I had the privilege of learning about Charlie Mike a couple of years ago. This organization is an incredible nonprofit that does more than just rescue dogs-it saves lives and changes the future of both veterans and dogs. I have seen this first hand They give their all and I mean ALL to this wonderful mission.
The team at Charlie Mike works tirelessly to rescue dogs from shelters, many of them have faced neglect or abandonment. They are then, in some cases, nursed back to health, and then trained to be paired with veterans or first responders who are in need of a companion to help with emotional support or challenges of civilian life after service. How great is that. These dogs need love and these Vets/first responders need to know they are appreciated and needed as well. Charlie Mike provides the tools, training and ongoing support that ensure these pairings are successful. This makes it a Win Win.
This organization is making an enormous difference in so many lives- Both Veterans and Dogs.
It is heartwarming to see how the work of Charlie Mike is improving mental health, enhancing quality of life and creating meaningful connections that last a lifetime.
I am proud to say I support an organization that undoubtedly is one that will leave a lasting impact for years to come.
Dustin and Sarima -You guys are True Heros
My wife and I got to spend some time with your team in Western NC this week helping with the Hurricane relief work. We were extremely impressed to see how well they worked together as a cohesive group and the camaraderie they shared. Considering how the needs of the communities were changing on an hourly basis, the team adapted quickly to whatever was getting thrown at them. We watched them man chainsaws to cut up large trees blocking the river, pull vehicles out of the water, run welfare checks on families who were cut off from the roads, and doing whatever jobs came up to serve the community. They were a class act! Semper Fi!
I am forever grateful to the Charlie Mike Foundation for the incredible work they do, saving dogs from kill shelters and transforming them into life-changing companions for veterans and civilians alike. After losing my previous dog, I wasn't sure when I’d be ready for another. But fate had other plans.
I know Sarima and Dustin personally, and when Dustin went to MDAS, he identified a few dogs that had been overlooked for months. One of those dogs ended up being my boy. They asked me to foster him since he had been at the shelter for nearly five months, and as a large black dog, his chances of adoption were slim. As soon as we met, we clicked. Though I was only supposed to foster him for two weeks, it didn’t take long before I knew he was home for good.
With a lot of patience, love, and time, we've grown closer and created an unbreakable bond. He has a family that adores him, a grandma who spoils him with Taco Tuesdays, he loves to swim and even has a girlfriend at daycare whom he kisses every time they meet! He is so loved, and we are blessed beyond words to have him in our lives.
I cannot express enough gratitude for the Charlie Mike Foundation. They gave me a second chance at love and companionship when I didn't even realize how much I needed it. Our story feels like a happily ever after, and I owe it all to this wonderful organization.
I am one of the volunteers at Charlie Mike working since January. This is a wonderful organization that helps Veterans; offering many programs to help them continue the mission of life! I have been helping with the dog program. Dustin, Sarima and Reagan take such good care of all the dogs. It's so clean, beautiful and a fun place for the dogs. They are so loved and well trained. I enjoy the time I get to spend there. I feel like I'm helping Veterans by helping the dogs be the best they can be. The Commissary, a new bakery they recently opened is thriving with all proceeds going back to Charlie Mike. The pictures on Instagram of all they offer look delicious. I talked to Sarima's sweet mom recently and we agreed that it's okay to enjoy some yummy treats as long as it's in moderation! Dustin and Sarima are the hardest working people I have ever seen and I admire all they do!!!
I met Charlie Mike and their Canine Battle Buddies Training Program through my volunteer work at Miami-Dade Animal Services. I truly love their mission as we share the same values: helping dogs in need as well as finding them the right homes, where they can reach their true potential. And what can be better than that same dog “paying it forward” by helping a human in need? This is a true full circle, one I truly believe in and fully support. Charlie Mike has saved several dogs that I cared deeply about at MDAS. To be able to follow up on their achievements and to the adoption news is truly rewarding and I am always looking forward to them coming to pick up some of our amazing shelter dogs to add to their program.
