May, 2010 Military Working Dog Team Support Association, Inc. Quarterly Newsletter Volume 2, Issue 2 MWDTSA KENNEL TALK www.mwdtsa.org

Join MWDTSA now so you won’t miss any of the Operation Sleep Tight: Sending Kurandas by Dixie Whitman photos, stories, news and highlights of 2010! If One of the most requested you haven’t renewed your items for kennel dogs in Iraq and Afghanistan is beds to get membership for 2010, the dogs off the concrete. In now is the time. the winter months, the concrete is cold on the dogs and year Please support the teams. around causes them uncomfort- able calluses and elbow issues, Inside this issue: especially for those older, hard- working dogs. We sent one over to Lucy and Scott for a Why We Love Lucy 2 “guinea pig test” and the results were phenomenal. Lucy loves it so much that Scott photo- Military Dog Handler 3 graphed and then created a Day Photohop image of her on her K9 Veteran’s Day 7 Kuranda. Event, Knoxville TN When I first heard the word for MWDTSA’s Kuranda drive veterinary contact in Afghani- Tribute to Ann 10 Kuranda, I wondered if it was and sent this wonderful photo stan. She will distribute from Wilkerson some tribe in Northern Iraq shopped image of Lucy on the there. Our ―point of contact‖ that I had never heard men- Kuranda. Since then Patt has address will rotate throughout Fort Benning Visit 11 tioned in the news. I soon donated two more beds and the theatre of operations as we learned that the Kuranda was a our veterinary contact in Af- begin to get beds for the dogs doggy bed — a durable doggy ghanistan, Caroline, is excited most in need. As a donor, you Where’s Courtney? 12 also get a receipt immediately With Muse Watson bed — so durable, in fact, that that those will be going to 7 almost every rescue organiza- year old and 10 year dogs. As from Kuranda that can be used for tax purposes. News Flash: Congratu- tion and animal shelter across a veterinarian, she is thrilled lations to Courtney the country has these beds on that some of the dogs will be Please also consider a Kuranda Griffin, recipient of the their wish lists. able to be off of the concrete for your personal pets. The 2010 Mariel Hannah Patt Glenn, an SPCA member/ to help support joint issues. company has many styles and Humane Heroes Award, supporter from Florida wanted If you are able to support our options when it comes to dog an annual award estab- me to have a look and see if Sleep Tight Kuranda bed drive and cat beds. They are durable, lished by the Atlanta these would meet our needs. with the donation of a bed, it’s washable and are appreciated by Humane Society to If so, she promised to donate very simple to do. All you do both the canine and feline mem- honor a Georgia teen the very first one. We knew is go to : bers of your household. for exemplary service that we’d get the feedback we Thanks, Patt, for the heads up on behalf of animals. http://kuranda.com/ needed from Lucy and Scott so on this remarkable dog bed and Photos & story will be donate/4732/ and make your the first one was sent over to to the Kuranda folks who have next issue. Event: May donation online. It’s simple, rave reviews. Lucy loves it. worked hard to make their pro- 2, 2010. fast and the company actually Scott loves it. In his thank you ships the beds directly overseas gram work for deployed Military note back, Scott mentioned Working Dogs. We appreciate Check out the Blog for for us to the point of contact that he thought Lucy might all of your assistance and your news and exciting pho- on file. Right now that is our want to be the spokes model enthusiasm. tos. Pa ge 2 MWDTSA KENNEL TALK Volume 2, Issue 2 www.mwdtsa.org

