Some who served our country never stopped fighting — not on the battlefield, but in the quiet struggles that followed. For many veterans and first responders, the wounds of war and trauma remain long after the uniform comes off.

Hero’s Puppy for Life Organization (HPFL) is a non-profit dedicated to helping U.S. Armed Forces Veterans and Emergency First Responders living with PTSD by pairing them with specially trained service puppies. Founded in 2015 within the Military Order of the Purple Heart and established as a 501(c)(3) in 2016, HPFL offers these heroes a lifeline — a puppy who will train alongside them over nine months through a unique, ADA-compliant program developed by a Vietnam War Marine Corps Combat Veteran and Certified Canine Trainer.

What started as a plan to place a single service dog has grown into a powerful movement. Since its inception, HPFL has graduated over 100 PTSD service dogs, each valued at more than $25,000, all provided at no cost to the recipient. Just yesterday, they celebrated the graduation of their 104th puppy.

The process begins when the puppy is just eight weeks old. Over the following nine months, both the dog and the veteran train together — forming a bond that becomes therapeutic in ways few programs can replicate. As the veteran works with the dog, they begin to rebuild trust, rediscover calm, and reintegrate into society.

The organization exists thanks to the vision and sacrifice of Frank Griggs, a Vietnam War veteran whose own trauma began on his 19th birthday. The experience changed his life — years of silent suffering and self-destructive behavior followed. But through that pain, Frank found purpose.

For his Military Service and his dedication to others that served, Frank Griggs will receive the Military Hero of the Year award at the American Red Cross Rocky Mountain Heroes Soirée on Saturday, May 3, 2025.  

We offer our sincere gratitude to Empower for making this award possible and for their continued support of the American Red Cross of Colorado and Wyoming.