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Subscribe to RSSEven though he has retired from military service, Irwin Stovroff continues to act heroically, helping injured vets recover by raising millions to sponsor guide dog training. NBC's Special Correspondent Chelsea Clinton reports.
By Mary Murray
NBC News
Boca Raton, Fla.
Irwin Stovroff is a true American hero – not only for what he did 70 years ago, but for what he accomplishes today.
During World War II, the 20-year-old airman was on his 35th bombing mission when the enemy shot down his B-24 Liberator over German-occupied France.
In Stovroff's home a photo hanging on the wall shows the exact moment his plane nosedived to the ground, billowing smoke. In the picture, taken by an airman flying in another bomber, tiny white dots depict the 10 crewmen who parachuted to the ground.
He remembers being scared and "cursing Hitler all the way down."
Landing right behind enemy lines, Stovroff and his crew were immediately captured by German forces. "This was one time I really did not think I was going to make it," he said.
He believes quick thinking helped save him. Stovroff said he threw away the dog tags that identified him as Jewish, and spent the next year in a Nazi POW camp before being freed by Russian forces. Upon returning to the U.S., Stovroff earned the Air Medal, the Purple Heart, and eventually, the Distinguished Flying Cross.
Knowing first-hand the horrors of war, the 89-year-old is now on a new mission -- helping wounded soldiers.
After learning that the federal government has no program to match injured soldiers with service dogs, Stovroff started a charity in 2007 called Vets Helping Heroes. Since then, he’s raised $3 million to supply vets with seeing-eye and therapy dogs.
"I really recognize what a dog can mean, what a dog can do for somebody," he told NBC’s “Nightly News.” "The dog is a true lifesaver."
The highly trained service dog, Stovroff said, can give the wounded warrior "mobility, independence and a companionship that he can't get from any other way."
Lt. Col. Kathy Champion served with distinction for 27 years and commanded a special combat unit in Iraq. After, returning home, she went blind from a mysterious virus she contracted in Iraq that attacked her spinal cord. At first, Champion shut herself off from family and friends.
Joseph Jones, Jr., a Vietnam War veteran, spends some quality time with guide dog Bruce, at the West Palm Beach VA Medical Center in Florida.
"I became a hermit in my own house," she said. "I quit school. I quit my job. I quit being social. I didn't want to talk to anybody. I stopped answering phone calls from my son and daughter. I didn't tell anybody what was wrong. I didn't want anyone to know I wasn't the soldier I had been."
Concerned friends forced her out of her shell and she applied for a service dog from Southeastern Guide Dogs, one of the country's leading training facilities.
Stovroff’s charity donated thousands of dollars to sponsor the dog, and Champion spent 26 days living and training with "Angel" at the facility's Florida campus. She described it as a "life-changing" event.
These cute puppies are in training and will eventually become service dogs for disabled veterans. NBC's Chelsea Clinton has the story on NBC "Nightly News with Brian Williams."
"She has granted me back the life that I felt was taken from me," the army veteran said about her yellow Labrador retriever.
Last year, Champion and Angel hiked the Grand Canyon. "She has taught me to trust," Champion said.
Stovroff also raised the funds to give retired Master Sgt. Mark Gwathmey a lifeline named "Larry."
After three tours of combat duty in Iraq, Gwathmey was constantly exposed to mortar fire and Improvised Explosive Devices that left the soldier with serious medical problems, including Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, a brain injury and severe seizures. Some days the seizures lasted up to eight hours.
"There were times he couldn't walk, couldn't talk. He didn't know who he was, who I was," his wife, Carolyn Gwathmey, recalled.
Life, she said, was so "dark and miserable" she feared her husband would take his own life. "As much love and support his family gave him, it wasn't enough," she said.
Larry not only gave her husband back his life, she said, but also saved his life.
"Larry gave him whatever humans couldn't," Carolyn said.
It’s much more than companionship. Larry can sense when Gwathmey will have a seizure, even hours before it happens, and the dog alerts the family and stands guard over Gwathmey, Carolyn said.
"If Mark tries to stand up, Larry gently forces him back on to the bed," she said.
This degree of training, however, does not come cheap. Costs to train a Southeastern Guide Dog can run as high as $70,000.
Dr. Michael Silverman from the West Palm Beach VA Medical Center argues that the value of a service dogs is priceless. He's speaking in particular about one loveable black lab named Bruce who roams the hospital halls and visits with World War II and Vietnam War veterans.
Bruce started out in the strenuous program at Southeastern but, like 50 percent of the dogs initially chosen to train as guide dogs, he didn't make the grade.
Even so, Bruce possesses a very special quality, so Stovroff sponsored him for another service career: Bruce is a hugger, all 62 pounds of him. He likes to lay his head on a patient's bed or on the patient's legs if the person is in a wheelchair. Bruce is also trained to give a proper hug, gently placing his paws on a patient's shoulders. At the moment, he's also learning how to give his paw for a more traditional handshake.
