Stryker Brigade News

I was amazed at the caring and spirit of the people who make up Operation Second Chance. I will always appreciate their sacrifice of time, service, caring and money to assist families seeing their soldier for the first time after receiving news of serious injury. I observed this group assisting with childcare, playpens, transportation and connecting family members with other services during what I can only imagine to be a very confused, stressed, emotional time. It reminded me of having a family member waiting for you at Walter Reed Medical Center. Even though they are strangers they cared as if it was one of their own. They continued to keep friends and families informed and connected. I only knew the injured soldier through the internet although we made plans to meet everyone at homecoming. I chatted with him online, topics ranging from weather to God to telling stories of our boys. He is very funny, glib, and quick witted. He has a way with humor and telling me he is watching out for my son and his other close friend that eased my fears. I was devastated when I heard of his injury. During his journey stateside it was one emotional rollercoaster. My heart went out to his family and what they were going through.

Operation Second Chance provided me assurances. When the injury happened I wrote a long letter to him. Shelly Harlow from Operation Second Chance delivered it. I told him we loved him and were thinking and praying for he and his family. I was proud of him. I reminded him of funny things we talked about and how he can look back some day in his rocking chair and tell his grandkids about his adventures. As a mother, how can you not love one who was instrumental in giving joy and humor while at war and at the same time had the back of my son and other soldiers like him?

Jeff and I wanted to give something back to support Operation Second Chance. We thought we could give something precious back and to us it is one of our puppies. It would also reward someone long term for their support of Operation Second Chance.

Vicky and her husband Jeff were searching for a dog when they found out about Labradoodles. They wanted Labrador qualities with the poodle intelligence, scaled down on size to travel with them and non-shedding and a long life span. After some research and constant needling, Jeff gave Vicky Liberty, her first Labradoodle, to fill the empty nest syndrome when her son joined the Army.

A second generation mini Labradoodle born on September 11th Liberty seemed like the perfect name. Vicky’s son went with her to pick Liberty up at the airport before heading to Fort Wainwright in Fairbanks, Alaska where he was later deployed.

“We are not “big” breeders. Our dogs live with us in our home. We produce limited quality litters. Liberty will only have a few more litters and they are in demand with pet owners as well as breeders. We are members of the International Australian Labradoodle Association and are recognized breeders by the association. We adhere to breeder guidelines for the developing breed. My daughter laughed when she found out I was performing DNA testing on Liberty and the long research to find the perfect mate. I was so happy with the puppies said now worries I will try to plan the grandkids.”

“Liberty had people expressing interest in purchasing her puppies from the time she was 3 months old. Several of her pups have been selected by other Australian Labradoodle breeders for qualities she possesses in addition to those selected as companion pets. I am hoping through this donation someone who supports liberty and freedom will benefit from one of her wonderful puppies.”

Liberty’s first litter produced several unusual coats and colors. Liberty’s Justice, a puppy from Liberty’s first litter was earmarked for another mother of a 172nd soldier. “Justice is a very intelligent, loyal, loving dog, with great temperament and personality. I don’t have the dog hair and smell. Justice is so human like, he cuddles when I worry, protects me and smiles with me. He clowns around when I need a lift. He has a laid back personality and an intelligence that shines in his eyes. I have owned dogs all my life, but Justice is different. He has this watchfulness and purposefulness. People are always walking up to him and asking about him. I can’t describe it, I would have balked before at the “yuppie-ness” of the multi generational Australian Labradoodles hype, but now I am a convert. I don’t know what I would have done without him during this time and I can’t thank Vicky enough.”