Memorial Day 2023

On this Memorial Day Weekend 2023, the Military Working Dog Team Support Association is grateful to all U.S. military working dog handlers and K9s, past and present, who work tirelessly to protect our troops and our freedom. These teams often serve in front of the front lines, checking for hidden dangers such as improvised explosive devices and ambushes. They save lives.

The following military working dog handlers have died since September 11, 2001.

This list also includes some handlers from coalition forces. We thank you all for your service and sacrifice.

On Memorial Day 2023, please join us in reflecting on each name below:

Sgt Joshua Ashley, USMC, KIA 19 July 2012

MA2 Sean D. Ayoung, US Navy, died 21 Dec 2019

SGT Aaron J. Blasjo and MWD Hunter, US Army, KIA 29 May 2011

MA2 Sean Brazas, US Navy, KIA 30 May 2012

MA2 Michael Brodsky, US Navy, WIA/died 21 July 2012

Sgt Adam L. Cann, USMC, KIA 5 January 2006

SSgt Brian M. Carragher, US Air Force, killed 18 September 2010

LCpl Peter J. Clore, USMC, KIA 28 May 2011

Cpl Keaton G. Coffey, USMC, KIA 24 May 2012

SGT Zainah C. Creamer, US Army, KIA 12 January 2011

LCpl William H. Crouse IV and MWD Cane, USMC, KIA 21 December 2010

SSgt Christopher Diaz, USMC, KIA 28 September 2011

Cpl Max W. Donahue, USMC, KIA 6 August 2010

MA1 John Douangdara and MPC Bart, US Navy, KIA 6 August 2011

SSG Raphael A. Futrell, US Army, died 25 March 2009

SFC R. Aaron Grider, US Army SOC, KIA 18 Sept 2010

LTC Daniel E. Holland, DVM, US Army, KIA 18 May 2006

SSG James R. Ide V, US Army, KIA 29 August 2010

SrA Martin Kristiansen and MWD Loke, Royal Danish Air Force, KIA 13 June 2010

SPC Robert W. Jones, US Army, died 6 January 2018

SGT Dick A. Lee Jr. and MWD Fibi, US Army, KIA 26 April 2012

Cpl Dustin J. Lee, USMC, KIA 21 March 2007

SSG John Mariana, US Army, died 28 November 2012

Cpl Eric John Niss-De Jesus, USMC, died 5 June 2021

TSgt Jason L. Norton, US Air Force, KIA 22 January 2006

SFC Gregory A. Rodriguez, US Army, KIA 2 September 2008

LCpl Kenneth M. Rowe and MWD Sasha, Royal Army UK, KIA 24 July 2008

MA2 Christopher L. Roybal, US Navy, killed 1 October 2017

PFC Colton W. Rusk, USMC, KIA 6 December 2010

Sapper Darren Smith and MWD Herbie, Royal Australian Army, KIA 7 June 2010

Cpl David M. Sonka and MPC Flex, USMC, KIA 4 May 2013

Cpl Jeffrey R. Standfest, USMC, KIA 16 June 2010

SPC Brandon K. Steffy and MWD Maci, US Army, KIA 25 October 2009

SSG Donald T. Tabb, US Army, KIA 5 February 2008

LCpl Abraham Tarwoe, USMC, KIA 12 April 2012

LCpl Liam R. Tasker, Royal Army UK, KIA 1 March 2011

CPL Kory D. Wiens and MWD Cooper, US Army, KIA 6 July 2007

SGT Jorden Williams, US Army, died 02 January 2019

Sgt Christopher M. Wrinkle and MWD Tosca, USMC, died 31 July 2011

Photo credit: Heidi C. Rose-Fiscus