On a cool, clear day at Washington D.C.’s Navy Memorial Plaza, veterans, advocates, and military working dog handlers from all branches of service collected to commemorate a few of America’s most unrecognized heroes. Dogs have actually been essential military service members given that World War II however hardly ever get the acknowledgment they should have.
The United States War Dog Association (USWDA) is dedicated to altering that. This year, they held the first-ever K9 Veterans Day event to honor the abilities, service, and sacrifice of military K-9s along with their handlers, fitness instructors, support staff, and households.
K9 Veterans Day
After a gorgeous performance of The National Anthem by United States Secret Service K-9 Handler Beth Hartman and a wholehearted true blessing from retired Sergeant Al Brenner of the United States Marine Corps, USWDA president Chris Willingham took the podium. Willingham is a retired Marine Corps Master Sergeant who devoted most of his 20-year profession to the Military Working Dog (MWD) Program.
“K9 Veterans Day is here to celebrate the beginning of the K9 Corps, which was March 13, 1942,” Willingham began. “It started with ‘Dogs for Defense,’ who would train and procure the dogs for military service. From that point on, they (military K9s) have proven to be a force multiplier in every climb and place. Whether it’s the island-hopping campaigns of World War II, the frozen tundras of Korea, the jungles of Vietnam, or the deserts of Iraq and Afghanistan, if there are troops on the ground, the K9 has a mission.”
During his speech, Willingham applauded the unbelievable flexibility of military working dogs. The 5 dog handlers who developed USWDA served in Vietnam. During that dispute, K9s were primarily utilized for searching objectives, sentry task, mine and tunnel detection, and water patrols. While Willingham served in the Middle East, dogs of war ended up being vital for seeking improvised explosive gadgets (IEDs) that may otherwise secure whole teams.
The United States military established a task force called the Joint IED Defeat Organization to tackle this hazard. Still, as Willingham happily mentioned, in spite of “six years and $19 billion, they could not beat the capabilities of a well-trained dog team.”
Equally important to the life-saving services they supply, K9s provide genuine love and commitment. The bond formed from one end of the leash to the other lasts well beyond the days of war.
MWDs Are Much More Than Just “Equipment”
Military working dogs are service members and get a rank similar to their handlers, however they are not acknowledged as soldiers by the Defense Department. Instead, they are thought about equipment, similar to weapons or tanks. Before the passage of Robby’s Law in 2000, MWDs were frequently euthanized or left on the battleground.
Now, dogs “suitable for adoption” should be offered for positioning after their service. While 90% of retired MWDs discover permanently houses with their handlers, obstacles still emerge. It can be challenging and pricey to transportation dogs home from overseas, and canine veterans deal with a lot of the exact same physical and psychological casualties of war, consisting of arthritis and PTSD.
Without a pension or medical insurance coverage, these expenses are up to the handler or adopter. This is why USWDA’s objective is so crucial.
The United States War Dogs Association Supports Military Working Dogs & Their Handlers
USWDA works to make sure that no dog is left. Whether offering vital equipment and care plans to dog groups overseas or carrying experienced war dogs back to the U.S. after their service, they see that military K9s get the treatment, regard, and acknowledgment they have actually so valiantly made.
Help USWDA Make a Difference in the Lives of Retired MWDs
Retired working dogs struggling with health problems and the impacts of previous injuries are qualified for a totally free prescription drug program and get aid with their veterinary expenses. They are honored for their service with awards, such as the PDSA Dickin Medal, which existed to United States Marine Corps Special Operations Command Canine Bass at the D.C. event. And they are offered one last salute thanks to USWDA’s Rainbow Bridge Assistance Program.
USWDA likewise guarantees that retired working dogs discover caring houses in which to spend their retirement, whether it’s with their military handlers or brand-new adoptive households.
“America’s military working dogs give their best years to ensure our freedom, US War Dogs is here to give these heroic K-9s the freedom to enjoy their well-deserved retirement.” – United StatesWarDogs.com
How We Can Help
Thanks to purchases made by iHeartDogs and Hero Company consumers, we had the ability to make a $2,500 contribution to the United States War Dogs Association to help them continue their objective. Like the Hero Company, USWDA likewise assists fund service dogs for Veterans with disabling medical conditions.
You, too, can support USWDA as they continue to assist military working dogs throughout their life time and throughout their well-earned retirement.
