Page 2 - Desert Lightning News, Nellis-Creech AFB Edition, April 30, 2021

2 April 30, 2021 Commentary Desert lightning news s. nevADA Desert lightning news s. nevADA news April 30, 2021 3
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The human-animal bond Resiliency Center dedicated

On April 16, the 99th Logistics Readiness 99th LRS, Team Nellis and the U.S. Air Force
Squadron dedicated The Kyle Campbell who passed away March 12, 2021, after a brief
Resiliency Center in honor of 1st Lt. Kyle battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia.
by Army Capt. Cynthia Edgerton on their owners. Pets help reduce stress, Anthony Campbell, 99th LRS readiness flight His life motto was “failure is not an op-
Kirtland AFB, N.M. anxiety and depression. commander. tion,” and he exhibited that in every aspect
Recent studies at the Purdue University Campbell was a valued member of the of his life.
Not all Soldiers walk on two legs and College of Veterinary Medicine examined
carry a rifle. the effects of service dog partnerships on LEFT: Second Lt.
The U.S. Military has partnered with the symptoms of combat trauma. The Mafalda Brancal, 99th
canine warriors in every conflict since the studies found that veterans with service Logistics Squadron
Revolutionary War. Chip, a canine sentry dogs had significantly less depression, customer support
of the U.S. Army, was the most decorated increased quality of life and higher social officer in charge, and
dog in World War II. functioning. Senior Master Sgt.
He served with the 3rd Infantry Divi- The work of a program called Warrior Rachael Palumbo,
sion in countries like Italy and France Canine Connection has shown similar 99th LRS N flight
and was awarded the Distinguished Ser- benefits but uses a different approach. s u p eri n ten den t ,
vice Cross, Silver Star and Purple Heart. In this program, wounded warriors unveil the dedication
Military Working Dogs deploy around with post-traumatic stress train dogs to of the 1st. Lt. Kyle
Air Force photographs
the world and many receive awards and become service animals. Training dogs Campbell Resiliency Airmen assigned to the 99th Logistics Squadron and family members of 1st Lt.
recognition similar to Chip. helps recovering veterans cope with post- Center, April 16, 2021. Kyle Campbell tour the Kyle Campbell Resiliency Center after its official opening
As a U.S. Army veterinarian, I have deployment challenges, and in the process, at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., April 16, 2021.
the honor and privilege of caring for the veterans heal themselves.
dogs like Chip. Each day I see evidence Research by Canine Companions has
of the positive effects of human-animal shown that friendly interactions with dogs
bonds. These benefits are not limited only can release a powerful brain chemical that
to the military, though. Recent research inspires a profound sense of attachment. RIGHT: Lt. Col. Danielle Kirk,
has shown very real physical and social- This chemical reaction can also reduce fear 99th Logistics Squadron
emotional benefits to owning a pet, and, and anxiety and increase a sense of trust. commander, Col. Todd Dyer,
in particular, a dog. Pets help humans connect with others 99th Air Base Wing commander,
Reduced risk of cardiovascular disease In addition to physical benefits, animals Wendie Pond, mother of 1st
Research is being conducted around help create human-to-human friendships Lt. Kyle Campbell, and Chief
the world demonstrating the positive and lead to increased social support. Master Sgt. Rickie Mack, 99th
effects of canine companions on our A survey conducted by the University of LRS career enlisted manager,
physical health. A 2017 study in Sweden Western Australia, Harvard and Waltham cut the ceremonial ribbon
compared rates of cardiovascular disease Centre for Pet Nutrition found that pet officially opening the Kyle
in dog-owning families and non-dog owners were 60 percent more likely than Campbell Resiliency Center, Airmen assigned to the 99th Logistics Squadron, perform push-ups to
owning families. With over 3.4 million non-pet owners to get to know people in Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., April christen the Kyle Campbell Resiliency Center at Nellis Air Force Base,
participants, the study showed a lower their neighborhoods. They also found that 16, 2021. Nev., April 16, 2021.
risk of cardiac-related deaths in families people who have solid social networks are
with dogs. 50% more likely to live longer than those
Reduced blood pressure with limited social networks. Our tiniest teammates
A U.S. study recently published in the In today’s society, especially with in-
American Heart Association Journal, creased usage of social media and COVID got their hands dirty for
“Hypertension,” followed 48 people with isolation, many people have trouble mak-
high blood pressure who were given dogs. ing connections. Pets provide an incentive
After six months, their blood pressure was for people to get out of their homes and a Earth Day
significantly lower. means for them to connect with others
Other studies show that dog owners over a mutual interest.
have increased immune function and Dogs have been part of our society for
overall significantly fewer health prob- thousands of years. Having a pet cannot On April 22, children and staff from Child Development
lems. In general, dogs keep us physically only facilitate a healthy life-style but can Centers at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., planted flowers
active, keep us busy and give us compan- also provide numerous other psycho- in celebration of this year’s Earth Day and Month of
ionship. logical and social benefits. While canine the MilitaryChild.
Psychological benefits Soldiers, like Chip and other Military
In addition to the physical and social as- Working Dogs, help keep the country safe,
pects of the human-animal bond, animals our personal pets help keep us active and Courtesy photograph
have an important psychological impact bring us together as a community. Army Capt. Cynthia Edgerton with her pet dog.

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