Q and A with Allen Hill


Posted on May 8, 2009
By Glenn Close

Comments(19)
Sgt. Allen Hill

I met Sergeant Allen Hill, his wife, Gina, and his service dog, Frankie, outside the Fishkill Correctional Facility, a men's medium security prison in New York State. The Hills had flown in from Kansas the night before and were at Fishkill to meet the inmate, Roberto Rodriguez, who is a trainer for Puppies Behind Bars and who had trained Frankie. I was at Fishkill, with a crew from The Oprah Winfrey Show, to witness the meeting between a man whose crime had cost him his freedom, but who has learned how to give back by training service dogs like Frankie; and the warrior who is beginning to be released from the prison of his wounds by the little, female, yellow Lab raised in Fishkill prison. It was a day I will never forget.

Even though Sergeant Hill had only had Frankie for two months at our meeting, she had already become his link to reality, when terrifying flashbacks, a cruel symptom of PTSD, paralyze him. She has actually begun to sense when one of his flashbacks is eminent and jumps up on him and licks his face to keep him in the present. It is an amazing dynamic to watch. The twenty-four inmates in Fishkill, who are in the Puppies Behind Bars program and were the community in which Frankie was raised, were movingly grateful to actually meet one of the wounded warriors that one of their beloved dogs is bringing back into life.

Like Bill Campbell, a guest on LIVELY LICKS last year, Allen Hill suffers from the signature injury of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. One of the great challenges in their recovery process is that their injuries are invisible. It makes the stigma even greater. In focusing on the stories of these men, whose only wish was to serve their country, we will help them in their healing process and give them the support and respect they deserve.

It is my great honor to feature Sergeant Hill on LIVELY LICKS. We welcome Allen, Gina and Frankie and their boys, Makale and Dreyson, and are proud to present you their story. Check your local listings and tune into The Oprah Winfrey Show, coming the week of May 11th.

Glenn Close: How old were you when you went into the service? What made you want to enlist?
Sergeant Allen Hill: I was 17 years old when I entered the service. My parents signed a waiver allowing me to enter early and go to basic during the summer before my senior year of high school. My senior year I was in the Texas National Guard and participated in drill. After my high school graduation, I enlisted in the regular Army. I enlisted in the Army because it was something I had always wanted to do. I knew from a young age that being a soldier was all I ever wanted to do.

GC: What were you like before your injury? What were your hobbies? How did you like to spend your spare time? What were your hopes?
AH: Before I was injured, I was happy go lucky. I was very laid back and took life as it came. I always tried to help people out whenever I could. I liked that people could count on me if they ever needed anything. I was very outgoing and friendly. I loved meeting new people and talking to anyone. Playing with my kids was the highlight of my day. My wife used to always tell me that I was just a big dork!! I loved having water fights and being the tickle monster. My hobbies usually revolved around my family. I enjoyed watching my kids in their activities and even coaching their athletic teams. I loved working on cars and was the neighborhood mechanic. Most of my spare time though was spent with my wife and kids. I prided myself on having the best yard on the block and I had taken care of it myself, not hired someone to do it for me. My hopes for the deployment were to serve my country to help keep my family safe and to return home the same as I left. My long term hopes were to see my kids grow up and possibly return to school someday.

GC: How long were you deployed in Iraq? Describe your unit and what your duties were.
AH: I was first deployed to Iraq from August 2005 through November 2006. I returned home and then was deployed again January 2007. My injury happened November 21, 2007. Our mission was to provide security for northbound supplies feeding and housing troops closer to the fight. We were on the road constantly. The unit I was attached to was a medium truck company that is usually involved in moving supplies. This deployment, they were assigned convoy security.

Sgt. Allen HillAllen Hill coming off the firing line at the rifle range in Tallil, Iraq, September 2007 while deployed with the 731st SECFOR.

GC: Please describe how you got injured.
AH: The night I was injured (Thanksgiving Eve), I was serving as a gunner for the last truck in the convoy. The trip back to our base started out normally. Our convoy was the first one to leave Baghdad that day. We were rolling down the road when over my headset I hear that our lead truck got hit by a roadside bomb. We began our evasive action drills. I was bringing my gun around to cover my side of the road when I saw a guy out in the field messing with something in his hand. The next thing I see is a bright light and then I felt rocks and grit hit me in the face. I have no memory of anything else that night. My next memory is from when I woke up in Germany. I thought I was still in Iraq. I was filled in on the rest of what happened by various people. I remained in Germany until Sunday morning when I was transferred to Walter Reed Army Medical Center where I recovered until March 2008.

