http://www.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=51859

Revisiting Katie Patterson -MST Survivor

It's becoming a more familiar topic in the public media.  Military Sexual Trauma.  MST.  Mr and Mrs John Q. Public are starting to understand this is a real problem in the military today.  TODAY.  TODAY?  I've got news, my friends.  This is not a NEW issue.  This did not just start happening during the OIF/OEF and Afghanistan Wars.  The problem extends much farther back than that.  If you are a fan or regular reader of this blog you know that by now.  If you are John Q. Public, you probably think this just started within the last decade or so.  WRONG ANSWER.

I have a friend, Army Veteran Katie Patterson, whom I have blogged about before.  Katie was brutally raped in April 2005 while recovering from surgery in a military hospital.  She couldn't cope with the aftermath of the attack.  She reported it to her Commander who refused to believe that it happened.  With no one to back her, believe her or show any support to this 20 year old soldier, she was placed on an inpatient psychiatric ward. Accused of "acting out" she was wrongly diagnosed with a personality disorder as opposed to a soldier suffering from PTSD due to military sexual trauma.  Five months later she was discharged from the Army; with personality disorder stamped on her DD 214. 

Katie and her proud mother

 
Katie recently sent me a link to her former Commander.  I was sickened at what I read.  Her former Commander, a woman by the way,  who refused to believe Katie had been sexually assaulted by another SOLDIER, is now holding a very critical position in the Army.  Get this.  She is a "Sexual Harassment / Assault Response and Prevention (SHARP)" Officer.  How do you go from not believing one of your soldiers to being in that kind of a position?  Are you kidding me?  Katie found her former Commander on a social media sight though I won't tell you which one.  She sent her Commander a "friend request" and it was approved.  I had to talk Katie down when she saw the position her former Commander is currently filling.  I don't blame Katie.  I'd be angry, too.  That's the same woman who discharged Katie from the Army.  That's the very same woman who refused to believe that Katie had suffered a brutal and dehumanizing rape; even with the evidence right in front of her face.

Today, Katie received a note from her former Commander.  I'll let you decide for yourself how ironic the message is.  Remember, this comes from the woman who signed Katie's discharge papers.  This comes from the woman who refused to believe that Katie was raped.  This woman called Katie a liar, accused her of malingering and told her she was acting out.  This woman kicked Katie out of the Army.

"Katie,

Were you in my company? Either way, glad to see 92Ms out in the world doing great things. I am assuming you know my passion for the Mortuary Affairs field, since you requested my connection.

Respectfully,"

What do you make of that, my friends?  Sure, it's been a long time.  Still, I would take that as a slap in the face.  She ruined the life of a good soldier.  She allowed Katie's assailant to walk away free and clear.  She kicked Katie out of the Army and has no recall of doing so.  Katie is angry and I don't blame her.  How would you feel?

I first blogged about Katie in January 2011.  I've gotten to know her very well since then.  I've assisted her with claims; watched as she has gone through surgery after surgery; spent hours on the phone with her; and we chat regularly via Facebook.   Her strength overwhelms me.  She never gives up.  No matter what obstacles get in her way, she charges right through them.  Nothing, absolutely nothing stops this amazing woman.  If she wants something you better believe she will fight for it.  Katie eventually gets whatever the hell she is going after.  I am honored to know her, have her in my life, call her my friend and my little sister.

Just one of the many procedures Katie has had to endure

 

What happened to Katie is not a singular event.  There are thousands upon thousands of MST survivors out there, both male and female.  To listen to the military and the media tell it, you'd think this is a new and recent epidemic.  Bullshit.  I'm here to tell you this is nothing new.  It's been going on for decades.  Probably centuries but I can't prove that.   I know from my own recall of memories that it's been going on since at least the late 70's.  I know from speaking with Veterans older than myself that it was going on way before I enlisted in 1976.

A few stories I haven't told:

1.  Sitting in the barracks at Fort Jackson on a Saturday night, December 1976, a young private came running into our barracks, beaten and bloody, clothes shredded, screaming she had been raped.  I never saw her again.

2.  Hearing one of my friends screaming "rape!" in the barracks in Germany, 1978.  Her room next to mine.  Several us of ran to her room and literally tore her door off the hinges to help her.  We beat that man bloody.

3.  Being locked in an office during "Alerts" in Germany with the other eight women in my platoon for "my own protection" at night.  That's right.  Our command knew that the men in my platoon were a threat to us. When we were on alert "lock down" took on a whole new meaning for women soldiers.

4.  One of my squad leaders coming on to me so hard that I faked an asthma attack to get away from him.  I've never had a breathing problem in my life but he believed me and left me alone.

5.  I had an affair with my platoon sergeant my first tour in Germany.  I was a Private E2.  I didn't know how to say no to him.  He was an E7 and married.  How do you say no to an E7 when you are a Private, just coming out of AIT?  He's your boss.  You do as you're told or you pay the consequences.  That was a pattern I followed for a long time in my career.  I'm very ashamed to admit that.  It haunts me to this day.

6.  As an E6, Staff Sergeant, I had a Private who worked for me.  A really nice kid.  I found out she was having an affair with my XO.  I did my best to put a stop to it but it didn't work.  The Company Commander knew about it.  He thought it was cool that the XO was putting it to this young soldier. (His words, not mine.)  When the shit hit the fan, there was an Article 15-6 Investigation.  I was called in to testify.  I gave my statement and revealed that the Commander knew about the affair all along and covered it up.  Needless to say, the Commander was furious with me.  He told my 1SG, "Get that bitch out of my PAC before I kill her."

