Support for this program is provided by the Weldon F Osborne Foundation.

The Schillhahn-Huskey Foundation.

And viewers like you.

Thank you.

On today's show will feature two nonprofits serving our community in unique ways.

One aims to honor the service of the men and women of the towing and recovery industry.

The other provides service dogs to veterans with service induced brain injuries.

We're Stronger Together Chattanooga.

Stay tuned to learn more.

Welcome to Chattanooga.

Stronger.

Together.

I'm Barbara Mortar Lauren Cologne, executive director of the International Towin and Recovery Museum, is with us.

She's here to tell us about th history of the towing industry in Chattanooga.

Beginning in a modest downtown garage, the museum provides an engaging educational experience for all ages.

Lauren, I'm so glad you're here with me this morning.

So happy to be here.

Yeah.

So tell me the history of the Towing Museum, right?

Well, it's a bit extensive but to summarize it, the towing museum's actually been presen here in Chattanooga since 1985.

A fantastic group called the Friends of Towing decided they wanted to figure out a way to not only honor the leaders of the industry, but preserve the history an help educate the general public.

Chattanooga i the birthplace of the tow truck.

It was invented here by Ernest Holmes in 1916 and then eventually patented in 1918, which is the beginning of the towing and recovery industry as we know it.

Well, I didn't kno it had been started like 1916.

Yes, absolutely.

It came out of necessity, actually.

Ernest Holme was kind of a junior engineer, and one of his friends, topple over in the Chickamauga Creek.

And so he took his first kind of experimental tow truck ou there and, recovered a vehicle.

Oh.

That's amazing.

I love that story.

And so it started in his garage.

Evidently.

Yes.

And which eventually turned into the Holmes manufacturing plant.

Oh, wow.

So we also have, a towing, company here, Miller Industries.

And so I think they're are they the largest, builders of the towing machines?

They're one of the larger manufacturers of total, rigs.

Absolutely.

And they're actually based here in Knoxville, also right outside of Chattanooga.

And they've, since purchased the Holmes company.

So they are the under Holmes is under the umbrella of Miller Industries now currently.

Oh that's amazing.

Yeah.

That's amazing.

So when did you move down to the current location on Broad Street?

So that happened in, the late 90s.

So actually one in early 90s, I want to say.

And the relocation took a bit more than what we thought.

What had happened at the original location, which is now, closer to the moon Pi facility in the brick buildings down on Broad Street.

We outgrew that very quickly.

And so we found this propert over further down Broad Street.

And that's where we've been since then.

But now tell me about the museum.

You know, why was it started?

And the history of that part of it.

I know why the towing got started, but let's talk about the museum itself.

Right.

And so, going back to the Friends of Towing, the real intention was, creating a facility where we honor the leaders of our industry.

So the towing museum is the only location for the International Hall of Fame, for the towing and recovery industry.

We induct individual to that Hall of Fame every year.

The very first class was 1986, so we've been doing that since then.

So it's really let's hono those that have been the movers and shakers of the industry is what I like to call them.

People that have made significant contributions or advancements.

Beyond that, we needed a spot to preserve the history of our industry.

So many of these vehicles were just in some one side garage or some one side project, and even some of the toys that we have on display, you know, just part of people's collection.

And unfortunatel are hidden away gathering dust.

So let's let's open up a facility where we can display some of the best pieces our industry has to offer.

So what is the oldest piece of equipment you have and then the newest piece of equipment.

So our oldest equipment is probably going to be it's the original homes replica.

So that's from 1913.

And then our newest piece is going to be a 2004 truck, and that is our pink truck, the breast cancer awareness.

Oh, I love that.

Yes.

And so it's a record truck.

It is a record truck.

It's pretty much been a show truck, but it does have a couple hundred miles on it.

So it's done.

It's done its duty from show to show to show.

We're very blessed to have it in the museum.

The owner of it built it in homage to his wife, who unfortunately passed away from breast cancer.

But you will see her name noted on the side of the window there when you go to visit.

So how many tow trucks do you have in the museum right now we have over 24.

I believe the number is 26 right now.

But there yeah, there's over 24 tow trucks on display.

A wide array as we've talked about for ages, but also styles of vehicle.

There's something for everybody for sure.

We recently introduced our little tow mater golf cart, which the kids are invited to hop on and explor and take selfies of everything.

But we also have that to the U 45, which is, significant size wrecker that was a part of the Red Ball Express, was actually manufactured here in Chattanooga, then sent overseas for World War Two.

And so what we have here is the replica.

It is a replica of a piece that's actually brought back and piece back together.

