National Military Appreciation Month: LCC Kare 9 Hope & Veteran Peter Amelingmeier

May is Military Appreciation Month, a perfect time to highlight the Kare 9 Military Ministry through the experiences of the veteran handlers or veteran ministry partners. The LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry will be sharing how the Kare 9 dogs are a bridge for their veteran handlers to share compassionate ministry through the bond of duty, service, and memories with active military and veterans they meet.

LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry Dog Hope and her Top Dog and Kare 9 veteran handler, Peter Amelingmeier are from Faith Lutheran Church in Marietta, Georgia. Peter is a United States Marine Corps (USMC) veteran, having served from 1969 to 1972, attaining the rank of 1st Lieutenant. During his tour of duty, Peter served in Vietnam, Okinawa in Japan, and North Carolina. Peter and Hope’s ministry team began their LCC K-9 Ministry at Faith Lutheran on February 3, 2018.

The Kare 9 Military Ministry has experienced many memorable moments. Peter recalls special moments with Kare 9 Hope while meeting and visiting veterans in hospice as they transition out of life. Even in the case of veterans who are nearly unresponsive, they will often respond to Kare 9 Hope. Once when visiting a veteran who was in a catatonic state, as they were leaving, the veteran said, “Hope.” It was quite evident that Kare 9 Hope’s calming presence was felt by the veteran that day.

During the challenging times of COVID-19, Peter and Kare 9 Hope have found ways to stay connected with veterans. He shared that Hope’s ministry team has sent cards to veterans they have previously been in contact with. The team has developed a project they call “Friendship Rocks.” Team members paint these rocks inscribed with a message, such as “Hope," “Love,” “Comfort,” “Friendship,” etc. The rocks are then delivered to the veteran’s home and left outside the door. They receive great feedback on this and often hear how much it means to the veteran.

The LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry thanks Peter for his dedication and compassionate ministry to those who have given so much and for his service to our great nation – Semper Fidelis.