Posted on 04/15/2005 5:16:04 PM PDT by Libloather
Vet is shepherding war-dog honor
By Mike McPhee
Denver Post Staff Writer
Thursday, March 31, 2005
A Vietnam War veteran and Denver-area native is on a mission to create a national monument in Washington, D.C., to the dogs that soldiers used in combat.
John Burnam, who served two tours of duty as a war-dog handler in Vietnam during the 1960s, presented his case Wednesday to the Colorado legislature, which passed a resolution supporting his efforts.
More than 4,000 dogs, mostly shepherds, were used in Vietnam for scouting, finding hidden explosives and tracking. Most died in Vietnam, with only about 250 returned to the United States. About 2,300 U.S. military dogs are currently in service throughout the world, including Iraq.
Burnam, who served as a dog handler with the 1st Air Cavalry and the 25th Infantry Division, travels the country drumming up support for his idea.
On Wednesday, dogs used for security at Buckley Air Force Base showed their skills on the steps of the state Capitol while Burnam rallied support from the bystanders.
"Our country has never recognized the service of these dogs," he said, standing next to a replica of the national memorial he hopes to fund. The replica was sculpted by Renee Headings of Pennsylvania.
His mission is to raise $1 million, half of which will pay for the sculpture. The other half will go toward purchasing private land in Washington for the memorial, and for administrative costs.
So far, he has raised slightly more than $100,000, he said.
Burnam, a graduate of Littleton High School, is employed as a technical writer in Washington. His website is www.wardogstories.com
Post / Hyoung Chang
Dog handler Charles Dahlberg and Ziko were at the state Capitol on Wednesday with current and former handlers of military and police dogs to show support for a national war-dog memorial. The legislature passed a resolution supporting the memorial, which would be built in Washington, D.C. The project is being promoted by a Vietnam veteran and Colorado native.
Ping...
History of Vietnam War dogs :
http://www.uswardogs.org/id10.html
I have no idea. From the article - his website is www.wardogstories.com. A national monument with contributions going to one individual? I dunno about that...
AFSC 81150A Bark to the top !
I'm all for honoring these dogs.
I'm not being a smarta** here,but is there anything for horses that went to wars? Just curious!
I was wondering about that. Apparently, Vietnam wasn't the first time these types of dogs were used. Shouldn't WWI & WWII be considered as well?
http://www.war-dogs.com/memorial_memories.htm
ping
I think anyone who wanted to honor horses is probably long gone. Might be a few around, though if they are they're as ancient as can be.
When were the last horses used? WW1? Maybe WW2 in the Philipines, think I've read something about that somewhere...
Last firm use I can recall offhand is San Juan Hill and the Rough Riders.
Anyway, it's an interesting topic to find out more about.
One night a few decades ago I walked into triage and saw a
German Shepard on a table. He was light colored with dark marked fur on his head and body. He had been wounded. I had never cared for a wounded dog before and the MD on duty had never handled one either. We did what we could. Finding an IV line and treating the big guy was a challenge. I often wonder what happened to that dog. His handler was like a concerned parent. Long ago and far away memories from Vietnam
http://www.militaryhorse.org/
The forum has all kinds of interesting stuff.
John Burnam, who served two tours of duty as a war-dog handler in Vietnam during the 1960s, presented his case Wednesday to the Colorado legislature, which passed a resolution supporting his efforts.
More than 4,000 dogs, mostly shepherds, were used in Vietnam for scouting, finding hidden explosives and tracking. Most died in Vietnam, with only about 250 returned to the United States. About 2,300 U.S. military dogs are currently in service throughout the world, including Iraq.
Doggy ping
Donations can be made at this site for the national org.
http://www.wardogsmemorial.org
More info from one of our forum members who is on the national committee...in his post here
http://www.swiftvets.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?p=5388&sid=#5388
Regards,
Kate
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