Bronze Star and Purple heart recipient ‘inseparable’ with his dog Burgundy.
National Service Dog Day falls on Sept. 20 and is designed to honor the role of service dogs in the lives of people with disabilities and America's veterans. The day was designated by Congress in 2023 and is part of September’s National Service Dog Month.
We asked you to share how your service dog has impacted your life, so we can share your story with others. We will continue to publish those stories throughout September.
Submit your own story and photo on www.legiontown.org in the “Why I Love My Service Animal” section.
Our latest in the series is from U.S. Marine Corps retiree Tom Bolinder, a member of Cyril P. Morrisette Post 294 in Quincy, Mass. The Bronze Star and two-time Purple Heart recipient has become “inseparable” with his service dog Burgundy.
I am a twice-wounded Marine Vietnam vet. In addition, I was in an area, I Corps, of Vietnam that was heavily sprayed with agent Orange. I was there late-1967 through November of 1968. Needless to say, that was the deadliest year of the war and included the Tet Offensive. I was medically retired from the Marine Corps in 1969. After my six-month hospitalization at Naval Hospital Boston (in Chelsea), I rehabbed for a few years and was able to become a police officer in Quincy, Mass.
Needless to say, I dealt with PTSD over the years, tried to forget about the war but never could. It reared its ugly head over the years. I retired from the police department in 2005.
As I got older my balance from the neuropathy, caused by exposure, became a real problem with my balance. My first wife died in 2016. It was extremely difficult. At times, PTSD was a constant companion when you are alone.
I was lucky enough to remarry. My wife had lost her husband, also a Marine. She is wonderful to me. She encouraged me to apply to America’s VetDogs, in Long Island, N.Y., for a service dog. I never even thought it would be a possibility that they would choose an old veteran like me. At any rate, I applied during COVID. I had many phone interviews and made videos.
Nine months later I answered the phone and was told my application had been accepted. They asked if I was able to come in December 2020. I went and was introduced, by my trainer Mike Devin, to Burgundy A106 pound, a two-year-old fully trained Yellow Labrador. We were alone in the room at America’s VetDogs, and we bonded almost immediately. I shed more than a few tears.
For two weeks we trained every day. VetDogs provided the room on their beautiful campus. Mike Devin was incredible and caring. There were four other vets and their dogs. We were provided all of our meals. The training was intense. The training was for the veterans; the dogs knew exactly what to do when asked. After two weeks we took the ADA test. Happily I passed, and Burgundy and I left for home.
That was five-and-a-half years ago. Since that time, Burgundy and I have become inseparable. She has a strap on her vest and assists me in walking. She can sense if I get upset and is right there for me. She is welcomed wherever we go. She makes everyone smile. She loves my wife, too, and that is reciprocal. I can’t imagine my life without her.
Because she helps me with my mobility, (VA) pays for all of her veterinary care.
I really don’t know how to thank Americas VetDogs. Truly amazing. I’d also encourage any disabled veteran to apply for a dog online. It just may change your life for the better.
- Veterans Healthcare