I was moved to a different section and lost a position I loved.  The XO was a promotable lieutenant and was removed from the Captain's list.  The Commander was forced to resign his commission.  But what about the Private?  Her name was Barb.  That's all I remember about her.  Her life was trashed.  She was a young, innocent, naive Private.  I'll bet she suffers from MST from that incident.  He was her first.  What a horrible experience that had to have been for her.  He broke her heart.  If you're reading this, Barb, please contact me.

There are more stories I could tell you about my own career.  Some more painful than the others.  But what point would that prove?  This is about Katie Patterson and how unjust and ironic it is that her former Company Commander is now a SHARP Officer.  The thought sickens me and I can't even begin to fathom how Katie really feels about it.  To receive that note from her former Commander had to have been the biggest slap in the face of all.  That's what "they" meant when the phrase "adding insult to injury" was coined.  Yes, I talked Katie out of responding negatively to it, but would I have listened to my own advice?  I wonder.  Would I have shown as much restraint as Katie did?  If you've read this blog long enough you know that I'm a hot head and sometimes my temper gets the best of me.  In fact, it is all I can do not to blast the name of Katie's former Commander all over this blog post for the world to see.  

As a community, what is our responsibility here?  Do we single out rotten Commanders like the one who wrongly discharged Katie?  Do we start a Facebook page, "Deadbeat Commanders" similar to the "Deadbeat Dads" pages that are so popular?  HOW DO WE STOP THIS FROM HAPPENING TO OTHER SERVICE MEMBERS IN THE FUTURE?  WHAT IS THE SOLUTION?  How do we stop those Commanders who continue to ignore the rapes going on right under their noses?  Katie had a police report for cryin' out loud and they still accused her of "acting out".  Katie had the evidence in hand and her Commander STILL refused to believe what was put in front of her.  What the hell is wrong with people? Where is the fucking justice?

There is a phenomenal documentary coming out on PBS very soon.  It's already been shown in many VA Hospitals around the Country.  Ask, no, DEMAND, that your Women Veterans Program Manager acquire a copy for your Veterans Hospital and have it shown there.  Everyone needs to see this film produced by Marcia Rock and Emmy Award winner Patricia Stotter entitled "Service: When Women Come Marching Home".  Some of my dearest friends share their painful stories in  "Service".  You don't want to miss it.  I've seen it.  I can't say enough good things about it.  Another outstanding documentary you may have seen is the Oscar nominated "Invisible War".  Admittedly, I have only seen bits and pieces of "Invisible War".  It was way too triggering for me.  Many of my friends are in that documentary as well.  If you want to see the honest, by G-d truth of what is happening to our women and men in the military, watch these two documentaries.  They will teach you a valuable and brutal lesson.  Military Sexual Trauma is not a new epidemic.  It's been going on for ages and the military doesn't give two shits.  That's what these two documentaries will teach you.

There is no easy way to close this post, my friends.  If you know my friend Katie, say hello to her on Facebook.  Tell her how much you admire and support her.  She can use your encouragement right now as she is recovering from yet another major surgery.  Any MST survivor can use your support; keep that in mind.  If you want to know more about Katie's story, purchase the book she wrote.  It's entitled "My Invisible Injury:  Living Life with a Traumatic Brain Injury."  It's a brilliant book written from the heart.  Her life has changed tremendously since she published her story.  Personally, I'm hoping for an update.  You won't believe the challenges she has faced since her book was published.

Until the next time my friends.....

Guest Post from Evan Thomas - Two New Search Engines

This guest post comes from Veteran Supporter Evan Thomas.  Evan is a student at UC Santa Barbara and interns for an organization called FindTheData.  They recently launched two new websites, but I'll let Evan tell you about them.  Though not a Veteran himself, Evan does have family members who served in the military.  Evan feels it's his "duty to support our troops.  They put their life on the line to protect our country, the least I could do is work on a website that helps people pay their tributes to fallen soldiers."  In his spare time, Evan likes to fish, hike, and play basketball.  If you have comments or questions about either of his websites, feel free to email him directly at evan_thomas@umail.ucsb.edu.  Evan hopes that you support the troops as much as he does.

And now.... on to Evan and FindTheData.

It’s no secret that our troops are our countries bravest heroes.  They deserve to be honored accordingly.  Writing letters to our troops or sending care packages is a great way of saying “thank you for defending my freedom.”  If you knew someone that lost their life in combat, you know the importance of paying your respects at their graveside.  Saying a prayer or leaving a wreath is gesture that shows your appreciation for their service.

In the United States, there are over 6 million Veterans buried in hundreds of different cemeteries.  Finding a Veteran’s burial place can be a daunting challenge.  The Department of Veterans Affairs keeps a massive database of burial sites of veterans and their beneficiaries, such as spouses and children.  This database is jumbled, messy and confusing.  A new website now makes it very easy to find a veteran grave for free: LocateGrave.org.  






Users can use LocateGrave’s interactive platform to search for graves by cemetery, military branch, military rank, date of birth, name and more.  The detailed grave page shows a map of the cemetery and provides the cemetery’s contact information.  If you are logged in to Facebook, you can also leave a prayer or note to remember the Veteran.  


A similar online tool also powered by FindTheData.org is the Medal of Honor Recipients database.  Like the Veteran grave locator, the Medal of Honor tool allows you to search for recipients based on war, rank and name.



***Note from Wendi*** To further honor your deceased loved ones, go to this VA website to order a Presidential Certificate memorializing their service to Country.

Many thanks to Evan and the folks at FindTheData for all the hard work they put into these two websites.  I can only begin to imagine the hours and hours of dedication it took to build them.  Keep up the good work, Evan!  We really appreciate it.  What will they come up with next?  Stay tuned to this website.  Hopefully they will publish it here first.