Sarima and Dustin are great people with big hearts. My firm, Rafael Marrero & Company, has done Pro-Bono Public Relations and Media work to help shine a light on their efforts. This work was recently recognized by the Florida Association of Broadcast Journalists with a "Best TV Series" award in the category of natural storytelling. It brings to life the labor of love carried out by these two selfless Human Beings.
I was so inspired by their great work with our veterans at Charlie Mike that I donated all the proceeds of my latest book, "Procurement Readiness Best Practices..." to this non-profit. Bravo Zulu! Keep up the great work!
Wonderful organization with impressive training and care for these sweet animals in need. We adopted Alaska and followed her through her journey. She had a rough start in life but CM’s care and training prepared her well for life with our family. I look forward to seeing how they grow this organization as it will help a lot of people and animals.
I have been a volunteer for 2 months. Sarima, Dustin and Samantha are all very devoted to the cause of helping veterans improve their lives through animal husbandry. Their dog rescue program is second to none, saving dogs from across the country, rehabilitating them into “battle buddies” for veterans struggling to regain that sense of worth they once had as a member of our armed forces.
I am proud to say I spend most of my free time at Charlie Mike helping them, helping others “continue the mission for life”.
Honestly, I didn't show up to Charlie Mike expecting to find another soul mate in a dog, but I did. I showed up because watching the videos of what they do. Feeling the love, drive, determination and dedication Sarima and Dustin have- that made me want to do whatever I could to be a part of it and help.
Being both a disabled veteran and a lover of all things animal, this mission spoke to me beyond any other I have researched. Meeting them and a few members of their team, seeing it first hand in action.... the reels/videos, pictures, stories do it no justice.
Everyone these people, this mission IS THE REAL DEAL! I'm so thankful that I stumbled upon this mission, it has restored my faith in non-profit organizations, especially ones for veterans. They all are angels amongst us FOR SURE!!
I wanted to take a moment to share with all of you an incredible non-profit organization - CharlieMike.org. Their dedication to both veterans and dogs is nothing short of admirable. Dustin and Sarima are committed to pairing each dog with a deserving, veteran, providing them not only companionship but also a sense of purpose and healing. I encourage you to learn more about Charlie Mike.org and the work they are doing. They are making a difference in the livesof our veterans who have sacrificed so much for our freedom. R. Pratts
I am a dog trainer here at Charlie Mike! Working here has been nothing short of amazing. Being able to rescue dogs and help veterans who are struggle has been so fulfilling. The team I work with is determined, caring and family to me. I love my job!
Everything about Charlie Mike is good vibes! A project by veterans, for veterans, which ALSO rescues dogs! Their wonderful mission is truly inspiring. I’ve been following them since day one and love to see how many animals they’ve rescued, trained and later paired with just the right veteran! They’re passionate about what they do and it shows.
My daughter and I recently visited Charlie Mike. The facility and knowledgeable trainers surpassed any expectations we had! The professionalism and also how personable they are, can not be matched. If I could give 10 stars, I would. The Charlie Mike organization is an amazing establishment and even better experience.
I was given the opportunity to go to the Charlie Mike HQ in Liberty and work with rescued Mustang horses, learn about training them, and spend some time on them thanks to the crew there. Not only that, but also saw the K9 trainers in action. The people of Charlie Mike truly cared about me being there, and let me volunteer to help out whenever I could at the horse ranch. It’s a release for me to get up there and be around the horses and get my hands dirty, doing things in nature, and being close with the animals. I can’t say enough good things about this organization.
An extraordinary place. Me and my family learned a lot and experienced how with love dogs are prepared to do an honorable service. Thanks for your service.
I love the mission of Charlie Mike! Helping & saving Vets & animals….what could be better?! I follow them on social media & am constantly awed by the dedication of this small but mighty team. The amount of time, passion, love is incredible. Keep on marching #charliemike your hard work is making difference in the lives of SO many! Thank you!
