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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 14, 2009 No. 09-048 Kansas Soldier takes Puppies Behind Bars recovery journey to the Oprah Winfrey ShowKansas National Guard soldier Sgt. Allen Hill from Ottawa, Kan will be appearing on the Oprah Winfrey Show on Friday, May 15, (airing at 4 p.m. in most locations) highlighting his participation in the Puppies Behind Bars program. Hill was injured when he deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom with the 731st Transportation Company. His situation serves as an example of recovery efforts for service members injured in combat overseas. Injured by an improvised explosive device while on patrol in Iraq, Hill returned home with lasting invisible injuries. The explosion left Hill with a traumatic brain injury and he now suffers from post traumatic stress disorder. But Hill is not alone in his recovery. He now has “Frankie” by his side to help alleviate some of the side affects and foster recovery. Frankie is a yellow Labrador retriever service dog serving as a recovery companion. Frankie was trained by Puppies Behind Bars, an organization which trains inmates to raise puppies to become service dogs for the disabled and explosive detection canines for law enforcement. Hill was nominated by PBB to represent their efforts after visiting the inmate in New York who trained Frankie. “Getting to see the work and love the inmates pour into these animals, and then give them up is amazing,” said Hill. “That in itself was a huge tear-jerking moment” As Hill and his wife rolled up to the prison, Frankie perked up a bit, waiting for the car door to open. Frankie knew where she was and forged ahead as soon as she hopped from the car. While the meeting served as a reunion for Frankie and her trainer, Hill also hoped it would provide some closure. He wanted to ensure this inmate knew his contributions made a difference and an impact beyond the prison walls. Now, months later, Hill and Frankie are inseparable as they continue his journey toward recovery together. And he hopes other service members will conquer fears of seeking help for combat injuries. “I hope people out there realize there are troops out there that need help,” said Hill. “And that troops get over the stigma of seeking mental help.” From his experiences with his own journey to recovery, Hill reassures his fellow service members that the stigma of appearing weak or losing their enlistment from seeking help isn’t something to fear. “No, it’s not going to be like that. They need to get out there and get the help they need so they can reclaim their lives and regain themselves.” As for his experience with Oprah, Hill described it as surreal. “She couldn’t get her questions out because she was busy sobbing,” he said. Hill’s service in Iraq with the 731st Transportation Company occurred during 2007. He currently serves with Company E, 2nd Battalion, 137th Infantry Regiment.-30- For more information on Puppies Behind Bars visit their website at http://www.puppiesbehindbars.com Follow the Kansas Adjutant General’s Department on Twitter at http://twitter.com/KSAdjutantGen |
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