Ellie Golden Life

When we heard that Meta was donating more than 130,000 pairs of Ray-Ban Meta glasses, one for every blind veteran in America, I knew we had to see it in person.

Fifty veterans came to the event, and each was paired with a Meta employee to learn how to use their new glasses. I listened as the veterans talked about being able to read a package, identify the color of a shirt in their closet, and complete other everyday tasks that I’ve always taken for granted. Seeing how excited they were to regain some of their independence was incredible.

One of my favorite moments was watching veterans ask Meta to describe Ellie. They heard about her golden fur, red leash, and big smile. The glasses could even read the motto on the back of her card: “You miss 100% of the dogs you don’t pet.” It was special to watch them experience more of who Ellie is beyond touch.

We met Jeff, who lost his sight four years ago. After September 11, he spent 27 days at Ground Zero with his Redbone Coonhound, Barron, searching for survivors. Meeting the handler of one of the heroic search and rescue dogs who served after 9/11 is something I’ll never forget.

It was also wonderful to meet Meta President and Vice Chairman Dina Powell McCormick and hear how much this initiative means to her. Ellie and I are incredibly grateful we could be a small part of this day.

Meta Glasses

Twenty-five years ago, I came back from gym class to find a television being wheeled into my sixth-grade classroom.

I watched the events of September 11th unfold without fully understanding what I was seeing or how much that day would change the world. I certainly could not have known how deeply it would shape my own life, or that it would eventually play a part in my decision to join the military.

As I have gotten older, my understanding of that day has changed. So has the meaning of remembering it.

We remember the lives that were lost, the families who were forever changed, and the countless people who responded with courage, compassion, and service.

Dogs were part of that story too. They guided people to safety, searched places others could not safely reach, worked beside their handlers, and provided comfort during unimaginable grief. They were one part of an extraordinary response that showed just how many forms service can take.

Never forget.