Two Missouri Dogs Nominated for USO Canine Volunteer of the Year Award

Online voting for first-time competition begins August 26, National Dog Day

Arlington, VA, Aug. 25, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Two therapy dogs from Missouri are among the four dogs nominated for the first USO Canine Volunteer of the Year Award. Online voting will determine the winner and members of the public can vote at https://form.jotform.com/theUSO/uso-canine-volunteer-of-the-year starting on August 26, which is National Dog Day, until September 4. 

“This award competition is part of the USO Canine Program, which recognizes the strong bond between humans and animals,” said Christopher Plamp, USO Senior Vice President of Operations, Programs, and Entertainment. “Dogs can provide physical, mental, and emotional support to help strengthen service members and their families.”

The nominated dogs are:

· *Maverick, USO Fort Leonard Wood (Missouri)*: Over the last 6 years, on a daily basis, Maverick has been welcoming service members at this USO center. His exceptional intuition allows him to empathize with their emotions, and he actively works with the military in suicide watch, demonstrating the true essence of unconditional love and guiding them towards healing. When Maverick is not supporting our service members, he dedicates himself to the most courageous individuals of all—military children. He accompanies them during the burial ceremonies of their fallen family members, serving as a steadfast source of strength during these challenging times. Within schools, he has become a beloved presence, offering children support as they practice their reading skills and provides a compassionate ear to help them navigate difficult situations such as deployments, loss, illness, and more.· *Apache, USO Fort Leonard Wood (Missouri)*: Apache has been working as a therapy dog for the USO since 2021. His giant stature truly exemplifies the “gentle giant” nickname for Great Danes. Apache can be found daily at the USO center greeting service members. Apache’s touch reaches beyond the USO center, helping service members on suicide watch, as well as helping injured troops rehabilitate, ultimately helping thousands smile. When he is not with our service members, you can find him working alongside our military children, being there to lend an ear as they read to him or to be their rock to lean on during difficult times—no matter the situation, he is always by their side. · *Irma, USO Warrior Center at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center (Germany)*: Irma is one of the first USO canine volunteer therapy dogs outside the U.S. She is well-known around the USO Warrior Center, the Landstuhl Regional Medical Center community, and Ramstein Air Base’s passenger terminal. Irma began her USO volunteer journey in February 2023 with the USO Warrior Center. She visits the hospital every Friday to spread love and joy to the patients who are receiving in-patient medical care. She also spends time with wounded, ill, and injured service members at the USO Warrior Center. USO center staff have heard numerous stories from service members about the joy they feel from seeing her. Whether it is a relief from the stress of doctor appointments, long flights, the sadness of missing the dog they left at home, or the upcoming anxiety they are about to endure, Irma is always there to put a smile on their faces.· *Pepper, USO Ansbach (Germany)*: Pepper volunteers every Tuesday afternoon. She is the USO Ansbach center’s best greeter and makes it her personal mission to give an individual “hello” to everyone who comes through the doors. She is a trained therapy and emotional support dog so she spends time taking care of stressed service members, cheerful kids, and everyone in between. Pepper’s sweet and loving demeanor is also great for programs, like the Pooch Smooch Booth on Valentine’s Day. She and her mom are recognized all over the Ansbach community (not just on base), they have popped in to see friends at Ramstein Air Base’s passenger terminal, and they were even spotted in Italy while traveling. On every one of these occasions, people recognize her with an excited shout of “There’s the USO Dog! That’s Pepper!”

The USO Canine Program includes therapy dogs, family pets, and military working dog programs. Interacting with therapy dogs can reduce stress and provide a unique morale boost for service members and their families. Including pets in programs enables families to participate more fully in USO activities and feel connected to their community. USO's support of military working dogs honors their contribution, as well as that of their human handlers, who also feel cared for as their canine battle buddy is acknowledged. 

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*About the USO:*
The USO strengthens America's military service members by keeping them connected to family, home, and country, throughout their service to the nation. At hundreds of locations worldwide, we are united in our commitment to connect our service members and their families through countless acts of caring, comfort, and support. The USO is a private nonprofit organization, not a government agency. Our programs, services and entertainment tours are made possible by the American people, the support of our corporate partners, and the dedication of our volunteers and staff. To join us in this important mission and learn more about the USO, please visit USO.org or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

CONTACT: David Carrier
United Service Organizations
dcarrier@uso.org