LONGVIEW, Texas — The Republican Women of Gregg County hosted a special ceremony recognizing female veterans on Saturday in Longview.
One veteran in particular was presented with her new service dog, a life-long companion she will have by her side.
"He's gonna allow me to start hopefully feel more comfortable in public. Because, things like that get to me," veteran Jennifer Aparicio said.
For many veterans like Aparicio, deployments often bring them face-to-face with traumatic experiences.
As a recipient of a golden poodle named Sarge, he is trained in not only comforting Aparicio with her anxiety, but also serving as a cherished companion in public.
"He is trained to be able to bring my medication and to comfort me in public like for instance putting his head on my lap," Aparicio said.
Aparicio notes that many women don't recognize themselves as veterans and undermines the importance to know that their service is deserving of the same benefits as others.
Joined by her daughter at the ceremony, pride filled the room acknowledging Aparicio's struggles will not define her as a person but rather strengthen her journey towards success.