Why We Love Lucy Original Article by Scott, Lucy’s Daddy

To My MWDTSA Family, skull and cross bones design is this, I'm available for any kind right up my ally. I'm a rebel of endorsement deal you want I would like to thank each and chick, lol. Oh, and my new to throw my way. LOL. every one of you for your sup- harness, it's PERFECTO!!! port during these times. Serv- There's nothing like working in I can be so vain, but wouldn't ing my country has so far been style. you be if you looked this a great experience. I've gotten good? I'm a Lab so you must “The to travel all over the world and I like to watch my figure but know that I love anything that FURminator is most dogs just can't say that. who can resist some good ole relates to retrieving. I Afghanistan has been no walk comfort food. Thank you all would LOVE a duck or pheas- the BEST!!! in the park but thanks to your for the variety of snacks that ant retrieving dummy. Oh I gifts I'm able to find comfort you've sent. I'm especially can't wait to retire and actually And the and enjoy a little taste of fond of pig ears, raw hide hunt out birds with dad. wild cherry home. chews, and jerky. It's been quite cold recently and to be I would like to thank you all shampoo?? Well, Dad does a lot of clean up frank the concrete isn't a com- again for all the wonderful gift I can barely keep around my area and he sure is fortable place to lay any- boxes that you've send for dad thankful for all the supplies more. Not to mention, kennel and me. I've included some the local boys you send to get the job done. sores from hard surfaces just pictures of me at work and off of me, He also keeps me looking and aren't attractive. I'd love a play. If you have the opportu- smelling great with the groom- doggy bed that would get me nity when I get back home LOL.” ing stuff you send me. The up off the ground a little. stop by and see me some time. FURminator is the BEST!!! I'm sure dad can arrange it. And the wild cherry shampoo, I love toys as well. Regular well I can barely keep the local tennis balls last longer than the boys off of me, lol. Like any pet store kind, even if they say Lucy lady, I love to look good. "tuff" on them, I usually crush them pretty fast. Anything I'd like to thank you all for Kong brand is nice. If anyone the collar I just received. The from "Kong" is reading

Scott loved the collar we sent to Lucy and the new T-shirt he got. He spent some of his free time between missions doing some creative work in Photo- shop of Lucy and one of the vehicles in their compound.

Lucy and Scott taking a break MWDTSA KENNEL TALK Volume 2, Issue 2 Pa ge 3

www.mwdtsa.org Military Dog Handler Day with Governor Perdue by Dixie Whitman

Military Dog Handlers from various military installations across Georgia join Governor Sonny Perdue at a signing ceremony in the Georgia capitol building which proclaimed March 25, 2010 as Military Dog Handler Day in Geor- gia. This is the 9th year with such a designation. Handlers were honored at a luncheon following the event.

Twenty-nine active duty four branches of service During the luncheon, a plaque Please enjoy the following MWD handlers and one vet- that have installations in honoring Rico, MWDTSA’s pages with a few additional eran MWD handler joined Georgia. Wero (Army), 2009 Hero Dog, was presented photos of the moments dur- Governor Sonny Perdue in Donja (Navy), Rico (Air to his handler, SSgt Phillip ing the day. the Georgia Capitol on Force) and Cindy (Marines). Mendoza III from Moody It was truly a marvelous day March 25, 2010 to sign a These K9 representatives AFB. A plaque was also pre- and a blessing to be in the document proclaiming that were all so impressive in sented to Ken Besecker, co- company of such remarkable date as Military Dog Handler their calm demeanor and founder and first Secretary/ men and dogs. Day in Georgia. The procla- charmed us all.; it was easy Treasurer of MWDTSA for his mation outlines the role that to fall in love. years of service. Thanks to all who took pre- cious time from their ken- dogs have played in fighting After the signing at the capi- Also having a photo opportu- wars, terrorism and drugs. It nels to attend. Almost to tol, handlers drove to a local nity with Governor Perdue was man, they have all served in also spotlights the role of cantina called Tin Lizzy’s the teenage volunteer, Court- Georgia military installations Iraq and/or Afghanistan for a luncheon of fresh ta- ney Griffin, who chose multiple times. Thanks from in training, supplying and cos and quesadillas. They MWDTSA as her conduit to honoring War Dogs. all of us for the dangerous were joined by members assist the dogs and handlers work you undertake to keep Joining the dog handlers and supporters of who are deployed in harm’s America safe. were dogs representing all MWDTSA . way. Continued on page 4-5 for photos Pa ge 4 MWDTSA KENNEL TALK Volume 2, Issue 2 www.mwdtsa.org Military Dog Handler Day Photos

Ft. Stewart Handlers with Wero

Check out the mwdtsa.org blog for more photos of this day spent with the handlers.