Charlie Mike is a remarkable organization that fills a crucial void in the service of our military veterans. I have proudly supported the organization not just with monetary donations, but also by donating my time and expertise to support their cause (in the creation of their website, charliemike.org, and its integration with various key platforms). The organization is managed by top notch people who live and breathe this cause, and they deserve all the recognition and support they can get to fulfill their crucial mission. I can highly recommend Charlie Mike to anyone who wants to make an impact in the lives of military veterans and rescued animals, in North Carolina and beyond.
This is an incredible non profit organization. Pairing Vets with service animals is such an act of love for both Vets and the rescued animals. We need more caring people like those at Charlie Mike, in this world.
CharlieMike.org is genuinely a beacon of hope. Their mission to assist both dogs and veterans is a no-brainer. I’ve seen firsthand the meticulous care and attention they provide to every animal on the farm. The team’s dedication, day in and day out, is truly inspirational. If you’re considering supporting a nonprofit, look no further. Their impact is both heartwarming and life-changing. Don’t hesitate to email, call, or swing by if you’re thinking of donating or volunteering… every bit of help makes a difference!
My daughter and I visited Charlie Mike earlier this year and WOW, what a wonderful organization! My father, RIP, was a Vet. He was a highly functioning professional, but with severe PTSD from his time in Vietnam. So donating to this organization was very personal for me.
The experience was soul fulfilling. It was important for us to not only donate money, but to see and experience how that money impacts others. We spent time with the horses to understand the amazing work they are doing to rehabilitate them, but our time with the dogs was something else. These beautiful babies are saved, trained and loved so that can become a Vet’s life companion and become the emotional support they need.
This farm is soooo well managed. The staff is happy and professional; it is beautiful and clean; and the entire experience was wonderful. We will continue to donate to help them achieve their mission with Vets and at the same time doing our part to give back. Thank you Charlie Mike for what you do every day for Vets.
The impact this foundation is amazing.
Literally saving multiple lives while creating a safe space for Veterans to come together and support each other.
Seeing Veterans “shed their shell” when working with the horses has been a true gift. Their big wide smiles, deep breaths and softening of their demeanor.
The Battle Buddy program is such a perfect combination of saving 2 lives! What an impact!
Rescuing a dog from a shelter or rescue type of situation, getting them healthy and trained to then be placed with a Veteran, 100% free of charge is quite an amazing undertaking and powerful mission.
Seeing first hand the impact this program is having on both the dogs and the Veterans has been the highlight of my life.
Looking forward to continuing this mission and help give Veterans the space, love and support they deserve. That in the same process we get to also save dogs in need, makes it a dream come true.
Charlie Mike! Continue the Mission of Life.
Could not be more proud of this organization! We adopted Joey from Charlie Mike and he is absolutely precious! How he interacts with my one year old is amazing! Joey is so caring towards him and wants to love on Him all the time! Took Joey into a coffee shop the other day and He acted outstanding!! I Could not say enough good things about Charlie Mike!
Charlie Mike is a wonderful foundation full of dedicated and amazing people. They work tirelessly for their mission to “Save a dog, Save a Veteran”. They wanted to rescue my Beluga but he had heart worms and therefore wasn’t a good fit for the training program, but they didn’t give up on the big guy. They kept looking for people who might be interested in helping him. They came to me because they know I’m a sucker for a dog & he is now happy and healthy and heart worm free! The people at Charlie Mike truly care about what they do and are a joy to work with and be around! Amazing people, even more amazing foundation!
Such a beautiful farm! It is organized and so well run. The staff is very friendly and provides a lot of information. The animals are taken care of with so much love. I truly enjoyed the time I spent here. Doing my part to help our Veterans filled my soul and doing it at Charlie Mike was unforgettable.
