Dogs on Deployment is an organization which is completely staffed by volunteers and without our volunteers, our mission wouldn’t be possible. Each person that supports Dogs on Deployments shares a few things in common: compassion, motivation, and honor. Each quarter, our Board of Directors chooses one of our many volunteers to be recognized for their genuine contribution, steadfast volunteerism, and unwavering support of our service members and their pets.
Midas, 2014 Military Pet of the Year and DoD’s Mascot, wearing Rich’s custom braided leash and collar.
We are proud to announce that our San Diego Coordinator, Richard S. is the recipient of our “Volunteer of the Quarter” award for the second quarter of 2015. Since June 2014, Rich has been an integrated member of the Dogs on Deployment team. Rich first contacted Dogs on Deployment wanting to give back to a local charity.. As a retired Navy veteran, he was looking to get involved by using his creative talents. He first assisted Dogs on Deployment by donating custom made dog tags to be used as promotional items. His inaugural project with Dogs on Deployment included hand-braiding custom DoD-branded paracord collars and leashes, which were sold in the DoD store as custom orders. During this fundraisers, Rich raised nearly $1500 for Dogs on Deployment. He further supported Dogs on Deployment by later hand-braiding paracord bracelets which were sold in the DoD Store as a Christmas fundraiser in 2014, and raised over $330.
In addition to his donation of materials and crafting talents, he was a steadfast and reliable event volunteer to the San Diego Chapter. His good natured, affable personality drew in a core group of volunteers who consistently supported the Chapter’s events. When the previous San Diego Local Coordinator was promoted to West Coast Regional Coordinator, Rich was an obvious choice to step up in the vacant role. In March 2015, Rich was promoted to the role of San Diego Local Coordinator.
Rich, and volunteer Christy, at the San Diego Humane Society Walk for Animals, one of his many DoD events.
Since taking over his new role, Rich has put his full force behind the growth and success of the San Diego Chapter. Managing six major events in only four months, including arranging a booth at the Celebrity Championship Golf Tournament in Racho Sante Fe, Ca, Rich has made Dogs on Deployment a well-known name in the San Diego area. Rich’s networking has led to many important connections in the San Diego area; including integration with the San Diego Navy MWR and City of Santee.
Not only has Rich been a motivated and reliable volunteer, but he is an honorable person. He understands the meaning of team work, and is constantly seeking ways to assist the organization in methods beyond the expectations set forth in his volunteer position. He is a respected member of the team not only by his own volunteers, but also by the Board of Directors. He willingly seeks additional responsibility, offers his attendance to many smaller events and public appearance to represent Dogs on Deployment, and demonstrates a genuine passion for the organization’s mission.
Due to his hard work, contagious positivity, and strong dedication, Dogs on Deployment is sincerely proud to call Rich a team member of Dogs on Deployment, and excited to award him Volunteer of the Quarter.
Rich being awarded by Alisa and Shawn Johnson, President and Vice President of Dogs on Deployment.
