On a clear, cool day in Washington DC’s Naval Memorial Square, veterans, advocates, and service dog trainers from all services gathered to display pay tribute to some of America’s most unsung heroes. Dogs have been important military service members since World War II but rarely receive the recognition they deserve.
The American War Dog Association (USWDA) is dedicated to changing that. This year, they celebrated the first ever K9 Veterans Day to honor the skills, service, and sacrifices of K-9 soldiers in the military as well as those who command and train. coaches, support staff and their families.
K9 Veterans Day
After the beautiful performance of anthem via US Secret Service K-9 handler Beth Hartman and Sincere Wishes from Retired Sergeant Al Brenner of the United States Marine Corps, President of USWDA Chris Willingham on the podium. Willingham is a retired Marine Sergeant who has devoted most of his 20-year career to the Army Working Dog (MWD) Program.
“K9 Veterans Day is here to celebrate the founding of the K9 Corps, which was March 13, 1942,” Willingham begins. “It started with ‘Defense Dogs’ who would train and buy dogs for military service. Since that time, they (the military K9s) have proven to be a force that multiplies in every climb and location. Whether it’s the island hopping campaigns of World War II, the icy tundra of Korea, the jungles of Vietnam, or the deserts of Iraq and Afghanistan, if there are troops on the ground, the K9 has a mission.
In his speech, Willingham praised the amazing adaptability of service dogs in the military. The five dog trainers who founded USWDA have served in Vietnam. During that conflict, the K9s were mainly used for reconnaissance and guard missions, mine and tunnel detection, and underwater patrol. While Willingham served in the Middle East, war dogs became necessary to sniff out improvised explosive devices (IEDs) that could destroy entire squads.
The US Army has developed a task force known as the Joint IED Defeat Organization to address this threat. However, as Willingham proudly points out, despite “six years and $19 billion, they still can’t beat the ability of a well-trained dog team.”
Equal in value to the lifesaving services they provide, K9 offers unconditional love and loyalty. The bond formed from one end of the chain to the other will last long after the days of war.
MWD is more than just a “device”
Military service dogs are service members and receive the same rank as their handlers, but they are not recognized as soldiers by the Department of Defense. Instead, they are considered devices, much like weapons or tanks. Before Robby’s Law was passed in 2000, MWDs were often destroyed or left on the battlefield.
Now, dogs that are “fit for adoption” must be put in place after service. While 90% of retired MWDs find permanent homes with their managers, challenges still arise. Transporting dogs from abroad can be difficult and expensive, and canine veterans face many physical and emotional casualties during war, including arthritis and PTSD.
Without a pension or health insurance, these costs fall on the handler or adopter. This is why the USWDA mission is so important.
The American War Dog Association supports military working dogs and their handlers
USWDA works to ensure that no dog is left behind. Whether providing equipment packages and essential care to overseas dog teams or transporting veteran warrior dogs back to the United States after serving, they see that K9s in the military receive the treatment, respect and recognition they have so bravely earned.
Help USWDA make a difference in retired MWD’s life
Retired working dogs suffering from illness and the effects of past injuries are eligible for the free prescription drug program and assistance with paying veterinary bills. They are honored for their service with awards, such as the PDSA Dickin Medal, awarded to WE Marine Corps Special Operations Command Canine Bass at the DC ceremony. And they were greeted one last time by USWDA’s Rainbow Support Program.
USWDA also ensures that retired working dogs find loving homes to spend their retirement, whether it’s with their military handlers or newly adopted families. feed.
“U.S. military service dogs have dedicated their best years to securing our freedom, US War Dogs is here to give these heroic K-9s the free to enjoy their well-deserved retirement.” – USWarDogs.com
How can we help?
Thanks for the purchases made by iHeartDogs and Hero Company customers, we were able to donate $2,500 to American War Dog Association to help them continue their mission. Like Company of Heroes, USWDA also helps with funding Service dogs for Veterans with disabled medical conditions.
You too, maybe support USWDA as they continue to supportt dogs that work in the military throughout their lives and in retirement earn a lot of money.
