SGT Brown served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1976 - 1980. During this time, SGT Brown endured physical and mental abuse that led to her being diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Depression by the Washington, D.C. Veterans Affairs. SGT Brown lived in silence for decades until she found out in 2002 that she was also diagnosed with terminal cancer - doctors told her back then that she only had 10 - 12 months to live. Eight years later, SGT Brown is (by the sheer grace of God) still with us.

Free is a bichon/poodle mix that was found roaming the streets of Washington, D.C. until The Leage rescued him for a second chance to become a companion animal for SGT Brown.