Hans & Chinook

Co-Pilots

For nearly 30 years, U.S. Air Force veteran Hans dedicated his life to serving others. Appointed to the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1995, he deeply resonated with its core values—integrity first, service before self, and excellence in all we do. Those principals carried him through a distinguished military career that included flying C-17s and deploying during the Iraq War Surge.

“It was pretty intense for us,” Hans shared. “Being a pilot, it was life or death. We did some really hard things, and we saved lives.”

But serving our country came at a cost. Years of physical strain and exposure to trauma left Hans with a spinal cord injury, chronic pain, debilitating migraines, PTSD, and other invisible wounds of war. The man who had spent decades leading others and accomplishing difficult missions found himself isolated, overwhelmed, and struggling to see a future. 

“I couldn’t see physically or in my heart any way out of the darkness,” Hans recalled. “All of a sudden, my mind just broke, and I wanted it to end.” 

Hans tried countless therapies and medications, but nothing seemed to provide lasting relief. Then, he was partnered with Freedom Service Dog Chinook, and his life changed.

Born on Sept. 18, 2022 during Hans’ final deployment and on the day of the Air Force’s birthday, Chinook felt destined to be Hans’ partner. From the moment they met, she changed his life. More than a service dog who was highly trained to perform tasks to mitigate his symptoms, Chinook became a constant source of support, helping Hans feel safe, grounded, loved, and capable of facing the world again. For the first time in years, Hans and his family felt hope. 

The changes in Hans’ life became night and day. His isolation, anxiety, and depression lessened. The outgoing, cheerful, loving person, father, and husband he once was started to shine through again. He started leaving the house more often, going out in crowds, and connecting with others. He felt ready to take on new challenges knowing that Chinook was always there, through thick and thin.

Today, Chinook helps Hans live with greater independence, confidence, and purpose. With his loyal wing-woman by his side, he has reconnected with himself, his loved ones, and the world around him. Chinook has given him a new lease on life in ways nothing else has been able to.

“I have a new mission to fly and a new co-pilot to work with,” Hans said. “Chinook has changed my life.”

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Published 8/11/2026