Explosive times for sure

Here is the info on the fundraising page for VetDogs Attention: I have a Personal Fundraising Page for VetDogs Now! Please follow this link and make a donation to help another veteran like me get a service dog.

The month of July has been packed with all sorts of activity that is for sure.  CT had their State Convention for the American Legion and it was the first time I actually went to one of these not just to advocate about Service Dogs but also as a member and a delegate.  This was an eye opener for me and also very enjoyable time.  So what did I take from it personally, are you all ready for this, I am not doing enough.  That's right, I personally need to do more to help other Veterans and Americans as a whole.  I have a voice and a talent with my photography so I will be offering up my services wherever possible to help our great country continue to be great.

Some of the things that I will be doing is I have volunteered to be the official photographer for the State Department meaning that when there are photos needed I will do what I can to capture and help the state Historian save the moments for our records.  The second weekend of Aug is a perfect example the Legion has a long history with Legion baseball and the Northeast Playoff's are being held in Middletown, CT so I will be heading over to shoot action photos in case anyone would like to ride along.  That same weekend just around the corner there is another event that will be a great time to stop in at if your looking for something to do and Baseball is not your thing.  The Legion Riders of CT are gathering in Meriden to have there kickoff picnic bash for their ride to the Nationals.  They will be raising funds for scholarships and other organizations.  Yes VetDogs is on the list of organizations they will be raising money for so come on out and support these patriotic riders as they prepare for this long ride to Charlotte, NC.

Here is the info on the fundraising page for VetDogs Attention: I have a Personal Fundraising Page for VetDogs Now! Please follow this link and make a donation to help another veteran like me get a service dog.

In the last Blog entry I spoke of my kids birthdays and now I have a son who is getting ready to leave the nest.  Oh how time flies.  I am so proud of both my children for all they do and just wanted to mention them here because they both have their own life but continue to find time in their own busy life to help support me in my mission to help raise awareness of veteran issues and helping others.  My son competed in the Granite State Strong Man Championships and took third place in his class.  This was the first time he had placed in an event like this and the best part was this particular event had picked America's VetDogs as one of the charities they were supporting this year.  Hats off to all that were involved and I am so sorry that my travel plans got messed up and I did not get back from a trip to Western PA in time to capture this all in pictures.  Next year!

The future for Iris and I looks so busy and that is a great feeling.  For those that get the old Military Channel now the American Hero Channel there is a Saturday morning show called Saving Hero's where they featured the dogs from America's VetDogs as Hero's.  Iris and I were interviewed a couple weeks ago for that and the show should be one of the next couple Sat mornings at 0900 in the morning.  Not to worry if you don't have the channel you are able to watch it online just google Saving Hero's AHC.  I am just so grateful that Iris is getting her due for the work she does.

We will be heading south to Charlotte NC for the National Convention so other then Facebook entries we will probably have a month again between now and the next blog entry.  Till then have a blessed time and enjoy the gifts you have been given.


Here is the info on the fundraising page for VetDogs Attention: I have a Personal Fundraising Page for VetDogs Now! Please follow this link and make a donation to help another veteran like me get a service dog.

New Title, Same Mission & some rants

Here is a link to a great link for Iris and hopefully the VetDog Programs Awareness.  Torklift Hero Program


As the summer months finally take hold and heat up it is good to remember that we are not alone out there.  Having just weathered our first hurricane of the season I hope it is not a sign of the season to come.  The storm itself was not bad at all for this area but the turmoil of the timing and earliness in the season just seemed to get everyone around us into a state.


There was a lot of noise about fireworks this year, I normally do not sound off on feelings about issues like this but for some reason this year I feel the need to.  I personally do not care for fireworks, that does not mean that I want to ban them and hope that everyone would stop firing them off because I don't care for them.  When my kids were younger I even made a big deal out of taking them to the biggest shows we could find because they deserve to enjoy the pastime of the 4th of July's we all grew up enjoying.  My dislike for them is personal and therefore I deal with it on a personal level.  As an animal lover & a service dog user I see first hand the way many animals react to fireworks also.  I would ask that each and everyone of us out there take special care of our 4 legged friends out there during the times we Americans celebrate our freedoms.

Enough of the soap box.

There are so many opportunities to serve our fellows coming up in the next few months.  Personally I find Iris and myself getting more involved with the American Legion here in Eastern CT.  Post 111 in Woodstock to be exact.  This small post which resides in a historical one room school house off the green near the fairgrounds is a great little post.  We are looking to grow the post with new members so if you want to learn more about us come visit us on the 3rd Wed of every month for our meeting.

This weekend coming the Ct State Department American Legion Convention will be going on.  I have volunteered to help where I can with the States Website.  Web Design is not my specialty that is for sure but having a warm body willing to do work is better sometimes then having people that are great at what they do with no desire to do it.  There is also a Post 111 FaceBook page please go check it out and like it.  

For those of you that have followed this blog for a while you probably noticed I have a title for the page.  It may not be the final name but I am working on making a change and growing things a bit here.  Up until now I have been without any guidance or knowledge as to what I am doing here.  Sort of one of those blind man walking in the middle of a black out, not even a blind leading the blind scenario.  I have run into a few people now that have offered to help guide me so hopefully the quality of the blog will get better soon.

So whats coming next for the dog days of summer.  Well the CT Dept Convention
is this weekend coming. 10-13 July.  Then Both my Children have Birthdays this month of July.  July 26th New Hampshire Strongmen and Women will be gathering to compete in the Granite State Championships which many of you might ask "why am I mentioning" well not only is my son Dan competing but this group not only has huge muscles but big hearts.  They have adopted America's VetDogs as one of their Charities so Iris & I will be there to cheer Dan and the rest of them on in there quest to move mountains and hearts.

Last but not least in the summer months I can tell you that I hope to get lots and lots of camping in. As many days at the beaches and forests as possible.  I am still on for the trip down to Charlotte, NC for the National American Legion Convention also.