Business, Construction and Building, Free News Articles, NonProfit and Charities

Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs, Inc. Chooses Pittsburgh Area to Build State-of-the-Art Service Dog Campus

PITTSBURGH, Pa. -- Over the course of its 9 years, Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs (GAMSD) has grown into one of the largest service dog organizations in the nation. We raise, train, advocate for, and donate these incredible medical service dogs, specifically trained to perform tasks for disabled veterans, first-responders and civilians.

"Our dogs help to mitigate the challenges of disabilities and assist them in performing tasks they are no longer able to perform for themselves, thus lessening the burden on caregivers, community services and families," says Christine Patrick, Communications Manager. "We are extremely proud of our more than 300 teams working in 22 states across the U.S., with over 30 of those currently in Pennsylvania."

Throughout the years, we have had many of our initiatives supported by various Pittsburgh individuals, philanthropic foundations, professional sports teams, corporations and other community efforts. That has produced the sponsoring of 60 current and future service dogs to date, as well as funding for our traveling trainer and rescue programs.

Some noteworthy supporters include: PNC Bank, Armstrong Cable, The Aloe Family Foundation, Ernst & Young, Highmark, DSF Charitable Foundation, The Pittsburgh Foundation, Michele & Agnese Cestone Foundation, the Pittsburgh Steelers, Pirates, Penguins and Duquesne University, along with various schools and tremendous volunteer organizations such as Life Changing Service Dogs for Veterans. In addition, the Eat'n Park Hospitality Group Fund of The Pittsburgh Foundation has stated their intention for the naming rights of the Recipient Housing portion of the campus.

For these reasons and more, we are proud to announce we have selected the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as the first location for our new campus outside of our Florida Headquarters. The airport area where the GAMSD campus will be located is within close proximity to several National Guard and Military Reserve Units, parallels the Montour Trail and is about twenty minutes from downtown Pittsburgh.

The construction of the new GAMSD Pittsburgh Regional Campus will be a 12 to 18-month project that will have a positive impact on the local and state economy. On average, 75 to 100 workers will be employed during the planning and construction stages. They will include architects, engineers, plumbers, electricians, equipment operators, landscape professionals, roofers and a variety of other skilled trades. This 102-acre site that was once strip-mined, will be restored to its full natural beauty.

We have contracted RBVetCo, a disabled veteran-owned business, with a high-quality reputation to build our new facility. Once fully operational, we will have about twenty full-time staff members from the surrounding areas employed at the Pittsburgh Regional Campus. The number of jobs on-site is not significant in quantity, but meaningful in the purpose and role they play in raising, training and donating our highly skilled dogs to those in need.

Our campus will be one of the most important new establishments in the Pittsburgh area. We have a proven track record of positively changing and saving lives through our holistic approach to mitigating the challenges of permanent disabilities. With the help of our specially trained dogs, our disabled recipients begin to integrate back into their family circles, and become productive members of their communities again, even breaking the cycle of inter-generational PTSD in children. Once paired with one of our service dogs, we have countless teams that have enrolled in, or returned to college, completed degrees, become gainfully employed, started businesses, or simply left behind years of self-isolation and begun to travel.

This campus will touch the lives of countless individuals, creating both social & economic impacts. Once a recipient is paired, they begin their "New Normal". We estimate that in a family of four, each dog has the potential to positively impact the lives of 4,380 people in their community each year.

Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs is honored to serve our nation's Veterans, first-responders and disabled population. With more than 2.2 million veterans facing permanent disabilities, first-responder PTSD rates at record levels and 13% of the general population burdened with a permanent disability, this new campus will allow us to better serve those in need. In fact, although the rate of suicide in our nation's veteran population is a staggering 20-22 per day, once paired with a Guardian Angels Medical Service Dog, the rate of suicide to date in our teams is Zero. Lesser known, is that the rate of divorce in combat veteran families can be 90% higher than the national average, but once paired with one of our service dogs, the rate of divorce falls to less than 1%.

Beyond training and donating these incredible dogs, Guardian Angels takes a multi-phased approach to helping our community. This includes a comprehensive college accredited apprentice program and it is also approved by the Veterans' Administration under the GI Bill.

Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs is a 501(C) 3 non-profit organization founded in Williston, Florida and has grown into a nation-wide Service Dog Organization. We rescue, raise, train and donate individually trained medical service dogs to veterans, first responders and others who suffer from disabilities including PTSD, Traumatic Brain Injury, seizure disorders, diabetic alert, mobility issues and more. Guardian Angels receives up to 40 inquiries each day for one of their medical Service Dogs. There is very little state or federal funding available for this critical life-saving program.

If you'd like to learn more about our programs, get involved, make a contribution, or be part of supporting this life-saving project/naming a building please call 412-352-1111 or visit our website at: http://www.medicalservicedogs.org/.

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Business, Defense and Military, Free News Articles, NonProfit and Charities

Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs, Inc. Welcomes Mike Hudson, PNC Bank V.P. to Advisory Council

WILLISTON, Fla. -- Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs, Inc. based in Williston, Florida is proud to welcome Mr. Mike Hudson, Senior Vice President of PNC Bank's Enterprise Transformation Efforts to our Advisory Council.

Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs is fast-growing nationwide non-profit organization, and our goal is to continue that growth with solid planning and expert advice.

Mr. Hudson will join our Advisory Council, already comprised of a great amount of experience, business savvy and talent including:
* Brigadier General (U.S. Army, Retired) and recipient, Donald Bolduc
* Real Estate Developer, active volunteer for veteran causes and veteran himself, Vito Pampalona
* Colonel (U.S. Army, Retired), Hidden Heroes Fellow, and Recipient Caregiver, Brian Vines
* Lt. Col. (U.S.A.F., Retired), active volunteer, and head of veteran-student relations at Duquesne University, Don Accamando
* Active veteran-causes fundraiser, Mrs. Jolanthe Bassett
* Defense-industry businesswoman, Mrs. Mary Lamparter.

Carol Borden, Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs, Inc. Founder & CEO said: "I am very pleased to welcome Mike Hudson to our Advisory Council. I have worked with Mike on various projects through PNC Bank and outside of PNC Bank, all to help veterans. I have witnessed the passion Mike has for helping our veterans, so I know he will help us all to continue our growth in 2019, both personally and professionally."

Mr. Hudson is not new to Guardian Angels. Over the past 3 years, he has worked with a team of over 150 volunteers to raise money for the organization, and that work has resulted in nearly 30 dogs being paired with veterans in need.

Mr. Hudson commented: "The ongoing reward I get to witness first hand as these veterans' lives are changed, has worked to deepen my passion for Guardian Angels, and my commitment to stemming Veteran Suicide."

Please join us in welcoming Mr. Mike Hudson to the Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs family.

About Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs:

Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with a mission to raise, train and then donate the finest medical service dogs to veterans and others to mitigate the effects of conditions such as PTSD, Traumatic Brain Injury, glucose imbalance, seizure disorders and mobility issues.

Since our beginning in 2010, we've paired nearly 300 individually trained, federally protected medical service dogs to those in need. With up to 1,500 hours of training per dog, it is a long process, but worth every moment when you see the results of Unleashing the Power to Heal, and the life-saving, life-changing difference it makes for our recipients.

For more information on our program, please visit our website at: http://www.medicalservicedogs.org/.

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Awards and Honors, Business, Free News Articles, NonProfit and Charities

Carol Borden, Founder and CEO of Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs, Inc. Named 2018 Corporate Pet Industry Woman of the Year

WILLISTON, Fla. -- On October 3, 2018, Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs' Founder and CEO Carol Borden was selected as the 2018 Corporate Pet Industry Woman of the Year, at an awards ceremony held in Philadelphia, Pa.

Pet Industry Woman of the Year has been showcasing leaders in the $86 Billion-dollar-per-year pet industry for the past 5 years. There are 5 categories nominees can compete in: Advocate, which represents women doing advocacy for pets. Corporate, for leaders who own or work for corporations. Entrepreneur, for women opening and running one or multiple businesses. Rising Star for those women in the fast lane doing remarkable work to keep our eyes on. Lastly, Solopreneur, for women doing it all solo.

