Vets to Vets United Service Dogs Graduation Ceremony

Durham, NC – Vets to Vets United Service Dogs Graduation Ceremony was held Sunday, October 31, 2021, at the Hilton Durham. The graduation ceremony included celebrating and honoring veterans, volunteers, and their pets on completing two years of therapy and service training. 

Vets to Vets United Incorporated (VTVUI)  is a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization created to unite veterans and dogs for a common goal of improving and saving lives. The pairs can improve a veteran’s life by providing companionship or help with a mental or physical disability. 

The ceremony began with Girl Scout Troop 693 presenting the color guard as well as a welcome by Dr. Terry Morris, who is the VTVUI executive director. Following, was the invocation, national anthem, recognitions of elected officials, veterans, and VTVUI board members.

The honorary guest speaker of the event was Sergeant Bruce D. Campbell of the U.S.  Army. Mr. Campbell’s speech described his eight years of service in Iraq and Afghanistan and how forgiveness is a meaningful concept in our lives. Afterward was a musical selection by Zaire Johnson, recognition of the graduates, the 50th
anniversary of the pinning-Vietnam Veterans, and the MIA Remembrance Ceremony.

Congratulations to the graduates and their pets on a job well done!

Graduates and Certificates: 
Bill Dixon and Tank – Therapy and Service Certificate
Tami Johns and Jasper – Therapy and Service Certificate;
Robert Prevost and Henry – Therapy and Service Certificate
Dan Portaro and Bailey –  Therapy Certificate
Laurie Schroeder and Lola – Therapy Certificate