John Barnett, an Iraq and Afghanistan veteran, is running marathons around the country to raise money for Paws of War, a nonprofit near and dear to his heart.
Paws of War places service dogs with veterans and first responders.
Barnett fits into both categories - he is not only a veteran, but also a retired MTA detective. The nonprofit helped him and now he’s determined to give back.
Barnett was stabbed in the eye while on the job in Queens in 2012 and has PTSD.
He said he remembers and relives what happened every day but said he does not let the incident stop him from what he loves doing: running.
He runs anywhere from five to 10 miles each day and says he takes his two dogs with him — though not at the same time.
Barnett lost vision in his left eye as a result of the stabbing and has had multiple surgeries.
He says Paws of War is “a service that is greatly needed” and said there’s no better service in the country.
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