(Left to right): FOX News host Emily Compagno, retired U.S. Army Sgt. Maj. Kevin Bittenbender and Kirby accepting the Hope For The Warriors Kirby Distinguished Service Paw Award, alongside Hope For The Warriors founder and CEO Robin Kelleher and U.S. Army veteran and former NFL player Alejandro Villanueva.
Kirby Bittenbender’s Kirby Distinguished Service Paw Award video: https://youtu.be/sb0bg4ZtNAk
SPRINGFIELD, Va. (October 18, 2024) – Montgomery, Pa. resident canine Kirby, was recently named the recipient of Kirby Distinguished Service Paw Award at the annual Hope For The Warriors Got Heart Give Hope Awards Ceremony.
Presented by U.S. Army veteran and former NFL player Alejandro Villanueva and FOX News host Emily Compagno, the inaugural award was established (named in honor of Kirby) to highlight the extraordinary contributions of service dogs whose steadfast companionship and support serve as a beacon of hope and healing for those who have bravely served our nation.
“Life changing, lifesaving,” shared Kirby’s handler, retired U.S. Army Sgt. Maj. Kevin Bittenbender. “Kirby allows me to remain focused on my recovery and provides me with the necessary routine to keep me balanced. He allows me to know that I don’t have to solely depend on my wife and family if I were to need help. When the darkness and demons’ approach – Kirby helps me fight through them. We are a team, and he is my battle buddy.”
The annual Got Heart Give Hope Awards Ceremony at MGM National Harbor in Maryland honored three members of our nation’s armed forces and their families with the Vigiano Family Hope and Courage Awards, in addition to honoring individuals, corporations and canines which have stood beside the organization in serving.
“It has brought us all great joy here at Hope For The Warriors welcoming Kirby to the HOPE family,” said Robin Kelleher, Hope For The Warriors founder and CEO. “Seeing the joy that Kirby brings to Kevin and his wife, Molly, is immeasurable, but knowing the service he provides for the both of them is life changing.”
Kirby is a service dog trained by America’s Vet Dogs with sponsorship from the Houston Texans and Kroger. Recognized as the MVP of the 2022 Puppy Bowl, Kirby underwent socialization and basic training at the Texans’ stadium.
In December of 2022, he was introduced to Bittenbender. Kirby is trained to assist with mobility, PTSD, and various tasks including retrieval of items, wheelchair assistance, and anxiety decompression. His presence has enhanced Bittenbender’s daily life and ability to participate in many different activities. This includes joining Bittenbender along various points on the course, as he ran the full Pittsburgh Marathon 444 days after his lower leg amputation. Kirby was also patiently waiting for Bittenbender as he crossed rainy finish line.
“It was a goal I set for myself 444 days ago,” shared Bittenbender after completing the marathon. “To have it come to fruition with the help of HOPE, with the help of my teammates, my family and Kirby, it makes it all worthwhile.”
Bittenbender deployed twice during his service while also preparing for a third mission that was later scrubbed. First, he left for Wiesbaden, Germany in 2002 as a red cell team to evaluate all European-U.S. bases for Threat Level Protection. He then spent 18 months within Afghanistan as an Embedded Tactical Trainer with the Afghan National Army and Police where he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal and Combat Action Badge and where he first experienced signs of PTSD.
Bittenbender continues to honor the memory of his friends and fellow soldiers Maj. Hank Ofeciar, Master Sgt. Scott Ball and Sgt. Jan Argonish through handcycling or running at least three marathons per year.
Kirby resides in Montgomery, Pennsylvania with Kevin and his wife Molly.
ABOUT HOPE FOR THE WARRIORS:
Founded in 2006, Hope For The Warriors is a national nonprofit dedicated to restoring a foundation of stability, strength and community for post-9/11 veterans, service members and military families. Since its inception, Hope For The Warriors has served over 171,000 service members, veterans, military spouses, and caregivers through 10 programs/services focused on providing financial, career and educational stability; physical and emotional strength; and social support that builds community. This includes The Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Hope For The Warriors providing confidential, high-quality mental health care services. For more information, visit hopeforthewarriors.org, Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube or LinkedIn.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Erin McCloskey – Hope For The Warriors
Hope For The Warriors
erin@etmccloskey.com
(336) 207-5222
