Sam Hoekstra is a three-time combat Veteran of the Army and a graduate of This Able Veteran’s trauma resiliency program. In April of 2016, he was paired with a yellow lab, Memphis, who is his canine companion.
A graduate of Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, Sam lives in southern Illinois with his wife, Cathrine, his step-children, Kirsten and Caden, his service dog Memphis, and two other furry children, Kip and Archie.
In May of 2019, Sam’s son, Edward Oliver James was born.
Sam completed his master’s degree at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. Sam is a Peer Support with the Marion VA where he facilitates peer groups with other Veterans.
In his spare time, when he is not working or spending time with his family, Sam enjoys woodworking and traveling.
Memphis Hoekstra is a yellow lab. His birthday is January 20. When Memphis is not working, he enjoys laying on his couch, playing with his rope toys, and giving full body wags in hopes of gaining a treat or a cuddle on the “human couch.” Memphis loves his family and enjoys working. He even branched out and is on social media. Memphis loves to be with his favorite human, Sam.