Until the next time....

Traveling with a service dog is not as easy as it should be

While returning home from a vacation in Texas, Terri and I recently checked into the LaQuinta Inn  located in Covington, LA 70433. I had no problems checking in with my service dog because they allow dogs. The night desk clerk was a young, friendly gal who welcomed us with a smile and greeted my service dog, Strudel, like she was an old friend.  She told us LaQuinta was a dog friendly hotel but she especially liked the service dogs because they were always so well trained.

The following morning, Terri and I went downstairs to enjoy the free breakfast that LaQuinta offers.  Of course, I had Strudel with me and she was "vested up" all nice and proper.  There was no mistaking that she was a service dog.  Just as we sat down to eat our breakfast, the front desk clerk, "Corliss", came in and and told me my dog had to leave because they weren't allowed in the breakfast area. I pointed out to her that my dog was a service dog, NOT a "pet" and that I'm a 100% disabled veteran. She didn't care. She repeated again that my dog had to leave. I refused to leave and she walked out and never came back.  This was NOT the same clerk who had checked us in the night before.  This was someone who didn't have a clue.  Terri and I finished our breakfast, Strudel under the table where she was supposed to be, just as quiet and invisible as I've taught her to be in a restaurant.

After breakfast, Terri and I couldn't get out of there fast enough.  I'd eaten my breakfast in silence, horribly embarrassed by the interaction with the front desk clerk, Corliss.  I don't do well in crowds at all which is one of the reasons I have a service dog with me at all times.  To make matters worse, the breakfast room was almost fully occupied.  At a long table perpendicular to ours sat a dozen Veterans from the 1st Air Cavalry Division.  They were there for a reunion; celebrating their 45th anniversary.  They sat and watched the entire exchange.  Talk about total humiliation!

Finally, time to check out.  I had to deal with Corliss again.  I asked her if she was familiar with ADA laws regarding service dogs. She said that she was.  If she was, then why did she try to kick me out of the breakfast area?  I asked her that question.  My intent was to educate her and not belittle her. She said she'd spoken to the manager and the manager had told her it was okay for me and my dog to be in there. So then I asked to speak with the manager.  I was told the manager doesn't work on the weekends.  I felt I was due an apology from Corliss.  What I got was attitude.

LaQuinta is a major hotel chain.  How in the world can they NOT have a manager on duty on the weekends to handle difficult issues?  

When I returned home, I wrote an email to LaQuinta and it was forwarded to the manager of the hotel we stayed in. Her name is Meghan Lee and her email address is lq0866gm@laquinta.com. She apologized and said she would handle the matter, but nothing was said about educating the rest of the staff.  Allegedly, Corliss claimed she didn't know that Strudel was a service dog.  How could she not know?  Strudel and I walked around the "buffet" to pick out our breakfast before we sat down.  Strudel always wears her vest.  Corliss had to have seen us walking around in there from the front desk.  Once we sat down, it was impossible to see us from the front desk.  I told her, not once, but twice, that Strudel was a working service dog and not a "pet".  How hard is it to understand that concept?

The hospitality industry just doesn't get it, my friends.  More and more of us are out there traveling with service dogs.  And guess what?  We spend money, too.  We are a viable part of society.  Our dogs turn our "disabilities" into "abilities" and what once seemed like a cold, cruel, world for many of us is now becoming more accessible thanks to our four-legged friends.  I can't tell you what a difference my two dogs, Rocco and Strudel, have made in my life.  

The next time you're out there with your service dog, my friends, and an employee gives you a hard time about it, let me know.  I'll blog about it.  If you have a cell phone with you and can access Facebook, post your troubles to Facebook immediately.  I'm sure your Facebook friends will take up the fight for you instantly.  I've seen it happen before.  In retrospect, I wish I had done that but I was too upset to think that fast.  That's one of the reasons I have a service dog .... I get rattled quickly when confronted in a crowd.  My service dogs react to my anxiety and they know just how to respond to calm me and remove me from the situation.  Since I wasn't about to leave, Strudel responded by putting her head in my lap.  We were in a restaurant and she's trained, as most service dogs are (or should be) to lay quietly under the table.  Most times in a restaurant, no one even realizes I have a service dog with me until I get up to leave.  My dogs are that well trained and in tune to my needs.

I must mention that I wasn't alone.  My wife, Terri, was with me.  I don't go anywhere without her.  My service dogs are well trained but Terri can be a Pit Bull when she believes someone has done me wrong.  She was furious at how I was treated and I have no doubt things would've gotten ugly if Terri had gotten her way.  One of these days my loving wife is going to knock the piss out of someone for discriminating against us.  I love my wife.  She's the strength that keeps me going every hour of every day.

That's it for today, my friends.  Remember to stand up for yourself and your service dog as best you can.  Report those who discriminate against you.  Tell me about it.  I'll spread the word here.  Post the facts to Facebook.  Report it to the corporate offices of the offender.  Talk to the media if you have to.  This kind of illegal discrimination has to stop.

As for me ... well, it's October 14, 2011.  I'm going to sit here and wait for UPS to deliver my new iPhone 4s.  Yep, I'm a sucker.  I pre-ordered one as soon as I found out my service provider was going to start carrying them.  I've held off until now because I'm a diehard Sprint customer and have been for the last 11 years.  Now that Sprint is carrying the iPhone, I have no more excuses.  Hurry up, UPS!

The other thing I'm waiting for is our son to call us and tell us he's been sworn into the Army as a "Future Soldier"... what us oldtimers used to call the "Delayed Entry Program".  Terri and I have been texting back and forth all morning to see if the other has heard from him.  We're both very proud of him.

