We caught up with one of our members to find out more about what he does and how he manages his healthcare needs and security risks when he is overseas.

Pen, a former Royal Marine Commando, served in the town of Now Zad in Helmand Province, Afghanistan in 2007. While there, he rescued a stray dog and brought him back home to the United Kingdom. This event led to the beginning of his charity, which has now been operating for 17 years.

Initially, the charity’s mission was to rescue and reunite soldiers with cats and dogs they had bonded with on their assignment. Its main aim now is in the fight against rabies in Ukraine and Afghanistan.