DOGMAN A Brotherhood of All Combat Veteran Dog Handlers

VIETNAM DOG HANDLER ASSOCIATION VOLUME 19 & NUMBER 4 & December 2012 Special issue on reading options War Dog Books for yourself or gifts for others John Langley to take over as president John Langley, who is a founder of Vietnam Dog Handler Association and served as its first president in 1994-96, will return as president Jan. 1. Langley was elected by electronic and paper ballots after cancellation of the 2012 Reunion because of storm damage in New Orleans. The photograph below reveals where the inspiration came from for VDHA’s long- time logo in the top left corner of each issue of DogMan. The electronic September issue was correct, but the print issue wrongly stated Langley was VDHA’s second president. The John Burnam Monument Foundation has announced completion of the latest war dog monument New war dog monument From the Archives will be placed at Lackland (Published in the second A new monument honoring Force Base at San Antonio, DogMan issue, May 1994 America’s Military Working Texas. Two months ago, when Dogs and their handlers will John Burnam, a former we started the Vietnam Dog be featured with a floral replica VDHA president, started the Handler Association, we in the Tournament of Roses John Burnam Monument had a membership of around parade in Pasadena, Calif., on Foundation in 2004 to build the 150 Vietnam dog handlers. Jan. 1. monument, which features a As of this writing, we The float and the real Doberman, a German shepherd, have nearly 550, thanks to monument then will be a Belgian Malinois, and a all of those who provided displayed at Victory Park before Laborador retriever. us with the handlers’ names going on a tour on its way to See the related “Mail Call” and addresses. John Langley in Vietnam its placement at Lackland Air article on Page 10. December 2012 dogman Page 2 From the president Reminder by FRED DORR when we could not be there for our own during VDHA President Vietnam. We are starting to see some of our old to get your This will be my last column as president of friends come back into the fold and get with the VDHA. I have enjoyed my time and have their friends again. learned a lot from all of you. I appreciate all Again I want to thank all the officers I have DogMan the e-mail and comment (both good and bad). worked with for keeping me in line, and for The officers have been the backbone of the helping to make the VDHA the oldest and VDHA. And without them I could not have largest K-9 veterans group in the U.S. I also online, not done my job. want to thank members for all that work behind They have guided me, taught me, and most the scenes to help one another and support the of became my friend one and all. current troops, without even wanting to be on paper Since becoming president, the VDHA has recognized or taking credit. changed the way the DogMan is published and by DAVE BROEKER I trust that John Langley will have the vision VDHA Webmaster distributed. This saves money for the VDHA. to lead us into a better tomorrow and help the We have changed our membership card to VDHA to grow. He takes office as VDHA’s Have you wondered why you a long-life plastic one that does not need to be president for the second time on Jan. 1. no longer receive paper copies reissued each year, saving time and money. I will still be here if anyone needs to ask of the DogMan? Mailing costs A BX was created and stocked with me a question or needs my help. I will be in are soaring through the roof, merchandise that you have asked for and now Las Vegas in 2013 and Nashville in 2015. This and the officers of the VDHA support. This gives us pride in our organization. time I will be able to sit down and visit a spell agreed that we needed to get A new website was created to serve the without having to jump up and take care of better control of DogMan membership. This is a safe and secure site that business. publication and circulation we can use to buy from BX and to visit one Thanks to all of you for allowing me to costs. another. It has also been a way for us to let you serve. I hope I have left the VDHA in a better Starting with the August know of current handlers that have been taken place. 