AT CES, Meet “Radio” the New K9s For Warriors Service Dog in Training, Delighting Eletronics Convention Vistors This Week In Las Vegas
RCA, the electronics brand renowned for more than a century is entering its third consecutive year as a charitable sponsor of K9s For Warriors, the nation’s largest provider of trained service dogs for military veterans with invisible wounds of war.
Radio, a six-month-old yellow Labrador Retriever, will make his debut performance at RCA’s booth in Central Hall booth 16224 beginning Tuesday. Named after RCA’s origins as the Radio Corporation of America, Radio the dog is undergoing essential service dog training to prepare for his future role as a “battle buddy” to a veteran living with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD.)
Following in the paw prints of RCA’s previous service dogs Chips and Pixel, who now serve veterans in Virginia and South Carolina, Radio the service dog represents RCA’s continued commitment to supporting veterans. Since 2022, RCA has partnered with K9s For Warriors, the nation’s leading provider of trained service dogs for Veterans with PTSD, traumatic brain injury, and military sexual trauma. To date, the nonprofit has paired more than 1,000 Veterans with life-changing service dogs while rescuing over 2,000 dogs.
“There’s no greater bond than the one between a service dog and their veteran, offering both companionship and critical support,” said RCA President Tony Bozzini. “RCA is proud to support the mission of K9s For Warriors, and we are honored to sponsor a third dog now in training to aid their efforts. We recognize that many U.S. veterans have experienced profound challenges stemming from military combat overseas. It is a privilege to renew our sponsorship of this vital initiative and fund the training of another service dog to help a veteran in need.”
Dogs have always been a part of the RCA brand and its founding companies, dating back to late 1800s. The original RCA dog is Nipper, the terrier adopted as a mascot by the Victor Talking Machine Company and later RCA. The famous “His Master’s Voice” painting by artist Francis Barraud from 1899 features Nipper the dog listening quizzically into a flat-disc gramophone. The painting was trademarked by Victor in 1900 and became part of the RCA family with the company’s acquisition of Victor in 1929. In the 1990’s, Nipper returned as an RCA advertising symbol alongside a younger companion puppy named Chipper.
K9s For Warriors was founded in 2011 by Shari Duval after her son, a civilian K9 police bomb dog handler who served in Iraq, returned home with PTSD. When doctors were unable to help her son mentally and emotionally heal, Duval and her family discovered that a service dog provided the support he desperately needed. Duval began the organization on her own and watched it become the largest provider of service dogs for veterans in the United States.
“We are incredibly grateful for the continued support of RCA to further our mission to end veteran suicide,” said Lindsay Grayson, K9s For Warriors Chief Revenue Officer. “K9s For Warriors has the privilege every day to see the impact a service dog has on a veteran. With a battle buddy by their side, the veteran returns to a life of dignity and independence. RCA’s ongoing generosity allows us to continue positively impacting veterans’ lives at no financial cost to the veteran.”
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About RCA: RCA is one of the most recognized names in the electronics industry, delivering innovative and reliable technology that has entertained families for over 100 years. Consumers worldwide depend on the RCA brand to provide products and services that feature the latest technology and design, are easy to use, and deliver the highest value and longevity. Generations of families continue to rely on the RCA brand for their home entertainment and lifestyle. RCA is a global trademark of Established, Inc.
About K9s For Warriors: Determined to end Veteran suicide, K9s For Warriors is the nation’s largest provider of trained Service Dogs to military Veterans suffering from PTSD, traumatic brain injury and/or military sexual trauma. With most dogs being rescues, this innovative program allows the K9/Warrior team to build an unwavering bond that facilitates their collective healing and recovery. This treatment method is backed by scientific research (from University of Arizona’s OHAIRE Lab) demonstrating Service Dogs’ ability to help mitigate their Veteran’s symptoms of PTSD while simultaneously restoring their confidence and independence. Founded in 2011 as a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization, K9s For Warriors remains committed to bringing widespread awareness to Veterans’ mental health and contributing to policy-level reform.
Find more information at www.k9sforwarriors.org