GC: Describe coming home. What was different?
AH: Coming home was strange. I felt like I didn't belong. I felt like a tourist in my own country. I had to learn how to be an American again. It is almost like being in a time warp. Iraq is so underdeveloped compared to us. It is a hard adjustment. It was so awesome though being with my family again. However, even this was hard. I wanted to be with them, but being around anyone was difficult. I often found myself daydreaming and not being involved in life at all.

GC: How did Frankie come into your life?
AH: Frankie came into my life by chance. Gina, my wife, was searching the internet for a program called Paws for Purple Hearts and happened upon Puppies Behind Bars. She was looking for possibilities of things for me to do once I am retired from the military. She looked through the entire PBB site and fell in love. She shared it all with me and we talked about it quite a bit. She then made a phone call to Kate at PBB and quite a long discussion with her about the program and my particular needs. Kate sent us an application. I filled it out (as lengthy as it is!) and sent it back in. I had to wait a couple of months for it all to work out but it was all worth it. Frankie is amazing!!

Sgt. Allen HillAllen and Frankie posing for a picture during training at Estes Park, Colorado, January 2009.

GC: How long was your PBB training with Frankie? What was the biggest challenge?
AH: My training with Frankie lasted 2 weeks. My wife and I flew to Colorado and spent 2 weeks learning how to handle her and just bonding with her. Our trainers were excellent. They are very knowledgeable and give us great support and encouragement. The biggest challenge for me is having the responsibility of a living being. For everything else in my life, I have become greatly reliant on my wife. With Frankie, I have to take care of her no matter what or how I am feeling. If I don't do this, our bond will not be as great and she will therefore not serve me as well as she could.

Sgt. Allen HillAllen and Frankie relaxing for a minute during training in Loveland, Colorado, January 2009.

GC: How would you describe your relationship to Frankie?
AH: My relationship with Frankie is a give and take relationship. Daily our bond grows stronger. We are best friends. Now, if I could only get her to speak English! I have only had her for three months and our bond is unbelievable. She can sense when I am having problems or something isn't right with me. If I am not in the same room as my wife, she will go get Gina to come give me help. I don't think I will ever understand how well she knows me. It is amazing to me. She rarely leaves my side even when she is off leash and free in our house. Her favorite spot is wherever I am. I couldn't ask for a better partner in life.

GC: What is one of the activities you can do now, with Frankie's help, that you were unable to do before?
AH: The amount of places Frankie gives me the courage to go is unbelievable. I am now able to attend my kids' activities and to go to church. I had tried going to these things before but I never made it through any of them. I always felt bad then because my wife or my son would have to leave and take me to the car so they missed out on a lot of stuff too. Now, I can make it through. I know that Frankie is there and always has my back.

Sgt. Allen Hill

Frankie going for a walk.

GC: What impact has Frankie had on your family? What is the biggest change that she has brought into your life?
AH: Frankie has impacted my entire family. She has given my wife the freedom to focus on our kids instead of me so much. She has given my kids their freedom back as well because they can just be kids instead of having to worry about their dad all the time. Frankie has given me the ability to be a part of their lives again, instead of withdrawing into myself. In many ways, she has brought me the rest of the way home to my family. They all love her and she knows it!! She is slowly helping me gain my independence back.

GC: You recently flew with Frankie and Gina all the way from Kansas to New York state to visit the inmate, Roberto, who was Frankie's principle trainer, in the Fishkill Correctional Facility, as well as the other inmates who also contributed to Frankie's training. What did you take away from that day?
AH: Our visit to NY was beyond words for all of us. I am amazed at what these guys do with these dogs and how much these dogs change their lives. I was so happy to be able to make a difference for these men. I think that our visit gave them a face to put to their hard work. They truly love their dogs and want to see them be successful and change people's lives. They rarely get the chance to see this end result. I am happy I got to show them how much their hard work has transformed my life. They will all always hold a very special place in my heart! I was also touched at how sincere and open each of them were with sharing their stories with us. I hope that we can one day go back and visit them again. They are amazing!!

Help Puppies Behind Bars when you start shopping HERE!

Shop For CharityMaking your purchases count for charity is easy. To shop the entire FetchDog store, just start by clicking here. We'll track ALL your purchases - whether from their recommendations or not - and will donate a percentage of those proceeds to Puppies Behind Bars. There is no added cost to you - just do your routine shopping and FetchDog donates a portion of the sale, on behalf of Allen, to Puppies Behind Bars.







Dog Tags: Service Dogs for Those Who've Served Us was initiated by Puppies Behind Bars in 2007 to supply service dogs, free of charge, to veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan who suffer from physical injuries or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Due to the generosity of an anonymous donor, they have been awarded a $100,000 challenge grant that will match all donations, dollar for dollar. Help them reach their goal to raise the full $200,000 by September 19, 2009.

Click here for more information.


