Steven, Army
July 2013 Class
Age: 34 Years in Service: 4.5 Years Rank: E5
Served in: Iraq, Afghanistan
Warrior’s Story:
I grew up in New Jersey with my parents, Ann and John. My father was a Vietnam Veteran and my main motivation for wanting to fight for my country. My brother Jonny is currently a Captain in the U.S Army and is serving in Afghanistan. My wife Melissa also served in Afghanistan from 2003 – 2004 as an Air Traffic Controller.
I joined the military in 2002 and often wish I was still there. I joined the Army and was part of the Infantry at the 10th Mountain Division. I cleared houses, helped secure villages and provided security during Iraq’s first free election. I spent many hours training the Iraqi soldiers to replace us when we departed. I eventually suffered from a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) as a result of enduring IED explosions but the good news is I survived! I received a Purple Heart for my service in Afghanistan.
From 2003 – 2004, I served in Afghanistan. I went on to serve in Iraq from 2005 – 2006.
About PTSD:
It is painful. Every day requires constant conditioning. I suffer from constant isolation and anxiety as well as headaches and nightmares. With that being said, I consider myself lucky that I got to come home. I feel even luckier that I was accepted into the program.
Looking forward to:
I am most looking forward to participating in more outdoor activities, buying a family home with my wife Melissa, and starting a new life with my new “battle buddy.” I would like to travel and just “fit in” again. In the future, I would like to finish my BA degree in Business Administration and work towards a successful career.
About Torii:
Torii is a 2 1/2 year old female lab mix. She was originally owned by a soldier who deployed and never came back for her. She was donated by the man who fostered her. Torii is a complete sweetheart and a volunteer favorite. Torii's name was chosen by her sponsor, the Lieutenant Dennis Zilinsky Memorial Fund. The Fund was established by a gold star family in honor of their son Denny, who was killed in Iraq in 2005. "Torii" was the name of the unit Denny served with in Iraq. Torii the dog is affectionate, loving, and unbelievably sweet. She loves with all her heart and is happy to work.
Team Updates
21Jul
Steve reaches out to others who might be suffering with the same disability that he suffers from and how going through this program can really turn your life around. He also shares a little about what training was like. Steve is very thankful for all the support that he receives from his family and is excited to take Torii home and lead a new life.Read More >>
20Jul
Steve was debating at first whether the program was something that he wanted to do but once he got to the house and walked through the kennel he saw Torii. Steve was hoping that he would get paired with Torii and sure enough that's the dog they paired him with. Steve talks about his family and how they feel about him bringing home a dog.Read More >>
18Jul
After three long weeks of training, Steve and Torii finally graduate from the program. Steve is ready to start his new life with his new found friend Torii!Read More >>
16Jul
Steve and Torii visit the beautiful city of St Augustine. Steve is a history buff so his favorite part was the Castillo De San Marcos Fort. They spent their time touring this historical landmark and enjoying the scenery from the top of the fort overlooking the ocean.Read More >>
13Jul
Torii is tested to see how she reacts to tight spaces and how well she can perform the cover command. Torii passed with flying colors at both of these and made her dad very proud!Read More >>
11Jul
Steve works on the commands leave it and come with Torii at Costco. Torii got a bit side tracked with the dog running towards her but she said a quick hello and continued to come to her dad. Torii loves nothing more than to be as close as she can to her dad and always wants to please him asking for nothing in return but his love.Read More >>
10Jul
Steve and Torii visit the sports store where Torii is tested with loud noises and quick movements. Torii did awesome with the punching bag but was a little frightened when her dad got onto the workout machine. The noise and quick movement was unfamiliar to her.Read More >>