Marine Veteran and Sierra Delta Founder BJ Ganem Available for Media Interviews in the Columbus Area Sept. 22-24

“Portraits in Courage” exhibit showcases two pieces of art made by former President George W Bush

COLUMBUS, OH, UNITED STATES, September 18, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Sierra Delta, a Wisconsin-based nonprofit announced today founder BJ Ganem a decorated Marine veteran who lost his leg to an IED in Iraq is bringing a very different approach to the traditional service-dog model to Columbus, Ohio— and he is available for in-studio and other media interviews Tuesday, September 22 Through and Thursday, September 24.

Ganem is coming to Columbus as a special guest and speaker at the National Veterans Memorial & Museum, where the museum is currently showcasing “Portraits of Courage: A Commander in Chief’s Tribute to America’s Warriors,” the traveling collection of portraits painted by former President George W. Bush.

The exhibit features 66 full-color portraits depicting 98 service members and veterans whom President Bush personally met. Ganem is among those veterans and is featured in two portraits in the collection.

Ganem will be at the museum on Tuesday, September 22, and will remain in Columbus through Thursday, September 24, making him available for live television and radio interviews, podcasts, newspaper interviews and other media opportunities during his visit.

“The portraits are powerful because people connect with the sacrifice,” said Ganem. “The injury is visible. What’s harder to capture is the work that has come after. The years of trying, failing and adjusting.”

Ganem’s story is one of military service, sacrifice, recovery and a second mission that has become the focus of his life.

Ganem lost his left leg to an IED while serving in Iraq in 2004. Nearly a decade ago, he founded Sierra Delta, a Wisconsin-based national nonprofit built around a simple idea: helping veterans discover the powerful connection that can come from having a dog.

Through Sierra Delta’s Life Buddy Program, veterans choose their own dog and their own professional trainer. Sierra Delta provides a $3,500 training grant paid directly to the trainer. The training can be for a service dog, companion dog, or family dog, depending on the veteran’s goals.

Today, Sierra Delta has funded more than 1,100 training grants for veterans nationwide, with nearly 200 grants expected in 2026, putting the organization on a record pace as it approaches its 10th anniversary in 2027.

The “Portraits of Courage” exhibit pairs each portrait with the veteran’s personal story, highlighting military service, challenges and the journey toward healing and purpose. Ganem has spoken publicly about the honor of being included in the collection and the significance of being represented alongside fellow American veterans.

His visit provides an unusual opportunity to talk not only about the portraits themselves, but about what happens after a veteran comes home — and how purpose, responsibility, connection, and the human-dog bond can help shape the next chapter.

“The portraits tell people where I’ve been, but Sierra Delta shows them where I am going,” said Ganem.

Attention editors, reporters, producers – B J Ganem is available to be booked as a LIVE in Columbus, Ohio studio guest or via live streaming platforms. To make scheduling easy and hassle free; reach out to publicist Robb Leer 612.701.0608 or at Robbl@leercommunication.com Availability includes early morning newscasts and with a companion dog if requested.

BJ Ganem is available to discuss:
• His journey as a U.S. Marine and losing his leg to an IED in Iraq
• Being personally painted by former President George W. Bush — twice
• What it means to have his story included in the Portraits of Courage collection
• Why he believes dogs can play a powerful role in helping veterans rebuild routine, responsibility, and connection
• Why Sierra Delta lets veterans choose their own dog and their own trainer
• The founding of Sierra Delta and its growth into a national nonprofit
• The growing need for support for veterans and their dogs
• The next chapter for Sierra Delta as it approaches its 10th anniversary

SIERRA DELTA BY THE NUMBERS:
 More than 1,100 training grants funded for veterans nationwide
 Nearly 200 grants expected in 2026, putting Sierra Delta on a record pace
 The organization is approaching its 10th anniversary in 2027
 Sierra Delta’s model gives veterans the ability to choose their own dog and their own trainer

About Sierra Delta:

Sierra Delta is a Wisconsin-based national 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to empowering military veterans through the human-dog bond. Founded by former U.S. Marine Sergeant BJ Ganem, Sierra Delta provides veterans with access to professional dog training through grants, along with education, resources and a community built around veterans and their dogs. Through its Life Buddy Program, veterans choose their own dog and professional trainer, while Sierra Delta provides a $3,500 training grant paid directly to the trainer. The training may support a service dog, companion dog, or family dog, depending on the veteran’s individual goals. Since its founding, Sierra Delta has funded more than 1,100 grants for veterans across the country. To make scheduling interviews with BJ Ganem easy and hassle free; reach out to publicist Robb Leer 612.701.0608 or at Robbl@leercommunication.com Availability includes early morning newscasts and with a companion dog if requested.

Robb Leer
Leer Communication & Consultants
+1 612-701-0608
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