GC: What kind of car would Frankie drive?
AH: Frankie would drive a big girl truck (Chevy) to go with her big girl bark!! She also might have a Harley to go with her energy and enthusiasm!

GC: What would be the title of her autobiography?
AH: Frankie: At Your Service

Sgt. Allen HillFrankie

GC: What musical instrument would she play?
AH: Frankie would play the drums because she is a little wild and crazy!!

GC: What would be her favorite movie?
AH: Frankie's favorite movie would be Thelma and Louise. They are two strong women who take their lives in their own hand. It would remind her of her upbringing

GC: If she were a famous person, present or past, who would she be?
AH: Frankie would be Ruth from the Bible. Ruth had a huge servant's heart and followed God. She served her mother in law Naomi without ever complaining.

GC: Where does Frankie sleep?
AH: Frankie sleeps right next to me. We bought her a huge fluffy pillow that is just for her. She sometimes tries to sneak up with us though!!

GC: What is your favorite thing to do with Frankie?
AH: My favorite thing to do with Frankie is play soccer. It is quite the site. She can beat me any day!!

Sgt. Allen Hill

Frankie playing soccer

GC: What is it about Frankie that makes you most proud?
AH: Frankie's work ethic and never quit attitude are what makes me most proud.

GC: What is it about you that makes Frankie most proud?
AH: I make Frankie proud by being active in life again and not secluding myself in my house the way I did before she came home with me.

GC: Is there a question you would like to ask Frankie?
AH: I would like to ask her if there is anything I could do for her that I don't already do. I want to take care of her like she does me.

Sgt. Allen Hill

Frankie playing tug-of-war.

GC: What is Frankie's idea of perfect happiness?
AH: Frankie's idea of perfect happiness is a splash in the pool with a soccer ball close by. I would also need to be right there as well or she would quickly come looking for me.

GC: What is your idea of perfect happiness?
AH: My idea of perfect happiness is being at home with my wife and kids with Frankie by my side.

Sgt. Allen HillThe family
Puppies Behind Bars

"We have a responsibility to these men who fought so hard for our country," said Annette, 49, an inmate at Bedford Hills...

Laurie Kellogg, 43, a woman jailed for a murder that she said resulted from domestic violence, has trained a Labrador, Pax, now helping an Iraq war veteran, Bill Campbell, in Washington State. "What I've done is put a year of love into this puppy who in turn will give a lifetime of love to Bill and his wife," she said.

Read the full "Prison Puppies" article by Joseph Berger from the New York Times, 6/1/08

