Submitted by: New York Public Affairs
Story Identification Number: 2004211131159
Story by Maj. David C. Andersen
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.
