A Soldier’s New Best Friend !
On 6-8-11, my wife Suzy and me had the great privilege of transporting two Service Dogs to thier new owners; two soldiers who were wounded in Iraq. The two had served in the same unit and after being wounded, had not seen each other in almost four years.
Pilots Keith and Suzy Decker deliver Marley and Deuce!
Now, on this day in June, they were not only re-united with each other, they were given the special gift of a trained, devoted, adoring friend. A loving creature who will be with them 24-7 and who knows how to help during those low times most of us hope we never see.
Napping on the plane
Can't wait to meet our new families!
“Marley” and “Deuce” are both Golden Retriever mix and are 6mo. old “rescue” dogs. They were given up because their owners did not want or have time for them. David Cantana; President and Founder of Carolina Patriot Rovers, Inc. obtained both dogs and trained them as service/therapy dogs for soldiers with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and/or Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI).
Marley and Deuce meet their soldiers!
Deuce and his soldier
The three hour flight from our home base in Rock Hill, SC. (KUZA) to Orlando Executive (KORL) went perfectly. Smooth and cool early in the morning at 8,000 ft., about :30 IFR and with a scheduled arrival time of 11:00, we were on the terminal ramp at EXACTLY 11:00!! A touching greeting on the ramp with Veterans holding American flags, the soldiers and their families, David Catana; even television and news media! Even some workers who were repairing part of the roof on the terminal stopped their work when they realized what was happening, clapped their hands and some even saluted from the roof!
Headind to the ceremony with Founder Dave Cantana of Carolina Patriot Rovers, Inc
Suzy and I stayed in the background during the presentation ceremony that lasted almost one hour and we were honored for our small part with a standing ovation! Imagine that; we get applause and thanks for having the simple desire to use our love and respect of animals to help other people. We both don’t know how much better it can get than it was on 6-8-11. It is a pleasure to be associated with Pilots N Paws. Best Regards, Keith & Suzy Decker
Pilot Keith and Suzy Decker with Evans family and Marley
Special thanks to Showalter FBO in Orlando for hosting this event!
Video thanks to Orlando Sentinal
Video link: News 13 Orlando
