Meet veteran Bruce and service dog Ted
Bruce Kimbrell hugs and pets service dog Ted at the University Town Center mall in Sarasota, FL. [Pictured: Young man kneels on the ground while a black Lab jumps on his lap. The man is smiling and wearing a long sleeved black shirt and grey pants.]
Bruce and service dog Ted sit together in front of a lake. [Pictured: Young man kneels with a black Lab sitting by his knee. The man is wearing a tan t-shirt and green pants. They are kneeling together in grass with a lake behind them.]
Bruce Kimbrell spent four years with the Army’s 1st Ranger Battalion, with two deployments across Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom as well as combat operations within Afghanistan. Between three deployments, he trained across the U.S. with his battalion, a highly skilled, mobile reaction force.
Today Bruce’s days look far different as he and his wife raise four young children and a dog on quiet acreage in Michigan. They raise pheasants, ducks, geese, chickens, two cows, and will soon add two horses when they complete the purchase of a 30-acre spread. The family rises early, works hard caring for the animals, studies together through homeschooling, and pursues fitness as a family.
But despite the peaceful atmosphere, Bruce’s memories don’t seem to rest, and that’s why he came to us for Ted, his new service dog – a lovable, kissable black Labrador. “Animals love you unconditionally,” he says. “Anxiety keeps me from going to places I’m not familiar with or doing things I enjoy, and having Ted keeps me on track and gives me that comfort level.” Since receiving Ted, Bruce slept through the night again. “Ted is awesome,” he says. “He’s my sidekick and part of the family.”
After training on our campus, Bruce left our school with a dog by his side and a fresh outlook. He later penned a thank-you note and sent it to our staff, and we’d like to share it with you.
All,
I want to say a big thanks to all of you for your hard work and dedication to helping veterans. Your kindness and hospitality is top-notch. I have not been this relaxed and felt so much at home anywhere else. You all treated us so well, and I want you all to know that I really appreciate it so much. What you all have done for us is so much more than you will ever realize. You have given us a gift that is so full of unconditional love, no matter what we have done, or how we are feeling. These service dogs will be by our sides forever. Thank you all so much for your service and support. May God Bless all of you; keep up the good work!
Saving veterans lives, one service dog at a time!
The true soldier fights not because he hates what’s in front of him, but because he loves what’s behind him!
Thanks,
Bruce Kimbrell
