Tillamook Veteran and Service Dog Honored for #StillServing

Tillamook veteran Kristopher Torrey and his service dog Gunner are being honored for dedication to country and community in the VFW #StillServing campaign. The national Veterans of Foreign Wars #StillServing (vfw.org/stillserving) campaign recognizes veterans who continue to serve in their community after the military.

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 Gunner to enable him to do so.

The VFW launched the #StillServing campaign 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.

VFW is pleased to recognize Torrey and Gunner in the VFW #StillServing campaign and invites all veterans to share their stories at vfw.org/stillserving.