He likewise understands how costly it is to train a service dog, which is why he is so happy with the efforts of his district to support regional service dog fitness instructors and suppliers.
Already in 2023, the 16th District American Legion Family has actually raised more than $60,000 for 2 nonprofits. Around $37,000 existed just recently at an American Legion Riders district conference, however Nestler worried that this type of effort needs a total Legion Family effort.
“This money came from the work that the Legion, the Riders, the Auxiliary and the Sons put in. It’s a combined effort,” said Nestler, a member of Post 46 in Tarpon Springs. “They are dedicated. The motivation, the enthusiasm, the caring. Everybody I talk to, I tell them, ‘People don’t care how much you know until you show them how much you care.’ And that’s why we’re here.”
So far this year, Legion Family members at Madeira Beach Post 273 have actually raised $25,000, while Post 173’s Legion Family in Holiday contributed another $20,000. Nestler said Post 173 has actually supplied 39 service dogs through its years of contributions.
The 2 service dog programs the district assistances are:
· K9 Partners for Patriots, which is based out of Brooksville, Fla., and is an expert service dog training for military veterans with PTSD, terrible brain injury (TBI), and military sexual injury (MST); and
· Palmetto, Fla.’s, Southeastern Guide Dogs, which offers elite guide dogs, service dogs, and knowledgeable buddy dogs for individuals with vision loss, veterans with impairments, and kids with substantial difficulties.
Nestler said both nonprofits have actually brought veterans using their dogs to Legion Family conferences, which assists make the objective struck closer to home.
“These dogs (cost) like $10,000 each,” Nestler said. “But we see the impact they make. Raising this amount of money, it’s a blessing. It’s the whole reason why I’m doing what I do. I want to give back to the veterans and help the veterans. And the district believes in this program. They believe in the dogs.”
The 2 canine programs aren’t the only recipients of the 16th District’s assistance. Last November, members of the districts Legion Riders and other Legion Family members made the 300-mile big salami to provide around $70,000 in money contributions and other essential products to victims of Hurricane Ida living in Lake Placid. The district likewise has actually handled to land in top place in the department subscription standings.
“(The district) is really pulling together,” Nestler said. “They know why we are here. We talk about it. It’s a blessing to see these amazing things. It’s a way of life. And I can tell you now that we won’t stop.”
