This week is the start of Military Appreciation Month. Each May, we take time to honor those who have served in our Armed Forces. The month of May holds many important holidays, like Silver Star Service Banner Day (May 1st), National Military Spouse Appreciation Day (May 6th), and Memorial Day (May 30th) to name a few. Throughout the month, you will find our Paws for Purple Hearts field teams at various events bringing awareness to the important role dogs can play in helping our Warriors facing trauma-related challenges on their road to recovery.

History of Military Appreciation Month

According to the USO, Military Appreciation Month was formally incorporated in 1999 by Congress. Each year, the President releases a proclamation reminding the public to express gratitude to those serving and those who served in the Military.

How We Are Celebrating Military Appreciation Month

All month our teams will be celebrating Military Appreciation Month on social media and by bringing our dogs to in-person events. Check out the list below to see if any of our teams will be at an event near you.

PPH Northwest
Anchorage

May 21, 2022 – VA Women’s Spring Event

You’re invited to attend the VA ‘Spring Carnival of Women Veteran Information’ event on May 21, 2022, 10:00am-1:00pm at the Alaska Regional VA. There will be many amazing vendors, (including Paws for Purple Hearts) which provide resources to women. There will also be VA staff who will have information to help assist you with medical/disability claims issues. VA processes, and VA benefit & eligibility questions.

May 21 – 22, 2022 – JBER Country Fair

Come visit Paws for Purple Hearts at the 41st Annual Country Fair. We will have several of our PPH Pups that will be happy to greet you!

PPH South-Mid
San Antonio

May 17, 2022 – Veteran Appreciation Night

This event is hosted by our community partner, Cavender Cares, at the San Antonio Missions Baseball Stadium. We will be honoring Craig Andrade as Cavender presents a vehicle for him and his family.

May 30, 2022

Grunt Style Memorial Day Event at VFW Post 76 (San Antonio, TX)
Please join us May 30th from 12pm to 9:30pm as we educate, honor , remember, and celebrate the lives of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms. This event is free to the public and we encourage all families to attend.

PPH Southeast
Ruther Glen

May 21, 2022

Unite For Freedom Fest at Revatone Farm (Spotsylvania, VA)
Come meet a PPH Virginia Dog at this festival honoring our First Responders, Military Members, Truckers and Farmers! At 4:30 EST, you’ll even have the chance to see a PPH Dog demo some of our Service Dog commands.

Freedom Fest at 6 Bears and a Goat Brewing (Fredericksburg, VA)
Stop by the Paws for Purple Hearts table at this fun celebration of local craft beer, music, history in honor of our Veterans and First Responders.

May 30, 2022

Memorial Day Ride with the Steel Warriors Motor Cycle Club (Louisa, VA.)
This year marks the 7th Annual Memorial Day Ride and Veterans Lunch. More details about this exciting event will be available on PPH Virginia’s Facebook page.

PPH Southwest
San Diego

May 25, 2022 – Padres Community Kiosk (San Diego, CA.)

Do you have tickets for the Padres game? Come see us there for the game against the Brewers at 1:10 pm! We will be located right behind home plate on the main concourse set up at the Padres Community Kiosk! We will be sharing information on our organization and giving away some prizes. Make sure you stop by!

May 30, 2022 – Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial (La Jolla, CA.)

Please join us at Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial from 11 am-12 pm for the Memorial Day Ceremony. They will be honoring Major Megan McClung, USMC and hosting keynote speaker, LTG Sean MacFarland, US Army Ret.

Bay Area
May 14, 2022 – Los Altos Kiwanis Pet Parade (Los Altos, CA)

Join us at the 75th Los Altos Kiwanis Pet Parade this May! We are incredibly excited to be apart of this long tradition and look forward to meeting community members through this amazing event.

May 29, 2022 – Diablo Valley Porsche Club Car Show (Danville, CA)

This Memorial Day weekend you can find PPH Bay Area at the Diablo Valley Porsche Club Car Show. Join us there for a lot of fun with music, cars, and dogs to celebrate the holiday!