Hero Police Officer and Navy Veteran Completes 50 Marathons in 50 states for Paws of War

Paws of War, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting U.S. military veterans through the placement of highly trained service dogs and by rescuing animals from conflict zones overseas, honored Navy veteran and retired, disabled New York MTA Police Detective John Barnett, a true American hero. Barnet recently completed the remarkable achievement, finishing 50 marathons in 50 states.

Barnett’s 50-state marathon mission represents a remarkable personal accomplishment and deeply personal effort to raise awareness about Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and the life changing impact of service dogs. His journey highlights the critical and lifesaving role Paws of War plays in supporting veterans and first responders as they rebuild their lives following trauma.
NYS Senator Monica Martinez; Suffolk County elected officials including Comptroller John Kennedy; Clerk Vincent Puleo; Legislator & Chairman of Legislatures Veterans Committee Chad Lennon; Legislator Leslie Kennedy; Legislator Nick Caracappa; Legislator Sal Formica; SCPD Dep. Inspector Karen Kolsch; SCPD Sgt Ashley Dormer; Director SC Veterans Service Agency Marcelle Leis; and Officer Ralph Dimasi from the SCPD K9 Section.

“Paws of War saved my life, before I came to them, I was really struggling. Thanks to their support and the dogs and community that they have provided me with I have a new outlook. Running, for me is a way to manage my PTSD and raise awareness. Even if my efforts only encouraged one veteran to seek support it has been worth it,” said John Barnett.

“John is a true hero, and his dedication helped many veterans and others facing PTSD. His marathon mission took him years, making him a perfect example to others showing that with grit, determination and a commitment to a cause any challenges can be overcome. We are grateful for John and how he embraced and shared our message and mission across the nation,” said Robert Misseri, co-founder of Paws of War.

Barnett is a decorated veteran who served in the U.S. Navy from 1986 to 2010, beginning as a Navy Signalman 3rd Class and rising to Ship Navigator Officer O5 Commander after completing his education at SUNY Maritime Military College. His military service included deployments during the first Iraq War/Desert Storm (1991-1992) and Operation Enduring Freedom-Afghanistan (2005-2006).

Following his naval career, Barnett continued his commitment to public service as an NYPD and MTA Detective/Transit Officer. On July 4th, 2012, while serving with the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Officer Barnett was brutally attacked at a Jamaica, Queens subway station. The assailant, known as a "cop hater," stabbed Barnett in the eye with a knife. Despite being severely wounded, Officer Barnett stopped the attack and protected himself and fellow officers. He underwent more than six hours of surgery at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center and lost vision in his eye as a result of the assault.

The attack left Barnett with PTSD, but he found support through Paws of War, a nonprofit organization that provided him with two service dogs: Blue, a Weimaraner who is a Level 4 service dog, and Sky, a German shorthair pointer currently in Level 1 service dog training. These animals assist him with everyday tasks and help reduce his PTSD symptoms.

Barnett's marathon journey has also included running in the 2013 Boston Marathon, where he was just one mile from the finish line when the tragic bombing occurred.

For more information about Paws of War, please visit, www.pawsofwar.org.