Guardian Revival, Putnam County, and the PFC Joseph P. Dwyer Vet2Vet Program are proud to announce the official dedication of the Putnam County Guardian Dog Park, located in the Upper Park of the Putnam County Veterans Memorial Park in Carmel, NY. The dedication honors military, veterans, first responders & K9 Handler Captain Max Kalkstein.

Guardian Revival is proud to announce the official launch of Rise, a comprehensive wellness program designed to help military members, veterans, and first responders enhance their focus, energy, and overall well-being. The strength and resilience of our nation’s guardians come at a cost. Long shifts, high-stress environments, and constant physical and mental demands take a toll. Rise is here to help change that.

Aaron Leonard replaces Alex Othmer as Chief Executive Officer at Guardian Revival. Leonard retired as Lieutenant Colonel after more than 27 years in the US Army and worked for Sierra Club Military Outdoors before leading Guardian Revival’s Another Summit program.

Hudson Valley Magazine article highlighting Co-Founder Alex Othmer’s story and the development of Guardian Revival & our free, transformative programs — outdoor adventures (primarily offered in the Hudson Valley), companion dogs, music (including our recording studio at GR HQ in Beacon), and peer services (support via group gatherings, direct 1:1 private sessions, and non-crisis talk line).

The Sierra Club highlighted our partnership in offering outings to veterans as one of their 2024 highlights. “From Alaska to Florida, our chapters are partnering with groups like Healing Hearts, Guardian Revival, YMCA, and the Wounded Warrior Project to deliver the benefits of the outdoors directly to participants.”

Halston Media News reported on our 10th Annual Veterans Chow Down, hosted on November 10, 2024. Each year, we are honored to organize and host an appreciation dinner for veterans & their guests, with over 150 joining us for our 10th annual dinner. County Executive Kevin Byrne and Deputy County Executive Jim Burpoe, a U.S Army veteran, were among over 70 volunteers supporting the Chow Down.

“For the first time, local women serving in the armed forces have been recognized thanks to the Patterson Rotary and Guardian Revival, groups which on Saturday hosted Putnam’s 1st annual Women’s Veterans Recognition Brunch. More than 125 people gathered at the Centennial Golf Club for the event.”

The New York Post included one of our Boots & Paws companion dog recipients in an article about the value of dogs in helping veterans with PTSD: “Military veterans say these dogs saved them from crippling PTSD — ‘He’s totally changed my life’”

A Letter from our Executive Director as we remember that day and those who are no longer with us. We honor the guardians who gave the ultimate sacrifice in service of others and all the guardians affected by that day. Includes a video clip about 9/11 from our upcoming mini-documentary highlighting our Boots & Paws program.