Until the next time.....

Luis Montalvan. Disabled Veteran. Service Dog Handler. Fact or Fiction?

Hello friends.  Let's talk a little today about Veterans who stretch the truth.

If you have a service dog and you're on the internet, you'd have to be blind not to notice the pages about Luis Montalvan and his Golden Retriever, Tuesday.  I won't dignify this former Army Captain by linking to his pages.  You can Google him and find his pages yourself.  Mr. Montalvan is an Iraq Veteran. By his account and the account of others, he is a disabled Veteran.  The Bureau of Veterans Affairs agrees that he is a disabled Veteran.  That's where all the agreements end.

I've been chatting with Luis online for some time now.  Mostly we've discussed the topic of service dogs.  It's a topic near and dear to both our hearts.  Luis has Tuesday, a Golden Retriever who has captured the hearts of thousands.  I've tried to discuss with Luis how to get the same benefits for my service dog as he has gotten for his service dog from the VA.  Luis had little advice for me.  He didn't have to fight very hard for his benefits because he had Senator Franken pushing hard for his dog to get benefits.  With a Senator in your back pocket, the powers that be at the VA listen.  Luis got lucky and didn't have to fight. I commend him on that win.  Tuesday may very well be a PTSD dog but here is the catch.  The VA does not award benefits to PTSD dogs.  They only award them to guide dogs and service dogs other than PTSD or any kind of mental health dogs.  

So what does that tell us about Tuesday?  I know from email exchanges with Luis that he receives benefits from the VA for him.  It's a matter of public record.  They will award benefits for a mobility dog.  Therefore, we know that Luis does in fact have mobility issues.  If you look around the internet, the stories about Luis' injuries vary greatly.  Some say his injuries occurred in Iraq.  Some say his injuries occurred when he was beaten up by two McDonald's employees.  Again, these are all a matter of public record, and can be found by Googling Luis.  In some articles, by Luis' own admission, his injuries occurred when he was attacked at McDonald's.

Today, there was an article published on the ABC News website which is disputing Mr. Montalvan's stories of his injuries in Iraq.  Interviews with his soldiers and superiors, according to the article, agreed that Mr. Montalvan embellished the details of his injuries.  In another posting I found online, a soldier of his stated that the person who allegedly tried to assassinate then LT Montalvan, was nothing more than a drunken Syrian truck driver who attacked the LT with a screwdriver and not a knife. See link: http://www.idigmygarden.com/forums/showthread.php?t=27608&page=2 . 

Why is all this upsetting to me?  Because if it turns out to be the truth that Mr Montalvan IS lying about what happened to him, he's just made all of us Veterans look bad.  There are a lot of civilians out there who begrudge disabled Veterans the benefits we get for the disabilities we incurred in the line of duty.  Too often you pick up the paper and read stories about Vets who lied to get benefits.  Now, I'm not saying Mr. Montalvan is a liar.  I went to his Facebook page this morning and asked him to clarify the discrepancy.  Why, in his own words, in so many articles in archives, were there different stories about how he got his injuries?  I asked him, are your soldiers and superiors lying?  His response was to kick me off his Facebook page.

Is his PTSD real?  I don't doubt that it is.  I have PTSD.  If you're a regular reader, you know where my PTSD comes from.  I have no secrets from you, my friends.  You know my struggles.  It's all here in print.  For free.  I didn't write a book about it and try to make a profit off my struggles. Luis says he's 80% service connected.  Let him go to work and get a job.  Does he donate any of the proceeds to service dog groups or disabled Veteran organizations?  I asked him that once.  He ignored my email. 

For the record, I saw his appearance on Dave Letterman.  I don't know how he handles all the public appearances.  If his PTSD is as bad as he says it is, how does he manage his symptoms?  I want that secret please, Luis.  I can barely leave my house.  I can't stand crowds.  The thought of a stranger getting close to me or touching me puts the fear of G-d into me.  There is no way I can even think about getting on an airplane to travel.  And ... I have a service dog.  A big, 75 pound Doberman whom I trust with my life.  Just going to my doctor appointments at the VA Hospital is an exercise in terror.  How do you do it, Luis?  How is it you're rated that high for PTSD yet you can travel, do book signings, make all those public appearances?  If I was the rater who reviewed your claim, I'd be pulling your record for a review.  Sounds to me like you're ready for a reduction in rating.  You are handling the outside world really well....much better in fact, than most Veterans I know with PTSD.

Then again... if I sued McDonald's for $40 million and they settled out of court .... I probably wouldn't be too concerned with money either. http://www.newser.com/story/80051/ap-scribe-debunks-huffpo-bloggers-war-tale.html

Until the next time .....

News Update Concerning Straight Talk Forum -We're Closing 10 June 2011. Say Goodnight, Gracie.

Hello, Faithful Readers.  The last time we discussed Straight Talk on this blog, I was bringing you the news that the Straight Talk Forum had moved from Google Groups to our current home located at http://www.straighttalkforveterans.com.  In June 2010 (in case you don't want to click on the referenced link) I wrote:

I have news.  I've been telling you about Jim Stricklands' Google Forum, Straight Talk for Military Veterans since we opened it last October.  It has grown tremendously and I'm proud to say I'm sure we've helped a lot of Veterans along the way.  The beautiful thing about Straight Talk is that all the advice doesn't just come from Jim Strickland.  It comes from the members.  Veterans reaching out to Veterans and it's a beautiful sight to behold.  The moderators, Jim, Womenvets, Painter &; myself have an easy job.  We just sit back, approve new members, moderate messages and occasionally get rid of members who can't/won't abide by our simple rules:  no bashing of other members and no cussing.  Be respectful of everyone.  How hard is that?  We chip in and offer advice, too, but the board runs itself and isn't dependent on any one singular person.  In my opinion, Straight Talk is an overwhelming success and I'm not just saying that because I like Jim Strickland and call him my friend.

