They’re highly trained soldiers. They’re fearless. They’ve fought overseas serving the United States. Now they’re fighting a new battle: To stop wildlife poaching.

These post 9/11 veterans are tackling the front lines in Africa. Their mission is to help save elephants and rhinos, some of which are critically engendered. They’re part of a group called VETPAW, Veterans Empowered to Protect African Wildlife.

VETPAW started one night after U.S. Marine veteran Ryan Tate just happened to catch a documentary on television.

Click here to read the rest of Watchdog Mary’s article in Grit Daily.