February, 2010 Military Working Dog Team Support Association, Inc. Quarterly Newsletter Volume 2, Issue 1 MWDTSA KENNEL TALK www.mwdtsa.org
Join MWDTSA now so Courtney introduces her new MWDTSA T-shirt you won’t miss any of the photos, stories, news Meet Courtney Grif- Tee and the Hoodie. Prices and highlights of 2010! fin, a local high school for the T-shirts are $24.95 senior who selected plus applicable taxes and Military Working the price of the Hoodie is Dogs as her Senior $39.95 plus applicable Project. Courtney’s Inside this issue: taxes. These can be or- interests are animal dered using a form found oriented as she cur- online through our website Raisin Bread 2 rently works part-time at for a veterinarian and Coloring Page for kids 2 has been accepted into http://www.mwdtsa.org/ the Veterinary pro- courtneyf.html gram at Mississippi Nemo’s War Dog 3 MWDTSA was thrilled State beginning next Heroes when Hollywood actor, fall working towards a Muse Watson, placed and Fort Hood Gift 4 degree in biochemis- took delivery of Courtney’s try. Courtney shares very first order. Mr. Watson her busy life with her is renowned for his recur- T C Country KONG’s 5 family, including Ellie, for K9s ring guest role as Agent a Westie, and Liz, a Mike Franks on NCIS , his chocolate Lab. prominent role as the feline Pack and Shop 6 MWDTSA met early -loving convict, Charles Westmoreland, on the Gifts received and en- 7 on in the school year show Prison Break and as joyed with Courtney to de- Courtney Griffin models the Royal Blue cide what opportunities and white TT----shirtshirt while showing off her the villain in the classic Top Dog Fundraiser 10 horror film I Know What we could share with her Lab, Liz, and the tan and black version You Did Last Sum mer. For and what ideas she had that MWDTSA produced and sent in Check out the Blog for making a difference more on Muse, check out, most of our holiday packages. www.musewatson.com on our website for in the lives of Military Working Dogs and handlers. Of course, Courtney could not the most up to date One of the areas that she was German Shepherd Dog hur- dling over the W. The han- be more pleased with the re- news and exciting expressed and interest in work- sponse that she’s gotten from photos. ing on was creating a T-shirt dlers asked for it to be in tan with black so they could wear the deployed dog handlers. for a fundraiser. Since They are loving her shirt. Please it with their uniforms. Court- MWDTSA is well known for have a look at the website and our T-shirts, we knew we had a ney settled on two color com- Thanks to the binations: the tan with black place an order for yourself and a match for this design-savvy few friends. If you don’t see the Tampa, Florida area that the handlers had requested student. size you want, please ask for it dog fanciers for all of and her favorite T-shirt color, With the input of several han- Royal Blue with white. and we’ll see if we can make it your wonderful sup- dlers from around the globe, happen. The results are three new prod- port and hard work. Courtney finally settled on the Thanks in advance for your MWDTSA acronym with a ucts, the Tan and Black Tees and the Royal Blue in both the support! Pa ge 2 MWDTSA KENNEL TALK Volume 2, Issue 1 www.mwdtsa.org
Phan Rang Raisin Bread Original Article by Eddie Stott
Looking back on some of the experi- always a favorite of mine and I When shipments of flour ar- ences that took place while I was in was excited when the cook rived that had weevils, he Vietnam at Phan Rang there are gave me some during the in- would attempt to sift them out obviously several items that I have a spection. While eating a piece I BUT when he couldn’t get difficult time dealing with. BUT, happened to notice that some them all out, he then pro- there is one item that definitely af- of the raisins looked weird and ceeded to make “Raisin fected my dietary desires for the rest were unusually small. Looking Bread”. It turned out that this of my life. closer it was indeed not a raisin was a normal procedure. but a bug, My God it was a I reported this to the Captain weevil !!. I threw the bread at the hospital where I worked In addition to caring for Sentry away and didn’t think too who had the ultimate power to and Scout Dogs, one of the much about it until about three make a decision and was told duties of an Air Force Vet I talked to the cook and weeks later during another to keep my mouth shut. The Tech was to inspect the chow told him this was the inspection, when, so help me, guys at the chow hall gave us halls and food. Stateside one second time I had been they were making raisin bread food for picnics etc., etc. and could be very strict, but in served weevils