Our Recipients

Joel M. Townsend

My name is Joel M. Townsend, I’m a combat wounded disabled veteran. I started my service in the MN Army National Guard on Dec of 1996. In 2001 I decided to go active duty. I was slotted to go into the USAF as TAC-P, then September 11, 2001, happened. After September 11th the USAF needed more Security Forces (Military Police). I was offered Security Forces and to be stationed in FL. So, I started my career at the USAF. While in Tech school we ran past the Military Working Dog (MWD) training kennels, and I knew what I wanted to be. I waited the 3 years and was granted my wish to become an MWD Handler. Being a Dog Handler was the best job in the military. I was stationed in the US and overseas and had multiple deployments and Secret Service missions in support of POTUS. My last deployment in support of OIF (Operation Iraqi Freedom) would be my last. I was attached to the Army in support of the Surge in 2008-2009. I conducted 150 combat missions all over the Baghdad and surrounding areas. Unfortunately, I was hit with several IED’s back-to-back and that was it. After I completed my tour, I came home, and my fate was decided. I finished my enlistment and separated in 2010. Had my first PTS service dog for almost 12 years before he was diagnosed with spleen cancer. In May 2020 Jager was laid to rest. Life wasn’t the same and not having my dog was a struggle for about two years until I was granted my new service dog via Joint Task Force K9s in October 2022. Freyja has help me get back to being better, more productive and the ability to function in society again. She has been a blessing for me and my small family. She is sweet with my kids, loves my wife and is right there when I need her. Being a former handler and understanding how invaluable these dogs are it is nothing short of a miracle and a lifesaving event being a recipient. Thanks to Joint Task Force K9s I have a new lease on life.

Our Recipients 2023

Mark Meyers

Mark joined the Marine Corps in 2003. He was then assigned to 7th Engineer Support Battalion Maintenance Platoon aboard Camp Pendleton. He worked as a diesel mechanic but was then attached to 7th ESB Charlie Co combat engineers. He then went to machine gunners course and completed many different training exercises before heading to Fallujah. He completed two combat deployments both being to Fallujah in 2004-2005 and 2006. Mark suffers from PTSD, panic disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder. His symptoms began upon returning from his second deployment and have limited his ability to participate in life in the public setting.

After working as an electrician in large buildings for many years, Mark needed more control of his work life. He has found freedom and independence by owning and operating his own dump truck company but still struggles to deal with every day life . Mark lives and works in the Cincinnati area with his wife of 16 years, Jaime, and his teenage daughters, Megan and Claire.

Anthony S. Perales

I’m Anthony Perales from Guayama, Puerto Rico. I Enlisted at the age of 18 out of High school. Finished basic training at Fort Knox, Kentucky and graduated A.I.T. at APG, Maryland. Stationed in 82nd 4th Brigade 2/321 Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Then joined 95th Civil Affairs Special Operations. Did a one year tour in Afghanistan back in 2009. Once we had returned from deployment, I was diagnosed with PTSD, and anxiety. Returning home after a long tour and adapting again to a normal life, was and is still a huge struggle to me. Going to public places, crowded areas, socializing with people is still a difficulty. So after completing my duties as a soldier, I decided to part ways from the military. Entered College so I could become a barber and also a S.M.P. Artist where I now enjoy listening to peoples stories, testimonies, and watch them enjoy the results of their haircuts. Anthony currently lives in Maryland with his wife Maj Jaime Perales and their three children Annalee, Aryannie, Abriel.

Chief Warrant Officer (Ret) Patrick Scrogin

Hello, everyone my name is Chief Warrant Officer (Ret) Patrick Scrogin. I enlisted in Army the day after September 11th. I was a commercial pilot and quit that day. I enlisted not to fly, but into the infantry as that was my quickest way to get into the fight. I had many jobs and a couple of deployments, ultimately flying helicopters. On March 2nd, 2007, I was the flight lead in a Kiowa Warrior, scout attack helicopter when I was in a catastrophic helicopter crash. As a result of that crash, I died twice once for 5 min and the second time for 3 minutes. I lost my left leg above the knee, a crushed pelvis, 9 fractured vertebra and multiple other injuries. I have spent a tremendous amount of effort getting my mind and body in the best shape I possibly could. It wasn’t until I met Keith from Joint Task Force K9s and got to see how a well-trained dog could ease stress. Stresses that return with us after combat. That I decided to apply for a service dog.

I can’t express the gratitude of what JTFK9S has done for me. Most people think these dogs are just highly trained pets. Let me tell you that’s the furthest from the truth. What these dogs are for soldiers like me, is a battle buddy! I am sure you have seen Kiowa by now. She soon will be my new battle buddy, watching my back setting my mind at ease and for that I would like to thank each and every one of you for supporting JTFK9S. I hope that you realize how important these animals are to soldiers, they truly are life changing. Thank you JTFK9S and thank all of you again for your contribution to a truly life changing cause.

