October Update from Continuing the Mission

John G. (left) and DC (right)

Continuing the Mission (CTM) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit improving the lives of Veterans living with the challenges of Post-Traumatic Stress (PTSD), Military Sexual Trauma (MST), and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) by providing them with trained service dogs at no cost. CTM is located in Davidson and has been serving Veterans in North Carolina since 2016.

On October 24, CTM is having their annual Paws & Putts Golf Tournament at the Mooresville Golf Club. Registrations are full, but $100 and $300 Hole Sponsorships are still available.

The Holiday Highlander on December 6th is a Strongman competition and Highland Games event hosted by Kendra and Williie Danzer in Fayetteville. This event sponsors a CTM pup! If interested in participating as an athlete, please contact theholidayhighlander@gmail.com. See the event page here: https://fundraise.givesmart.com/e/sMlG6A?vid=1ixywx

John G was sponsored by a private sponsor in honor of his dear friend who strived to help Veterans and had a love for dogs. DC (AKA Dee) was sponsored by the Holiday Highlander and is named after Damien Cromartie. This name was given to the CTM new recruit by Jason King, Veteran honoree of The Holiday Highlander’s sponsored puppy. He chose to name the puppy DC in honor of his fallen comrade. Please read more about Damian Cromartie's service below from CTM’s friends at the Holiday Highlander:

"On September 30, 1998, Damian Cromartie joined the U.S. Army. He was a proud member of the 82nd Airborne Division, arriving at Fort Bragg in 2000 he served in 2nd Battalion 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment across multiple deployments with duty assignments in Iraq, Afghanistan and Yemen. During his military career he received: Iraq Campaign Medal with 3 campaign stars//Bronze Star Medal (3rd award)//Meritorious Service Medal//Joint Service Commendation Medal//Army Commendation Medal (5th award)//Army Achievement Medal (4th award)//USN Unit Commendation// Valorous Unit Award//Army Good Conduct Medal (6th award)//National Defense Service Medal//Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal//Global War on Terrorism Medal and Afghanistan Campaign Medal w/Campaign Star. In 2012 Damian transferred to 1st Special Forces Command where he served as a Team Sergeant and then as an Instructor at the John F Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School until his retirement in 2018. On September 30, 2018, Damian retired after 20 years of dedicated service. After his retirement Cromartie served as a Counter Terrorism and Firearms instructor at CRI counter terrorism school among other positions before becoming an Executive Protection Specialist at Elite Security Specialists. On Thursday, July 20, 2023, Damian’s earthly journey ended in Las Vegas, Nevada."

We are so incredibly thankful to be able to honor the lives of Veterans and provide service dogs to Veterans in need of support and connection while on their journey to heal. Thank you, Davidson, for welcoming us with open arms and being such a huge part of our organization and fundraising! It takes a solid community for a small grassroots organization like ours to make an impact on the lives of Veterans.