Kick-Off Evening in SoHo to Support Operation Warrior Shield’s Operation Canine Companion Providing Companion Dogs to Seriously Wounded Veterans and Their Families

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In partnership with Tunnel To Towers Foundation, Hope for Heroes, and Doris Day Animal Foundation

A kickoff event to announce Operation Warrior Shield’s new initiative, Operation Canine Companion, took place at the studio of American Abstract Artist, Peter Reginato, hosted by Daniela Zahradnikova of DZZone NYC.

CMSgt (ret) Ed Schloeman, Daniela Zahradnikhova and Peter Reginato
Photo credit: Max Flores

Operation Warrior’s Shield’s founder Chief Master Sergeant (ret) Ed Schloeman led a lively presentation including words and testimonials from notable supporters including Goodwill Ambassador Errol Rappaport, Lorraine Silvetz, Executive Director of Global Stress Initiative, three-time Emmy Award winning Anchor and NYTimes Best Selling Author, Rita Cosby, and retired NYPD Sergeant (Special Assignment), Health & Wellness Section and Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Army Reserve, Wilem Wong. The evening included a special performance of God Bless America by fan favorite, Michelle DellaFave of The Dean Martin Show fame.

Daniela Zahradnikhova
Photo credit: Jeff Smith

In partnership with Tunnel To Towers Foundation, Hope for Heroes and The Doris Day Animal Foundation, Operation Warrior Shield’s Operation Canine Companion provides companion dogs to seriously wounded veterans and their families.

Daniela Zahradnikhova, Huguens Noel, Michelle Della Fave and CMSgt (ret) Ed Schloeman
Photo credit: Max Flores

“Our goal is to provide uniquely trained, loving and supportive canine companions to veterans and first responders and their families who live with physical and emotional injuries incurred in the line of duty,” explains Schloeman. “Our companion dogs unconditionally bring a sense of safety, camaraderie, and most importantly, a special emotional support that helps reduce the stresses and challenges that our heroes face each and every day.”

Rita Cosby and Lorraine Silvetz
Photo credit: Jeff Smith

Abe Shainberg, Daniela Zahradnikhova, Peter Reginato, Rita Cosby and Tomaczek Bednarek Photo
credit: Max Flores

OWS’ first companions-in training are two 3-month old Labrador retriever puppies. One is named “Yellin” (after WWII pilot and OWS co-founder, Jerry Yellin) and the other is “Louie” (named after 106-year old WWII veteran, Louis Forte). Both dogs are currently living in upstate New York with Hope for Heroes dog trainers, Mitch Serlin and Matt Notaro.

Alana Galloway and Sara Herbert Galloway
Photo credit: Rob Rich

Rita Cosby and Errol Rappaport
Photo credit: Jeff Smith

“We start with 8 week old puppies, and socialize them with various stimuli such as traffic, loud sounds, crowds, public transportation, and the like, keeping in mind the specific lifestyle and activities of the recipient vet and family,” explains Serlin. “Then we set up a bonding period for the puppy and family, and we will be providing support throughout the dog’s life.”

Cindy Marinangel, Sara Herbert Galloway, Adelaide Egan, Errol Rappaport, Yasmeen Gumbs-Breakenridge, Michael Daly and Judy Kuriansky
Photo credit: Max Flores

Lucia Kaiser
Photo credit: Jeff Smith

“Our goal is not to achieve and provide a ‘service dog’, our goal is to provide a best friend,” adds Notaro.

Yasmeen Gumbs-Breakenridge and Lorraine Silvetz
Photo credit: Jeff Smith

Jennifer Harrison
Photo credit: Jeff Smith

According to the 2021 National Veteran Suicide Prevention report*, an average of 17 veterans commit suicide daily. It is in response to this tragedy that Operation Warrior Shield reaches out to assist military and first responders and their families who are fighting a daily battle for improved quality of life to help them find a path to inner and outer health and well-being.

Avadora Mimouni Collection donated to help support Operation Warrior Shield.
Photo credit: Jeff Smith

Angelica Guvernez and CMSgt (ret) Ed Schloeman
Photo credit: Max Flores

The evening also served as a kick-off for Operation Warrior Shield’s Fall gala, Healing for Heroes, which is set to take place on November 18, at The Water Club.

Lorraine Silvetz, Rita Cosby, CMSgt (ret) Ed Schloeman and Bethann Carbone
Photo credit: Jeff Smith

Lieutenant Colonel, US Army Reserve, Wilem Wong
Photo credit: Jeff Smith

Operation Warrior Shield is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, whose primary mission is to provide comprehensive support programs for service members, veterans and first responders, with a focus on “Healing Their Hidden Wounds” through no-cost holistic wellness services.

Model/Designer Avadora Mimouni
Photo credit: Jeff Smith

Model and Designer, Avadora Mimouni of Avadora Mimouni Collection donated her luxury bags to help raise funds for OWS. Several longtime supporters of OWS, Rita Cosby, Lorraine Silvetz and Lucia Kaiser, among other attendees were wearing Avadora Mimouni original bags for the evening. Jose Orellana of ClickMagazine facilitated the donation of food and wine from Chef Marla Roscioli , Sebastian Cardona from Village Meats, Noelia Polanco of Noelias Sweet Delights and Josefina Then from Luscious Vines. Heroes Vodka donated spirits to be enjoyed by attendees. Bethann Carbone and Michael Heil of Branding Ovation donated branding development and design sercvices for the Operation Canine Companion initiative theme, as well as marketing and PR services. Peter Reginato provided for the use of one of his paintings to be utilized in the design of the event theme. Everyone was happy to do all they could in support of our service members and veterans. Notable NY Society Event photographers, Jeff Smith, Rob Rich and Max Flores donated their photographic services for the well attended event.

Rita Cosby
Photo credit: Jeff Smith

For more information on how to help OWS provide a companion dog for a seriously wounded veteran, visit www.operationwarriorshield.com or follow @operationwarriorshield on Facebook.

For more information on the Healing for Heroes November 18th gala, visit www.operationwarriorshield.com/gala

For video commentary on Operation Warrior Shield, please see the following links:
– Scarlett Johansson https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9szHey4fOmk
– https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOBkc5n7bBU8gTmLAGnFKVw/videos

*The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ 2021 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report, https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/docs/data-sheets/2021/2021-National-Veteran-Suicide-Prevention-Annual-Report-FINAL-9-8-21.pdf

For more information on our supporters go to www.clickmagazinenyc.com, www.avadoramimounicollection.com, www.societyallure.com, http://www.reflections.nyc.smugmug.com/, www.globalstressinitiative.org,