July 2013 Military Working Dog Team Support Association, Inc. Award Winning Bi-Monthly Newsletter MWDTSA KENNEL TALK Volume 5, Issue 4 www.mwdtsa.org

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Kennel Talk is now an a w a r d w i n n i n g MWD publication!

Inside this issue:

Heroic Canine Memorial 1 Moves

Dog Handlers Home- 3 grown Values Mirror K-9

Kennels Dedicated to 5 Fallen Soldier

Excellent Adventures of 7 During an attack on Tan Son Nhut Air Base, Vietnam, on Dec. 4, 1966 , Air Force Brutus sentry dog, Nemo, helped hold off enemy forces, saving his handler, but losing an eye in the battle. A memorial constructed in 2005 was recently moved to the Se- 2nd Quarter Care Pack- curity Forces Museum at Joint Base San Antonio- Lackland to help tell the story of 9 ages military working dogs.

BBQ Fundraiser 12 Hall of Heroes 12 Heroic Canine Memorial Moves To John Douangdara 13 Statue Dedication

MWD Photo of the New Location 14 Month By Mike Joseph

JBSA-Lackland Public Affairs What skills can you share to A Joint Base San Antonio- Femoyer Street on the basic rity and heritage of an iconic support our dog teams? We Lackland memorial to military training side of JBSA- memorial to military working are looking for volunteers in: working dogs has moved from Lackland. dogs past, present and fu- Fundraising its original location to the ture,” Cummings said. Grant writing United States Air Force Securi- “The move was facilitated by ty Forces Museum. the projected relocation of the Giving presentations The Nemo Memorial Commit- 802nd Security Forces Squad- tee partnered with several Soliciting in kind - Completed in late 2005 at the ron MWD kennels to the Medi- organizations on the reloca- donations then 37th Security Forces na Training Annex,” said Bill tion. They included the 802nd Squadron kennel compound, Cummings, a former Air Force Newsletter editing SFS, the 37th Training Wing, the Nemo War Dog Heroes sentry dog handler and Nemo Social networking the 37th TRW Office of History Memorial now resides outside Memorial committee member. and Research, and Tech. Sgt. the Security Forces Museum. Jason Adams, 802nd SFS ken- Contact us for more info: The museum is located at the “Moving to the Security Forces nel master. [email protected] corner of Carswell Avenue and Museum will protect the integ-

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Canine Memorial Moves continued from page 1

Others who played a role in in remembrance of the Dec. 4, the project were past kennel 1966 predawn attack on Tan masters Master Sgt. Jonathan Son Nhut Air Base, Republic of Matthews, Master Sgt. Brian Vietnam. Nemo saved his han- Hoglen, and retired Tech. Sgt. dler’s life in the assault and Uliani Bio. helped repel the Viet Cong while losing his right eye and “There were many members suffering a gunshot wound to of the 802nd SFS, the former the face. 37th SFS and the 37th TRW who were instrumental in pre- In June 1967, the Air Force serving the history of this me- directed Nemo be returned to morial,” Cummings said. the United States as the first sentry dog officially retired The 802nd Civil Engineer from active service. Nemo Squadron also worked with spent most of his retirement the Nemo Memorial committee years at the Department of by helping to incorporate a Defense Dog Center on Lack- section of the original concrete land assigned to a permanent kennel pad, built in 1967, at kennel before dying at An- the new location. drews Air Force Base in late 1972. “Moving a section of the origi- nal pad to the new site contin- ues the lineage of represent- ing a home for the Vietnam era canine heroes,” said Cum- mings, also a member of the Vietnam Security Police and Vietnam Dog Handlers Associ- ations.

Along with the new kennel pad, the original kennel sign Above Top: Nemo, the first Air Force about the memorial has been Sentry dog officially retired from ac- reproduced and a Nemo sculp- tive service, was honored for his ac- ture was refurbished by Phil tions during an attack in Vietnam in Brink. Cummings said the 1966. committee also plans to erect an additional marker at the Above : The additional historical new site. marker erected at the new site.

