Selfless Service is one of the seven Army Values each Soldier promises to uphold, putting the welfare of the nation, the Army and their subordinates before their own.
Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 5th Field Artillery displayed the definition of selfless service by volunteering to rebuild an animal rescue shelter, "Rainbow Bridge Can Wait," following extreme weather that destroyed many of the living areas for the dogs during March 17-24.
Carol Skinner, sole owner and operator, started the rescue in 2003, following the loss of her pet and witnessing the inability for shelters to take in new dogs. A college student at the time, Skinner researched what Oklahoma was doing with their overabundance of dogs only to find out that the state had the second highest amount of puppy mills in the nation with a 95-percent kill rate.
"I have no employees. There simply is not enough funds to pay anyone so it is a true labor of love," said Skinner. "I have one friend who is a full time photographer that volunteers when she can, but other than that volunteers are very sporadic."
When Lt. Col. Travis Gray, 2-5th FA commander, heard the cry for help, he started the search for volunteers. Many stepped up, brought their tools and families, and headed down to Carnegie, Okla. where the shelter is located. Once there, the damage was disheartening and apparent to all the volunteers that they needed to get to work immediately.
"We were not expecting anything lavish upon arrival, but what we saw brought tears to our eyes as dog lovers," said Joana Ross, wife of Capt. Kyle Ross, Headquarters Battery commander.
Roofs were collapsed, fences mangled and the kennels were so far gone Skinner had to house the pets in her house for safety. When Skinner was assessing the damage she noticed Daisy, one of the 22 dogs at the shelter, was trapped under a roof that had caved in limiting Daisy's movement. Luckily, the glow of her eyes showed that she was alive.
"The backyard had debris all over the place and the kennels didn't have their roofs attached anymore," said Sgt. Ryan Gratton. "We got in there and were able to even out the dirt in the kennels that had blown around making it unlivable, as well as helping restore the roofs," he said.
Gratton talked about how Skinner was a "connoisseur of kindness", saying, "I would go back any time and help her because they are always in need of help, especially because she is doing this all herself."
Staff Sgt. Donald Thurman brought his carpentry skills to the shelter, something much appreciated by the humans and dogs.
"Since the roofs and fences were all destroyed, we were able to rebuild them and even put up some sturdier boards and realign the roofs to prevent future damage as well as reinforce the gates and surrounding areas that will help protect them next time a storm comes through," said Thurman.
Thurman and others came out many times following the first visit, helping out with such tasks as landscaping and filling in holes to prevent dogs from injuring themselves.
"My wife and I are dog owners that abhor puppy mills, so it really felt great to come out here and help these dogs waiting on owners," said Kyle Ross. "I am really proud of the Soldiers who traveled all the way to help someone they didn't know and sacrifice their free time, speaking volumes of the character of our battalion."
Following the wood work, sanding, landscaping, roofing and everything in between, the "Rainbow Bridge Can Wait Animal Rescue" is back in working order. With a stronger and better-than-ever shelter, Skinner was pleased.
"These Soldiers did such a great job for me, I am overwhelmed with joy," Skinner said. "They are truly our heroes, from defending our country to helping out these poor throw away pets from our society."
Though the kennel and landscaping may be repaired, Skinner's work is far from done.
"We are always looking for help and supplies as well as assistance with our outstanding vet bill. "I would really like to go out of business, but for that we need responsible pet owners to spay and neuter their pets," she added.
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