VIETNAM DOG HANDLER ASSOCIATION

A Brotherhood of All Combat Veteran Dog Handlers

DOGMANVOLUME 19 & NUMBER 4 & December 2012

War Dog Books Special issue on reading optionsfor yourself or gifts for others

New war dog monument will be placed at Lackland

Two months ago, when we started the Vietnam Dog Handler Association, we had a membership of around 150 Vietnam dog handlers.

As of this writing, we have nearly 550, thanks to all of those who provided us with the handlers’ names and addresses.

FrOM the Archives(Published in the second DogMan issue, May 1994

The John Burnam Monument Foundation has announced completion of the latest war dog monument

John Langley in Vietnam

John Langley to take over as president

John Langley, who is a founder of Vietnam Dog Handler Association and served as its first president in 1994-96, will return as president Jan. 1.

Langley was elected by electronic and paper ballots after cancellation of the 2012 Reunion because of storm damage in New Orleans.

The photograph below reveals where the inspiration came from for VDHA’s long-time logo in the top left corner of each issue of DogMan.

The electronic September issue was correct, but the print issue wrongly stated Langley was VDHA’s second president.

A new monument honoring America’s Military Working Dogs and their handlers will be featured with a floral replica in the Tournament of Roses parade in Pasadena, Calif., on Jan. 1.

The float and the real monument then will be displayed at Victory Park before going on a tour on its way to its placement at Lackland Air

Force Base at San Antonio, Texas.

John Burnam, a former VDHA president, started the John Burnam Monument Foundation in 2004 to build the monument, which features a Doberman, a German shepherd, a Belgian Malinois, and a Laborador retriever.

See the related “Mail Call” article on Page 10.

DOGMANDecember 2012 Page 2

FrOM the presiDeNtby FRED DORRVDHA President

2012 vDhA OFFicersPresident: Fred Dorr 82 Salem Rd., Yoakum, TX 77995 361-484-0823

Vice President: Perry C. Money Hamptonville, North Carolina 336-468-4456

Vice President: John Dupla 904 Chetwood Dr., League City, TX 77573 281-332-2163

Vice President: Ernest Childers 1620 Westridge, Hurst, TX 76054-3766 817-282-3203

Vice President: Vaughn Hull 2034 Dryden Ct., Westland, MI 48186 734-331-2612

Secretary: Vern Anderson 2101 30th St., Galveston, TX 77550 409-974-4785

Treasurer: Bob Palochik 8203 W. Parting Clouds, Las Vegas, NV 89117 702-255-6265

Sgt. at Arms: Ernie Ayala 16824 Brookport St., Covina, CA 91722 626-339-6005

Chaplain: Steve Janke 739 Hill St., Carlstadt, NJ 07072 201-507-9038

President Emeritus: John Langley 364 Center Rd., Venice, FL 34285 941-716-3803

Membership: Randy Kimler 2044 Llano St., Port Neches, TX 77651 409-722-0889

Web Master: Dave Broeker 1712 Crescent Dr., Pekin, IL 61554-1637 309-202-5542

Historian: Ron Werneth 4913 N. Newland Ave., Chicago, IL 60656

by DAVE BROEKERVDHA Webmaster

Have you wondered why you no longer receive paper copies of the DogMan? Mailing costs are soaring through the roof, and the officers of the VDHA agreed that we needed to get better control of DogMan publication and circulation costs.

Starting with the August 2008 issue, members were notified via the DogMan and the VDHA website that the mailing of paper copies of the DogMan was going to be extremely limited.

That is why all DogMan issues have been posted on our website so they can be easily viewed in full color. Most “active” members no longer have the need to receive a paper copy of the DogMan — unless they do not have access to a computer, or special circumstances prevail.

Several follow-up reminder notices were posted on the home page of the VDHA website, and related articles were also published in the DogMan.

If you know of any “active” member who does not have a computer or has extenuating circumstances, possibly medical, please contact Dave Broeker or Bob Palochik to advise. We want to make sure they continue to be informed and that they receive DogMan paper copies.

Reminder to get yourDogMan online, not on paper

Continued on Page 10....

This will be my last column as president of the VDHA. I have enjoyed my time and have learned a lot from all of you. I appreciate all the e-mail and comment (both good and bad).

The officers have been the backbone of the VDHA. And without them I could not have done my job.

They have guided me, taught me, and most of became my friend one and all.