“The Security Forces museum already had an exhibit about military working dogs,” said Left: Handler, Sullivan, and Nemo at Tracy English, 37th TRW Of- Braniff. fice of History and Research director. “Moving the Nemo

Memorial next to it made per- fect sense.” Photos courtesy of William Cum- The original Nemo Memorial was dedicated Nov. 15, 2005 Volume 5, Issue 4 MWDTSA KENNEL TALK Pa ge 3

www.mwdtsa.org Dog Handler’s Homegrown Values, Environment Mirror Her K-9 Career

By Master Sgt. Leisa Grant

Air Force Staff Sgt. Jessie With this much exposure to Johnson, a military working animals, it may have seemed dog handler currently assigned fitting for Johnson to become to the U.S. Army 3rd Infantry a dog handler when she Division Canine unit here, was joined the military. However, born into an "animal house" back then it was not a seam- and all the responsibilities of less process. Her love of dogs training the animals, playing would not be enough alone. with them, taking them to the If so, more people would be vet and feeding them. canine handlers. Another homegrown value from mom Some people have dogs for would come to light. protection, for comfort or for show. But for Johnson and her "When you start something, younger sister, they were you should always finish it," raised by a single parent. The Keller said, adding that she dogs and horses were an im- instilled this in her daughters portant part of their upbring- along with the notion that ing in rural Pennsylvania. there was nothing they couldn't accomplish so long "I always made sure my as they set their minds on daughters treated animals doing it, and doing it well, kindly and the importance of beginning to end. taking care of the animals," said Robin Keller, Johnson's The start of Johnson's canine mother who often worked two career didn't officially take full-time jobs so her daughters place until five years after could enjoy a comfortable life. joining the Air Force.

Keller's parents taught her to Because of her long-time Afghanistan - It's 6 p.m. and Chrach (pronounced treat both people and animals yearning to work with a K-9 Crash), a military working dog, is anticipating his with kindness and respect, team, Johnson made it a evening meal. His handler has been feeding him and later Johnson would instill point to immerse herself in twice daily for more than a year, since the two the same values in her own their world as much as she became a team. She is used to this routine, but children. could while she worked as a not because she is his handler. security forces journeyman Photo by Staff Sgt. Marleah Miller. Fortunately, Johnson's grand- at the 820th Security Forces parents lived nearby and were Squadron, Moody Air Force with all aspects of caring for could truly become a dog able to help out. Still, the kids Base, Ga. the dogs. Being a part of the handler, one that simply not had a great deal of responsi- feeding, grooming and train- all can do. bility and independence. While there, she took the ing for about 20 dogs was initiative to visit the kennels nothing new for her, albeit a "The big part was going out "At a really young age, my and introduce herself as few more paws and wagging and catching the dogs, put- sister and I learned to take someone, not only interested tails then she was used to all ting on the bite-suit and let- care of the animals and each in joining the team, but will- at once. There was one task ting them bite me, and mak- other," Johnson said. ing to stay involved regularly she had to do to prove she ing sure I was comfortable

