Battle Buddy

06/01/2026

Ever met a dog like this??

"I'm just here to eat snacks and get pets... and I'm alllll out of snacks...."

05/30/2026

Service dogs save lives.

05/24/2026

A meaningful reminder as Memorial Day approaches:

Memorial Day and Veterans Day are not the same.

Veterans Day is a day to recognize all who served.

Memorial Day is a day to remember those who never made it home - the men and women who gave their lives in service to this country.

It is also worth remembering that this weekend can carry very different meaning for different people.

For some, Memorial Day weekend means time with family, cookouts, sales, travel, and the unofficial start of summer. There is nothing wrong with gathering, resting, or enjoying the freedoms so many gave their lives to protect.

But for many veterans, Gold Star families, and surviving friends, this weekend is not simply a long weekend. It is personal. It has names, faces, memories, and empty seats attached to it.

Some carry the memory of a friend they served beside.
Some remember a final conversation.
Some remember the moment they came home and others did not.
Some carry survivor’s guilt that still shows up years later.

That is why a simple phrase like “Happy Memorial Day,” even when meant with kindness, can land differently than intended.

The sentiment is usually understood. Most people mean it as patriotism, gratitude, or respect. But for someone carrying grief, trauma, or the memory of a fallen brother or sister, the word “happy” may not fit the weight of the day.

A better phrase might be:

“Have a safe Memorial Day.”
“We remember them with you.”
“Thinking of those who gave everything.”
“I’m here if this weekend is heavy.”

By all means, spend time with your family. Fire up the grill. Enjoy the weekend. Appreciate the freedom.

But take a moment to pause.

Say their names.
Remember their sacrifice.
Check on the veterans in your life.
And never forget what this day is truly about.

Have a safe and meaningful Memorial Day.

05/20/2026

Not every Battle Buddy’s path looks the same - but every path can still have purpose.
Bo, one of our service dogs in training, will not be completing the full service dog program. When that happens, we carefully look for the best possible “recareer” opportunity where a well-trained dog can still make a meaningful impact.
We’re proud to share that Bo has been matched with the Vandalia Police Department, where he will serve as their new Support K-9.
Bo will not be serving as a traditional police K-9. Instead, his role will focus on supporting officer wellness, helping first responders manage the stress and trauma that can come with the job, and serving as a friendly bridge between the department and the community.
Bo will also support community engagement at city events, youth outreach in schools, and regional crisis response following critical incidents. His handler will be Detective Holly Estepp, whose work with peer support and regional crisis response makes this a meaningful fit for Bo’s next chapter.
Most of our recareered dogs are placed with veterans or first responders who may benefit from a highly trained companion but do not require a fully trained service dog. Bo’s placement with Vandalia is a powerful example of how a dog’s purpose can continue in a different but deeply impactful way.
We are grateful to the Vandalia Police Division for giving Bo the opportunity to continue serving, connecting, and helping others.
Please join us in congratulating Bo, Detective Estepp, and the Vandalia Police Division on this exciting new chapter. 🐾💙

05/08/2026

We are grateful to King City Gardens and DIZPOT LLC for their incredible support of not only The Battle Buddy Foundation, but also our nation's veterans!!!
Please join us in thanking them!!! 🙏😊❤️

From King City Gardens:
"We're honored to partner with The Battle Buddy Foundation to give back and support the veterans who've sacrificed so much for all of us.

This special release honors the service and sacrifice of our nation's veterans, supporting their journey back to civilian life — with a portion of proceeds from this collection going directly to the Foundation.

Huge shoutout to our packaging partner, DIZPOT LLC, for stepping up alongside us to support our veterans and community by donating 20,000 bags to this initiative!

This kind of generosity speaks volumes. Dizpot, thank you for going all in with us.

More to come soon 🇺🇸"

05/08/2026

We are grateful to King City Gardens and DIZPOT LLC for their incredible support of not only The Battle Buddy Foundation, but also our nation's veterans!!!
Join us in Thanking them!!! 🙏😊❤️

04/27/2026

Published by the Dayton Daily News a few days ago ⭐️ 🇺🇲

Click here to view this video from DaytonDailyNews.com.

04/22/2026

This Saturday, 4-25-26, Springdale, OH 10am-2pm
Hope to see you there!!!

Rain or shine!!

This Saturday, 25 April, 10am - 2pm

Lots of raffle prizes, Nacho Average Taco Cart , Jeep and Truck show with awards!

04/06/2026

The Battle Budy Foundation Jeep and Truck Show
April 25th, 2026 - 10am-2pm

Nacho Average Taco Cart because nothing is better for a show than a taco truck!

The ShamRocker playing music 🎶

$1,000 gift card from Kryptonite Products
TWO sets of wheels from 4PLAY Wheels
$500 gift card from ICON Vehicle Dynamics
Diff cover gift card and swag from TeraFlex Suspensions
$200 gift card from Infinite Offroad
Multiple prizes from Rough Country
Multiple prizes from DECKED
Electronic horn from HornBlasters.com

More raffle prizes to come!

$15 to enter your vehicle into the show for a chance to win a metal plaque!

All raffle prize entry fees and show entry fees go straight to The Battle Buddy Foundation!!

03/19/2026

23 years ago today, the Iraq War began.

For me, it marked the beginning of a long road through war, injury, and healing.
Out of that journey came The Battle Buddy Foundation.
Our pain has a purpose.