and he again. I got another piece and the Captain didn’t want to do Vietnam just the opposite was had to do something. To you guessed it, another bug or anything to get our supplies cut true because the food service my surprise he confessed weevil. off. The result was that al- personnel had very little to that he had done I talked to the cook and told though the chow hall could work with. something. him this was the second time I make that special raisin bread Sometime during early 1967 had been served weevils and he going forward, I have never while inspecting the chow hall had to do something. To my eaten another piece of raisin I noticed the cook was making surprise he confessed that he bread since. raisin bread. Raisin bread was had done something. From Students to our Troops: Red, White and Really, Really Blue
Enjoy these wonderful pieces of supportive artwork sent to the dogs and handlers from Colham Ferry Elementary School, GA. MWDTSA KENNEL TALK Volume 2, Issue 1 Pa ge 3
www.mwdtsa.org Nemo A534 –A Hero of Tan Son Nhut
Thanks to Bill Cummings, a During the initial assault, one Vietnam era dog handler, and Let me take you back in time handler (A2C George M. founding member of Nemo’s for just a moment... Bevich, Jr.) and three sentry War Dog Heroes, for sharing dogs were killed. Sentry Dog Predawn hours of December 4, the text of a speech given at the Rebel, who first detected a 1966 dedication of the Nemo Memo- group of approximately 75 rial. This is the compelling Tan Son Nhut Air Base, Re- VC less than 100 yards away, story of an amazing dog. public of Vietnam was attacked was the first to be killed by by a large force of Viet Cong automatic weapon fire. Good Morning! On behalf of commandos. The Air Base was At an adjacent post, Sentry all of the Military Working Dog hit by approximately 60 mor- Dog Cubby, alerted and was handlers, both past and present, tars. The size of the Viet Cong killed by gunfire. thank you for this opportunity infiltration force was believed to dedicate the “Nemo’s War to have been over 75 sabo- Another sentry dog, Toby, Dog Heroes” Memorial project teurs. also alerted as the infiltrators currently underway here at advanced, and was killed by Once inside the base, the en- Lackland Air Force Base, San gunfire. The attack had been emy divided into smaller Antonio, TX. thwarted and now it was time NEMO A534 in a portrait groups to attack their targets. to secure the base as daylight showing him after his combat I’d like to take a brief moment Several sentry dog teams sta- approached. to introduce the members of tioned on perimeter posts gave tour, with his right eye missing. the committee who are here the initial alert and warning Unfortunately, K9 teams today: almost simultaneously. This were not included in those day- come near. When help arrived, they were able to convince Terry Strickland early warning enabled security light patrols. Just before total Nemo to leave his handler, Bien Hoa (3 rd SPS) – forces of the 377 th Air Police darkness on December 4 th , 1966 who was then given first aid. 67-68 – Vietnam (King) Korat Squadron to successfully repel after Sentry Nemo and his handler Nemo, suffering from a gun- RATB (388th SPS)- 68-69— the attack, minimizing damage were posted, Nemo alerted and shot wound to his face, and Thailand (Mr. Misty X851) to aircraft and facilities. Al- was released to attack the VC who though wounded, one dog had evaded earlier detection. the lost of his right eye, was Kelly Bateman handler continued to engage Nemo and his handler were both relieved of sentry dog duties. Ubon RTAB (8 th SPS) the enemy, while notifying wounded, but not before killing The 377th SPS was awarded – 70-71 – Thailand (Baron Central Security Control (CSC) two VC. Nemo's injuries included the Air Force Outstanding 279M) of their location and direction the loss of one eye and a gunshot Unit Award for its "heroic Ernest Childers of travel. wounded that ripped into his valor," against the Viet Cong nd nose. Udorn RTAB (432 Two security policemen of the infiltration force. SPS) – 70-71 – (Duke X093) 377 th Security Police Squadron , A sweep of the area by the Quick Nemo’s service to his country Jimmy Thornton positioned in a machine gun Response Team (QRT) met with did not end Phan Rang (35 th SPS) bunker, were at the ready as negative results. Nemo has been credited with – 68-69 – Vietnam (Gunner the VC approached the main Using additional sentry dog teams, saving his handler's life and 2B29) Udorn (432 nd aircraft-parking ramp. In a the security forces located and preventing further destruction SPS) – 73-74 – Major (85X8), short period of time they re- killed four more VC. of life and property at Tan Son pelled the