SEBRING, Ohio - At a Gala held at the Sebring Mansion Inn & Spa, by the Sarchione Auto Group a Vest Ceremony was held to pair a service dog that has been specially trained to help a particular veteran meet his or her needs. A Vest signifies the dog is a working Service Dog.

People attending the event held by the Sarchione Auto Group opened their hearts and wallets to veterans who served our country, but still must deal with the physical battle wounds and injuries they sustained and the mental effects of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) due to the horrors on the battlefields.

They are supporting a non profit organization called, "Dogs For Our Brave," or DFOB.

Christopher Miller was in the U.S. Marine Corps. when he survived a fall from a 55 foot cliff. He has had numerous procedures and surgeries on his back.  Miller had fears when he went outside since he can not bend down and pick up his keys or phone or anything else if he drops it.

Miller said, "You know a lot of veterans, they end up spending time at home, never go out, they have these burdens. Well now a service dog provides not only that support and freedom to get you out there, and you know you always have someone at your side."

Miller introduced folks and 21 News to his service dog Zulu. He talked about how Zulu helped make him a better father and husband since he could get out and do things he could never think of doing after his injuries that left him partially paralyzed for a time, and he had to learn to walk again.

"The first week I received Zulu I took my five-year-old out in the front yard to throw a ball and Zulu would bring it back to me. I have three children and I am able to do things with them I could not do prior to having Zulu."

 

 

Craig Bennett survived the battlefields an an Infantryman with the US Marine Corps. He served from 2009 to 2016 and was medically retired due to his injuries sustained in Afghanistan. His first surgery was at age 21.

Bennett said, "My dog is a bigger dog. He helps me when I can't push myself up. He is trained to brace and I'm able to use his support to push myself up. He helps out with mobility and with night terrors and all the problems I have when I sleep. There are a lot of nightmares and traumatic dreams I have."

"The first night he was with me I had a dram and I was twitching, jumping and moving around in my sleep. He actually came and laid on my chest to let me know I was okay. I live in Howland and I have not gone to the mall in two years. It was the first day I went to the mall. I don't do well around people in crowds. If I fall or if I am unable to do things. My dog named Captain helps alleviate that stress and anxiety," added Bennett.

Fundraisers by the Sarchione auto Group along with generous donations have helped Bennett and other veterans get a service dog.

 

Ryan Oprandi said, "We wanted to find a charity we could commit to for the long term. When we met Chris Miller and Zulu we had no choice but to pick "Dogs For Our Brave."

The Sharchione Auto Group held a tractor pull last year, and a truck show this year, each time raising a lot of money.

Oprandi added, "There are plenty of veterans in the Sharchione family and in my family. This is a charity dear to our heart."

Lynne Biery, Owner of the Sebring Mansion Inn & Spa explained why she supports this event.

Biery said, "It honors our veterans and I am a big believer in that. I had a lot of family members serve."