My Nonprofit Reviews

Operation Troop Appreciation (OTA) is one of the best non-profits I have had the opportunity to work with. With all the craziness since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, this organization has remained ready to answer the call to assist the units deployed overseas as well as countless local veterans. Their ability to remain resilient in the face of numerous challenges speaks volume for how the leadership, board, and volunteers remain committed to their mission!

I can not say enough about this amazing, life-saving organization. I met GAMSD a few years and over the years I saw the amazing things service dogs were doing to help my friends so I finally made the decision to apply. A year later, I found myself in Florida with my wife receiving my service dog, Bolt.

Before having Bolt, I wasn't really able to do some things that many people take for credit like going to the grocery store by myself without having some level of an anxiety attack. Before Bolt, I couldn't sit somewhere unless I could see every door and have a plan for my exit. Before Bolt, I had some dark thoughts and if you would have asked me then if I was going to see my 40th birthday I would have had said probably not.

With Bolt, I'm able to go out. My wife can send me too the store and know I'll be okay. I can sit comfortably whenever I go and I'm making plans to celebrate my 40th birthday at camp in a few months. This is the power of these dogs. Everyone is familiar with some of the larger names within the veteran support arena of non-profits and while they do some great things, I've been hard pressed to find an organization like GAMSD with such a caring, educated and passionate staff like those that work for GAMSD.

I have been working with OTA for the better part of 5 years and as an Active Duty Army Veteran, I can tell you this organization stands out as one of the best! The volunteers truly have a deep passion for the ciritcal work the organization is filling both for those deployed overseas and those facing issues upon their return. OTA continues to push themselves harder and harder to truly be a beacon of Hope and support for active duty military, veterans and their families. Every dollar donated goes directly to the mission, no member of the staff or board receives a salary or payment for work done, it is all done out of the true passion for the work.