It is often said that a picture is worth a thousand words. For me, sometimes it’s even more than that.
Years ago, even before 9-11, as I started to learn about the role of Military Working Dogs in Vietnam, I ran into a couple of photos posted on a website that were just so compelling to me that I felt that I had to get involved. Both photos were of dogs and handlers from the 47th Infantry Platoon Scout Dog in Vietnam. The one that I have permission to use is attached. If you look at the photo, the face of the young man and the dog reveal tomes about being in a war.
I have been honored to have an opportunity to meet this young man, who is now many years older, at a reunion at Fort Benning back in 2002. And, although I told him then that a great deal of my passion for this work started with the connection I felt to that photo, I’m not sure he really fully understood. It haunted me.
Olivia, a military working dog, sleeps next to her trainer inside a U.S. Army Stryker after a morning of conducting vehicle searches in Mosul, Iraq, Oct. 19, 2006, in support of a joint U.S.- Iraqi army mission. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Michele A. Desrochers) (Released)
Equally compelling is the photo of a dog handler following the lead of a labrador retriever through the dangerous waters of Vietnam. Following this dog team are the remaining members of a Combat Tracker Team.
If we fast forward to our current missions and operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, I’ve been lucky to have received and uncovered many wonderful photos over the years. But again, but a few really stand out to me as photos that tell a full and valuable story about how two friends, one human and one canine, can combine into a force mulitiplier and make the world safer for all of us. Yes we do owe them all a debt of gratitude, but I think in these simple and straightforward photos you will clearly see the love that runs up and down that leash, the commitment to the mission and the unique work and nature of a military working dog and his handler. I think you’ll see it if you look with your heart. As one of my all time favorite books Le Petit Prince is quoted, “On ne voit bien, qu’avec le coeur.” One only truly sees with the heart. If you open your heart, it’s all so hard to miss.
A U.S. Marine and military working dog Marty take a break as they conduct training for the Lioness Program at Camp Korean Village, Iraq, Nov. 30, 2006. The program uses female Marines to conduct security searches of women who may not be comfortable having amale search them. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Jennifer L. Jones) (Released)
Dog handlers, past and present we salute you all! Stay safe.
Dixie
Photo credits:
Olivia, a military working dog, sleeps next to her trainer inside a U.S. Army Stryker after a morning of conducting vehicle searches in Mosul,. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Michele A. Desrochers) (Released)
A U.S. Marine and military working dog, Marty. take a break as they conduct training. f. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Jennifer L. Jones) (Released)
U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Russell McLaughlin, takes a moment to scratch the back of his military working dog after the completion of a raid in the village of Tall Qabb village, Kirkuk province, Iraq.. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Samuel
U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Maurice Hoffman, a K-9 military working dog handler attached to the 10th Mountain Division, rests with his working dog after a cordon and search in the village of Al Kahn in Kirkuk, Iraq,. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Samuel Bendet) (Released)
U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Russell McLaughlin, a K-9 dog handler attached to the U.S. Army’s 25th Infantry Division, takes a moment to scratch the back of his military working dog after the completion of a raid in the village of Tall Qabb village, Kirkuk province, Iraq, Dec. 8, 2006. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Samuel Bendet) (Released)
https://www.mwdtsa.org/wp-content/uploads/Maurice-Hoffman-and-dog.jpg340512MWDTSAhttps://www.mwdtsa.org/wp-content/uploads/mwdtsa-website_headerlogo-01-2020-300x138.pngMWDTSA2009-05-08 00:00:002020-04-04 16:04:13We owe a debt of gratitude.
Enjoy a few photos sent by Marine and Navy handlers deployed in Iraq: photos of mission ready dog and handler, training and just chillin’.
I was reminded recently that your family is limited and you get what you get. You pick one spouse. But your friends can be as infinite and diverse as you choose. Best friend, new friend, old friend, trusted friend, true blue friend. There are not enough special words to adequately describe friendship, especially friends as special as these young military men and women. They are a pretty unique and amazing group. Sebastian, we send our prayers that you, your buddies and your dogs –stay stafe. Semper fi.
https://www.mwdtsa.org/wp-content/uploads/SebastiananddoginIraqcopmpressed.jpg448299MWDTSAhttps://www.mwdtsa.org/wp-content/uploads/mwdtsa-website_headerlogo-01-2020-300x138.pngMWDTSA2009-04-08 20:36:002020-04-04 16:04:05Marine and Navy Handlers
Al Dodds is back along with hero dog, Tess. Al is a veteran Navy dog handler from the Vietnam era. He signed up with a contractor to take his Human Remains Detection (HRD) dog , Tess, over to assist in special searches for missing Americans. We first met at a reunion event at Fort Benning back in 2002 or 2003 and later he joined us for a special event with the wonderful Navy handlers down at King’s Bay Kennels, just north of Jacksonville, Florida.