Tray J. Ardese, Colonel USMC (ret)

Tray J. Ardese, Colonel USMC (ret) Tray Ardese is originally from Krebs, Oklahoma and is a Citizen of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. He graduated from Southeastern Oklahoma State University and entered the Marine Corps in February 1990 and after three intense years he earned his wings in February of 1993 as a Naval Flight Officer, 1st Lt Ardese reported to 3/23 Marines as a heavy machine gun platoon commander en route to the F/A-18 replacement air group. Following F/A-18 training, he reported to Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort. He immediately deployed to Aviano, Italy flying combat missions in support of Operation Deny flight/Provide Promise. While attached to the Moonlighters VMFA(AW)332, he was awarded the Navy and Commendation Medal with “V” for valor; for the destruction of an SA-2 surface-to-air missile site that threatened the strike package, he was protecting. After two combat deployments to Aviano, Italy, he volunteered to deploy a third time with VMFA (AW)-224, flying combat missions in support of Operation Silver Wake in Albania/Kosovo. As the MAG-31 FAC SME, he completed two combat deployments with Special Operations Forces doing direct action missions as a forward air controller/fire support coordinator. While on his first SOF deployment he was wounded, received the Purple Heart and was promoted to LtCol all on the same day. For his actions with Special Operations, he was awarded the Bronze Star with “V” for valor in combat. Now retired, he volunteers with Honored American Veterans Afield and Outdoor Network International (ONI), both 501-C-3 organizations that provides wounded veterans and kids with opportunities to get into the great outdoors and sharing the love of God with them through his creation. He also is a member of the board of directors for ONI, Herd Bull University, and the Good Samaritan men’s shelter in McAlester Oklahoma. Col Ardese (ret) is also one of the six members of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma’s tribal ethics committee, a prestigious position within the tribe. Col Ardese (ret) also is a national and international keynote speaker who loves to tell people how good God has been in his life and relate it to their current situation. Col. Ardese (ret.) has been married for 29 years to his wife, Tammi. They have five children Amanda, Justin, Ethan, Brock, Tyler Jack. He has a total of 7 combat tours. His personal military awards include Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal with combat “V” for valor, Purple Heart, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, 13 Air Medals, Navy Commendation Medal with combat “V” for valor, a second Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, Army Achievement Medal, and the Combat Action Ribbon.

Thomas Myers

My name is Thomas, I am currently a member of the Army National Guard. I have been in the military for 18 years. I am an Active Guard Reserve (AGR) as a training NCO for a Forward Observer (FiST) Detachment. I have also served as an Infantry Platoon Sergeant, CBRN Recon NCO. I have two deployments to Afghanistan and one to Africa. During one of deployment to the Afghanistan I sustained a traumatic brain injury and fractured my back. I have permanent nerve damage in the left side of my face, and recently finally had a spinal fusion. Over the years I have developed anxiety of going out and being in public. I would only go places with other people, mainly my wife. My life consisted of work and home, and it was difficult for me to go get milk. Getting Achilles has helped me integrating back into the community and has pushed me to go out and be in public. Forcing me to speak to people as they ask me about him. I have regained my motivation for running/ruck marching and my battle buddy is always by my side. Joint Task Force K9s has truly given me strength, motivation, and purpose. He currently lives in the Albany area with his wife Katie and two kids Natalie and TJ

Justin

At JTFK9S we do not force our veterans and law enforcement officers to provide any feedback to the public. Some recipients just aren’t ready for that and we respect their rights of privacy. With that being said here are some picture of Sasha doing her thing and being part of the family. This is all part of the healing process, and we hope that one day this recipient can come out of their shell. Sasha is doing her job daily and taking care of her handler.

David Harrak

David Harrak is a Captain at the Surfside Beach Fire Department in South Carolina with over 30 years of experience in fire, military, and public service. His career began in the New Jersey fire service in 1994, where he later served as part of Task Force 1 and spent time working at Ground Zero. David also served seven and a half years in the Air Force, which included an overseas deployment to the Middle East. After decades of compartmentalizing the trauma and stress of his service, David struggled with anxiety, depression, and sleep issues until he met Keith and joined JTFK9s three and a half years ago. Through the organization, he was paired with his service dog, Remmi, who has been a blessing in his life. Remmi provides David with a “sixth sense” that allows him to stay active, interact with people, and get out of his shell. David describes JTFK9s as a family-oriented organization that truly has the best interests of veterans and first responders at heart.