USA Battle Buddies Helping Save Dogs and Veterans at the Same Time

As PTSD in Iraq War veterans becomes more prevalent, the programs that train and partner dogs with veterans are constantly changing and developing new ways to use these relationships to improve the lives of veterans as well as the dogs.

USA Battle Buddies is an organization formed by a combat-disabled veteran of Iraq, Steve Frye, and a Vietnam veteran-turned-dog trainer, Cyndie Kindell. Frye, who suffered a TBI while serving as a U.S. Army infantryman in the 82^nd Airborne, was visiting patients at the Walter Reed Medical Center when he ran into Cyndie Kindell.

Both veterans lived in Rhode Island and have an interest in PTSD dogs for disabled veterans. They formed their own team and train a dog for Frye to help with the balance control he was lacking from his TBI, in addition to his PTSD symptoms.

The pair found the perfect canine - Charlie Zino, a pedigreed German Shepherd with a long list of owners who just didn't seem to want him. Charlie seemed to be aggressive toward women and was about to be euthanized by his current owners.

When Frye approached Charlie for the first time it was a perfect match. After training, Charlie now provides balance assistance for Frye when he's out walking and emotional support when his PTSD symptoms begin to manifest.

The pair is working on training 2 other dogs, Black and Bozack, and hope to rescue more dogs. They rely on donations to keep their goal of providing dogs to disabled veterans without charge.

You Have the Power to Help a Disabled American Veteran!

Our veterans deserve the utmost care and respect in exchange for their sacrifice and service to our country, yet many suffer with disabling medical conditions and illness and struggle to make ends meet after life in the service. At Care for Disabled Veterans our goal is to assist qualified veterans in obtaining the medical evidence they need to seek their rightful benefits for combat-related disabilities.