CAREGIVING TLC

By Kie Copenhaver CSA, RHIA, SHSS, RCFE www.agingwellpartners.com

Courage and Service

Chips, a German Shepard mix, is the only animal to receive the Purple Heart Medal. Man’s best friend for sure, Chips helped his squadron capture 10 Italians during World War II leading to his receiving the Purple Heart for this courageous and heroic deed.

The Purple Heart Medal is the oldest military decoration on record, originating in 1780 as the Fidelity Medallion by the Continental Congress. In 1782, President George Washington created the Badge of Military Merit, which later became known as the Purple Heart, stating its purpose as:

“to cherish a virtuous ambition in his soldiers, as well as to foster and encourage every species of Military Merit…whenever any singularly meritorious action is performed, the author of it shall be permitted to wear…over his left breast, the figure of a heart in purple cloth…Not only instances of unusual gallantry but also of extraordinary fidelity and essential service…shall be met with a due award.”

After Chips, the German Shepard mix, received his Purple Heart Medal, it was never awarded to another animal according to multiple news sources. Animals are recognized for their heroic actions while serving with military men and women by the nonprofit organization, American Humane, based in Washington, D.C.

In addition to awarding well-deserved medals to the animals assisting our active service men and women, this and many other organizations nationwide offer a service dog program to those military personnel needing additional assistance. As our veterans transition back to civilian life, a specially trained service animal can assist them with things like Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), anxiety reduction, seizure detection, as well as many other medical conditions. These service animals are trained in everything from maneuvering obstacles and tricky terrains, detecting and protecting those with seizure disorders, and interrupting PTSD-related night terrors to working within military healthcare facilities, visiting patients to provide comfort, emotional support, and to enhance the healing process.

So, hats off to all our service members – past and present – with a special thank you to those men and women who received the Purple Heart Medal for courageously and unselfishly putting themselves in harm’s way to ensure our freedoms endure today.

A special thanks goes out to our four-legged service members who stand next to our military men and women, ready and willing to serve their country, regardless of the dangers they may face - Chips, Sergeant Stubby (bull terrier mutt, WWI ), Rags (mixed breed terrier, WWI), and Staff Sergeant Reckless (war horse, Korean War) serve as honorable examples. And last but certainly not least, a salute to the countless other service animals who assist our veterans through service and companionship.