In August 2014, six years after establishing the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry®, a need emerged to form a ministry in response to the unique needs of our military, veterans, and their families.
 
This initiative was rooted in the understanding that veterans often feel more comfortable opening up to fellow service members who understand their journey. 
 
LCC Kare 9® Military Ministry was formed aligning with LCC’s mission of sharing the mercy, compassion, presence and proclamation of Jesus Christ to those suffering and in need, aiming to provide essential emotional and spiritual support, creating a safe place for healing and camaraderie among those who have bravely served our country and their families.

The LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry teams of veterans and dogs serve veterans, active military, and their families in a variety of ways. The presence of a Kare 9 dog and veteran handler serves as a bridge for compassionate ministry to those who have given so much.
 
LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry dogs are trained to obey commands, welcome affection, and connect with individuals. Each Kare 9 handler is a veteran who shares the bond of duty, service, and memories. Some of these memories can be difficult to bear. All of these elements combine to create a relaxed setting to encourage conversation.
 
The LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry Dogs and handlers serve as follows:

• Yellow-ribbon reintegration events
  
• Honor Flights
  
• Military stand-downs
• Visiting VA hospitals and medical centers
• Holiday events (Memorial Day parades and ceremonies, Veterans Day ceremonies)
• Visiting veterans in their homes or nursing homes
• VFW, American Legion, and AmVets events

 
There are approximately 64 Kare 9 Military Ministry dogs in service in 23 states. The program expands as veteran handlers become available.

A Blessing

The journey of the veteran handlers with LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry reveals a profound and shared sentiment: their involvement has been a true blessing over the last ten years.

Each handler carries with them unique stories of transformation, not only in their own lives but also in the lives of the families they serve. Through their unwavering dedication, these handlers experience personal growth and spiritual fulfillment. By stepping into this meaningful role, they discover the joy of giving and the impact of love, proving that in service, both the giver and receiver are blessed abundantly.

LCC Kare 9 Military Comfort Dog Seth has been serving at Eternal Shepherd Lutheran Church in Seneca, South Carolina since 2019. Seth’s team is grateful for the impact of being involved with the Kare 9 Ministry.
 
“We are given the opportunity to recognize those veterans in our community who have served our nation and thank them. We have witnessed the bond of the veteran-to-veteran interaction. One aspect of the ministry that has been meaningful is coming alongside another veteran organization called Veteran Last Patrol (VLP) headquartered in Spartanburg, South Carolina. One veteran we continue to visit is a 99-year WWII veteran who served in both the European and Pacific theaters and who has lots of stories to tell. We were able to connect him with our local Christian school on their annual “Community Serve Day”. Select students visited and interviewed him and even sang a few Christian songs to which he joined in as he swayed in his wheelchair with a great big smile on his face! A precious moment to witness,” say handlers Rudy (U.S. Army Veteran) and Kyra Carbone.

Over the years, the veteran handlers of LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry have shared numerous touching experiences that highlight the profound bonds formed through their work. Each moment is a testament to sharing the Mercy, Compassion, Presence, and Proclamation of Jesus Christ to those suffering and in need.

Whether it’s a simple gesture of comfort or a shared smile during a challenging time, these memories resonate deeply, illustrating the power of connection in healing.

Enjoy the stories highlighting the unique role LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry plays in providing spiritual and emotional uplift to veterans and their families.

Keith (U.S. Air Force Veteran) and Judy Stanton - LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry Dog Butch
“Several years ago, we attended an AmVets convention where a Vietnam vet approached Butch and I. We sat down and he began to share his story about the time he had served over there. His squad was caught in a fire fight during which he lost his best friend.  He shared so much more about his service. All the while he continued to pet Butch.  I felt so privileged to be able to listen to his story. When we finished, he gave me a big hug and his personal Marine Challenge coin.”

