OCW helps connect service dog and wounded warrior

Army veteran James Harris was wounded during his second tour in Afghanistan by an improvised explosive device that was hidden in a haystack. While he left with life and limbs in tact, his wounds are still severe as he suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury and seizures.

After Harris’ VA doctors recommended a service dog to assist with his therapy, his mother, Sherri Page, searched "everywhere" for assistance in obtaining one. She was first directed to kennels out of state that required staying with the dog for training – a cost the family couldn't afford. With her son being a Legionnaire, Page reached out to The American Legion's Operation Comfort Warriors program for help. Within eight days, Harris and his new service dog, Sky, were united.

“I’m really touched from the bottom of my heart because I’ve never experienced anything like this before,” said Harris, a member of Post 73 in Valley Center, Kan. “Overjoyed would be the best word. (The American Legion) went above and beyond to do this for me.”

During its research, The American Legion located Complete K9 in Wichita, which trains disability service dogs, therapy dogs and police dogs.

“I had someone say to me the other day, ‘Well do they (Legion) understand that he’s not missing a limb or anything,’” Page said. “And I said, ‘That’s where I don’t think you understand. There doesn’t have to be something missing to affect (James). There’s parts here (she points to her head) that he relives every day. As a mother and a veteran, I’m a veteran too, he deserves it (the service dog). He’s done a lot, and he’s seen a lot.”

The Department of Kansas Fifth District Legion family also provided dog food, a kennel and two dog beds. And the OCW grant covered the adoption fees.

Harris and Sky were brought together on June 18 at the McLaughlin Park in Valley Center during a special ceremony. Harris thanked the Fifth District Legionnaires, Auxiliary members and Legion Riders.

“I really appreciate you guys doing this for me; it really means a lot,” he said. “I appreciate it. Thank you.”