Puppies Behind Bars


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Comments
What a fantastic story! I read every blog post and as much as I enjoy your interviews with celebrities and their four-legged companions, Sergeant Hill's story and new life with Frankie is by far my favorite. Congratulations to the Hill family.
Posted By Tiffany
on May 13, 2009
This was a beautiful story. Puppies Behind Bars is truly a worthwhile endeavor...everyone wins! I hope more prisons will start this program for the good will it develops in the prisoners, to the life changing work the dogs perform with their owners. Good job Glenn!
Posted By Beverly
on May 13, 2009
Just a moving and spectacular story. I had previously heard of the program but this was just a reminder of people making a difference and taking a chance with a population many tend to ignore. I was moved by the emotions and dedication of the inmates. How can we install similar programs in other jails?
Posted By Luana
on May 15, 2009
Just caught this on Oprah - great story about the power of companion animals to work miracles in people's lives. I'm glad I found this blog! http://www.honeygobeasley.blogspot.com
Posted By Cindy
on May 15, 2009
Glenn, this story touched my heart like nothing else has ever done. Not only are you one of the greatest actors ever to come our way, but you are a great person. I love you and keep up the good work. Cheryl
Posted By Cheryl
on May 15, 2009
I was so moved about this story. My son also has PTSD, depression, and is getting tested for the TBI next week. Where can we get more info about getting a puppy for him?
Posted By Rita
on May 15, 2009
I can't tell you how hard I cryied watching this on Oprah! How can we start this paws for purple hearts program in Canada? As a counsellor who has dealt with inmates I can see the gains for everyone in the program.
Posted By Nancy
on May 15, 2009
hi glenn, saw you on oprah today. totally support this program hope more prisons get involved. linda
Posted By linda
on May 15, 2009
Glenn Close I saw the interview with Oprah today. I was so moved about the program that helps prison inmates. What a wonderful program I pray it continues. I purchased a dog tag for my son's dog and I will donate money when I can. Thank you for bringing this program to the masses. Great job to the men that train the dogs you should feel PROUD!!!! I know that I do. :)
Posted By Rena
on May 15, 2009
Such a lovely story and a total win win situation for all involved. The people being helped from all different walks is really heartwarming. Congrats to all involved. Isa
Posted By isa
on May 16, 2009
Thank you so much for supporting this program! As an army wife whose husband is currently in Iraq (for a third deployment), AND as a lifelong doglover and mental health counselor, I appreciate your efforts and the Puppies Behind Bars program 100%, Glenn. I will be sure to put the word out on Fetchdog's Chewy Shoe donation opportunity. Very best wishes to Sergeant Hill and his family!
Posted By Chere
on May 16, 2009
What a life changing situation for everyone involved. I would love to see this happen in at least one prison in every state.
Posted By Luanne
on May 16, 2009
Thank you sharing Sergeant Allen Hill and Frankie's story! Puppies Behind Bars is a wonderful program that provides meaning to everyone involved! I watched the Puppies Behind Bars segment on Oprah which moved me beyond words. Dogs have always been a huge part of my life and the unconditional love they provide can benefit so many as portrayed in this segment. I couldn't wait to shop the Fetchdog store for DogTags Chewy Shoes which will make a great Father's Day gift! Thanks to Glenn Close for shedding light on this great project! Holly in Amherst
Posted By Holly
on May 17, 2009
i applaud you for what you are doing for dog, inmates and the soldiers who fight for our country. what a wonderful idea. i would like to donate to this program but i really don't need a dog chewie as i have too many to count and my dogs don't really need one more! is there a way to make a donation w/o purchasing a toy?
Posted By linda
on May 18, 2009
Amazing story. Dogs are so perceptive when they know someone needs them. Our youngest son is 23 & has Cerebral Palsy. We had a Labrador Retreiver who had a ruptured spleen & died suddenly, Griffey & John had an unbeleivable bond & John was devastated when Griffey died. We promised John that we would get another dog, but in our hearts we knew that no dog could replace Griffey & the bond that he had with Johnny. We called the breeder to put our name on the waiting list for the next litter & he told us that one was ready that weekend. Little did we know that the pups were only 6 weeks old....but how do you turn down a pup once you see him? We chose a male....he did not choose us as Griffey had. John is very strong & impulsive & this frightens some dogs. But the new puppy 'Coach' & Johnny were instant buds. I think Coach new how much Johnny needed him (we all did) & they formed a bond that is inseperable.
Posted By Susie
on May 18, 2009
i was so touched by the story on oprah- having two labs myself, i understand how much these companions can bring to your life. i went right to fetch dog and ordered chewy shoes for my dogs and for my daughter and son in law's lab too. what a fabulous program. i am honored to support such a worthy cause.
Posted By linda
on May 19, 2009
This is an incredibly touching story that hits home for so many family's out there including myself. What a wonderful way to give back to those who serve this country. My fiance who is proudly serving in the Marine Corps is on his third deployment. I would love to get involved with such a wonderful program and help give back to our soldiers who give up everything for us. How can I become involved with DogTags? My thoughts and prayers go out to the Hill family, our soldiers and all of the military families out there. Thank you Glenn Close and the efforts of everyone involved. From Kayla in Tampa FL.
Posted By Kayla
on May 19, 2009
We loved the story on Oprah with Glenn Close and puppy Frankie. My family has been lucky enough to be volunteers at Puppies Behind Bars for over a year now and we were also lucky to have taken Frankie twice during that time for socialization at our home. Two of the photos shown on the show of younger Frankie were taken at our home. About every other weekend we take a puppy from the prison and bring them home, to the store, book store, shopping, etc., to get them used to people and places outside the prison. It has been so rewarding for us and a lot of fun. We hope to be involved for many more years. Seeing Frankie again was a treat for all of us and knowing she is doing her job to help her soldier, Sgt. Hill, warms our heart. Thank you all for getting the word out about Puppies Behind Bars and especially Dog Tags.
Posted By MARY ANN
on Jun 1, 2009
we heard about this program a while ago and we think it is just FABULOUS!!! a win-win for sure for all involved. karl
Posted By karl
on Jun 8, 2009
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Welcome to LIVELY LICKS: Profiles of Dogs and their People.
I hope that you will be entertained, comforted and inspired by the people and dogs that I have the privilege of featuring on this blog. Since starting it over a year and a half ago, it has pulled me into an incredible journey. Besides being able to celebrate some of my wonderful friends and the profound bond they have with their dogs, LIVELY LICKS has introduced me to the world of avalanche dogs, bomb-sniffing dogs, service dogs for our wounded warriors and dogs in need of rescue and adoption. I have been inspired by the selfless dedication of the people who run grassroots shelters as well as urban care and control centers. I have been deeply moved by their stories in which dogs heal and empower their humans. Those of us who have dogs, know how much they enhance our quality of life with their unquestioning loyalty and unconditional love. There are an infinite number of stories to tell, so I hope you will stay with me as I continue to explore and discover and delight in the journey.

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