enemy, killing thir- Mike Griffin Nhut Air Base. On 23 June teen of the attackers. Security A second sweep with the dog Udorn RTAB (432 nd 1967, Headquarters, USAF, forces rapidly deployed around teams resulted in the discovery of SPS) – 72-73 – (Trainer/ directed that Nemo be re- the perimeter and prevented four additional VC who were hid- Supervisor), turned to the United States as numerous infiltrators from ing underground. The remaining the first sentry dog officially I am Bill Cummings escaping; forcing them to seek enemy forces were soon killed by retired from active service. U-Tapao RTAB (635 th refuge in a Vietnamese grave- other security police. The C-124 Globemaster, car- SPS) – 70-71 (Brutus X321) yard, dense vegetation and Before help could arrive, Nemo, rying TSN hero Nemo, community wells. Search pa- I’d also like to introduce our an 85 pound German shepherd, touched down at Kelly Air trols believed that all-remaining Honor Guard for today’s cere- although severely wounded, pro- Force Base, Texas, on July 22, VC were killed or captured the mony, SrA Christina Marth and tected his handler by crawling 1967. Nemo was now home! MWD Hhart (H008) and SSgt following morning. across his body, and guarding him Vilani Bio and MWD Amber against anyone who dared to Continued on page 8 (F608) of the 37 th SFS Military Working Dog Section. Pa ge 4 MWDTSA KENNEL TALK Volume 2, Issue 1
Fort Hood Handlers in Our Thoughts Veterans Recently one of the local The year 2009 was a very tough Club and the German Shep- way that is emotionally suppor- schools had a Veteran Military year for the Fort Hood family. herd Dog Club of America, but tive of the entire kennel. Working Dog Veterinarian All of us are aware of the terrible they didn’t have contacts or a We did ask for one thing; we come in and read the book tragedy that took place at the good idea of where that bite asked for photos of the new “Nubs” to the children in sev- Texas Army base in early No- suit needed to go. It seemed to bite suit in action—and action eral 3rd grade classes. “Nubs” vember when a gunman killed 13 be one of those miracle mo- we got. Below is one of the is about a stray dog in Iraq that and injured another 31, ripping ments when you are presented handlers being bitten in tan- made his way to the U.S. the close-knit fabric of the Fort with an opportunity to help in dem by a tag team of some of The Veteran then asked the Hood family. But, for the Fort a way that none of us had Fort Hood’s finest. We have children if they would like write Hood dog handlers, another originally thought. been promised a group photo letters to Veteran dog handlers. tragedy had just occurred on So, after discussing with the of the handlers when they can The children really put their October 25, 2009 as one of their kennels at Fort Hood, we de- make it happen. And, when energy into their letters and own kennelmates, Brandon K. cided that we would send the we get it, we’ll likely post it to came up with some jewels, Steffey of Sault Ste. Marie, new bite suit to them, to let our ongoing Blog, which is from the very childlike to the Michigan and his K9, Maci, were them know that they are in our linked to our website. very profound. killed in action while serving in thoughts, to let them know We are honored to have been Here is a link if you would like Afghanistan. They were working that American hearts are be- chosen as the organization to to read some of these letters in Operation Enduring Freedom hind them and to offer them receive this gift and to be able yourself. Please share with as and were killed when an Im- some financial cushion so that proved Explosive Device (IED) to forward this gift to Fort many Veterans as possible. funds that might have been Hood. We truly cannot think blew up the vehicle in which http://www.mwdtsa.org/letters needed to purchase a new bite of more appropriate recipients. they were riding. suit could be channeled in a tovets.html The Fort Hood kennels are some of the largest in the Army and have many handlers deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq. MWDTSA was already in con- tact with two Fort Hood han- dlers in Afghanistan and they put us in direct touch with the kennel master at Fort Hood. MWDTSA asked him what we could do to help the kennels. Without being intrusive, we wanted to offer some support to the kennels in a meaningful way, both to honor their kennelmate, Steffey, and to support them through the loss of so many at their base killed just a few days later. About the same time, we had a wonderful in-kind donation made to us in terms of a brand new bite suit. The people be- hind the bite suit were real dog fanciers, the Atlanta Kennel MWDTSA KENNEL TALK Volume 2, Issue 1 Pa ge 5
