D’Arrigo Brothers of New York, one of the nation’s largest distributors of fresh fruits and vegetables provided funding for the training of three service dogs, which Long Island based Paws of War presented to three U.S. combat military veterans who served on the frontlines and now suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
“We all know someone who has served in our nation’s military, said Gabriela D'Arrigo the Marketing and Communication Director of D'Arrigo Brothers of New York. “Thousands of brave men and women were wounded in combat protecting your family and mine. Others returned home without visible injuries, but emotionally scarred by the horrors of war. For some the nightmares and the emotional pain continues for decades. We at D’Arrigo Brothers of New York were very pleased when we learned that we could make a difference, that we could underwrite the cost of Paws of War training support dogs that could improve the lives of these three veterans and so many others.”
“We are thrilled to partner with D'Arrigo Brothers of New York to further our mission of helping both ends of the leash,” said Paws of War Executive Director, Dori Scofield. This sponsorship will allow us to match three more rescued dogs in training with veterans in need.”
“ Nico”, a mixed terrier was presented to Gus Pappas, a Purple Heart Naval Corpsman who served in Vietnam and a Two-Star retired Chief of the New York City Fire Department. “Lucy” was presented to Rob Carrozzo, a U.S. Navy Petty Officer First Class who was deployed to Iraq three times and “Susie” was presented to Brian Pacella, who served as an Army Military Police officer in Iraq.
According to the Department of Veteran Affairs of 750,000 veterans who served in Afghanistan and Iraq, approximately 100,000 sought mental health care. Half of those were diagnosed with PTSD. V.A. statistics show that nationwide more than 20 veterans a day commit suicide. In 2014, the latest year for which data is available, more than 7,400 veterans took their own lives, accounting for 18 percent of all suicides in America. Researchers say that the risk of suicide for veterans is 21% higher when compared to civilian adults.
Source: D’Arrigo Brothers of New York
