Rockwall Patriot PAWS celebrates fall 2020 graduates

ROCKWALL, TX – October 26, 2020 — Patriot PAWS in Rockwall celebrated the graduation of its veterans and their service dogs drive-thru style on Oct. 23.

The nonprofit welcomed its volunteers, friends and family of the veterans to join a car parade at the Patriot PAWS facility. Volunteers received swag bags filled with goodies courtesy of Raising Cane’s and Tiff’s Treats.

Patriot PAWS, based in Rockwall, is a nonprofit whose mission is to train and provide service dogs of the highest quality at no cost to disabled American veterans and others in order to help restore their physical and emotional independence. Patriot PAWS is one of only four Texas-based service dog organizations accredited by Assistance Dogs International. Since its inception in 2006, Patriot PAWS has placed more than 200 dogs in over 30 states across the U.S.

Congratulations to the following graduating veterans and their service dogs:

Keith Young & Eagle
Keith Young of Texas served in the U.S. Army, including tours of duty as an Infantryman in Vietnam. Keith retired as a Colonel with over 30 years of service.

Eduardo Govea & Lady
Eduardo Govea of Texas served 10 years as a Combat Infantry Marine, and another 16 years in the Navy Medical Corps where he retired Petty Officer 1st Class.

John Fitzgerald & Howdy
John Fitzgerald of Texas served in the US Army for over three years achieving the rank of Specialist
E-4, including deployment to Iraq as Infantryman with CIB.

Elizabeth Hernandez & McDermott
Elizabeth Hernandez of TX served 24 years in the US Army during Operation Desert Storm and including deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq. Elizabeth was in both Direct Support Maintenace and Logistics, and retired after achieving the rank of Major.

Rodrigo Manzo & Austin
Rodrigo Manzo of Texas served in the US Army, including tours in Iraq and Bosnia. Rodrigo retired as a Warrant Officer, Battalion Motor Officer after 22 years of service.

Jennifer Stanley & JJ (Jenny)
Jennifer Stanley of MS served as a Private First Class in the US Army as a Utilities Equipment Repairer.

Tony Gutierrez & Sully
Anthony Gutierrez of Texas served in the US Marine Corps as a Helicopter Mechanic including deployments to Somalia and Iraq. Anthony was awarded the Combat Action Badge and retired as a Gunnery Sergeant after 20 years of service.

By Austin Wells, Blue Ribbon News. Photos of veterans courtesy of Patriot PAWS.

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