LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) – In a move meant to “dissolve” the Veteran Service Dogs Organization a husband-and-wife couple listed on state and federal filings as founding board leaders have resigned from the organization’s board. “Maybe we can dissolve this whole organization right now by resigning,” James Donnelly II told the 6 News Investigates Team.
He, and his wife Ann, said they were “blindsided” when the 6 News series “ Stolen Valor ” resulted in phone calls from impacted veterans. The couple sent their resignations to Lanam Aug. 12 by certified mail and provided copies to 6 News.
“Stolen Valor” revealed that Kirk Lanam, founder, executive director and board president of Veteran Service Dogs Organization in Howell, had embellished his military record and rank as well as claimed educational degrees that could not be verified. The reporting also revealed concerns about the training of the dogs in the service dog training program as well as concerns about the care of dogs in Lanam’s possession.