U.S. Army Veteran Flying to Middle East to Aid Rescue Mission
NESCONSET, N.Y. – (November 18, 2025) – Paws of War is on a desperate mission to help bring over 10 rescued animals for the soldiers who rescued them, and they are up against the clock trying to get it done in time for the holidays. There are many miracles throughout the year that Paws of War pulls off, as they help with animal rescues for deployed U.S. troops around the world. They continuously help U.S. military members reunite with the pets they rescue during deployment and get them to their homes in the states, where they can live out their lives together with their families.
“We feel these are extra special cases and we want to do everything we can to help ensure it is a successful mission,” said Derek Cartwright, U.S. Army veteran and international logistics Coordinator for Paws of War. “We aim to pull off a holiday miracle and get all 10 of the animals moved to the U.S. by the holidays so that they can spend that time with the families.”
To help expedite this challenging mission, Cartwright is sacrificing his holiday time as he heads to the Middle East, where he will facilitate the plan to transport all the rescued animals to the U.S. He is a U.S. Army veteran of the 82nd Airborne. While he was injured with an IED while in the Middle East, it hasn’t stopped him from playing a central role in the rescue.
Cartwright aims to give back, and this is an issue that is important to him, as he knows how difficult it is to have to decide to leave behind the animals someone has rescued while on deployment. He understands the emotional roller coaster of war and the heartbreak of being forced to leave loyal companions behind, so he is committed to ensuring this mission is accomplished.
Paws of War has a goal of making some soldiers’ holiday wishes come true, which is why Cartright is personally heading over there. Several soldiers are being assisted with the rescue, including U.S. Army First Sergeant Anthony, who has served his country for almost 20 years and was on his sixth overseas deployment when he rescued a very weak, dirty, and skinny dog he named Luna. He had given up hope and was lying on the side of the road near the base. Additionally, U.S. Army Specialist Austin, who saved a vulnerable puppy overseas that he named Dirty Dale, and Lieutenant Commander Matt with the United States Navy, who was deployed overseas when a hungry and frightened cat greeted him, that he ended up rescuing and named her Sandy. None of the soldiers can bear to leave their rescued pet behind, so they reached out to Paws of War for assistance.
“We are always happy to help our military members and veterans in any way that we can,” Cartwright said. “I hope that people in the community help support this mission, because we don’t do things like this without their support.”
Paws of War is currently involved in over 30 rescues worldwide, and there has been a surge in the number of requests for help. To get more information and make a donation to help get the animals home for the holidays, visit the site at: https://pawsofwar.org/?form=Rescue10
Paws of War focuses on supporting active-duty soldiers and veterans in various ways. They have helped relocate the rescued pets of overseas military members. They have helped veterans with numerous issues, including suicide prevention, service and support dogs, companion cats and dogs, food insecurity, veterinary care, etc. Paws of War has a large, loyal following of supporters and looks forward to working with new corporate sponsors to support these life-saving programs. To donate to help their missions, visit their site at http://pawsofwar.org.
About Paws of War
Paws of War is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) charitable organization that assists military members and their pets, rescues and trains dogs to be service dogs, and provides companion animals to veterans and first responders. To learn more about Paws of War and the programs provided or donate, visit its site
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