Mendoza shows off Rico’s Award

King’s Bay Naval Sub Base Handlers with Donja Handlers from MCLB Albany with Cindy

Thanks to Jody and Brent McGlothlin for donations of bags, tissue and ribbons to prepare our goodie packages. MWDTSA KENNEL TALK Volume 2, Issue 2 Pa ge 5

www.mwdtsa.org

A day to honor and thank our dog handlers.

Handlers from Fort Stewart with Wero

Handlers from Fort McPherson

Handlers from Moody AFB with Rico 2009 Hero Dog Rico Thanks Brent McGlothlin, Kris Wilson, & Ann Wilkerson for additional photos of the day. Pa ge 6 MWDTSA KENNEL TALK Volume 2, Issue 2

Sponge Bob, Pizza Crust and Other Iowa Kids’ MWD Questions Thanks to our young friends from Emerson Elementary in Iowa and Mrs. Kuethe’s second grade class for these wonderful letters. MWDTSA KENNEL TALK Volume 2, Issue 2 Pa ge 7

K-9 Veterans Day Knoxville, Tennessee Original article written by John Homa - Korat, Thailand & U-Tapao, Thailand. Reprinted with his kind permission.

The idea for K-9 Veterans Day search and rescue dogs, dogs Other handlers from nearby Fefee with the German Shep- originated with Vietnam veteran used by the Secret Service and Loudon County also attended. herd Club of East Tennessee and Joseph J. White, 47th Infantry U.S. Customs and Border Pro- The Vietnam Dog Handler the UT College of Veterinary Platoon, Scout Dogs. Unfortu- tection, dogs used by other Association provided certifi- Medicine for their involvement nately, Joe passed away unex- agencies, and even the therapy cates of appreciation for the and hosting the event for all pectedly in October 2009 with- dogs and assistance dogs who event hosts as well as Vietnam types of service dogs. out seeing his dream fully real- comfort and help our wounded Dog Handler Association chal- ized, but his widow and innu- veterans. This event was an lenge coins and pins given out Text from John Homa’s merable other dedicated volun- opportunity to recognize and to the military troops present speech: teers continue to work towards pay tribute to those dogs that and law enforcement handlers. selflessly serve humanity and The ceremonies included a his goal. Imagine - Back in the mid sixties make our world a better place - Marine color guard, an Air to mid seventies if you were not one of the many benefits de- Force singer for the National a volunteer but served somewhat Additional background about rived from the human/dog Anthem and a bugler for taps. willingly, it usually meant you this endeavor can be found at connection. There were speakers from the were drafted. k9veteransday.org University of Tennessee Col- Five dog handlers attend the lege of Veterinary Medicine, Imagine - Being in a foreign The German Shepherd Dog Knoxville event, Perry Money, City of Knoxville, Knox country in tall grass at just about Club of East Tennessee, together Carl Hartman, Tom DeHoog, County, and John Homa, rep- eye level and you hear gunfire with the University Of Tennes- John Ammons, and John resenting the Vietnam Dog going off in front of you. All of a see College Of Veterinary Medi- Homa. There was a good turn Handler Association. sudden something hot slams into cine, hosted a "K-9 Veterans out from the public for a first your left shoulder. Next thing Day" observance on March 13, time event. Knoxville Police There was some great air time you know you’re in a helicopter 2010. The event took place at the Department K-9 Officers ac- dedicated to the event from a heading for a medical unit to get UT Vet Clinic, site of the replica cepted a K-9 Veterans Day local TV which could still be patched up. WWII Guam 25 Marine War proclamation from the City f o u n d a t Dog Memorial. This event hon- Mayor and handlers from the http://www.wbir.com/news ored all dogs from all wars, in- Knox County Sheriff’s Depart- /local/story.aspx?storyid=11 Imagine - Being on post all cluding past and present military ment accepted a similar procla- 5840&catid=2 as of this print- night, then hitting the sack and working dogs, police dogs, mation from the County ing. There was a display table being awakened just two hours with information about the later by your buddies and being Vietnam Dog Handler Asso- dragged down to the beach for a ciation, Feed the Dawgs and, swim and a few beers. But you Old Dawgs and Pups pro- go. Could be fun! grams. Imagine - Being in the jungle on Four Veteran Dog Handlers, night patrol and looking out for lead by Perry Money, placed a booby traps and land mines. wreath at the Guam Memorial Heck it’s hard enough doing it to honor all service dogs. during the day let alone at night and in monsoon season! Not that they all aren’t, but today was an excellent day to Imagine - Being on post for be a dog handler. The Vietnam eight hours, hopefully in mid Dog Handler Association cele- shift, and if you’re lucky some- brates memorials with events one brings out the box lunches throughout the country and at or you eat out of a can. times, they seem to be en- closed around us, but today it Imagine -Being on a scouting felt to be reaching out to a patrol in the jungle and feeling a greater audience. Joe White sting on your leg and then you Marine Corps Color Guard at the University of would be proud of Donna start to lose consciousness. Next Tennessee Marine War Dog Replica. Pa ge 8 MWDTSA KENNEL TALK Volume 2, Issue 2 www.mwdtsa.org Imagine –For years being in a

