Second of two parts.

There is no shortage of disclosed information about the absence of promised, decent care for our military men and women. That fact leads directly to the reason there are so many generous and fruitful organizations that more than fill in the gaps of our lax if not careless government. In short, every organization that aids American service men and women is crucial and deserves to be called out for recognition.

In Part 1 I highlighted the epidemic of suicides among military personnel, retired and active duty, as well as within their families and the now-common affliction, post-traumatic stress syndrome. Yes, suicides are an epidemic, as documented by studies from the Department of Veteran Affairs, and in relaying that data, I referenced the Battle Buddy Foundation.

TBBF does not replace but wholly compliments many other worthy and necessary organizations aiding military men, women and their families. The list includes highly rated and familiar ones like the United Services Organizations Inc. (USO), Fisher House Foundation, Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund and the Wounded Warrior Project.

Now the list can include the Battle Buddy Foundation, born and designed to offer specific and unique services to those who sacrifice so much for the rest of us to live in this great country called America.

TBBF identifies military men and women who are suffering with PTSD, which is often accompanied with physical disability. These are people who are at dark times of their lives and often with families who are walking a bleak path with them. This is where a Battle Buddy comes in.

Kenny Bass and Joshua Rivers, co-founders of Battle Buddies in Valencia.

There is plenty of research to show that a dog can greatly improve a life. TBBF has found that, more than improvement, task-specific trained dogs saves lives.

TBBF’s purpose and action plan is:

* Locate and train psychiatric and mobility dogs for qualified veterans;

* Evaluate to assure the veteran is ready for the lifestyle and guidance of his Battle Buddy;

* Provide complete financial assistance for the dog and veteran to meet and integrate their lives. This may include financing a family member or friend to travel with the veteran;

* Provide financial assistance for veterinary expenses and other costs for the life of the dog;

* Provide counseling for veterans and their families;

* Provide fellowship with other veterans.

Procuring the proper dogs is the easy part. As qualified breeders hear of TBBF’s efforts, dogs are donated. Rescue dogs is not favored, because they too often come with their own set of frailties. Two favorite breeds for the most successful TBBF required training are yellow Labradors and golden retrievers.

Likewise, the veterans are evaluated to assure they are ready for the program. Not all are accepted. Sometimes the applicants are yet too fragile to be introduced to the responsibility in the relationship and what it takes to start the journey back into society for things as simple as walking the dog through a shopping mall.

Atlas is Bass’ Battle Buddy.

It must be stressed that these dogs “graduate” with a high skill set; they are far more than companion dogs. The intense training takes about one year as the dogs learn a minimum of 25 specified skills. They learn such skills as gently waking up the veteran from a nightmare. It is known that prolonged nightmares deepen PTSD and hasten ill health and suicide. Dogs are taught to remind the veteran to take his or her meds. The high standards yield a high wash-out rate.

In TBBF’s 2-year life, the founders have been contacted by about 4,000 veterans or their spouses. To date, eight dogs have been placed. Considering the traumatic circumstances that exist within these placements, the placements translate to far more than just saving seven lives. It means a marriage was saved, a spouse regained hope and companionship; children got their parents back; and a veteran has learned or is learning to live as independently as possible. The positive yield from one successful placement is immeasurable.

TBBF’s future plan is on track to grow, access more locations, staff-up by employing more veterans, and place at least 150 dogs per year. The successes will add to PTSD research.

While the main office is in Ohio, many in our SCV community are probably unaware of the local presence of TBBF. The branch is run by Marine veteran Joshua Rivers and is located at 25350 Magic Mountain Pkwy., Ste. 321, Valencia 91355. Phone: 844.TBBF.ORG (822-3674).

TBBF operates as a nonprofit 501c3 organization, application pending. Learn more at www.tbbf.org.

Betty Arenson has lived in the SCV since 1968 and describes herself as a conservative who’s concerned about progressives’ politics and their impacts on the country, her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She says she is unashamed to own a gun or a Bible, couldn’t care less about the color of the president’s skin, and demands that he uphold his oath to protect and follow the Constitution of the United States in its entirety. Her commentary publishes Fridays.