KONGs FOR K9s—Preparing for Christmas
To prepare for the holidays, we “Wish List” items or drop off a sent out the attached Press Release donation. Or, to save a trip, which started the ball rolling. they can call the store at 770- Dixie Whitman 479-8926 and make a credit card purchase over the phone. Canton, GA – November 10, A “Pack and Ship” day is 2009- Military Working Dog scheduled for November 21, Team Support Association, 2009 from 10 am to 2 pm Inc. (MWDTSA), a Cherokee when volunteers will start County based 501 (c) 3 charita- readying packages to be ble organization, invites the shipped overseas. Individuals public to help with their holi- who are interested in partici- day program called Kongs for pating in the Pack and Ship K9s . The goal is to send Day are encouraged to contact Christmas support packages to mwdtsa.dixie@ yahoo.com for deployed dog handler teams; additional information. these packages include support Operation Iraqi Freedom and for both Military Working Operation Enduring Freedom Dogs (MWD) and dog han- dog teams work in rugged con- dlers. The event will take place ditions from the craggy, snowy at TC Country Store, Can- almost unearthly cold of the ton, Georgia , a local feed, Afghanistan Mountains in win- animal supply, gift and clothing ter to the hot, desolate, dry store which has been support- deserts of Iraq. MWDs are ing Military Working Dogs for trained to search out explosives several years. T C Country is (weapons caches, IEDs) or on Hwy 20 eastbound towards drugs. They may also be used In a rare quiet moment, the Staff of T C Country Cumming at the intersection for patrol work, security details poses with their “Angel Tree” which offered with Heritage Town Parkway, or at check points. support to Military Working Dogs. “Our donations are sent to all Breeds most often found military branches of service working in the military include and include treats and goodies German Shepherd Dogs, Bel- able for adoption to their han- to support both ends of the gian Malinois and Labrador dlers and, if qualified, to the leash,” explained Dixie Whit- Retrievers. Each breed has public. More information and man, President of MWDTSA. qualities of intelligence, stam- photos are available to view via “These Military Working Dog ina and special inherent genetic the web site: Teams are truly seamless traits which predisposes them www.mwdtsa.org teams; the dog cannot work to be excellent working dogs. without the handler and the Other breeds working in the handler can’t do the job with- military include, but are not out the dog.” limited to, Belgian Tervurens In addition to sending goodies and Boxers. for the handlers, toys for the All dogs receive basic training dogs will also be included. at Lackland Air Force Base and Toys suitable for sending must then are paired up with their be robust, quality chewing toys handler. Additional training for large dogs, such as German takes place at their home sta- Shepherds, or study balls for tion before being deployed Labrador Retrievers. To par- overseas. In a change from ticipate, donors can stop by the policy during the Vietnam Era, TC Country Store any time dogs return home with their Caption describing picture prior to November 20 th to handlers and at the end of their or graphic. either check out the requested working life are generally avail- Pa ge 6 MWDTSA KENNEL TALK Volume 2, Issue 1 www.mwdtsa.org
MWDTSA Elves: Pack and Ship
All of these smiling faces were minators to KONG’s, Gigglers part of our Christmas Pack and and Goughnut toys for the Ship events. Two different dogs. The majority of boxes events in two different loca- also included the new tions on two different Satur- MWDTSA T-shirt in tan and days created nearly 180 Christ- black so the handlers can wear mas care packages headed to with their uniform. our dog handlers in the mid- The second event, coordinated East. Eight MWDTSA sup- by Kris Wilson was held De- porters each day handled the cember 12, 2009 at a great lo- work of many elves. cation, a storage warehouse in Our first event was held in the west Marietta, where we had community room of T C plenty of room. Kris had Country Store for a packing rounded up lots of choices marathon on Saturday, No- from which the packers could vember 21, 2009. In a span of select – toys, treats, games and time under four hours, the more. It was a great success crew readied near four score and one for which we truly boxes for shipment. must thank the wonderful new The boxes included everything folks that came out to be a part from our wonderful WellPet of this holiday gift. These are Wellness Snack Treats, to Fur- some of those smiling faces that made Christmas happen.
