As a veteran of both the Navy and Army Intelligence Corp, Jody is well traveled and versed in the military lifestyle and associated hazards. He was ultimately medically retired. After suffering some medical setbacks, he was encouraged to get a medical service dog.

Josh was a Sergeant in the U.S. Army and served as a Combat Engineer for 6 years. Transitioning to civilian life after military service can be challenging, and he struggled with the adjustment. Josh mistakenly believed that seeking support was a sign of weakness, so he resisted it. Thankfully, Team Foster was able to connect him with Susquehanna Service Dogs and Turbo.

Paula Crawford-Gamble has spearheaded a partnership at Penn Medicine with Team Foster and Warrior Canine Connection where Veterans get to interact with dogs from birth through adulthood, training them to act as service dogs for fellow service men and women through a program called “Mission-based trauma recovery”. She now has a service dog of her own, Dollie, who helps her navigate the aftereffects of a TBI.

Prince Denson is a former Warrant Officer in the United States Army, where he flew CH-47D Chinook helicopters. It was a lifelong dream to follow in his father’s footsteps. His father was a Warrant Officer and flew in the Viet Nam War. Prince spent time overseas and had multiple deployments. Once off Active Duty Prince transitioned to the Pennsylvania Army National Guard, as a CH-47D Pilot and flew a MedEvac helicopter for a local trauma center as my full time job.

SGM. (R) Robert (Bob) Lighty served honorably in the United States Marine Corps and the United States Army with multiple overseas tours. He served as the operations Sergeant Major for the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force, Afghanistan. Only months after this assignment, Bob was redeployed as an embedded trainer for the Afghan National Army. An incident occurred, resulting in Bob being medevacked out of Afghanistan for emergency medical treatment. But soon, Bob returned to Afghanistan to continue his mission.

Nathan Gardner is a United States Air Force veteran who served active duty from 2007 to 2012 in Security Forces, specializing in nuclear weapons security at Kirtland Air Force Base. Following his military service, Nathan faced significant personal challenges, including a diagnosis of stage III cancer and permanent spinal injuries that resulted in chronic pain and disability. These experiences reshaped his perspective and fueled his commitment to helping fellow Veterans.

SGT. Mike Geib is a Gulf War Veteran who was medically discharged from the United States Army in 1994. After years of experiencing a multitude of medically unexplained symptoms, including numbness in his legs and feet, Mike participated in a “Gulf War Study,” where it was confirmed that he had been exposed to Sarin Gas during the war.

“What has Team Foster done for me? It’s the contact, the invitations, the constant ‘how are you doing, do you need anything?’ They’re there for us.” -SGT. Mike Geib

Craig spent 21 years in the Marine Corps obtaining the rank of Master Sergeant. During his time in the Corps, Craig was able to train with some of the Marine Corps elite units including 2nd ANGLICO, 2nd Recon BN, 2nd Force Recon Co, and 3rd Recon BN. Craig was a SERE (Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape) Instructor and taught these techniques to members of the 3rd Recon Bn. While stationed in Okinawa Craig taught Sentry Stalking and Silent Kill Techniques along with Close Combat Instruction to many Marines.

I was 88M Heavy Equipment Transport and have served in Iraq three times. Spence completes several tasks for me, like retrieving medicine and my phone. He helps with my nightmares at night. He wakes me up if I am going through an episode in my sleep. In public, he is excellent. It is because of him that I can venture out into the world.

Andrew Einstein served in the United States Marine Corps Reserves from 2006 to 2019, attaining the rank of Sergeant. He deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan and was wounded in Afghanistan, for which he received the Purple Heart.

As an Airman in the military, Brandi had the honor of being a combat medic during Operation Iraqi Freedom. After returning home, she developed PTSD, dealing with panic and anxiety attacks, flashbacks, self-isolation, and severe depression. She almost took her life on more than one occasion. Guardian Angel's paired Brandi with an amazing service dog named Clara. Since having Clara, her symptoms have decreased, she has gone back to work, and feeling positive again for the first time in a long time about her future. Clara has literally saved her life.and site visitors are sure to see it!

George is a U.S. Air Force Security Forces veteran whose life has been defined by service, protection, and an unwavering commitment to safeguarding others.

After separating from the Air Force, George continued that calling. He spent years working in law enforcement and high-level government security roles, positions that required the same vigilance, composure, and dedication he honed in the military. The cumulative strain of those responsibilities - layered on top of the invisible wounds of trauma - made daily life increasingly difficult.