Beeaver Creek Veteran & Service Dog Honored Nationally by VFW

Beavercreek veteran Andrew “Mac” McLaren and his service dog Daisy who are being honored for dedication to country and community in the VFW #StillServing campaign. The national Veterans of Foreign Wars #StillServing (vfw.org/stillserving) campaign highlights veterans who continue to serve in their community after the military.

McLaren struggled after retiring from the military and was referred to the Northwest Battle Buddies program. He recently completed the program and received an English Cream Golden Retriever named Daisy. McLaren credits Daisy with enabling him to #StillServe conducting veteran outreach with the VFW, Honor Flight of Portland and various other organizations.

McLaren is #StillServing because being able to continue to connect with veterans and ensure they get the resources they need helps him heal and enjoy life again.

The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) launched #StillServing, a campaign to highlight how America’s combat veterans continue to serve in their local communities after transitioning from the military, in March 2020. What started as a campaign became a movement as veterans across the country stepped up to share stories of how they are still serving. In 2022, it launched an outgrowth of the #StillServing initiative, VFW Day of Service – an annual dedicated day of community service projects led by veterans throughout the world. More than 1,400 community service events have taken place since its commencement.

"Veterans are driven by a profound sense of duty that extends beyond their time in uniform,” said Alfred J. "Al" Lipphardt, VFW national commander. “Their commitment to service carries on as they return to their communities, where they continue to give back, uplift and inspire, embodying the true spirit of selfless dedication. The VFW #StillServing initiative shines a light on its many Posts, and all veterans, who continue to live a life of service."

According to the 2021 Veterans Civic Health Index1, veterans average nearly 30 percent more volunteer hours per year and outpace civilians by 15 percent in charitable donations. Additionally, nearly 40 percent more veterans belong to a group working on community issues and veterans are more likely to be registered to vote (7 percent) and have recently voted (6 percent).

Since its launch, 5.7 million people have engaged with the campaign through the website, videos and social channels. Additionally, 3,000 veterans have shared their personal stories of sacrifice and service, and more than 1,000 veteran stories have been covered by media outlets worldwide.

Building on a legacy of service spanning over a century, #StillServing captures the essence of the VFW and its members, reflecting the ongoing evolution of today’s VFW Post as a place where veterans can seek support, share camaraderie with those who have similar experiences, and give back to both fellow veterans and the broader community. The VFW encourages veterans to share stories on social media using #StillServing to show how they continue to answer the call to serve in ways big and small. Family and friends can use #StillServing in social media posts to honor a veteran in their lives who believes the spirit of service transcends military life.

Additionally, all Americans are urged to visit vfw.org/stillserving to learn more about the campaign, make a shareable image honoring veterans in their lives, watch videos of VFW members making a difference and see a collection of user-generated content.