Prince Denson is a former Warrant Officer in the United States Army, where he flew CH-47D Chinook helicopters. It was a lifelong dream to follow in his father’s footsteps. His father was a Warrant Officer and flew in the Viet Nam War. Prince spent time overseas and had multiple deployments. Once off Active Duty Prince transitioned to the Pennsylvania Army National Guard, as a CH-47D Pilot and flew a MedEvac helicopter for a local trauma center as my full time job.

However, after a service-connected medical episode that led to his medical discharge, his flying career came to a devastating halt. After this, Prince faced the difficult challenge of navigating severe anxiety, depression and isolation. Struggling with these mental health challenges, he withdrew from family and friends and left the house only for essential work or family obligations.

In a pivotal moment of recovery, a therapist recommended that Prince research getting a service dog. After thorough research, Prince applied to America's VetDogs and was privileged enough to be selected to receive my service dog, Chess, in December 2018. The bond with Chess proved to be life-changing, helping Prince to regain the will to reconnect with the world and, ultimately, with his family. Over time, Chess became not just a companion, but a symbol of resilience and healing.