By Madison Porter
Published: Jun. 27, 2024 at 10:52 PM CDT
Full Video Here: https://www.25newsnow.com/2024/06/28/hes-my-best-friend-service-dog-training-helps-local-veteran-face-ptsd/ 
PEORIA (25News Now) – Post-traumatic stress disorder is often seen in American troops returning home after deployment. It can develop after they go through a major traumatic event.

According to the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, 7% of veterans experience a lifetime prevalence of PTSD; service dogs are one way to combat the psychiatric disorder.

Central Illinois Marine veteran Greg Burris is undergoing training with his new service dog, Bluey, through the Freedom Paws Service Dogs Foundation.

Burris served from 1988 to 1994, which included Desert Storm against Iraq. He said he was a close support operator who guided A-10 aircraft to destroy enemy tanks.

“We came across the Highway of Death where there was a lot of death and destruction,” Burris said.

Burris also worked as a police officer.

“A lot of things that I dealt with was a person who was having the worst day of their life, and that’s when I was there with them,” Burris said.

Burris said experiencing flashbacks from his time in service and as a first responder triggers his PTSD, which gives him anxiety.

“My big one is a woodchipper. To me, it sounds like an A-10, and it brings back memories that aren’t the best memories. [Bluey] helps me through those,” said Burris.

Bluey is trained to recognize when Burris is experiencing a flashback and to make contact with him to bring him back to reality.

“He gives me confidence and security that I didn’t have before,” Burris said. “I would avoid gatherings, I’d avoid going out and seeing people; [Bluey] helps me with that, and he gives me the comfort and security to be able to carry on with my life.”

Burris’s wife was the first to realize he needed help. Burris said she reached out to Freedom Paws Service Dogs to set up a meeting with the CEO.

Burris said he was reluctant to accept help at first as he always dealt with his emotions on his own, but now Bluey provides the camaraderie and routine Burris has been needing.

“He keeps me calm; he’s my best friend,” Burris said.

Bluey has about six more months of training until he can provide full service to Burris.

Freedom Paws Service Dogs is a non-profit, meaning the dogs are trained and given to veterans and first responders for free. CEO Corey James said PTSD Awareness Day is a reminder that not all wounds are visible.