2008 issue, members were from us in harm’s way. It has also allowed us Bluma and I will now take leave and enjoy notified via the DogMan and to contact some of you to attend the funerals the sunset. the VDHA website that the as VDHA representatives and to have some mailing of paper copies of closure by attending fallen handlers’ funerals Fred and Bluma the DogMan was going to be extremely limited. That is why all DogMan issues have been posted on our website so they can be See us on the Web at vdha.us easily viewed in full color. Most “active” members no longer have the need to receive a paper copy of the DogMan — unless they do not have access to a computer, or special 2012 VDHA Officers circumstances prevail. President: Fred Dorr 82 Salem Rd., Yoakum, TX 77995 361-484-0823 Several follow-up reminder notices were posted on the home Vice President: Perry C. Money Hamptonville, North Carolina 336-468-4456 page of the VDHA website, Vice President: John Dupla 904 Chetwood Dr., League City, TX 77573 281-332-2163 and related articles were also Vice President: Ernest Childers 1620 Westridge, Hurst, TX 76054-3766 817-282-3203 published in the DogMan. Vice President: Vaughn Hull 2034 Dryden Ct., Westland, MI 48186 734-331-2612 If you know of any “active” member who does not have a Secretary: Vern Anderson 2101 30th St., Galveston, TX 77550 409-974-4785 computer or has extenuating Treasurer: Bob Palochik 8203 W. Parting Clouds, Las Vegas, NV 89117 702-255-6265 circumstances, possibly Sgt. at Arms: Ernie Ayala 16824 Brookport St., Covina, CA 91722 626-339-6005 medical, please contact Dave Chaplain: Steve Janke 739 Hill St., Carlstadt, NJ 07072 201-507-9038 Broeker or Bob Palochik to advise. We want to make sure President Emeritus: John Langley 364 Center Rd., Venice, FL 34285 941-716-3803 they continue to be informed Membership: Randy Kimler 2044 Llano St., Port Neches, TX 77651 409-722-0889 and that they receive DogMan Web Master: Dave Broeker 1712 Crescent Dr., Pekin, IL 61554-1637 309-202-5542 paper copies. Historian: Ron Werneth 4913 N. Newland Ave., Chicago, IL 60656 Continued on Page 10.... December 2012 dogman Page 3 Special issue on reading options War Dog Books for yourself or gifts for others Looking for a distinctive color photography printed on holiday gift for someone special high quality paper. Most of — or even for yourself? the equipment shown is now These books about handlers quite scarce and is pictured in and their Military Working full view. The book will aid Dogs are listed by year. both collectors and historians, Earlier issues of DogMan delivering valuable information have reported on some of these on how the equipment was books, but others are mentioned used. here for the first time. Many are available in electronic as well as print format. Older books might be available only online.

Canine Commandos by Nigel Soldier Dogs by Maria Cawthorne (Ulysses Press, Goodavage (Dutton Adult, 2012) compiles a collection of 2012) tells stories of modern history’s most famous war dog military dogs and the bonds stories. Included are: Cairo, that develop between them and the Belgian malinois who their handlers. Beyond tales of choppered in with SEAL Team training, operations, retirement, Six on the mission to take out and adoption into the families Osama bin Laden; Gander, of fallen soldiers, Goodavage the Canadian Royal Rifles’ talks to leading dog-cognition Newfoundland, who scooped Trinity: Military War Dog by experts about why dogs like Ronie Kendig (Barbour Books, nothing more than to be on a Hero Dogs: Secret Missions up a grenade and carried it in his mouth away from his unit; and 2012). In this Christian novel, mission with a handler they and Selfless Service by Green Beret Heath Daniel’s trust, no matter how deadly the Lance M. Bacon (White Star Ebony, the German shepherd dog who alerted soldiers to career and faith were destroyed IEDs they are sniffing. Publishers, 2012) tells how in Afghanistan in 2011. Now trained war dogs — like the an ambush, saving 25 men in Vietnam. he and his military war dog, canine hero that took part in Trinity, train other dogs and the top-secret mission against their handlers. Though his Osama bin Laden — are a breed passion is to be back in action, apart, assisting their human the medical discharge has friends in locating improvised forced him and Trinity to the explosive devices, conducting sidelines. But in a twist of fate, clandestine missions, and more. military intelligence officer Filled with hundreds of photos, Darci Kintz is captured while this book features tales of war tracking the Taliban. Only one dogs’ handlers and fellow dog can handle the extreme soldiers. conditions to save her — Correction Trinity. And only one man can The September issue of handle Trinity. Time is running DogMan misspelled An Khe out as Daniel and Trinity face the greatest and most dangerous as a location where William Cry Havoc: The History of mission of their lives. “Dave” Davis of the 25th U.S. Military War Dogs War Dogs by Nigel Allsopp IPSD had served as a scout in World War II by Robert (New Holland Australia, 2012) dog handler. This is especially Rosenkrans (Schiffer See us on the Web at offers insight into the history embarrassing for the editor Publishing, Ltd., 2012). This of dogs in the military, as well because he also served in the coffee table book is illustrated vdha.us as their current employment. 25th IPSD. with black and white and Continued on Page 5.... December 2012 dogman Page 4 dog (MWD) doctrine developed Reports from during the Vietnam War. War Dog Books Although useful at that time, unit directors much of the information has ....Continued from Page 4 since become obsolete. Today’s From Babylonian mastiff-type MWD program employs trained war dogs with spiked collars to and motivated handlers coupled today’s military dogs trained to with intelligent breeds of detect explosives, the war dog dogs. These teams are rotating has long been a soldier’s best between their assigned duties friend. Allsopp’s book includes and deployments worldwide to material from nearly 50 nations. perform joint operations, multi- Allsopp galvanizes the notion echelon tasks, and interagency that, despite technological missions. Numerous topics are advances in warfare, dogs covered in detail in this up-to- continue to be one of the most date manual, including MWD useful tools supporting every characteristics, training, and Cold Noses, Brave Hearts: nation’s security interests. support. The Dogs and Men of the 26th Infantry Scout Dog Platoon by Robert Fickbohm and Sandra Seek On! by Susan Merritt Fickbohm Granger (Xlibris, (Strategic Book Publishing, 2011). Fickbohm, a Korean 2011). The NVA regular troops War dog handler, wrote this or VC were in shock when the book with his daughter to honor “Ghost Teams and Devil Dogs” the men and dogs who served blew through their midst. with the 26th Infantry Scout These men were the U.S. Army Dog Platoon during World War Combat Tracker Teams of the II and Korea. Only about 180 Vietnam War, and few believed men and 90 dogs served in this they even existed. For more unit. These men and dogs were than 30 years, these men, who credited with saving numerous had been closer than brothers, lives during their tours of duty. were separated by the secrecy of international politics. Then a Sergeant Rex by Mike small group started an effort to Dowling and Damien Lewis find the veteran trackers, their (Atria Books, 2012). Deployed instructors, and their history, Dogs at War: Canine Heroes to Iraq in 2004, Sergeant Mike and to reunite everyone. of Outstanding Courage and Dowling and his military Bravery by Madeline Swan working dog Rex were part of (Max, 2011). From World the first Marine Corps military War I to the present, animals K-9 teams sent to the front have played an essential role lines of combat since Vietnam. in warfare — and many have Filled with tales of bomb- suffered and died as a result. detection work, including an Dogs at War is a tribute to their extraordinary baptism by fire, efforts and sacrifice, illustrated Sergeant Rex is an account of with photographs and paintings. how an unbreakable human- Many different dogs are canine bond helped Mike highlighted — such as Buster and Rex stay focused on their in Iraq, seeking out ammo The Dogs of War by Lisa mission and save countless dumps; Bamse, a St. Bernard Rogak (St. Martin’s Griffin, lives. who became the global mascot 2011). Written for readers of all for the Norwegian military ages, this book reveals the range during World War II and saved of jobs that our four-legged Has your the lives of two sailors aboard soldiers now perform. Rogak membership expired? Norwegian ship; and Treo, a explores the dogs’ training and bomb-sniffing black Labrador, equipment. She includes stories Check at vdha.us Military Working Dogs (U.S. who earned the Dickin medal Army, 2012). Military working for saving lives in Afghanistan. Continued on Page 6.... December 2012 dogman Page 5 were used in conflict. Then, the author travels through time War Dog Books and from country to country explaining how dogs were ....Continued from Page 5 used. It includes accounts from of the deep bond that dogs early Spanish invaders who set and their handlers share with their dogs on human beings for each other, and explains how sport and instances where the soldiers and civilians can help dog was at the side of officers the cause by fostering puppies during the American Civil War. or adopting retirees. This book is out of print and available only from resellers online and in used-book stores.

