Jason Calhoun, Navy Veteran and Duke
Receive First MOAA Dogs Inc Veteran Guide Dog Scholarship

On October 1, 2026, at the Dogs Inc campus in Palmetto, Florida MOAA Bradenton Chapter President Rick Buchanan was privileged to present the First MOAA Dogs Inc Veteran Guide Dog Scholarship to Navy Veteran Jason Calhoun from Powder Springs, Georgia. Jason served five years as a Navy Hospital Corpsman. After his military service his vision deteriorated. He is a Registered Nurse working at the Emory University Hospital Interventional Radiology Center. He will be working with his Guide Dog Duke at his side. Jason is married to Stephanie. Jason thanks his wife for her support as he made the decision to apply for and then spent three weeks training and bonding with Duke.

Also attending the Commencement ceremony representing the MOAA Bradenton Chapter were LTC Kevin Wright, USA (Ret) and his wife Robyn, Lee Washington Retired Marine and MOAA Bradenton Chapter Affiliate member. Lee is the Manatee County Special Projects Director for Valor Commons. Valor Commons is planned as a Veterans Center in Manatee County for support, recognition, and celebration of service to country.

The MOAA Dogs Inc Veteran Guide Dog Scholarship was funded through two 2026 MOAA National Community Outreach Grants of $3000 each. The grants were provided to the Florida Council of Chapters and to the MOAA Bradenton Chapter. The grants were used to support the three weeks of training that was done for Jason and Duke. Jason’s support from Dogs Inc for Duke includes food, training, veterinarian care, and periodic visits from Dogs Inc trainers.
The Commencement Ceremony marks the completion of Guide Dog Class 368 at Dogs Inc. Ten individuals in the class each spoke about what having a Guide Dog means to their ability to be more independent and confident as they move through life with their partner Labrador Retriever providing them with support, love, and a renewed hope for their experience with limited or no vision. Amber Watt, Director of Philanthropy at Dogs Inc was instrumental in coordinating the Grant at Dogs Inc.

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