Wounded warriors get new best friend - Marine Corps News | News from Afghanistan & Iraq - Marine Corps Times

Wounded warriors get new best friend

KANEOHE BAY, Hawaii — Marine Corps Base Hawaii’s latest recruit breaks the mold with his laid-back attitude and nonregulation hairstyle. But he’s highly trained and devoted to his unit.

Pressed into service about a month ago, Finn, a yellow Labrador retriever, is stationed at the Kaneohe Bay’s Wounded Warrior Battalion. His duty is simple — bring joy to the people around him — but his ability to carry it out took two years of rigorous training.

A highly trained service dog, Finn spends his days in a comfortable air-conditioned lounge filled with brown leather sofas, computers, a TV and game table. The people there are recuperating, and Finn brings a touch of home and a sense of calm to a sometimes alien or depressing situation.

Upon arrival people are greeted by Finn, who is eager to grab your gear and carry it for you. Newcomers get a special sniff or two, and familiar faces bring a sparkle to his eyes.

“Everybody asks if he can grab a beer from the refrigerator,” said Pfc. James Burns, adding that he’s pretty sure Finn could learn to do that.

Cpl. Masato Takaki, 21, said the atmosphere in the barracks has changed since Finn arrived. The dog means more responsibilities for the Marines but they all love it, Takaki said.

He’ll play if the men are playful, or he’ll remain quiet if the men are quiet, said Sgt. Karlo Salgado.

The Wounded Warrior barracks was designed to aid in the recovery of war wounds, or other injuries or illnesses. It’s a place for rehabilitation, recuperation and transition back into the force or civilian life, said Salgado, who takes Finn home at night and on weekends.

“He’s here more for morale,” Salgado said. “He’s very consistent with his attitude.”

Hawaii Fi-Do, a nonprofit group, trained and donated Finn for this particular duty. He has about 80 skills, such as opening doors, that he can use.

Finn was one of two Labs trained for Marine use. His brother, Frank, went to a Kaneohe Marine.

The organization is working with Congress to pass legislation that would pay for training and upkeep of these animals, said Susan Luehrs, executive director for Hawaii Fi-Do. Typically it takes two years and costs about $20,000 to train an animal.

“We’re really proud of him,” she said. “He had all of his service dog’s skills but because of his personality and socialness, we felt this would be the perfect setting for him.”