K9 Heroes: Together We Protect, Defend, and Conquer as One by Nicole Arbelo (Outskirts Press, Forward Forever: K-9 2009). Illustrated with over Operations in Vietnam by 100 photographs, K9 Heroes Michael G. Lemish (Schiffer presents stories of courage and Publishing, 2009). Lemish duty, friendship and family, served as the VDHA historian loss and love, as told by the for many years. As a military men and women serving Military Tracking by the dog historian he has been with Military Working Dogs. U.S. Army Special Forces involved with TV productions Families and friends remember and Australian Air Training from PBS, BBC, The History the servicemen and women and Corps (Paladin Press, 2011). Channel, History Detectives, their dogs who gave their lives A Soldier’s Best Friend: Tracking a human being by and The Military Channel. His in their country’s service. The Scout Dogs and Their Handlers the signs he leaves behind is active involvement is reflected book presents a picture of the in Vietnam by John C. Burnam a difficult skill, and some of in this book which provides life and experiences of a K-9 (Union Square Press, 2008). A the best training in this arena a comprehensive view of dog handler. testimonial to the bond between takes place in the programs run handlers in the Vietnam War. American soldiers in Vietnam by military units. This Paladin It covers the origins of the and their canine helpers, this reprint includes two military conflict, early efforts at ARVN book is Burnam’s account tracking/countertracking field K-9 units, the entry, buildup, of his time as a scout dog manuals in one. The American and wind-down of American handler patrolling the jungles manual details how Special and Australian K-9 units, of Vietnam with his German Forces troops can track over veterinary support, the units, shepherd, Clipper. Since the any terrain, avoid being tracked the men, the dogs, the combat 1990s, this book has had themselves, and use canines in experiences, the media, the two runs as a self-published both rural and urban tracking monuments, and the memories. book and one as a trade title. operations. “Basic Visual The book also includes 164 Published first in 1999 as Dog Tracking” contains the official photographs, several maps, and Tags of Courage: The Turmoil cadet and instructor notes for a list of all of the handlers and of War and the Rewards of the Australian Air Training dogs KIA during the war. Companionship, the book was Corps. republished in 2005 as Dog Tags of Courage: Combat Unit Directors New email for Dogs of War: Canine Use Infantrymen and War Dog in Warfare from Ancient Egypt Heroes in Vietnam. DEADLINE DogMan news to the 19th Century by David Continued on Page 7.... Because the editor’s former Karunanithy (Yarak Publishing, for the email provider discontinued its 2008). This is a study of how See us on the Web at March issue service, future news items and man has trained and used dogs photos for DogMan should be throughout history. Illustrated vdha.us is February 17 emailed to the new address of by two artists, the book begins [email protected]. in the earliest times when dogs December 2012 dogman Page 6 commanding officer of the War Dog Training School, where he War Dog Books helped train former pets for war ....Continued from Page 6 in Vietnam, 1968-69 by Toni in the Pacific. After the war, Gardner (Minou Press, 2006). he fought successfully to have Gardner recorded the actions of USMC war dogs returned to a scout dog platoon in a single their civilian owners. Always year in Vietnam, putting the Faithful is a tale of courage and reader footsteps behind a scout Buck’s Heroes: A Dog’s Tale sacrifice. At once an adventure, dog in Vietnam. “It has really of Vietnam War Dogs by Johnny it presents readers with one of made me feel that now a lot Mayo (Wentworth Publishing, the great animal stories of all of the dark part of my life has 2004). Illustrations by Tonia time. been opened to reality. It has Marnell. Thirty years after done more for my healing than serving in Vietnam as a dog anything ever before,” noted handler with the 39th scout dog Don Jestes, 47th ISPD dog platoon, Mayo attends a reunion handler. at the Vietnam Memorial in Washington, D.C. He brings with him, Buck, his pet husky. Silent Voices: Stories and While gazing at the wall by Recognition for War Dogs of his master’s side, Buck begins Vietnam and Canine Soldiers hearing and seeing the ghosts Today by Alan B. Cunningham of the war dogs that had served (Agreka Books, 2007). In the there. His master’s two beloved course of the Vietnam War, scout dogs, along with many an estimated 10,000 potential others, tell Buck what life was American potential casualties like for them and the soldiers are estimated to have been they served and protected. The prevented as a result of the book contains photographs 4,000 scout, sentry, and tracker and illustrations depicting true Remember the Alamo – A dogs. War dogs of Vietnam stories of military working Sentry Dog Handler’s View of were cast aside by the U.S. dogs and their handlers in the Vietnam from the Perimeter of government as nothing more Vietnam War. Phan Rang Air Base by Carl than equipment. Of the 4,000 The Contributions of the S. Adams (Lost Coast Press, American war dogs in Vietnam, American Military Working 2003). According to reviewer 325 died in the line of duty Dog in Vietnam by Mary Kenneth Eggleston, “Anyone and about 600 succumbed Kathleen Murphy (University who was in Vietnam during the to tropical disease. What Press of the Pacific, 2005) war, was a military dog handler happened to the remaining 72 tells of the thousands of dogs of any kind, or is just interested percent of these heroic dogs? that served in Vietnam as part of the U.S. armed forces. in the recent U.S. or military Working alongside members history, will love this work. of all branches of service, these You will travel with the author canine soldiers filled vital roles. through part of his military tour, Even before American troops laugh, cry and sweat with him, were committed in Vietnam, and maybe, understand what it military advisors to the region was like to be in southeast Asia utilized dogs that had been left in the ’60s and early ’70s.” behind by the French, and U.S. Continued on Page 8.... Air Force personnel established an ARVN dog program. Always Faithful by William W. Putney, D.V.M. (Potomac E-mail your letters for Books, 2003). Putney joined the Mail Call! MOVING WALL Marine Corps at the height of to: World War II. He commanded The 2013 schedule is not dogmanVDHA announced yet. the 3rd Dog Platoon during Walking Where the Dog @gmail.com the battle for Guam and served www.themovingwall.org Walks: An Interspecies Odyssey as chief veterinarian and December 2012 dogman Page 7 author has collected true stories and rare photographs War Dog Books that reflect the strong bonds ....Continued from Page 7 during the Vietnam War. It that form between war dogs portrays the reality of war with and their handlers. This was its horror, madness, tedium, and first published as War Dogs: dark humor. The book hurls you Canines in Combat in 1996. into a surreal world of seething jungles, random minefields, and lethal friendly fire. Amid the mayhem, the author finds vital refuge in the innocence of his canine partner, Caesar.

Diary of a War Dog Platoon by Wiley S. Isom (Bible & Literature Missionary Foundation, 1997). World War II marked the first major use of war dogs by the U.S. military. This book is the story None Came Home: The War of handlers and dogs assigned Dogs of Vietnam by John E. with the 45th scout dog platoon O’Donnell (1st Book Library, in the 1945 battle for Okinawa. 2003) is O’Donnell’s story of Written by a WWII handler, the a young American GI and his K-9 Soldiers: Vietnam and After by Paul B. Morgan book is based on the author’s canine partner, King, fighting wartime memories in a diary- the elusive enemy in Vietnam. (Hellgate Press, 1999). Morgan, a retired U.S. Army format account of the battles As the trust between man and and other wartime experiences. dog deepens, so does the search major, former Green Beret, and K-9 security specialist, uses his It includes numerous wartime for understanding of the U. S. photographs of the handlers War Dogs: A History of experiences to lace together two government’s requirement to and dogs of the 45th IPSD in Loyalty and Heroism by dozen stories about military abandon K-9s at the end of the training and in combat. It also Michael G. Lemish (Potomac working dogs. The stories are war. It represents the way many offers a brief account of the use Books, 1999) presents an look both humorous and heroic. U.S. K-9 and MWD teams felt of war dogs through history, at canine heroes from World Included in the anthology at that time. including mention of other war War I to the present. Terriers, are two stories about dogs he dog units deployed in World shepherds, beagles, collies, worked with in Vietnam: Suzi, War II. huskies, and