"What an honor it was to not only be a finalist, but to win the Corporate Pet Industry Woman of the Year for 2018," said Carol Borden. "There were many distinguished and accomplished women there, and to be recognized truly speaks to the incredible work of my Guardian Angels team, and the work that we do to save lives everyday."

"The Pet Industry Woman of the Year Awards recognize remarkable leaders in the pet industry who dedicate their time and talents to improving the lives of all pets - dogs, cats, birds, fish, horses and exotics - and their caregivers," said Shawna Schuh, president of WIPIN. "These awards are a celebration of women who have made highly successful careers in the pet industry: They shine in large part because they are so passionate about helping women as well as pets. Carol Borden is a perfect example! It is exciting to honor her and other women with a genuine calling to make the pet industry stronger."

About Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs:
Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs is a 501(c)(3) Based in Florida that rescues, raises, trains and then donates individually trained medical service dogs to veterans, first-responders and others who suffer from disabilities including PTSD, Traumatic Brain Injury, seizure disorders, mobility issues and much more.

There is no state or federal funding available for this critical life-saving program. Over the past 9 years, Guardian Angels has paired nearly 300 individually trained medical service dogs with those in need, and with your help, that number can continue to grow. Visit our website at http://www.medicalservicedogs.org/ to get involved or learn more.

About Women in the Pet Industry Network:
Women in the Pet Industry Network (WIPIN) is a leading organization focused on women leaders in all categories of this ever-growing pet industry. Leaders don't need to be members of WIPIN to compete for Pet Industry Woman of the Year, and many of the finalists are members, however the caliber of these finalists speaks to how vital the pet space is becoming because of so many women doing remarkable work. Headquartered near Portland, Ore., WIPIN serves leaders who are making a difference in the pet space. WIPIN members come from all categories within the pet industry, from groomers and veterinarians to pet sitters and pet boutique owners. Learn more: https://www.womeninthepetindustry.com/.

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Awards and Honors, Business, Free News Articles, NonProfit and Charities

Carol Borden, Founder and CEO of Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs, Inc. Named a Pet Industry Woman of the Year Finalist

WILLISTON, Fla. -- Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs, Founder and CEO, Carol Borden has been selected as one of twenty-five women vying for the title of Pet Industry Woman of the Year 2018. Becoming a Finalist puts Carol Borden in the running for one of the 5 category winners and from that the option of the top spot of Pet Industry Woman of the Year which will be announced during the live awards show on Oct 2, in Oaks, Pa. at The Club at Shannondell. This is in conjunction with the Pet Connections Expo being held in Greater Philadelphia Expo Center.

Pet Industry Woman of the Year has been showcasing leaders in the pet industry for the past 5 years. There are 5 categories nominees can compete in: Advocate, which represents women doing advocacy for pets. Corporate, for leaders who own or work for corporations. Entrepreneur, for women opening and running one or multiple businesses. Rising Star for those women in the fast lane doing remarkable work to keep our eyes on. Lastly, Solopreneur, for women doing it all solo.

Women in the Pet Industry Network (WIPIN) is a leading organization focused on women leaders in all categories of this ever-growing pet industry. Leaders don't need to be members of WIPIN to compete for Pet Industry Woman of the Year, and many of the finalists are members, however the caliber of these finalists speaks to how vital the pet space is becoming because of so many women doing remarkable work.

About Carol Borden:
Titling her first dog at the age of 10, Carol has spent a lifetime loving and training dogs. In 2010, she founded Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs, Inc. in Williston, Florida where she has raised, trained and donated nearly 300 individually trained service dogs for those with disabilities including PTSD, Traumatic Brain Injury, seizure and diabetic disorders and mobility issues.

Carol has remained a trailblazer in the Service Dog industry, working with the states of both Florida and Michigan in drafting their service dog legislation to protect the rights of the disabled; and her training curriculum has just become the first accredited service dog training program in the State of Florida. Carol was a 2015 winner of the Stephen B. Wise award and a 2018 winner of the AUSV Vetty Award for service to veterans in the Mental Health Category.

About Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs:
Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that has grown into a nation-wide organization. Today, Guardian Angels receives up to 40 inquiries each day for one of their medical Service Dogs. There is no state or federal funding available for this critical life-saving program.

