March 25, 2016 - When veterans come back from deployment, reentry into society is very often extremely difficult. They are faced with the task of fitting into society again. They have been conditioned by both training, and then many battles, to only trust their fellow soldiers. When they then try to transition into normal life they are surrounded by danger, loud noises, constant ‘threats’, hideous memories of death and people dying, and no longer protected by their friends in combat. The statistics show that TWENTY-TWO current and former soldiers a day find suicide the only way out of their nightmare. Fortunately one way it’s now been discovered for them to be able to relax and begin to trust again is with a service dog. It’s believed, that by having a constant companion and protector, it is helpful with their recovery.
(Left) Matthew Matlock & Willis
The Mariposa County SPCA presented a program on Wednesday, March 16, 2016 featuring one of those returning veterans, Matthew Matlock, and his dog, Willis. Willis was a gift to Matt from the ‘Labs for Liberty’ organization, an organization started by Dr. Joan Nold and her husband, Roger. ‘Labs for Liberty’ train service dogs and provides a beautiful retreat house for veterans and their families, all free of charge. The retreat, called Liberty Outpost, offers a stress free, quiet environment on the Nold’s property in Morgan Utah, where vets and their families can get to know their dog, and experience the benefits of loving a dog.
Matthew Matlock was born in Mariposa, the son of Doug Matlock and Nancy Miller. Currently he is attending the Haas Business School at the University of California at Berkeley, where Willis also attends every class. He served as an Air Force Combat Controller through multiple deployments in Afghanistan. This is the Special Ops branch of the Air Force called the Red Berets. The Combat Controller fights on the ground, controls air support and rescue activities during combat. Matlock received three bronze stars, one with Valor, for his heroism during combat. Matthew talked about his deployments, the difficulty of returning home, and the positive difference his dog Willis makes in his life.
Matt and Willis demonstrated the techniques Willis uses to interrupt Matt’s anxiety attacks and nightmares. Dr. Joan Nold asks for input from family members about specific physical mannerisms the vet displays which indicate a PTSD episode. She then trains each puppy to respond to those movements, tones of voice, or signs of distress. Willis wakes Matt up when he is having a nightmare by licking his face.
Dr. Joan Nold and Roger talked about the history of ‘Labs for Liberty,’ the number of dogs that have been provided to veterans and answered audience questions.
‘Labs for Liberty’ has saved vets lives, the lives of their families, lives within the communities where vets live, and therefore benefitted all of us. We are all grateful for the gift veterans give us when they are willing to serve our country. We are also, every one of us, responsible for supporting them in their return to civilian life.
SST article with contributions by Pat Stacy.
Click here for more information on Labs for Liberty
