Walter Reed Facility Dog Dillon Honorarily Promoted to Master Sergeant on June 1, 2023 [Image 7 of 7]

BETHESDA, MD, UNITED STATES

06.01.2023

Photo by Harvey Duze 

Walter Reed National Military Medical Center

On June 1, 2023 Walter Reed Facility Dog, Gunnery Sgt. Dillon, USMC, was honorarily promoted to Master Sergeant (Master Sgt.) by Marine Lt. Col. Rodolfo “Rudy” Uriostegui, Officer in Charge, Wounded Warrior Battalion-East, Walter Reed Detachment, along with Marine Staff Sgt. Anthony Williams and Marine Staff Sgt. Stephen Miller in front of the “Historic” Tower at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, (WRNMMC), Bethesda, Maryland. He was handled by Navy Capt. Kathryn Garner, who is now the Officer in Charge at the Branch Health Clinic Washington Navy Yard.

Dillon was accompanied by his Walter Reed handlers and Facility Dogs (Air Force Maj. Gen. Goldie, Navy Lt. Cmdr. Ellie Mae, Navy Chief Petty Officer Sully H.W Bush and Navy HM2 Luke).

Dillon is an 8-year-old Black Labrador Retriever that was trained as a Service Dog by America’s VetDogs and Career Changed to a Walter Reed Facility Dog. He enjoys hiking, like carrots and loves to sleep in on Saturday mornings.

The Walter Reed Facility Dogs Program offers a truly special therapy experience for patients, their families, and staff members alike. With the help of our dedicated volunteer handlers, our gentle canine companions engage in meaningful interactions within a controlled environment, ensuring both comfort and therapeutic value during each visit. Navy Capt. David Bitonti established the Facility Dogs Program in 2007 as a pilot project, aiming to bring extraordinary experiences to the Walter Reed community. Through the power of canine companionship, the program fosters unique bonding moments for wounded warriors, veterans, active-duty military, and their families, creating lasting memories and promoting emotional healing.

(Photographs by Harvey A. Duze – Office of Command Communications, WRNMMC)

• Date Taken: 06.01.2023
• Date Posted: 06.21.2023 14:49
• Photo ID: 7841549
• VIRIN: 230601-A-VU957-2036
• Resolution: 4800x3204
• Size: 9.87 MB
• Location: BETHESDA, MD, US