
The Madrid VFW Auxiliary presented a $4,000 check Saturday to Keegan Birkicht of Retrieving Freedom in Waverly, an organization that trains service dogs for military veterans and kids with autism.
The Madrid VFW and AMVETS also made a donation toward the Retrieving FreedomĀ project. A $277 memorial check was also presented on behalf of deceased VFW member Cody Smith.
Birkicht brought one of the Retrieving Freedom dogs for a short presentation of what the dogs are trained to do.
Joining Birkicht in the donation ceremony were AMVETS Commander Dan Michaelsen, Auxiliary member Cynthia Frey, VFW/ AMVETS Nick Praska, Auxiliary member Jan Johnson, Auxiliary member Sharon Fagen, VFW/ AMVETS Jim Bennett and Auxiliary President Nancy Zenor.

