The Project Delta Veteran Council
We like to take this opportunity to share with everyone an extension of Project Delta called the Veteran’s Council. This group is made up of graduate or near graduate teams offering support and motivation to other team members and their dogs in training. Dealing with mental health issues and physical issues can be daunting. Some days are more challenging than others. However, being able to share and troubleshoot with those that have or are having those same issues, yet are overcoming them as a result of their organizational “tribe” and dog, has proven to be a game changer. The Veteran Council is there for them to not only lend an empathic ear, but to also hold their fellow handlers accountable to the program which in turn improves their wellbeing and levels the playing field. The concept of 80/20 is not always easy, but with the help of this added support, working through barriers will make the day to day challenges easier to tackle because of self confidence and self worth.
Susan Wenzel- Air Force Veteran
I worked as an EMT and Paramedic before I decided to join the Air Force to fulfill a life long dream. I was in training to be in aerospace medical services (4N0X1) when a previous injury flared up and I was medically discharged.
I am currently married to a former Marine and we have four children, one son and two daughters and a son-in-law. We will be welcoming a daughter-in-law in 2025!
As well as being a member of the Veteran’s Council I am also a handler training my new dog. My first dog did not complete training. While waiting to be paired with a new dog, I puppy-sat for a veteran as well as fostered another dog that turned into my new partner! I am also currently fostering another dog that needs a bit of remedial training, but his path forward is exciting!
Being a part or Project Delta is both life saving and life affirming. I still miss my work as a paramedic, but I thank God everyday that this opportunity came along. I have realized that my new purpose in life is to help these amazing dogs as well as fellow veterans and first responders. I cannot be more excited for my future with Project Delta!
Brad Fiedler- Army Veteran
I am currently working as a Truck Driver. I have a girlfriend Cortney and we have 4 kids 2 boys and 2 girls. I served in the Army National Guard for 9 1/2 years as a 63B wheel vehicle mechanic and deployed to Iraq from 2006 – 2007 as convoy security and did route surveys. Being in Project Delta is changing my life and I love working with my fellow handlers.
Jo
hn Howieson- Army Veteran
John is a veteran of the US Army. After facing what seemed insurmountable challenges, as many veterans do, he sought the assistance of the Eagles Healing Nest to heal his invisible wounds. It was there he met Patti and Project Delta team who introduced him to Ralph; his partner in crime, therapist, travel companion and most importantly, his best friend. Together they are healing each other and actively paying it forward to help others. Howieson is the chair of the newly created Project Delta—Veterans Council. In addition, he is the founder of Veterans Unite Project. A nonprofit organization created to assist in suicide prevention, crisis intervention, and community immersion set to launch in 2023. In his free time, he and Ralph spend quality time with his boys, rides his motorcycles, and spends as much time as possible in the great outdoors.