Since becoming president, the VDHA has changed the way the DogMan is published and distributed. This saves money for the VDHA.

We have changed our membership card to a long-life plastic one that does not need to be reissued each year, saving time and money.

A BX was created and stocked with merchandise that you have asked for and now support. This gives us pride in our organization.

A new website was created to serve the membership. This is a safe and secure site that we can use to buy from BX and to visit one another. It has also been a way for us to let you know of current handlers that have been taken from us in harm’s way. It has also allowed us to contact some of you to attend the funerals as VDHA representatives and to have some closure by attending fallen handlers’ funerals

when we could not be there for our own during Vietnam.

We are starting to see some of our old friends come back into the fold and get with their friends again.

Again I want to thank all the officers I have worked with for keeping me in line, and for helping to make the VDHA the oldest and largest K-9 veterans group in the U.S. I also want to thank members for all that work behind the scenes to help one another and support the current troops, without even wanting to be recognized or taking credit.

I trust that John Langley will have the vision to lead us into a better tomorrow and help the VDHA to grow. He takes office as VDHA’s president for the second time on Jan. 1.

I will still be here if anyone needs to ask me a question or needs my help. I will be in Las Vegas in 2013 and Nashville in 2015. This time I will be able to sit down and visit a spell without having to jump up and take care of business.

Thanks to all of you for allowing me to serve. I hope I have left the VDHA in a better place.

Bluma and I will now take leave and enjoy the sunset.

Fred and Bluma

See us on the Web at vdha.us

DOGMANDecember 2012 Page 3

Looking for a distinctive holiday gift for someone special — or even for yourself?

These books about handlers and their Military Working Dogs are listed by year. Earlier issues of DogMan have reported on some of these books, but others are mentioned here for the first time. Many are available in electronic as well as print format. Older books might be available only online.

Hero Dogs: Secret Missions and Selfless Service by Lance M. Bacon (White Star Publishers, 2012) tells how trained war dogs — like the canine hero that took part in the top-secret mission against Osama bin Laden — are a breed apart, assisting their human friends in locating improvised explosive devices, conducting clandestine missions, and more. Filled with hundreds of photos, this book features tales of war dogs’ handlers and fellow soldiers.

Canine Commandos by Nigel Cawthorne (Ulysses Press, 2012) compiles a collection of history’s most famous war dog stories. Included are: Cairo, the Belgian malinois who choppered in with SEAL Team Six on the mission to take out Osama bin Laden; Gander, the Canadian Royal Rifles’ Newfoundland, who scooped up a grenade and carried it in his mouth away from his unit; and Ebony, the German shepherd dog who alerted soldiers to an ambush, saving 25 men in Vietnam.

U.S. Military War Dogs in World War II by Robert Rosenkrans (Schiffer Publishing, Ltd., 2012). This coffee table book is illustrated with black and white and

color photography printed on high quality paper. Most of the equipment shown is now quite scarce and is pictured in full view. The book will aid both collectors and historians, delivering valuable information on how the equipment was used.

Trinity: Military War Dog by Ronie Kendig (Barbour Books, 2012). In this Christian novel, Green Beret Heath Daniel’s career and faith were destroyed in Afghanistan in 2011. Now he and his military war dog, Trinity, train other dogs and their handlers. Though his passion is to be back in action, the medical discharge has forced him and Trinity to the sidelines. But in a twist of fate, military intelligence officer Darci Kintz is captured while tracking the Taliban. Only one dog can handle the extreme conditions to save her — Trinity. And only one man can handle Trinity. Time is running out as Daniel and Trinity face the greatest and most dangerous mission of their lives.

Soldier Dogs by Maria Goodavage (Dutton Adult, 2012) tells stories of modern military dogs and the bonds that develop between them and their handlers. Beyond tales of training, operations, retirement, and adoption into the families of fallen soldiers, Goodavage talks to leading dog-cognition experts about why dogs like nothing more than to be on a mission with a handler they trust, no matter how deadly the IEDs they are sniffing.

Cry Havoc: The History of War Dogs by Nigel Allsopp (New Holland Australia, 2012) offers insight into the history of dogs in the military, as well as their current employment.

Continued on Page 5....

War Dog Books Special issue on reading optionsfor yourself or gifts for others

CorrectionThe September issue of

DogMan misspelled An Khe as a location where William “Dave” Davis of the 25th IPSD had served as a scout dog handler. This is especially embarrassing for the editor because he also served in the 25th IPSD.