"Bruce has a calming effect with his unconditional, non-judgmental love. Patients become less agitated when Bruce is around. They look forward to his visits. He adds to the spirit of the day. He especially helps our vets who are a little afraid to interact with other people," Dr. Silverman said.
The use of therapy dogs to help soldiers heal both the visible and invisible wounds of war is not a new technique, he added. "The American Red Cross, after World War II, used pets in convalescent homes, to help our troops. So, this relationship goes back many, many years and it's a win-win."
Stovroff says every returning soldier in need of a service dog should be provided with one. And while he lobbies for federal funding for canine therapy, he's continuing to make a difference in the lives of more than 80 newly-wounded soldiers from Iraq and Afghanistan. He calls his program "The Gift of Life."
"America needs to do more for the troops," Stovroff said. "It's our turn to fight for them."
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I recently saw a bumper sticker that says it all .... "Who Rescued Who"
I recently saw a bumper sticker that says it all ... "Who Rescued Who"
Perfectly said.
to bad we don't have more programs out there that train these dogs. one of the prisons near where i live trains dog for basic living (house breaking , basic commands).
i wonder if someone couldn't train these prisoners to train dogs for this purpose. the prisoners that are currently training dogs near me are lifers.
You might want to mention that to the person in the prison that heads the program. I posted a little under you... and I have my animal, that i purchased for my husband with PTSD, certified as a "Therapy dog", and that enables him to take her anywhere. The requirements are a basic and advanced obedience course. His needs are just the calming effect of the animal. I am sure there are tons of Vets out there that would benefit.
Mr. Stovroff, thank you very much for your service to our country that you've carried on throughout your life. You, sir, are a true champion. The amazing dogs of service are heroes in every way. My respect and thanks to all involved in such a wonderful endeavor.
What a beautiful story!
Dogs all around! Good show Mr. Stovroff!
Woof, Woof, Woof!
Thank you, Mary Murray, for this story. It warmed the cockles of my heart.
What a priceless gift Mr.Stovroff has given these vets.. I know how my beloved pets make me feel.. May God Bless these wonderful pets and their owners who have given so much for this country..hugs
I have a dog and cats too. I also have a very bad back from physical abuse when I was married. When I am in severe pain and depressed about having the pain my "babies" are always there to comfort me. They know when I am hurting and snuggle with me, work hard to chher me up when I am down. I trust them more than most people I know! I am so grateful to Mr. Stovroff and his efforts to help our military and may God bless him!
Beautifully said :)
It is rare when I have met someone who doesn't really like animals. I don't trust anyone who feels that way.
Can you believe some think a dog has no soul because it is an animal?
hopefully this sort of treatment will reformulate the mind and keep returning vets from murdering people back home
Great story!!
Most all the comments on this thread are refreshingly positive and I can't find much else to add that hasn't already been said! Dogs are the most amazing animals. I love coming home to my pup each evening. He's so full of joy and love - even if I've had a crappy day, he always makes me smile!
I would love working to train these wonderful animals to be support dogs..... must look into this further!
THANK YOU Mr. Stovroff for bringing your vision to life and making it work! You're wonderful!
I am retired and live alone. A year ago I got a "rescue" dog -- a young Black Lab. At first, he was so frightened and out of control that he tore up the bottom of a door, tipped over the computer desk, and chewed up the vinyl tiles in the entryway. I was to the point of trying to find him a different home, thinking he'd never change. Then, one night my doorbell rang and when I opened the door a guy immediately stuck his foot against the door jamb and started talking very fast. Big Dog immediately stood between us and growled. The guy asked if he would bite, and I said, "Yes! He'll chew your head off!" The guy's menacing attitude turned to terror and he turned and ran. Needless to say, Big Dog stayed with me.
I later moved to live next to my brother who is a Vietnam Vet with PTSD. Big Dog spends most of the day with him, and my brother has actually started to laugh and enjoy life. He will throw the ball for Big Dog and take him for walks. If he goes into one of those silent black funks, Big Dog puts his paws on his legs and whines until brother gets up to go play with him.
The "untrainable" dog that I nearly tried to find another home for turned out to be an angel in disguise!
My husband is a Vet with PTSD and about a million other diseases directly related to his time in Vietnam. The saving grace for us was a day I stopped at a store to buy goldfish for our outdoor ponds, after a doctor's visit. He was so ill, and so close to dying. The doctor that day did his dictation in front of us, into his computer program. He described him as cadaverous, and extremely emaciated. Actually compared him to concentration camp survivors. My husbands eyes lit up when he stopped at a glass enclosure with a pug pup. The store has marked the puppy extremely down, as she was 4 months old, and no one had taken her home. He did not notice that... he just saw her... and fell in love... I asked if we could play with her. My husband sat, and laughed as I had not heard in a year. The little pup nibbled on his fingers, and licked his hands.... I did not even ask him if it wanted her... I offered them half of the sale price. They took it. His eyes... when he knew this pup was his... totally priceless... That was 3 years ago. She is never far from his side. She literally is stuck to him like glue. Even pressing against him when he sleeps. He is too weak to be able to lift her. She can't jump high enough to get into bed with him. We figured all that out. He has someone that he can tell anything too. No judgement, and all the time in the world. She is there, every second. She needs food and taken outside... he does it all, except for baths... that is just too much for him. He can't breath, bending over the bathtub. He does wait for her, so he can dry her off. Yes, yell all you want at me. I bought a dog from a pet store. I view it more as rescuing my husband. I was terrified he was going to take the whole bottle of pain pills one day, when I had to leave for a short while to shop. I no longer fear that at all. He is alive... and enjoying his life. I just wish we would have had this animal sooner.