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Dog Handlers Values continued from page 3 with that," she said. reflect in their dogs and ulti- "Being deployed with mostly one quickly. And when she is mately in the team. Army, I couldn't ask for a bet- not deployed, she applies her Furthermore, when her unit ter NCO to represent the Air same personality and profes- deployed she was selected to "There is always something Force." sionalism in preparing new go out on patrols with the K-9 you can train your dog on, handlers for combat environ- teams. For this, Johnson said always something you can Duran is not the only one who ments, just like the one here. she considered herself getter better at," she said. draws this conclusion about and the experiences solidified "It's really up to the handler Johnson. Whether new or old, on a her interest and determination to make the team." combat mission or training even more so to become a At the 56 SFS, her home sta- stateside, the handlers aren't dog handler. Air Force Master Sgt. Jantzen tion at Luke AFB, Ariz., her the only ones doing the Duran, kennel master and leadership quickly noticed her schooling. "I got to see how [the dogs] noncommissioned officer in strong character and capital- led the troops and how every- charge of 3rd ID canine ized on it. "The dogs teach you some- one pretty much relied on teams here, has the respon- thing every day," Johnson their dogs to walk safely down sibility of selecting the most "Jessie's unique personality said. "There is never a time a roadway," she said, recalling suitable teams for each mis- and great attitude made her you can say you've taught a how amazed she was by this sion. Whether the they are stand out amongst her peers," dog everything or that a han- and that right then, she knew called to clear compounds of said Capt. Tony Short, 56 SFS dler knows everything. I this was the job for her. suspected caches, make operations officer, adding that learn every day." roadways or helicopter land- from the beginning it was evi- "That's what I want to do," ing zones safe or join air dent with a little pushing and With a hearty smile she ad- Johnson said. assault missions, they all quality training Johnson would mits the K-9 world is like no have one thing in common - become one of the best han- other, and enjoys the chal- Soon after, she submitted a no room for error and no dlers in the unit. lenges and the camaraderie package with letters, memo- excuses for falling out. that come with the job. randums, documentation of "In the first months she was volunteer hours and various "Being conditioned and hav- eager to learn and excelled," "I've never been so happy to other required items. Just like ing your dog conditioned is he said, adding that she want to go to work," she her mom taught her, she was really important," Johnson moved through the responsi- said. going to follow through and said, adding that they can bilities and roles of being a this meant all the way through easily fall back during mis- new handler to an experienced - long after being selected, sions, which is why she through the thickness of in- strives so hard to keep both tense training, mission after her and Chrach is top condi- mission. tion.

Being a MWD handler de- Johnson and Chrach are of- mands a great deal of con- ten called on for missions as stant effort - ability to com- a top MWD team here, but municate effectively, display- Duran knew this before they ing a high level of profession- arrived. alism, remaining patient and calm under pressure, and per- "I attended training with haps most important at times, [Johnson] prior to our de- maintaining a high level of ployment and she was by far fitness. the best handler of thirteen dog teams there," he said. "It's easy for dog handlers to "She was awarded Top Dog become lazy," Johnson said, Award not only for her ac- U.S. Air Force military working dog, Chrach, plays with adding that teams can come tions as a handler, but also his ball after a day of training, April 24, 2013, at For- here and do the bare mini- her actions as an NCO. “ ward Operating Base Pasab, Afghanistan. (U.S. Air mum, but the laziness will Force photo/Staff Sgt. Marleah Miller) Volume 5, Issue 4 MWDTSA KENNEL TALK Pa ge 5

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Kennels Dedicated to Fallen Fort Rucker Soldier By Nathan Pfau Fort Rucker Public Affairs Office

FORT RUCKER, Ala. - Five “This was a no-brainer,” said Tabb volunteered for his sec- 2005 as a junior NCO and years after a Fort Rucker Lisa Eichhorn, Fort Rucker ond tour to Afghanistan and said that he was someone soldier was killed in Afghani- public affairs officer. “Sergeant deployed in 2008. During his that many looked up to. stan, the installation ensures Tabb was really important to deployment, Tabb was in his that his legacy lives on with a Fort Rucker and it was im- vehicle with his military “He was a role model and dedication ceremony in his portant to us that the family working dog, Bo, when they one of those NCOs that name. knows that we still think about ran over an improvised ex- young soldiers aspire to be,” him, and that the MPs still plosive device. Despite the he said. “It was a long pro- The Fort Rucker Military highly regard his service.” devastation, Bo survived the cess and a great feeling of Working Dog kennels will blast with only minor injuries accomplishment. I’m glad now be known as the Tabb “After all these years, it gives because he was in his kennel that we could do this for him Kennels in honor of Sgt. 1st us great comfort to know that at the time. and his family, and I’m glad Class Donald T. Tabb, who his work was appreciated,” that his family was able to served with the 6th Military said William Smith, Tabb’s Capt. Brian Wheat, 6th MP make it down to see it.” Police Detachment as a mili- brother. “This is a great honor det., said that the process to tary working dog handler, in and we’re grateful to Fort get the building dedicated to The dedication process was a decision that was deemed Rucker for all the hard work Tabb was well worth the started several years ago by Fort Rucker officials as that they’ve done to get it wait, and that no one was when the idea was submitted “the right thing to do.” done.” more deserving of the honor. to the Fort Rucker memoriali- Wheat served with Tabb in zation committee. The de-

