DDS4Vets

20/10/2026

DDS4Vets is proud and honored to announce that The Honorable Paul R. Lawrence, Ph.D., Deputy Secretary of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, will be joining us at our Believe in the Mission Gala on Saturday, February 6, 2027!

Deputy Secretary Lawrence serves as the second-highest-ranking official in the Department of Veterans Affairs, helping oversee the programs, policies, and operations that serve millions of America's veterans and their families.

A proud U.S. Army veteran, Dr. Lawrence attained the rank of Captain, graduated from the Army's Airborne School, and received the Meritorious Service Medal.

Previously serving as the VA's Under Secretary for Benefits, he oversaw the delivery of more than $100 billion in benefits to veterans and their dependents. His distinguished career reflects decades of leadership, public service, and dedication to those who have worn our nation's uniform.

His commitment to our veterans represents the very heart of the DDS4Vets mission — honoring their service, recognizing their sacrifices, and ensuring they are never forgotten.

We are deeply grateful that Deputy Secretary Lawrence will be joining us for this very special evening as we come together with distinguished guests, military leaders, veterans, first responders, and patriotic supporters who believe in making a difference.

🇺🇸 BELIEVE IN THE MISSION GALA
Tickets: dds4vets.org
Saturday, February 6, 2027

An unforgettable evening of patriotism, purpose, and giving back to those who have given so much for our freedom.

15/10/2026

02/10/2026

EXCITING NEWS FROM DDS4Vets — OUR MISSION CONTINUES TO GROW!
On behalf of DDS4Vets, and myself, we are extremely proud to announce our new partnership with Treasure Coast Psychiatry, led by Rob Gluckman, Founder/CEO, along with his wife, Dr. Michele Libman, M.D., of Live Hearty, who has also been a valued Physician Advisor to DDS4Vets.
This partnership represents another important step forward in our commitment to caring for the whole veteran — physically, mentally, and emotionally.
We are also very pleased to welcome Dr. Thanupakorn, MD a psychiatrist specializing in general adult psychiatry. His areas of focus include complex psychiatric conditions, severe mood disorders, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), the psychiatric effects of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), and the unique mental health needs of veterans and first responders.
Dr. Thanupakorn,MD earned his Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Iowa and completed his psychiatry residency at Duke University.
Dr. Michele Libman is double board-certified in Internal Medicine and Emergency Medicine and is the owner of Live Hearty. We are especially grateful for Dr. Libman’s continued commitment to DDS4Vets and the veterans we serve.
Together, Rob Gluckman, Dr. Michele Libman, Dr. Thanupakorn, Treasure Coast Psychiatry, and DDS4Vets share an important goal: making sure our veterans have access to compassionate, professional resources when they need them.
At DDS4Vets, our mission goes far beyond providing fully working service dogs. We understand that PTSD, traumatic injuries, and the invisible wounds of service can affect every aspect of a veteran’s life. Our goal is to build a strong network of professionals who can help us provide meaningful support long after the initial call for assistance.
We don't just want to help a veteran today. We want them to know that the DDS4Vets family is here for them tomorrow.
We are honored to welcome Treasure Coast Psychiatry and Dr. Thanupakorn, MD to our growing DDS4Vets family, and we sincerely thank Rob Gluckman and Dr. Michele Libman for believing in our mission and in the veterans, we are privileged to serve.
DDS4VETS — SERVE THOSE WHO SERVED.

01/10/2026

EXCITING NEWS — DDS4VETS IS GROWING!
DDS4VETS PROUDLY WELCOMES JAMES B. HALSTEAD TO OUR K9 TRAINING TEAM!
On behalf of DDS4Vets, Mike Colton and I are pleased and proud to announce an exciting new chapter in our mission to serve our nation’s veterans.
As the need for fully trained service dogs continues to grow, DDS4Vets is growing with it.
We are excited to announce our new partnership with KPro K9, expanding our training resources and allowing us to reach and assist more veterans in need of a fully working service dog.
As part of this partnership, we are also very proud to welcome James B. Halstead, retired United States Navy Chief and Certified Master Dog Trainer, to the DDS4Vets mission.
James brings an extraordinary combination of military experience, professional K9 training expertise, and a deeply personal understanding of the challenges our veterans face.
During his more than 24 years of distinguished service in the U.S. Navy, James served in expeditionary diving, explosives management, anti-terrorism operations, and special operations support. His service included 27 months of deployment, with 18 consecutive months in direct combat operations.
Following his retirement, James experienced firsthand the life-changing impact a dog can have on a veteran struggling with combat-related trauma and injuries. His own dog, Beaux, became an important part of his recovery and inspired him to dedicate the next chapter of his life to helping others through canine training.
James is the founder of Fortis Canine and currently serves as a Master Dog Trainer at KPro K9. He is certified through the Highland Canine School of Dog Trainers and specializes in service dog training, obedience, scent work, and behavior modification. He also holds a bachelor's degree in Allied Health, with a focus on mental health and psychology, and two master's degrees.
What makes this partnership especially meaningful is that James understands our mission not only as a trainer but also as a combat veteran who has experienced the healing power of a dog.
His experience, dedication, and passion will be tremendous assets as we continue to expand our service dog program and change the lives of veterans who need our help.
On behalf of the entire DDS4Vets team, please join me in welcoming James to our family. We are honored to have him alongside us as we continue to serve those who have served our country.
DDS4Vets – Serving Those Who Served. See less

21/09/2026

🇺🇸 AN INCREDIBLE LINEUP IS COMING TOGETHER! 🇺🇸
The 2027 BELIEVE IN THE MISSION GALA is shaping up to be an unforgettable evening — and we’re not finished yet!
We already have an incredible lineup of special guests, with more dignitary announcements coming very soon!
🎟️ TICKETS ARE NOW ON SALE!
www.dds4vets.org
⭐ SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES ARE ALSO AVAILABLE!
Partner with DDS4Vets and help us continue our mission of serving the men and women who have sacrificed so much for our country.
Join us on February 6, 2027, as we come together to Serve Those Who Served and witness one of the most meaningful moments of the evening — the presentation of a fully trained, working service dog to an incredible U.S. Navy SEAL. 🇺🇸🐾
This is more than a Gala. It is an evening of patriotism, gratitude, community, and giving back.
Believe in the Mission. Support the Mission. Be Part of the Mission.
🇺🇸 DDS4Vets — Serving Those Who Served. 🇺🇸

15/08/2026

Excited to have this group of Navy Seals attend our next Gala. It was an honor to meet them at our last Gala. So glad they are coming back!

14/08/2026

THE AMERICAN BOMBSHELLS ARE BACK!
We are thrilled to announce that the incredible American Bombshells will be joining us once again for the 2027 Believe in the Mission Gala, benefiting DDS4Vets!
Patriotic. Powerful. Unforgettable. Presentation of Service Dog to a Navy Seal Veteran.
The American Bombshells bring an amazing energy to the evening while honoring the men and women who have served our country. Their performances have become such a special part of our Gala, and we couldn't imagine this celebration without them.
Saturday, February 6, 2027, 5:30PM
Hutchinson Shores Resort & Spa – Jensen Beach, Florida
The Believe in the Mission Gala is more than a night out. It is a night with a purpose — bringing our community together to support our veterans and the life-changing programs of DDS4Vets, including service dogs, mental health counseling, and veteran assistance.
Come celebrate. Come honor. Come BELIEVE IN THE MISSION.
The American Bombshells are coming back — and 2027 is going to be a night to remember!
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