Shelter To Soldier Founder Receives 2016 'Waggy' Award In Honor And Memory Of Fallen Military Hero's

SAN DIEGO - May 20, 2016 - PRLog -- Graham Bloem, Founder of non-profit organization Shelter to Soldier, was the recipient of the 2016 Waggy Award for community service at a star-studded celebration in Hollywood earlier this year. Bloem accepted the award on behalf of all U.S. military veterans and chose to announce the award coindciding wtih the upcoming Memorial Day holiday in memory and honor of all military service members that sacrificed their lives for our beloved Country. "Memorial Day is a day we set aside to remember and honor our fallen heroes that gave everything for our Country and our freedom. However, in my opinion, one day isn't enough. So, we have dedicated our lives to honoring and supporting our service members every day", Bloem remarked. Waggy Award Event VIP event hosts included actress Linda Blair (presenter), co-hosts Clive Pearson and Lisa LaPorta, Ane Valez-Mitchell, Harvey Levin, Congressman Adam Schiff and Los Angeles City Council Member Mitch O'Farrell. Proceeds from the Waggy Awards support various animal rescue organizations in and around Southern California.

To position the work of STS in perspective, every day on average, twenty-two (22) U.S. veterans and one (1) active duty service member commit suicide (Department of Veteran Affairs) and an average of 3200 dogs are euthanized every day in the U.S. In the past year alone, the number of diagnosed cases of PTSD in the military jumped 50% and this represents cases that have been diagnosed. Studies estimate that one in every five military personnel returning from Iraq and Afghanistan is suffering from PTSD. STS not only rescues shelter dogs, but also places them in meaningful service with U.S. military veterans suffering from psychological afflictions.

"We're tremendously excited to, once again, present the Waggy Awards, which brings together dog lovers throughout the region," said Todd Warner, president and founder of The TailWaggers Foundation.  "We take great pride knowing that we are saving the lives of many pets because the rescues simply do not have the budget to treat all of the animals that come through their doors. Sadly, in many cases, bringing an injured dog or cat back to a state of health can mean the difference between finding it a good home and euthanization. Graham Bloem exemplifies not only dedication to the animal rescue community but also the U.S. veteran community in providing pro bono support to these two constituents."

Graham Bloem is also the recipient of the prestigious 10News Leadership Award andShelter to Soldier is accredited by the Patriots Initiative as well as a Gold Participant of GuideStar, the preeminent non-profit accreditation organization in the U.S. The cost of a dog's journeythrough the STS program is on average is $12,000.00 and includes adoption, safe housing, medical care, training, equipment, food, grooming, treats, toys, supplements, testing and certifications, liability insurance, handler training, and graduation materials for the veteran. The services Shelter to Soldier provide for free to veterans and animals rescued from shelters fulfill the mission of this non-profit organization by "Saving Lives, Two at a Time". Visit http://www.sheltertosoldier.org or call 855-CUS-TMK9 (855-287-8659) for a confidential interview regarding veteran eligibility or charitable support.