Tillamook Veteran Honored by VFW for #StillServing in the Community

Tillamook veteran Kristopher Torrey and his service dog Gunner are being honored for dedication to country and community in the VFW #StillServing campaign.

After serving as a US Marine and federal police officer for the Army, Torrey suffered from severe PTSD, depression and suicidal thoughts. His wife suggested a service dog so he contacted Paws Assisting Veterans where he was approved and placed with Gunner.

Torrey says without Gunner he could not leave his house or interact in society. Together, the team raises money for Paws Assisting Veterans, increases awareness of service dogs and how they help veteran PTSD and volunteer with Masons, Shriners, Disabled American Veterans and VFW.

Torrey is passionate about #StillServing and feels blessed that he has his service dog Gunner to enable him to do so.

The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) launched #StillServing, a campaign to highlight the many ways America’s veterans continue to serve in their local communities after transitioning from the military, in February 2020. What started as an awareness campaign has become a social movement as veterans across the country continue to step up to share stories of how they are still serving. More than 1,000 veterans’ stories have been shared through news coverage, website features and magazine and newsletter articles.

Veterans volunteer more time in their communities, according to a recent civic health survey* of veterans. The same study showed veterans donate to charities, register to vote, and are involved in their communities and local government at a greater rate than their civilian counterparts.

The VFW urges Americans to visit vfw.org/StillServing to learn more about the campaign, make a shareable image honoring veterans in their lives, watch videos of VFW members making a difference and see a collection of user-generated content.
*2021 Veterans Civic Health Index