HONORING OUR 4-LEGGED VETERANS
Coming Home: A New Mission The bond between handler and dog often extends beyond their service years. Since 2000, when President Clinton signed “Robby’s Law,” military dogs became eligible for adoption, usually by their former handlers, rather than being euthanized after their service. This change recognized these four-legged veterans’ right to a peaceful retirement after years of service. But military dogs aren’t the only canine heroes supporting our veterans. Service dogs now play a crucial role in helping veterans adjust to civilian life, especially those dealing with PTSD or physical disabilities. Organizations like K9s for Warriors and Pets for Vets match trained service dogs with veterans, creating partnerships that transform lives. The Next Generation The tradition of military working dogs continues today. At Lackland Air Force Base in Texas, the Military Working Dog Program trains both dogs and handlers for all branches of the U.S. military. These dogs master skills ranging from patrol duties to explosive detection, carrying forward a legacy that stretches back to World War I. Whether serving in combat zones or helping veterans heal at home, these four-legged heroes embody the same values of loyalty, courage, and dedication we honor in all our veterans. As we celebrate Veterans Day, let’s remember that some of our bravest service members work for treats and belly rubs — and wouldn’t have it any other way. DID YOU KNOW? The U.S. military currently has about 2,500 active-duty working dogs. A military working dog’s training is valued at around $150,000. The most common breeds used are German shepherds, Belgian Malinois, and Labrador retrievers. During the Vietnam War, military dogs saved an estimated 10,000 American lives.
When we think of military veterans, we often picture brave men and women in uniform. But some of America’s most dedicated service members have four legs and a tail. From the beaches of Normandy to the mountains of Afghanistan, military working dogs have served alongside our troops, saving countless lives with their keen senses and unwavering loyalty.
Guardians in Combat During World War II, a German shepherd named Chips became one of the most decorated war dogs in history. On one mission in Sicily, Chips broke away from his handler, charged into an enemy pillbox, and forced four Italian soldiers to surrender. Though military dogs couldn’t officially receive combat medals at the time, Chips’ actions earned him the Distinguished Service Cross, Silver Star, and Purple Heart. Today’s military working dogs carry on this proud tradition. These highly trained canines specialize in detecting explosives, finding dangerous materials, and protecting their handlers. A military working dog’s sense of smell is so precise that it can detect explosives or weapons even when they’re deeply hidden or carefully masked. U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. — Sgt. Angel Trejo and his K-9 partner, Feri, pose for a portrait after their training to detect explosive devices at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo., on Jan. 6, 2021. (U.S. Air Force photo/Sarah Goldblum)
2 Rinehardt Law | BeSmartLegal.com
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator