Montana Non-Profit Supporting Veterans with PTSD Wins National AARP Create the Good Contest

Braach Shepherds 4 Veterans selected from 1,200 nominees nationwide; Prize is $5,000

AARP Montana is pleased to announce that Braach Shepherds 4 Veterans, a Montana organization that donates trained dogs to veterans suffering PTSD, as the winner of the 2019 Honoring Heroes Contest. The nonprofit was selected from 1,200 nominees nationwide.

The AARP Create the Good Honoring Heroes Contest, which ran from November 11 to December 31, 2019, honored exceptional veterans, and the nonprofit organizations that serve them, by shining a spotlight on their stories. The general public narrowed down the nominees to 10 finalists with the final selection made by a panel of AARP volunteer judges.

Pamela Braach invested years in becoming a certified dog trainer to serve veterans with PTSD, and established the Braach Shepherds 4 Veterans with the goal of reaching more veterans in need. The nonprofit not only donates trained dogs to veterans but also provides free training to veterans with their own dogs.

Buddy Braach, who nominated Braach Shepherds 4 Veterans for the AARP Create the Good award, emphasized the founder’s passion for the cause. “I know Pamela and her Non-Profit would proudly use any donations to continue spending time with veterans, training their service animals and bringing the community together to support our Veterans. Please consider her hard work and dedication to our Veterans!”

Tim Summers, AARP Montana State Director, shared, “AARP is proud to honor an individual – and an organization – serving veterans who have risked their lives for all of our safety and freedom. We hope that the Honoring Heroes contest has helped shine a light on the great work of Braach Shepherds 4 Veterans - and on other organizations and individuals across the country dedicated to helping veterans.”

Braach Shepherds 4 Veterans will receive a $5,000 donation to support their work. For more details on the winning submission visit here. For information on AARP Create the Good, an online resource for finding volunteer opportunities, here.

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About AARP
AARP is the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering Americans 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With nearly 38 million members and offices in every state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, AARP works to strengthen communities and advocate for what matters most to families with a focus on health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also works for individuals in the marketplace by sparking new solutions and allowing carefully chosen, high-quality products and services to carry the AARP name. As a trusted source for news and information, AARP produces the nation's largest circulation.

About AARP Montana:
For nearly 50 years, AARP has been working right here in big sky country to improve the lives of the 50 plus. By fighting on issues that matter most to Montana families and providing trusted information, we’re helping Montanans live life to the fullest. Today, nearly 150,000 strong, AARP Montana is the largest membership organization in the state. As a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to political action committees, campaigns or candidates.

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