Mitch and HERMAN

Mitch was born in Mattoon, Illinois and raised in Hidalgo, Illinois.  Mitch attended Newton Community High School; Olney Central College; Asford University and St. Ambrose University.

Mitch, an Infantryman (E4) in the Illinois Army National Guard, served from January 2007 until October 2011.   In Kandahr, Afghanistan on October 13, 2008 while conducting route clearance operations, Mitch’s vehicle was hit by an IED (Improvised Explosive Device), and subsequently ambushed. He sustained serious injuries from the accident including a spinal injury, hearing loss, head injury, and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Tragically, his good friend CPL Scott Dimond lost his life in the blast.

Mitch currently works for the US Department of Army, Rock Island Arsenal as a contract specialist, continuing his work with the military and service to the United States. Additionally, he is working on his MBA and anticipates a December 2018 graduation.

Puppy Jake Foundation service dog HERMAN was placed with Mitch in May 2018.  Mitch is excited to have a “battle buddy” to assist him with many of his injuries.  Mitch enjoys hanging out with his family, lawn work and mowing the yard.

Mitch and his wife reside in Indianapolis, IN with their 2 daughters and 2 sons.

Josh and NICOLE

Josh was born in Winchester, IL and raised in Central Illinois.  Josh attended Glenwood High school in Chatham, IL and went on to undergraduate work at Liberty University and graduate studies at Dubuque University.  He served in the United State Army as a Sergeant E-5.  Among other duties, Josh’s military job was in the intelligence field. Josh served in the Army from November 21, 2008 until January 31, 2014.

Over the years, Josh was deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan.  In Iraq, he was with the 10thMountain Division, NY and was with the 25thInfantry Division, Hawaii while in Afghanistan.  Josh suffered an IED explosion with extensive injuries from multiple blasts.  Not all injuries are visible, and Josh also suffers from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Back in the states, Josh enjoys spending time with his kids, fishing, hunting, movies and music. He is currently in school, attending the Dubuque Seminary and works as a Youth Pastor the First Presbyterian Church in Centerville, Iowa. In May 2018, Josh received his “battle buddy” NICOLE.  Josh is eager to have a service dog to assist with his disabilities and looks forward to the bond they will share.

Josh and his wife live in Centerville, Iowa with their four children, ranging in age from 18 months to 9 years.

Shane and CHARLES

Shane was born and raised in Fairfield, Iowa.

Shane joined the United States Marine Corps in 1992 with the rank of E-5.  Dedicated to helping his country, Shane was deployed to Iraq from August 2003 until December 2004. While in Iraq, Shane suffered injuries from parachuting.  Injuries include Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI).

In May 2017, Shane was placed with his “battle buddy”, Charles, a black Labrador retriever. Charles and Shane have developed a bond that assists Shane with his injuries.

Shane is a proud father and continues to live in his hometown of Fairfield, Iowa.

Matt and PARKE

Matt grew up in Carroll, Iowa with two wonderful parents, Steve and Kathy.  Matt attended Carroll High in Carroll IA.

In 1999, Matt joined the Iowa National Guard and was attached to the 767 Eng. Unit at Camp Dodge.  On December 18, 2003 SPC and his unit were activated to go to Iraq for an assignment of over a year.  While serving our country in Iraq, SPC. Matt and his unit served in Bagdad, Fallujah and Ramadi to name just a few locations.  Matt was a firefighter and medic in the Army and was deployed for 15 months.

Matt was injured during Operation Iraqi Freedom, and in ways that are not visible to others.  Matt has severe hearing loss in one ear (left).  Additionally, upon return to the United States, Matt was diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) from the very difficult and emotional events that occurred and were witnessed.  Regardless of the fact that these injuries are not seen by anyone, Matt sacrificed greatly for our country.

Matt lives in Carroll, Iowa and has a son, Maddux.  Matt has a strong background in computer science and hopes to pursue that career in the future.

Dan and LAKE

Daniel was born in Austin, Minnesota and attended Austin High School and Southwestern Technical College.

Dan served in the US Army as a Sergeant(E-5) with duties including Squad Leader on a maintenance support team of eleven assigned to the Mechanized Infantry.  Dan’s military service ranges from September 1985 through March 1993.  His vast military career included posts throughout the United States and Europe.  Dan severed in Desert Shield in 1990 and Desert Storm in 1991 along the Basara Plains of Iraq. Extensive injuries were a result of this close contact on the battlefield.  Dan is medically retired from the military.

