As fireworks fill the sky and families gather in celebration, Paws of War is asking Americans to pause and reflect on the real meaning behind Independence Day. The organization worked with Purple Heart recipients who were injured during a deadly missile attack on Tower 22, a U.S. military outpost in Jordan, on January 28, 2024. The strike claimed the lives of three American soldiers and left 47 others wounded—one of the most devastating attacks on U.S. forces in recent memory. Among the wounded were Army Sergeant Ryan Kissoon and Army Specialist Michael Branch, who were later awarded the Purple Heart for their injuries. Recently, the Army held a ceremony awarding the Purple Heart to 10 New York Army National Guard soldiers, including Sergeant Kissoon and Specialist Branch, for wounds sustained during the attack.
While deployed, Sergeant Kissoon, Specialist Branch, and fellow soldiers came across a litter of very young puppies alone in the middle of an active conflict zone. They couldn’t bear to leave them behind to face the dangers of war or inevitable starvation. In a place marked by trauma and uncertainty, the puppies became a source of comfort, a morale booster, and a powerful reminder of the home they were fighting for. When it came time to return to the U.S., their one heartfelt wish was to bring the dogs with them.
Desperate to save the animals from escalating violence, the soldiers reached out to Paws of War. The nonprofit quickly launched Operation Last Hope, a time-sensitive mission filled with logistical hurdles and emotional urgency. Against the odds, the dogs—Milo, Shilo, and Socks—were rescued and reunited with their heroes just before Independence Day 2024 in Brooklyn, New York.
This mission, like many others, serves as a powerful reminder that freedom isn’t free—and that even in the darkest of places, compassion and human connection endure.
“Too often, people celebrate the Fourth with parties and fireworks but forget why we have the day off in the first place,” said Robert Misseri, co-founder of Paws of War. “Freedom isn’t free. We must never take for granted the men and women who are injured, suffering, or even killed while defending this country. Their courage—and even the small bonds they form in conflict zones—deserve to be remembered on July 4th and every day.”
This is just one example of the organization’s life-changing work. From complex rescue operations to helping veterans with service dogs, food insecurity, and suicide prevention, Paws of War continues to serve those who serve us.
Paws of War helps countless deployed military members throughout the year to have their rescued dogs and cats brought to America. While deployed in other countries, they sometimes encounter a stray dog or cat whom they care for and befriend, which plays an important emotional role during that tough time away from home. Once it's time for them to head back to America, they are faced with having to leave the pet behind, usually to a particular death sentence. That's when they reach out to Paws of War for help, and they work their red tape magic to jump through the hoops and get everything lined up to get the pet moved to their home in America.
“We are honored to be able to step in and help our military members and veterans and will do all we can,” added Misseri. “There wouldn’t be July 4th celebrations without the brave people who fight for our freedoms, and we owe them so much in return.”
According to the U.S. Department of Defense, the Purple Heart is the country's oldest military award, dating back to 1782. The award began as a way for George Washington to recognize heroic acts by his troops since the military was out of money and food. The first Purple Hearts were made of purple cloth and had "merit" stitched across them. In 1932, on Washington's 200th birthday, the Purple Heart system was revived, and a new metal was designed for it. In 1942, Congress changed the rules for earning the award so that civilians working with the military were eligible. Over 1 million Purple Hearts were awarded during World War II, more than in all other conflicts in the 20th century combined.
Paws of War also focuses on giving back to veterans in various ways. They have helped veterans with numerous issues, including suicide prevention, service and support dogs, companion cats and dogs, food insecurity, veterinary care, etc.Paws of War has a large loyal following of supporters and looks forward to working with new corporate sponsors to support these life-saving programs. To donate to help their missions, visit its site at http://pawsofwar.org.