Dobermans are a German shepherd given to only a few of the breeds that him by a village priest, and have pulled sleds, searched Polar Bear, his patrol dog. He Help VDHA caves and bunkers, and even returned Suzi to the priest. parachuted into combat. The Polar Bear was KIA. reclaim its Order online lost thousand Order online at by VAUGHN HULL VDHA can now boast that it Vice President of Units vdha.us/ has a merchandise form that is now fillable online. Go to the The VDHA has more than merchandise merchandise page at vdha.us/ 1,000 inactive members. merchandise/ and test it out. Let’s try to get these inactive members back. All they have to do is pay Trackers by Peter Haran their $25 membership dues. (New Holland Australia, They do not need to pay any 2000) is an account told by back dues. an Australian veteran of the The tour schedule for 2013 has not If you’d like to have a list of Australian Army’s little-known been announced. inactive members in your unit, use of combat tracker dogs Schedule of “The Wall That Heals” — www.vvmf.org e-mail me at [email protected] December 2012 dogman Page 8

864-573-6016 530-945-2832 VDHA unit directors [email protected] [email protected] All Safeside Units: E.R. Scott 58th IPSD: Robert A. Kollar, 200 Baker, 475 W. Sierra Ave., #141, Old Mendon Rd., Cumberland, RI and contact info Fresno, CA 93704-1134 02864 559-447-1490 H 401-334-1477 366th SPS: Steve Luz, P.O. Box Air Force Sentry 559-349-3177 C [email protected] 721, Turlock, CA 95381-0721 [email protected] 3rd SPS: Rick Ingler, 104 209-688-4787 59th IPSD: Randy Carr Tortoise Rd. Sebring, Fl. 33876 [email protected] [email protected] 863-273-5182 Army Scout [email protected] 377th SPS: James Stewart, 311 N. Saginaw St., Montrose, MI 48457 33rd IPSD: John A. Worley Sr., 8th SPS: Jim Watson, 537 W. 810-639-5755 172 Cty. Rd., Benton MO 63936 Puente, #1, Covina, CA 91722 [email protected] 573-545-3988 Others 626-915-5979 and 616-806-8463 [email protected] [email protected] 388th SPS: Mike Diercks, 402 4th 60th Mine & Tunnel Dogs: Ave SE, Sleepy Eye, MN 56085 35th IPSD: Frank DiMartino Alfred C. Ward, 162 Cottonwood 12th SPS: Robert Angus, 5699 507-340-1602 Ct., North Augusta, SC 29860 Swaney Rd., Lima, OH 45801 [email protected] 37th IPSD: John Giampia 803-613-0931 (home) 419-643-8000 14104 88th Ave., Seminole, FL 803-952-7628 (work) [email protected] 432nd SPS: Ernest Childers Jr., 33776 1620 Westridge Dr., Hurst, TX 727-330-7286 Army Combat Trackers: John 14th SPS: Bob Hoffman, 8814 S. 76054-3766 [email protected] Dupla, 904 Chetwood Dr., League Alaska St.,Tacoma, WA 98444 817-282-3203 City, TX 77573 253-537-2096 [email protected] 38th IPSD: Gary T. Mather Sr., 281-332-2163 [email protected] 140 Saddlebrook Dr., Elizabeth- [email protected] 483rd SPS: Bill Carpenter, 342 E. town, KY 42701 assisted by Frank Merritt, 1010 31st SPS: Phil Savage, 2992 M66, 775th St., Nineveh, IN 46164 270-369-9080 Sullivan Trail, Easton, PA 18040 Athens, MI 49011 [email protected] [email protected] 504-523-6973 269-729-9703 [email protected] [email protected] 631st CSG: Bill Cummings, 39th IPSD: Johnny Mayo and and Sue Rodgers 10172 N. Tall Cotton Dr., Marana, assistant Wayne McLeister Army Sentry Dogs 34th SPS: Timothy Mead AZ 85653 and Army Instructors: Ernie 203-878-0749 520-616-9329 40th IPSD: Charlie Brown, 15601 Ayala, 16824 Brookport St., [email protected] [email protected] Hillview Rd., Coker, AL 35452 [email protected] Covina, CA 91722 626-862-2667 (cell) 35th SPS: Vaughn R. Hull 632nd SPS: Herbert Johnson, 626-339-6005 (home) 2034 Dryden Ct., Westland, MI 2402 Grand Teton Dr., Houston, 41st IPSD: Randy Kimler, 2044 [email protected] 48186 TX 77067 Llano St., Port Neches, TX 77651 734-331-2612 281-580-4057 (home) 409-722-0805 U. S. Marine Corps: Fred Dorr, [email protected] 713-494-6451 (mobile) [email protected] Rt 4, Box 94 EE Yoakum, TX assisted by Carl Adams and Den- [email protected] 77995 nis Travis 42nd IPSD: Norm Ream, 336 361-484-0823 633rd SPS: John Wetzel, 257 Camino de los Flores, Encinatas, [email protected] 37th SPS: Doug Davis, 2953 W. Market St., Middleburg, PA CA 92024-4123 17842-1022 Nawakwa Trail, Traverse City, MI 760-632-9592 (home) Navy: Dick King, 601 College St., 717-837-6221 49686 858-756-1366 (office) Independence, MO 64050 [email protected] 231-941-0563 [email protected] 816-252-9074 (home) 800-821-2222 ext. 473 (work) 635th SPS: Dave Broeker, 1712 56th SPS: Dutch Van Hatten 48th IPSD: Tom Sykes, 403 E. [email protected] Jr., 17510 