Augusta National honors local veteran as hometown hero

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Augusta National honors hometown heroes in our community with free tickets to the Masters.

After nominations are considered, they honor EMS workers, police officers, teachers and veterans like Jerry Lyda who go above and beyond for their community.

Smiling ear to ear under the famous leaderboard at Augusta National is Jerry Lyda and his lifeline, Sailor.

“I still haven’t got it all hooked in yet. But I know, to me, it’s an honor. It really is to be appreciated that much,” said Lyda.

Lyda is the CEO of Veteran K-9 Solutions.

He says he’s still in disbelief Augusta National recognized him as their newest hometown hero for his work in rehabilitating canines from animal shelters to rehabilitate veterans.

“The dogs are just a piece of equipment. That’s all they are to most folks. To the veterans, they are a lifeline,” said Lyda.

On top of a one-way ticket to Amen Corner, the Community Foundation, the non-profit arm of Augusta National, gave him a grant for more than $13,000 to continue his mission of saving two lives at one time.

“That covers a lot of things as far as the upkeep of the dog, the food, the veterinarian care and it covers the veteran for the equipment he may need for the dog — the vest, the leash, the collar,” said Lyda.

The grant is helping to expand the impact to other cities, too.

Over the last several years they have trained over 30 dogs each year. This year, they are looking to beat the record with 80 dogs.

“We’ve got a girl that trains with us. She’s Air Force, active duty. She’s gone to San Antonio, and she’s going to open one of our sister companies there. We got another gentleman in Myrtle Beach wanting to do that. So, we’ll be in three different places,” said Lyda.

And for that, he is grateful.

“All these things that the Lord is putting on me, it’s all him. It’s not me. It’s all him,” said Lyda.

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