See us on the Web at

vdha.us

December 2012 Page 4DOGMAN

repOrts FrOMuNit DirectOrs

From Babylonian mastiff-type war dogs with spiked collars to today’s military dogs trained to detect explosives, the war dog has long been a soldier’s best friend. Allsopp’s book includes material from nearly 50 nations. Allsopp galvanizes the notion that, despite technological advances in warfare, dogs continue to be one of the most useful tools supporting every nation’s security interests.

Sergeant Rex by Mike Dowling and Damien Lewis (Atria Books, 2012). Deployed to Iraq in 2004, Sergeant Mike Dowling and his military working dog Rex were part of the first Marine Corps military K-9 teams sent to the front lines of combat since Vietnam. Filled with tales of bomb-detection work, including an extraordinary baptism by fire, Sergeant Rex is an account of how an unbreakable human-canine bond helped Mike and Rex stay focused on their mission and save countless lives.

Seek On! by Susan Merritt (Strategic Book Publishing, 2011). The NVA regular troops or VC were in shock when the “Ghost Teams and Devil Dogs” blew through their midst. These men were the U.S. Army Combat Tracker Teams of the Vietnam War, and few believed they even existed. For more than 30 years, these men, who had been closer than brothers, were separated by the secrecy of international politics. Then a small group started an effort to find the veteran trackers, their instructors, and their history, and to reunite everyone.

Military Working Dogs (U.S. Army, 2012). Military working

dog (MWD) doctrine developed during the Vietnam War. Although useful at that time, much of the information has since become obsolete. Today’s MWD program employs trained and motivated handlers coupled with intelligent breeds of dogs. These teams are rotating between their assigned duties and deployments worldwide to perform joint operations, multi-echelon tasks, and interagency missions. Numerous topics are covered in detail in this up-to-date manual, including MWD characteristics, training, and support.

Dogs at War: Canine Heroes of Outstanding Courage and Bravery by Madeline Swan (Max, 2011). From World War I to the present, animals have played an essential role in warfare — and many have suffered and died as a result. Dogs at War is a tribute to their efforts and sacrifice, illustrated with photographs and paintings. Many different dogs are highlighted — such as Buster in Iraq, seeking out ammo dumps; Bamse, a St. Bernard who became the global mascot for the Norwegian military during World War II and saved the lives of two sailors aboard Norwegian ship; and Treo, a bomb-sniffing black Labrador, who earned the Dickin medal for saving lives in Afghanistan.

Cold Noses, Brave Hearts: The Dogs and Men of the 26th Infantry Scout Dog Platoon by Robert Fickbohm and Sandra Fickbohm Granger (Xlibris, 2011). Fickbohm, a Korean War dog handler, wrote this book with his daughter to honor the men and dogs who served with the 26th Infantry Scout Dog Platoon during World War II and Korea. Only about 180 men and 90 dogs served in this unit. These men and dogs were credited with saving numerous lives during their tours of duty.

The Dogs of War by Lisa Rogak (St. Martin’s Griffin, 2011). Written for readers of all ages, this book reveals the range of jobs that our four-legged soldiers now perform. Rogak explores the dogs’ training and equipment. She includes stories

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War Dog Books

Has your membership expired?Check at vdha.us

December 2012 Page 5DOGMAN

See us on the Web atvdha.us

of the deep bond that dogs and their handlers share with each other, and explains how soldiers and civilians can help the cause by fostering puppies or adopting retirees.

Military Tracking by the U.S. Army Special Forces and Australian Air Training Corps (Paladin Press, 2011). Tracking a human being by the signs he leaves behind is a difficult skill, and some of the best training in this arena takes place in the programs run by military units. This Paladin reprint includes two military tracking/countertracking field manuals in one. The American manual details how Special Forces troops can track over any terrain, avoid being tracked themselves, and use canines in both rural and urban tracking operations. “Basic Visual Tracking” contains the official cadet and instructor notes for the Australian Air Training Corps.

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Forward Forever: K-9 Operations in Vietnam by Michael G. Lemish (Schiffer Publishing, 2009). Lemish served as the VDHA historian for many years. As a military dog historian he has been involved with TV productions from PBS, BBC, The History Channel, History Detectives, and The Military Channel. His active involvement is reflected in this book which provides a comprehensive view of dog handlers in the Vietnam War. It covers the origins of the conflict, early efforts at ARVN K-9 units, the entry, buildup, and wind-down of American and Australian K-9 units, veterinary support, the units, the men, the dogs, the combat experiences, the media, the monuments, and the memories. The book also includes 164 photographs, several maps, and a list of all of the handlers and dogs KIA during the war.

