Bob Madden Elected As Vice Chair of Military & Veteran Relationships

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Smithtown, N.Y. (July 15, 2020) – The Guide Dog Foundation and its sister organization, America’s VetDogs, are pleased to announce the election of Robert Madden, of Huntington, New York, to serve in a new role on the board of directors as the vice chair of military and veteran relationships. In this position, Madden will work with the board and staff to build and strengthen the relationships with veteran services organizations across the country to increase the visibility and funding opportunities for both organizations. The vice chair will also serve as an ambassador and represent America’s VetDogs with the U.S. military to increase awareness of our services and assist in developing new connections to advance our facility dog programs at military and veteran hospitals, medical centers, and other facilities.

Robert Madden joined the board of directors in 2011 and has served as chair of the board advancement and investment committees and is a member of the audit, executive, and VetDogs golf committees. He is the founder and managing partner of Sterling Wealth Management Group. He has counseled individuals on their financial and business matters for more than 25 years.

“We are thrilled to have Bob step into this new role as vice chair of military and veteran relationships,” said John Miller, president and CEO of the Guide Dog Foundation and America’s VetDogs. “Bob is a U.S. Navy veteran based on Long Island, and his passion for honoring and assisting his fellow veterans will be an asset to America’s VetDogs as we strive to build stronger ties to the military and veteran communities both locally and nationwide.” The Guide Dog Foundation and America’s VetDogs boards of directors comprise volunteer leaders from the medical, business, academic, and military and veteran communities. Members of the board of directors set strategic direction and policy, and help raise awareness of the organizations’ services.

About the Guide Dog Foundation
For more than 70 years, the Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind, Inc. (www.GuideDog.org), has trained and placed guide and service dogs to provide independence, enhanced mobility, and companionship to people who are blind, have low vision, or have other special needs. The Guide Dog Foundation is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization serving clients from across the United States and Canada. The Foundation relies on contributions from generous individuals, corporations, service clubs, and foundations to fund its mission to serve people with disabilities. It costs over $50,000 to breed, raise, train, and place one assistance dog, but the Guide Dog Foundation provides its services completely free of charge to the individual. Its sister organization, America’s VetDogs, trains and provides guide, service, and hearing dogs for disabled veterans and first responders. The Guide Dog Foundation was the first assistance dog school in the United States to be accredited by both the International Guide Dog Federation and Assistance Dogs International. Be sure to follow our “Puppies with a Purpose” with the New York Islanders, Washington Capitals, Atlanta United, Monumental Sports & Entertainment, and WBAL-TV on social media.

About America’s VetDogs
Since 2003, America’s VetDogs (www.VetDogs.org) has trained and placed guide and service dogs to provide independence, enhanced mobility, and companionship to veterans with disabilities from all eras. In 2015, VetDogs opened its programs to first responders, including fire, police, and emergency medical personnel. America's VetDogs is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization founded by the Guide Dog Foundation and serves clients from across the United States. VetDogs relies on contributions from generous individuals, corporations, service clubs, and foundations to fund its mission to help those who have served our country live with dignity and independence. It costs over $50,000 to breed, raise, train, and place one assistance dog, but America’s VetDogs provides its services completely free of charge to the individual.

America’s VetDogs has been accredited by both the International Guide Dog Federation and Assistance Dogs International.