PenFed Credit Union, the nation's second largest federal credit union, proudly sponsors over 30 military veterans and first responders with disabilities to attend a two-week in-residence training program where they are paired with their America's VetDogs service dog. During the program, which takes place on VetDogs' 10-acre campus in Smithtown, New York, students learn from highly empathetic and certified trainers who will teach them and their new dogs how to work together as a team.

"PenFed remains proud to work with America's VetDogs and we are honored to sponsor this critical training that will enable the men and women who served our nation to bond with their new service dogs," said James Schenck, President and CEO of PenFed Credit Union and CEO of the PenFed Foundation. "PenFed supports VetDogs and their work of providing enhanced mobility and renewed independence to veterans, active-duty service members, and first responders with disabilities, allowing them to live with pride and self-reliance."

All of the services throughout the class are free of charge to the students thanks to PenFed's sponsorship.

In one of the six scheduled class sessions sponsored by PenFed, the credit union's Puppy With A Purpose Ace was placed in his forever home with Robert, a Vietnam War veteran. For the past 14 months, Ace was raised and trained by PenFed Vice President and Chief Content Officer Andrea McCarren. As part of his training, Ace traveled with the PenFed Digital team, visiting PenFed financial centers and accompanying the team on social media content production projects.

Ace is the fourth service dog raised by McCarren and you can click here to watch PenFed employees meeting Ace for the first time. During Ace's time with the PenFed family, he was also featured in a number of educational videos teaching members about PenFed's products and services. Ace is the seventh service dog raised by PenFed employees.

"I am thrilled to learn Ace has found his forever home serving a Vietnam War veteran," said McCarren. "The PenFed team is proud of Ace and his VetDogs trainers and we look forward to seeing him enrich Robert's life."

America's VetDogs and its sister organization, The Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind, specialize in placing highly-skilled service and guide dogs to individuals with physical injuries, PTSD, hearing and vision loss, and seizures. All services are provided at no cost. Sully, George H. W. Bush's former service dog who is currently working as part of Walter Reed National Military Medical Center's Facility Dog Program, was raised, trained and placed by America's VetDogs. Ace joins other high-profile service dogs including the Washington Capitals' Captain, Atlanta United's Spike, WBAL's Brooks and New York Islanders' Tori and Radar.

You can follow all the PenFed Pups via the PenFed Pups Facebook group and PenFed's Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn pages.

Source: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/penfed-credit-union-sponsors-americas-vetdogs-training-classes-for-over-30-military-veterans-and-first-responders-301508222.html