concrete room with a wooden Do you have a Hero Dog? pallet for a bed and you sleep thing you see are bright surgery able to work with so many lights in the medical unit and on the concrete because you Calling out to any military working handlers to get the details of some happy faces. Someone get tired of the pallet. Or, you dog handlers, kennelmasters or says ―same thing happened to are chained up to a wooden veterinarians out there. If you their dogs’ stories. An added looking bird house structure another in your unit two weeks know of a military working dog plus is that we never send any ago. Snake got him too, but he on stilts with some poorly nominations off without com- made bedding. You are given that you feel deserves the title of didn’t make it.‖ Hero Dog, please let us know. plete review and approval of the same old food to eat every the dog handler. day. And what about all those Imagine -Talking trash with the To qualify, dogs should have per- mosquitoes and bug bites. formed above and beyond their There are several places that other guys on the back of a will recognize Hero Dogs: the truck going out to post and level of training with tangible re- AKC, the German Shepherd maybe getting into a fight or Imagine -Today’s forces doing sults. What we are seeking is the two. But all is cool out on pa- three and four tours of duty. truly exceptional dog that you Dog Club of America and Can you envision doing seven trol, everyone watches out for would be like to see honored as a MWDTSA. Nominations are and eight tours back in the each other’s backs. Hero Dog. sent to the appropriate organi- sixties? zation based on the breed of To see some of the previous nomi- Imagine -Your best buddy the dog. coming up to you and saying, Imagine -One day you are de- nations, please go to our website at clared surplus. Surplus? www.mwdtsa.org and click on the The cut off time for nomina- man I zeroed out today on my tions is fast approaching so short timer days and I’m leav- Heroes Tab. There you will find please send contact informa- ing on that jet plane. My tour is Imagine -Being lead back into the stories of Rex, Lucca, Tess and up today pal. I am going that medical unit and looking Rico. tion to MWDTSA by mid-May home! I am sorry you can not up at a few grim faces and feel- at We are delighted that we have been [email protected]. go with me. Continued column d bottom

Continued from column b

ing a pin prick in your arm and going to sleep for the last time.

Over 4000 military working dogs served in Vietnam, Thai- land, Laos, and Cambodia dur- ing the Vietnam era and are estimated to have saved 10,000 lives. All experienced many of the things I have just men- tioned and more. Very few returned back to the states. Some were sent to the Philip- pines or Korea. Some lived out their lives where they were stationed in country. Many, many more went into that medical unit for the last time. I have been told stories about handlers letting their dogs go free in the jungle to fend for themselves rather than bring them into the kennels for the last time. They could have been just that, just stories, but I wish, with my three dogs, I had done that! They were drafted and served more than willingly DeHoog, Money, Homa, and Hartman discuss K9 Veterans’ Day and the events at and gave their lives for this Knoxville, Tennessee. country. MWDTSA KENNEL TALK Volume 2, Issue 2 Pa ge 9

www.mwdtsa.org

Ronald McDonald House Gets a K9 Visitor

04/07/2010 - Tough guys have a soft side. Rex, a military working dog with the 56th Security Forces Squadron, poses for a picture with a statue of Ronald McDonald before his demonstration at the Ronald McDonald House in Phoenix, Arizona on April 7, 2010. Ronald McDonald houses allow families to face the weight of illnesses together. The Ronald McDonald House accommodates families of sick children who must travel more than 30 miles to receive the specific medical care they need. Activities and demonstrations, such as Rex’s, allow a diversion and directs thoughts of the children away from their very personal health battles. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Tracie Forte/Released)

