I joined the Army in 1988 with the naïve idea that enlisting was simply a personal pursuit and a route to college tuition.
I would soon learn it was actually a path to leadership and service.
My husband and I both served; and the number of lessons our young family learned in those days was both amazing and overwhelming, a paradox only service can teach, as we each navigated deployments during Desert Storm while juggling the start of our family that included an amazing son and daughter.
As life evolved and paths shifted for us, thankfully the meaning of service continued to guide. Over time, it became clear to me that service never ends; the uniform just changes, but the call to lead, protect, and serve remains the same.
Years later, earning my MBA from Texas A&M (grounded in the Aggie RELLIS Core Values — Gig ’em!) helped align that same spirit of service with purpose-driven leadership.
Service continues to teach, through mentors, moments, and sometimes the most unlikely teachers. Luckily for me, one of them came with four paws and a wagging tail.
Somewhere along the way, a quiet teacher reminded us what service looks like at its purest: a dog. And from the stories, shoutouts, and support we get from the OGB community, it’s clear we’re not alone.
Through that loyal companionship, it’s easy to see that service isn’t just about duty; it’s about heart.
The Operation Good Boy Service Ethos
1. Selfless service is rare. If you’re not sure what selfless service looks like, find a veteran (and say thank you), or better yet, a veteran with their service dog. They’ve answered a call to duty that demands their time, safety, and, if necessary, their lives, for people they may never meet.
2. True service doesn’t self-promote. You have to slow down to see it, so do so, or you’ll miss something extraordinary.
3. The OGB Slant: Dogs model service daily. They love unconditionally, protect fiercely, and serve without expecting anything in return.
In 2024, supported by an amazing group of leaders, the team acquired Operation Good Boy from another incredible veteran, Tom Aiello.
It was a natural fit with the ChowLogix portfolio mission: helping people and dogs live happier, longer lives together; and it gave us another way to honor selfless service by continuing Tom’s vision to celebrate the bond between veterans and their service animals.
It also perfectly fit our ChowLogix veteran-owned mission.
Thankfully, Tom still shares his wisdom and time as we grow. And even more inspiring, retired Master Chief Dean Phelps stepped up to lead as our Veterans Engagement Officer, continuing his lifelong commitment to service in a new and powerful way. Dean’s service to country, community, and family is nothing short of remarkable; and we couldn’t ask for a better veteran leader to carry this mission forward.
So today, we simply say thank you, to all who serve in any capacity: military, first responder, teacher; with a special salute to those who serve in fur instead of camouflage.
To our loyal Operation Good Boy community, whether you find us online or in Walmart, Chewy, Tractor Supply, Ace, or other great retailers, thank you for helping us honor those who serve.
Happy Veterans Day.
Make someone, even the furry ones, who serves, smile today. 🐾
by Bridgette Chambers, PhD, MBA
CEO, Operation Good Boy
Veteran & Aggie ’08