CACI Celebrates
Launch of
Good Dogs for
Great Americans

Home / A reason to party: Team CACI celebrates launch of Good Dogs for Great Americans

From left: Veteran Chris Sunday and Eddie, veteran and CACI employee Harley Brown with Claire, trainer Millie Jernigan holding CACI's first Good Dog - Bravo, President and CEO John Mengucci, CACI's Good Dogs Ambassador Mike Shields, America's VetDogs CEO John Miller, trainer Melissa Harrington, veteran Deana Stone with Gunner, and veteran Paul Sullivan with Sal.

The night before the Washington Capitals played their first home game, a different team took center stage: veterans and the service dogs who have become their partners, protectors, and steady support. On October 6, CACI gathered at Capital One Arena in the heart of Washington, D.C., to celebrate the launch of Good Dogs for Great Americans — CACI's new signature philanthropy program funding service dogs for veterans who need them.

Throughout the NHL season, CACI will donate $250 to America’s VetDogs for every Capitals blocked shot.

Caps alumni Alan May, Craig Laughlin and Peter Bondra pose with Good Dogs for Great Americans Ambassador Mike Shields.

Last season, the Caps recorded more than 1,300 blocked shots. That’s enough to sponsor up to eight dogs in a single season. In the first game of the 2026–27 season, the Caps blocked a blistering 28 shots — nearly doubling their game average of 16. If the team continues to put their bodies on the line for blocks, Good Dogs for Great Americans has the potential to fund even more service dogs.

Tuesday evening’s event made one thing abundantly clear — these dogs make a world of difference. Service dogs stood at the feet of their veterans. Each dog spent nearly two years training to be a silent but reliable partner: a steady presence at their side, an extra set of legs to support them on stairs, a grounding force in the face of anxiety.

The event was attended by members of the CACI Executive Leadership Team. Representatives from America’s VetDogs, including CEO John Miller, were also present. Caps alumni Peter Bondra, Craig Laughlin, and Alan May signed autographs and posed for selfies. But the dogs were the real stars of the show.

The VIPs (Very Important Pups) included Claire — an America’s VetDogs-trained service dog who was paired with CACI’s own Harley Brown. CACI’s very first Good Dog, Bravo, made a surprise appearance as well. And he may have posed for more selfies than anyone in the room. Still very much a playful pup, Bravo will soon begin his service dog training to someday become an invaluable companion to a veteran.

“While serving one’s country has immeasurable rewards, we know that it can take a toll as well — leaving many of our brothers and sisters with both visible scars and ones that are harder to see,” said CACI Senior Vice President Mike Shields, a retired Army Lieutenant General who serves as the ambassador for Good Dogs for Great Americans. “Every day, service dogs help veterans heal and rebound. These amazing animals have become the heroes to the heroes who have defended our freedoms.”

Employee excitement over Good Dogs for Great Americans has been high since the program was announced on September 24, something Mengucci acknowledged during his remarks.

“Thank you all for being part of this journey,” he said. “With your continued support, Good Dogs for Great Americans will give more veterans the opportunity to live with greater independence, confidence, and purpose.”

Follow the Caps all season, track their blocked shots and the money raised for service dogs, and check in on Bravo as he begins his journey to become a service dog here.

CACI employees show their Washington Capitals pride.

CACI President and CEO John Mengucci welsomes guests.