Later, as the US went to Iraq and Afghanistan, we had service members who went missing and the need for HRD dogs became obvious. Several missing members have been found and their remains returned to their families in the US.
Over the months that he and Tess have been working in Iraq, he’s been sending many photos. Take this opportunity to check out the photos, take a look at the story behind Tess’ hero dog status on the “Heroes” link on the front page of the website. She’s quite a girl.
https://www.mwdtsa.org/wp-content/uploads/scan00011inVietnam.jpg991689MWDTSAhttps://www.mwdtsa.org/wp-content/uploads/mwdtsa-website_headerlogo-01-2020-300x138.pngMWDTSA2009-03-29 23:16:002020-04-04 16:03:41He’s home! A salute to Al and Tess.
The official photo with Governor Perdue and all of the handlers at the Capitol on March 25, 2009. Additional candid photos outside with some of Army handlers from Ft. Benning and a dog, Cider, and handler from Ft. Stewart. We were delighted to welcome handlers from Ft. Stewart for the very first time.
The official proclamation will be professionally framed and presented to the kennels at Robins AFB later this spring. Can’t wait to get to visit the base and see their dogs work.
https://www.mwdtsa.org/wp-content/uploads/2009-Governor-Proclamation-photo.jpg10671600MWDTSAhttps://www.mwdtsa.org/wp-content/uploads/mwdtsa-website_headerlogo-01-2020-300x138.pngMWDTSA2009-03-25 18:59:002020-04-04 16:03:26Photos taken prior to the signing ceremony
Lots of photos have made it to these blog pages showing the currently deployed handlers, but thought you all might enjoy seeing some of the photos from the Vietnam Era. With a nod to the combat tracker website, I’m going to generously steal what they have to say. 1. Because it’s correct and 2. because I’m too tired to paraphrase.
In Vietnam, there were “small groups were small, highly-trained units usually consisting of five men and a Labrador Retriever. This group was called a “Combat Tracker Team” (CTT). They were a composite group and cross-trained, enabling all members to complete the mission. The purpose of CTT was to: reestablish contact with the “elusive enemy”, reconnaissance of an area for possible enemy activities, and locate lost or missing friendly personnel. The methods used in completing the missions were Visual and Canine Tactical Tracking. The unit was usually supported by a platoon or larger force and worked well ahead of them to maintain noise discipline and the element of surprise.”
Enjoy some of these photos and check out the Combat Tracker Website at www.combattrackerteam.org for many more photos and much more in depth information.
https://www.mwdtsa.org/wp-content/uploads/Combat-Tracker-Lab.jpg562446MWDTSAhttps://www.mwdtsa.org/wp-content/uploads/mwdtsa-website_headerlogo-01-2020-300x138.pngMWDTSA2009-03-16 23:54:002020-04-04 16:03:14The History Channel
With my new job, hours are taking me later into the evening, which is a totally new experience for me. I’m not fond of the hours, but you do what you’ve got to do. Without getting too sappy or dramatic, I do think about our deployed dog handlers, as well as all of the other men and women working in harm’s way many times throughout the day. When I saw these photos of the handlers working at all hours of day and night, and knowing how exhausted I am from just a little tweak in my schedule, it makes me respect what they do even more.
Here are a couple of photos of Marine buddy Chris and his MWD Lucca working in Al Qadasiyah and Diwaniyah, Iraq (both photos taken by Sr.A Eric Harris).