Staff Sgt. Donald T. Tabb, 29, was killed in action on Feb. 5, 2008, in Afghanistan while serving with the Combined Joint Operations Task Force. His specialized search dog, Bo, a black Labrador retriever, was wounded. Staff Sgt. Tabb was a native of Norcross, Ga., and on his fourth de- ployment, having served in Kosovo, Iraq, and once previ- ously in Afghanistan. He was a dog handler with the 6th Military Police Detachment, 1st Battalion, 13th Aviation Regiment.

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Kennels Dedicated continued from page 5 layed process was re- but brought a lot of comfort guy, and the only thing Bo from post-traumatic stress energized upon Wheat’s return to the family. can’t do is joke.” disorder associated with loud to Fort Rucker in 2011 and the noises and large crowds. decision to dedicate the build- “It’s hard to explain, but it’s The process to get Bo to ing was unanimous, said Eich- like [Bo] took away some of Tabb’s family was not an easy “He still has issues with thun- horn. the pain of losing [my broth- one because in the eyes of the derstorms and has some er],” he said. “He just mend- service, Bo still had a lot of lingering issues with any loud Tabb’s family didn’t have to ed that piece of it and it service to give to his country, noises that might sound like wait that long, however, to helped us. Bo played a strong said Eichhorn. an explosion,” said Eichhorn. find comfort in a companion part in comforting us, and “That was taken into consid- that remained by the ser- everyone, even the children, “Bo was a very young dog eration and it was decided geant’s side until the end. sees Bo and thinks of Donald. [when this happened], he was that even though he was “Bo meant a lot to Donald,” only 2 years old, and training young, it was OK to give him About six weeks after Tabb’s he continued. “He gravitated is very expensive and it takes to the family, and it was ab- solutely the right thing for death, it was decided that his toward him and [Donald] a long time, so that had to be Bo, the Tabb family and Ser- family would be allowed to always talked about him – Bo considered,” she said. When geant Tabb.” adopt Bo, a decision that is our connection to Donald. Bo was evaluated, it was de- Smith said was bittersweet, Donald was a very funny termined that he suffered

Left: Staff Sgt. Craig Miller, 6th Military Police Detach- ment military working dog handler, hold on to Bo, Sgt. 1st Class Donald Tabb’s MWD, as Tabb’s nephew, Ukar- rie, gets ready to throw a ball after the ceremony that named the MWD kennels at Fort Rucker, Ala., in Tabb’s honor, May 17, 2013. (U.S. Army photo by Nathan Pfau)

Right: Sgt. First Class Donald T. Tabb’s burial site is located near one of our board members, and is visited regularly to pay respects to SFC Tabb and all handlers who have been KIA. Volume 5, Issue 4 MWDTSA KENNEL TALK Pa ge 7

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The Excellent Adventures of Brutus

By COL Dick Baumer, USA (Ret.)

The difference between a fairy tale and a war story is that a fairy tale begins “Once upon a time...” A war story begins “this really happened, no s@#t...”

