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Local Voices

Schubach Aviation to Sponsor Shelter to Soldier for Second Straight Year through "One Cent Per Mile" Program

Every day, approximately 10,000 unwanted dogs are euthanized at shelters across America, while 22 U.S. military veterans commit suicide. That is more than 400 helpless dogs put to death every hour, and one precious human life lost every 65 minutes.

 

These alarming statistics are why Schubach Aviation has again this year elected to sponsor Shelter to Soldier, a private San Diego 501c3 non-profit organization whose mission is to train carefully selected shelter dogs and place them with U.S. military veterans afflicted with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) who will benefit from owning a service companion.

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“Everyone at our company cares deeply about dogs and the local U.S. military, and supporting Shelter to Soldier is a way for us to help save both dogs’ lives and the lives of veterans,” said Henry Schubach, president and founder of Schubach Aviation.  “Last year, we were pleased to help Shelter to Soldier become better known in the community and raise funds for its operations.  We look forward to partnering with them again this year to advance their goal of placing and training more dogs and rolling their program out nationwide.”

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Schubach Aviation has kicked off another yearlong fundraising campaign to donate one cent for every mile flown by its fleet of 12 private aircraft through the end of this year.  In 2013, in addition to hosting a major fundraising event that raised $20,000 for Shelter to Soldier, the company donated a total of $9,374.  This year, the company expects to increase that amount by 15 percent for a total of around $10,780.

 

Schubach Aviation will again give its customers the option of matching the company’s “one cent per mile” donation and contributing to the cause.  In addition to the monetary donations, Schubach Aviation will continue promoting the organization through local magazines and supporting Shelter to Solider fundraising events.

 

 “I’m very thankful to Schubach Aviation for its decision to continue on as our financial partner, and for raising public awareness of our organization’s mission and successes during the past year,” said Graham Bloem, president and founder of Shelter to Soldier. “Our 2014 goals are to place Charlie, Sandy, Kira, and Culver, our four dogs currently in training, and to train 10 more new dogs. Our longer-term goal is to grow the program to a national level, which will allow us to place thousands of service companions with deserving veterans.  Shelter to Soldier also plans to add an education department to expand our volunteer trainer program and, in turn, enable us to add many more dogs to the program.”

 

The average cost to rescue a dog and put it through the organization’s three-step training program before placing it with a veteran is $8,000 to $10,000. The funds are used to specially train, house and feed selected shelter dogs, as well as cover medical care, equipment, travel and grooming costs. The organization relies solely on donations from individuals and businesses to operate.

 

Studies estimate that one in five military personnel returning from Iraq or Afghanistan has PTSD, which disrupts daily life and sometimes leads to suicide. However, The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) now denies benefits to veterans who want or need service dogs to cope with their PTSD. Under its new rules, the VA will only pay for service dogs that aid veterans with "visual, hearing, or mobility impairments."

 

“While there are some excellent organizations that train companion dogs for people with special needs, the cost can be prohibitive,” said Bloem.  “Veterans diagnosed with PTSD can suffer from a host of psychological problems, from severe flashbacks to isolation and paranoia.  Because every situation is unique, Shelter to Soldier begins by determining the specific needs of each service person. It could be a dog that gives comfort in the middle of a sleepless night, senses the onset of a panic attack, or simply gives the person a reason to get out of bed in the morning.”

 

The suicide rate among the nation’s active-duty military personnel spiked this past year, surpassing the number of soldiers who’ve died in battle and setting a record annual high since the start of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan more than a decade ago.

 

“Shelter to Soldier is fulfilling a critical need, saving lives two at a time,” said Schubach. “Schubach Aviation is proud to align its name with an organization with such a worthwhile mission.”

 

 

 

About Schubach Aviation:

 

Schubach Aviation is San Diego’s most experienced jet charter operator, providing the corporate community and leisure travelers with private aircraft charters to anywhere in the world. Founded in 1992 by Henry Schubach, the firm employs a team of 35 highly experienced pilots, mechanics, and support staff at 2026 Palomar Airport Road in Carlsbad, Calif. and at San Diego International Airport.  More information about the company can be found on the web at www.schubachaviation.com.

 

 


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