Canine Companions For Independence Ready For Vet Day Salute

Hicksville NY

29 October, 2020

9:00 AM

Description

"Miller is amazing. He provides me with the independence I've longed for." Air Force veteran and retired Port Authority police officer Ken Hernandez of Westbury is referring to his service dog Miller. The match was made possible by Canine Companions for Independence. The largest nonprofit provider of assistance dogs, Canine Companions is recognized worldwide for the excellence of its dogs. It has facilitated matches since 1975. The lives of people with disabilities are enhanced by providing expertly-trained assistance dogs and ongoing support without charge to ensure quality and longevity of the matches between dogs and people. "The service dogs create new opportunities and new possibilities for people that lead to increased independence and confidence," said Debra Dougherty, executive director of Canine Companions. The organization's northeast region training center is located at the Miller Family Campus at 286 Middle Island Road in Medford (631-561-0200). One of the organization's major supporters lives and works not far from Officer Hernandez. Colonel E. David Woycik, Jr.(Ret.), United States Army, resides in Garden City. He is a senior trial partner concentrating on personal injury, construction, highway design and toxic torts at Sanders, Sanders Block, Woycik, Viener & Grossman, P.C. of Mineola. Woycik joined the board of directors of Canine Companion's northeast region during 2010. He has supported the organization as a volunteer, with donations and with fundraising. A double figure donation recently was presented to Canine Companions in his honor by friend and fellow Hofstra University alumni James C. Metzger, owner of the Whitmore Agency of Garden City that provides insurance and estate planning. Metzger is well-known across Long Island for his business services along with extensive support of athletic, education and other community programs. Veterans Day Salute Woycik helped Canine Companions organize an annual Veteran's Day event -- "Saluting Independence" -- that recognizes service men and women from World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm and the War Against Terrorism. Since 2011, the Veterans Day salute has raised more than $500,000 to support the puppies/dogs programs for deserving veterans. This year, additional emphasis will be placed on fundraising to support a new initiative for veterans with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. "The program began as an awareness event with the dedication of a dorm room that David named in honor of veterans," added Dougherty. "A year later, the Outstanding Service Award, named for Woycik and Lance Corporal Matias Ferriera, was created to annually honor one person or corporation for outstanding service in military service and/or volunteering to assist veterans." Colonel Woycik served overseas in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait for Operation Desert Storm and recently for Operation Enduring Freedom in the War Against Terrorism. He is a well-decorated soldier and has been awarded the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star and the Meritorious Service Ribbon. Lance Corporal and Machine Gunner Ferriera was injured by an improvised explosive device (IED) blast in the Helmand Province of Afghanistan during 2011. He sustained bilateral below the knee amputations and a pelvic fracture. Today, Ferreira is a Suffolk County police officer. This year's "Saluting Independence" event will feature a virtual program due to the limitations created by COVID-19. It will premiere on Veterans Day / November 11. Honoring Captain Prato, Barbossa, General Nicholson Captain Victor Prato of East Marion will be honored at the ceremony along with his service dog Barbossa. Severely wounded in Afghanistan during 2017 when his vehicle was targeted by a suicide bomber, Captain Prato was presented with the Purple Heart by President Donald Trump at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. "I knew that a perfect fit for me would be to get a dog that could be my companion and be with me as I navigate the world now," said Captain Prato. "Barbossa is my rock." Captain Prato served under 4-Star General John "Mick" Nicholson, the recipient of Canine Companions' 2020 Outstanding Service Award. At the time, General Nicholson was commander of Resolute Support and U.S. Forces-Afghanistan. Presently, he is president of the PenFed Foundation that empowers military service members, veterans and their communities with the skills and resources to realize financial stability and opportunity. As Captain Prato was training to receive his service dog, he and General Nicholson enjoyed an unexpected reunion. The general is a Canine Companions volunteer puppy raiser. He now is raising WestPoint, a future veteran companion. "As we draw closer to Veterans Day and celebrate the service that America's men and women have dedicated to the country," concluded Dougherty, "this also is a time to champion the companions such as Miller and Barbossa that assist the veterans who have returned with combat injuries and need a little extra support in their lives." _______ Mike Virgintino is the author of Freedomland U.S.A.: The Definitive History, the story about America's theme park located in The Bronx. Published by Theme Park Press, it can be found on Amazon, eBay, Goodreads and other retailers.