W. 65th St., Suite 323, Crescent Dr., Pekin, IL 61554- South River St., Appleton, WI Shawnee, KS 66217 1637 54915 Iraq Units: TSgt. Jonathan 913-638-5256 309-202-5542 920-730-8247 Sarabia, 407th AEG/ESFS, 713 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] McConnell Lane, Whiteman AFB, MO 65305 637th SPS: 355th SPS: Phil Carroll, P.O. Box David Hallenbeck, 49th IPSD: Robert B. Himrod, [email protected] 8, Gladstone, OR 97027 502 Eileens Lane, Harper, Texas 3713 S. Wiley Road, Yakima, WA (503) 231-6954 (W) 78631-5104 98903 Associate Members: (503) 353-0443 (H) 830-864-4597 509-965-4994 National Director [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Dennis Lewis, National Direc- tor, PO Box 699, Pikeville, NC 315th SPS: Vaughn R. Hull (see 6498th SPS: Larry Cromer 50th IPSD: Billy Barnes, 20070 27863-0699 35th SPS listing) 153 Candy Cane Lane Live Oak Road, Red Bluff, CA (919) 242-9620 [email protected] Pauline SC 29374 96080-9479 [email protected] December 2012 dogman Page 9 Vietnam by Cynthia Kadohata War Dog Books (Atheneum Books, 2008) is a children’s book for ages 10 and up. Cracker is one of the U.S. Army’s most valuable for Children weapons: a German shepherd When Jet herself is wounded, trained to sniff out bombs, she serves her country in a traps, and the enemy. Rick different capacity by searching Hanski is headed to Vietnam. out people buried in rubble in There he wants to prove wrong a bomb-torn city. Soon she’s his family, his sergeant, and back in the front lines, where everyone else who didn’t think she is reunited with her original he was cut out for war. When owner. Cracker is paired with Rick, Military Dogs by Frances they need to be friends before E. Ruffin (Bearport Publishing, they can be a team, and they 2006). This nonfiction Dogs on Duty by Dorothy need to be a team if they want children’s book is 32 pages in Hinshaw Patent (Walker to get home alive. length and is for ages 7 and up. Books, 2012) is for young It covers the history of Military readers 7 and up. The book Working Dogs, as well as their follows man’s best friend onto training, handlers, current the battlefield, showing readers duties, and biographies of some why dogs are qualified for of the most famous war dogs. the job at hand, how they are trained, how they contribute to missions, and what happens when they retire. The book includes color photographs and sidebars featuring heroic Combat-Wounded Dogs canines throughout history. by Sunita Apte (Bearport Publishing, 2009). This 32-page children’s book opens with a bombing in 2006 Iraq, where an explosion wounds handler Brendan Poelaert and his Chips: A Hometown Hero military working dog, Flapoor. by Nancy M. West (Off Through Flapoor’s survival, Lead Publications, 2008) is Apte tells the tale of the long a children’s book for ages 9 history of canine soldiers, and up. Chips is a curious and including Vietnam, where it is carefree dog until World War War Dog Heroes: True Stories estimated that 10,000 soldiers II begins. Chips’ comfortable of Dog Courage in Wartime by were saved by dogs. life is changed forever. Chips Jeannette Sanderson (Apple, is enlisted in the Dogs for 1997) is a 96-page children’s Defense program and joins the book for ages 8 and up about first war dog detachment to be stories of canine courage and shipped overseas into some of friendship. It celebrates the the war’s fiercest fighting. A wartime accomplishments of War Dog by Martin Booth fictional account based on the such war dog heroes as Stubby (McElderry Books, 2012) true-to-life adventures of a K-9 in World War I, and Andy in is a novel about Jet, a black hero. World War II. Labrador hero for young readers 6th grade and up. After Jet’s owner is jailed for poaching Leatherman donates more lights game, the dog is requisitioned Leatherman Tool Group has donated 50 more of its new LED by the British Armed Forces. Jet Lenser flashlights to Old Dawgs and Pups for distribution to dog is sent into World War II with teams overseas. This latest donation is valued at $3,000 and adds to her handler in France, where other Leatherman tools donated in the past. As of November, Old her duties include sniffing out Dawgs and Pups has purchased and shipped $22,171 in supplies the enemy and the wounded. Cracker: The Best Dog in from private donations and $80,300 in corporate donated supplies. SeptemberDecember 2012 dogmandogman PagePage 1010

