As soon as Ben hit 18, he enlisted to serve our country. Watching the events of 9/11 unfold as a junior high schooler, he knew then that he was going to do his part as soon as he could. That dedication is what led him to become a 50 Gunner, assigned to protecting his unit from mission to mission; always alert for the next sign of danger, always ready to defend his brothers in arms. He faced what none of us could imagine, with some of the biggest IEDs being set off on his unit.
“Not being able to protect them was my biggest issue…I didn’t stop it from happening.”
Ben returned home in 2008, but he wasn’t the same person as he was before his 18th birthday. His time in the service changed both his mind and his body, with chronic pain and emotional turmoil following him back home. Still a young man with his whole life ahead of him, Ben struggled to find himself amongst his new limitations.
“I really started to lose my sense of purpose…When I talk to veterans today, I tell them to do the opposite of what I did.”
Shortly after 2020, Ben started learning about Puppy Jake. At first, he was reluctant; he never thought that someone like him could use a service dog for psychiatric and mobility assistance. But as he learned more, he saw a path to get his life back on track. And when he was paired with Danny in 2021, it was time to do just that. Now, with Danny’s help, he can move more, get out in public, and enjoy family functions.
“Now that I have him, I can’t imagine a day without him…they’re there for you watching your six and they’re there for you every step of the way…It doesn’t matter the situation, he’ll be there. He’s always there at my side.”