Actually, the effort and energy that got that was put into getting i 100% accurate was just amazing.

Amazing.

And so you have something for everybody from toddlers all the way up to absolutely walking with a cane.

Absolutely.

I noted on that.

We have restrooms on every floor, have benches on every floor, just to make sure it's as intimidating as possible for everybody the kids especially love.

We have a little guy called Tater Tot Gal.

Excuse me.

It's a miniature replica tow truck that the kids can climb on.

They're able to operate the boom and work the lights and everything.

So there certainly is somethin fun for everyone at the museum.

So how many levels do you have?

We have an upper gallery and a lower gallery, which is kind of deceiving.

When you drive up you think we're just one story.

Because of the angle of our building, we're actually able to have a full lower gallery down there as well.

And so you have tow trucks on the top gallery and the boat over, tow trucks all over, and our lower gallery.

We've recently introduced, our vintage gas pump and pedal car collection, And you have a motorcycle?

We do.

We have an Indian dispatch motorcycle, which is a very unique motorcycle.

It is kind of the somewhat auto equivalent of a motorcycle, essentially.

The repairman would bring that out and think about a motorcycle with two back wheels.

Yeah, and a significant size seat that can lift up.

You can put all of your equipment there.

As a mechanic, you drive over to the scene, so you dispatch over to the scene, get the vehicle running the best that you possibly can at least turning on and moving.

You hook the motorcycle up to the vehicle, drive the vehicle back to the, repair center.

This is really interesting.

And it's pretty cool.

Yeah, yeah.

So, earlier who we were kind of talking and everything.

There was a tow truck on a racetrack.

Yes.

So the museum's also home t the world's fastest tow truck.

In 1979, they woke up one day and decided to pop it on, Talladega Speedway.

It clocked at over 130mph with an average speed of 109.

So that's a pretty impressive vehicle.

And so it only did it once.

Yes, I think it was a one an done sort of thing, that thing.

So they interviewed the driver Eddie Martin, and he he agreed with that.

I can't imagine the tow truck doing a 130, I know.

And with the heat of the tire on the racetrack and everything and the weight of, you know, the comes on the back of it, it's it's quite impressive.

So that's something worth stopping by to see for sure.

That's true.

So we talked about the inside of the museum and you have a little bit for everybody.

Let's talk about the monument on the outside of it.

Yes, yes.

And that's one of those things, you know, you drive by and you might not necessaril realize what's going on there.

On the other side of that concrete wall, along with our wall, the fallen memorial statue, we we have the names of those we've lost in the line of service.

Unfortunately, the tow industry has become one o the more dangerous professions we are losing a tow operator about every 7 to 10 days roadside.

And so what we do annually, we have a ceremony wher we honor those that we've lost, and we put some of the names along the wall.

That's amazing.

That's I, I know that while you were not instrumental in the move over law, but you, advocate, for that because, you know, the police, I think you said earlier.

And Washington, when you go up there to on the Hill, your group meets and everythin like that, that the number one death for, accidents like that is police officers.

Yeah.

So roadside fatalities are increasing, unfortunately, across the board for all first responders.

You know, it's it's one of our it is our main cause, unfortunately, the roadside fatalities.

But also we're seeing, you know, fire department, police department as well, with the roadside fatalities increasing.

And it's unfortunate because a lot of these incidents are preventable.

We're talking about distracted driving, impaired driving, just really not taking the time to be aware of your surroundings and cautious of those broken down on the side of the road.

Yeah, and two drivers.

Two people.

So think about that.

All responders.

Absolutely.

You know and what we try to the message we try to spread at the museum is please just b cautious, slow down, move over.

If you're not able to move over, please slow down to a significant speed.

Just give everybody an opportunity and a space to work and a capability to get home safe.

True because you may be in a hurry, but that next inciden might be you sitting over there with with a tow truck and a police officer or a first responder or something like that.

So be, you know, pay it forward, be be courteous to people.

Absolutely.

You know that someone's mother, father, sister, brother out there on the side of the road.

And I like to think if people function with that mentality, maybe they'll be a little bit more aware and a little bit more cautious.

So now that leads me in to the survivor fund.

Yes, absolutely.

Another component.

We're multifaceted at the museum.

I love that there's a component of what we do, and something that is so near and dear t our heart is the survivor Fund.

to help support those families of those tow operators that have passed in the line of service.

So we are able to dispens those funds in about 72 hours.

It's it doesn't change anything but it does assist the families because primaril you're looking at a primarily, primarily primary provider for the household that is passing away in these incidents so that money can help them get through paying rent, getting groceries, etc..

