My buddy, Sarge the service dog, and his handler, John Brouse, held the ninth annual Sarge's 22 walk in Merchantville, N.J., on June 28. Basically, we walk a mile each day for 22 days in June and make a donation to a charity that helps veterans cope with PTSD, namely America's Vet Dogs. Here in Maryland, we participated as well. This is the second time we participated, and we are hoping to make it a big event here next June. We chose to make a donation to a local organization that trains and provides service dogs to veterans, Warrior Canine Connection.

John and Sarge also promote "Buddy Check Thursdays" each week, where they ask comrades to make at least one call to someone who may need it. They are the boots on the ground and are doing the work for both of these initiatives. We are 100% behind Sarge and John, and we are committed to the mission to "Be the One" here in Maryland.

On a side note, it was an honor to attend the NALC class of 2023 with Sarge and John, where Sarge was the first service animal to receive a NALC diploma as "Top Dog" from Commander Seehafer.