LI's Paws Of War Helps Veterans Impacted By Hurricane Ian

NESCONSET, NY — Hurricane Ian ripped through parts of Florida, leaving people in desperate need of help. Veterans from Paws of War, who have risks and health issues to contend with, didn't hesitate to drop everything and rush to aid those in need, Paws of War announced in a news release.

One man they went to help is Mark Daniel, a U.S. Army Airborne veteran, who lives in one of the worst-hit areas in the hurricane's path. He would never ask for help for himself, but for his special needs son and elderly mother, he knew help was needed, according to Paws of War.

"Paws of War was made aware of Mark and his family and how dire their situation was, and then we heard that no relief had reached their area yet, we knew we had to get to them immediately," said Robert Misseri, co-founder and president of Paws of War, via news release. "So many of our veterans are struggling through these extreme conditions, and they are not used to asking for help, especially when so many others are in great need. We had to be there for Mark, and we are relieved to have been able to get through the flooded debris-covered streets with a generator and critical supplies such as food and water."

If you would like to help support Paws of War's Hurricane Ian relief efforts in Florida, you may donate here.

Like millions of people in Florida, Daniel's family was left without power and a home that had sustained substantial damage. While many people can go without electricity for a while, as it may be uncomfortable, it can be life-threatening for some people.

Daniel's son, Matthew, has advanced muscular dystrophy, his mother has dementia, and their elderly dog wasn't fairing well in the aftermath, according to Paws of War.

Matthew uses an electric wheelchair and specialized medical equipment as well as medicine that needs to be refrigerated, and without power, he was suffering and unable to get the help he needs, Paws of War stated. When the organization heard that Daniel's family was suffering so much, its team on the ground rushed in with a generator, gas, food, water and other emergency supplies to help.

The team worked to clear the walks and driveway of debris and showed Daniel he wasn’t alone and that people cared about him and his family. They also arranged for their dog to go to the veterinarian so he can keep providing love and comfort to the family. The roof of their family home was damaged by falling trees and the wall of the home collapsed during the hurricane, exposing their life's belongings and safety net to the elements.

"I just want to say thank you to everyone. It means so much to me,” Mark Daniel stated. “I have my mom and my son to take care of, and it has been so hard for me to do it all, to take care of them and get outside and clean up, and with not having power for my son's chair and everything, this help took so much of the pressure off of me.”

The most urgent need for Daniel's family has been met, but there is still work to do, according to the organization. Paws of War has committed to helping this veteran and his family. They will be supporting Daniel's family in rebuilding their home and lives. They also raised a new flag at the residence, giving the family a symbol of hope and strength.

"Everything we are doing for Mark and his family and the countless other people and pets suffering in Florida is being made possible through the compassionate support of our donors," Misseri said. "They are fueling our rescue mission, and every little bit makes a difference. We are doing everything we can to support our veterans who were the first to serve us, and helping them is the least we can do. The need in Florida is heartbreaking, some of the veterans are on oxygen or electric CPAP machines and we are reaching as many people as possible in these situations."

Paws of War has been operating worldwide since 2014, helping the military save the animals they rescue while deployed overseas. They have helped veterans with numerous issues, including suicide, service and support dogs, companion cats and dogs, food insecurity, veterinary care, and animal rescue for deployed military.

As the demand for Paws of War's services grew, traditional fundraisers like galas and golf outings were sidelined, putting a crimp in the needed funding to keep these services going. Paws of War has a large loyal following of supporters and said it looks forward to working with new corporate sponsors to support these life-saving programs running.