Semper Fido is a organization currently working to become a non-profit committed to the rehabilitation of service members and veterans that have been injured while defending our country and have been diagnosed with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and/or traumatic brain injuries (TBI). It has been proven that using dogs for mental, as well as physical rehabilitation can greatly benefit thes
e warriors recovery. Currently there is a disconnect with some of our government agencies and the current laws under the American's with Disabilities Act. We are dedicated to help our veterans and service members that have been prescribed a service dog access as required by law. Under the ADA, State and local governments, businesses, and nonprofit organizations that serve the public generally must allow service animals to accompany people with disabilities in all areas of the facility where the public is normally allowed to go. For example, in a hospital it would be inappropriate to exclude a service animal from areas such as patient rooms, clinics, cafeterias, or examination rooms. However, it may be appropriate to exclude a service animal from operating rooms or burn units where the animal’s presence may compromise a sterile environment. We are also dedicated to stop predatory businesses from who claim to have proper experience or qualifications from preying on our veterans. Our goal is to add clarity to the vague terminology in the current laws in regards to service animals and to allow access for people with service animals to all government buildings that the general public has access to. Currently the Veterans Affairs can write a prescription for a service animal, but does not have to allow access for that veteran’s service animal. A former firefighter/EMT and Deputy Emergency Management Coordinator for Medford Township, Chief Warrant Officer 2 (CWO2) Kevin Ellicott also continues a career of over twenty years as a United States Marine. CWO2 Ellicott’s most recent duty as a Civil Affairs Officer has included deployments to Bosnia (1999), Kosovo (2000 & 2001), and Iraq (2003 & 2004-2005). During a mission in 2003, Ellicott gathered and passed intelligence that lead to the rescue of Jessica Lynch in An Nasiriyah, Iraq. Kevin's military career has not been without injury, as he has been injured by improvised explosive devices (IEDs). In 2005, he was diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and mild Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) at Walter Reed Medical Center. A true public servant, Kevin has spent his civilian and military careers reaching out to those in need of help, strength, and support. His current mission extends civil service to canine members of several local communities,