U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Chris Willingham, attached to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Special Troops Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, directs his dog Lucca, a military working dog, to search a car parked near an Iraqi election site for explosives in Diwaniyah, Iraq, Jan. 30, 2009. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Eric Harris/Released)
U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Francis from Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., and his military working dog, Z, search abandoned lots in Bacharia, Iraq, Dec. 17, 2008, as part of a joint search of the community conducted by 4th Squadron, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade, 1st Infantry Division. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Daniel Owen/Released)
U.S. Soldiers and a military working dog provide command control during a security halt while conducting operations in the Multi-National Division (South-East) area of responsibility in Basra, Iraq, July 31, 2008. DoD photo by Pfc. Rhonda Roth-Cameron, U.S. Army. (Released)
Timmy and Chay, military working dogs, strike as a team to take down U.S. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Sergio Sandoval, during nighttime double dog aggression training June 18, 2008, Joint Base Balad, Iraq. Sandoval is assigned as a dog handler to the 332nd Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, Detachment 1. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Julianne Showalter/Released)
Checking empty lots in Iraq are USAF handler SSgt. Francies from Offett AFB with a photo taken by SrA Daniel Owen.
Also, working late are dog teams photographed by Pfc. Rhona Roth-Cameron in Basra. (No name was included for the dog or handler.)
In the last photo MWDs Timmy and Chay take a bite out of Navy handler, USNavy Petty Officer 1st Class Sergio Sandoval in a training exercise.(Photo by Sr.A Julianne Showalter.)
Our thoughts and prayers go out to these handlers and their dogs as they face down the demons of the night for all of us.
We owe a debt of gratitude.
Years ago, even before 9-11, as I started to learn about the role of Military Working Dogs in Vietnam, I ran into a couple of photos posted on a website that were just so compelling to me that I felt that I had to get involved. Both photos were of dogs and handlers from the 47th Infantry Platoon Scout Dog in Vietnam. The one that I have permission to use is attached. If you look at the photo, the face of the young man and the dog reveal tomes about being in a war.
I have been honored to have an opportunity to meet this young man, who is now many years older, at a reunion at Fort Benning back in 2002. And, although I told him then that a great deal of my passion for this work started with the connection I felt to that photo, I’m not sure he really fully understood. It haunted me.
Olivia, a military working dog, sleeps next to her trainer inside a U.S. Army Stryker after a morning of conducting vehicle searches in Mosul, Iraq, Oct. 19, 2006, in support of a joint U.S.- Iraqi army mission. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Michele A. Desrochers) (Released)
Equally compelling is the photo of a dog handler following the lead of a labrador retriever through the dangerous waters of Vietnam. Following this dog team are the remaining members of a Combat Tracker Team.
If we fast forward to our current missions and operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, I’ve been lucky to have received and uncovered many wonderful photos over the years. But again, but a few really stand out to me as photos that tell a full and valuable story about how two friends, one human and one canine, can combine into a force mulitiplier and make the world safer for all of us. Yes we do owe them all a debt of gratitude, but I think in these simple and straightforward photos you will clearly see the love that runs up and down that leash, the commitment to the mission and the unique work and nature of a military working dog and his handler. I think you’ll see it if you look with your heart. As one of my all time favorite books Le Petit Prince is quoted, “On ne voit bien, qu’avec le coeur.” One only truly sees with the heart. If you open your heart, it’s all so hard to miss.
A U.S. Marine and military working dog Marty take a break as they conduct training for the Lioness Program at Camp Korean Village, Iraq, Nov. 30, 2006. The program uses female Marines to conduct security searches of women who may not be comfortable having amale search them. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Jennifer L. Jones) (Released)
Dog handlers, past and present we salute you all! Stay safe.
Dixie
Photo credits:
Olivia, a military working dog, sleeps next to her trainer inside a U.S. Army Stryker after a morning of conducting vehicle searches in Mosul,. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Michele A. Desrochers) (Released)
A U.S. Marine and military working dog, Marty. take a break as they conduct training. f. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Jennifer L. Jones) (Released)
U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Russell McLaughlin, takes a moment to scratch the back of his military working dog after the completion of a raid in the village of Tall Qabb village, Kirkuk province, Iraq.. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Samuel
U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Maurice Hoffman, a K-9 military working dog handler attached to the 10th Mountain Division, rests with his working dog after a cordon and search in the village of Al Kahn in Kirkuk, Iraq,. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Samuel Bendet) (Released)
U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Russell McLaughlin, a K-9 dog handler attached to the U.S. Army’s 25th Infantry Division, takes a moment to scratch the back of his military working dog after the completion of a raid in the village of Tall Qabb village, Kirkuk province, Iraq, Dec. 8, 2006. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Samuel Bendet) (Released)
Marine and Navy Handlers
I was reminded recently that your family is limited and you get what you get. You pick one spouse. But your friends can be as infinite and diverse as you choose. Best friend, new friend, old friend, trusted friend, true blue friend. There are not enough special words to adequately describe friendship, especially friends as special as these young military men and women. They are a pretty unique and amazing group. Sebastian, we send our prayers that you, your buddies and your dogs –stay stafe. Semper fi.