A crew of eight folks did the work of many, many elves this holiday season in packing boxes for Iraq and Afghanistan. MWDTSA held two separate Pack and Ship days to ready packages for the MWDs and Handlers in Iraq and Afghanistan. MWDTSA KENNEL TALK Volume 2, Issue 1 Pa ge 7
www.mwdtsa.org
Christmas Thank You notes and photos from the Handlers
Photos and letters from the MWDTSA is sharing photos received. Again, on behalf of have handed out some to the han- handlers in response to their and notes with you that we SSgt Campos and myself thank dlers. As they rotate through to Christmas packages. received from the Handlers. you very much and I hope you their break days I will ensure they The notes are thanks to all of have a great holiday season.” receive same. The shirts are Out- standing! I will pass the message for our supporters, MWDTSA is SSgt Kenneth them to take pictures and I will en- only the conduit for support, sure they get sent to you. The law but not the source. Thanks to “I wanted to take this time to enforcement aspect of our mission all of our wonderful donors, tell you thanks for everything here on the installation has really sponsors and volunteers. Here that you do for us K-9 Han- picked up. So the K-9 teams are are just a few notes we re- dlers and for all our service having to keep the combat missions ceived. men/women of the U.S. Mili- up and back fill the law enforcement side of the house, really busy times tary. Also thanks for all the around the kennels. “I just wanted to thank you for goodies that you send us and the packages that you had sent we greatly appreciated them, Well, thanks for your support and to our kennels. I enjoyed the and so does my MWD PIKE.” please let all sponsors know the gifts, the dogs are going to love SrA Felipe. packages and items will aid us in the treats. That was one of the completing our mission here at Joint nicest t-shirts that we have “The packages have arrived and I Base Balad.”
You’re Picture Perfect Shared MWD photos.
Left: Duke, an adorable lab belonging to Brent and Jody Mc Glothlin, stands beside the items they collected for the dogs in Southwest Asia.
Right: Air Force Dog handler and his MWD, Rita, search a vehicle in Iraq. Pa ge 8 MWDTSA KENNEL TALK Volume 2, Issue 1
Continued from page 3 During the tour, we noticed an old cracked cement pad His permanent retirement with a crumbling raised kennel was located at the border around the perime- Department of Defense ter. We found our selves Dog Center, Lackland AFB, looking at the remnants of Texas. Sentry Dog Nemo where a Sentry Dog, named was one of the few Military Nemo, had been retired Working Dogs that retuned after receiving wounds in a home. 1966 attack on Tan Son Nhut AB, Vietnam. The Nemo spent most of his pad was barren, with no retirement years at the De- markings indicating why it partment of Defense Dog was there. I can’t begin to Center, Lackland AFB, tell you the thoughts of our Texas. He was assigned a Bill Cummings and the Sign at Nemo’s Refurbished handlers when we realized permanent kennel near the Kennel that this was sacred ground veterinary facility, exactly – the resting place of Sentry where we are standing to- Dog Nemo! day. A sign with his name, nam. But, there would be of many of the dogs re- serial number, and details of no homecoming or parades mains unaccounted for and his heroic exploits desig- for our canine partners. unknown to this day. Many Once again, Members of nated his freshly painted Military regulations prohib- of our dogs were simply the Vietnam Security Police home. Nemo’s presence at ited the return of these he- abandoned by the military. Association (VSPA) and the Lackland reminded students roes to the United States. It It is the goal, with this dedi- Vietnam Dog Handler As- just how important a dog is was against military policy cation, that this will never sociation (VDHA) were on to his handler and to the for war dogs to re-enter happen again. With a new point! defense of our military