Combining Her Passions, Volunteer Helps Connect Vets With Companion Pets

For military veterans who have proudly served, there can be physical and emotional injuries that make it difficult to transition back to civilian life – some estimates say as many as 20 percent of returning vets suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder. Barbara Blair has touched the lives of many struggling vets in need of companionship through her efforts as the Georgia chapter director of Pets for Vets, where she leads state-wide programs for the national organization dedicated to veterans and rescued shelter pets. After reaching out to Pets for Vets in 2012 offering to serve as a volunteer in Atlanta, and realizing a local chapter didn’t exist, Barbara took on the challenge of volunteering her time to start a chapter for the Peach State – on top of her full-time job as a strategic account manager for AT&T Mobility & Business Solutions. Barbara is making a difference in by providing opportunities for veterans to reconnect with their community, and finding good homes and companions for animals in need.

We spoke with Barbara to learn more about her work with Pets for Vets, and what inspires her to serve.

Read the full story on the Points of Light blog.