He’s home! A salute to Al and Tess.
Later, as the US went to Iraq and Afghanistan, we had service members who went missing and the need for HRD dogs became obvious. Several missing members have been found and their remains returned to their families in the US.
Over the months that he and Tess have been working in Iraq, he’s been sending many photos. Take this opportunity to check out the photos, take a look at the story behind Tess’ hero dog status on the “Heroes” link on the front page of the website. She’s quite a girl.
Photos taken prior to the signing ceremony
The official photo with Governor Perdue and all of the handlers at the Capitol on March 25, 2009. Additional candid photos outside with some of Army handlers from Ft. Benning and a dog, Cider, and handler from Ft. Stewart. We were delighted to welcome handlers from Ft. Stewart for the very first time.
The official proclamation will be professionally framed and presented to the kennels at Robins AFB later this spring. Can’t wait to get to visit the base and see their dogs work.
The History Channel
Lots of photos have made it to these blog pages showing the currently deployed handlers, but thought you all might enjoy seeing some of the photos from the Vietnam Era. With a nod to the combat tracker website, I’m going to generously steal what they have to say. 1. Because it’s correct and 2. because I’m too tired to paraphrase.
In Vietnam, there were “small groups were small, highly-trained units usually consisting of five men and a Labrador Retriever. This group was called a “Combat Tracker Team” (CTT). They were a composite group and cross-trained, enabling all members to complete the mission. The purpose of CTT was to: reestablish contact with the “elusive enemy”, reconnaissance of an area for possible enemy activities, and locate lost or missing friendly personnel. The methods used in completing the missions were Visual and Canine Tactical Tracking. The unit was usually supported by a platoon or larger force and worked well ahead of them to maintain noise discipline and the element of surprise.”
Enjoy some of these photos and check out the Combat Tracker Website at www.combattrackerteam.org for many more photos and much more in depth information.
Night Shift
With my new job, hours are taking me later into the evening, which is a totally new experience for me. I’m not fond of the hours, but you do what you’ve got to do. Without getting too sappy or dramatic, I do think about our deployed dog handlers, as well as all of the other men and women working in harm’s way many times throughout the day. When I saw these photos of the handlers working at all hours of day and night, and knowing how exhausted I am from just a little tweak in my schedule, it makes me respect what they do even more.
Here are a couple of photos of Marine buddy Chris and his MWD Lucca working in Al Qadasiyah and Diwaniyah, Iraq (both photos taken by Sr.A Eric Harris).
U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Chris Willingham, attached to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Special Troops Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, directs his dog Lucca, a military working dog, to search a car parked near an Iraqi election site for explosives in Diwaniyah, Iraq, Jan. 30, 2009. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Eric Harris/Released)
U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Francis from Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., and his military working dog, Z, search abandoned lots in Bacharia, Iraq, Dec. 17, 2008, as part of a joint search of the community conducted by 4th Squadron, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade, 1st Infantry Division. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Daniel Owen/Released)
U.S. Soldiers and a military working dog provide command control during a security halt while conducting operations in the Multi-National Division (South-East) area of responsibility in Basra, Iraq, July 31, 2008. DoD photo by Pfc. Rhonda Roth-Cameron, U.S. Army. (Released)
Timmy and Chay, military working dogs, strike as a team to take down U.S. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Sergio Sandoval, during nighttime double dog aggression training June 18, 2008, Joint Base Balad, Iraq. Sandoval is assigned as a dog handler to the 332nd Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, Detachment 1. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Julianne Showalter/Released)
Checking empty lots in Iraq are USAF handler SSgt. Francies from Offett AFB with a photo taken by SrA Daniel Owen.
Also, working late are dog teams photographed by Pfc. Rhona Roth-Cameron in Basra. (No name was included for the dog or handler.)
In the last photo MWDs Timmy and Chay take a bite out of Navy handler, USNavy Petty Officer 1st Class Sergio Sandoval in a training exercise.(Photo by Sr.A Julianne Showalter.)
Our thoughts and prayers go out to these handlers and their dogs as they face down the demons of the night for all of us.