Jon + Jett

The Shelter to Soldier team welcomed Jett into our program through the generous Red Star Sponsorship of Lisbeth Eddy and our rescue partners at Labs & More.

From day one, Jett stood out as one of the happiest dogs we’ve met—full of love, always ready to cuddle, constantly hungry for snacks, and eager to greet everyone with a wagging tail. His joyful spirit made him a perfect candidate for our service dog program.

Jon, a U.S. Air Force veteran, served our country with honor across 13 deployments to the Middle East between 1995 and 2005. He flew both the C-130 and KC-135 during combat missions and later operated drones around the globe. But like many veterans, his service came with a cost. Jon has faced ongoing challenges with PTSD, anxiety, depression, nightmares, and sleep disturbances. Crowded public places became overwhelming, and he often needed an exit strategy just to feel safe. Thankfully, Jon’s wife, Darlene, recognized he needed more support. With unwavering love and determination, she encouraged him to apply to our program—and never stopped advocating for him from that day forward.

When Jett entered our program, we couldn’t help but feel that fate was at play. After all, Jon was a pilot—and here was a dog named Jett. From the moment they met and locked eyes, it was clear: they were meant for each other. Thanks to Jon’s previous experience with dog handling and Jett’s eager personality, the pair quickly bonded and made fast progress through training. Before long, they were spending weekends together—attending Sunday services, walking the beach, and playing fetch in the surf. Jett brought not just joy, but peace and purpose back into Jon’s life.

We’re thrilled to celebrate their journey as they officially graduate from our program on May 30, 2025, surrounded by Darlene, Jett’s sponsor Lisbeth Eddy, and the entire Shelter to Soldier family. Jon and Jett are more than a match—they’re a mission fulfilled, and a reminder that some partnerships are just meant to be.