The founder and CEO of the Spotsylvania-based nonprofit Leashes of Valor says the impact of Sept. 11, 2001, continues to shape his life and work nearly a quarter-century later.
Retired Marine Corps Capt. Jason Haag, who served three combat deployments after 9/11. He credits his service dog, Axel, with saving his life, a turning point that led him to establish Leashes of Valor to provide service dogs to other veterans struggling with invisible wounds.
The nonprofit specifically serves post-9/11 veterans, a mission Haag says reflects the lasting legacy of that day and the wars that followed.
Leashes of Valor matches highly trained service dogs with veterans at no cost, giving them a renewed sense of independence and healing. Haag says the events of 9/11 not only influenced his military career but continue to inspire his commitment to ensure other veterans receive the same lifeline he found.
To get involved: leashesofvalor.org