Our daugther volunteered for a week and had only amazing things to share with us. I was able to visit the foundation when I dropped her off, and was awestruck with the team and facilities, but more so with the incredible work that the Charlie Mike Foundation does for our Veterans.
I met Dustin in Miami many years ago when he shared with me the dream he had to create a project like this. Dustin's passion was clear! I absolutely fell in love with the idea, not only was my husband still on active duty, but I work in the mental health industry, so his dream resonated with me. Fast forward to 2022 when Dustin texted me with the amazing news that his dream had become a reality! Immediately, my husband, now retired, and I, knew we wanted to be part of this organization. We know too well what veterans go through, things that we have experienced ourselves, and things we have witnessed loved ones go through. There is such a need for support for veterans. We have since volunteered with anything we can, from manual labor (drywalling, sanding, cleaning, painting), to folding merchandise. We go to the farm whenever we can, no job is too big or too small. The love and passion that exists on the farm is palpable. Dustin and Sarimá run this organization with their full hearts!
To all at Charlie Mike,
I wanted to put into words what my experience has been like with Charlie Mike and how you have impacted my life in the short time I have been involved with you since meeting at Ft. Bragg, NC.
As you were set up with a couple of dogs that day for the opportunity to adopt a battle buddy for Veterans. In this case, the battle buddy I met was Harley, a German Shepherd with his own story, but I’ll leave that for another day. Once I met Hannah, Justin, and Samira of Charlie Mike, I knew you were all there for the right reasons. To accomplish their mission of helping veterans, and it is just one of the services they provide is placing a rescue dog, companion or battle buddy with a veteran to help them through those difficult days.
I am a combat veteran who, like many, comes home and doesn’t realize they are broken and injured, unsure where or how to ask for help. I lost a little over six years of my life trying to battle quietly and am slowly trying but putting the pieces back together. They have a motto, “Save a Dog, Save a Veteran.” I’m not really sure who saved who, but I believe this organization and Harley saved a Veteran.
What you provided is undeniably one of the most valuable parts of healing, and that is the unconditional love and that comes from my battle buddy Harley and the entire organization. Charlie Mike provides you with a companion that goes through their screening and training process and also incredible support after the placement In my case, the final result is a dog named Harley, and a team of friends that has made a difference to help continue my mission of life, and healing process.
I want to truly say thank you for your time, talent, and expertise please don’t stop what you are doing “Save a Dog, Save a Veteran.” It’s not just a motto I promise you.
I first came across Charlie Mike around the time they launched in November 2022 when they had rescued one of the sweetest dogs - Max. Max had been returned twice to his previous shelter (for crate issues) and had been in a rescue environment for nearly a year. As a volunteer, I would take Max out to various parts of town for socialization and to reinforce his training in real-world settings, at times with his trainers. Charlie Mike not only worked through his crate issues, but found a wonderful veteran family to pair him with. The entire team at Charlie Mike - from the trainers to the leadership team - genuinely care about the dogs and veterans they pair them with. They are simply a joy to work with. If you love dogs or are looking for ways to help veterans, don't hesitate to reach out!
I’m a Disabled Veteran who was missing something in life. Happiness! Even though I’m married, I’ve spent a lot of time alone. My Dr at the VA recommended a service dog to fill the void in my life. Along came CharlieMike who I reached out to and was blessed they responded to me. They worked with me on my needs that their dogs could help me with. Low and behold BATMAN came into my life! Upon the first contact with him we both knew we were meant to be together. It’s been about a month now since BATMAN came home with my wife and myself and things couldn’t be better. He is now beside me with out hesitation and always looks up at me when we walk together. I feel it’s his way of saying I’m here for you! If there any vets out there reading this and need someone to fill your empty void please reach out to the CharlieMike.org Team. I know they can help you like they helped me. BTW, All of their dogs are rescued. BATMAN had 3rd degree burns on his back from his previous owners. He’s safe with me now.