Overcoming Abuse and Neglect, Therapy Dog ‘Blaze’ Now Serves Alongside Chaplain, Captain William Kilgore, Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations at Dover Air Force Base
NESCONSET, New York – March 18, 2024 –The families of U.S. service members killed while on duty overseas face incomprehensible grief and stress. The same goes for the servicemen and woman who support them during this unimaginable time. The men and woman of Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations (AFMAO) Dover Air Base are in charge with rendering the support and honors during the dignified transfer of remains at the Dover, Delaware Air Force Base. They are the only Air Force base in America that all the fallen come through. A dog named Blaze is part of that special team, as he provides support to the families.
“It’s amazing how Blaze can read people and he knows when to step in and provide emotional support,” says Robert Misseri, the co-founder of Paws of War. “He honestly exceeds everyone’s expectations and provides such amazing support to people during their time of need.”
A unique member of the AFMAO support team, Blaze is a two-year old rescued standard poodle that was gifted to Captain Kilgore by Paws of War, after being rescued by them in 2022. He now serves as a United States Air Force Base therapy dog alongside active-duty military Air Force Chaplain, Captain William Kilgore. Like many of the 5,000-plus animals, Paws of War has rescued over the last 10 years, Blaze was rescued from unspeakable conditions in an environment run by illegal breeders that severely neglected him.
Through Paws of War, Blaze underwent months of therapy, rehabilitation, training, and special care. As a result, he successfully recovered from his ailments and injuries that were a result of months of abuse and neglect. To the surprise of all involved with his rehabilitation, Blaze flourished beyond expectations and his potential as a therapy dog was soon recognized. Blaze was so effective with military staff and team members at AFMOA, it was recommended that he become a full-time member of Captain Kilgore’s team.
Blaze was fully adopted by Air Force Captain William Kilgore the on-base Chaplain at Dover Air Base in 2023, and now serves as an integral member of his support team. Captain Kilgore’s experience with therapy dogs prior to joining the military helped guide his decision to seek out and enlist Blaze.
Blaze’s mission is to “lift the spirits” of those serving on-base and aid in therapeutic and emotional support to all that require or seek it. Blaze provides comfort during times of crisis and stress at Dover. Blaze starts the day like any normal dog. But when it is time, he “goes to work” every day with Chaplain Captain Kilgore.
Throughout any given day, Blaze will attend meetings, “make the rounds” of the facility and base, interacting with base personnel and visitors alike. In addition, his main responsibility is to be present during the welcoming of families of a fallen service members, stand by the service men and women of the AFMAO during the transfer of a flag covered casket., and meet with the families of the fallen if requested by the immediate family. It is always at this moment Captain Kilgore is reminded that he made the right decision in bringing Blaze on.
“Since Blaze has joined us, every single family here for a Dignified Transfer has requested time with Blaze,” says Captain Kilgore. “Blaze has had a tremendous impact on everyone that meets him.”
Paws of War also focuses on giving back to veterans in various ways. They have helped veterans with numerous issues, including suicide prevention, service and support dogs, companion cats and dogs, food insecurity, veterinary care, etc. Paws of War has a large loyal following of supporters and looks forward to working with new corporate sponsors to support these life-saving programs. To donate to help their mission, visit its site at http://pawsofwar.org.
About Paws of War
Paws of War is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) charitable organization whose mission is to honor and support veterans, active military members, and first responders with services that enrich their lives through the rescue and training of service dogs for independence, adoption of companion animals, rescue of overseas animals in war zones, and other essential services to assist our heroes in need. Since 2014, Paws of War has rescued more than 5000 animals, many cared for and rescued by our troops serving overseas to safety in the United States. Paws of War has provided over 950 Veterans and First Responders with service and support animals rescued from kill shelters for over 10 years and has placed over 800 animals for adoption. To learn more about Paws of War and the programs provided or donate, visit its site at http://pawsofwar.org.
About Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations – United States Air Force
Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations is a Field Operating Agency under the Deputy Chief of Staff, Manpower, Personnel and Services, Headquarters Air Force. AFMAO provides global contingency mortuary response teams in support of Air Force and combatant command requirements, supporting both an Air Force and joint role. It is AFMAO’s mission and privilege to fulfill our nation’s sacred commitment of ensuring dignity, honor and respect to the fallen, and care, service and support to their families.AFMAO has a total force support consisting of more than 85 civilian staff and active-duty Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines, as well as Guard and Reserve personnel. AFMAO has many community partners, which routinely include support from the 436th Airlift Wing at Dover Air Force Base, the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System, Joint Personal Effects Depot, Fisher House, USO and Friends of the Fallen.
Mission: Maintain a highly trained and resilient Total Force team of professionals capable of fulfilling our nation’s sacred commitment of ensuring Dignity, Honor and Respect to our fallen while providing Care, Service and Support to their families across the DoD enterprise.
Vision: To be the benchmark by which all Mortuary Affairs and honor guard procedures, programs, readiness, resiliency and training are measured while providing the utmost honors to those who have fallen while in service to our Nation.
https://www.mortuary.af.mil
