(GREEN BAY PACKERS) – Green Bay Packers Give Back today announced that the organization has awarded two Veterans Impact Grants to Wisconsin organizations serving Veterans, Dogs2DogTags and Guitars for Vets.
Each grant of $125,000 will be used toward the organizations’ missions to support Wisconsin Veterans and improve their quality of life.
Dogs2DogTags (D2DT), based in Plymouth, Wis., is dedicated to supporting Veterans experiencing PTSD and anxiety by pairing them with highly trained rescued or donated canine companions. In 2024, the organization expanded to provide formal service dog training in response to Veteran needs. This training prepares Veterans and their dogs to navigate public settlings, the workplace and daily life with greater stability and independence. D2DT also works with Veterans who already own a dog, preparing dogs for service or therapy roles, so that all Veterans and their dogs train together as a community.
Since its founding in 2016, D2DT has paired 38 Veterans with dogs, including eight service dog teams, supported by more than 9,083 hours of structured, trainer-led dog training and Veteran instruction, including approximately 1,920 hours dedicated specifically to service dog training.
There is no cost for Veterans to participate in the program or receive a trained dog. Veterans in the program consistently report stronger coping skills for PTSD and anxiety, renewed confidence and trust, increased physical activity and a restored sense of purpose.
“What we do goes beyond training dogs. It’s about giving Veterans the tools, the support, and the community they need to heal and move forward with confidence,” said Tammy Graf, Executive Director at D2DT. “We’re incredibly grateful to the Green Bay Packers for strengthening that impact.”
“As we approach our 10th anniversary this April, we’re proud of the decade of work behind us,” added Torre Willadsen, D2DT Founder/President and Lead Trainer. “We remain committed to preparing Veteran-dog teams for real-world environments and long-term success, and we’re grateful for partners like the Green Bay Packers who help us continue that mission.”
Guitars for Vets is a national organization with active chapters in Milwaukee, Racine and inside the Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center, Milwaukee. This grant funding will stay in Wisconsin to serve the Veterans in the Wisconsin chapters. Guitars for Vets offers a refined guitar instruction program aimed at providing Veterans struggling with physical injuries, PTSD and other emotional distress a unique therapeutic alternative. The organization pursues its mission to share the healing power of music by providing free instruction, a new instrument and an accessory kit in a structured program run by volunteers along with community partners.
Participants enjoy a 10-week program with a guitar instructor, with modifications made as necessary to accommodate any limitations. Upon graduating from the 10-week program, they can “jam” with other graduates monthly. In 2025, 1,995 Veterans graduated from the program nationwide, with 17,000 Veterans served since G4V was first founded in 2007. With 147 chapters and over 200 practice locations nationwide, 800 volunteers deliver thousands of hours of personalized, one-on-one guitar instruction annually.
“We are deeply grateful to the Green Bay Packers for this extraordinary investment in our Veterans,” said Anthony Paolino. “This generous support will directly expand access to our music instruction and therapeutic programming across Wisconsin, ensuring more Veterans can find healing, connection, and renewed purpose through the power of music and community. The Packers organization continues to demonstrate what it truly means to stand with those who have served. Together, we are changing and, in many cases, saving lives right here in Wisconsin.”
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