Today I come to you with different news.  We've outgrown our current location so we've decided to shut our Straight Talk doors effective June 10, 2011.  

I want to thank everyone who has been involved in this project for the last year.  Jim, Leo -- I couldn't have done it without you two.  My thanks also go out to the "regs" who gave so generously of themselves to other Veterans.  I appreciate all of the time that you donated so freely to Straight Talk.  And to the (literally) thousands of subscribers, thank you for being there, day after day.  I know who you are even though you never introduced yourselves.  You see, I had access to all the names behind the scenes. I know who the lurkers are and I know you were there, reading and learning.  To everyone who shared, you have my everlasting appreciation.

Not to worry, faithful readers.  You can still reach us in many ways when you are in need of assistance.  Jim has his mailbag open on VAWatchdogToday dot Org.  To submit something to the mailbag, email Jim Strickland at Jim912@gmail.com.

If the mailbag doesn't work for you, Jim can be reached through his Q&A Forum on Stateside Legal at http://www.statesidelegal.org.  Stateside Legal, if you haven't checked it out yet, is a terrific site with a load of resources for your every need.

And then there's me, Jim's faithful sidekick and partner in crime.  You can contact me at WendiG@vawatchdogtoday.org .  If I don't know the answer to your question, I'll point you in the right direction.  I've found that Jim has answered most of your questions on VA Watchdog Today dot Org  but most people just don't know how to do research.  I know how to search for your answers and I'll be glad to assist you.  You can also post your questions as comments to this blog and I'll be happy to post the answers here. 

Jim and I are both on facebook.  I haven't been keeping up with my page as well as I should lately so the best way to get my attention on facebook is to private message me.  I'll leave it up to you to figure out how to join facebook and add the two of us as friends.

What does the future hold?  That depends, faithful friends.  We are considering other options but we haven't decided on anything firm.  A lot depends on how all of you react to the closing of Straight Talk.  Will you miss us?  Do you want Straight Talk resurrected?  How would you improve it if we brought it back?  What changes would you like to see?  Straight Talk was for you.  Tell us what you thought was the best and the worst of Straight Talk.  If we bring it back, we'd like to incorporate your needs, suggestions and ideas.

Keep your eyes on this blog and on the Front Page of VA Watchdog Today dot Org for further updates ... if there are any to be had.  ;-)

Until the next time ......

How much is that Doggie in the Window, Part Two.

Hello, Invisible Reader.  It's been a while since we talked about service dogs so I figured it was time for an update. Since my first post about service dogs on April 18, 2010, I've learned much about service dogs and I'd like to share that with you.  


I guess the beginning is always the best place to start.  Let's rewind back to March, 2010, when I lost my beloved Doberman, Puzzle, to a form of cancer called lymphoma.  It came on fast and there was no chance of saving her.  I wrote that blog in April while the pain was still fresh and raw.  I miss Puzzle.  She was a such a sweet dog and there is no replacing her. 

Puzzle pretending to be an old Granny

I had started looking into Service Dog Schools and found good ones and less than reputable ones.  At the suggestion of Ken Lyons of Service Dogs of Florida, Inc. (SDFL), I didn't give up hope and kept applying.  Ken already had me penciled in for Charity but he'd warned me that it could be a year or more before Charity would be ready for me, IF she even made it through his rigorous training program. Ken puts each and every one of his dogs through a tough training and credentialing program.  If they don't make it past Assistance Dogs International training standards, he'll wash them out of his program.  Some might make it as therapy dogs, others will be placed into pet homes.  Only the very best dogs will earn an SDFL patch and the title of "service dog".


I knew two things for certain.  One, I couldn't wait a year or longer for a service dog.  Two, I couldn't stand to be without a Doberman.  After doing further research I realized I'd made a terrible mistake.  Working dogs such as German Shepherds and Dobermans CAN make good service dogs as long as they have the right temperament.  For that reason it's imperative that you have a breed specific expert assist you in finding the right dog.  Just any old dog won't do.

I've already told you about my background in dogs.  If you've forgotten or you're reading my blog for the first time, click on the link in the first paragraph to Part One for my "history".  Very quickly, I've been around the professional sport of AKC obedience dog training and dog showing almost my entire life and I have "connections" in the dog world.  When I decided to get a Doberman, I reached out to an old family friend who has known me since I was three years old ... in other words, for close to 48 years.  Not only does Esther know me well, she is one of the foremost authorities of Dobermans in the United States.


Esther reached out to her friend, Jinx, who works with Spay-Lee Rescue, Inc., here in Florida.  Unbeknownst to me, Jinx had known my mother from back in the 60's, as long as Esther did. Spay-Lee is an all-breed rescue but they specialize in Dobermans.  Esther and Jinx set out to find me the perfect Doberman.  They know I suffer from PTSD and major depressive disorder.  They know I have mobility issues.  They know I want to train my own service dog and with the guidance from the right trainer, I'm fully capable of reaching this goal.  All I needed was the right dog.  Between Jinx and Esther they have over 100+ years of "Doberman experience".


The call came from Esther that they'd narrowed my choice down to two dobermans.  All we had to do was drive to Sarasota to meet them.  We packed up Manor, our little dog, picked up Esther, and the four of us were on our way to meet the dogs.


