Veronica and Ordie

My name is Veronica. I am an Air Force Veteran who proudly served during Operation Iraqi Freedom (2009–2010). Like many veterans, I carry the “invisible wounds” that once led me to withdraw from everyone and everything I held dear.

Among the numerous service dog training programs I explored, Vets to Vets United (VTVU) stood out as the only one that fully supports veterans at no cost. But it’s not just their generosity that makes VTVU extraordinary—it’s their unique approach to training. I am learning to train my service dog Ordie which has fostered an incredibly deep bond between us– and that bond has been transformative for me. Ordie has become a beacon of hope in my life. Having him by my side in public keeps my mind busy. He focuses on me, and I am able to focus on us.

Vets to Vets United is helping me break the cycle of isolation that once defined my days. Week by week, my fear of the world is fading as I connect with VTVU’s compassionate trainers and my fellow veterans who truly understand the challenges we face.

I am reclaiming experiences I once thought were lost forever. One unforgettable milestone was taking my 10-year-old daughter and Ordie to a movie theater—a crowded space I couldn’t have imagined navigating just months ago. Not only did we stay for the entire film, but I also genuinely enjoyed myself. Showing my daughter what working on yourself can do made me feel so proud. That wasn’t just a step forward for me —it was a monumental victory for our family.

I am profoundly grateful to the entire VTVU team for giving me a renewed sense of purpose and a fresh lease on life. Their unwavering commitment to saving dogs from euthanasia and supporting veterans shines through in every aspect of their work.

Thank you, VTVU, for giving me the priceless gift of breathing freely again—one inhale and exhale at a time!