Bunnell, FL – Lauren Driscoll has been known throughout Florida for her work connecting veterans and first responders with PTSD and other disabilities to service dogs for the past five years, under the Paws of War umbrella.
Never straying the mission, Driscoll took a leap of faith by creating Old Glory Service Dogs 4 Veterans, Inc. several months ago, all the while continuing to diligently serve local veterans and generate public awareness for the organization.
The Flagler County-based Old Glory Service Dogs 4 Veterans, Inc. received a boost on Wednesday, August 25th from the Flagler County RAMS (Radio Aero Modelers r/c Club) a Radio Controlled Model Aircraft Club, with a $1,000 donation to help further the mission.
Presenting Driscoll with the check, club president Bob Thierwechter and club training supervisor Tom Kerr were first made aware of Old Glory Service Dogs 4 Veterans, Inc. by Flagler Broadcasting’s Kirk Keller during Freedom Fest. Watching the presentation, he said he was proud to be able to connect the two organizations.
“When Tom called and said they had raised $1,000 for Old Glory, I was on cloud nine,” said Keller. “Old Glory is one of the best causes in Florida, not just for veterans, but for the rescue dogs too.”
Thierwechter was impressed by the cause, and went on to raise an additional $510 from club members for the donation, going above and beyond what had been initially allocated.
“I like the idea of it. It dealt with first responders and veterans and service dogs. To me it’s a very worthwhile investment for the people out there,” said Kerr, who estimates a third of their 125 membership is comprised of veterans.
Serving as a local clearinghouse connector for veterans and first responders in need of a service dog, Driscoll has earned a solid reputation for her work over the years.
“We wanted to keep our mission exactly the same. We rescue dogs, match them up with veterans and first responders. There is no cost for the training, it’s about two years of commitment for the training, and we’re saving dogs and helping veterans and first responders,” said Driscoll, urging applicants to come forward.
“We are looking to get it out there so people can start filling out applications and getting some new people in,” she said.
Previously training new recruits at the Florida Agricultural Museum, Driscoll is looking forward to expanding those served by Old Glory Service Dogs 4 Veterans, Inc. within their brick-and-mortar location at 101 Hibiscus Avenue in Bunnell, just south of Hot Diggity Dogs on US 1, behind Twice-The-Ice.
“We got our own building. It’s not tremendous but it’s doing it’s job,” said Driscoll. “For me it’s emotional because I put more time into that than anything. They did enough for us, so it’s our turn to give back.”
Find out more https://oldgloryservicedogs.org/.
Featured Photo:
Flagler County RAMS President Bob Thierwechter and RAMS Club Training Supervisor Tom Kerr present Lauren Driscoll, founder of Old Glory Service Dogs 4 Veterans, Inc. with a $1,000 check on Wednesday, August 25, 2021. (Anderson/FNW)
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