K9 Heroes: Together We Protect, Defend, and Conquer as One by Nicole Arbelo (Outskirts Press, 2009). Illustrated with over 100 photographs, K9 Heroes presents stories of courage and duty, friendship and family, loss and love, as told by the men and women serving with Military Working Dogs. Families and friends remember the servicemen and women and their dogs who gave their lives in their country’s service. The book presents a picture of the life and experiences of a K-9 handler.

Dogs of War: Canine Use in Warfare from Ancient Egypt to the 19th Century by David Karunanithy (Yarak Publishing, 2008). This is a study of how man has trained and used dogs throughout history. Illustrated by two artists, the book begins in the earliest times when dogs

were used in conflict. Then, the author travels through time and from country to country explaining how dogs were used. It includes accounts from early Spanish invaders who set their dogs on human beings for sport and instances where the dog was at the side of officers during the American Civil War. This book is out of print and available only from resellers online and in used-book stores.

A Soldier’s Best Friend: Scout Dogs and Their Handlers in Vietnam by John C. Burnam (Union Square Press, 2008). A testimonial to the bond between American soldiers in Vietnam and their canine helpers, this book is Burnam’s account of his time as a scout dog handler patrolling the jungles of Vietnam with his German shepherd, Clipper. Since the 1990s, this book has had two runs as a self-published book and one as a trade title. Published first in 1999 as Dog Tags of Courage: The Turmoil of War and the Rewards of Companionship, the book was republished in 2005 as Dog Tags of Courage: Combat Infantrymen and War Dog Heroes in Vietnam.

Continued on Page 7....

War Dog Books

Unit Directors DEADLINE

for the March issue

is February 17

New email for DogMan news

Because the editor’s former email provider discontinued its service, future news items and photos for DogMan should be emailed to the new address of dogmanvdha@gmail.com.

DOGMANDecember 2012 Page 6

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Silent Voices: Stories and Recognition for War Dogs of Vietnam and Canine Soldiers Today by Alan B. Cunningham (Agreka Books, 2007). In the course of the Vietnam War, an estimated 10,000 potential American potential casualties are estimated to have been prevented as a result of the 4,000 scout, sentry, and tracker dogs. War dogs of Vietnam were cast aside by the U.S. government as nothing more than equipment. Of the 4,000 American war dogs in Vietnam, 325 died in the line of duty and about 600 succumbed to tropical disease. What happened to the remaining 72 percent of these heroic dogs?

Walking Where the Dog Walks: An Interspecies Odyssey

War Dog Booksin Vietnam, 1968-69 by Toni Gardner (Minou Press, 2006). Gardner recorded the actions of a scout dog platoon in a single year in Vietnam, putting the reader footsteps behind a scout dog in Vietnam. “It has really made me feel that now a lot of the dark part of my life has been opened to reality. It has done more for my healing than anything ever before,” noted Don Jestes, 47th ISPD dog handler.

The Contributions of the American Military Working Dog in Vietnam by Mary Kathleen Murphy (University Press of the Pacific, 2005) tells of the thousands of dogs that served in Vietnam as part of the U.S. armed forces. Working alongside members of all branches of service, these canine soldiers filled vital roles. Even before American troops were committed in Vietnam, military advisors to the region utilized dogs that had been left behind by the French, and U.S. Air Force personnel established an ARVN dog program.

Buck’s Heroes: A Dog’s Tale of Vietnam War Dogs by Johnny Mayo (Wentworth Publishing, 2004). Illustrations by Tonia Marnell. Thirty years after serving in Vietnam as a dog handler with the 39th scout dog platoon, Mayo attends a reunion at the Vietnam Memorial in Washington, D.C. He brings with him, Buck, his pet husky. While gazing at the wall by his master’s side, Buck begins hearing and seeing the ghosts of the war dogs that had served there. His master’s two beloved scout dogs, along with many others, tell Buck what life was like for them and the soldiers they served and protected. The book contains photographs and illustrations depicting true stories of military working dogs and their handlers in the Vietnam War.