Puppy Jake Foundation service dog LAKE was placed with Dan in December 2018.  Dan is excited to have a “battle buddy” to assist him with many of his injuries.  Dan enjoys hunting, fishing, hiking, camping and most of all, things to do on his own.  Dan and lives in Rochester, MN and is the proud father of four children and three granddaughters. 

Steve and RUSTY

Steve Hinrich served in the United States Marine Corps from 1993 until 1997.  His numerous assignments included operations in Albania, Congo and Zaire where Steve participated in the evacuation of American citizens.  For Steve’s many heroic actions, he earned the Combat Action Ribbon.

Over four years of service to America took a toll on Hinrich.  Steve suffers from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), chronic migraine headaches, anxiety and major depression.

Steve has been participating with Puppy Jake Foundation for years and is very familiar with dog training cues and canine behavior as he eagerly awaited his service dog.  Steve received his battle buddy, RUSTY in October 2019.

Steve resides in Sioux Falls, SD and has three children.

Denny and SIMON

Denny was raised in Fonda and Council Bluffs, Iowa until the age of 15 when joined the Iowa National Guard.  Denny soon transferred to the Marines, and after serving 61/2 months, was discharged when his age was revealed.

When the conflict in Korea broke out, Denny immediately saw his chance to serve his country and himself in the Far East. In Japan, he was assigned to the 7th Infantry Division.  He was deployed to Korea and took part in the landing at Inchon on the 15th of September in 1950. After helping to secure Seoul, Denny and his team were dispatched to Pusan to prepare for another landing at Iwon, North Korea.  An early winter storm saw temperatures between -35 and-40 degrees with wind chills of 120 below zero. Frostbite and freezing to death was common.

On November 28 an enemy force of around 120,000 strong struck Denny and his division.  The division comprised of 15,000 Marines and Army, and tragically, only 3,500 troops survived the attack. Fighting back to Hamhung, along with 100,000 refugees, the survivors were taken by ship provided by the U.S. Navy.  As the battles progressed, Denny was wounded on May 23,1951. In September 1952, Denny returned to the Far East and in Jan 1953 was deployed back to Korea with the 1st Cavalry Division.  Answering the draft in June of 1954, he served, yet again, for another 8 1/2 years

Like many others experiencing war, Denny became an alcoholic.  He had been married twice when he met his soon to be third wife.  They were together for 35 years.  Denny’s wife passed away in 2003.

Denny received his Puppy Jake Foundation service dog, Simon, in 2015.  As Denny says, “My salvation has been Puppy Jake Foundation where I received Simon, my service dogs. I have now been sober almost 44 years and live alone. Believe me when I say Simon has been a great help to me and my quality of life.”

Tim and WEFEL

Tim Frainer grew up in central Illinois and lived there all his life.    Frainer was in the Army National Guard in of Galesburg IL and spent 13 years doing artillery.  Tim shares that this was a great experience for him.  After the terrorist attacks on 9/11, Frainer was called to active duty in late 2004. Frainer was deployed to Iraq in January 2005 and spent 11 months in the country. Tim was injured in roadside bomb attack which also injured others and killed a close friend.  

Tim has said, “I have never been the same between actual physical injuries and injuries you can't see – Post Traumatic Stress (PTS) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI).”  Tim also suffered injury to his knees and has vertigo. 

Frainer said he will use his service animal to help him be able to go in public and not be so overwhelmed all the time.  Puppy Jake Foundation’s service dog WEFEL was given to Tim in September 2019 and he is extremely grateful and thankful for his new battle buddy.                    

Tim has a 19-year old daughter and is blessed that his wife Carol “is absolutely amazing and helps me every step of the way”.   The Frainers live in Galesburg, Illinois.

Tony and HAROLD

Anthony (Tony) served in the U.S. Navy from 1995 to 2000 and went back in as a Navy Seabee for another 4 years. Tony has been in  numerous operations ranging from the end of Operation Desert Storm Operation Desert Strike Fox and Operation Southern Watch.  While in the Gulf, Tony was awarded the Kuwait Liberation Ribbon. After countless hours launching and recovering aircraft on flight decks, his body has taken a toll.  Unfortunately from everything that he has been through and witnessed Tony now suffers from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, PTSD, hearing loss, and considerable wear and tear on his body.

