Dear editor,

I am having trouble understanding the refusal of Congressmen David Schweikert and Paul Gosar to support H.R. 2327, also known as the PAWS Act. This bill would supply service dogs to veterans suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, companions that have been shown to help such vets but that can cost as much as $25,000.

I deployed with the Army in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom from 2009-2010. Aside from the physical injuries I sustained in Iraq, I was diagnosed with PTSD. Part of my treatment has been my service dog, Trigger, whom I received through the non-profit organization Dogs 4 Warriors. Trigger helps me by distracting me from the things that used to make me hyper-vigilant, taking on the responsibility for that vigilance himself in crowds, alleviating my anxiety, and most importantly waking me from my nightmares in the dead of night. Trigger has saved my life. He has kept me from becoming a statistic.

I am disappointed with Congressmen Schweikert and Gosart, two allegedly conservative representatives who yet refuse to support this bill. People who call themselves friends of veterans, but will not offer help in a time of crisis, are hardly worth our votes.

Christopher Furry
SGT, US Army, RET.