SAN MARTIN, Calif., October 30, 2026: As Veterans Day approaches, Operation Freedom Paws (OFP) is highlighting the importance of veterans supporting veterans through community partnerships that make a lasting difference. From veteran-owned businesses sponsoring nonprofit events to organizations helping fund service dog teams, these efforts demonstrate the impact of coming together to support fellow veterans.
Operation Freedom Paws empowers veterans and individuals with disabilities to train their own service dogs through a 48-week program provided at no cost to clients. Many participating dogs come from shelters and rescues. Through professional training and continued support, OFP helps individuals build greater independence, confidence and connection.
Veterans Helping Veterans
One example of this commitment is Gina Lopez, an Army veteran and owner of the Gina Lopez State Farm Insurance Agency. As a veteran-owned business, her agency demonstrates how local entrepreneurs can support their communities and fellow veterans. Through sponsorships of OFP fundraising events, Lopez has helped provide valuable resources for the organization's service dog program.
OFP has also received support from TAJI 100, which recently sponsored a service dog team. This contribution helps make another service dog partnership possible and demonstrates the impact organizations can have when they invest in programs supporting veterans.
Another leading example is Charles Weston, a Vietnam veteran and longtime community event organizer. Weston organizes the annual Morgan Hill Veterans Day Run, bringing the community together to honor those who served while raising support for Operation Freedom Paws. The event, taking place Sunday, November 15, 2026, features 5K and 10K run/walks along with a one-mile children's run/walk. Through his leadership and dedication, Weston has created an opportunity for individuals, families and local businesses to turn their appreciation for veterans into meaningful support.
Community members are encouraged to participate, become event sponsors or spread the word. Early registration is encouraged. Registration and event information are available at https://morganhillveteransdayrun.com/.
Looking Ahead: Giving Tuesday and Beyond
As OFP looks toward 2027, the organization aims to serve more than 35 clients. Each service dog team costs approximately $30,000 to train and support, making community partnerships and contributions essential to expanding access to the program.
With Giving Tuesday approaching on December 1, supporters have an opportunity to help make that goal possible. Individual donations, business sponsorships, monthly giving and employer matching gifts all help provide the training and continued resources needed by service dog teams.
Veterans supporting veterans is a commitment that extends beyond Veterans Day. Through the generosity and leadership of individuals, businesses and organizations, Operation Freedom Paws is working to ensure more veterans and individuals with disabilities have access to the support they deserve.
To learn more, support the mission or make a contribution, visit https://operationfreedompaws.org/.
ABOUT OPERATION FREEDOM PAWS
Operation Freedom Paws is a nonprofit based in San Martin, California, that empowers veterans and individuals with disabilities to restore their freedom to live life. Through its 48-week service dog program, clients train their own dogs and develop service dog partnerships at no cost. OFP provides continued resources and support to strengthen independence, confidence and connection.
Learn more at https://operationfreedompaws.org/.
Media Contact:
Zion Briggs | Marketing Coordinator
Operation Freedom Paws
zion@operationfreedompaws.org | (408) 683-9010
https://operationfreedompaws.org/
EIN: 45-2566382
