Jeremiah Blocker is the new executive director the Association of Service Dog Providers for Military Veterans (ASDPMV).
The association is comprised of member organizations throughout the United States that each train and provide service dogs for military veterans with a variety of military-related disabilities.
Blocker brings to the position an extensive background in the military, veterans advocacy and law. He served in the Army as an officer for 13 years, supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. He currently is a Judge Advocate General with the rank of major in the Air Force Reserves. Additionally, Blocker serves on the St. Johns County Board of Commissioners as the county commissioner for District 4 and is serving a four-year term in that elected office.
“I look forward to this new chapter in life that affords me yet another opportunity to do what I love – lead for our brave military and veteran community,” Blocker said. “As the executive director, I’ll continue to elevate ASDPMV to ensure our veterans in need receive the highest quality service dogs to help them lead productive, meaningful lives as some of the most honorable American citizens.”
Rory Diamond, CEO of ASDPMV member organization K9s For Warriors and board chairman of ASDPMV echoed Blocker’s enthusiasm for the new role.
“Jeremiah will bring the vision and leadership ASDPMV needs to make our association even stronger for our nation’s heroes seeking service canines,” Diamond said.
Each organization in the association abides by national service dog training standards, found in a manual on ASDPMV’s website, servicedogs4vets.org. Most of the organizations train the service canines to assist in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder management, while some also train to assist in mobility limitations. ASDPMV also holds an annual service dog conference where attendees can network, partake in professional development, converse with VA representative and share best practices.
For more information on the Association of Service Dog Providers for Military Veterans, visit servicedogs4vets.org.