This really happened… was obviously the off-spring menced a change from Dr. ker for briefings. Soon, I of an illicit romance that fea- Jeckel to a furiously-barking thought it might be a good During the Vietnam War, while tured a Scout Dog or Sentry Mr. Hyde, chasing the workers idea to take him with me I was Commander of the Com- Dog. None were kenneled on back onto the truck accompa- when I picked up the month- bat Tracker platoon attached base at the time, so how he nied by a screeching, teeth- ly platoon payroll in Bien to the 1st Air Cavalry Division, got to Phouc Vinh is still a bared Moose. We finally prom- Hoa. It was one of those our “mascot” disappeared for mystery. ised the water tanker crew “seemed like a good idea at about a month. His mysterious that we’d keep the dog- the time” sorts of things. disappearance was only ex- Brutus hung around our pla- macaque duo in the kennels ceeded by his miraculous re- toon area, slept in my office on water days so their threat- On our first trip south, we turn. in the kennels and enjoyed ened boycott wouldn’t leave caught a ride on a 1/9 Cav playing with Moose, our 25 us dry. Huey and Brutus loved the Brutus, a German Shepherd lb. Macaque. He also played attention of the air crew and mix, wandered into our pla- with Bruce (6B45) who was Although we worked with Bru- being able to sit by the open toon area one day in mid- about his size and Lucky tus on basic military obedi- door. When asked by every- 1969. Drawn either by the (B383) but was only tolerat- ence commands, when not on one who saw me (knowing smells or the potential of a ed by (5A15). leash he tended to have a my call sign and nickname meal, he arrived as a large very short attention span. But was “Black Dog 6”), I told puppy of indeterminate age. Brutus grew through the he was still a puppy, probably them that Brutus was one of We didn’t know where he summer and loved to chase still less than a year old at the new experimental “super came from but from his long the Vietnamese water tanker that point. He also liked to dogs” from the Aberdeen hair, floppy ears, Shepherd- crew. As soon as one would ride in my Jeep on trips across Proving Grounds breeding like face and large paws, he step down, Brutus com- the base to the 1/9 Cav bun- program. There really was

Right: Moose on my shoul- der. He weighed about 25 lbs., maintained by regu- lar meals, banana chips sent by my Mom and sup- plemented with Gaines Burgers which he ate in rotating bites from one in each hand and one in each foot. Photo by Dick Baumer,

Far Right: The Water Tow- er Gang: Moose, Spec4 McInturf and Brutus. Photo by CPT Rudy Pas- cucci.

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Excellent Adventures continued from page 7

such a program, but that’s toon obstacle course, had no last time I took him with me. began filing off and at the another story. difficulty in getting onboard. By the time a repeat of the end of the column was Bru- The Air Force crew loved “rounds” next month, Brutus tus. He trotted to the Jeep After that successful “mission” having him as they did any- had disappeared. He was by and hopped in. My guy was with Brutus, I began taking time we had a dog along. then well-known around our astonished and when he him with me on admin and area by the 4th Aviation guys asked the air crew, they said payroll visits to my teams at Song Be was infamous for its and by the 1/9 Cav troopers, that Brutus had just walked Tay Ninh, Quon Loi and Song landing approach. Beginning but no one could recall seeing onboard their aircraft. They Be. The teams enjoyed seeing at about 5,000 feet, the pilot him or knew where he had didn’t know whose he was him on these visits. On these would execute a wing-down gone. Fearing the worst — but he accompanied them on rounds I also drew blood and tight spiral almost to the that he had been “rustled” by many flights around the III fecal samples from each of my ground it seemed, followed some hungry local or wan- Corps area during the next Labradors for testing at the by a snap roll-out for short dered into one of the old month. Vet hospital in Bien Hoa. I final and a “carrier” hard French mine fields — we fig- began including samples from landing. Usually everyone ured we would never see him We welcomed Brutus back to Brutus with a fake tattoo aboard was so glad to be on again. Life went on, missions the unit and he was still our number. No one ever noticed the ground they never went on and even Moose “mascot” until the day I left and they reported his satisfac- thought about the possibility probably forgot him. in late January 1970. I didn’t tory blood chemistry and par- of the enemy .51 caliber or take him on any more heli- asite results every month. 23mm anti-aircraft guns that About a month after his disap- copter or airplane rides and required such maneuvers. pearance, one of my trackers the Air Force personnel were In the Fall I couldn’t hitch a Brutus performed with better was at the landing strip asked to watch out for him in Huey ride so took a C-7A Cari- aplomb than a lot of the oth- “arrivals lounge” to pick up case he decided he needed bou, fixed- wing flight to Song er passengers. supplies from an in-bound another joy ride. I never Be. This aircraft had a ramp at flight. He saw a C-7A arrive, learned where he had been the rear supplemented by a Our return to Phouc Vinh a taxi to the apron and drop the or whether he decided to add metal extension plank. Brutus, few days later on a CH-47 rear ramp. Once the extension to his frequent flier miles having practiced on our pla- Chinook helicopter was the plank was in place, soldiers again.

