Blocker to lead the national association comprised of eleven service dog organizations
(Washington, DC.) – Jeremiah Blocker is the new executive director of the Association of Service Dog Providers for Military Veterans (ASDPMV). The association is comprised of member organizations throughout the United States that each train and provide service dogs for military veterans with a variety of military-related disabilities.
Blocker brings to the position an extensive background in the military, veterans advocacy, and law. He served in the Army as an officer for 13 years, supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. He currently is a Judge Advocate General with the rank of Major in the Air Force Reserves. Additionally, Blocker serves on the St. Johns County, Florida Board of Commissioners as the County Commissioner for District Four and is serving a four-year term in that elected office.
“I look forward to this new chapter in life that affords me yet another opportunity to do what I love – lead for our brave military and veteran community,” said Blocker. “As the executive director, I’ll continue to elevate ASDPMV to ensure our veterans in need receive the highest quality service dogs to help them lead productive, meaningful lives as some of the most honorable American citizens.”
Rory Diamond, CEO of ASDPMV member organization K9s For Warriors and Board Chairman of ASDPMV echoes Blocker’s willingness for the new role: “Jeremiah will bring the vision and leadership ASDPMV needs to make our association even stronger for our nation’s heroes seeking service canines.”
Each organization in the association abides by national service dog training standards, found in a manual on ASDPMV’s website, servicedogs4vets.org. Most of the organizations train the service canines to assist in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder management, while some also train to assist in mobility limitations. ASDPMV also holds an annual service dog conference where attendees can network, partake in professional development, converse with VA representative, and share best practices.
About the Association of Service Dog Providers for Military Veterans
Association of Service Dog Providers for Military Veterans is a coalition of non-profit service dog providers for military Veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress, traumatic brain injury and military sexual trauma working to prevent suicide and improve military Veterans’ mental health.
Our goal is to ensure that best practices are utilized by qualified organizations to ensure that Veterans are paired with the most beneficial service dogs; increase awareness and understanding of the medical evidence that supports the use of service dogs, and advocate for the expanded use of qualified service dogs.
