AHEPA Power District #4 of Pennsylvania currently leads all contributing AHEPA Districts across the USA in supporting the AHEPA NATIONAL SERVICE DOGS FOR WARRIORS FOUNDATION by supplying 3 service dogs for deserving veterans.
Alex Barlamas spearheaded the first drive during his tenure as District Governor and was able to partner up with Cleon Kordistos the Supreme Governor at the time in raising the $15,000 needed to donate this service dog by District #4. When asked Brother Alex stated he was emotionally moved by the virtuous nature and compassion toward these veterans who are truly in need of our support. This dog is the 14th on the list and has graduated. FILOS is matched with a veteran warrior named STEVEN. This was the effort by District #4 in ‘2018 to fulfill a veteran’s dream for companionship with a service dog.
Power District #4 of Pennsylvania is composed of these 20 Chapters who have contributed mightily to this cause realizing the importance of serving our needy veteran warriors who have been afflicted with PTSD or some physical calamity.
The second (2nd) dog which is the 29th on the list donated is named GABRIEL in honor of the departed Past Supreme President George Gabriel who hailed from the Allentown Chapter #60 area. This fundraising operation for District #4 was chaired by then District Governor Charles Mackenzie of Allentown Chapter #60. This dog is yet to be matched with a deserving warrior. This was the effort by District #4 in ‘2019 to fulfill a veteran’s dream for companionship with a service dog.
The third (3rd) dog 44th on the list donated and most recent is named UNCLE BUCK in honor of a departed member of Chapter #64 in Harrisburg, PA who recently departed this life brother John Sempeles. Past District Marshal Dr. Michael Billys spearheaded this collection of $15,000 by his communications/emailing efforts both in his chapter and for the district. His home Chapter #64 was able to contribute $6,000 of the total, meeting the challenge set forth by DG Charles Mackenzie to lead the charge. This was the effort by District #4 in ‘2020 to fulfill a veteran’s dream for companionship with a service dog.
For more information visit https://ahepa-servicedogs.org/