Vietnam Dog Handler Assoc. NON-PROFIT Mail Call! c/o Randy Kimler ORG. 2044 Llano St. U.S. Postage Many newspapers and The law cited by the story PAID websites carried an Associated did not designate the sculpture Port Neches, TX 77651 Permit No. 79 Press story in November as a national monument. It only Victoria, TX announcing the completion of a authorized placing the sculpture Return Service Requested war dog monument sponsored on a military base. It states, by the John Burnam Monument “The United States government Foundation. shall not pay any expense for the Because the story falsely establishment or maintenance described the memorial as a of the monument.” “national monument,” and it The story’s sculpture was also inaccurately implied that commissioned and will be the new sculpture will be the first maintained at Lackland Air monument of national stature, Force Base in Texas by private the DogMan editor wrote the funds donated to John Burnam following clarification. Monument Foundation Inc. It was published in the Second, the sculpture will be “letters of the editor” section the third war dog monument of of the Albuquerque Journal on “national” as opposed to local Nov. 20. It is reprinted here stature by being placed on a for clarification for any VDHA military base. members who might have seen Similar sculptures, often VDHA merchandise Read your the original story. referred to as “national war dog for sale on website DogMan online, memorials,” were erected in The VDHA has a wide 2000 next to military museums assortment of merchandise for not on paper on March Air Reserve Base, sale on its website. @ The story on a new ....Continued from Page 2 California, and the Army base Dave Broeker, who is in war dogs sculpture is much We are attempting to at Fort Benning, Georgia. charge of VDHA merchandise, appreciated for the attention eliminate the waste of paper The AP’s errors are says he can usually send goods it focuses on the valuable role copies being mis-sent to misleading. out within a day or two. of Military Working Dogs in incorrect addresses that no However, as editor of New items are being added the U.S. armed forces. These longer exist, or paper copies the Vietnam Dog Handler frequently. canine “soldiers” have saved being mailed to members who Association’s national VDHA can now boast that it uncountable American lives in really don’t need them or don’t newsletter, DogMan, I welcome has a merchandise form that is World War II, Korea, Vietnam, know how to stop them from this latest sculpture as another now fillable online. Go to the Iraq, and Afghanistan. They being mailed. fitting tribute to our military’s merchandise page at vdha.us/ deserve the nation’s attention The VDHA feels this is canine partners. merchandise/ and test it out. and gratitude. a positive move in the right However, the Associated direction. As a direct result, we Press story inaccurately labeled will save money by lowering that sculpture as the “first the number of paper DogMan national monument to pay DOGMAN issues that need to be printed tribute to military dogs.” That’s and handled, and by reducing wrong on two counts. DOGMAN is published bimonthly by the Vietnam Dog the postage fees. First, a “national monument” Handler Association, Inc. Articles and photos from members At the same time it helps the is a physical site designated by are welcome and encouraged. It is preferred that letters, VDHA to become a little more presidential proclamation or articles and photos be sent by e-mail to dogmanvdha@ “greener” and we might even congressional action worthy gmail.com save a small tree or two while of maintenance at taxpayer we’re at it. expense. There are 104 in the Letters and stories are subject to editing. It’s preferred that Please help the VDHA to nation. photos be e-mailed as jpegs, but if mailing photos, send hold down rising postal costs The sculpture in the story original (include stamped, addressed envelope if you want by keeping your email address uses the word “national” in its them returned) to Dennis Herrick, 2392 Manzano Loop N.E., up to date. title, but its location will not be Rio Rancho, NM 87144. Donna K. Wells is assistant editor. Remember, Web issues of an official national monument VDHA is a nonprofit corporation exempt from federal DogMan are in color but print site as the story claims. (Neither income tax under section 501(c) 19(a). Contributions are issues are in black and white. is Yosemite National Park, tax deductible. IRS tax ID number #33-0690480 Thanks to everyone for your which the story cites.) cooperation.