Susan Mason (U. S. Army Veteran)– LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry Dog Micah (Light of the Valley – Elk Grove, California)
“This has been such a wonderful and meaningful ministry. It has helped me grow in faith, be more relational, spiritual and outgoing. I feel blessed to even be a part of the Kare 9 Military Ministry and being recognized as Micah’s veteran handler during the Elk Grove Veterans Day Parade. I retired from the military in 2011 and from my civilian RN position in 2016, so the timing was right for me to explore veteran’s organizations in Elk Grove. I went to an American Legion (Elk Grove American Legion Post 233) meeting and found “my military family”. I mentioned the Micah ministry and we were invited to give a presentation. From that point, that Commander gave Micah and team permission to visit anytime. Subsequent Commanders have also agreed that we are welcome as a Military Ministry team whenever we like. My entire Legion family, however, enjoys Micah visiting once a quarter during the dinner/social hour. The Post that I joined is very active in serving veterans.”

Bob (U.S. Army Vietnam Veteran) and Barb Royce - LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry Dog Blitz
“I was at an event with a lot of veterans who recently returned from deployment. There was one guy who came up with his family He knelt down and started petting Blitz and I saw a smile on his face. After a while his told me, that he's been home for month now and that's the first time she saw him with a big smile on his face.”

Linda Showens - LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry Dog Spike
“Once a year we used to take a trip with a group known as Wounded Heroes Foundation. They did a motorcycle run to a VA hospital. The trip had dual purposes to raise funds for Veterans needs, put on a picnic at the hospital and distribute backpacks filled with supplies for inpatients. It was so moving to see the smiles on their faces and hear their stories.”

Dale (U.S. Army Vietnam Veteran) and Joyce Sasse - LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry Dog Britta
“We had shared what the Kare 9 ministry was all about to the residents at a retirement home in Colorado at the request of my brother that lived there. One of the topics was about moral injury and its impact. Afterwards two of the women came up to me in tears. Their husbands had been World War II veterans and would never talk about any of it.  They said they wished someone had explained this to them when their husbands were alive but were so thankful to know it wasn’t something they had done and now understood a little better. Then, on way back while in a restaurant on our way back from Colorado and the waitress started asking questions.  After hearing what we were about she told Dale he really needed to talk to the man in the corner- in the course of the conversation the veteran opened up to Dale about how God would never forgive him for what he did as a soldier.  This lead to an hour long discussion and sharing about God’s love and forgiveness.”

Gene Weisbecker (U.S. Navy Veteran) – LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry Dog Brutus
“I remember one visit at Camp Hometown Heroes in Wisconsin. There was a little boy sitting on the sidewalk traumatized, he was not talking. Brutus went and sat next to him and he started talking. These dogs are amazing. They don't even have to say anything for people to open up. It's probably best if they don't.”

The Original Squad

Tim Hetzner, former LCC President/CEO formed the original squad which later evolved into LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry.

Dale (U.S. Army Vietnam Veteran) and Joyce Sasse - Kare 9 Britta
Keith (U.S. Air Force Veteran) and Judy Stanton - Kare 9 Butch
Bob (U..S Army Vietnam Veteran) and Barb Royce - Kare 9 Blitz
Fred (U.S. Army Veteran) and Kathy Vanstrom - Kare 9 Flex
Raleigh (U..S Army Vietnam Veteran) and Linda Showens - Kare 9 Spike
Marvin (U.S. Navy Vietnam Veteran) and Yoshiko Hanks - Kare 9 Brandy
Gene Weisbecker (U.S. Navy Veteran) - Kare 9 Brutus

The LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry has become an integral part of the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry by adding a military person to the team to be a handler to provide support for military members and their families.

Jim Morrison, (U.S. Army Veteran), handler for LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry Dog Nigel, recalls the moment when he was asked to lead the ministry. “I was invited by Tim Hetzner to attend the 2014 LCC conference. It was then when the Kare 9 Military Ministry was launched. Tim offered me a position to head up the ministry. I took it and have never regretted that day.”