C-7A Caribou showing the type of ramp extension used by Brutus and Moose on the floor of my “office” in the Brutus to board and exit the aircraft. kennels. Moose would groom him several times a Photo courtesy of the C-7A Caribou Association (provided day. Brutus never had any problems with fleas or by Pat Hanavan, Association President and Newsletter ticks. Editor). Photo by Dick Baumer. Volume 5, Issue 4 MWDTSA KENNEL TALK Pa ge 9

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2nd Quarter Care Packages

Left: The 2nd Quarter packages had the theme of ‘Play Ball’. We included baseballs, baseball books, baseball decorated dog cookies, a dog ball and bandana

Above (three): Students at the La Rosa school in Temple City, Ca decorated some amazing bandanas for the MWDs. MWDTSA has heard that these are now being worn by the recipients.

Below: Earthbath was a great sup- porter of our 2nd Quarter care Below: Xylitol donated pep- packages permint flavored gum.

Above: Volunteer, Courtney, with Jive Balls donated by Bethany United Methodist

MWDTSA would like to thank the volunteers who responded to a last minute call for help. The 2nd quarter care packages were assembled by SeDonna Asberry,

Courtney Griffin, and Langley and Jerry and Dixie Whitman. 2nd Quarter Packages continued on page 10 Pa ge 10 MWDTSA KENNEL TALK Volume 5, Issue 4 www.mwdtsa.org

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MWDTSA would like to thank these companies, along with dozens of individuals and companies with finan- cial donations, who made this round of care packages possible: American Peanut Council - samples of Georgia and Virginia peanuts Andover Healthcare Inc. - Moleskin and Pet Flex wraps The Animal Keeper, Southern California - Funding and In Kind Donations Bethany United Methodist Church, Smyrna, GA - Jive Balls Above: Small Planet Foods donated 800 Larabars. Burt's Bees - Burt's Bees Toothpaste and Tips and Toes Kits Below: Sun Dogs Kennels sent lots of great good- Chattam, Inc. - Gold Bond Body Powder Samples ies from Traverse City, Michigan. Corelogic - Financial contributions and large mis- cellaneous donation drive Earthbath - Earthbath pet wipes Esthetic Dentistry in Los Angeles, CA - dental hygiene kits Family Dollar Stores—Zip Lock bags Globe Pequot Press - 48 copies of "The Greatest Baseball Stories Ever Told" Guyot Designs - Collapsible water bowls The Hygenic Corporation - Biofreeze Pain Relief Gel Jan Slotar - in kind donations JelSert Co. - Wyler's Light drink mixes Krisellen Wilson - donation of John Paul Dog shampoos and pet wipes Kurgo Products - Collapsible water bowls La Rosa School, Temple City, CA - decorated dog- gy bandanas Loud Truck EFT, LLC - Energy Gummi Bears MLB -Community Affairs Assistant - one dozen official MLB baseballs & Schuster, Inc - 100 baseball books - "Long Shot" and "Inside the Baseball Hall of Fame" Small Planet Foods - 800 LÄRABAR Samples Sun Dog Kennel LLC, Traverse City, MI - Miscella- neous in kind donations and funding Above: The handlers are always pleased to Xylitol USA, Inc. - Xylitol Chewing Gum receive the personal care items donated by

various generous individuals. Links to sponsoring companies may be found at http://www.mwdtsa.org/sponsors.html

