Special recognition celebrated during on-field experience at Cleveland Browns Salute to Service Game
November 3, 2024, Cleveland, Ohio… CrossCountry Mortgage (CCM), the official mortgage partner of the Cleveland Browns, partnered with K9s For Warriors to sponsor a service dog for a Northeast Ohio Military Veteran. The special project is part of CCM’s title sponsorship of the Cleveland Browns Salute to Service game, as a part of Browns Give Back.
The recipient is a Navy Veteran named Ellis who bravely served from 1995 to 2012. He applied to K9s For Warriors because he ‘needed a friend to support him after his military service.’ K9s For Warriors paired him with his battle buddy named Valor, a black Labrador Retriever. Valor was procured from St. Johns Pet Center in St. Augustine, Fla. in October 2023. He came from a backyard breeding case, where more than 20 dogs were rescued. Valor is a graduate of the Paws For Change Program at K9s For Warriors where inmates from the Montgomery Correctional Center in Jacksonville, Fla. helped Valor learn his first training cues.
“My service dog is just a huge jump in the right direction for me. There are days when I am not feeling my best, but Valor is a strong dog,” said Ellis. “He helps me and it's only going to get better from here.”
As part of CCM’s title sponsorship of the Browns 2024 Salute to Service game and year-round support of the Military, CCM honors a local Veteran each year during the game. CCM partnered with K9s For Warriors earlier this year after learning about the life changing programming they offer to Veterans after transitioning from the Military to civilian life.
“As a company, we feel strongly about honoring Veterans as an expression of gratitude and respect for the sacrifices these individuals have made to protect our nation. We know that the American dream of homeownership wouldn’t be possible without their service to our country,” said Laura Soave, chief brand officer, CCM. “To have the opportunity to partner with K9s For Warriors to give back and change the life of a very deserving Veteran is truly a privilege, and we are honored to be a part of this special project.”
Ellis and Valor were recognized during a special on-field moment during the Cleveland Browns Salute to Service game on November 3, along with representatives from K9s For Warriors.
“K9s For Warriors is honored to partner with CrossCountry Mortgage to pair Northeast Ohio Veteran Ellis with a special service dog like Valor,” said Lindsay Grayson, Chief Revenue Officer at K9s For Warriors. “Valor was rescued from a backyard breeding case and inmates in the K9s For Warriors Paws for Change Program assisted with his training. He was given a second chance and is now changing his Veteran's life as his battle buddy.”
About CrossCountry Mortgage
CrossCountry Mortgage (CCM) is the nation's number one distributed retail mortgage lender with more than 7,000 employees operating over 700 branches and servicing loans across all 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico. Our company has been recognized ten times on the Inc. 5000 list of America's fastest-growing private businesses and has received many awards for our standout culture. We offer more than 120 mortgage, refinance and home equity solutions – ranging from conventional and jumbo mortgages to government-insured programs from FHA and programs for Veterans and rural homebuyers – and we are a direct lender and approved seller and servicer by Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, and Ginnie Mae. Through our dedication to getting it done, we make every mortgage feel like a win.
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.
The organization’s operation facilities include: K9s For Warriors National Headquarters (Ponte Vedra, FL) Davis Family Mega Kennel (Ponte Vedra, FL) Petco Love K9 Center (San Antonio, TX) and Warrior Ranch (just north of San Antonio, TX).
About Browns Give Back
The Cleveland Browns are committed to championing youth football, education, and social justice in our community and throughout Ohio. Browns Give Back is the Cleveland Browns initiative dedicated to supporting our fans and neighbors. For more information, visit www.clevelandbrowns.com/community.