10 Things About Duane Gonyea & Freedom Dogs

“Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference in the world. But, the Marines don’t have that problem.”
– Ronald Reagan, President of the United States

In May of 2009, Freedom Dogs completed a pilot program with the Marine Corps’ Wounded Warrior Battalion-West at Camp Pendleton as requested by the Commandant of the Marine Corps. Freedom Dogs paired specialty service dogs and their trainers with Marines and became an indispensable part of the Marines’ rehabilitation and recovery from post-traumatic stress. This pilot program was so successful that it resulted in Freedom Dogs becoming a 501(c)3 nonprofit serving active military and veterans in Southern California. Duane Gonyea volunteers for Freedom Dogs as an Ambassador as well as a Dog Trainer.

#1 Since both of my parents were roller skating teachers, I spent my childhood years moving from roller rink to roller rink, never living in the same state for longer than 2 years. When I turned 17 and joined the Marine Corps, I found my home.

#2 I graduated from college at 58 years old.

#3 My wife’s father, Frank Sciarra, had the biggest impact in my life. His Italian heritage brought along with it a strong family bond and an abundance of life lessons.

#4 My wife Cris and I love to travel to Italy. She is fluent in the Italian language, so we can travel away from the crowds and enjoy the real culture of the country. Next spring my wife and I have a 3-week adventure planned in Ireland and we plan on driving the entire country.

#5 The best way for me to decompress is to play a round of golf. I find that all my problems are nothing compared to the problems I have with my golf game.

#6 My wife and I do not have a personal pet, but we always seem to have a dog at our house. We foster Freedom Dogs when needed. Right now, we have a young black Labrador named Pearl that we are housing and preparing for evaluation.

#7 Favorite Movies: “Apocalypse Now” and “The Big Chill”.

#8 Book recommendations: “Battling While Black” by Maj Gen Peter J. Gravett, USA (RET) and “The Courage to Remember” by Lester Tenney.

#9 So many people have problems that are not visible to the naked eye. Some people just want someone to listen and hear them. We cannot change the world, but we can help change one life at a time.

#10 As a Marine Corps Veteran, I saw the need for Freedom Dogs, and I wanted to get involved. I have been with Freedom Dogs for over 2 years now. It is not an organization; it is a family. I did not choose it; it chose me.

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