Military working dogs become available for adoption if they fail to meet training standards, have completed their service or Recent Air Force Retirees have become medically unable to continue to serve. Priority for adopting is given to civilian law enforcement agencies, for- mer military dog handlers and finally to the general public. 90% of the dogs are adopted by their handlers, but there are still many available to be adopted every year. Dogs can be adopted from installations around the world or from the Lack- land Dog Training Center in San Antonio, Texas. There are no costs to actually adopt the dog, but transportation costs are picked up by the adopter. The adoption folks at Lackland AFB keep a list posted on their website of dogs that are suitable and available for adoption to the general public from the Lackland facility. These dogs, along with basic information may be found at : http://www.lackland.af.mil/shared/media/document/AFD- 080317-046.pdf Advocating for adoption of retired military working dogs is a fundamental mission of Military Working Dog Team Support 03/25/2010 - U.S. Air Force military working dogs Doc, Kisma and Jampy Association, Inc. We feel strongly that these find K9s have pose for a photo at the military working dog kennels at Luke Air Force worked long and hard in both training and in battle and de- Base, Ariz., March 25, 2010. All are assigned to the 56th Security Forces Squadron. The dogs are scheduled to be medically retired April 6, 2010, serve to enjoy a cushy retirement. because of osteoarthritis. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jason Col- bert/Released) Can’t you just imagine a fuzzy face similar to one of these great dogs sitting on your sofa?? Pa ge 10 MWDTSA KENNEL TALK Volume 2, Issue 2

A Thank You Tribute to Ann Wilkerson by Dixie Whitman

In 2000, my husband and I In 2002 Ann and I made attended our first war dog the first trip to the event, the dedication of the Governor’s office to War Dog Memorial at Fort request a proclamation Benning. for Military Dog Han- In 2001, the Combat Tracker dler Day in Georgia as a Teams added a pedestal to the way to say thank you to memorial and there was a the Vietnam Era han- dedication to that pedestal dlers who were not honoring dogs and handlers thanked for their ser- that were part of the Combat vice. At that time two Trackers in Vietnam. Ann handlers from Fort Ben- attended with us and, from ning came up to lend that moment, has been an support, along with invaluable supporter, confi- Vietnam era Representa- dant, cheerleader, fundraiser, tives from the Army, side-kick and friend. Navy, Air Force and Marines. Together we have worked Beginning in 2002, we began reunions at Fort Benning, supporting both the events proclamations at the Georgia and War Dog Memorial Governor’s office, trips to Dedications. We made King’s Bay, Moody AFB and strides in fundraising to sup- St. Louis, Missouri to name a port the pedestals being pur- few. All in support of Amer- chased at the Fort Benning ica’s Military Working Dogs. War Dog Memorial at Sacri- When the time came to offi- fice Field. Ann made the trip cially create Military Working down to speak with ―Ranger Dog Team Support Associa- Joe‖ in Columbus, GA and tion, Inc., Ann was the natural came back with 125 donated choice for the Vice President’s War Dogs of Vietnam T- role. shirts that we gave to atten- Over the past few years dees of the reunion that year. changes in her life have caused In this 2007 photo at right, her to miss a few events and Ann is dressing a dummy for she now feels that she needs a display at the Hospitality to step down from the official Room for the event. role to a more supporting role, particularly as we are now Ann lent support at Public Education events, God Bless Fort expanding so significantly. We Benning Days, installation visits, packages to the troops and will miss her enthusiasm and letters of support. good cheer. She spearheaded our role at various local events, such as Paw Please enjoy photos of a few Fest, even before we became an official organization. Lifted, of the events to which Ann toted, wined and dined and enjoyed the company of all handlers was a stalwart supporter. and dogs. At left, with one of her favorite breeds, the irresisti- Ann, thanks for your time, ble Newfoundland, Dreyfuss, she met at Top Dogs Pet Festival energy and friendship. The in September, 2009. time we spent together will never be forgotten. Dixie MWDTSA KENNEL TALK Volume 2, Issue 2 Pa ge 11

