About the Program
Established in 2019, the Veterinary Valor Program recognizes the unbreakable bond that exists between animals and those who are on the front lines or who have experienced combat.
By providing assistance with veterinary care at the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital (VMTH), the funds that make up the program are designed to help:
- pets or service animals owned by
- veterans, or
- current and veteran emergency responders;
- K-9s that assist police officers and emergency responders, and
- retired military working dogs.
The animal must be a patient of the VMTH and must have the treatment performed at the VMTH. VMTH administration will have the final determination of who receives funds based upon the fund’s criteria and according to Texas A&M University guidelines and internal protocols.
Dimitri del Castillo Fund
About the Fund
The Veterinary Valor Fund in Memory of Dimitri del Castillo was established by Linda McCormick to support clients of the Texas A&M VMTH who are:
- veterans (with a preference for registered service animals), or
- owners of a retired military working dog, and
- who qualify for additional support.
Background
Born in 1987, Dimitri was a beloved student of Linda McCormick’s at Nottingham Country Elementary School.
In 2009, he graduated from the U.S. Military Academy and was commissioned as a lieutenant with the Army, and later became a U.S. Army Ranger.
On June 25, 2011, Dimitri was killed in combat. For actions during his service, he earned several awards including the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, and the Army Commendation Medal.
Agdar, a bomb-sniffing dog, was also killed in the mission. At a memorial service for the fallen, his collar was displayed and he was honored for the job he performed.
Gary Sinise Foundation Fund
About the Fund
The Gary Sinise Foundation Veterinary Valor Fund was established by the Gary Sinise Foundation to support animals in the care of the Texas A&M VMTH who are:
- retired military working dogs, or
- owned by
- veterans, or
- emergency responders, and
- who qualify for additional support.
Background
The Gary Sinise Foundation was established under the philanthropic direction of actor Gary Sinise.
Because of his awareness of the gaps of care these deserving heroes often encounter, he was inspired to serve them with the creation of the foundation. It now supports all those who sacrifice on our behalf.
“These service members and first responders have already done their part.…And it is our great privilege, through the trust of the American people and the support given to us, to do our part to give something back to them.” — Gary Sinise
Help for K-9 Heroes Fund
About the Fund
The Help for K-9 Heroes Fund was established by the Stacy LeBlanc, ’85 to support the Texas A&M VMTH in its care of K-9s and other working dogs, who are:
- police dogs,
- explosive/accelerant-detection K-9s,
- search and rescue dogs, and
- who qualify for additional support.
Background
Stacy LeBlanc, ’85 has a career in laboratory animal medicine and is no stranger to the Texas A&M VMTH.
She enjoys participating in law enforcement citizens’ academies where she’s developed a love for working dogs.
So, after accompanying a friend to the VMTH when their dog needed treatment, where she had a chance meeting with a development director, she started the Help for K-9 Heroes Fund.
Understanding that some agencies might not have the resources to send their working dogs to Texas A&M for emergency or specialized care, Stacy decided to give back to these animals who do so much for all of us.
Additional support for the funds in this program is greatly appreciated as it allows the VMTH to help as many animals as possible and ultimately ensures brighter tomorrows for the heroes that walk (and wag) among us.
Need Assistance?
Do you need financial assistance to help care for your animal at the Texas A&M VMTH? Do you or your animal meet the criteria? We invite you to apply for assistance from the Veterinary Valor Program.
Contact the Office of Development, Alumni, & Client Relations :
Tel. 979.845.9043 • Fax 979.862.3104 • vetmed.tamu.edu/giving
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