A Southern Oregon nonprofit that pairs rescue dogs with veterans and first responders has received a significant boost to its mission.
Operation Rambo announced this week that it has been awarded a $50,000 grant from AllCare Health to support the training and placement of service dogs for honorably discharged veterans with disability ratings, as well as first responders including firefighters, police officers, and EMTs. The funding will help the organization continue rescuing dogs from regional shelters and preparing them for specialized service roles across Douglas, Josephine, and Jackson counties.
In its announcement, Operation Rambo stated it is “proud to announce a generous $50,000 grant from AllCare Health to support the training and placement of service dogs for veterans and first responders.” The nonprofit emphasized that the donation will strengthen its ability to transform at-risk shelter dogs into highly trained companions for individuals coping with service-related physical and emotional challenges.
Service dogs trained through Operation Rambo are matched with recipients based on individual needs. Many of the veterans served by the organization are living with disabilities connected to their time in the military. First responders, who often face high-stress environments and repeated exposure to traumatic events, may also benefit from the steady companionship and assistance that a trained service dog can provide.
The organization highlighted that the grant will allow it to continue “rescuing dogs from shelters, saving them from euthanasia, and training them to become life-changing service dogs for America’s heroes.” That dual mission—supporting both vulnerable animals and individuals who have served their communities or country—has become central to Operation Rambo’s identity in Southern Oregon.
AllCare Health, the grant provider, is a physician-owned healthcare organization that has served Southern Oregon for more than 30 years. The organization offers coordinated health insurance and comprehensive care, including primary, behavioral, and dental services. In addition to clinical care, AllCare Health has invested in community programs that address social determinants of health and aim to improve quality of life for underserved populations.
The partnership reflects a shared focus on practical, community-based solutions to complex health challenges. For veterans and first responders dealing with disabilities, a service dog can provide both functional assistance and emotional stability. Training a service animal, however, requires significant financial resources, specialized instruction, and ongoing support—making grant funding critical to program sustainability.
Operation Rambo is also encouraging community involvement as it expands its efforts. The nonprofit is seeking experienced volunteer dog trainers, foster homes for rescued dogs, and assistance in securing training facilities in each of the three counties it serves. Access to dedicated training spaces would allow for more specialized instruction and potentially increase the number of veterans and first responders who can be served each year.
Community members will have an opportunity to support the mission at Operation Rambo’s first event of 2026, titled Pies and Pints for Pups and Vets. The event is scheduled for February 12, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Wild River Pizza in Grants Pass. According to the organization, the gathering will feature new merchandise, opportunities to meet veterans and their service dogs, and a raffle offering valuable prizes. Proceeds from the event will benefit Operation Rambo’s ongoing training and placement efforts.
Additional events are expected to be announced throughout the year on the organization’s website and social media platforms. Veterans and first responders interested in learning more about receiving a service dog are encouraged to contact Operation Rambo directly through its website or Facebook page.
With the new grant in place and community events on the calendar, Operation Rambo enters 2026 with expanded resources and renewed momentum. The $50,000 contribution marks a tangible investment in local veterans, first responders, and rescue dogs—three groups whose paths now increasingly intersect in Southern Oregon.