On a sunny Friday before the Memorial Day weekend, 52 runners/walkers and 25 dogs gathered in front of the Fort Collins office for Persistent’s second annual 5K run and 3K walk in support of Bodhi Battalion.
Bodhi Battalion is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that serves veterans and first responders in Colorado. Their mission is to “create a united front against suicide,” by connecting individuals with service dogs, through their “Providing Treatment Through Service Dogs (PTSD)” program. Alongside the dog pairing, veterans and first responders are guided through cognitive and mindfulness-based techniques that help heal these invisible wounds, such as PTSD, isolation, and depression.
The event, hosted by Persistent’s Philanthropy committee, was open to team members, family, and their four-legged friends. It was a meaningful day full of camaraderie, energy, and support for a paw-fect cause.
At the end of the race, The Persistent team presented Bodhi Battalion with a $4,000 donation.
“What made this event so special wasn’t just the funds raised—it was the people,” said JoAnna McTevia, Director of Operations at Bodhi Battalion. “This 5K creates a ripple of support that directly fuels our ability to train service dogs and provide trauma-informed care for veterans and first responders.”
With the donation, Bodhi Battalion will be able to:
- Cover full veterinary care for one dog in training
- Fund six months of food and supplements for two growing pups
- Supplement three Puppy Starter Kits, filled with tools, gear, and training resources
- Purchase working gear and public access vests for two dogs
But the impact goes even deeper. One of Persistent’s own veterans, Dakota Smith, a Senior Field Application Engineer and Navy veteran, was introduced to the organization through his own journey.
“I found Bodhi Battalion through another veterans’ support organization,” said Smith. “I had just transitioned out of the military the year before and was still adjusting to civilian life when I lost the dog who had been with me since the start of my service. That loss hit hard. Bodhi Battalion helped me find a new companion, Paolo, at a time when I truly needed support. They understand how powerful the bond between a veteran and a dog can be, and they foster that connection with genuine care and purpose.”
Supporting the veteran community is a cause close to Persistent’s heart, as 34% of our team is comprised of veterans. This community is not only fundamental to our team but also to the warfighters we serve with our technology.
Previously, we have supported organizations like Home Base, Special Forces Association, and K9s for Warriors, groups dedicated to mental health, financial assistance, and family support. Like the Bodhi Battalion, they help veterans and their families live purposeful and joyful lives beyond service.
“The Bodhi Battalion gives veterans and first responders something many of them lost when the uniform came off: a renewed sense of purpose and belonging,” said McTevia.
The same sense of purpose is what many veterans rediscover at Persistent – by helping their fellow service members stay connected, no matter where the mission takes them. And it’s more than just work, it’s a team culture built on shared values.
“Working with Persistent felt like gathering with friends and family,” added McTevia. “It’s clear they care not only about their work but also about people.”
We work hard to ensure that care is reflected every day – in our customer relationships, team culture, and in the veteran community we proudly support.
As Smith put it: “I’m grateful to work at Persistent, a company that encourages us to support meaningful causes and stands with those who have served.”
With deep-running military roots, we are honored to support organizations like Bodhi Battalion, knowing our efforts can help change lives—one veteran and one dog at a time.
###
To learn more about Persistent Systems, please visit our website at www.persistentsystems.com or follow us on any social media!
LinkedIn: Persistent Systems, LLC
Instagram: @Wave Relay
Facebook: Persistent Systems, LLC
Twitter: @PSWaveRelay
YouTube: @PSWaveRelay
