Serving Those Who Served

Project Always Beside You is a Non-Profit Organization launched in late 2020 and received 501(c)(3) designation in Nov 2020. Project Always Beside You was founded by the Diaz Family, a Gold Star Family and is lead by a Marine Veteran, Salvador Diaz Jr. The organization was inspired by the help they received by other organizations like this one, when thier adopted dog, SSD P068 Dino took ill, and in Dec 2020 crossed the rainbow bridge.

Dino was trained a specialized seach dog in finding IED’s. Dino was retired from the Marine Corps on 7 June 2014 and adopted by the Diaz Family. Dino was adopted after the loss of his handler, SSgt Christopher Diaz was killed in action on 28 Sept 2011 in Helmand Province Afghansistan, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

SSgt Christopher Diaz was a third generation Marine. Before his deployment to Afghanistan, he was selected to attend an advance training program for several months in Israel. Israel is where he and Dino were partnered up. After completing the course, SSgt Christopher Diaz was one of only a handful of dog handlers in the Marine Corps to have the qualifications he possessed. His skills lead him in being chosen to support Reconnaissance and Special Forces in Afghanistan.

On Sept 28, 2011 in Afghanistan, SSgt Christopher Diaz died doing what he loved. He was helping a Marine in a time of need when he was fatally struck by an IED (Improvised Explosive Devise). Chirstopher lives on through his children Mia and Jeremy. SSgt Christiopher Diaz’s name lives on in stories and memories of all that had the opportunity to know him, and for that, his family is proud. SSgt Diaz’ name will be remembered alongside many Americans, neighbors, friends and relatives that have given the ultimate sacrifice in the name of freedom.

Project Always Beside You relies strictly on donations, so we humbly ask for your support. Your donation goes directly in helping all K9’s with medical bills, food/supplies, K9 placement and cover end of duty service. There are thousands of possible scenarios where help can be given. As a real and common example, veteran military dog handlers can adopt their or another retired military working dog. They assume the veterinary expenses, and with the type of action and experience they have had, the medical and care bills have been greater than $5000 for a serious illness. Many of our first responders also suffer from PTSD, and although the retired working dog aids in their recovery, exceptional costs can be overwhelmingly stressful.

Help us to continue our mission!

Project Always Beside You