Welcome to another episode of "Stories of Service," where we delve into the inspiring journeys of individuals dedicated to making a difference in the world. This conversation discusses the mission of retired Army Public Affairs Officer, Chris Hyde, who is dedicated to helping the abandoned pets in Ukraine. The discussion covers a range of topics including the impact of war on animal welfare, the issue of rabies outbreak in animals, the role of non-profit organizations, and the challenges faced in this mission. The conversation also highlights the importance of public interest, funding, and policy issues in addressing this complex problem.
Meet the Guest: Chris Hyde
Our guest for this episode is Chris Hyde, a retired Army Public Affairs Officer who has transitioned from a distinguished military career to a compassionate advocate for animal welfare. Chris's extensive experience in various roles, both nationally and internationally, has uniquely equipped him to address the pressing issue of abandoned pets in Ukraine. Now, as part of a non-profit organization, Chris is dedicated to tackling the challenges of pet overpopulation in a region severely impacted by conflict.
🔑 Essential Takeaways:
✔️ Impact of War on Animal Welfare: Understanding how war affects the lives of animals, leading to increased abandonment and suffering.
✔️ Role of Non-Profit Organizations: Highlighting the critical work non-profits do in addressing complex issues like pet overpopulation and animal rescue in conflict zones.
✔️ Public Interest, Funding, and Policy: Emphasizing the importance of societal support, adequate funding, and effective policies in solving animal welfare problems.
✔️ Chris Hyde's Journey: Exploring how Chris's military background and personal experiences have shaped his mission and dedication to animal welfare.
✔️ Significance of Personal Experiences: Recognizing how individual histories and passions drive career paths and humanitarian efforts.
Chris Hyde’s Mission: Delving into the details of Chris Hyde’s work with abandoned pets in Ukraine, understanding his motivations and the scope of his efforts.
💡 Discussion Points:
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Impact of War on Animal Welfare: Examining the profound effects of conflict on animals, including increased rates of abandonment and health crises.
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Rabies Outbreak in Animals: Addressing the specific issue of rabies outbreaks among animals in war-torn areas and the challenges in managing this health threat.
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Non-Profit Organizations’ Role: Discussing how non-profits like the one Chris is involved with are essential in mitigating the pet overpopulation crisis.
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Public Interest and Policy: Highlighting the need for robust public interest, sufficient funding, and supportive policies to create sustainable solutions for animal welfare.
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Chris Hyde’s Personal Journey: Sharing the inspiring story of Chris’s transition from military service to humanitarian work, showcasing the impact of his personal and professional experiences.
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Career Path and Mission: Reflecting on how personal backgrounds and experiences shape one's career choices and dedication to causes beyond oneself
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More about Chris:
Chris Hyde enlisted in the U.S. Army in December 1995 and served just over two years as a personnel actions clerk assigned to the 18th Airborne Corps at Fort Bragg, NC, before his selection to attend the U.S. Army's Officer Candidate School (OCS) in early 1998.
He was commissioned as an Adjutant General second lieutenant in June of 1998. He served in many different capacities as an AG officer over the next several years: AG detachment executive officer, postal platoon leader, MEPS operations officer, and AG detachment commander.
COL Hyde was selected to serve as a Public Affairs Officer (PAO) in 2007. COL Hyde served in key public affairs billets at all echelons for 18 years – internationally, on operation, and in garrison. Operationally, he deployed to Diyala, Iraq, in September 2008 with the 1/25th Stryker Brigade Combat Team as the SBCT's PAO and served as a PA planner for the ISAF Joint Command (CJ-35) throughout 2011 in Kabul, Afghanistan.
His other public affairs assignments include Media Relations Officer for NATO’s Allied Rapid Reaction Corps (ARRC) in the UK, Training with Industry (TWI) Fellow with Siemens Corporation (NJ), Division Public Affairs Officer for the U.S. Army’s 2nd Infantry Division, ROK/US Combined Division in the Republic of Korea, Chief PAO for the U.S. Army’s I Corps (Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington), and completed his Army Public Affairs career serving as Chief of Public Affairs and Deputy Director of Strategic Communications at NATO’s Allied Command Operations / Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe, or SHAPE, in Mons, Belgium. He retired from military service in March 2024.
COL Hyde originally hails from Charleston, SC. He graduated from Columbus State University with a Bachelor's degree in Music (Piano Pedagogy) in 1993 and completed his Master's in Music (Piano Performance) in 1995. He completed a Master of Science degree in Joint Campaign Planning and Strategy from the Joint Advanced Warfighting School (JAWS) in Norfolk, Virginia, in 2019 and a Post-Graduate Diploma in Strategic Communications from King’s College in London, England, in 2023.
Ukraine War Animals Relief Fund: https://uwarf.org/
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/uwarf/
