Charles Service is a Vietnam Veteran who grew up in Napa Valley, CA. He is a double cancer survivor. Both cancers were a result of exposure to agent orange in Vietnam. Charlie says, “The biggest challenge returning from the Vietnam War was being treated so badly by society. Dealing with combat related PTSD was difficult and people’s reactions to us made it devastating.” He joined the Freedom Dogs Program in January 2022 and after 7 months, was paired with his service dog Chance. “Freedom Dogs is my lifeline. They have turned my life around and have become my family. My whole life is better because of them.”
To learn more about Charles Service, visit: https://gbsan.com/10-things-about-charles-service-and-freedom-dogs/
Cathy Matson is a Senior Trainer who is involved in all aspects of our work: raising and training puppies, training her own dog as a partner dog, training partner-for-life dogs, working with Marines during their training and after they transition to civilian life, as well as caring for our older dogs who need assistance with specific problems. Her home is always open to trainers and dogs, as well as current and former Marines and their dogs. Cathy has worked with multiple participants and transitioned several.
Richard Gonzalez is a former Freedom Dogs Participant and now the founder and lead trainer at The Domesticated Dog Behavior and Education Center.
Richard is a is a multi-certified pet professional in Animal training and behavior, and a US Marine (ret) Purpleheart recipient. Richard proudly advocates for the canine kingdom and aspires to enhance the bond between dog and pet parent by strengthening communication and building relationships through modern, science-based training, and Force Free methods.
His goal is to teach pet parents evidence based and researched back training methods that build a loving and trusting relationship with their companion animal.
In 1996, James Henninger earned his spot with the Marine Corps family. James served in the infantry until 2000 when he fell out of a helicopter during a night-time repelling training activity. James broke his femur in two and was later medically discharged. After the tragic events of September 11, 2001, James felt his calling to reenlist in the Corps.
SSgt. James Henninger’s combat deployments in the infantry began with the initial push into Iraq in 2003, then Abu Ghraib and Fallujah in 2004. By 2009, James was in Iraq training other infantry military personnel as well as clearing IEDs. His final combat tour was in Afghanistan 2010-2011 where he was part of the first helicopter raid into Marjah.
In 2014, SSgt. Henninger entered a new battle; James was diagnosed with combat related post-traumatic stress and a traumatic brain injury sustained after a blast in Iraq. A year later he joined Freedom Dogs and was introduced to service dog Monty. With the help of Monty, James was able to take up golf, complete two years at the Golf Academy of America, and continue his education at the University of Phoenix. On March 6, 2020, Freedom Dogs honored SSgt. Henninger and Monty at their annual golf tournament and dinner. Earlier this year, James completed his bachelors degree!
Our biggest fundraiser of the year, the Freedom Dogs Golf Tournament is a great chance for all of our members to spend the day together on the course, share stories, laugh, and enjoy themselves. Check out the video from last years tournament to see interviews from Participants, Board Members, and Trainers.
Registration will begin at the end of September for Freedom Dogs 11th Annual Golf Tournament coming up in March 2024. We hope to see you there!