Statistics say that 22 veterans die by suicide per day. 1,835 dogs are euthanized each day in the United States. Your contribution will help save lives.


Help Us Save Lives!

Operation Paws on the Ground is dedicated to helping both veterans and canines save each other through a union like no other.

Give Veterans Jobs

Our goal is to hire and train veterans to become dog trainers. This will not only give them a meaningful purpose but also extra income.

Rescue & Train Dogs

We rescue appropriate dogs from high kill areas of the country and train them to be support and service dogs for veterans in need.

Match Veterans & Dogs

Matching a veteran with a rescued dog that has been trained to help support their needs. A companion like no other.

With your help we can reduce the number of suicides in our veteran community. At the same time saving many potential caring companions from euthanasia.
Operation Paws on the Ground wants to help the men and women who have sacrificed for this country. We would one day love to see veteran-run training facilities in every state.

 

 

Our Leaders & Board Members

Founder / Chairman of the Board

Kyle Knight

Kyle always had the dream of helping others. It became the right time in his life to start something he’d be proud to leave behind so he decided to combine his love of dogs and admiration for our military. He also spent many years in corporate management and as a business owner so raising and making money became second nature. Now his goal is to do the same for a cause that has become so much more important to him than personal gain. Both Kyle’s grandfathers as well as brother and cousins have served this great nation. Kyle also has deep ties into the canine rescue world and uses those relationships to match the perfect companions. His goal is to use his business background to build a self-sustaining organization that will continue to save dogs and better the lives of veterans for years to come.

Executive Director

Chaz Koch

“Chaz and his wife Jill live on the Connecticut shoreline not far from where he grew up after his father retired from the United States Navy. Having grown up in a military family and later serving himself, Chaz has seen first hand the challenges a veteran can encounter when transitioning out of the service. Chaz has always had a special place in his heart for animals and felt a strong connection to them. Together he and Jill have rescued 2 turtles, 2 rabbits and a dog, (referred to as the Goon Squad). Experiencing the healing that occurs between a rescued pet and his/her people has allowed Chaz and Jill to create a bond with their squad unlike anything they could have imagined. Chaz’s positivity, energy and drive enable him to take on any challenges that arise, and these will easily transfer on to helping veterans and rescues find their perfect match. Operation Paws on the Ground allows Chaz to take two things that resonate with his core and bring them together.  He views the opportunity not only as a way to give back but as a calling to make a difference in the lives of Veterans and Dogs. “

Board Member

Michelle Veilleux

“Michelle grew up in New Hampshire, a true country girl. In a family that fostered children as well as animals, many never left and found there forever home right there (Both human and animal). Both of Michelle’s grandfathers served in WWII so she grew up understanding and respecting those that serve. She is currently married to a veteran that served in Desert Storm and is always volunteering for organizations that give back to our nations heroes. She is also a chairperson for the General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC) of Newington/Wethersfield working for veterans. She also co-directs The Newington Veteran’s Coffee House with her husband Chris and their support dog Hamlet. Michelle brings a great perspective to the team working with the national organizations that she does. Being native American Indian herself she also recognizes the diversity that helps strengthen our great military.”

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