FORT CAVAZOS, Texas  –   A new teammate joined the ranks at the Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center—and this one has four legs, a wagging tail, and a heart trained to heal.

CRDAMC officially commissioned 2nd Lt. Solomon, a 2½-year-old black Labrador retriever, during a ceremony held Friday afternoon in the hospital atrium. With his calm demeanor, sharp intelligence, and innate ability to comfort others, Solomon is the first facility dog in CRDAMC history—selected not just for his service background, but for the powerful emotional support he brings to the military healthcare community.

“Solomon represents the heart of our wellness mission,” said Col. Garrick Cramer, CRDAMC’s hospital commander. “He’s more than a companion—he’s a morale booster and a daily reminder that even in healthcare, healing goes beyond medicine.”

Solomon’s journey is the culmination of a shared vision that started in 2022. After witnessing the impact of a visiting facility dog from Brooke Army Medical Center during a difficult time, CRDAMC staff saw firsthand the healing power of animal assisted therapy.

“After the unexpected death of a teammate, BAMC’s Lt. Col. Budd, who was also trained by America’s VetDogs, came to support us,” recalled Sonya Woodson, CRDAMC’s Facility Dog Program Manager and Solomon’s primary handler. “The comfort and calm he brought to our team helped us process the trauma and build the resilience we needed to continue providing exceptional care. That moment changed everything.”

Woodson, along with (retired) Chief Nursing Officer Col. Amanda Forristal, and SHARP Director Lisa Lerma, began researching facility dog programs across other military treatment facilities. They worked together to develop a policy aligned with Defense Health Agency and military regulations, ensuring Solomon’s presence would enhance care while maintaining safety and operational integrity.

The team officially began the process with America’s VetDogs—a national nonprofit organization specializing in training service dogs for veterans and military communities—on Nov. 26, 2024. The rigorous approval process required command endorsement, home and workplace evaluations, background checks, and a final interview with America’s VetDogs’ trainer subcommittee.

Solomon’s journey began in Smithtown, New York, at the Guide Dog Foundation, the sister nonprofit of America’s VetDogs. There, he was purposefully bred to serve and raised in Florida by a loving volunteer family. By the time he was 18 months old, he had mastered basic obedience and experienced a variety of community environments—from loud events to quiet libraries—preparing him to confidently interact with people of all ages.

Even though he passed all the requirements to become a guide dog, trainers noticed something unique in Solomon’s temperament: he was eager to work, driven to please, and found joy in both active tasks and quiet companionship. More than anything, he had a deep love for connection, affection, and meaningful interaction. While he had the technical skills for individual guidance, his real gift lay in uplifting people. America’s VetDogs made the call—Solomon was destined to become a facility dog.

“From the start, Solomon stood out,” said Cristina Mirabile, his primary trainer and a member of America's VetDogs for nearly 19 years. “He was joyful, driven to please, and deeply intuitive. There’s a gentleness in him that connects with people on an emotional level. It was clear he was meant to do more than guide—he was meant to serve many.”

Solomon completed his advanced training with flying colors. He now responds to 36 commands and has a strong ability to sense emotional needs. Whether it’s bringing calm to a stressed nurse, comforting a grieving family, or greeting children nervously awaiting care, Solomon is already making a difference across CRDAMC.

His commissioning as a second lieutenant wasn’t just symbolic—it honored his role as a recognized and valued member of the team.

“Commissioning Solomon was a moment of pride and reflection,” said Woodson. “We’re not just adding a dog to our workforce—we’re embracing a new way to support our people. Just like any officer, he’s here with a mission.”
Solomon lives with Woodson and works alongside her and Lerma, his secondary handler. Their day-to-day schedule is thoughtfully designed to ensure Solomon’s health and well-being while maximizing his impact in high-stress areas throughout the hospital.

His placement came just in time for Col. Cramer, who commissioned Solomon days before his own change of command.

“Solomon’s timing was perfect,” said Woodson. “Ms. Valerie Cramer from America’s VetDogs made every effort to place him with us before Col. Cramer’s departure so he could witness and celebrate the official start of the Facility Dog Program. It meant the world to all of us.”

Solomon now plays a key role in CRDAMC’s broader wellness initiative, aimed at improving staff morale, reducing stress, and fostering emotional resilience across the organization. Staff and patients alike are already feeling his impact.

As for those who see Solomon roaming the halls, Woodson has simple advice: “Just smile and say hello. He’s here to help—and he’s very, very good at it.”

With his paws firmly planted in service and a tail that never stops wagging, 2nd Lt. Solomon is ready to serve not with words, but with comfort, cuddles, and unconditional support. His only requirements? Endless belly rubs and a steady supply of treats, happily supplied by his handler, Woodson.

Paws up for our newest teammate—welcome to the CRDAMC family, Solomon.