MYRTLE BEACH, SC, March 13, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Keith D. Holland II has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

Mr. Holland currently serves as chief executive officer, founder and trainer of Joint Task Force K9s, a nonprofit organization he has led since 2022. Operating from his home in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Mr. Holland oversees all aspects of the organization's daily operations. His responsibilities include conducting hands-on training with service dogs, performing detailed assessments to ensure optimal matches between dogs and handlers and providing a comprehensive 14-month training regimen for each dog. This program encompasses obedience, desensitization, socialization, and specialized cortisol-detection training during the final two months. Mr. Holland personally selects recipients through a rigorous application process and facilitates a week-long training session for handlers, followed by additional instruction for spouses, caregivers, or emergency contacts. He also delivers three days of educational programming covering dog management, nutrition and medication protocols.

Joint Task Force K9s is dedicated to supporting combat veterans and law enforcement officers, including women who have experienced sexual assault or trauma while on duty. The organization's service dogs are uniquely trained to detect changes in cortisol levels, a stress hormone, enabling them to intervene before post-traumatic stress disorder attacks occur proactively. By encouraging handlers to interact with the dogs during periods of elevated stress, the program has demonstrated the ability to prevent up to 98 percent of PTSD episodes. All services are provided at no cost to recipients, reflecting the organization's commitment to accessibility and support. Since its inception, Mr. Holland has successfully placed 23 service dogs through this initiative and is actively working toward expanding the organization by establishing a dedicated training facility.

Prior to his work with Joint Task Force K9s, Mr. Holland built a distinguished career in military service. He was medically retired from the United States Army in 2016 after serving as a Special Forces Green Beret for 15 years. During his tenure, he held several critical roles, including airborne jump master and member of the Commander's In-Extremis Force for three years. Before joining Special Forces, he served as a military police officer in the Army National Guard for three-and-a-half years. Mr. Holland's military background provided him with extensive leadership experience under pressure and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by veterans and first responders.

Mr. Holland is an active member of the United States Special Operations Command (SOCOM) and maintains strong ties within the defense community.

His academic achievements include earning an associate's degree in golf operations and management from Golf Academy of America in 2018. This educational foundation contributed to his organizational skills and ability to manage complex programs within his nonprofit work. Additionally, Mr. Holland holds several professional certifications that have enhanced his expertise: advanced ANOC, anti-armor leaders course and combat lifesaver course.

He attributes his success to several formative influences, notably the guidance and leadership instilled by his father, which taught him the importance of diligence and integrity. His military service further developed his capacity for effective leadership in high-stress environments and fostered empathy for individuals facing adversity.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Mr. Holland is civically engaged as a member of both the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce and Conway Area Chamber of Commerce. He supports organizations such as Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, and other military and LEO organizations. He also serves as a mentor and educator to his community through various churches and schools.

Throughout his career, Mr. Holland has received numerous honors recognizing his service and dedication. His awards include two Afghanistan Campaign Medals, two Iraq Campaign Medals, four Bronze Stars, a Meritorious Service Medal, two Commendation Medals, three Achievement Medals, two Meritorious Unit Citations, a Valor Unit Citation and a NATO Award. He has also been presented with a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition by Congressman Russell Fry of South Carolina's Seventh Congressional District; Certificates of Appreciation from Combat Vets Association, United States Special Operations Command Warrior Care Program, and Annual Veteran Expo 2024 and 2025 from The Myrtle Beach Vet Center.

Born in Charleston, SC and raised in Bessemer City, NC; Mr. Holland values the time he spends hunting, fishing, and being with his family, including his spouse Lori Holland and children, Christian and Abigail. Looking ahead, he aims to see Joint Task Force K9s become fully operational under new leadership so he can focus on acquiring more dogs and expanding outreach efforts nationwide. He encourages recipients of Joint Task Force K9s service dogs to consider establishing their own chapters to further support communities across the country. "Saving LIVES One Dog at a Time"

About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who's Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.

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