Always Faithful by William W. Putney, D.V.M. (Potomac Books, 2003). Putney joined the Marine Corps at the height of World War II. He commanded the 3rd Dog Platoon during the battle for Guam and served as chief veterinarian and

commanding officer of the War Dog Training School, where he helped train former pets for war in the Pacific. After the war, he fought successfully to have USMC war dogs returned to their civilian owners. Always Faithful is a tale of courage and sacrifice. At once an adventure, it presents readers with one of the great animal stories of all time.

Remember the Alamo – A Sentry Dog Handler’s View of Vietnam from the Perimeter of Phan Rang Air Base by Carl S. Adams (Lost Coast Press, 2003). According to reviewer Kenneth Eggleston, “Anyone who was in Vietnam during the war, was a military dog handler of any kind, or is just interested in the recent U.S. or military history, will love this work. You will travel with the author through part of his military tour, laugh, cry and sweat with him, and maybe, understand what it was like to be in southeast Asia in the ’60s and early ’70s.”

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E-mail your letters for Mail Call!

to:dogmanVDHA@gmail.com

www.themovingwall.org

MOviNG WALLThe 2013 schedule is not announced yet.

DOGMANDecember 2012 Page 7

VDHA can now boast that it has a merchandise form that is now fillable online. Go to the merchandise page at vdha.us/merchandise/ and test it out.

Order online

None Came Home: The War Dogs of Vietnam by John E. O’Donnell (1st Book Library, 2003) is O’Donnell’s story of a young American GI and his canine partner, King, fighting the elusive enemy in Vietnam. As the trust between man and dog deepens, so does the search for understanding of the U. S. government’s requirement to abandon K-9s at the end of the war. It represents the way many U.S. K-9 and MWD teams felt at that time.

Trackers by Peter Haran (New Holland Australia, 2000) is an account told by an Australian veteran of the Australian Army’s little-known use of combat tracker dogs

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War Dog Booksduring the Vietnam War. It portrays the reality of war with its horror, madness, tedium, and dark humor. The book hurls you into a surreal world of seething jungles, random minefields, and lethal friendly fire. Amid the mayhem, the author finds vital refuge in the innocence of his canine partner, Caesar.

War Dogs: A History of Loyalty and Heroism by Michael G. Lemish (Potomac Books, 1999) presents an look at canine heroes from World War I to the present. Terriers, shepherds, beagles, collies, huskies, and Dobermans are only a few of the breeds that have pulled sleds, searched caves and bunkers, and even parachuted into combat. The

author has collected true stories and rare photographs that reflect the strong bonds that form between war dogs and their handlers. This was first published as War Dogs: Canines in Combat in 1996.

K-9 Soldiers: Vietnam and After by Paul B. Morgan (Hellgate Press, 1999). Morgan, a retired U.S. Army major, former Green Beret, and K-9 security specialist, uses his experiences to lace together two dozen stories about military working dogs. The stories are both humorous and heroic. Included in the anthology are two stories about dogs he worked with in Vietnam: Suzi, a German shepherd given to him by a village priest, and Polar Bear, his patrol dog. He returned Suzi to the priest. Polar Bear was KIA.

Diary of a War Dog Platoon by Wiley S. Isom (Bible & Literature Missionary Foundation, 1997). World War II marked the first major use of war dogs by the U.S. military. This book is the story of handlers and dogs assigned with the 45th scout dog platoon in the 1945 battle for Okinawa. Written by a WWII handler, the book is based on the author’s wartime memories in a diary-format account of the battles and other wartime experiences. It includes numerous wartime photographs of the handlers and dogs of the 45th IPSD in training and in combat. It also offers a brief account of the use of war dogs through history, including mention of other war dog units deployed in World War II.

Schedule of “The Wall That Heals” — www.vvmf.org

The tour schedule for 2013 has not been announced.

by VAUGHN HULLVice President of Units

The VDHA has more than 1,000 inactive members. Let’s try to get these inactive members back.

All they have to do is pay their $25 membership dues. They do not need to pay any back dues.

