Two US Special Forces members receive life-changing gifts

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Email
Print
Spenser and Drogo, center.

CARMEL – Two US Army Green Berets received new companions on Sunday to help them deal with the emotional stresses that many veterans and first responders deal with on a daily basis.  The Guardian Revival organization presented the two men, both recipients of the Bronze Star, with canine companions at a private ceremony.

Guardian Revival is a non-profit organization that offers several programs to help current and former service members and first responders designed to deal with PTSD and other debilitating issues.  

One of the programs is “Boots & Paws.”  Guardian Executive Director Alex Othmer, a former Navy Seal, before presenting the dogs to their human companions said, “Studies have shown that animal ownership greatly reduces stress, decreases feelings of loneliness, and encourages more social interaction.”

Special Forces member Spenser Lake was awarded Drogo, a Doberman Pinscher, that has been trained by Chris Knapp, vice-president of Von Wolfenfels K9 in Putnam County.  

Lake spent 14 years in the special forces and has received two Purple Heart honors in addition to the Bronze Star. “Spencer is a very humble guy,” said Boots and Paws Program Manager Angela Garcia.  Lake applied for the program several months ago and Garcia worked with him to find a match.  The dog, training, and supplies were all sponsored by Mr. Valenti who said, “We are thankful for Spenser’s service and are honored to be able to do this,” while also thanking Othmer for making him aware of the program.  Valenti was joined by his wife in presenting Drogo to Spenser.

The second Green Beret, still on active duty, was presented with a Belgian Malinois puppy that will bear the name Brody or “Bro” for short.  The special forces operator, whose identity will not be released, talked of the stresses that his son and daughters have endured during his 18 deployments.  “Bro will certainly have a positive impact on my family,” he said, noting that the stresses of having a father in the military led one of his daughters to attempt suicide and Brody will certainly help the family heal.




Popular Stories