Iraq War veteran is dogged in pursuit of assistance for disabled veterans

When the microphone clipped to the guest speaker’s lapel was jostled, it emitted one of those unfortunate electronic squeals that always get a rise out of an audience.

But the Veteran’s Day crowd gathered at Chapman University to hear U.S. Army veteran Capt. Luis Carlos Montalvan speak about the assistance dog that helps him cope with his injuries, didn’t even wince. Instead, the crowd went straight to a collective “awwww” when the doe-eyed golden retriever named “Tuesday” leaped to attention, put his paws in the soldier’s lap and his nose in his face to make sure all was well.

“Thanks, Tuesday,” Montalvan said, rubbing the dog’s ears, before continuing his talk.

Such were the moments during Montalvan’s talk, hosted by the Military Law Institute and AMVETS Legal Clinic, and presented to a roomful of veterans and dog trainers, along with their remarkably well-behaved canine friends. And if it were up to the Iraq War veteran, who was awarded the Combat Action Badge, two Bronze Stars, and the Purple Heart, calming interactions between dog and vet would be much more common.

Montalvan, the author of Until Tuesday: A Wounded Warrior and the Golden Retriever Who Saved Him, used his Veteran’s Day visit to call for more resources and attention to be given to the nation’s wounded veterans. While sharing his joy at having Tuesday in his own life, Montalvan expressed frustration that service dogs aren’t available to more veterans, particularly through the Veterans Administration. The VA was mandated by Congress to study the therapeutic value of service dogs, but the VA has not moved on it, Montalvan said.

“This was a Congressional mandate — The VA will conduct a study. But it hasn’t. … So now we’re waiting to see what the heck’s going on,” Montalvan said.

But Montalvan stressed that the need is urgent, citing the rising rates of suicide among veterans of the Iraq War. Besides offering physical assistance – Tuesday, for example, helps Montalvan’s balance when he’s walking – the dogs also offer a less obvious stability, Montalvan said. Tuesday wakes Montalvan from nightmares and his unflagging loyalty is a source of strength.

“My beloved furry spirit Tuesday. I just don’t what I’d be without him,” he said. “Tuesday is here for me no matter what.”