Grammy Nominee Gavin DeGraw Brings Holiday Cheer, Reuniting Soldier with Dog from Middle East and Presenting Veteran with Trained Service Dog 

Paws of War held a special exclusive event with DeGraw to help soldiers and veterans

NESCONSET, New York – (December 22, 2023) – It is the kind of event everyone wants to be invited to, but the honored invitees were the heroes of our country who are veterans and first responders. The private, free event featured multi-Platinum singer/songwriter Gavin DeGraw who was on hand to support Paws of War and their mission to serve veterans and soldiers.

“We are so grateful that Gavin DeGraw took time out of his busy schedule to help support our mission and give back to veterans and current military members,” says Robert Misseri, the co-founder of Paws of War. “It was an amazing event for all those who attended.”

The event was held at The Wilson NYC on December 19, 2023, for veterans, active military members, and first responders. The Wilson provided the restaurant space for the event venue, and DeGraw sang songs from his new album, A Classic Christmas. There were also a few surprises to make the evening even more special. 

One of the special surprises during the event was reuniting a dog named Kucik (pronounced koo-chick) with First Lieutenant Alyse Schnurr. While deployed to the Middle East, she rescued and bonded with a stray puppy and couldn’t bear to leave her behind when deployment was over. Turning to Paws of War for help, they took action to move Kucik to the U.S., where she can live with 1st Lt. Schnurr in Clarksville, Tenn. 

“I’m thrilled beyond words to be reunited with Kucik,” says 1st Lt. Schnurr. “I’m so grateful for the help that Paws of War did in making this happen!”

Additionally, Paws of War and DeGraw presented a veteran in need with a trained service dog, free of charge. The introduction at the event is the beginning of what should be a lengthy caring relationship that helps at both ends of the leash. The veteran was Staff Sergeant US Army Infantry Matthew Brustien who received a service dog named Sadie. 

“You guys know how special supporting our military is to me, and how much I love my dog,” says DeGraw. “Tuesday night I got to help Paws of War reunite U.S. Army First Lieutenant Alyse Schnurr with a puppy and gift a service dog Sadie to Staff Sergeant U.S. Army Infantry Matthew Brustien. It was truly an honor to be part of such a special night. Check out Paws of War to see how you can help.”

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 support their mission, visit its site at https://pawsofwar.org/?form=DeGraw

About Paws of War

Paws of War is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) charitable organization that assists military members and their pets, rescues and trains dogs to be service dogs, and provides companion animals to veterans and first responders. To learn more about Paws of War and the programs provided or donate, visit its site at http://pawsofwar.org. 

About Gavin DeGraw

GRAMMY® Award-nominated multi-platinum singer and songwriter Gavin DeGraw’s inimitable voice and soulful style boldly bloomed on his 2003 platinum-certified full-length debut, Chariot. It included the gold single “Follow Through,” as well as both platinum hits, “Chariot,” and “I Don’t Want To Be.” In 2008, his self-titled second album, Gavin DeGraw, bowed in the Top 10 of the Billboard Top 200, powered by the platinum-selling single “In Love With a Girl.” 2011’s gold-certified Sweeter saw him return to the Top 10 as the single “Not Over You” went four times platinum. Meanwhile, his 2013 duet with Colbie Caillat, “We Both Know,” garnered a GRAMMY® Award nomination in the category of “Best Song Written For Visual Media” for Safe Haven. He’s the rare talent who could seamlessly share the stage with Billy Joel and The Allman Brothers or Maroon 5 and Shania Twain. In 2016, Something Worth Saving incited widespread critical applause from USA Today, Billboard, Entertainment Tonight, and Huffington Post. With a front row seat to this wonderfully wild life led by his late parents Lynne and John Wayne, Gavin DeGraw recounts his most meaningful memories and valuable lessons on his seventh full-length offering, Face The River. Now, he stitches together a timeless tale of his own soundtracked by a signature fusion of pop, soul, country, folk, and funk.

About The Wilson Cocktails & Seafood

Owned and operated by IGC Hospitality and located in the heart of Manhattan’s NoMad, The Wilson Cocktails & Seafood is a coastal-inspired restaurant showcasing the freshest seafood, craft cocktails, and comforting dishes in a convivial, upscale-casual atmosphere. Open for lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch, the Wilson is a dog-friendly restaurant from its inception, offering a dedicated dog menu for four-legged friends, and welcoming them at the restaurant’s open-air patio and in the “Rose Garden,” a whimsical outdoor space with “floating” umbrellas overhead. For more information about the restaurant, please visit EatAtTheWilson.com or follow the restaurant on Instagram at @EatAtTheWilson.