Playing Catch and Catching Up at Fort Benning

Last year our trip to Fort Our tire-changer friend and Benning was punctuated by dog handler from last year, lots of heat and an unrelent- Sgt. Vonloh, has ended up ing flat tire that just refused with a cushy duty assignment to be repaired. This year we so we congratulate him! went back to visit with our The new kennels are gorgeous handler friends again, to see and boast four times the space the new kennels that are the dogs currently have. They about to be opened and to are the ultimate in MWD ken- take our high school volun- nels. The punch list is being teer, Courtney Griffin, to worked on as I write so hop- see both the War Dog Me- ing that the new kennels will morial and the real war dogs be inhabited by some very in action. happy MWDs shortly. Thanks Above: Courtney Griffin getting instructions from SFC Allred And, action we got. Up again to all of the handlers while, Below, she is on the biting end of Sgt. Myers MWD. close and personal. In the from this wonderful Army photos to the right, Court- installation for their hospital- ney and Kris Wilson, a new ity. Board Member, both suited Visiting the War Dog Memo- up, were instructed by SFC rial at Fort Benning is a great Allred on how to behave opportunity for anyone inter- and how to run while the ested in War Dogs—it in- dog chases you down. Eve- spires, honors and educates. ryone had a great time being If you are near Columbus, ―the bad guy‖ and our hand- GA, try to stop by for a visit. some German shepherd got It’s worth it, I promise. The lots of practice biting and memorial is inside the base at taking down. Sacrifice Field. Base access Several of the handlers that requires your automobile reg- we met last year are now istration, Insurance Informa- deployed down range so we tion and Driver’s License or send them our thoughts and photo ID for every adult in prayers. Godspeed them on the vehicle. their journey back home. Left: MWDTSA Secre- tary/Treasurer, Kris Wilson, get- ting instructions from SFC Allred, while on the right, she is catching Sgt. Myers, Military Working Dog. Great job to all involved!! Military Working Dog Team Get Your “I Support the Teams” Wristband Support Association, Inc.

Please Recycle Supporters, step up and order your ―I Support The Teams‖ wristband in by Sending to patriotic red, white and blue. It sports the outline of a German Shepherd MWDTSA a Friend Dog and also displays MWDTSA’s website address. It’s a great summer P. O. Box 5864 accessory for all of the season’s patriotic holidays from Memorial Day to the Canton, GA 30114 4th of July. And, for only $5.00 you can let your wristband declare your sup- Phone: 404-451-2539 port of Military Working Dogs and MWDTSA. Add $2.50 for postage for as E-mail: [email protected] many wristbands as you’d like to order. For dog handlers: We have a sec- ond version in Down Range Sand with the words ―Bite Me‖. : ) We are on the web!! www.mwdtsa.org Follow our Blog for more photos. Sit. Stay. Support.

Be sure to submit your photos wearing your ―Courtney‖ T-shirt or Hoodie someplace interesting, exciting, unique or beautiful and look for your photo to be on the blog or in the newsletter!!

Where’s Courtney? In Hollywood. Frequent guest star playing the old style Agent, Mike Franks, on NCIS, Prison Break’s cat-loving con, Charles Westmoreland, and “I Know What You Did Last Summer” villain, Muse Watson shares a moment from his busy production schedules to support MWDTSA and our military working dogs and handlers. Posing in front of the famous Hollywood sign, Muse proudly shows off his ―Courtney T Shirt‖. For the moment, Courtney is in Holly- wood. Please see our website to order your very own shirt. www.mwdtsa.org Please stop by Muse’s Facebook page or movie group and thank him for his support. Muse Watson demo reel and character tribute videos are now available at http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=musewatson or you can stop by his Yahoo Group site and say thanks at: http://movies.groups.yahoo.com/group/musewatsonclub/ Scoop: Look for Muse Watson to appear as Mike Franks on NCIS in late May! Color me tickled ―red, white and blue!‖ Check the MWDTSA Blog later on our website for the exact episode airing date.