NEW YORK(February 11, 2004) -- The famous Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show at Madison Square Garden in the heart of New York City is arguably the single most noteworthy dog show in the world. With its legendary status, why would anyone ever think this has any connection to the military, or for that matter - the Marine Corps?
The War on Terror has touched many Americans everywhere, especially New Yorkers. When the doors opened for the show's 128th year for the first time since Operation Iraqi Freedom on February 9, 2004, it welcomed military OIF veterans.
"I thought it would be a nice gesture to express thanks to our troops for the wonderful things they do everyday," said David L. Frei, director of communications, Westminster Kennel Club.
Frei, a former U.S. Army Specialist and Veterinarian's Assistant at Walter Reed Army Medical Center from 1971 to 1974 has been with the Westminster Kennel Club since 1990. Although he has operated his own public relations company, worked PR for the Denver Broncos and San Francisco 49ers and been a publicist for ABC Sports, he says this is the greatest job a man could have.
Frei is not the only man here with military connections. Peter R. Van Brunt, president, Westminster Kennel Club, is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, and the well-known American Kennel Club was lead for the last six years by Alfred L. Cheauré, a former U.S. Navy submariner.
To round out what seems to be a joint command is retired Marine Colonel Jerry H. Weiss, a dog-show judge since 1976. Weiss, who was commissioned as an infantry officer in 1950, saw combat in Korea as a company commander with Dog Company, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines and logged nearly 30 years as a Marine. He now commands the "ring" in many prestigious dog shows worldwide.
"I think it is a great show of support what Westminster is doing for the military," said Weiss. "It is simply a way of saying 'thank you' to what the fine men and women do for us."
Weiss' daughter, Lisa Nolechek, has obviously taken the Colonel's command presence into the ring. The family's Labrador retriever named Champion Lobuff's Turtle Dove, who is the fifth-ranked 'Lab' in the Nation, won a "Judge's Award of Merit" in this year's event narrowly missing the coveted "Best of Breed."
The awe-inspiring show started in 1877 with a group of gentlemen hunters bragging about their dogs and weapons at their favorite hotel in New York City - the Westminster. Much like our Corps, the WKC was founded in a bar and is steeped in tradition, reverence and honor.
"Even people who are not dog owners can reasonably be expected to have heard of this show," added Weiss. "To be a participant in any way is an absolute honor."
And who walked away with all the "doggie-bones?" That was a crowd favorite, 155-pound Newfoundland named Champion Darbydales's All Rise Pouchcove, or more commonly known as - Josh.
Read: Leviticus 19:15-18
Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful. —Proverbs 27:6
Bible In One Year: Leviticus 19-20; Matthew 27:51-66
After a church service in which the minister had preached about spiritual gifts, he was greeted at the door by a woman who said, "Pastor, I believe I have the gift of criticism."
He responded, "Do you remember the person in Jesus' parable who had the one talent? Do you recall what he did with it?"
"Yes," replied the woman, "he went out and buried it" (see Matthew 25:18).
With a smile, the pastor suggested, "Go, and do likewise!"
If criticism is not given lovingly and with an honest desire to help, it can be cruel and destructive. The words of Leviticus 19:17, "You shall surely rebuke your neighbor, and not bear sin because of him," are preceded by warnings against spreading slander and nursing hatred.
You can determine when you should criticize and when you shouldn't by asking yourself three questions:
If your goal is to help, if your motives are loving, and if your desire is to please God, then go ahead and criticize. If you can't pass these tests, keep quiet. —Richard De Haan
Mornin', everybody ! Happy Monday ! Happy President's Day !
Things are very busy around here right now, will be checking back in later to see how cold it is in the north, south, east and west...and to see what kind of mood this and the democrats latest deeds has but everyone in. LOL!
Thank you to all our men and women in uniform for serving our country. Special thanks to our Finest Military Family! God Bless you all!