If you’d like to have a list of inactive members in your unit, e-mail me at vaughn@vdha.us

Help VDHA reclaim its lost thousand

Order online at

vdha.us/merchandise

DOGMANDecember 2012 Page 8

VDHA unit directorsand contact infoAir Force Sentry

3rd SPS: Rick Ingler, 104 Tortoise Rd. Sebring, Fl. 33876863-273-5182k9vietnam@yahoo.com

8th SPS: Jim Watson, 537 W. Puente, #1, Covina, CA 91722626-915-5979 and 616-806-8463 jimwatk9@ca.rr.com

12th SPS: Robert Angus, 5699 Swaney Rd., Lima, OH 45801419-643-8000RANGUSND@gmail.com

14th SPS: Bob Hoffman, 8814 S. Alaska St.,Tacoma, WA 98444253-537-2096bobhoffmank-9@q.com

31st SPS: Phil Savage, 2992 M66, Athens, MI 49011269-729-9703philsavage@sbcglobal.net

34th SPS: Timothy Mead203-878-0749k9hdir69@msn.com

35th SPS: Vaughn R. Hull2034 Dryden Ct., Westland, MI 48186734-331-2612vaughn@vdha.usassisted by Carl Adams and Den-nis Travis

37th SPS: Doug Davis, 2953 Nawakwa Trail, Traverse City, MI 49686231-941-0563

56th SPS: Dutch Van Hatten Jr., 17510 W. 65th St., Suite 323, Shawnee, KS 66217913-638-5256dutchspeaks@earthlink.net

355th SPS: Phil Carroll, P.O. Box 8, Gladstone, OR 97027(503) 231-6954 (W)(503) 353-0443 (H)k9nightfighter@msn.com 315th SPS: Vaughn R. Hull (see 35th SPS listing)vaughn@vdha.us

366th SPS: Steve Luz, P.O. Box 721, Turlock, CA 95381-0721209-688-4787luz7963@yahoo.com

377th SPS: James Stewart, 311 N. Saginaw St., Montrose, MI 48457810-639-5755jstewart@centurytel.net

388th SPS: Mike Diercks, 402 4th Ave SE, Sleepy Eye, MN 56085507-340-1602Diercks1@sleepyeyetel.net

432nd SPS: Ernest Childers Jr., 1620 Westridge Dr., Hurst, TX 76054-3766817-282-3203echilders2@att.net

483rd SPS: Bill Carpenter, 342 E. 775th St., Nineveh, IN 46164detective@pobox..com

631st CSG: Bill Cummings, 10172 N. Tall Cotton Dr., Marana, AZ 85653 520-616-9329 usafbrutus@comcast.net

632nd SPS: Herbert Johnson, 2402 Grand Teton Dr., Houston, TX 77067281-580-4057 (home) 713-494-6451 (mobile)herbjw@att.net

633rd SPS: John Wetzel, 257 W. Market St., Middleburg, PA 17842-1022717-837-6221shademtpi@yahoo.com

635th SPS: Dave Broeker, 1712 Crescent Dr., Pekin, IL 61554-1637309-202-5542davebroeker@comcast.net

637th SPS: David Hallenbeck, 502 Eileens Lane, Harper, Texas 78631-5104830-864-4597bear@ktc.com

6498th SPS: Larry Cromer153 Candy Cane LanePauline SC 29374

864-573-6016 larrycromer@aol.com

All Safeside Units: E.R. Scott Baker, 475 W. Sierra Ave., #141, Fresno, CA 93704-1134559-447-1490 H559-349-3177 Csbaker@afcia.us

Army Scout

33rd IPSD: John A. Worley Sr., 172 Cty. Rd., Benton MO 63936573-545-3988papabob48@hotmail.com

35th IPSD: Frank DiMartino

37th IPSD: John Giampia14104 88th Ave., Seminole, FL 33776727-330-7286 jgiampia@tampabay.rr.com

38th IPSD: Gary T. Mather Sr., 140 Saddlebrook Dr., Elizabeth-town, KY 42701270-369-9080matherg@windstream.net

39th IPSD: Johnny Mayo and assistant Wayne McLeister

40th IPSD: Charlie Brown, 15601 Hillview Rd., Coker, AL 35452thbrowns@netscape.com

41st IPSD: Randy Kimler, 2044 Llano St., Port Neches, TX 77651409-722-0805k9scout70@aol.com

42nd IPSD: Norm Ream, 336 Camino de los Flores, Encinatas, CA 92024-4123760-632-9592 (home)858-756-1366 (office)nream@aol.com

48th IPSD: Tom Sykes, 403 E. South River St., Appleton, WI 54915920-730-8247j.thomas.sykes@lawrence.edu

49th IPSD: Robert B. Himrod, 3713 S. Wiley Road, Yakima, WA 98903509-965-4994sctdog49@aol.com