For more information on our program, visit: http://www.medicalservicedogs.org/ and please consider joining us, as we Unleash the Power to Heal.

About Women in the Pet Industry Network (WIPIN):
Headquartered near Portland, Ore., WIPIN serves leaders who are making a difference in the pet space. WIPIN members come from all categories within the pet industry, from groomers and veterinarians to pet sitters and pet boutique owners. Women in the Pet Industry Network is committed to igniting leaders who ignite others which in turn makes a positive impact on all pets and their people. For more information, please visit http://www.womeninthepetindustry.com/.

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Education and Schools, Free News Articles, NonProfit and Charities

Parkland School Survivor and Guardian Angels Medical Service Dog Recipient to return to first day of school with Service Dog Escort

PARKLAND, Fla. -- Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs, Inc. is a national 501(c)(3) non-profit, located in Williston, Fla. In June of this year, we paired Parkland School Shooting survivor, Haylee Shepherd with a Medical Service Dog, to cope with the PTSD developed after last year's shooting.

Haylee's mom, Andrea, said: "Haylee unfortunately was in the 1200 building at MSD on, February 14th, the day of one of the largest mass school shootings. On the day of love, she heard and witnessed 17 friends and staff members shot and killed before her eyes.

"Since then she has been suffering with anxiety attacks, terrifying nightmares, and the fear of being alone. However, {Service Dog} Spree instantly put the smile back on her face, the ability to sleep soundly, and to know she's never alone. Spree is giving her the strength to move forward, one day at a time, with the same determination and confidence she had prior to this horrific day.

"We are forever grateful to all the hard workers at Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs that made this even possible. From the moment we stepped on the farm we were treated with nothing but love and support. With all the hate we see around the world these days, it's amazing to feel the love!"

Guardian Angels is proud to have built a strong, private online community for our recipients, where they can share and learn from each other's experiences, no matter where they are located.

So moved were our recipients by Haylee's story, that several of our Florida recipients will be joining her to escort her to her first day back at school on August 15, 2018. A Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs staff trainer will also join Haylee.

At this time, three of our more experienced Service Dog teams are planning on attending. They are: Rudy and his Service Dog, Rocket; Robert and his Service Dog, Sirius, Sarah and her Service Dog, Hero; and Jim and his Service Dog, Nina. A Guardian Angels trainer will also accompany Haylee on her first day back with Spree.

Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs would like to take this opportunity to wish Haylee, and all the students returning to Marjorie Stoneman Douglas HS a peaceful first day back to class.

About Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs:
Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in Williston, Florida and has grown into a nation-wide Service Dog Organization. We rescue, raise, train and donate individually trained medical service dogs to veterans, first responders and others who suffer from disabilities including PTSD, Traumatic Brain Injury, seizure disorders, mobility issues and more.

Guardian Angels receives up to 40 inquiries each day for one of their medical Service Dogs. There is no state or federal funding available for this critical life-saving program. Since their inception in 2010, Guardian Angels has paired nearly 300 individually trained medical service dogs with those in need; and with your help, they can do even more.

For more information on our program, visit: http://www.medicalservicedogs.org/ and please consider joining us, as we Unleash the Power to Heal.

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Free News Articles, NonProfit and Charities, Regional Events

Rocky Bleier to be Keynote Speaker at Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs Passing of the Leash Community Awareness Event

PITTSBURGH, Pa. -- Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs, along with hosts Don and Tony Accamando and Jack Wagner, cordially invite the public to attend the Passing of the Leash. This heart-warming event showcases the incredible difference Service Dogs have made in the lives of their recipients and includes a plated lunch.

The Passing of the Leash will be held at Duquesne Union Ballroom, on Tuesday, June 12, 2018 at 11 a.m.

Admission is $35 per person, and tickets can be purchased in advance online at https://medicalservicedogs.networkforgood.com/events/6751-passing-of-the-leash.

Full tables and sponsorships are available. Seating is limited and will be offered on a first-come, first-serve basis.

You can find more information, and learn additional information about this emotional event at: http://www.medicalservicedogs.org/event/potl-pitt/

If you have questions regarding the event, please call Rachel at (352) 857-1032 or send her an e-mail at: redwing@medicalservicedogs.com for more information.