It was love at first sight.  Had we lived in a larger house, Terri and I would've come home with two Dobermans that day.  Alas, we had to choose just one.  There was a pretty little bitch who was the sweetest thing.  Sadly, in her previous life she'd been hit by a car.  Her pelvis had not healed correctly and though she didn't seem to care, I worried that the long term effects would be a problem in the future.

Really sweet girl who was also looking for a home.

The other dog they brought for us was a handsome, red male.  His tail was already docked but his ears were natural.  He was young; 8 months old.  They estimated he was born in October 2009.  He'd recently been neutered so he was full of puppy energy and testosterone.  What most people fail to realize is that neutering a dog doesn't instantly get rid of the testosterone.  It takes about six months to get it out of their system.

The male we were looking at.  He was checking out Manor.  See her in the lower left corner looking on?

We had Manor, our resident Old Girl with us.  It was important that she be included in the decision.  After all, she's been with me for many years.  She's about 12 years old and this is her house, too.  If she didn't like either of the dogs than it wasn't going to be a dog that went home with us.  We were meeting on neutral territory which is necessary when making a decision like this.

Manor, the "Old Girl" of our house

The decision wasn't difficult to make once I realized I had to make a rational one.  My heart told me to take both dogs home.  My reasonable self, and my wife (the smart  and more rational one) told me to take the male.  We did the required paperwork, loaded the dogs into an air-conditioned van and then ate lunch to celebrate.  The fun and hard work was just beginning.  I had a new Doberman and I was one happy camper.


I have to point out that my wife, Terri, wanted an Australian Shepherd.  She's wanted one for a very long time.  Bless her heart she gave up her dream dog so that I could have my Doberman.  The Dobe we'd just adopted came with the name "Rocco".  I hated the name from the instant I heard it and wanted to change it.  Terri loved the name.  What's a girl to do?  I took away her Aussie.  I had to let her have the name.  So now we have Rocco and she tells everyone he's the Aussie she was supposed to have.  ;-)  Some day Terri will have her Aussie.  Just as soon as I can afford to buy my wife a bigger house, my first purchase (after the house of course) will be an Aussie puppy.  My wife has certainly earned it after giving up so much for me.


After lunch we loaded up Rocco into our car and started the ride to his new home.  We weren't sure what we were in for.  Esther and Manor were in the back seat.  Poor Esther.  Manor is a chronic, almost obsessive licker (think OCD) and Esther was her captive audience for the ride back to Palm Harbor.  Rocco went into the back of the car and settled down quietly, watching the road pass him by, wondering, no doubt, where he was going now.

Rocco on his way to his new home.

Rocco had only been in rescue for a couple of weeks.  Not much was known about him.  He'd been turned in to Miami-Dade Animal Control and they wanted to put him down because he had "cancer" on his elbow.  It wasn't cancer.  It was a hygroma, something common in Dobermans but the inexperienced folks at MDAC didn't recognize that.  Fortunately for me, they called Spay-Lee and Spay-Lee saved the day.  More to the point, they saved Rocco's life.


About a week after we brought Rocco home, we had to return him to Spay-Lee for surgery on the  hygroma.  It was rough on Rocco and rough on us.  He'd spent a few days at the pound, two weeks in rescue, a week with us and then he had to go back to Spay-Lee for another week.  Poor guy ... would his life ever settle down?  I can't imagine what he was thinking.


One week later we picked our boy up.  The surgery was a success and we could have our own Veterinarian do the post-op follow-ups.  Little did we know what was ahead for Rocco.  Our poor dog had already seen so much in his young life and still --- he's a real trooper.

All bandaged up after surgery.

Rocco with his "cone" on.  Poor Baby.

Rocco got sick after surgery.  His platelet count dropped and he started to hemorrhage.  He had red spots all over his belly, inside his ears, inside his mouth ... it was terrifying to me.  I thought... My G-d, you just gave me this incredible dog.  Don't let me lose another one.  I won't tell you how much money we spent getting him well again but it was money well spent.  Spay-Lee offered to take him back for a second opinion on the diagnosis (which is not relevant to this story) but I turned them down because that meant being away from him for another week.  Antibiotics, steroids, pain meds, lab work.  I believe Veterinarians are underpaid and you won't get me to change my mind about that one.  I'll never disagree with the cost of a Vet bill no matter how outrageous you think it is.  I worked for many years in the animal health care field.  I know how expensive it is to own and operate your own Veterinary Hospital.  If you think the average Veterinarian is making money hand over fist you are sadly mistaken. (stepping down off my soap box now)


After a couple of frightening weeks, Rocco healed up nicely.  He's now an active, happy dog and he loves to play and train.  Right now he wants a potty break and he's telling me about it.  Back shortly, Invisible Reader!

Once Rocco got the "go ahead" from our Veterinarian, his training (and mine) began in earnest.  We hooked up with an amazing young woman by the name of Emily who lives in Naples.  Emily is 13 years old and she's had service dogs since she was five years old.  Mind you, Invisible Reader, this all falls under the Service Dogs of Florida, Inc., umbrella.  They will be the ones to ultimately test and certify Rocco when he is ready for it. It will take us approximately two years of training before Rocco is fully trained but even then, the training will always continue.

Emily and Rocco at the Park

But back to Emily.  I hooked up with Emily through Facebook.  Ahhh, the wonders of the internet.  Emily offered to help me train Rocco.  Little did she know I had already hooked up with Ken and SDFL.  It's a small world, isn't it?  The more I learned about Emily the more impressed I was with this amazing young teenager.  Emily once had a long term goal of being the Navy's first Woman SEAL.  She was taught how to swim by a former SEAL and she was so inspired by him that she wanted to be a SEAL like he was.  Unfortunately, Emily has issues that will keep her from joining any of the armed forces.  Do you think that stopped Emily from wanting to serve her Country?  No way.  Not this young lady.


