St. Louis Marine returns to crossing guard post with service dog

James Poggi, a former Marine Corps aviator from St. Louis, is preparing to return to his job as a school crossing guard in Mascoutah with the help of a service dog. Poggi suffered five back surgeries and a below-the-knee amputation during his military service. He attributes these injuries to multiple accidents, hard landings, physical training mishaps, a car crash, and a bout of spinal meningitis while on active duty.

The physical toll forced Poggi to rely on wheelchairs, walkers, and other mobility devices for years. He described the shift from being a 250-pound active service member to a vulnerable person who depended on others for daily tasks. His wife, who also serves as his caregiver, suggested getting a service dog to help manage the emotional and physical challenges he faced.

Poggi now works with Teddy, a Goldendoodle that performs specific tasks to restore his independence. The dog retrieves dropped keys, picks up his cell phone, and carries items for him. Poggi noted that Teddy has brought back a sense of joy that he had lost. He compared the bond with the dog to having a battle buddy who always has his back.

Teddy underwent training at Dog Training Elite St. Louis, a facility run by Matt Willis. Willis said the training program prepares dogs for real-world scenarios rather than just basic obedience. He explained that the interaction with the dogs causes chemical changes in the body that can uplift veterans dealing with physical limitations and PTSD.

Willis highlighted that the current government system has gaps in caring for veterans who have experienced traumatic events. To address some of these gaps, a private donor grant will cover 30% of the training costs for 10 veterans or active military members. The fund allows the organization to help ten individuals who need a service dog for their specific conditions.

Research supports the use of such dogs for mental health. A 2024 study found that service dogs are associated with lower rates of anxiety and depression in veterans with PTSD. A separate 2024 survey of approximately 600 veterans indicated that about four in 10 did not have a PTSD service dog but wanted one. The Department of Veterans Affairs does not currently provide service dogs for mental health conditions and continues to study their potential benefits.

Poggi plans to return to his full-time role on the corner next school year. He will work rain or shine with Teddy, who has a designated crossing guard hut. Poggi said he loves his children deeply, but the relationship with Teddy is comparable to having another child in the family.