Support John Barnett — Paws of War

JOHN’S GOAL

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 50 states 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.”

— Officer John Barnett

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

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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