in- civilian life after they had emphasis placed on the This kennel pad was origi- stallations. served in combat. It was value of our Military Work- nally the permanent kennel Nemo was frequently taken also declared that our dogs ing dogs of today, we have of one of our heroes – Sen- on tours throughout the were military equipment, been assured by our Mili- try Dog Nemo – A534. A United States to assist in thus classifying them as tary this will never happen sign with Nemo’s name, the procurement of military expendable. again. serial number, and details of working dogs. The military Our dogs that had so val- his heroic exploits desig- used Nemo as a Depart- nated his freshly painted iantly served our country Currently, the only memori- ment of Defense canine and survived were aban- home in 1967. The site was recruiter. He made several als that exist today in our now unrecognizable and in doned in Vietnam and country to honor these ca- television appearances and Thailand. Many were given shambles. helped maintain an ade- nine warriors have been to the ARVN or Thailand A group of veteran K-9 quate supply of working established by private fund- military who already had an Veterans was formed and dogs for all the armed ser- ing. excess of dogs. No one plans were put in motion to vices. truly knows what happened We are about to change this explore the site and to make Sentry Dog Nemo was to these heroes. situation! sure that the history of this euthanized on December The government recruited During the 2003 VSPA re- hero would be told – 18, 1972 at Andrews Air over 4,000 dogs and we union in San Antonio, a changes had to be made to Force Base, Maryland. The believe that less that 200 group of “Old Dawg Han- tell the story of Nemo Vietnam War Hero was laid made it home. It was esti- dlers” toured the 37 th SFS (A534), accurately and com- to rest on March 15, 1973 mated that these dogs saved kennel at the DoD Military pletely. at the DoD Dog Center at the lives of over 10,000 Working Dog School. Between October of 2003 the age of 11. American soldiers. Service Many of us had received and the summer of 2005, In due course, the United to their country was re- our Sentry & Patrol Dog this group, now operating States began to pull their warded with exile and per- training at this very spot. under the name of “Nemo’s armed forces from Viet- haps even death. The fate Continued on page 9 MWDTSA KENNEL TALK Volume 2, Issue 1 Pa ge 9
Continued from page 8 Today, November 15 th , 2005, we officially dedicate this hol- We would lowed ground as the “Nemo’s like to War Dog Heroes” Memorial thank eve- at Lackland, Air Force Base. ryone, es- The legacy will continue as we pecially honor all of canine heroes, our current past, present and future. military counter- parts; the On behalf of all “Dog Han- members dlers” from all of the United of the States services, we are hon- th 377 Secu- ored to be part of this great rity Police military tradition and we will Squadron, always be in debt to the ser- Tan Son vice of our counterpart canine Nhut, es- heroes. pecially the veteran Thank you so much for al- Military lowing us to be a part of this Working historic event. We will never Dog han- be able to express our grati- Bill Cummings (Speaker), (Committee Members) Jimmy Thornton, tude for allowing s to be a Ernie Childers, Terry Strickland, and Kelly Bateman dlers, Lt. Colonel part of this project. for the old and new Military Ro bert War Dog Heroes” was Roth of the 37 th Security Working Dog Handlers to In conclusion, let us never formed and we are now Forces Squadron, Lt. Tho- embark on restoring this forget our War Dog Heroes. telling the story of Nemo. sacred ground to honor all mas McGillicuddy and the st Nemo’s War Dog Heroes On September 23, 2005, of the canine heroes students of the 341 Train- Financial Support Address several of the veteran dog throughout history with the ing Squadron, Ms. Barbara handlers who had visited completion of this memo- Stadts, and our special