Emily has a new focus.  Some day Emily wants to open up her own service dog school.  Her goal is to train service dogs and give them to Veterans.  She was thrilled to find out that I am a Veteran and offered to help me train my dog.  Already, I have learned so much from this young woman.  She is a wealth of information and knowledge.  I have to stop and take a deep breath and remember that I'm talking to a 13 year old when we're chatting.  She's wise beyond her years.  


I am Emily's "First Veteran".  Her dog, "Bella" is an "owner-trained" service dog, certified by SDFL.  I'm going to train Rocco under the SDFL umbrella, with Emily's help.  I'm honored to have her help me.

Emily and her service dog, Bella

Training a service dog is a long process.  It doesn't matter if you're an owner trainer or if your dog is school trained.  It'll be at least two years before Rocco is ready to be tested by SDFL to become a "Certified" service dog.  Until then, he'll be an "SDIT", "Service Dog in Training".  He has a great many tasks to learn.  He has basic obedience to learn.  He has to pass the AKC Canine Good Citizenship Test.  He will need thousands of hours of public access time.  That's just the beginning.


Everything that Rocco and I learn, and this is a learning process for both of us, believe me, has to be documented.  Each time Rocco and I go out in public has to be carefully recorded.  Where we went, how long we were out in public together, date, time, details, details, details.


What amazes me most is how incredibly fast Rocco is learning.  I could brag and tell you I'm a great trainer.  But that wouldn't be the truth.  The truth is, he's just a smart dog.  He's totally devoted to me.  He's a quick learner and he wants to please me.  As I write this, he's laying at my side, ever watchful.  He knows when I'm upset, when I'm tired, when I need help standing up, when I need help balancing.  He's learning his obedience skills quickly.  


He's not perfect.  I have to remember he's still a puppy and he LOVES to play.  When he's off leash and we're out in the yard he's easily distracted by birds flying overhead.  The funny thing is, we have five pet birds of our own and he doesn't give a damn about them.  He totally ignores them.  


He loves to chase "his" ball.  We work on his obedience training in the yard.  I can't leave the house during the week.  If you're a regular reader you know I don't drive anymore so leaving the house when my wife is at work is virtually impossible.  It's okay though.  We work on his obedience training in the yard where there are natural distractions.  Those are healthy distractions for him.  Since he's young, we train for a short time, then play for a short time.  We do this several times a day.  By doing several short training sessions daily, Rocco doesn't get bored.  In between training sessions, he gets to play "ball" as a reward.


Playing "ball" is hysterical.  I have lousy shoulders as you already know, Invisible Reader.  I can't really throw the ball well anymore.  Rocco doesn't care.  He'll chase it even if it only goes five feet.  He brings it back to me and then the fun begins again until my shoulder is hanging at my side and I just can't do it anymore.


Let's switch our focus, Invisible Reader.  You're used to that with me if you're a regular reader.  If this is your first time reading my blog you'd better get used it.  My mind jumps all over the place which is one of the reasons the word "Ramblings" is included in the title of this blog.


What can the Veterans Administration do for you if you have a service dog?  They can do plenty if you know where to look and in some cases you're ready to fight for what you deserve and have earned.  Let's start at the beginning.  That's always the best place to start, right?  Everything you need to know is listed below.  Almost.

VA CLARIFIES VETERANS’ ASSISTANCE DOG POLICIES, OFFERING BENEFITS FOR NEW AND PREVIOUSLY-DENIED CLAIMS
AMVETS works with VA Prosthetic and Sensory Aides Services to Clarify Title 38 Entitlement
WASHINGTON, April 26, 2010—This week VA clarified a scarcely known benefit in Title 38, offering benefits to veterans using certain types of assistance dogs. AMVETS, which recently called attention to Title 38 Section 1714, successfully received guidelines from VA on how to properly file for the benefit. AMVETS encourages any veteran with an assistance dog, previously denied or awaiting approval of this benefit, to re-apply immediately.

Veterans interested in applying for benefits for their assistance dogs must directly request their VA caseworker to immediately file VA Form 10-2641 (internal use only) and proper accompanying paperwork. A sample copy of the form has been furnished by VA, which you can downloaded below, and printed out by veteran to bring to their next visit to ensure the proper forms are filed and to act as a guide for caseworkers. AMVETS has also provided a link to Title 38, Section 1714, which outlines eligibility criteria for veterans to receive service dog benefits and covered expenses.

VA Prosthetic and Sensory Aides Services, or PSAS, which has recently gone above and beyond in the continued development of the program and the proper implementation of this benefit, has assured AMVETS that claims will be adjudicated within 10 days of receipt of the veteran’s form 10-2641 filed by the veteran’s individual VA caseworker.

The form includes a section outlining the specific tasks performed by the assistance dog. To date, VA does not have the authority to approve applications filed exclusively for PTSD, but is currently conducting a pilot study on the healthcare benefits to veterans for possible inclusion of psychiatric service dogs to Title 38 benefits.

Over the last two weeks, AMVETS members Luis Montalvan, an OEF/OIF veteran, and Kevin Stone, a Paralympic bronze medalist, both received approval of benefits for their assistance dogs Tuesday and Mambo. Montalvan and Stone are the two veterans whom accompanied AMVETS and partner non-profit assistance dog agency Paws With A Cause on recent meetings with legislators and policy-makers in Washington.

All applicants are encouraged to review their cases one on one with their individual caseworker and gather any necessary paperwork prior to the initial filing or re-filing of VA Form 10-2641 to ensure the expected timelines are met. AMVETS commends PSAS for their ongoing efforts in ensuring all veterans with assistance dogs meeting the criteria outlined in Title 38 receive their due entitlements.