Reserve your tickets today.

About Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs:
Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs is a 501(c)(3) Based in Williston, Florida that raises, trains and then donates individually trained medical service dogs to veterans and others who suffer from disabilities including PTSD, Traumatic Brain Injury, mobility issues and much more. There is no state or federal funding available for this critical life-saving program.

Over the past 8 years, Guardian Angels has paired more than 225 individually trained medical service dogs with those in need, and with your help, they can help even more.

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Defense and Military, Entertainment, Free News Articles, Government, NonProfit and Charities, Regional Events

Brigadier General Donald C. Bolduc, U.S. Army, Retired to be keynote speaker at the 2018 Bark-A-Que

NAPLES, Fla. -- Guardian Angels is proud to announce that Brigadier General Donald C. Bolduc, United States Army, retired will be the keynote speaker at our Bark-A-Que fundraising event, being held on Saturday, March 3, 2018 at N. Collier Regional Park in Naples, Florida.

After 32 years of active duty service to his country, in which he received two awards for valor, five Bronze Star medals, two Purple Hearts, led ten deployments, and survived both a bomb blast, numerous fire fights, and a helicopter crash, Bolduc, former Commander, Special Operations Command Africa, is hanging up his fatigues to take on perhaps his most important and challenging mission of advocating for the treatment and shedding the stigma of PTSD and mental health problems, both from within the US military as well as the general public.

His other awards and decorations include the Defense Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal with Valor Device, Army Commendation Medal with Valor Device, numerous foreign awards, Combat Infantryman Badge, Expert Infantryman Badge, Master Parachutist Badge, Air Assault Badge, Special Forces Tab, and Ranger Tab.

Beyond his various positions and awards, nothing brings more meaning to Bolduc's service than his latest mission to combat the stigmas around post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). As one of the few military officers, and, at the time, the only active duty general officer on record, to openly discuss his own struggles with PTS, Bolduc has used his leadership position to change the conversation to one of understanding and acceptance through his own experiences.

Dubbed "Captain America" by his fellow officers and soldiers, Bolduc always put country first, and now looks to continue his service off the battlefield sharing his leadership mantra of "Mission, People, and Family" and his personal experiences with mental health to educate others.

He will be speaking on Saturday about the effect of PTSD on our modern military and introducing his new battle buddy, his ServiceDog, Victor.

The Bark-A-Que will also have the Ben Allen Band, LIVE in concert, great food provided by Mission BBQ, a fantastic Silent Auction, raffles and a chance to meet & greet with some of our Service Dog teams, to learn what they do, and how they help.

Event attendees are encouraged to RSVP before March 2nd. Tickets are $35.00 for adults, $15.00 for children 5-15, and Free for children under 5. Tickets will be available at the gate. Sponsorships and Silent Auction items are now being accepted. If interested in sponsoring our event, or donating a silent auction item, please contact Rachel at: redwing@medicalservicedogs.com

You can find more information, or purchase your tickets online at: http://www.medicalservicedogs.org/event/bark-que-2018/

If you have questions regarding the event, please call Rachel at (352) 857-1032 or e-mail redwing@medicalservicedogs.com for more information.

Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs is a 501(c)(3) Based in Florida that rescues, raises, trains and then donates individually trained medical service dogs to veterans and others who suffer from disabilities including PTSD, Traumatic Brain Injury, mobility issues and much more. There is no state or federal funding available for this critical life-saving program. Over the past 8 years, Guardian Angels has paired more than 220 individually trained medical service dogs with those in need; and with our help, we can help even more. Reserve your seat today. Learn more at: http://www.medicalservicedogs.org/

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Entertainment, Free News Articles, General Editorial, NonProfit and Charities, Police, Fire and Rescue

Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs Proudly announces the 2018 Bark-A-Que Sponsored by PNC Bank

NAPLES, Fla. -- Guardian Angels is proud to announce we will be hosting our Annual Bark-A-Que(R) featuring The Ben Allen Band LIVE in concert! The event will be held on Saturday, March 3, 2018 from 10-2.

