Putnam County Guardian Dog Park Dedication
Putnam County Guardian Dog Park Dedication Honors Military, Veterans, First Responders & K9 Handler Captain Max Kalkstein.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CARMEL, NY — May 2025 — Guardian Revival, Putnam County, and the PFC Joseph P. Dwyer Vet2Vet Program are proud to announce the official dedication of the Putnam County Guardian Dog Park, located in the Upper Park of the Putnam County Veterans Memorial Park in Carmel, NY.
Captain Max Kalkstein
The new facility honors the life and legacy of Captain Max Kalkstein, a U.S. Army combat veteran and police K9 handler, and is designed to serve military members, veterans, first responders, and the broader community. The park provides a safe, accessible space for canine recreation, training, and connection — reinforcing the therapeutic and practical benefits of animal companionship, especially for those recovering from service-related stress and trauma.
“The Putnam County Guardian Dog Park is a place where people and dogs can heal, train, and thrive together,” said Aaron Leonard, CEO of Guardian Revival. “It’s a space for connection — both between individuals and with the community.”
The park features a public dog run and will later include a dedicated training course for K9 units, Boots & Paws companion dog recipients, and nonprofit canine organizations (with some public hours on select days). It was created as an extension of Guardian Revival’s Boots & Paws program, which provides companion dogs as puppies to guardians for their therapeutic benefits and to help foster healthy routines.
This dog park initiative also reflects a growing focus on mental health among veterans and first responders. A 2024 RAND report found that over 20% of New York veterans aren’t receiving the mental health care they need. Similarly, a 2024 study by the Benjamin Center noted that New York’s first responders are calling for more peer support programs and wellness resources. The Guardian Dog Park stands as a tangible step toward community-based support and stigma reduction.
The dedication of the dog park will take place on Thursday, May 22, 2025 at 10:00 AM and include remarks from County Executive Kevin Byrne, Guardian Revival co-founder Alex Othmer, and representatives from the Putnam County Veterans Service Agency and Parks & Recreation. Attendees will hear from Max Kalkstein’s family, enjoy a dog award presentation through the Boots & Paws program, and are invited to stay for a community picnic following the ceremony.
“Max served his country and his community with honor,” said Rachel Hill, Executive Program Director of Boots & Paws. “This park is a reflection of that legacy — and a place where healing, remembrance, and joy come together.”
Thank you to the representatives and organizations who made this possible:
Putnam County: Kevin Byrne, Putnam County Executive; Chris Ruthven, Putnam County Parks & Recreation; Karl Rohde, Putnam County Veterans Service Agency.
Guardian Revival: Alex Othmer, President of the Board of Directors and Co-Founder; Aaron Leonard, Chief Executive Officer; Rachel Hill, Boots & Paws Executive Program Director.
We hope you will join us for the dedication of the park and opportunity to honor Max Kalkstein and all our guardians.
Learn more about Putnam County Parks: putnamcountyny.gov/parks-recreation
Learn more about Boots & Paws: guardianrevival.org/programs/boots-paws
Joseph P. Dwyer was an Army medic known due to a photo showing him carrying an injured Iraqi boy during combat. After returning home, he struggled with severe PTSD and passed away in 2008. The Putnam County Veterans Service Agency PFC Joseph P. Dwyer Vet2Vet (Veterans’ Peer Services Project) provides services for veterans such as support groups, social activities, helping with benefit claims, education benefits advice & access, and more.
The Joseph P. Dwyer Vet2Vet program for Putnam County now operates within Guardian Revival. The Vet2Vet program has served a population of nearly 5,000 resident military veterans of Putnam County since 2015 and was created and directed by New York State to afford veterans access and opportunities for peer support.
Guardian Revival is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that improves the mental health & well-being of military, veterans, and first responders — our guardians — and their families, at no cost to them. Learn more: guardianrevival.org Contact: press@guardianrevival.org
Guardian Revival’s programs:
Another Summit | Outdoor adventures — walking, hiking, backpacking, paddling, and fly fishing
Boots & Paws | Providing dogs for the therapeutic benefits of animal companionship
Encore | Opportunities to learn, write, play, record, and share music
Homefront | Support & resources for guardian families
Peer Services | Individual & group peer support for guardians by guardians
Rise | Strength & resilience through fitness & wellness