So that is something we ar consistently raising funds for.

So I know that during the year you'll try to have, different type of events, community events to bring awareness to it.

Talk about your association with the lookouts.

Oh, wow.

So we had this incredible partnership this last year, a community partnershi with the Chattanooga Lookouts, where they playe as the wreckers for six games.

It was just it was just awesome and incredible to see the turnout the support from our industry, the support from outside of the industry, even down to the branding and the jerseys.

It was just very exciting and that's a continuing relationship with them.

Looks like we will be continuing for next season, so we're geared up and ready to go.

Love that.

So, are there volunteer opportunities?

Absolutely.

You know, we're actually reformatting our volunteer program at the museum right now.

But I invite anybody who's interested in volunteering to stop by the museum.

You can ask for m or our assistant manager, Frank.

We'd love to chat with them.

We don't have any formal, decent distance or anything currently, so any volunteers that are willing to come by and learn about the museum, they're more than welcome.

Absolutely love that.

Lauren thank you so much for coming in toda and sharing all of this with me.

Thank you so much for having us.

We're really appreciative.

Up next, we'll have Wayne Haynes from Warrior Freedom service dogs.

Stay tuned.

We want to know how you serve your community.

Send us photos or videos of you or your family volunteering, and we may feature it on a future episode.

Email stronger@wtcitv.org or use the hashtag STRONGERWTCI on social media.

Welcome back.

We're joined by Wayne Haynes, executive director of Warrior Freedom service dogs.

This organization matches veterans with service induced brain injuries with trained service dogs.

Wayne, it's a pleasure to have you here.

So tell me, how did Warrior Freedom Dogs get started?

Well, befor your freedom was service dogs, starte approximately eight years ago.

A local, business owner named Adam Keith.

Met a service member who was in his store and, and and learned a little bit about, his struggles.

And Adam was touched by, by the, by this, the service member.

And his name was Matt.

And, and at the time, Adam was training, bird dogs and, he, he asked Matt, hey, I happen to have a dog.

Do you want to come and check this dog out?

And, Matt and Adam, developed a relationship, but Matt went and saw the dog, and he immediately named the dog freedom.

Oh, wow.

Well, the next day, as I, as I was told, Matt came back to Adam and said.

It's amazing.

The freedom woke me up from nightmares last night.

And that was without any training at all.

Wow.

That inspired Adam to really d a whole bunch of research and.

And discover the need that veterans have who suffer from PTSD, TBI, or, Misty, you and that.

And, and he wanted to start something, to help the, the veteran, community.

A lot of trial and error.

Because he was just learning about it.

And that's how the warrior Freedom Service dogs.

Began.

And then how did you get involved with it?

I live about a mile.

Mile and a half from the kennel and about, two miles from, Adam Keith's store.

And, my wife, I was in a very dark place.

I was isolating.

I was pushing everybody away.

I was having the nightmares that turned into nightmares where I was becoming.

I was violent.

And, my wife and my mother in law said, hey, there's this, warrior Freedom Service dogs.

You know, they they offer dogs and, I spent a year telling them, no, there's no way I'm too old.

I'm not sure a dog can do anything for you or anything like that.

They went on a trip to, to visit our, my wife's uncle in Texas.

And while they were gone, I went to Adam's store, and I picked up the flier that they had about Warrior Freedom service dogs.

I, I went to my garage and I sat down and I read it, and I actually broke down in tears in the garage because there was hope for quality of life.

I immediately called an got accepted into the program.

I did the application process.

Yeah.

And and that's how I got introduce to the, to the, to the program.

I mean, what is the process.

You know, you do the app online application and everything.

They vet you out, do a background check and everything like that.

But then what kind of training did you have to go through before you could even be qualified to have a dog?

Well, of cours there's the application process.

And we, we, vet, each, each applicant because they have to have no, military, background.

Yeah.

They have to have diagnosed PTSD, TBI, which is traumatic brain injury, or Misty, which is, military sexual trauma, which is a form of PTSD.

Once they're vette through the application process, they get what's called, we call it eight hours of kennel time.

And during that eight hours of kennel time, they're introduced to the dogs that are available.

And then the dog kind of picks the veteran.

So in my case during my eight hours my second day there, I was out with several of the dog just getting familiar with them and everything.

And, and they let my dog out.

Charlie.

He came out of the kennel, walked straight up to me, sat at my feet and leaned into my body and looked up to me with those big brown eyes.

And it was like, it was like, someone saying, I see you.

I got you.

I went home that night an I told my wife, I really hope.

