On Saturday, March 28th, from Noon to 9:00 PM, Hollywood Meadows Casino became more than just a destination for entertainment. It became a place where lives were touched, stories were shared, and a mission to support veterans gained real momentum.
Hosted at Starport Arcade & Bowling and made possible through the generosity and leadership of Chris Myers, this community event brought together families, veterans, and supporters for a powerful day focused on raising awareness and funding for Life Changing Service Dogs For Veterans.
From the sound of bowling pins echoing through the lanes to the glow of arcade machines and the excitement of raffles and prizes, the atmosphere was energetic and welcoming. But beneath that energy was something deeper—a shared purpose.
This event was about saving lives.
By the end of the day, that purpose translated into real impact: $10,000 raised in a single day to support veterans in need of medical service dogs.
There is a number that must remain part of this conversation: 22 veterans per day die by suicide. Many experts believe this number is not only outdated, but significantly underreported.
To fully understand the weight of this crisis:
Since 9/11, more veterans have died by suicide than in combat.
This is why organizations like Life Changing Service Dogs For Veterans are so critical. The organization raises funding to provide professionally trained medical service dogs to veterans living with PTSD, traumatic brain injuries, and other service-related challenges.
Each service dog provides:
The impact of Service Dogs in the fight to stop Veteran suicide is not theoretical—it is proven.
Every day, over 22 Veterans take their own lives, and many experts believe that number is underreported. Even more sobering, since 9/11, more Veterans have died by suicide than were lost in combat.
This is not just a statistic—it is a crisis.
Life Changing Service Dogs For Veterans is dedicated to raising the funding needed to provide these highly trained medical Service Dogs to Veterans in need. Through partnerships with organizations like Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs, Veterans are paired with dogs specifically trained to support those living with PTSD, traumatic brain injuries, and other service-related challenges.
This is where the conversation becomes critical.
Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs has placed over 400 Service Dogs with Veterans—and among those recipients, there have been zero suicides.
That is not just a statistic. It is proof that the right support, at the right time, saves lives.
These Service Dogs are trained to:
But beyond the training, they provide something even more important:
The mission of Life Changing Service Dogs For Veterans is rooted in this reality—to help stop Veteran suicide by ensuring more Veterans have access to these life-saving partnerships.
Because when a Veteran is given the support they need, they are no longer fighting that battle alone.
raig and his service dog Foxy were a central presence throughout the event, connecting with attendees and sharing real-life insight into how service dogs change lives.
Foxy naturally drew people in, creating opportunities for meaningful conversations with families, children, and veterans alike. Her calm, attentive presence made people feel comfortable approaching, asking questions, and spending time learning. Craig took those moments and turned them into something more—open, honest conversations about what life is really like with a service dog and how that partnership creates stability and support each day.
Throughout the event, Craig and Foxy spent time engaging with families, posing for photos, and demonstrating firsthand the bond between a veteran and a service dog. Children were especially drawn to Foxy, often staying longer than expected, asking questions, and forming a connection that helped them better understand the role these dogs play.
For many in attendance, this was their first true understanding of what a service dog does beyond what they may have heard or read. Seeing Foxy in action—calm, focused, and always aware—helped bridge that gap. It turned curiosity into understanding, and understanding into genuine support for the mission.
More than anything, Craig and Foxy helped make the experience personal. They didn’t just represent the mission—they brought it to life in a way people could see, feel, and remember.
Tammy & TJU.S. Army Captain Tammy Watson and her service dog TJ brought another powerful perspective.
Tammy & TJ spent time throughout the day connecting with families, answering questions, and sharing what daily life looks like with a service dog. Parents and children alike were drawn into conversations, getting a closer understanding of how TJ supports Tammy in real-world situations. Their interactions were genuine and approachable, helping people feel comfortable asking questions and learning in a meaningful way. Moments like these turned simple introductions into lasting impressions, especially for families who had never experienced the impact of a service dog up close.
Her story reinforced that these partnerships are not just helpful—they are life-changing.
USAF SrA Combat Medic Brandi Hanan and her service dog Clara added another important voice to the event.
Brandi & Clara also created meaningful connections across the event, taking time to engage with attendees and share their journey. Families were able to meet Clara, observe her calm presence, and better understand the role a service dog plays beyond what most people see. Brandi’s conversations added another important perspective, helping attendees recognize that these dogs are not just companions—they are trained partners who provide stability, support, and confidence in everyday life. The time they spent with guests helped deepen the overall experience and reinforced the mission in a very real and personal way.
Their story added depth to the event and helped continue a deeper conversation around healing, recovery, and long-term support for veterans.
The event was elevated by the presence of Rocky Bleier, a U.S. Army Veteran, Purple Heart and Bronze Star recipient, and 4-time Super Bowl champion with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Rocky brought more than recognition—he brought authenticity, humility, and a genuine connection to the mission of the day. Throughout the event, he spent hours engaging with attendees, sharing stories from both his military service and football career, and taking the time to connect with people on a personal level.
Families were especially drawn to him, gathering around as he spoke, asked questions, and interacted in a way that made everyone feel included. Children and adults alike had the rare opportunity to see—and even try on—his four Super Bowl rings, creating moments of excitement and memories that will last a lifetime.
What stood out most was how present he was. Rocky wasn’t just there for appearances—he was fully engaged. He connected with veterans, spent time with Service Dog teams, and showed a sincere appreciation for the mission of Life Changing Service Dogs For Veterans.
Adding to the experience, Pittsburgh sports historian and author Jim O’Brien donated selections from his Pittsburgh Proud series, which Rocky graciously autographed for attendees, giving guests a meaningful keepsake from an already unforgettable day.
Rocky’s presence didn’t just elevate the event—it helped bring the mission to life in a way that people could feel.
Thanks to Chris Myers and his family—his wife Laurie and daughters Cora and Ohana—the event created a welcoming, family-friendly environment centered around purpose.
Guests enjoyed:
The day concluded with the cutting of a special cake honoring Life Changing Service Dogs For Veterans and the veterans they serve.
While raising $10,000 is a strong result, the true success of the event goes beyond the number.
It lives in:
This event was not the finish line—it was momentum toward continued outreach, education, and life-saving impact.
At its core, this event was about connection, purpose, and action.
Every conversation, every dollar raised, and every story shared brings us one step closer to ensuring that veterans receive the support they need.
No veteran should feel alone. And with the right support, they don’t have to.
Special thanks to the Life Changing Service Dogs For Veterans team members who helped make this event a success: Sue, Deb, Danielle, Dena, Denny, Stephanie, Faith, Joanne, Tom, Dave, and Len.
