Celebrating Veterans Day with Tails of Valor

This week, our Historic Downtown and Merle-Smith Campuses honored Veterans Day during their chapel services. We were privileged to welcome representatives from Tails of Valor®, Paws of Honor, Inc. (TOV), a nonprofit dedicated to supporting Veterans and First Responders through animal-assisted therapy programs.

Kate Ardron and Andrea Town visited students at the Historic Downtown Campus, joined by special guests Gates and Kal, two service dogs in training. At the Merle-Smith Campus, they were accompanied by Gates, Artie, Cher, Sergeant Patrick Mount, and Patrick’s dog, Decker. These incredible dogs, named in honor of Veterans, reflect the mission of TOV by carrying forward the legacy of service and sacrifice.

 

During their presentations, the Tails of Valor team shared insights into their program, which pairs service dogs with Veterans and First Responders at no cost. These dogs undergo 16-24 months of specialized training, during which they learn specific tasks to support their handlers in managing PTSD, regulating emotions, and adapting to civilian life. From learning basic commands in their first months to forming deep bonds with their human partners, the training process is designed to build trust, enhance connection, and provide life-changing support.

 

The dogs’ names carry the stories of those they honor:

 

Gates, named for First Lieutenant Margaret Gates, Army Nurse Corps, who served in the European Theater during WWII.

Artie, named for Arthur ("Artie") Troiani, a covert radio operator in the U.S. Army during WWII, who helped liberate concentration camps.

Decker, named for Cody Decker, a U.S. Army Veteran who served in Afghanistan and tragically lost his battle with PTSD in 2020.

Kal, named for two grandfathers: Kenny Wehr, a Corporal in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, and Al Hart, a Sergeant in the U.S. Army Air Corps during WWII.

Through these names, the legacies of these heroes live on, inspiring hope and healing for those in need.

 

Tails of Valor is committed to providing lifelong support to its participants, creating opportunities for healing and growth while fostering meaningful connections. We are grateful to have had the opportunity to learn about their incredible work and to witness the impact of their mission firsthand.