Bristol Veteran & Service Dog Recognized for #StillServing

Bristol veteran Elton East and his Basset Hound Flash are being honored for dedication to country and community in the VFW #StillServing campaign. The national Veterans of Foreign Wars #StillServing campaign recognizes veterans who continue to serve in their community after the military.

A US Army veteran, East is #StillServing by founding Wayward Warriors Ranch to help veterans and first responders who are dealing with PTSD from past trauma. East found the transition from military to civilian life difficult himself, until he was invited to volunteer on a ranch and found solace working with the horses. He knew then that he wanted to share those experiences with other veterans and people who had served.

Flash helps East at the ranch where his big ears and droopy eyes light up the faces of those who have come to participate in equine therapy and meet with like-minded people who have served.

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

VFW is proud to honor veterans who are #StillServing and invites all veterans to share their stories of continued service at vfw.org/stillserving.