Watertown Veteran & Service Dog Honored Nationally for #StillServing

Watertown veteran Lee Otto and his service dog Sayge are being honored for dedication to country and community in the VFW #StillServing campaign. The national Veterans of Foreign Wars #StillServing (vfw.org/stillserving) campaign recognizes veterans who continue to serve in their community after the military.

Otto received Sayge after the VA recommended he get a service dog and Madison-based nonprofit Sierra Delta provided him with the animal and training. Sayge wakes Otto from nightmares by licking his face and laying on his legs. Sayge also helps Otto with his anxiety and PTSD, allowing him to get back out into the community and serve others. Today Otto and Sayge continue to advocate for Sierra Delta and the bond between a dog and its owner. Sayge was even named the “service service” dog at Otto’s church.

Otto says he is #StillServing to bring more awareness to the love and support a dog can provide veterans.

The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) launched #StillServing, a campaign to highlight the many ways America’s veterans continue to serve in their local communities after transitioning from the military, in February 2020. What started as an awareness campaign has become a social movement as veterans across the country continue to step up to share stories of how they are still serving. More than 1,000 veterans’ stories have been shared through news coverage, website features and magazine and newsletter articles.

Since its launch, more than 2 million people have engaged with the campaign and it has gained the attention of individuals worldwide, recently earning a Grand Award at the 19th International Business Association for the highest marks of more than 3,700 nominations to the business awards.

Building on a legacy of service that spans more than a century, #StillServing represents the heart of the VFW and its members, and conveys what today’s VFW embodies. The VFW encourages all veterans to share stories on social media using #StillServing to show how they continue to answer the call to serve in ways big and small. In addition, family or friends are asked to use #StillServing in social media posts to honor a veteran in their lives who believes the spirit of service transcends military life.

Veterans volunteer more time in their communities, according to a recent civic health survey* of veterans. The same study showed veterans donate to charities, register to vote, and are involved in their communities and local government at a greater rate than their civilian counterparts.

The VFW urges Americans to visit vfw.org/StillServing to learn more about the campaign, make a shareable image honoring veterans in their lives, watch videos of VFW members making a difference and see a collection of user-generated content.

*2021 Veterans Civic Health Index