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
Jeez, that guy sure sounds like fun. Who'd have thought that "good night" in Irish could cause an all out flame war!
Well said.
Dobies rule!
Such a worthy cause! Thanks for the ping.
I will definitely mail a donation to them -- a donation form can be printed out here:
http://www.wardogsmemorial.org/donation.htm
They also take PayPal:
http://www.wardogsmemorial.org/donations.asp
Son of a gun,that's exactly what I was looking for.
Thanks!
I don't what this thread is about, Happy, but I'll read it tomorrow, great thing though about the GAA and rule 42 - I believe it will Gaelic games the world of good - high time the GAA got rid of their bigotry and sectarianism!!!
BTW, Colosis I'm pinging you, even though this thread has nothing to do with the GAA - I just thought I better mention it to the main Irish FReepers!!
I, behind it all believe in evolution - but I realise it is only a theory, and they treat as fact in schools - I am at this stage open minded because creationists put up very strong arguments - they aren't like those nut case Flat Earthers or anything remotely close!!
,,, good for you.
None greater. Period. Indisputable. ;-D
"See, the thing about dogs I think is a difference in culture. Dogs, whether they are service animals or not, are really members of the family. I don't know what dogs are used for in Ireland, but here they are used for everything and are part of our lives every day. Drug detection, bomb sniffers, support of all sorts, guard protection. There are even dogs that search for living victims after fires and building collapses. The dogs that helped at the World Trade Center after 9-11 have been honored like you wouldn't believe.
"You may disagree, but please understand that this is part of the culture here."
Actually, Europe USES dogs alot more than US ever did. We have alot of services, sure, but the expectations of every-day dogs are much different. I suspect because until (German Shepherds in war and police) this century, dogs were essentially NEVER used for utilitarian purposes.
So, we have a bunch of spoiled-rotten "pet" dogs who rule every home they're in. Except mine. ;-) Whereas at least in the recent past what I've known of dogs in Europe is respected well-behaved animals, often useful animals who actually had a job even for a lowly master. I don't know the conditions today, but ever wonder why dogs were often allowed in various places in Europe but never in the US? Is it really health - or bad behavior?
Who really respects and loves the dog - the real master or the slave to his dog?
I don't think they're honing in on Vietnam, altho they were a huge presence there vs other wars, I think even so far. Notice the article mentioned dogs in Iraq. WWI was definitely the starting point (don't know of real uses earlier).
Just for the record, I'm not a cad. (And if we ever meet, I can prove it.) As far as the fecking off goes - you may need to take that up with the Present, Lead, Admin or Sidebar Moderator...
If you want to find out more information on U S Military War Dogs,Check out the web site. www.uswardogs.org.
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