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Every day, an estimated 17 U.S. veterans die by suicide—many battling isolation, unemployment, and the invisible wounds of war. Service dogs can ease PTSD symptoms and bring real emotional relief. But Department of Veterans Affairs research suggests that relief alone isn’t enough; lasting recovery depends on meaningful work and genuine community connection.     

Continuing the Mission for Veterans is a 501 (c) (3) tax exempt organization. Your gift is tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. A financial statement is available from the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond VA, 23219 upon request

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Our Mission

Continuing the Mission for Veterans supports veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI) by pairing them with highly trained dogs that serve as emotional support companions, service animals, and working partners. Veterans receive the education, training, and resources needed to reenter the workforce with renewed purpose, confidence, and independence.

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Services
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Service Dogs for Personal Support

Each veteran is matched with a specially trained service dog to help manage PTSD and TBI-related challenges—improving emotional regulation, confidence, and day-to-day functioning.

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Workforce Development Through Working Dogs

Veterans receive professional training as K-9 handlers in detection, security, and specialized operational roles—creating a direct pathway to employment and long-term stability.

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Emotional Support for Lifelong Well-Being

Beyond the training program, the veteran’s K-9 partner remains a steady presence—providing companionship, purpose, and continuity long after graduation.

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Get in Touch

If you are a veteran in need of assistance or would like to support our mission, please reach out to us. We are here to help.

757-788-1524

Contact

TESTIMONIALS

Since dropping off my brother at AK9I, I felt something deep inside telling me, it’s peaceful here I’d love to experience this. Before long, the doors opened for me to attend on a scholarship. • I’m incredibly grateful for the support and resources provided by Continuing the Mission for Veterans. They are truly a beacon of hope for veterans in need. I plan to support their mission by helping train K9s to serve veterans just as I was blessed, I want to pass that blessing on and multiply it. • My experience at AK9I has been wonderful. From kennel staff to leadership, everyone is available and willing to help. Respect and integrity will take you far, but listening will take you even further. The instructors bring over 100 years of combined K9 experience, and they genuinely want to share it. • I highly recommend taking a tour, speaking with current students, and seeing it for yourself. Veterans, law enforcement, and civilians from all walks of life come here and they leave with purpose to serve and strengthen the bond between handler and K9. • Beyond the great career opportunities, I truly don’t want to leave. I love it here. If the door opened to become an instructor, I’d run toward it. There’s nothing more rewarding than watching people and their K9s grow together. • I hope you give this school a chance they gave me one. It’s already changed my life, and I haven’t even graduated yet.

KILLUA USO

After serving in both the United States military and later in law enforcement, I was searching for a path that allowed me to continue a mission centered on service, responsibility, and protection. Transitioning into the working K9 field required more than certification alone — it required leadership, structure, and real-world standards. My experience at AK9I has provided exactly that. • Under your leadership, AK9I operates with a clear emphasis on discipline, accountability, and practical application. The training environment challenges students to grow not only as handlers but as professionals who understand the responsibility that comes with detection work and public safety operations. The standards and expectations established within the program reflect genuine operational experience and preparation for real-world application. • What has stood out most to me personally is your commitment to helping veterans beyond the scope of training itself. You have supported my own transition into this field while also actively working to assist another severely disabled veteran who has lost one arm and one leg. Your willingness to explore ways to provide a motorized wheelchair and adapt training opportunities so that he can successfully train, handle, and maintain a working K9 demonstrates a level of character and dedication that goes far beyond business — it reflects a genuine commitment to continuing service to those who have served. • Continuing the Mission for Veterans made a significant difference in my post-military life, and their dedication to helping veterans is commendable. I see that same spirit reflected in the culture you have built at AK9I, where veterans are given structure, opportunity, and a renewed sense of purpose through professional development. • My experience at AK9I has strengthened my confidence, reinforced professional standards, and provided an important foundation as I continue developing my long-term path within the working K9 industry. I appreciate the opportunity to train within an environment that values discipline, integrity, and growth. • This testimonial reflects my overall personal training experience and professional development and is not intended to address or comment on separate individual circumstances or specific events that may arise within any training environment.
 

JARED MCCORMICK | U.S. MILITARY VETERAN | FMR. LAW ENFORCEMENT | PRO K-9 HANDLER

The support I received from Continuing the Mission for Veterans was life-changing. They truly care about veterans' well-being and provide valuable assistance. They go above and beyond to ensure every veteran feels supported, empowered, and never alone in their journey.

ANDRE GUTIERREZ-ABINDER

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