Local Veteran and Service Dog Honored for #StillServing

Natalie Vines and her service dog Bugg who are being recognized in the national Veterans of Foreign Wars #StillServing campaign honoring veterans who continue to serve after the military. For many veterans, canines are an integral part of that service.

A U.S. Army veteran, Vines served two tours in Iraq where she suffered a traumatic brain injury resulting in seizures, balance issues, migraines and severe PTSD. Returning home a wounded combat veteran, Vines qualified for and received a service dog, Bugg, from Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs.

Bugg is trained to detect and alert seizures, help with balance and shield her from strangers. With Bugg by her side, Vines is now able to socialize and #StillServe her fellow wounded warriors.

Vines credits Bugg with enabling her to get back out in the world and do what she loves, which is helping wounded veterans and their caregivers, saying it gives her purpose.

VFW invites all veterans to submit their stories of how they are still serving at vfw.org/stillserving.