I'm praying I end up with Charlie Will.

Julie, our head trainer, told me a couple days later, you know that Charlie has picked you.

Of course, there's an evaluation process by the kennel staff, and and we want to make sure that the dog meets the needs of of the veteran.

And Charlie and I, just we hit it off.

Then after the kennel time, they go into formal, classes.

And during that time, they're going to do two hours of, of group, training a week and two hours of individual training a week, and that lasts for ten weeks.

The first part of the training is more to train the veteran on what the dog knows.

Right.

Because the dog is trained before the veteran is introduced, the dog is trained to the all three levels of good citizenship.

Oh well.

Okay.

So it isn't like you just getting the raw dogs.

The dogs are very well trained.

Prio to the veteran being introduced.

So the veteran gets the training on what the dog knows of the commands and everything else.

And then during that ten weeks, the dog is trained for th specific needs of the veteran.

In my case, Charlie was trained to identify when my anxiety, rose, by doing pressure training.

Where he just leans into me or, alerting when when my anxiety was getting bad, he'll either punch me with his paw or he will lean up and and actually almost stand on me.

To tell me, hey, you need to take a break from this.

Wow.

The other thing that Charlie does is from the day that he was brought into my house, he wakes me up with my nightmares.

Start.

So I have not had a the, night terror where I'm violent.

Now that's provided me with restful sleep.

But also my wife.

So, like I say he's he's been a blessing in my life.

Yeah that's true.

S let's talk about the training.

So where do you get the dogs.

And then how are the dogs trying the process for them.

Our dogs are either rescues.

The majority of the dogs are gifted to us, by, breeders or individuals.

We start off with puppies, and we place those puppies in puppy foster, for the first until they're six months to a year.

Then they come back to the kennel and start their training for the good citizenship.

As I mentioned before, it's three levels of good citizenship.

When the dogs or, got to the level of the good citizenship.

Yeah.

They have to take what's called a, public access test because they have, they have to be able to be in public and act accordingly.

We start off with maybe five dogs.

Five puppies.

We're fortunate if two of those puppies end up with the qualities to be an actual service dog.

Wow.

Because it takes a special type of temperament.

To, for the dogs to be in a real service dog.

So there's no cost to a vet to own one of these dogs, but it cost.

What will I think when we talk?

Minimum of $30,000 for upkeep and training for each dog?

Yes.

Wow.

The cost is is approximately $30,000 for each dog.

Now, when you take into account that we started with five and we whittled it down to two.

The cost is actually closer to 45 to $50,000.

But we say that that for, one team.

One team, one one veteran and one dog for the entire time is $30,000.

And our training doesn't en it at the, at the ten week mark.

What we do is we provide a lifeline to that veteran for the life of the dog.

So if the dog has to retire, that veteran goes to the head of the line, to receive another dog.

Yeah.

And the dogs have to be recertified every year, don't you?

Yes.

Yes.

They have to take the public access test every year to recertify.

Now there is no national.

Certification.

Certification that that's out there.

Unfortunately, a lot of people can just go online and say, I have a dog.

It's a service dog.

Well, yeah.

I'm not really.

Yeah.

That's true.

So, you had mentioned earlier, fosters, you definitely need peopl that can foster these puppies up until they're a year ol and create that environment, and and foster parents could als have other dogs in their home.

You can't just.

You don't have to be like a no dog environment.

You would like to have other dogs in there so that they can build those, social skills.

Yeah.

Social skills.

So you definitely need volunteers, not only to foster, but maybe come out to the, the your location to help out there.

Our location is small.

Well, our volunteer base, we definitely need fosters.

But the volunteers are more for, helping with events and stuff like that.

We have to keep our our our kennel kind of, protected.

Protected.

Okay.

Because the dogs are constantly in training there.

So, Yeah.

Thank yo so much for what you're doing.

And I have learned so much an I really encourage our viewers.

If there's any vets out there to please sign up, go to your website.

Please sign up and know that there's help.

Amen.

There there's 22 veterans and they commit suicide.

We gotta stop that.

We need to stop that in our program.

We're hoping t to make a dent in that as well.

Okay.

Bless you Thank you very much.

Thank you.

And thank you for joining us.

We hope you've learned more about the incredible and inspiring work being done by our nonprofits.

So tell us what you think.

Email us at stronger at qatv.org or use the hashtag stronger SCA on social media.

I'm Barbara Marder and from all of us here at WTC.

We'll see you next time.

Support for this program is provided by the Weldon F Osborne Foundation.

The Schillhahn-Huskey Foundation.

And viewers like you.

Thank you.