When veterans come back from deployment, reentry into society is frequently extremely difficult. They are faced with the task of becoming human again. They have been conditioned by training and then many battles to only trust their buddies. When they try to transition into normal life they are surrounded by danger, loud noises, constant threats, hideous memories of death and dying, and no longer protected by their friends in combat. TWENTY-TWO a day find suicide the only way out of their nightmare. Ironically the one way they can relax and begin to trust again is with a service dog, a constant companion and protector.
The SPCA is presenting a program featuring one of those returning veterans, Matthew Matlock, and his dog, Willis. Willis was a gift to Matt from Labs for Liberty, an organization started by Dr. Joan Nold and her husband, Roger. Labs for Liberty trains service dogs and provides a beautiful retreat house for veterans and their families all free of charge. The retreat, called Liberty Outpost, offers a stress free, quiet environment on the Nold’s property in Morgan Utah, where vets and their families can get to know their dog and experience the benefits of loving a dog. The Nolds and Labs for Liberty will also be present for this talk.
The Mariposa SPCA is proud to present this program on Wednesday, March 16, 2016 at the Mariposa New Masonic Hall located at 5154 Jones Street in Mariposa, California.
('Click' to read more event information).
The community of Mariposa was recently shocked by the shooting and wounding of one of our local deputies. The shooter was a combat veteran and PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) most likely played a significant part in this event. There is strong evidence that placing dogs with veterans who are having problems can prevent this kind of violence in the future.
Matthew Matlock was born in Mariposa, the son of Doug Matlock and Nancy Miller. Currently he is attending the Haas Business School at the University of California at Berkeley, where Willis also attends every class. He served as an Air Force Combat Controller through multiple deployments in Afghanistan. This is the Special Ops branch of the Air Force called the Red Berets. The Combat Controller fights on the ground, controls air support and rescue activities during combat. Matlock received three bronze stars, one with Valor, for his heroism during combat. He will be speaking about his deployments, the difficulty of returning home, and the difference his dog Willis makes in his life.
Matt and Willis will demonstrate the techniques Willis uses to interrupt Matt’s anxiety attacks and nightmares. Dr. Joan Nold asks for input from family members about specific physical mannerisms the vet displays which indicate a PTSD episode. She then trains each puppy to respond to those movements, tones of voice, or signs of distress. Willis wakes Matt up when he is having a nightmare by licking his face.
Labs for Liberty has saved vets lives, the lives of their families, lives within the communities where vets live, and therefore benefitted all of us. We are all grateful for the gift veterans give us when they are willing to serve our country. We are also, every one of us, responsible for supporting them in their return to civilian life.
(Pictured: Matthew Matlock & Willis)
Visit the Labs for Liberty website for more information.