This was a block or so from where we lived on Guam.
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
The person posting to me earlier made reference to me being Irish. She said 'Good night' to me. I replied with 'Oiche Mhaith' (which means good night, in Irish). Her husband replied to me in German, in kind.
And you are pissed off with me?
I'm telling those in animal rescue that bomb sniffing dogs which save American lives deserve a memorial. Yes, there's enough loot to go around. More than enough...
Past your bedtime? That could explain a few things...
No, not really.
And your dismissal of me, is more a poor reflection on you, sir, than I.
And...therein, lies the heart of a liberal!
My dismissal of you was a joke. But since you seem to be on razor's edge, you may have missed it. Will this mess up you weekend?
Amazing link. Thank you...
You need a comedy refresher course.
Might I suggest you get the Office DVD box set out..as your weekend homework.
Thanks for your reply---I felt silly asking it.
Every time watch the History Channel and see horses going in to battle I wonder about them.I'm sure no one will honor them but I wonder if anyone ever did.
Big animal lover here.
This was a block or so from where we lived on Guam.
And...therein, lies the heart of a liberal!
Yet you live in a land defended by the same animals (controlled by soldiers, sailors and airmen - who may perish with their best friends) that sniff out bombs that could wipe out you and your whole fam damily?
At this point, 'Oiche mhaith' means - get some sleep - you'll need it in the morning...
OH! I love and appreciate my animals.
But I will not see them as idols.
And I will not idolatorise them, over men who died and remain unrecognised.
I love dogs.
But they are just that..dogs.
For what it's worth. I don't give a crap who YOU are either.
So, I'd say we are quids in.
Ever get sniffed by one at a drug/bomb/contraband/main entrance stop?
Didn't think so. Please continue on with your regularly scheduled life...
If that means we aren't going to bed anytime soon, I'll hafta agree!
Which must also mean you were full of crap whilst posting that 'Oiche mhaith' crack - eh?
Probably better travelled than you are, toots.
So glad you found the fight you were so transparently trolling for! :~D
You don't know much about me, but I've just pinged a few friends of mine...who are very used to me using 'oiche mhaith' as a term of saying good night.
I WILL not apologise for my national tongue. Not to YOU, or ANY one.
You spew nonsense misspellings yet don't leave a mark. Are you the Black Widow?
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