50th IPSD: Billy Barnes, 20070 Live Oak Road, Red Bluff, CA 96080-9479

530-945-2832billyb508@yahoo.com

58th IPSD: Robert A. Kollar, 200 Old Mendon Rd., Cumberland, RI 02864401-334-1477silentalert@verizon.net

59th IPSD: Randy Carrrcarr4u@aol.com

Others

60th Mine & Tunnel Dogs: Alfred C. Ward, 162 Cottonwood Ct., North Augusta, SC 29860803-613-0931 (home)803-952-7628 (work)

Army Combat Trackers: John Dupla, 904 Chetwood Dr., League City, TX 77573281-332-2163vistkr@aol.cojm assisted by Frank Merritt, 1010 Sullivan Trail, Easton, PA 18040504-523-6973lz2bits@mindspring.com and Sue Rodgers

Army Sentry Dogsand Army Instructors: Ernie Ayala, 16824 Brookport St., Covina, CA 91722626-862-2667 (cell)626-339-6005 (home)ernievaki09@yahoo.com

U. S. Marine Corps: Fred Dorr, Rt 4, Box 94 EE Yoakum, TX 77995361-484-0823freddorr@vdhaonline.org

Navy: Dick King, 601 College St., Independence, MO 64050816-252-9074 (home)800-821-2222 ext. 473 (work) usnavyk9@usa.com

Iraq Units: TSgt. Jonathan Sarabia, 407th AEG/ESFS, 713 McConnell Lane, Whiteman AFB, MO 65305rottlvrz@charter.net

Associate Members:National DirectorDennis Lewis, National Direc-tor, PO Box 699, Pikeville, NC 27863-0699(919) 242-9620bostonowner1998@yahoo.com

DOGMANDecember 2012 Page 9

When Jet herself is wounded, she serves her country in a different capacity by searching out people buried in rubble in a bomb-torn city. Soon she’s back in the front lines, where she is reunited with her original owner.

Combat-Wounded Dogs by Sunita Apte (Bearport Publishing, 2009). This 32-page children’s book opens with a bombing in 2006 Iraq, where an explosion wounds handler Brendan Poelaert and his military working dog, Flapoor. Through Flapoor’s survival, Apte tells the tale of the long history of canine soldiers, including Vietnam, where it is estimated that 10,000 soldiers were saved by dogs.

Cracker: The Best Dog in

Vietnam by Cynthia Kadohata (Atheneum Books, 2008) is a children’s book for ages 10 and up. Cracker is one of the U.S. Army’s most valuable weapons: a German shepherd trained to sniff out bombs, traps, and the enemy. Rick Hanski is headed to Vietnam. There he wants to prove wrong his family, his sergeant, and everyone else who didn’t think he was cut out for war. When Cracker is paired with Rick, they need to be friends before they can be a team, and they need to be a team if they want to get home alive.

Chips: A Hometown Hero by Nancy M. West (Off Lead Publications, 2008) is a children’s book for ages 9 and up. Chips is a curious and carefree dog until World War II begins. Chips’ comfortable life is changed forever. Chips is enlisted in the Dogs for Defense program and joins the first war dog detachment to be shipped overseas into some of the war’s fiercest fighting. A fictional account based on the true-to-life adventures of a K-9 hero.

War Dog Booksfor Children

Military Dogs by Frances E. Ruffin (Bearport Publishing, 2006). This nonfiction children’s book is 32 pages in length and is for ages 7 and up. It covers the history of Military Working Dogs, as well as their training, handlers, current duties, and biographies of some of the most famous war dogs.

War Dog Heroes: True Stories

of Dog Courage in Wartime by Jeannette Sanderson (Apple, 1997) is a 96-page children’s book for ages 8 and up about stories of canine courage and friendship. It celebrates the wartime accomplishments of such war dog heroes as Stubby in World War I, and Andy in World War II.

Dogs on Duty by Dorothy Hinshaw Patent (Walker Books, 2012) is for young readers 7 and up. The book follows man’s best friend onto the battlefield, showing readers why dogs are qualified for the job at hand, how they are trained, how they contribute to missions, and what happens when they retire. The book includes color photographs and sidebars featuring heroic canines throughout history.

War Dog by Martin Booth (McElderry Books, 2012) is a novel about Jet, a black Labrador hero for young readers 6th grade and up. After Jet’s owner is jailed for poaching game, the dog is requisitioned by the British Armed Forces. Jet is sent into World War II with her handler in France, where her duties include sniffing out the enemy and the wounded.