the site during the VSPA rial project. Our intention guest - Vietnam Security Police Association Presi- Should you wish to assist fi- reunion in 2003, were is to restore the kennel to nancially, donations to the invited to attend a the condition circa 1967- dent, Steve Gattis, for all of their efforts to make this Nemo’s War Dog Heroes graduation ceremony of a 1968, using photographs of Memorial may be sent to: new type of MWD to be its original condition. A dedication possible. This is used world wide, the Spe- replica of Nemo’s kennel a very proud and historic Kelly Bateman moment for all of us. cialized Search Dogs house, and the sign honor- Pay to: Kelly Bateman ing Nemo, along with the (SSD). We would like to Let’s never forget our part- 130 McCall Lane extend a special thank kennel fencing has been ners, those heroic canines you to U. S. Marine reproduced as close to the both past and present, for Wimberley, TX 78676 Corps Sergeant Chris original compound as possi- their gallant service to our Checks should be made pay- Willingham, Mr. Orlando ble. country, both at home and able to Kelly Bateman (Note Nunez, and the members Today’s handlers, along side places so very far away. Nemo at bottom of check). of SSD Class II for their the veteran handlers of You have made us very All funds will be used in the partnership in this pro- years past, have put their proud to have been on the continuing effort of education ject. This class of today’s foot in the door, so to end of your leash, now and and support of the memorial MWD handlers had speak, with their efforts and forever. for Military Working Dogs joined with us to dedicate hopefully the project can be To Nemo and all of the past, present and future. a headstone at Nemo’s completed with the help of Work Dog heroes – we Thank you in advance for pad. With the installment other veteran’s groups and salute you for your service your support of this project of the headstone, the friends. in the name of freedom. groundwork has been laid Military Working Dog Team T u|z à{tÇ~ çÉâ àÉ xäxÜçÉÇx ã{É wÉÇtàxw |Ç {ÉÇÉÜ Éy à{x Support Association, Inc. jÜ|ÇÇjÜ|ÇÇ@@@@WtÅxÜÉãWtÅxÜÉã ãxww|ÇzA `tç à{x Çxã vÉâÑÄx y|Çw t
MWDTSA Ä|yx y|ÄÄxw àÉ à{x uÜ|Å ã|à{ uÄxáá|Çzá Éy {xtÄà{ tÇw {tÑÑ|ÇxááA P. O. Box 5864 Canton, GA 30114 Phone: 404-451-2539 E-mail: [email protected] We are on the web!! www.mwdtsa.org Follow our Blog for more photos. Sit. Stay. Support.
Rockin’ your Courtney look. Send in photos of you wearing Please Recycle your Courtney T-shirt or Hoodie and you may see yourself on by Sending our website or newsletter. Where all will Courtney’s T-shirts to a Friend travel? Above is Jeanne, my sister, looking out over the ocean at Longboat Key, Florida. Thanks, Jeanne, enjoy that view! Top Dogs Pet Boutique Sends Support “Egon is an MWDTSA was the beneficiary for the second incredible year of the Christmas fundraiser with Top ambassador for the Dogs Pet Boutique in Kennesaw, GA. This retired MWDs. He sassy, dog-friendly boutique stocks real quality helped us kick off foods, creative doggy gifts for dog-loving our Holiday friends and has a wide variety of dog accesso- Fundraiser.” ries. For the second year in a row we were joined by Egon, a retired Military Working Dog, and his adoptive parents, James and Bonnie Kessel to kick off the fundraiser event. We met a great new volunteer for our group (Ashley) and had an opportunity to share the story of Military Working Dogs with so many The staff of Top Dogs Pet Boutique poses with new people. Joining us at the event were vol- Egon, a retired Military Working Dog, at the unteers Kris and Allison. kickoff of our Holiday Fundraiser. We took The store continued to spread the word about Egon to the store and he interacted with dozens the dogs in Iraq and Afghanistan and collected of folks winning over fans in support of Mili- both donations and notes from their custom- tary Working Dog Adoptions. ers throughout the month of December. We appreciate their continued support.