Blake Hall
For Long Island native and United States Army veteran Steve Devries, this past Sunday’s pilgrimage to the swamps of northern New Jersey was what it had been his entire life.
A chance to see his beloved New York Giants play football.
This time, though, it was different.
This time, he came away with so much more than a Giants’ victory. Or a full belly. Or a huge smile strewn across his face. This time, he came away with a new friend — and a partner that will change his life for better.
This Sunday, he finally met his new certified service dog.
“He’s Levi, and he’s beautiful,” he said. “I’m so appreciative and so grateful for everyone who did this for me.”
“It’s unbelievable … overwhelming.”
Levi will allow Devries, who was a combat medic during two tours in Iraq, cope with the aftermath of war — both physical and psychological.
“Just with everyday life and confidence — going out in the community, being a better husband and father for my wife and daughter. That’s really how I hope he can help me.”
The veteran was introduced to Levi in a ceremony on the field after the first quarter. The gift was presented by the Wounded Warriors as well as the American Semper K9 organization.
The presentation comes almost exactly one year after another veteran was given the same gift during a matchup at MetLife Stadium in 2015.
Here’s that Marine vet, Frank Giaramida, expressing his gratitude and exhilaration in welcoming Scarlet — the service dog he’d been waiting two years for — into his life.