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2nd Quarter Packages continued from page 10

Left: Christine of Core Logic is pictured with items col- lected in their donation drive. CoreLogic also gave a financial contribution towards the 2nd Quarter care packages.

Generous donations were also received from Burts Bees (above), American Peanut Council (Left), Esthetic Dentis- try (Below, Left) and Chattam Inc (Below).

Above: Kurgo products donat- ed very useful collapsible bowls.

Below: The van crammed with packed boxes ready to be driven to the post office.

Above: Our newest supportees send MWDTSA this picture Pa ge 12 MWDTSA KENNEL TALK Volume 5, Issue 4 www.mwdtsa.org

American Legion Ladies Auxiliary Fundraiser

The Ladies Auxiliary of the American Legion, Cartersville, GA , held a BBQ fundraiser for MWDTSA. They raised $250.00. These funds were immediately put to use in sending care packages to deployed dog teams. MWDTSA is ap- preciative of this great group of folks.

Below Left (L to R): Jeff “Curly” Kornow, Nick Rogers, Todd Haygood, Russ Wells

Below Right (L to R): Sharon Bell, Joan Fortenberry, Britni Hoyt, Jane Aycock, Debbie Kornow, Betty Thompson, Nancy Gullick, Sylvia Hess

Hall of Heroes

MWDTSA supports veterinary staff and vet techs as well as military working dog teams. We recently got this great photo of the Hospital Hall of Heroes from one of the veterinary surgeons at the Bagram Vet Clinic.

“Literature throws us many great heroes. Real life invariably outdoes them.”

Wilbur Smith Volume 5, Issue 4 MWDTSA KENNEL TALK Pa ge 13

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John Douangdara Statue Dedication

On May 27th, Memorial Day, the dedication ceremony of the sculpture of John Douangdara and his partner, Bart, was held. John Douangdara and Bart were killed in action when the helicopter they were on was shot down in August of 2011. Along with this team, 29 other Americans, many members of Seal Team Six, were killed.

MWDTSA Board Member, Chan Follen, worked hard to bring this statue to Siouxland Freedom Park in honor of her brother, John. The MWDTSA family congratulates Chan on the completion of this project.

Left: Plaque on the base of the statue.

Below : Chan Follen, John Douangdara’s sis- ter, spoke at the dedication ceremony.

Below : Statue of John Douangdara and his MWD partner, Bart, at the Siouxland Freedom Park, South Sioux City, Nebraska. Military Working Dog Team Support Association, Inc. MWDTSA is on the web: www.mwdtsa.org Follow our Blog: mwdtsa.blogspot.com Sit. Stay. Support. Like us on Facebook : MWDTSA P. O. Box 5864 https://www.facebook.com/MWDTSA Canton, GA 30114 Editor: Avril Roy-Smith Kennel Talk is the proud recipient of a GSDCA Special Phone: 404-451-2539 Newsletter Award! Email: [email protected]

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MWD Photo of the Month

Military Working Dogs Chrach (on left) and Cuki (on right) demonstrate a dou- ble dog bite on decoy SGT Vasquez. The demonstration of patrol work took place at FOB Pasab in Afghanistan to showcase the dogs' capabilities to another unit.

Chrach (pronounced Crash) is handled by SSGT Johnson and Cuki (pronounced Cookie) is handled by SGT Sanchez