Just some photos to share the emotion of the 4th of July with everyone. Two of the photos are from the War Dog Memorial Rededication at Ft. Benning, GA in 2007. It was a beautiful day wih the flags flying near the memorial. This is a special place for dog handlers where they can gather to remember their dogs, their buddies and their missions. Just a look back to celebrate the heritage and history of War Dogs.

And, a prayer sent to all of those currently in harm’s way that they know those of us back home truly support them, their dogs and their missions. “We are thinking of you guys always, but most especially today, on a day that celebrates the birth of our nation and the meaning of freedom. Stay safe, guys, we love you.”

Back in 2005, I had the opportunity to join veteran’s from the 62nd Combat Tracker Infantry Platoon members as they gathered together at ‘The Wall’ in Washington, D.C. Each of these men had served with someone whose name is on that wall. For these men who were so brave in the face of combat, spending time at the wall with their memories and the thoughts of their KIA friends’ names was difficult for many.

As we move towards Memorial Day this year, please keep in mind the reason behind this national holiday is to honor military men and women who died while in active service to this country. Spend some time on Memorial Day remembering thier sacrifices, honoring their memories and supporting their causes.

If some of you need a link to a nearby National Cemetery, please use this link below to find any cemeteries in your state/local area.

http://www.cem.va.gov/cems/listcem.asp

An open letter to my mom, Verna.

Dear Mom,
I just wanted to openly say I Love You and Happy Mother’s Day! Since you don’t have a computer, it may be while before this news reaches you, which is why I sent you a card the regular old fashioned snail mail way.

I wanted to introduce the world to you and to let everyone know that you deserve a lot of credit for much of what is happening with MWDTSA. Your generous heart and patriotic and caring spirit are always an inspiration to anyone who knows you. Many years ago, during the earlier years of WWII, you fledged into adulthood. We have a photo of your high school graduation picture superimposed on the “Rosie the Riveter” poster, because you always felt American pride and had a can do attitude. Shy and possibly unprepared for the world around you, you always did your utmost to help, nurture and simply send support without needing a lot of the limelight. That instinct in you has never died.

When I first started working with the Vietnam Veterans at some of the reunions, we decided to send some personal letters of thanks since so many of these brave men came back to a country that turned its back on them. You never did that, you’ve never turned your back on anyone. And, in fact, you wrote a hand written letter of thanks to each and every man that I included on the list of attendees. You probably wrote a couple of hundred letters over time that you were always happy to do, even though your arthritis might have been an issue…you never complained. You always wanting to show support and appreciation for the service men and women.

You reveled in the events at Fort Benning and elsewhere. Delighted in the company of the handlers and dogs, yet comfortable to be simply in a supporting and unrecognized role for the most part. While other people may have done less and sought attention, that was never your goal. You have a pure heart and again, simply wanted to do all that you could to help out, enjoy the company of the fine men and women and simply be a good “mom” to me. When we went to Fort Gordon, you wanted to go and made a boatload of potato salad to take for the luncheon that day. When we did the Combat Tracker reunion, while others socialized, you sat solidly at your table and completed your mission selling raffle tickets and other necessary tasks. When our dear friend’s dog, Rex, was recognized by the German Shepherd Dog Club of America as Hero Dog of the Year, you were excited at his handler’s success and wanted to go with me to St. Louis to the national, even though you really had no use for the show….you wanted to go to support Rex and Chris. Chris appreciated it, Mom. He now calls you Moms and always asks about you. As do so many of the friends I have made through my connection with Military Working Dogs.

Please be sure to look at the three photos, I selected Mom. You as Rosie, Ann, Ken and you as we presented a check to Ken many years ago for the Fort Benning memorial and a photo of Chris Calloway and Rex at the hotel in St. Louis with that big gift basket we all created filled with Chris and Rex goodies to enjoy the two days he was there. They are part of your story.

So I’m going to ask folks for a little self indulgence today as I honor my Mom, Verna. To all of you mother’s out there, Happy Mother’s Day, too.

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.

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.