Tony and his wife live in Ankeny, Iowa with their two children.

Joe and SPIRIT

Joe was born in Colorado Springs, Colorado and raised in Clive, Iowa.  Joe attended Valley High School in West Des Moines, Iowa.

 

Joe joined the military in July 2006.  While in the US Army, he served as a SFC (E-7) Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician.  His vast service to America reached from Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, Ft. Bliss, Texas, Ft. Polk, Louisiana, Picatinny Arsenal, New Jersey and Ft. Carson, Colorado.  Joe’s injuries required that his service end in January 2018.

 

Joe deployed 4 times to Afghanistan totaling 42 months, which resulted in numerous injuries – including Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).  Czikalla received two Purple Heart Medals for injuries sustained during separate IED (Improvised Explosive Device) explosions and multiple combat awards for valor.  Joe received his service dog from Puppy Jake Foundation in July 2020.    SPIRIT entered his life and Joe is looking forward to having his new “battle buddy”.

 

With a deep appreciation of the outdoors, Joe is an avid hunter and fisherman – and most activities that may be accomplished outdoors.  He is retired and has a son.  Joe currently resides in Mystic, Iowa.

                                 

Toby and BUBBA

Tobias "Toby" is currently working for the USDA as a finance technician in Urbandale, IA. He has served in the United States Army for almost 16 years. Toby has deployed three times -- twice to Iraq (2003-2004, 2005-2006) and once to Afghanistan (2010-1011). Tobias is suffering with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and back and neck problems from a fall in Iraq in 2003.  Tobias lives in Grimes, Iowa with his wife of six years, four children with one on the way. Tobias is also pursuing his Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting through Kaplan University. Tobias hopes that the use of his service dog is going to help improve his daily life in the near future.  Toby's service dog, BUBBA is a yellow lab.

At home Toby loves to hunt, fish, go camping and walking with his family. He cannot wait to become a father once again.  

Joe and COOPER

Joe was born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa and raised and attended school in nearby Marion, Iowa.

 

Joe joined the military in August 1966.  While in the US Marine Corps, he served as a CPL (E-4) in the Infantry.  Joe’s service included a tour to Vietnam and service at Camp Pendleton, California.  Joe’s injuries required that his service end in August 1968.

 

Years of artillery strike took a toll on Joe and resulted in Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) among other injuries.  Joe received his service dog from Puppy Jake Foundation in July 2020.    COOPER entered his life and Joe is looking forward to having his new “battle buddy”.

 

With a love of the outdoors, Joe enjoys fishing and walking. 

 

Joe and his wife live in Marion, Iowa and are proud parents of one son and two daughters.  They are very proud of their ten grandchildren and two great-grandchildren and one more on the way!     

Scott and RAY

Scott was in the Recruiter’s Office on September 13th of 2001.  Scott service four years active duty as a Tank Gunner and then four years as a Mechanic with the National Guard.  In 2002, he was deployed to Kosovo, followed closely by a tour to Iraq in 2004.  Service to the United States was important to Scott and he paid a price.  Scott’s injuries include Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Tinnitus and hearing loss.

Scott was raised, as he says “all of Iowa”, New Hampshire, Maine, Korea and Massachusetts.  In mid-2005, Scott returned home to Iowa to begin a family.  Scott is currently a Senior Systems Administrator at NewWave Technologies.

Scott received his service dog from Puppy Jake Foundation in October 2016.  Scott and his wife are coming up on their 14th anniversary and the proud parents of four children.  Scott and family live on a quiet homestead in the country west of Des Moines, Iowa.

Alex and HAZEL

Alex  served 12 years in the Army, deploying twice to Iraq. The first tour was as a Chaplain Assistant in 2003 and the second was as a truck driver in 2008. Alex was slated to go on a third tour in 2010 to Afghanistan but was placed in the Medical Board process instead. In 2013, Alex was Medically Retired from the Army due to PTSD. 

Alex's service dog, HAZEL is a beautiful golden retriever.  Alex had Puppy Jake’s ZEEANNA for four years until she passed away and is looking forward to his new successor service dog.

Alex is married with three children. Alex hopes the use of his service dog will help him stay calm and collected in public, lower his hyper-vigilance, anxiety, depression, and make him an overall "nicer, softer human being".   Alex, his wife and children live in West Des Moines, Iowa.

