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Leashes of Valor, a Spotsylvania nonprofit that provides service dogs to post-9/11 veterans, will host its annual fundraising gala, “Tail as Old as Time,” on October 11 at Fawn Lake Country Club. Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are currently available.

Founded by veterans, Leashes of Valor is headquartered in Spotsylvania and focuses on addressing the mental health crisis among military veterans, many of whom face PTSD and other service-related conditions after multiple deployments.

“Every dog we place changes a life — not just for the veteran, but for their family,” said Jason Haag, founder of Leashes of Valor and a Marine Corps veteran. “Our program provides more than a service dog. It provides hope.”

The organization places fully trained service dogs with veterans at no cost. These dogs are trained to help with a range of conditions, including anxiety, night terrors, and hypervigilance. The nonprofit also provides ongoing support after placement to ensure long-term success.

Chris Bowers says community support is needed. “This gala is a chance to celebrate our mission and raise the funds we need to reach more veterans,” Bowers said.

According to Haag, frequent deployments have placed an increasing burden on military families, contributing to higher rates of suicide, substance abuse, and homelessness among veterans. “We’re working to change that trajectory, one dog at a time,” he said.

leashesofvalor.org

Ward 3 City Council candidate Matt Kelly talks about growth, data centers, affordable housing and transparency.

Clara Nsenkyire speaks out about the daily reality of living with sickle cell disease. Joined by advocates Alexis Innis, Mary Coleman, and Beth Sinkler, we talk about the need for more research and the need for blood donors.

Local organizations like the Fredericksburg Area Sickle Cell Association (fascaonline.com) and the American Red Cross (redcrossblood.org) are stepping up efforts to support affected families. Their message is clear: sickle cell disease can no longer be ignored.

Stafford Commissioner of the Revenue Scott Mayausky and Curry Roberts with the Fredericksburg Regional Alliance assume different roles for an hour!   We talk about the state of college athletics and preview the upcoming college football season!

Alex Carter and Ethan Burgess preview the Wine and Oyster Festival (Sept. 20-21) and several history events at Stratford Hall this fall.  stratfordhall.org

Gin Schaffer, Dr. Christina Wield, and Cathleen Pessolano join us to talk about the impact of pediatric cancer and how the Fairy Godmother Project (FGP) supports families facing unimaginable challenges.

FGP helps meet the emotional, financial, and practical needs of families in crisis.   Learn about upcoming local programs and how you can support FGP’s Day of Giving on September 25th.   fairygodmotherproject.org