Wounded Warrior’s Assistance Dog Honored as “Dog of the Year”
Serco Inc., a provider of professional, technology, and management services to the federal government, sends its congratulations to Archie, a black Labrador assistance dog who was honored as “Dog of the Year” by The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) for his daily assistance to Serco’s employee and Army Veteran, former Sergeant Clay Rankin as he is a Wounded Warrior who serves other Army Wounded, Ill or Injured Warriors.
Reston, VA (Vocus/PRWEB ) October 31, 2009 -- Serco Inc., a provider of professional, technology, and management services to the federal government, sends its congratulations to Archie, a black Labrador assistance dog who was honored as “Dog of the Year” by The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) for his daily assistance to Serco’s employee and Army Veteran, former Sergeant Clay Rankin as he is a Wounded Warrior who serves other Army Wounded, Ill or Injured Warriors. The ASPCA ceremony recognizing Archie and other animal heroes that have demonstrated extraordinary efforts, as well as individuals who made a significant impact in the lives of animals during the past year, took place in New York City on October 29, 2009.
A true four-legged hero, Archie is an eight-year-old black Labrador retriever trained by Patriot Paws, who serves as an assistance dog and social lifeline for Mr. Rankin. While serving in Iraq with the 220th Military Police Company, an element of the Colorado National Guard, Clay sustained head and spinal injuries, making it difficult for him to walk. Archie's loyalty and perseverance in helping Mr. Rankin accomplish his daily tasks has allowed the veteran to regain his confidence and independence as well as assist other Wounded Warriors.
In 2008, Mr. Rankin joined Serco as a Program Advocate to support the Army’s Wounded Warrior (AW2) Program so he could continue to serve the country and his fellow soldiers. A decorated veteran and Wounded Warrior himself, Mr. Rankin, together with Archie, visit West Virginia Veteran Administration Medical Centers to support severely wounded, injured or ill soldiers and their families.
“This program has given me a renewed purpose in life and I wouldn’t be able to do this without Archie,” said Clay Rankin. “Archie lifts the spirits and hopes of our soldiers, and that has changed so many lives.”
The Army Wounded Warrior (AW2) Program assists and advocates for the most severely wounded, injured and ill soldiers, veterans, and their families by providing personalized support for as long as it takes, wherever they are located – regardless of their military status. Personalized support is provided through more than 120 local AW2 Advocates who connect soldiers and veterans with resources and assist in their transition to life post-injury.
“We would like to thank Mr. Rankin and Archie for their dedicated service and congratulate them on the award,” said Steve Sultan, Serco’s Vice President of Career Transition. “The process of transitioning to life following an injury is made easier by people such as Clay and the programs that they support.”
About the AW2 Program
The Army Wounded Warrior Program (AW2) assists and advocates for the most severely wounded, injured and ill soldiers, veterans, and their families by providing personalized support for as long as it takes, wherever they are located – regardless of their military status. Personalized support is provided through more than 120 local AW2 Advocates who connect soldiers and veterans with resources and assist in their transition to life post-injury. For more information about the Army Wounded Warrior Program, visit www.AW2.army.mil or call 1-800-237-1336 toll-free.
About Patriot Paws
Patriot Paws, located in Rockwall, Texas, is a non-profit organization that trains service dogs to help disabled veterans live as independently as possible. The origination, founded by Lori Stevens, is operated by volunteers and trains service dogs through donations. For more information about Patriot Paws, please visit http://www.patriotpaws.org/
About Clay Rankin
Clay Rankin joined the U.S. Army in 1979 as a Military Police Officer. His career in the military spans a period of 24 years, with active duty in the National Guard and the Army Reserve. He also served for more than a decade in security and law enforcement. During that time, Mr. Rankin was awarded with a number of awards including the Bronze Star with Valor, and the Medal of Valor by the City of Northglenn, Colorado. In 2008, Mr. Rankin joined Serco as a Program Advocate to support the Army’s Wounded Warrior (AW2) Program.
About Serco Inc.
Serco Inc. is a leading provider of professional, technology, and management services focused on the federal government. We advise, define, develop, integrate, deliver, and maintain solutions that transform how clients achieve their missions. Our customer-first approach, robust portfolio of services, and global experience enable us to respond with solutions that achieve outcomes with value. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, Serco Inc. has approximately 11,500 employees, annual revenues of $1.4 billion, and is ranked as the 28th largest Federal Prime IT Contractor by Washington Technology. Serco Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Serco Group plc, a $6 billion international business that has helped transform government and public services around the world. More information about Serco Inc. can be found at www.serco-na.com .
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