In honor of Military Appreciation Month, the Scottsdale-based Pearce Family Foundation is helping to connect Valley veterans with highly trained service dogs.

The organization is focused on helping veterans living with PTSD regain a sense of stability, independence, and daily support after returning home from service.

Originally started by Meghan Alfonso after seeing the financial strain families face during medical crises, the foundation has evolved over time and is now fully dedicated to serving veterans in need.

Today, under the leadership of her husband, Sean Alfonso, that mission is brought to life through a deeply personal and hands-on service dog program.

“Our mission is really about helping veterans rebuild their lives in a meaningful way,” Alfonso said. “We have to recognize Art Pearce, whose endowment covers all of our foundation’s operating expenses, which means that 100% of every dollar donated goes directly to providing service dogs for veterans.”

For many veterans, the transition back to civilian life can be incredibly difficult, especially when dealing with PTSD, he said. Symptoms like anxiety, hypervigilance, nightmares, and isolation can make even everyday routines feel overwhelming.

That’s where service dogs come in.

Each dog is carefully trained over the course of years to recognize and respond to PTSD-related behaviors, grounding their master in moments of distress and helping create a sense of calm and routine.

“They provide a constant, calming presence that helps their handler feel safer and more grounded. Studies have shown that veterans paired with a service dog experience a significant reduction in PTSD symptoms, less reliance on medication, and an improved overall quality of life,” Alfonso said.

 “Beyond the clinical benefits, service dogs also help veterans reintegrate into society by encouraging social interaction and restoring a sense of routine and purpose.”

Training and placing a service dog is highly detailed and can exceed $40,000 per dog. Each one is selected for temperament, emotional stability, and intelligence before going through advanced training and a personalized matching process with a veteran.

Once paired, veterans receive in-home integration support, followed by ongoing training sessions to ensure the partnership continues to grow and succeed over time.

The Pearce Family Foundation’s work is also deeply rooted in the local community.        The organization exclusively serves veterans in the Phoenix and Scottsdale metro area and partners with a strong network of Arizona-based businesses and supporters, including Cobblestone Car Wash, Jokake, CVL, Constructed Matter, Gibbz Arms, Crescent Crown, and Dink and Dine.

For Alfonso, Military Appreciation Month is a reminder of why this work matters so deeply.

“I think the biggest thing people don’t fully understand is that for many veterans, the hardest battle begins after they come home,” he said.

 “Every veteran we serve has given a part of themselves in service to this country, and many of them come home carrying wounds that are invisible to the outside world. We are proud to be a part of the healing journey for these heroes, and Military Appreciation Month inspires us to keep pushing forward and expanding our reach so we can help as many veterans as possible.”

He also emphasized the importance of community involvement not just during May, but year-round.

Supporters can donate directly, join the Angel Club monthly giving program, volunteer, or attend one of the foundation’s annual fundraising events.

This year’s upcoming events include the Rally for Veterans Pickleball Tournament on May 16 at Dink and Dine In Mesa, and Clays for a Cause on Oct. 17 at Ben Avery Target Center.

“Every bit of support makes a real difference,” he said. “There are so many ways the community can get involved. Whether it’s donating, attending an event, or simply sharing what we do, it all helps us reach more veterans who need support.”

Information: PFFArizona.org.