Kat, that brought tears to my eyes. Bless you for your love and understanding of your husband, and bless your Pug for bringing him happiness!
Absolutely beautiful!!! I haven't cried like that in years, not since i lost my Mother. Thank you for sharing, and for rescuing not only the pug, but your husband and Hero.
I'm sorry Katt, i had meant this comment for you, but it placed it in Jans box? So, if you are still around read it. Thank you so much for that story.
I see it D from Spencer... and it is in line with Jan's comment... as I type this... hubby is cuddling with pug while I figure out dinner... wonderful site to my eyes...
I'm sorry. I had to stop reading these posts as i cant see thru the tears. I too am a disabled vet. Although i am not service connected, my disability came from a jeep accident while serving in S. Korea. I want to thak Mr. Stavroff, and everyone associated with this and any other vet related services. THANK YOU ALL!!!! This story brought tears to my eyes and i cant wait for the nightly news to hear more. Thank the dogs for me, would ya?
Thank you for caring Great article Nice to see something Good in the world
Irwin Stovroff is a true American hero. So are these dogs.
The dogs I have been blessed to care for have made and saved my life. Because they have reached the capacity for true unconditional love, I really wonder if they are not closer to god than man.
What a wonderful story. It's so heartwarming to know someone is out there helping our vets live normal productive lives.
Great job Chelsea! Watched u grow up to be a lovely, composed young lady :)
The value of animal companionship, the love you get FROM your pet is immeasurable. Animals are even being used in rehabilitating criminals. My pet is my heart, he is my baby & i'm glad I rescued him from a shelter, because he rescued me from myself.
Exactly how I feel :)
Great, inspiring story of America's support of American heroes. My enjoyment of the story was lessened by Chelsea Clinton, as she is, to put it bluntly, a terrible reporter. I would like to see NBC employing real, dedicated reporters- not hiring someone simply for the name she inherited. As a young adult, I find it very disappointing to see employers recognizing a family name instead of true talent and aspiration.
E. Koch, AGREE with you. Sheneeds to study and learn how to do journalism. I don't think you can just pickup Journalism by osmosis.v
What is the name of the organization. Really, what a huge mistake. Did Chelsea forget this is dinner time but I did not hear of a site we could donate to. I am so upset by this omission.
Irwin's foundation is Vets Helping Heroes, they raise money and give it to service dog organizations. We received Larry from America's VetDogs. VetDogs is located in New York and grew from the Guidedog Foundation. VetDogs gave us Larry for free. The only cost to receive a service dog from VetDogs is to have honorably served your country. It truly is a gift for life and a gift of life.
www.vetdogs.org
www.vetshelpingheroes.com
Two different names. which one is correct one?
Www.vetshelpingheroes.org OR
Www.Guidedogs.org
Way to kill impulsive desire to donate that causes most people to donate.
Chelsea , correct organization, whichever one it is, should be royally angry with you.
They are different organizations.
Irwin's foundation is Vets Helping Heroes, they raise money and give it to service dog organizations. Their website is: www.vetshelpingheroes.com
We received Larry from America's VetDogs. VetDogs gave us Larry for free. The only cost to receive a service dog from VetDogs is to have honorably served your country. It truly is a gift for life and a gift of life. Their website is: www.vetdogs.org
Southeastern Guide Dogs website is: www.guidedogs.org
Irwin has raised millions of dollars and has donated money to both organizations. I hope this helps.
www.vetdogs.org
www.vetshelpingheroes.com
Mamere from jax - Southeastern Guide Dogs was the organization most prominently featured in the piece. We are one of only 12 accredited guide dog schools in the US and the only one in the south. Our Paws for Patriots program provides guide dogs to visually impaired veterans (Lt. Col. Ret. Kathy Champion in the piece received Angel from us), veteran assistance dogs to veterans suffering from the consequences of PTSD, and Facility Therapy Dogs (Bruce is one of ours) to military facilities to support our wounded warriors as they recover. We provide all of our services at no charge, thanks to the generous support of donors and organizations such as Vets Helping Heroes and Irwin Stovroff.
If you are interested in getting involved, you may find more information at www.guidedogs.org. We are also on Facebook and Twitter (@SEGuideDogs and @DogGuideTrainer). Thank you!