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The Unbreakable Bond Between a Combat Veteran and His Puppy

American Veteran: Keep it Close delves into the Veteran experience by exploring the significance of objects that veterans carried with them or brought back home from their service. Hosted by Shain Brenden, a former medic in the US Navy who served multiple tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan with the Marines, the series asks what these objects meant, and why they still matter today.

The Unbreakable Bond Between a Combat Veteran and His Puppy

American Veteran: Keep It Close Episode 1 | 6m 56s | CC

When U.S. Air Force Staff Sergeant Amjad “A.J.” Kirrish deployed to Syria, he didn’t expect to fall in love — let alone with an orphaned puppy. “Harley” and A.J. quickly bonded, and she became a source of comfort and stability for A.J. As his deployment wrapped up, A.J. began making plans to bring Harley back home to the U.S. with him. What came next proved to be a harrowing journey…

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American Veteran: Keep It Close

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