Paws of Honor’s Board of Directors

“The greatest reward of running Paws of Honor is to hear the stories of handlers and the bond they have with their dogs. It is something VERY, VERY special. That ‘bond’ is the core of Paws of Honor.”

Bob has been involved with the Veterinary profession for 28 years serving as COO and CFO of Old Dominion Animal Health Center. In addition, Bob is Vice President of a private real estate investment firm that he manages in his ‘spare’ time.

He graduated from Elon University in 1992 with a BA in Sociology and followed up with a Masters in Business Administration from Shenandoah University in 1997.

Bob created Paws of Honor, Inc. in 2015 because he recognized the need for high quality, no cost veterinary care for the retired military and police K9 community. He has been able to partner veterinary vendors and manufacturers with the retired service dog community for the common goal.

Paws of Honor offers her the opportunity to use her knowledge and connections to better the lives of the dogs that protect our lives.

Cassie started her career with Old Dominion Animal Health Center in 2000. Prior to becoming Chief Operations Officer, she served as manager of boarding services and then as hospital manager. It was there that she was introduced to many dedicated working dogs who demonstrate what partnership really means. She admired the dogs’ high level of intelligence and training, and was touched by the amazing bond between dog and handler.

Cassie lives in near Charles Town, WV with her husband Kelly, their daughter Olivia, Layla the Shepherd mix, and Stinky the cat. Her older son and daughter live nearby.

Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation Fellow, International Association of Veterinary Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy

Dr. Brunke grew up in New York City. He received his DVM from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine in St. Kitts, graduating in 2004.

He is certified in rehabilitation, pain management, acupuncture, and manual therapy.

He completed the practice experience pathway for the American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation in 2017 and passed ACVSMR boards in January 2018.

As a sports medicine and rehab specialist, his focus is on diagnosing complex mobility problems (both orthopedic and neurologic). He utilizes injectable therapy for treating tendon and ligament problems, managing arthritis, and for neurological problems like lumbosacral (LS) disease. He especially enjoys working with active duty and retired working canines.

Dr. Brunke is part of the founding faculty for the NorthEast Seminars/NC State CCAT Rehab program.

He serves on the scientific review board for JAVMA and AJVR, and conducts clinical research as well. He practices at Veterinary Referral Associates (VRA, VRAVet.com) in Gaithersburg, Maryland.

When not working, he enjoys running with his dogs, and vacationing at beaches around the world.

DeConciliis brings 20 years as a trusted advisor on international overseas operations, counter-bioterrorism, expeditionary medicine, emergency preparedness, and K-9 exfiltration services.

Ms. DeConciliis serves as Chief Operating Officer at SASSI, a Woman Owned Small Business in Chantilly, VA working with the Intelligence Community and supporting the medical care for overseas Explosive Detection Canines (EDC). SASSI recently opened the Warrior Canine Clinic, a mobile primary care clinic for working dogs in the DC Metro Area. She currently serves on the Board of Advisors at the Institute of World Politics (IWP). DeConciliis served as Chairman of the Board of Directors at International Stability Operations Association (ISOA), which represents over 150 government contractors that operate in austere, unstable environments. DeConciliis is a subject matter expert on K-9 exfiltration and repatriation services from high-threat, undisclosed locations. DeConciliis brings 20 years as a trusted advisor on international overseas operations, counter-bioterrorism, expeditionary medicine, emergency preparedness, and K-9 exfiltration services. She managed the operations for expeditionary medical services to Department of State in Iraq and Afghanistan for both human and K-9 programs and ran oversight on the second largest supply chain for PEPFAR (President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief) at USAID to over 16 countries throughout Africa. DeConciliis holds a Neuro-psychology degree from The Catholic University of America. She has been featured as a security and exfiltration commentator on CNN, Fox News, and The Washington Post.

Proud to be able to continue their care into retirement through Paws of Honor.

Dr. Buck Drummond is a graduate of Alexandria’s Fort Hunt High School and attended the University of Georgia for both his undergraduate and veterinary education. After completing an internship in small animal medicine and surgery, he spent the next 20 years in the Los Angeles area specializing in emergency care, ultimately becoming the Director of Emergency Services for a large 24-hour practice.

In 2008, he moved to historic Savannah, Georgia, to pursue artistic interests, and then in 2010, returned to the Washington metro area to be closer to his family.

In 2016, he (re-)joined the Old Dominion team – a homecoming of sorts, Old Dominion had been one of his first veterinary jobs while in school back in the 1980’s…

Dr. Drummond has a particular interest in working canines, balancing their health needs with their all-important duties, and is proud to be able to continue their care into retirement through Paws of Honor.

Still an active artist, examples of his paintings can be seen in the lobby of Old Dominion. He lives with his husband, Michael, and their American Foxhound, Tobias, in Connecticut.