VA Form 10-2641 Sample


VA Prosthetics and Sensory Aides Services FAQ on Service Dogs

Title 38, Section 1714 as of April 2010

This comes from the VA Website.  Every Veteran who is interested in obtaining services for their service or guide dog from the VA should read this:

Guide and Service Dogs Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
To support an active and independent lifestyle VA provides benefits for guide and service dogs.  The job of a guide dog is to assist the blind.  A service dog assists someone with a severe to profound hearing impairment or someone with a physical impairment that substantially limits mobility.

1. What is the difference between a guide dog and a service dog?
   
   
2. How do I determine if I am eligible for a service dog through VA?
   
   
3. Does VA actually provide the guide or service dog?
   
   
4. If it is determined that I am eligible for a service dog, what benefits does VA provide for my guide or service dog?
   
   
5. Does a service dog serve the same function(s) as Animal Assisted Therapy or Animal Assisted Activity dogs?
   
   

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1.  What is the difference between a guide dog and a service dog?

A guide dog is trained to assist the blind.  A service dog is trained to help those with severe to profound hearing loss by alerting the individual to a variety of sounds or someone with a physical impairment that substantially limits mobility  by assisting in the performance of a wide variety of tasks depending on need and training (e.g. opening doors, retrieving, etc.).

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2.  How do I determine if I am eligible for a service dog through VA?

To receive any type of medical service through VA, you must register at the Health Administration/enrollment section of a VA Medical Center or online:  http://vabenefits.vba.va.gov/vonapp/main.asp. Once registered, a referral to a specialist may be requested through the assigned VA primary care provider. The Veteran's VA medical team will perform a complete clinical evaluation to determine how best to assist the Veteran.  Each guide and service dog request is reviewed and evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

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3.  Does VA actually provide the guide or service dog?

 No. Veterans approved for guide or service dogs are referred to accredited agencies.  Many of these organizations do not charge for the dog or the dog's training.
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4.  If it is determined that I am eligible for a service dog, what benefits does VA provide for my guide or service dog?

VA will pay for veterinary care and the equipment (e.g. harness and/or backpack) required for optimal use of the dog. Veterinary care includes prescribed medications, office visits for medical procedures, and dental procedures where the dog is sedated (one sedated dental procedure will be covered annually). Vaccinations should be current when the dog is provided to the Veteran through an accredited agency. Subsequent vaccinations will be covered by VA. Prescribed food will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Veterinary care does not include over-the-counter medications, food, treats and nonsedated dental care. Flea and tick medications are considered over-the-counter and are the responsibility of the Veteran along with over-the-counter dental care products (bones, dental treats, etc.). Grooming, boarding and other routine expenses are not covered.

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5.  Does a service dog serve the same function(s) as Animal Assisted Therapy or Animal Assisted Activity dogs?

No. Animal Assisted Therapy and Animal Assisted Activity dogs are used either to assist therapists to accomplish therapeutic goals or for general engagement of the patients.  Neither type of dogs is for personal use by the Veteran. They are used only in a medical setting.

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I'm attacking this through my ILP plan.  The problem is that this is such a new program that you have to be very aggressive or you're not going to get any help from the VA.  I just received an email from my Voc Rehab counselor that she's going to add my service dog into my ILP plan.  That means the VA will be paying for anything that I need for him within the limits of the program.

If you aren't in Voc Rehab or the ILP, all you need to do is have either your primary care physician or psychologist/psychiatrist, fill out the required VA Form 10-2641 (it's an in house form) stating your service dog is a medical necessity.  The form then goes to the Prosthetics section.  According to the news article on the AMVETS website, Prosthetics has ten days to respond.


This is a good start for you, Invisible Reader.  I've given you plenty to read and digest.  It's not easy to get a service dog.  Each year there are 25,000 applications submitted nationally for service dogs.  Unfortunately, there are only 2500 service dogs ready to be placed in homes each year.  You have to be careful when you apply for a service dog.  Do your homework.  Make sure the schools you apply to are ADI accredited schools.  America's VetDogs, Canine Companions for Independence, Inc., Service Dogs of Florida, Inc., are all good schools.  There are a lot more out there, Invisible Reader.  I encourage you to apply to as many schools as possible.  You may be accepted by some and rejected by others.  Don't put all your eggs in one basket.  If you're looking for info on Psychiatric Service Dogs, this is the place to get information.  Another good source is this blog post by Angela Peacock.


The internet has tons of information, Invisible Reader.  I've collected a lot of information by researching it myself and networking with other service dog owners.  I'll be keeping you up to date on our progress and in time, I'll organize my bookmarks and I'll post them here for you.  If you'd like to see them there are pictures of Rocco and I on my Facebook page from some of our training sessions. Just send me a friend request  and add a message to your request that you're a blog reader. I try to keep track of where my "friends" are coming from.

One last request, Invisible Reader, before I sign off.  Most of these places give these dogs away for free.  However, on average it costs $38,000 to buy, feed, train, house and purchase equipment for a service dog while it's in training.  If you can, please donate to the service dog school of your choice.  These are nonprofit schools and your donation is tax deductible.The school will appreciate it and so will the recipient of the dog when the dog is ready to be placed.  Most schools place these dogs for free.  My school, Service Dogs of Florida, doesn't charge the handlers for the dog even though it costs them a small fortune to train these dogs and get them ready for placement.  Look deep into your heart, Invisible Reader.  I know times are tough right now.  But if you can help ..... please do.  You won't be sorry.


Until the next time, Invisible Reader ....