Susan Mason (U..S Army, RET, 1971-2011) with LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry Dog Micah (Light of the Valley - Elk Grove, California) got involved after her church inquired about getting an LCC K-9 Comfort Dog. “When our Light of the Valley (LoV), Elk Grove team started exploring the Comfort Dog ministry, it was pointed out that the dogs were identified by their vests. We learned also about the Kare 9 and Police ministries and the different vests. I volunteered to serve as the veteran handler at LoV and continue to this day. We have a strong Micah team and there is lots of support for the military events/functions that we are invited to. I continue to serve to honor other veterans and Micah is a great bridge in building relationships.”

LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry  Dog Seth has been serving at Eternal Shepherd Lutheran Church in Seneca, South Carolina since 2019. “Currently, Seth has two veteran handlers and five veteran ministry partners on his team.  We became involved in the Kare 9 Military Ministry after learning about it at LCC training and conferences,” says handler Rudy Carbone (U.S. Army Veteran).

Through the comforting presence of these specially trained dogs, the Kare 9 Military Ministry exemplifies empathy and support, ensuring that veterans and their loved ones receive the care they need.

Join us in making a difference whether through volunteering your time, supporting our mission, or learning more about the profound impact of the LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry. Together, we can help heal the hearts of those who have bravely served.

LCC never charges those we serve. We are able to do that with the support of donors. If you would like to help us, click here.

Become a Veteran/Kare 9 Military Ministry team sponsor. If you would like more information on how to sponsor a Kare 9 Military Ministry team, please contact Jim Morrison, LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry Coordinator, at 866-455-6466 or email him at [email protected].

LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry continues to grow and move forward sharing the mercy, compassion, presence and proclamation of Jesus Christ with those who are suffering and in need.

Recently LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry had seven compassionate, passionate, and dedicated individuals from the East Coast to the West Coast, attend Top Dog training at Lutheran Church Charities in Northbrook, Illinois. These seven new Top Dogs will coordinate and lead their new LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry teams at their churches.

Four of the churches represented are working towards building a new LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry team in addition to the Comfort Dog Ministry team they currently have at their church. It is exciting to see the ministry continuing to move forward, deepening existing relationships in their community and establishing new ones.

LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry is also excited to share that two new churches will be part of this national ministry. First Lutheran Church from Tonawanda, New York and Christ the King, from Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, will spread the reach of the Comfort Dog Ministry in their communities, sharing the mercy, compassion, presence and proclamation of Jesus Christ with those who are suffering and in need.

We give thanks and praise to God for leading this ministry and speaking into the hearts of those who will lead these new LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry teams.

Janet Boye - Trinity, Lincoln, Nebraska
James Casner - First Lutheran, Yuba City, California
Linda Hunt - Atonement, Columbus, Ohio
Roxy Seifert - Trinity, Auburn, Illinois
Chuck Lowell - Immanuel, Charleston, Illinois
Miriam Deuel - Christ the King, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
Barbara Reardon - First Lutheran, Tonawanda, New York
 
“If God has called you to lead, let nothing stand in the way of the privilege you have to serve Him and to serve His people through applying the gift, the resources and the opportunity He has provided to you.” George Barna, Leaders on Leadership

On Monday, August 26, LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Jael (Trinity - Hobart, Indiana) and Michael (LCC Staff) along with their handlers responded to the invitation to be at Dakota Jr./Sr. High School in Illinois after the unexpected and heartbreaking loss of one of their former students Cody Penticoff who was killed in a car accident on Friday, August 23.

Cody had just graduated from Dakota Jr./Sr. High School representing the Class of 2024 and was planning on attending Highland Community College to study Criminal Justice this fall. He planned on becoming a police officer when he turned 21 years old. Cody was serving on the Rock City Fire Department prior to his death.

Cody was loved by many in the community of Dakota. Comfort Dogs Jael and Michael accompanied by their dedicated handlers, provided emotional support to approximately 100 students and staff, helping to ease their distress during this difficult time. The comfort and companionship offered by the dogs allowed many students to find calm amidst their sorrow.

