America’s VetDogs Graduate, Army Command Sergeant Major

SMITHTOWN, NY, July 21, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — America’s VetDogs®, a national non-profit organization that provides specially trained guide and assistance dogs to veterans, active duty personnel and first responders with disabilities, announced today that the U.S Army Command Sergeant Major Gretchen Evans, a two-time graduate of America’s VetDogs program, was honored with the Pat Tillman Award for Service at The 2022 ESPYS. ESPYS 2022 aired live on ABC Wednesday night from the Dolby Theater in Hollywood, California.

The Pat Tillman Award for Service is presented to an individual who has a strong connection to the sport and has served others in a way that honors the legacy of the former NFL player and US Army Ranger.

“Many members of our team have had the opportunity to get to know Gretchen since she first completed our training program in 2015 and with her current companion dog, Rusty, in 2020. She is truly an American hero and an inspiration who demonstrates all day what it means to live without boundaries,” said John Miller, president and CEO of America’s VetDogs and its sister nonprofit, Guide Dog Foundation. “We all cheered loudly when Gretchen received the Pat Tillman Award at The ESPYS and are proud that one of us was honored with such a prestigious award.”

Watch the video about Gretchen from The 2022 ESPYS https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vowgsLMQtSg.

Be inspired by her powerful acceptance speech https://youtu.be/3d3PgYLyJis.

Gretchen is a highly decorated veteran, author and athlete. After suffering a life-changing injury while serving in the military, Evans created Team UNBROKEN, an adaptable racing team made up primarily of veterans who have suffered life-changing injuries, illnesses or trauma to compete in the world’s toughest race: Eco-Challenge Fiji. In the multi-day, non-stop expedition competition, teams cross mountains, jungles and seas. The team’s creation grew out of Evan’s involvement in a series of…