About

MWDTSA supports military K9s and their handlers in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard.

We…

Send quarterly care packages to MWD teams deployed in global combat zones.
Boost morale with stateside military kennel visits.
Promote veteran causes and memorials, including recognition of retired military K9s.
Host events to educate the public about the importance of MWD teams.

Co-founded in 2006 by a Vietnam veteran dog handler and a German Shepherd Dog enthusiast, Military Working Dog Team Support Association has shipped over $1 million in care packages.
HERE’S HOW IT ALL STARTED…

Photo: Care packages include toys, treats, and grooming items for military K9s, as well as snacks, coffee, and other items for handlers.

Military working dog wearing Rex Specs sits beside Q1-2019 care package contents.

READ OUR ANNUAL REPORT

MEET OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Nikki Rohrig, President

West Virginia

After seeing a RMWD on TV in 2013, Rohrig was hooked. She brought her business background and nonprofit experience to MWDTSA and in 2015 was tapped to lead the organization. Juggling kids, a husband, a Vizsla and a French Bulldog keep Nikki on her toes daily.

COL Dick Baumer, USA (Ret.), 1st Vice President

Florida

Baumer retired from the military after 10 years of active duty and 22 years of Army Reserve service. He was CO and Training Officer for the 26th Scout Dog platoon at Ft. Benning. Subsequently, he commanded the 1st Cav’s 62nd Combat Tracker platoon in Vietnam (MWDTSA’s co-founder Ken Besecker succeeded Baumer in this role). His Labrador, Gator, helps him with MWDTSA’s annual reports, tax returns and website analytics.

Brittany Ursini, 2nd Vice President

Connecticut

Ursini is an attorney turned real estate agent, boy mom and German Shepherd lover. She’s always had an appreciation for the military, as both of her grandfathers served. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, spending time outdoors and anything that involves food.

Jan Slotar, Secretary

California

Three documentaries sparked Slotar’s interest in MWDs: War Dogs-America’s Forgotten Heroes; War Dogs of the Pacific; and Glory Hounds. After seeing the “Canines with Courage” float in the 2013 Rose Parade, she researched MWD nonprofits and found MWDTSA. With a background in purchasing and 10 years as a 4-H leader, she solicits donations for MWDTSA’s quarterly care packages and much more. Her Spanish Water Dog will not go near any water but oversees eight chickens (tiny dinosaurs).

Brad Cohick, Treasurer

Virginia

Cohick is a recovering National Security professional with experience in the public and private sectors. He’s had a passionate interest in military K9s since the fourth grade when he read a book about them. He owns a German Shepherd Dog, but not one of the working variety.

Allison Merrill, Fundraising Coordinator

Michigan

Merrill owns a boarding kennel, where she met Retired MWD Remmy, who saved countless lives in Afghanistan and Iraq. As Merrill learned more about MWDs, she looked for additional ways to support them and their handlers. She coordinates MWDTSA’s Honor Boxes and fundraising efforts. Once, she drove over 3,000 miles to pick up a handler’s personal pet! Three days before an overseas deployment, the handler’s boarding arrangements had fallen through, so Merrill volunteered to help.

Bill Cummings, Member at Large

Arizona

Cummings served as a USAF Sentry Dog Handler, stateside and in Southeast Asia, from 1967-1971. He has been, and is currently active in, numerous National K-9 and Veteran organizations. His involvement in MWDTSA first started in 2005.