Meet the Veterans Behind the Mission

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Marshall & Rooster

Marshall is a United States Navy veteran who served for six years, including two deployments supporting Gulf of Iran operations and anti-piracy missions. During his service, he was a member of a VBSS (Vessel Boarding, Search, and Seizure) team and served as his ship’s Anti-Terrorism Training Supervisor, helping prepare and qualify fellow sailors for high-level operational readiness.

Following his military career, Marshall spent eight years in law enforcement, including time serving on a SWAT team. Today, he is partnered with Rooster, the first service dog placed with a veteran through the Tier One Service Dog Foundation. 

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Josh & Shane

Josh is an Army veteran who served eight years as an Airborne Infantryman, including service during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Originally from Jacksonville, Florida, he now works as an ICU nurse.

Josh was paired with Shane through the Tier One Service Dog Foundation program, and the partnership has already had a meaningful impact on his life. With Shane by his side, Josh has been able to enjoy outings with his children, including trips to Disney and Universal, with greater confidence and peace of mind knowing he has support during moments of stress and anxiety.

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Tyler & Viper

Tyler is an Air Force veteran who served from 2006 to 2012, including multiple deployments supporting Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. During his service, he was deployed to locations including Iraq and Afghanistan.

Through the Tier One Service Dog Foundation program, Tyler was paired with Viper, a driven and highly intelligent service dog in training. Together, they are building a partnership focused on trust, stability, and renewed independence in everyday life.

Matt & Sundown

Matt is a United States Coast Guard veteran who served from 2008 to 2011 in search and rescue, recovery, medical support, and law enforcement operations throughout the Caribbean and Central America. During his service, he responded to the 2010 Haiti earthquake, where his unit was among the first to arrive in Port-au-Prince to assist with survivor recovery and humanitarian efforts.

Through the Tier One Service Dog Foundation program, Matt was paired with Sundown. Together, they are building a strong partnership focused on support, stability, and moving forward together.

Bob & Goose

Bob is a United States Air Force veteran who served from 1971 to 1974 during the Vietnam Era. During his service, he was assigned to the National Security Agency at Fort Meade and served with USAF Security Services in Southeast Asia.

Through the Tier One Service Dog Foundation program, Bob was paired with Goose. Together, they represent the powerful connection and support that service dogs can provide to veterans across generations.

Josh & Jester

Josh served honorably in both the United States Navy and Army, including deployments supporting Operation Enduring Freedom and operations in Afghanistan. His military career brought him to locations including Hawaii, Kuwait, and Afghanistan.

Through the Tier One Service Dog Foundation program, Josh was paired with Jester, a highly driven service dog in training. Together, they are building a partnership rooted in trust, support, and renewed confidence in everyday life.

Santiago & Bruno

Santiago is a United States Army veteran who served from 1997 to 2009, including deployments supporting both Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. During his military career, he served with the 82nd Airborne Division and 1/9 Cavalry, with assignments spanning Fort Bragg, Fort Hood, Korea, and Iraq.

Through the Tier One Service Dog Foundation program, Santiago was paired with Bruno. Together, they are building a partnership centered on trust, support, and navigating life after service side by side.

Words From Our Veterans

“Having a Belgian Malinois means you don’t really have time to focus on the things weighing on you mentally. The structure, responsibility, and connection that comes with having a service dog has made a huge impact on my daily life and overall mindset.”
MarshallNavy Veteran
Marshall
"I am very grateful for this foundation and its staff. THEY are the reason I have Viper, my service dog!"
TylerAir Force Veteran
Tyler
"I was a shell of myself before being accepted into tier one. Since then the help, support, and unconditional love I’ve felt and received has helped my personal growth exponentially"
MattUnited States Coast Guard Veteran
Matt

Want to Sponsor a Service Dog Partnership?

Raising, training, and preparing a fully trained psychiatric service dog can cost more than $40,000 from puppyhood through veteran placement. Every partnership requires extensive training, veterinary care, equipment, public access preparation, transportation, and ongoing support.

Donations and sponsorships help cover:

  • Veterinary care and preventative treatment
  • Professional training and evaluations
  • Service dog equipment and vests
  • Food, supplies, and enrichment
  • Public access and socialization training
  • Veteran placement and transition support

By sponsoring a service dog partnership, you are directly helping provide life-changing support to a disabled combat veteran at no cost to the veteran.

Interested in becoming a sponsor or community partner? Contact us to learn how you or your business can support the mission of Tier One Service Dog Foundation.

Learn More About Sponsorship Opportunities