JOHN Barnett - RUN FOR PAWS
John Barnett, a retired Detective/Officer and decorated Navy Veteran who served in the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars, is set to embark on an extraordinary journey as he participates in the Montana Marathon in Billings Montana on May 19, 2024. John is running a marathon in all 50states to raise money and awareness for other veterans and first responders suffering from PTSD.
Despite facing partial blindness, and showcasing his indomitable spirit and resilience, Barnett has set out not to only conquer the 26.2-mile race but to complete a marathon in each state to raise funds for Paws of War, who provided him with invaluable support and companionship during his journey of recovery. Barnett's storied career as an officer and detective with the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (NYMTA)and NYPD exemplifies his unwavering commitment to service and justice.
On July 4th, 2012, while serving as a police officer, Barnett was attacked and gravely injured in the line of duty, leaving him partially blind in one eye. It was during this challenging period that Paws of War stepped in, providing Barnett with services and eventually a dog that became his loyal companion and lifeline.
“Paws of War gave me more than just a service dog; they gave me hope and companionship during one of the darkest periods of my life,” Barnett expressed. “Their unwavering support inspired me to overcome obstacles and continue serving my community in new capacities.”
In gratitude for the invaluable support and assistance he received from Paws of War, Barnett has pledged to raise funds for the organization through his participation in the Billings Marathon as well as future marathons. Donations will support Paws of War's mission to provide service and companion dogs to veterans and first responders in need, offering them companionship, assistance, and a renewed sense of purpose
in the news
ABOUT JOHN
John Barnett is a retired NYPD and MTA Detective/Transit Officer and Navy veteran who served in the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars.
John is blind in one eye as result of on-the-job attack in 2012. Barnett, an officer with the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority at the time, was stabbed in the eye on July 4th, 2012 at a New York City subway station. The attack occurred shortly after 9:30 a.m. when Officer Barnett was casually talking with a cab driver, when the assailant, a known “cop hater”, aggressively came toward John and the cab driver with a knife, threatening to kill Barnett.
.
The assailant attacked Officer Barnett stabbing him in the eye. Although severely wounded, Officer Barnett was able to stop the attack and save himself and several innocent bystanders. Officer Barnett underwent more than six hours of surgery at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center in New York after the assault losing vision in eye as result of attack/injury.
Born and raised in Queens, New York, John served in the US Navy and Navy Reserves from1986 to 2010 as a Navy Signalman 3rd Class. John enlisted and then became a Ship Navigator Officer 05 Commander after completing his education at State University of New York-Maritime Military College. John served in the first Iraq War/Desert Storm from 1991 until 1992, then in Operation Enduring Freedom-Afghanistan2005 until 2006. While in Afghanistan he worked as community liaison helping local military and police train. Additionally, John helped communities build wells, educate children, helped charities get needed supplies to children and villages and helped to provide support with food distribution for local populations. Shortly after leaving the Navy, John joined the NYPD and eventually transitioned to becoming a transit officer with the NYMTA Police.
As a result of the attack, John suffers from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and has two service dogs. John came to Paws of War, first with his own dog to train; a Weimaraner named Blue, who is his service dog (Level 4). Through Paws of War, John recently added another puppy to his family named Sky, who is a German shorthair pointer and currently in level 1service dog training.
John’s service dogs help on a daily basis keeping John calm and his PTSD at low levels throughout the day. “They keep me busy and happy and keep my mind from going to a place I do not want it to go.” According to John, everyday tasks such as walking, feeding and caring for the dogs keep him engaged and in “a good place.”
In addition to being an avid runner, John is also a student of the martial arts and is currently a blue belt who competes and trains on a daily basis.
John’s determination to defy the odds and push the boundaries of what is possible serves as an inspiration to all who encounter his remarkable story. The Montana Marathon will undoubtedly witness a remarkable display of courage and tenacity as John Barnett embarks on this monumental endeavor. John’s journey serves as a reminder that with perseverance and determination, any obstacle can be overcome
upcoming races
Anchorage Marathon, Alaska
June 22, 2024
Each Summer Solstice the Anchorage Mayor's Marathon, Half Marathon, Solstice Classic, Kids Mile, and Relay events bring thousands of people together from nearly every state in the union, countries around the globe, and from our very own Anchorage community.
Colorado – Aspen Valley Marathon
July 13, 2024
The Aspen Valley Marathon takes place in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. The marathon is a Boston Marathon qualifier, offering runners the opportunity to qualify for one of the most prestigious races in the world.
Wisconsin – Paavo Nurmi Marathon
August 10, 2024
The Paavo is a point-to-point marathon in Northern Iron County, Wisconsin, always the 2nd Saturday in August. The Paavo Nurmi Marathon runs on a certified course which is a Boston Marathon/NYC Marathon qualifying event.
Indiana – Mill Race Marathon
September 28, 2024
The Marathon course is a flat, fast Boston Qualifier that runs through downtown Columbus taking advantage of the shady People Trails and City Parks as well as taking participants past the architectural sights of the city.
Iowa – Des Moines Marathon
October 28, 2024
The IMT Des Moines Marathon courses are known for showcasing the city’s skyline with a scenic route including quaint neighborhoods, university campuses, city parks, and a Downtown festival atmosphere waiting at the finish.
Marshall University Marathon
November 3, 2024
The largest marathon in West Virginia will be held Sunday November 3rd, 2024. The Marshall University Marathon, it is dedicated to bringing the HealthierUS Initiative to the area.
3 Bridges Little Rock Marathon
December 7, 2024
The course is almost entirely on the Arkansas River Trail and is a 19-mile loop to the east and then a 7-mile loop to the west. The course crosses the Big Dam Bridge at Miles 1 and 18, the Clinton Presidential Bridge at Mile 9, and the Two Rivers Bridge at Miles 19 and 26. The course is USATF certified.
completed races
Montana Marathon - Billings
May 19,2024
