Honoring Our Four-legged Veterans

A first will take place on Friday, March 13: The observance of K-9 Veterans Day.

There will be a commemoration at the Rotary Centennial Park at 10 a.m. with the dedication of a plaque honoring these heroes. Everyone is encouraged to join the Hernando County Parks Department, Hernando County Animal Services and the Humane Society of the Nature Coast as we acknowledge the contributions made by our four-legged friends in time of war.

Governor Crist is expected to designate this as a permanent observance, making Florida the first state in the nation to formally recognize the heroism and sacrifice made by these American K-9s. Thousands of soldier's lives have been saved in combat by the devotion to duty of their K-9 military companions. More than 10,000 military lives saved are credited to their bravery in the Vietnam conflict alone.

War Dogs, as they are often referred to, have been used by the U.S. Military since World War I and are in service today in Afghanistan and Iraq. Through training and experience the breeds of choice for military working dogs became the German Shepherd and Doberman. The Labrador Retriever was later brought into service, as well.

German Shepherds were the most frequently enlisted for duty. America's war dogs were trained to recognize booby traps, mines tunnels and weapons caches. They warned troops about ambushes. They saved lives by dragging wounded soldiers to safety.

These dogs were especially effective during the military deployment in Vietnam. While it is estimated that from 1964 to 1975 approximately 4,900 dogs were enlisted for service in Vietnam, only 204 were evacuated during that time. The others either died in the service of their country or were left behind.

Some were left with the South Vietnamese Army, but most were euthanized - a shameful reward for their service. They were considered military "surplus armaments" and as disposable as the weaponry left behind. While there have been many arguments as to the disposition of these heroes, abandonment and needless death should not have been a consideration.

Military Dogs have served in many capacities with their human handlers. Scout dogs, along with their handlers, were the eyes and ears of an infantry unit. They would take the lead and search for booby traps, ambushes, hidden food supplies, weapons and other dangers awaiting soldiers. There were also combat tracking teams whose job was to track and locate missing or wounded soldiers, downed pilots and often the enemy.

Guard duty was performed by sentry dog teams who would walk the perimeters of a location and would alert to any intruders. These dogs served with a mission of 'Detect, Detain and Destroy.' Finally, there were the mine, Booby trap and tunnel teams. Their job was to detect booby traps, mines, tunnels, trip wires and other dangerous devices.

For over 80 years these heroic dogs have gone into combat with their handlers and often given their lives in the service of their country. Many of the military dog handlers have lobbied for years for the proper recognition that these dogs deserve.

There is now a special exhibit at Fort Benning's National Infantry Museum where you will find the military history of the dogs used in combat. The exhibit is free and open to the public with actual working dog demonstrations.

It is only appropriate for our community to come together to honor the dogs that have served side by side with GIs throughout our history.