The team from Lutheran Church Charities was profoundly honored to serve this grieving community, sharing not just the warmth of the Comfort Dogs, but also the he light and hope of Jesus Christ with those who mourn the loss of Cody Penticoff.

In addition to working with the pastors of the Synod of Evangelical Lutheran Churches in Ukraine (SELCU) to continue to provide much-needed support to the people of Ukraine, Lutheran Church Charities partners with Archpriest Mykhailo Kuzma (pictured with Rev. Chris Singer, LCC President/CEO) of Immaculate Conception Ukrainian Church in Palatine, Illinois, to help refugee families settle in the United States.
 
To showcase the impact of your support, we released a series of video interviews in June featuring individuals directly impacted by your donations. Today, you'll hear from Inna Kaniuka who escaped the horror of war with her family and received help from the Ukrainian Church in Palatine.
 
Together, we are bringing hope, love, and faith to those in need. Thank you for being a beacon of light in the midst of uncertainty. Please consider giving generously to the Ukrainian Relief Fund. With your help, we can provide assistance and spiritual guidance to those who are in need in Ukraine and the refugee families in the United States.

The Ukrainian Relief Fund is a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those who are suffering and starting over. By offering both material support and spiritual guidance, we can help bring hope and healing to those who need it most. Thank you for your support.

Lutheran Church Charities works with the pastors of the Synod of Evangelical Lutheran Churches in Ukraine (SELCU) to continue to provide much-needed support to the people of Ukraine.
 
Despite the ongoing conflict and uncertainty, the pastors remain committed to spreading hope, love, and faith to those who need it most. Thanks to the generous support of donors like you, they have been able to provide vital resources, spiritual guidance, and practical assistance to those affected by the war.
 
To showcase the impact of your support, we are releasing a series of video interviews featuring individuals directly impacted by their work.
 
Your ongoing contributions are truly making a difference and empowering the pastors to continue their crucial work in Ukraine. Together, we are bringing hope, love, and faith to those in need.
 
Thank you for being a beacon of light in the midst of uncertainty.

Please consider giving generously to the Ukrainian Relief Fund today, and join us in bringing hope and material support to those who are in need in Ukraine. With your help, we can make a real difference in the lives of those who are suffering.
 
By donating to the Ukrainian Relief Fund, you can help provide essential resources such as food, shelter, and medical care to those who need it most. Additionally, your support will help spread the message of hope and love that comes with knowing Jesus Christ.

Recently, a homeowner in Illinois faced a precarious situation when a tree fell during the derecho and was hanging in another tree. She couldn't afford to have the tree removed and didn't know what to do. Fortunately, a church elder from St. Paul Lutheran Church in Aurora reached out to Lutheran Church Charities Disaster Response for assistance.
 
Volunteers Ed Boerman and Ed Schwartz from Trinity Lutheran Church in Lisle stepped in to help, and after their hard work, the homeowner's tree was removed and her home was safe once again.
 
The homeowner was incredibly grateful and sent a note to Kathy O'Day, LCC Director of Disaster Response, thanking the “Eds” for their hard work and care shown to her. "My tree is out and my home is safe! Both Eds did an amazing job. I’m so thankful to you and your organization. May God bless all of you!”
 
This story is just one example of the impactful work that volunteers and donors make possible through Lutheran Church Charities Disaster Response.

If you are moved to help, please donate to the LCC Disaster Response Fund or LCC Equipment Maintenance & Fuel Expense Fund so that we may continue to show the Mercy, Compassion, Presence, and Proclamation of Jesus Christ to those suffering and in need.

This past Saturday the Human Care team joined Tabor Lutheran Church at their Back-to-School Fiesta. It was a great opportunity to support the church as they focus on building relationships in the community. Tabor is uniquely situated in a predominantly low-income area of Chicago. The church created a sacred space for people of different backgrounds and languages to come together to relax and enjoy the celebration.