This fun afternoon event will be held at N. Collier Regional Park and includes an incredible BBQ lunch, provided by Mission BBQ, amazing silent auction, raffles and a chance to meet & greet with some of our Service Dog teams, to learn what they do, and how they help.

Event attendees are encouraged to RSVP before March 1. Tickets are $35 for adults, $15 for children 5-15, and Free for children under 5. Tickets will be available at the gate. Sponsorships and Silent Auction items are now being accepted.

If interested in sponsoring our event, or donating a silent auction item, please contact Rachel at: redwing@medicalservicedogs.com

You can find more information, or purchase your tickets online at: http://www.medicalservicedogs.org/event/bark-que-2018/

If you have questions regarding the event, please call Rachel at (352) 857-1032 or e-mail redwing@medicalservicedogs.com for more information.

About Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs:
Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs is a 501(c)(3) Based in Florida that rescues, raises, trains and then donates individually trained medical service dogs to veterans and others who suffer from disabilities including PTSD, Traumatic Brain Injury, mobility issues and much more. There is no state or federal funding available for this critical life-saving program. Over the past 8 years, Guardian Angels has paired more than 220 individually trained medical service dogs with those in need; and with our help, we can help even more. Reserve your seat today. Learn more at: http://www.medicalservicedogs.org/

@mediservicedogs #BarkAQue #BAQ #ServiceDogs #BenAllenBand

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Awards and Honors, Business, Defense and Military, Free News Articles, NonProfit and Charities, Police, Fire and Rescue

Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs Wins 2018 Academy of United States Veterans ‘VETTY’ Award

WILLISTON, Fla. -- Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs, Inc. is a national 501(c)(3) non-profit, located in Williston, Fla. On January 20, 2018 its Founder and CEO, Carol Borden and National Canine Program Director, Nate Burney were at the Mayflower Hotel in Washington, D.C. to accept the 2018 VETTY Award for outstanding efforts in Veterans Mental Health.

In choosing Guardian Angels for this distinguished award, the board of governors of AUSV state: "Recipient (GAMSD) has made a significant difference in the lives of veterans whose wounds can't be seen. Recipient has provided services/methods to replace feelings of despair with hope."

Carol Borden, Founder and Chief Executive Officer said: "We're just so proud of everyone connected with our organization. From staff to volunteers and foster trainers, everyone involved truly cares about making a difference for our veterans and first-responders. It is a great honor to have our work with veterans recognized by the Academy of United States Veterans."

Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs was honored to stand beside several deserving veterans' charities, veterans, and individuals who were also recognized at the black tie gala, including:

* Leadership: Sarah Verardo, Executive Director, The Independence Fund
* Education: Dustin Perkins, Director of Marketing, Student Veterans of America, Illinois
* Employment: Bunker Labs
* Community: National Veterans Legal Services Program
* Honorary Vetty: Steven D. Vincent, Senior Business Development Manager, Tiag
* Honorary Vetty: George A. Chewning, II, Director of Governmental Affairs, Global War on Terror Memorial Foundation
* Honorary Vetty: Jake Tapper of CNN, Chief Washington Correspondent, CNN who also hosted the evening.

The line-up of esteemed presenters and speakers included: Montel Williams; VA Secretary, David Shulkin; White House Chief of Staff, General John Kelly; actresses Anne Heche and Shohreh Aghdashloo; veteran and NFL player Nate Boyer as well as Mark Rockefeller.

Actor Mike Vogel, who along with Veteran and Bronze Medal Recipient, Matt James presented the award.

Several business leaders were also in attendance, including Eric Mitchell of LifeFlip Media, Eli Crane of Bottle Breacher, Sal DeFranco of Battle Grounds Coffee, and Travis McVey of Heroes Vodka.

Academy of United States Veterans (AUSV) established the annual VETTY awards to recognize those that contribute to the well being of the veteran community.

Our acceptance speech can be viewed on our website at: http://www.medicalservicedogs.org/vetty-award-acceptance-speech-2018/.

About Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs:
Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in Williston, Florida and has grown into a nation-wide Service Dog Organization. We rescue, raise, train and donate individually trained medical service dogs to veterans, first responders and others who suffer from disabilities including PTSD, Traumatic Brain Injury, seizure disorders, mobility issues and more.