Travis and REAGAN

Travis was born in Salt Lake City, Utah and was raised in Eagle Grove, Iowa until he was 14.  Travis and his family then moved to nearby Webster City, Iowa and received his education from Webster City High School and Iowa Central Community College, prior to his enlistment in the Military.

Dedicated to his country and eager to serve, Travis joined the Iowa National Guard in 2001 serving as Staff Sergeant/E6.  Travis was attached to the 194th Field Artillery from 2001-2009 and 334th Brigade Support Battalion from 2009 to present.  Travis was deployed three times:  Stateside; Kosovo and Afghanistan.  His length of service was sixteen years and continues to this day.

Multiple years of combat action resulted in numerous injuries for Travis.  His suffers from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), loss of hearing in left ear, and continued back and knee pain.

Travis and his wife live in Perry, Iowa with their daughter and two sons.  Puppy Jake Foundation service dog REAGAN, began his service with Travis in the spring of 2017.

Steve and DJ

Steve was born and raised in Kearney, Nebraska.  He is a sixth generation Nebraskan with a great-great-great- grandfather homesteading in Nebraska in 1867 after the Civil War.  Steve graduated from Kearney High School, attended University of Nebraska-Lincoln, St. Gregory the Great Seminary in Seward, NE and St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in Philadelphia, PA.

He served in the US Army/Nebraska Army National Guard for 20 years as an enlisted Soldier achieving the rank of Master Sergeant (E8) and 10 years as a Chaplain achieving the rank of Captain (O3E).  Steve was trained for security missions and ultimately served as a US Army Chaplain.  His dates of service covered over 30 years from 1987 to 2018.  Steve’s extensive service included Honduras, Germany, Macedonia, Kosovo and Bosnia with Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF).

Steve also served as the senior command Chaplain with the Nebraska State Patrol and was trained at Quantico, VA to serve as the senior FBI Chaplain for Iowa and Nebraska.

Steve’s many interests include reading, shooting, chess, movies and playing cards.  Steve is currently a Catholic priest, retired from the US military, with the Catholic Diocese of Lincoln, NE.  He was given his new battle buddy DJ by Puppy Jake Foundation in July 2020.  Steve lives in Lincoln, NE.

Andy and LEGEND

Andy was born in Bismark, North Dakota.  At the age of eleven, the family moved to Ft. Atkinson, Wisconsin where Andy continues to live to this day.  After a five-year apprenticeship for steam fitting, Andy decided to enter the United States Marines to serve his country.

The Corporal was stationed in California and Wisconsin.  Additionally, between 2002 and 2008, he was deployed on two occasions to Iraq during his six years of service as a Marine Infantryman.  Invisible and physical injuries led Andy to be diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and tinnitus.  Andy injuries proved to be obstacles to some employment.

Back in the US, Andy is a steamfitter with the State of Wisconsin.  Andy received his service dog LEGEND from Puppy Jake Foundation in May 2017.  LEGEND has already made a notable improvement in Andy’s life.  As Andy has said, “Since getting LEGEND, I have been getting out with my family and living life for the first time in a long time.  Before LEGEND, I had given up hobbies and activities.  I am now able to attend my children’s activities and be busy with them.”

Andy and his wife are the proud parents of two daughters.  The family resides in Ft. Atkinson, WI.

Steve and IKE

Steven was born in Port Hueneme California and is a self-described “military brat”.  Steve and his family moved to Des Moines, Iowa where he was raised.  Steve graduated from Des Moines East High School and Iowa Central Community College.

In 1996, Steve joined the United States Navy E-4 Seabee.  Steve was an NCO, heavy equipment operator and squad leader.  His service led him to several different countries including Bosnia and Kosovo.

Military combat took a toll on Steve and he suffers from several injuries, including Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.   Steve and his wife have five children and live in Des Moines, Iowa.  Puppy Jake Foundation's IKE is now Steve's "battle buddy"!

Sean and 4RUNNER

Sean was born in Sioux City, Iowa and raised in Bronson, Iowa.   Sean attended Lawton-Bronson High School and Iowa Central Community College.  Sean was initially based in Ft. Riley, Kansas and later in Ft. Hood, Texas.  Serving in the US Army from 2004, he was deployed to the Middle East on five different occasions.

