Soldier’s Best Friend Expands to Tucson

Ryan and Rowan, December 2024 graduates from Soldier’s Best Friend

In September 2024, our congregation was introduced to Soldier’s Best Friend, a non-profit based in Peoria, Arizona, that matches veterans with dogs to help them both lead fuller lives. The training is done at no cost to the veteran; most of the dogs are rescue dogs. During Fellowship Time after worship, we met Mik Milem, Executive Director of Soldier’s Best Friend; and graduated veteran/dog team Michael Budd and his Great Dane, Phoebe. Here are excerpts from the March 13, 2026, email from Soldier’s Best Friend:

Dear Veterans and Valued Stakeholders,

We are excited to share some wonderful news—Soldier’s Best Friend is expanding to Tucson! We have signed a lease for Corner Unit #3102 at the Winterhaven Shopping Center, located at the corner of Fort Lowell Road and Country Club Road. 

This expansion marks an important milestone in our mission to serve veterans living with military-related PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) and TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury) in Pima County. With a 1,788-square-foot training facility and storefront space, we will be able to significantly increase access to our life-changing programs and provide a welcoming environment for veterans and their families.

We anticipate hosting a Grand Opening celebration in May and look forward to sharing more details soon.

Thank you for your continued support of Soldier’s Best Friend and the veterans we are honored to serve. We look forward to this exciting new chapter and hope you will celebrate it with us.

With gratitude,
The Soldier’s Best Friend Team

Soldier’s Best Friend is currently hiring part-time staff and has an Amazon wish list for their new Tucson location.