Fallujah Veteran’s Service Dog Program Transforms Lives of Warriors with PTSD

Marine veteran Anthony Longo, a Fallujah survivor and recipient of the Department of State’s Medal of Heroism, has turned his personal struggles into a lifeline for fellow warriors. Through his Warriors Choice Foundation, founded in 2016, Longo is helping veterans navigate the invisible wounds of war with a unique ally: specially trained service dogs. These aren’t just any dogs—think loyal Belgian Malinois, bred to tackle the chaos of PTSD and other mental health battles head-on.

Longo’s mission isn’t about quick fixes or endless prescriptions. His foundation offers tailored counseling, wellness retreats, and what he calls 'cognitive K9 rehabilitation'. Since 2018, they’ve paired 46 veterans with these four-legged heroes, including one standout pup named Trump, now a steadfast companion to a 20-year special operations veteran. Longo admits letting Trump go was tough, but seeing the dog transform a veteran’s life? That’s the real reward.

Longo’s own companion, Bourbon, has been his anchor, teaching him accountability and purpose. 'There are days I’d rather hide,' Longo shared, 'but Bourbon needs me to show up.' That bond, he says, pushes veterans to care for something beyond themselves, breaking through isolation. With veterans facing a suicide risk 1.5 times higher than civilians, Longo’s work feels like a race against time. Yet, the results speak volumes: lives turned around, hope restored.

'You’re here for your brother,' Longo emphasizes, urging struggling veterans to reach out. His message is clear: grab the lifeline, and Warriors Choice will help chart the path forward.