Wounded warrior receives a helping "paw"

by 2nd Lt. Alexandra Trobe
Joint Base Charleston Public Affairs

8/27/2013 - JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. -- The term "man's best friend" conjures different images in everyone's mind. Whether its fond memories of the love and comfort of your first childhood puppy or the necessity of the police dogs present at airports; it is undeniable that dogs have become a widespread part of many people's lives.

To recipients of the "Canines for Veterans" program, the role of service dogs in their lives contributes both emotional and technical assistance by specializing in mobility and post-traumatic stress disorder support.

CFV is a nationally recognized program that provides quality, trained service dogs to disabled veterans. Since 2010 this organization has collaborated with the Naval Consolidated Brig-Charleston working to rescue dogs from local shelters, rehabilitate military prisoners and revive the life of wounded veterans.

Rescued dogs must pass a rigorous set of physical, medical and temperament tests to become accepted in the training program. Additionally, CFV actively searches for adoption homes for dogs that wash out of the program.

The organization does not focus on training service dogs, but rather service members. Inmates of NAVCONBRIG are specially selected for this assignment and are taught how to train dogs to perform over 90 commands. When fully trained, these dogs can retrieve and carry objects, turn on the lights and even load laundry.

Most importantly, these dogs are a source of love and companionship. Both the veteran and the dog are a team and make the transition back to independence together.

During a ceremony at the NAVCONBRIG Aug. 26, Gaza, an18-month-old yellow Labrador retriever, was placed with Gunner's Mate Chief Jeannette Tarqueno, a wounded veteran. She hopes Gaza will be able to provide more independence and comfort in her life.

Tarqueno has served a distinguished career in the Navy for more than 11 years.

Including service in Yokosuka, Japan on the USS Cowpens, Va. as a small arms and machine gun instructor at Joint Base Pearl Harbor - Hickam, HI onboard the USS Port Royal.

While serving on the USS Port Royal, Tarqueno was struck on the left side of her head by a 30-pound armored plate bracket that was falling from the deck above.

Despite the limitations of her injury, Tarqueno offers an inspirational example of how to overcome obstacles and achieve her goals.

After the incident, she took and passed her chief exams, as well as competed in the 2012 and 2013 Wounded Warrior games as a key member of the Navy cycling team.
Even with these accomplishments, Tarqueno said, "As service members, it is sometimes difficult to put aside our pride and ask for help."

Tarqueno reached out to Canines for Veterans for aid. After a challenging application process, including home video submission, she was paired with Gaza to help her overcome her limitations and achieve her goal of completing a distinguished Navy career.

"It's a wonderful program. I couldn't be more blessed to have such an incredible companion," said Tarqueno.

Rick Hairston, co-founder CFV, attended the recipient ceremony at NAVCONBRIG.
In his parting words to Tarqueno, said, "I want to thank you for your service, and we are proud to make life a little better for you."

The CFV program touches the lives of many individuals throughout Charleston through animal shelters, military prisoner rehabilitation and giving back to wounded veterans. However, this program needs help as well.

Currently there are two highly trained dogs that are in need of a good home in the Charleston area. These dogs were unable to complete the training curriculum but would still make a great pet. If you would like more information on adoption please contact Laura Conn at lconn@canninesforservice.org.