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Why I Serve Those Who've Served
Hi, my name is Wyatt Tilly. I’m a high school senior who wants to give back to a local organization that’s doing incredible work for veterans and others in our community. I've been inspired to help veterans, first responders, and others in roles that serve our community who depend on service animals. My passion for giving back to veterans all started with my family. We've always been taught to deeply respect and honor all of those who serve, and that key value has been a fundamental part of my life and the basis for this project today. In addition to all of that, my family was fortunate to receive a K9 from Soldier's 6, and that K9 meant the world to us. Because of that, I've made it my personal mission to give back however I can and to show my gratitude as well as my appreciation for those over at Soldier's 6 who supported us and gave us such an amazing K9.
Learn more below about the K9 we received, the needs for K9S, the organization Soldier's 6, studies & stats, and more.
Soldier's 6 Video
Service Animals for S6 (1).mp4Our K9 - Gunner
Gunner is a joyful and radiant dog, and his heart radiates pure love for his family. He is the family mascot and has been ever since we have gotten him. Nothing could possibly replace him.
The Need For K9s
Across the nation, service animals support a wide range of needs, from physical disabilities to mental health conditions. Many of the individuals in need of service animals are service members, first responders, and many others who serve our communities. Sadly, these very individuals often face many financial, accessibility, and long wait time obstacles to even obtain a service animal or proper trainers. This is especially disheartening given the proven mental and physical health benefits service animals can provide those who've served both in the military, and first responder roles.
What The Studies Say About Veterans & Service Animals
From 2019 to 2023 alone 30% to 33% of service members were diagnosed with a mental health disorder.
30% of first responders develop behavioral health conditions such as PTSD.
Among active-duty service members, mental health diagnoses have increased 40% since 2019.
Tens of thousands of U.S veterans and first responders would qualify for a service animal under solely physical needs alone.
Studies done by several different medical journals and the VA have found that self-esteem, vitality, and emotional functioning have been significantly improved by service animals.
Service animals have also been proven to reduce PTSD symptoms, improve emotional and social functioning, and enhance independence and quality of life.
What Is Soldier's 6
Soldier's 6 has been a powerful and impactful organization on the lives of many veterans. Soldier's 6 works with veterans, first responders, and 911 dispatch operators to help them with the training of their service animal, K9, and/or to obtain one. The trainers also share similar experiences to service members or those who served in civilian protection roles, allowing deep connection and friendship to be fostered between training groups.
In Need of Support
Do You Have Our Six?
Your support means the world, and every donation helps fuel Soldier's 6 mission. Just click the link below to head straight to the donation page. And if you do contribute, be sure to include a quick note that you were sent by Wyatt Tilly; it helps more than you know!
Click Above To Donate
Sources Cited For Facts Info:
https://www.research.va.gov/REPORT-Study-of-Costs-and-Benefits-Associated-with-the-Use-of-Service-Dogs-Monograph1.pdf
https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0243302
https://www.purdue.edu/newsroom/archive/releases/2019/Q1/service-dogs-benefit-the%20well-being-of-their-handlers,-research-shows.html
https://www.militarytimes.com/news/2025/01/03/40-rise-in-mental-health-diagnoses-among-troops-report-finds/
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