Special Projects

Department Commander Jeff Walding's Special Project has two (parts). The first part is New Jersey's Veterans Assistance Program. Since its inception in 2017, this program has benefitted Veterans in need. The second part is the Joint Special Project with the VFW Auxiliary, Paws Healing Heroes. 

The Paws Healing Heroes program was established by Glassboro, New Jersey native, Mark Eberle. Mark is an Army Veteran.

Mark's mission is to raise money, through community events, in order to provide service dogs to Veterans in need. These service dogs are primarily found in rescue shelters. "My hope is to rescue dogs that need forever homes and have them determined eligible to enter a training program. The training program enables them to be certified to work with Veterans depending on the needs they have. Knowing that I am able to help and give back to fellow Veterans helps me as much as the dog and the Veteran in need" said Eberle.

The results of the Paws Healing Heroes program have proven to be successful. We've seen immediate changes in the Veterans to whom we have given back. Their demeanor and ability to focus on allowing the dog to do his/her job has made them feel more comfortable with their day-to-day lifestyle. The average cost to rescue, train and present a service dog to a Veteran is $4,000 - $11,000.

For more information, visit pawshealingheroes.org