Leatherman donates more lightsLeatherman Tool Group has donated 50 more of its new LED

Lenser flashlights to Old Dawgs and Pups for distribution to dog teams overseas. This latest donation is valued at $3,000 and adds to other Leatherman tools donated in the past. As of November, Old Dawgs and Pups has purchased and shipped $22,171 in supplies from private donations and $80,300 in corporate donated supplies.

DOGMANSeptember 2012 Page 10

Vietnam Dog Handler Assoc.c/o Randy Kimler2044 Llano St.Port Neches, TX 77651

Return Service Requested

NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. Postage

PAIDPermit No. 79Victoria, TX

@ The story on a new war dogs sculpture is much appreciated for the attention it focuses on the valuable role of Military Working Dogs in the U.S. armed forces. These canine “soldiers” have saved uncountable American lives in World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan. They deserve the nation’s attention and gratitude.

However, the Associated Press story inaccurately labeled that sculpture as the “first national monument to pay tribute to military dogs.” That’s wrong on two counts.

First, a “national monument” is a physical site designated by presidential proclamation or congressional action worthy of maintenance at taxpayer expense. There are 104 in the nation.

The sculpture in the story uses the word “national” in its title, but its location will not be an official national monument site as the story claims. (Neither is Yosemite National Park, which the story cites.)

MAiL cALL!Many newspapers and

websites carried an Associated Press story in November announcing the completion of a war dog monument sponsored by the John Burnam Monument Foundation.

Because the story falsely described the memorial as a “national monument,” and it also inaccurately implied that the new sculpture will be the first monument of national stature, the DogMan editor wrote the following clarification.

It was published in the “letters of the editor” section of the Albuquerque Journal on Nov. 20. It is reprinted here for clarification for any VDHA members who might have seen the original story.

The law cited by the story did not designate the sculpture as a national monument. It only authorized placing the sculpture on a military base. It states, “The United States government shall not pay any expense for the establishment or maintenance of the monument.”

The story’s sculpture was commissioned and will be maintained at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas by private funds donated to John Burnam Monument Foundation Inc.

Second, the sculpture will be the third war dog monument of “national” as opposed to local stature by being placed on a military base.

Similar sculptures, often referred to as “national war dog memorials,” were erected in 2000 next to military museums on March Air Reserve Base, California, and the Army base at Fort Benning, Georgia.

The AP’s errors are misleading.

However, as editor of the Vietnam Dog Handler Association’s national newsletter, DogMan, I welcome this latest sculpture as another fitting tribute to our military’s canine partners.

DOGMANDecember 2012 Page 10

We are attempting to eliminate the waste of paper copies being mis-sent to incorrect addresses that no longer exist, or paper copies being mailed to members who really don’t need them or don’t know how to stop them from being mailed.

The VDHA feels this is a positive move in the right direction. As a direct result, we will save money by lowering the number of paper DogMan issues that need to be printed and handled, and by reducing the postage fees.

At the same time it helps the VDHA to become a little more “greener” and we might even save a small tree or two while we’re at it.

Please help the VDHA to hold down rising postal costs by keeping your email address up to date.

Remember, Web issues of DogMan are in color but print issues are in black and white.

Thanks to everyone for your cooperation.

Read your DogMan online, not on paper....Continued from Page 2

DOGMANDOGMAN is published bimonthly by the Vietnam Dog Handler Association, Inc. Articles and photos from members are welcome and encouraged. It is preferred that letters, articles and photos be sent by e-mail to dogmanvdha@gmail.com

Letters and stories are subject to editing. It’s preferred that photos be e-mailed as jpegs, but if mailing photos, send original (include stamped, addressed envelope if you want them returned) to Dennis Herrick, 2392 Manzano Loop N.E., Rio Rancho, NM 87144. Donna K. Wells is assistant editor.

VDHA is a nonprofit corporation exempt from federal income tax under section 501(c) 19(a). Contributions are tax deductible. IRS tax ID number #33-0690480

VDHA merchandisefor sale on website

The VDHA has a wide assortment of merchandise for sale on its website.

Dave Broeker, who is in charge of VDHA merchandise, says he can usually send goods out within a day or two.

New items are being added frequently.

VDHA can now boast that it has a merchandise form that is now fillable online. Go to the merchandise page at vdha.us/merchandise/ and test it out.