VVA 973 Endorsed

Robert with his partner Buster

Robert with his partner Buster (American Bull dog)

Ronnie with his partner Poppi (beagle/akita mix)

Ronnie with his partner Poppi (beagle/akita mix)

Chevis with his partner Rosie,(American Bull dog)

From left to right is Chevis with his partner Rosie, (American Bull dog), and Trainer Les Castro with his Pepper
a Black German Shepherd

John T. with his partner Thor (Black German Shepherd)

John T. with his partner Thor (Black German Shepherd)

John P. with his partner Warlow (American Bull dog)

John P. with his partner Warlow (American Bull dog)

The Grayson County K9 Program

The Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 973 strongly supports Les Castro’s Faithful Friend Ministry's Grayson County K9 Program (GCK9P).

The Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 973 (VVA 973) is partnered with the GCK9P to help veterans with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and/or Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). Trained service dogs paired with severely PTSD injured veterans helps by waking a veteran from a nightmare or create a buffer in large crowds or public places. PTSD injured veterans often experience a dramatic improvement, and feel renewed confidence in social situations, decrease medication use, and are less likely to experience a shock or be alarmed.

Because experience has shown that some individuals who have been wounded in war have untreated brain injuries and who are transitioning out of military service -- are much more likely to engage in risky behaviors such as excessive use of alcohol, licit, and illicit pharmaceuticals, the state has developed a network of trained peers who know how to reach out with help for these new war veterans. Realizing that new war veterans typically do not understand how their invisible wounds can affect their lives, and because they are unlikely to present themselves for medical or mental health treatment, they need a supportive hand from a peer who understands both their military experiences and their injuries. Because of this, the state has created the Military Veteran Peer Network. The understanding that comes from a fellow veteran often is the first and most important step a new veteran can take on their journey home from war.

Several members of the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 973 are Bring Everyone In The Zone trained facilitators. We help by providing individuals who are trained as peer to peer facilitators willing to provide free confidential peer support.

Our goal is to help Active Duty, Reserves, Guard, Veterans, their families, and others who suffer from the effects of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), or Military Sexual Assault.

Anyone who has experienced a traumatic event is at risk to develop PTSD.
We will meet with someone on a one-to-one basis, and offer free confidential peer-to-peer support group meetings led by individuals who may struggle with the same issues. We may also give referrals to professionals and other programs if needed.

WE:
• Do not replace Therapy Groups

• Do not replace Counseling Groups

• Not medical professionals

• Not licensed to do therapy or counseling

Research shows there are opportunities for early intervention to help prevent chronic mental illness and disability among returning veterans and there are effective treatments that have been proven effective to address trauma and its consequences.

The Grayson County K9 Program marries well with the VVA 973 peer to peer programs we administer to veterans in Cooke, Fannin, and Grayson counties in Texas.

Questions to ask yourself

To down load an application please click here.

Mail to:

Grayson County K9 Program
Attention Charles Holcomb
4900 Texoma PKWY
Sherman, Texas 75090

You may call (903) 893-1129 Monday through Friday between 9 am and 2 pm.