Posted on 05/27/2013 10:20:04 AM PDT by DFG
Throughout centuries of war, dogs have been by service members' sides, whether they're helping save lives in the battlefield or helping them heal.
And helping to heal is exactly what man's best friend is doing in the D.C. area.
Since 1999, dogs at Walter Reed Army Medical Center -- and now at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Fort Belvoir and Fort Meade -- have helped hundreds of wounded warriors in countless ways, and they continue to do so.
The U.S. Army program is unique. Wounded warriors receive help while they work to train dogs who will one day be full-service mobility dogs for other wounded veterans.
The dogs in training learn over 60 tasks, and when they are 2 years old, they pair up with a wounded veteran to assist in daily life activities.
(Excerpt) Read more at wtop.com ...
Ping!
For the ping list.
Since when did the word Hero come to mean teachers, cops, firemen and women, troops, dogs, etc?
Not many years back I served in the Marine Corp, I served but never won a Silver star or above therefore I was never classified as a hero, not in the eyes of Marines anyhow, my wife maybe, but not the guys I served with.
Yet today, I see E-2’s with nothing but Boot Camp behind them honored as modern day heroes at Memorial Day Festivities. When di this come about?
Thanks for the ping.
Awesome! Hooray for the canine heroes helping our human heroes.
God bless all our service members, no matter what shape or form they come in!
to forward...
I understand what you are saying, the word ‘hero’ is tossed around freely nowadays. True heroism is the urge to serve others at whatever the cost. Valor is the quality of showing courage while facing great danger.
Welcome to Free Republic, You have just joined the prime forum in support of our Military, SilverMine. We do consider all Military as ‘heros’. I’m talking too much but just wanted you to know that your service made you a hero to all of us here.
While I thank you, I was not a hero, for, I never was awarded anything above a Bronze star. I have, for years been taught that a Hero is one that does something extraordinary in combat, that action would result in his nomination for a Silver Star or above, a Bronze star is for doing something a bit more than expected.
When all who serve are called heroes what do you then call the man who has earned a Silver Star?
No, Potlash, While I appreciate your welcome and comment, I cannot accept the title hero, nor should any member of the US Military who has not done something, in combat, that would earn him the Silver Star or by God’s Grace the Medal of Honor.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.