Eager to serve his country, Sean joined the US Army in 2004 and served on Active Duty until 2011.   He then joined the Army Reserves and continues to serve today.   He served as a Team Leader in a Squad and as a gunner in a gun truck where he did patrols and escorted convoys in his 1st, 2nd and 3rd deployments.  Additionally, Sean was an Intelligence Analyst on his 4th deployment and an Aviation Petroleum Specialist on his 5th deployment.  Years of military service took a toll on Sean.  He has had multiple surgeries. He suffered a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) from a rocket explosion and has been diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) from multiple combat tours.

Back in the states, Sean enjoys spending time with his family and coaching his children’s sports teams.  He also enjoys shooting at the gun range.  Puppy Jake Foundation’s service dog, 4Runner, became Sean’s battle buddy in October 2017.  Sean currently works for the City of Sioux City, Iowa.  Sean and his wife reside in Sioux City with their two sons.

Rich and MILTON

Richard (Rich) served in the US Navy from 1988 to 1990, including Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. He attained the rank of EM2, and certifications of Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist and Enlisted Air Warfare Specialist.  Rich served aboard the USS Iowa (BB-61) from 1988 - 1990, and the USS America (CV-66) from 1990 - 1992. During his active duty he was underway most of the time, including three six-month Mediterranean cruises, one combat cruise to the Red Sea and Persian Gulf, several North Atlantic and Baltic Sea cruises, one Arctic Ocean cruise, one South America cruise, and many Caribbean cruises.   Rich received his service dog, MILTON, from Puppy Jake Foundation in July 2016.

Rich’s father served two tours in Vietnam as an advisor to the South Vietnamese army, and one tour in Korea. His mother, in addition to raising three children, held a Bachelors of Science degree in computer science, with teaching certification.  Rich has one brother who is a former police officer and currently works as an oilfield consultant, and one sister who is a nurse. His daughter is married to a police officer in New Jersey, and is a teacher at her former high school. His grandson will be four in November.

Rich recently moved from Texas to Iowa, in part for the cooler weather!  Rich and his Puppy Jake Foundation Service dog, MILTON, live in Iowa Falls.

 

Angela and SKIPPY

Angela was born in Kansas City, Missouri – born flying over Missouri on the way to Hawaii.  She was raised in Kauai, Hawaii.  Her mother was in the US Air Force and went into labor on the flight.  Angela attended school in Hawaii.   Dedicated to her country, Angela served in the US Navy from 1994 through 1996.  She was an Electronics Technician and in the Military Police as Shore Patrol.  A tragic accident led to Angela’s numerous injuries. Angela medically retired from the US Navy in 1999.

Angela enjoys motorcycling, computers, archery and shooting.  She is retired and recently graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Cyber Security from Colorado Technical University.  Angela and her husband have two daughters and two sons and live in Altoona, Iowa.  Puppy Jake Foundation’s service dog SKIPPY became Angela’s battle buddy in October 2017.

Matthew and CHRIS KYLE

Matthew was born In Okinawa Japan on a military installation.  At the time, his mother was a Navy Corpsman and his father was in the US Air Force.  At the age of three, Matthew and his mother moved to Texas where he was raised.  He attended high school and Lone Star Community College.   He was a Navy Third Class Corpsman stationed with the 3rd Battalion 2nd Marine Division based in Camp Lejeune.  His service to his country spanned over four years—from 2005 to 2009.  Matthew provided medical care for his unit including first aid, trauma and mass casualty in the field.

Deployed to Habbaniyah, Iraq, his injuries include Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and side effects from working with mass causalities on the battlefield.  Matthew is currently a licensed Underground Storage Tank Installer for Seneca Companies in Des Moines.  Matthew and his Puppy Jake Foundation service dog CHRIS KYLE resides in Spring, TX and he is a proud father of a daughter.

Mark and LOU

Mark was born in Ottumwa, Iowa and raised in Sigourney, Iowa.  He attended Sigourney High School and Indian Hills Community College.

As a Corporal in the US Army, Mark served his country as a motor transport operator and combat engineer.  He was stationed in Germany in 1990 and 1991, then later from 2003-2004, Mark was deployed to Iraq.  Due to his military service, he suffers from back injury and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) from his deployment to combat zones.  While some injuries are ‘invisible’, they are real nevertheless.

Back home in the states, Mark is a Supervisor at Oskaloosa Food Products.  He has a keen interest in working on his jeep and spending time with his family.  Mark received his Puppy Jake Foundation service dog LOU in October 2017.  He and his wife reside in Oskaloosa, Iowa.  They have eight children, five grandchildren and one more grandchild on the way.