Catlett Veteran Honored Nationally for #StillServing Community

Catlett veteran Christopher Baity is being honored for dedication to country and community in the VFW #StillServing campaign. The national Veterans of Foreign Wars campaign recognizes veterans who continue to serve in their community after the military.

A former U.S. Marine dog handler and kennel master, Baity and his wife founded Semper K9 Assistance Dogs in 2014 to help other veterans. After the military, Baity struggled to find a purpose for his life. He continued his connection to the K9 world by training service dogs but wanted to help other veterans who may be struggling like him. That was when he decided to start his nonprofit. Through Semper K9 Assistance Dogs Baity trains rescued and donated dogs to become service dogs for disabled veterans without charging the thousands of dollars it normally costs, or any fees at all.

Baity’s organization has now trained and placed nearly 100 dog teams, but he says if just one veteran were helped he would feel like his sacrifices and combat experiences in Iraq and Afghanistan were worth it.

VFW is proud to recognize Christopher Baity in the VFW #StillServing campaign.

#StillServing campaign video:

DID YOU KNOW:

• Veterans average nearly 30 percent more volunteer hours per year.
• Nearly 40 percent more veterans belong to a group working on community issues.
• Veterans are more like to be registered to vote (7 percent) and have recently voted (6 percent).
• Veterans outpace civilians 15 percent in charitable donations.

2021 Veterans Civic Health Index [ncoc.org]