Brothers in Arms
I ask one thing - that in still, far-off days,
Someone who knew me should in their daily rounds,
Suddenly pause, caught by some sight or sound,
Some glance, some phrase, some trick of memory's ways
which brings me to mind, then I shall wait,
eager with hope, perhaps to hear -
“how great if he were with us still!”
And then at the end, all that I wish for is just -
“he was my friend!”
“A Soldier's Epitaph”
Phoenix Old Dawg Jim Frost
Recognized for "Above & Beyond"
Brother Dawg and Dawgs Project Supporter Jim Frost is shown (right) receiving a Veteran's Day Trophy from the Phoenix VA Medical Center administrator (center) for his tireless efforts in providing recognition to MWD Handlers and their Pooches. Joining Jim is Michel (left) of the Grand Canyon German Shepherd Dog Club - supporters of the Vet's Day Parade since 2001.
Brother Frost was instrumental in effecting the presence of the Parents and Brother of US Marine Corps PFC Colton Rusk (KIA 6 December 2010 - see Fallen Brothers page). The Rusk Family participated in and were honored at the Phoenix Veteran's Day Parade.
Colton's Lab Eli (shown in photo) joined in the parade.
Jim Frost (far right) and his wife and daughter (banner bearers) escorted the Parents of US Marine Corps LCpl Billy Crouse (KIA 21 December 2010). Billy's Parents are behind the banner in white Ts. Crouse's IDD Cane was also KIA.
All of the Old Dawgs laud your sense of patriotism and heritage, Good Brother.
30 November 2011
MWD Memorial
Edwards Air Force Base
RIP MWD Eddy E049
RIP MWD Telin F593
95th SFS/MWD Section Kennel Master TSgt Rick Duarte introduces the War Dog Memorial Event at Edwards Air Force Base MWD Section. SSgt Andy Lansdowne and MWD Zorro are seen in the background.
SSgt Michael J. Watters and MWD Haro join the a parade of salutes.
MWD Telin was introduced to the Old Dawgs at the 2011 Edwards Feed the Dawgs Event on 23 April 2011 by "Lady Dawg" SSgt Kathryn Jackson.
The stalwart soldier in his youth . . .
the frail spirit in his years . . .
forever cherished.
MWD Eddy was "down range" at the very first Edwards Feed the Dawgs Event on 19 April 2009 - he was taking care of "then" SrA Eric Vega at Balad.
"SSgt" Eric Vega attended the 2010 War Dog Memorial with Eddy, his war veteran Pooch - an introduction for Old Dawgs & Pups - Eric and Old Dawg Jon Hemp had been matched up for Eric's rotation to the Sand Box through Thailand Dog Handlers' Old Dawgs & Pups Program.
Now MCAS Miramar DOD "K9 Cop," Eric Vega addresses the memorial for Eddy and Telin.
Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you each and every day.
Don't cry for us . . .
we are the chosen ones.
Old Dawgs and Young Pups
Bill Cummings (VSPA/VDHA/Thai Dog Handlers) is the recipient of a recognitioin plaque presented by SSgt Gabriel Bravo, Kennel Master (left) and SSgt Kyle Alltop, Trainer (right) of the 56th SFS/MWD Section at Luke Air Force Base, Phoenix, Arizona. The presentation was made at the 3rd Annual Luke AFB Feed the Dawgs Event on 19 November 2011. We figure we're in pretty fine company.
Arizona VVA Rep'd at Dawgs Project Event
For the second time in two years (2010 and 2011), Marine Vietnam Veteran Bob Goldstein, on the right (an Arizona local and VVA member), has graced the kennels of the Luke AFB Feed the Dawgs events.
Bob represents the Old Dawgs well: the kids love the spunk and spirit of the old guard - Bob brings it by the ton. We're proud and honored to share the path.
Semper Fi
October 2011 VSPA Reunion
Wright~Patterson Air Force Base
A Touch of Dawg!
Vietnam Security Police Association bench is unveiled at the Defender Statue, National Museum of The United States Air Force, Dayton Ohio. (L-R Bruce Hadley, Phil Carroll, Ken Neal)
Larry and Rebecca Breazeale
join in the festivities at the 2011 VSPA Reunion. Larry has been a champion of the Dawgs Project since it's formulation in 2008. Larry drives the National Veterans Coalition and much of the southwest successes of AFSFA. An untiring advocate for veterans causes everywhere, we're honored to have his support and we salute his patriotism.
Ken Neal Receives the Warriors Medal Of Valor from Bill Cummings on behalf of The Vietnam Security Police Association. The Medal is given in the name of The First Nation People of The United States of America. Ken has served unwaveringly as Ambassador at Large for the Dawgs Project since spring of 2009.