Brian Richardson has an appetite for helping others, including his fellow military veterans.
That explains why the former U.S. Army sergeant is hosting a hot dog meal cookout from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday on Veterans Day at the 25th Street Shopping Center parking lot to raise money for K9s For Warriors.
“I have never done anything like this before,” Richardson said. “So I have no idea what to expect.”
The nonprofit provides trained service dogs for military veterans fighting a variety of trauma, depression and injuries.
The organization quotes stats showing that roughly 20 veterans die by suicide every day.
“K9s For Warriors is determined to change that,” the website says.
The organization “exists because of a fierce dedication to saving the lives of both veterans and rescue dogs,” adding that the “program is backed by scientific research and empowers veterans who fought for our freedom.”
“I just thought this would be a good opportunity to support them, and build some awareness about them in the community as well,” Richardson said.
He served in the Army from 1982 to 1990. Years later, he remembers those who left the service a little less fortunate than him.
He thinks so highly of serving the country that his two-year-old, still-growing junk disposal business is called Veteran Hauling. He understands that former soldiers now living with a range of challenges cannot simply easily have those troubles hauled away the way that Richardson trucks off everything from debris to furniture.
K9s For Warriors shares a range of stories of veterans they have reached who were at the brink of suicide. Clinton Carter was a former Army air ambulance pilot who witnessed horrific injuries daily. When Carter returned home with post-traumatic stress disorder, he eventually tried twice to take his own life.
Eventually, a dog named Patriot was rescued from a Florida humane society to be trained for the ex-pilot. The German short-haired pointer ended up saving Carter’s life — and immediately giving him someone he could relate to without words when simple conversation with people was a struggle.
“The hardest thing I had to adjust to was just being a civilian,” Carter said.
Come Friday, Brian Richardson will prepare simple meals for a simple step of compassion — giving those who fought for freedom a whole new sense of it.
About the fundraiser
What: Hot dog meal cookout at 25th Street Shopping Center in Columbus on Veterans Day to benefit K9 For Warriors
When: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Cost: Donations accepted for the cause for a hot dog, chips and a drink.
Information: k9sforwarriors.org
