For the first time ever, three veteran graduates from Northern Michigan College will be walking across the stage with their service dogs. Andrew Banks says graduation day might not have happened if it wasn't for his four-legged friend. "Pretty excited. It's been a long time coming."
Banks is 37 years-old and spent eleven Years as a combat medic for the U.S. Army. "One of the best experiences of my life being able to see, do... some of the best experiences of my life." But that doesn't mean there aren't challenges. "Going from military life to civilian life, not having when I need someone around to have my back and help me relax, calm down and focus on the task ahead, and that's what Mouse does."
Mouse is Banks' service dog who has attended almost every class with him throughout his two years at NMC. "Like in the military we have a battle buddy system, someone who's always got our backs, and when my wife isn't there he's always got my back."
Scott Herzman is the Military and Veteran Services point of contact at NMC. When he read an article about service dogs graduating along with their owners at another college, he knew what to do. "I'm like that's fantastic, I would've never thought about it. That wasn't even on my radar. I immediately took the article, i went to our records and registration, i went to one of our vice presidents and they're like 'oh yeah, that's a no brainer, why wouldn't we?"
So on graduation day, Mouse will have his name called along with all the other graduates, as he walks across stage, right where he belongs
Banks said, "He's been through it all with me, and he's receiving this honor as well so… I'm very honored, very happy."
Banks hopes to attend Michigan State University to pursue a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice. His dog Mouse, by the way, will be given a rawhide, instead of a diploma, when he joins Andrew on stage.
