BLUF (Bottom Line Up Front) 💥
We’re creating America’s FIRST-EVER Veteran Service Dog Memorial, and I need your help to make history. Marine Corps veteran Brian Piaquadio’s beloved service dog Chewy will be immortalized in bronze to honor ALL veteran service animals.
Goal: $25,000.
Timeline: Memorial dedication Spring 2026.
Today, I’m honored to announce Boots 2 Benefits’ partnership with Marine Corps veteran Brian Piaquadio on a groundbreaking project that will create America’s first-ever Veteran Service Dog Memorial specifically dedicated to veteran service dogs.
Why This Memorial Matters 🎖️
While monuments exist for military working dogs who serve in combat zones, no memorial has ever been created to honor the incredibly important service dogs who help disabled veterans rebuild their lives when they return from combat or traumatic service.
That changes now. ✊Brian’s beloved service dog, Chewy, renewed his life and gave him a reason to get up every day. The bond between veteran handlers and their service dogs is truly amazing to witness, and it’s time we honor these four-legged heroes with the recognition they’ve earned.
The Historic Mission 🏆
This life-size bronze Veteran Service Dog Memorial will be modeled after Chewy but will honor ALL veteran service animals who serve disabled veterans with unwavering loyalty and dedication.
These incredible partners:
• Help veterans with mobility challenges navigate daily life 🦽
• Provide life-saving support for PTSD and trauma recovery 💚
• Enable veterans to regain independence and normalcy 🏠
• Offer unconditional love during the darkest moments ❤️
• Bridge the gap between military service and civilian life 🌉
Our Esteemed Partners 🤝
SUTTON BETTI – Master Sculptor 🎨 Renowned bronze sculptor with 30+ years experience and 60+ permanently installed outdoor monuments throughout the US. Many of his sculptures specifically honor our military. Inspired by his late father’s Vietnam War service as a U.S. Marine, Sutton brings both artistic mastery and deep military appreciation to this historic project.
MARYLAND VETERANS MUSEUM AT PATRIOT PARK 🏛️ We hope, this will be the permanent home for America’s first Veteran Service Dog Memorial. Located in La Plata, MD, this respected veteran institution will provide professional maintenance and ensure thousands of annual visitors can pay respects to these four-legged heroes.
THREE LITTLE BIRDS LAWN CARE 🧱 Our veteran-owned masonry partner providing expert stonework and installation support for the memorial’s foundation and Patriot Paws Pathway. Their commitment to quality craftsmanship ensures this historic memorial will stand strong for generations.
BOOTS 2 BENEFITS🛡️ Veteran-owned organization founded by U.S. Army veteran “Sarge” Julie Muster Bryson, providing campaign management and veteran community outreach for this groundbreaking memorial project.
Memorial Features 🌟
The Veteran Service Dog Memorial will feature:
- Life-size bronze statue of a service dog (modeled after Chewy) 🐕
- Patriot Paws Pathway with personalized memorial bricks and pavers 🧱
- Professional landscaping and site preparation 🌿
- Educational signage about veteran service animals 📋
- Historic marker noting this as America’s first Veteran Service Dog Memorial of its kind 🏛️
- Peaceful seating area with benches for visitors 🪑
How You Can Make History 💰
DONATE NOW: Fundraising Goal: $25,000
Patriot Pathway Benefits: 🛤️
- Donate $250+ and automatically receive a personalized “Service Hero” paver (8×8) with paw print engraving 🐾
- Donate $750+ and receive a premium “Memorial Champion” stone (12×12) with prime placement 👑
Your name becomes part of America’s FIRST Veteran Service Dog Memorial!
Ways to Support:
- GoFundMe: [Veterans Service Dog Memorial] 💻
- Direct Website Donation: Boots2Benefits.com/veteran-service-dog-memorial 🌐
- Patriot Paws Pathway Bricks: Individual memorial brick purchases 🧱
National Impact 🌟
This isn’t just about one memorial – we’re creating a movement. As America’s first Veteran Service Dog Memorial, this project will:
- Set the standard for honoring veteran service animals nationwide 📏
- Inspire similar memorials across the country 🗺️
- Educate the public about the vital role of veteran service dogs 🎓
- Create a pilgrimage destination for veteran families 🚗
Brian will also be featured as a guest author in my upcoming Operation K-9 book, sharing the complete story of this historic Veteran Service Dog Memorial creation. 📚
Timeline ⏰
- Summer 2025: Complete fundraising campaign
- Fall 2025: Sculptor commission and creation begins
- Spring 2026: Installation and dedication ceremony 🎉
Join the Movement 🤝
Every veteran deserves recognition for their service, including the four-legged family members who continue serving long after military discharge.
You served. You earned it. Your service dog earned recognition too. 🎖️
🐕KISS (Keep It Simple, Sarge): Donate. Share. Honor. Make history. 💪Together, we’re making history by ensuring these four-legged heroes receive the recognition they’ve earned through their faithful service to our nation’s veterans.🚀 Ready to make history?
Visit the Veterans Service Dog Memorial GoFundMe campaign and help us honor America’s unsung heroes.
IGY6. Not on my watch, not in battle, and not in the fight for the benefits – and recognition – they’ve earned.
🛡️Stay Connected:
- Website: Boots2Benefits.com/veteran-service-dog-memorial 🌐
- Email: sarge@boots2benefits.com 📧
- Phone: (443) 924-6809 ☎️
🎖️~Sarge
Julie Muster Bryson
Founder, Boots 2 Benefits, LLC
U.S. Army Veteran | Marine Mom
sarge@boots2benefits.com
443-924-6809
www.Boots2Benefits.com
“You served. You earned it. Now file with confidence.”
⚠️ Even Sarge isn’t infallible—I’ve been known to mix up my left from my right during formation 🤷♀️, so always double-check everything I tell you because while my heart’s in the right place, my brain occasionally goes AWOL. The last thing we need is a friendly fire incident! 🚫🔥
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