Guardian Angels receives up to 40 inquiries each day for one of their medical Service Dogs. There is no state or federal funding available for this critical life-saving program. Since their inception in 2010, Guardian Angels has paired more than 220 individually trained medical service dogs with those in need; and with your help, they can do even more.

For more information on our program, visit: http://www.medicalservicedogs.org/.

*Photo for Media: Send2Press.com/300dpi/18-0202s2p-gamd-vetty-300dpi.jpg
*Photo Caption: Founder & CEO of Guardian Angels, Carol Borden and Service Dog, Huey accept the 2018 VETTY award in Mental Health from actor Mike Vogel of The Brave, and Bronze Star Recipient, Matt James.

VIDEO (YouTube):
https://youtu.be/0xl1HfPlos0

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Free News Articles, Funding and Investment, NonProfit and Charities

In This Season of Thanksgiving Dunlap Gift of $350,000 Benefits Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs

WILLISTON, Fla. -- Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs, Inc. a national 501(c)(3) non-profit, located in Williston, Fla. and the Community Foundation for Ocala Marion County are proud to announce, and extend our heartfelt thanks and appreciation to Al and Judith Dunlap for their incredibly generous gift of $350,000 to support the work of training medical service dogs for Veterans and First Responders.

Al and Judith are known for their passion for animals, especially German shepherds. They are long-time supporters and donors to the Marion County Sheriff's Office K9 Unit. On a recent visit and tour of Guardian Angels, the Dunlap's saw first-hand the life-saving work being done in training predominantly German Shepherds to become individually-trained medical service dogs.

Al and Judith knew immediately that they wanted to be a part of this work inquiring, "How many dogs can be trained with this gift?" It takes upwards of two (2) years to train a fully functioning service dog at a cost of approximately $22,000. This is all accomplished at no cost to the veteran who is paired with his/her dog for life.

The Community Foundation is honored to partner with Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs in creating a pass-through fund for matching gifts for their year-end campaign to not only raise funds for training but to launch their campaign to expand to a new state of the art facility on 60+ acres in Levy County.

Carol Borden, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Guardian Angels states: "The need is so great. With 20-22 veterans committing suicide on a daily basis, we are so very thankful to Al and Judith Dunlap for their tremendous gift to our organization. These funds will make a life changing difference for so many of our heroes, waiting for help."

In fact, once paired with a Guardian Angels Medical Service Dog, the rate of suicide in their recipients is zero.

About Community Foundation for Ocala Marion County:

Community Foundation for Ocala Marion County is a 501(c)(3) public charity based in Florida that serves as convener-collaborator-catalyst for sustainable community building through philanthropic fund management for donors, professional advisors and nonprofits in four key sectors: civic, cultural, community and economic development.

For additional information about the Community Foundation, see: http://www.ocalafoundation.org/.

To donate to Guardian Angels visit: http://www.ocalafoundation.org/me/community-foundation-ocala-marion-county/guardian-angels-medical-service-dogs-14709.html

About Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs:

Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs is a 501(c)(3) based in Williston, Florida and has grown into a nation-wide Service Dog Organization. We raise, train and then donate individually trained medical service dogs to veterans, first responders and others who suffer from disabilities including PTS, Traumatic Brain Injury, mobility issues and more. Guardian Angels receives up to 40 applications each day for one of their medical Service Dogs. There is no state or federal funding available for this critical life-saving program. Over the past 6 years, Guardian Angels has paired more than 200 individually trained medical service dogs with those in need, and with your help, they can do even more.

For more information on our program, visit: http://www.medicalservicedogs.org/.

*PHOTO for media: Send2Press.com/300dpi/17-1212s2p-gamsdogs-300dpi.jpg

*Photo Caption: L to R: Al Dunlap, Donor; Wendy Richards, Mary Jo Brandt, COO of Guardian Angels; Barbara Fitos, Executive Director Community Foundation, Carol Borden, CEO of Guardian Angels; Frank Hennessey, Community Foundation; Nate Burney, Canine Program Director, Guardian Angels; and Judith Dunlap, Donor.

Media Contact:
Mary Jo Brandt
Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs
Phone: 239-771-3703
Email: mj@medicalservicedogs.com

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