The Kennel Crew
There are a number of people who have truly graced
Feed the Dawgs with talent, dedication, expertise, and experience. They are not in the background, and they
are not off stage. They are the individuals who make "Dawgs" happen. They are our best diplomats and our most experienced ambassadors. We are unquestionably indebted to each of these people for the tremendous success that the Feed the Dawgs program has accomplished. Please meet those fine, caring people.
Alphabetically:
Alan Ashbaugh
No stranger to the Dawgs Project, Alan pitched in at the 2011 ALL SEVICES FEED at March Field Air Museum. The central-California based Thai Dog Veteran returned to the pitt crew as Grill Sergeant for the 1st Joint Beale/Fallon/Travis Feed near Sacramento. You honor us, Brother.
Candice Bueno
"Candie" serves as Lady Dawgs Project Coordinator for both the Military K9 Heritage Exhibit and Feed the Dawgs web site.
She has "thrown steaks" at the 2009 Navy CNRSW/San Diego, MCAS Miramar, 2010 All Services Feed (MFAM), 2nd Annual Camp Pendleton, Vandenberg AFB, Edwards AFB, Davis-Monthan, 29 Palms Marines, CNRSW/Navy, and the "long-haul" Fort Huachuca feeds. She returned in 2011 to provide the overall coordination of the 2011 2nd Annual ALL SERVICES FEED at MFAM, Camp Cann Marines (C-Pen), Edwards AFB, 29 Palms Marines, Navy/San Diego, Miramar Marines, MCRD/San Diego Marines, NBVC/Navy, Beale/Fallon/Travis Joint Feed, and MCAS/YPG Yuma Marines.
Thanks, Gunny!
Wally Baker
Wally Baker, an Air Force Sentry Dog veteran (Ben Hoa Air Base, Vietnam - 1969) came to Dawgs via a tip from Vietnam Veterans of America/Chapter #47 in Riverside.
Straight up - we appreciate his interest and support. He's an honor to the heritage of the Military Working Dog Community. Wally got his "baptism by fire" right along with the Young Navy Dawgs of Naval Base Ventura County, 27 August 2011. Admitting that he's got the disease, Wally followed up with significant participation in the 2011 Luke AFB Feed Event, 17 November 2011.
Theron Barron
Theron toughed out the heat and made the trip to Nellis/Creech on 26 June 2010. Another "second generation" representative of Dawgs, Theron makes Colonel Jackson (Mom, background) and all the Old Dawgs pretty proud. Theron, the Young Dawgs and Old Dawgs alike thank you for your patriotism and dedication.
Natalie Brasher
Natalie hails from Southern California. She first joined the crew of Feed the Dawgs at the final feed of 2010 ~ the Luke Air Force Base Feed in Phoenix, Arizona, in November. Adequately infected with the Dawgs Disease, Natalie returned to the front lines at the 2011 2nd Annual ALL SERVICES FEED at March Field Air Museum. We're grateful, Lady.
Roberta Bush
Roberta hails from San Diego - joined Dawgs for the ALL SERVICES FEED at March Museum in February 2010, then to Camp Cann/Camp Pendleton, Edwards AFB,
MCRD/San Diego, 29 Palms Marines, and CNRSW Navy. Roberta was on the line at the Camp Cann Feed to start 2011 and again "got'er done" at the 2nd Annual ALL SERVICES FEED. Thank you, Roberta, for your support and Patriotism. You make us proud.
Ray Cancel
Ray joined Dawgs at the 2011 Red White & Cruise event at California Speed Way. A mentor of the San Bernardino Valley Young Marines, Ray proved his worth even further at the 13 July Miramar Marines Feed Event a week later.
We're extremely honored to have volunteers of the highest caliber - dedicated and focused on the Young Dawgs.
Welcome aboard, Brother.
Roy Gallagher
Roy came to Dawgs from AFSFA/San Diego in 2011 - joined in at
Navy/San Diego, followed that up with NAS Miramar Marines, then MCRD/San Diego Marines - a fast a furious three events in four
weeks - he never waivered.
Roy comes from Thai Handler stock of the 1960s - like his brothers he traveled the Air Force ~ US Customs Dog path. We are
indepted for your support and assistance, Brother Dawg.
Aleks Godanis
Aleks Godanis of the March Field Air Museum Staff joined Feed the Dawgs for the 2nd Annual MCAGCC/MEF/PM Feed Event at 29 Palms Marine Base and again at CNRSW Navy San Deigo. She returned to launch 2011 with the 2nd Annual ALL SERVICES FEED at March Field Air Museum. Welcome on board, Kid!
Lisa Godanis
Lisa (Mother of now Veteran Dawg Volunteer Aleks Godanis) joined Dawgs for the CNRSW/Navy feed event in San Diego. Fun lady and a real patriot. Thank you, Lisa.
Andy Hemp
Andy geared up on the chow line for the Beale/Fallon/Travis Joint Feed Event in September 2011. For anti-terrorist history buffs, Andy is the "Ag Man" for Maersk Lines: there must have been some interesting sentiments exchanged between the Younger Hemp and MA1 Kyle Stewart of the NAS Fallon - Maersk is the owner of the "Alabama."
You honor the MWD Community.
Jennie Hemp
Jennie is the "steering gear" of the otherwise misguided Dawgs Co-Founder, Jon Hemp. In 2009, Jennie served the troops at Edwards AFB, MCRD/San Diego, Nellis AFB, Davis-Monthan AFB, and the March Field Air Museum dedication of the Military K9 Heritage Exhibit. She trudged on to the 2nd Edwards, Davis-Monton, Nellis/Creech, and MCRD/San Diego events of 2010. A real "Dawg Handler," Jennie returned to the trenches with Jon n' Con for the 2nd Annual 2011 ALL SERVICES FEED at MFAM.
Jennie's 2011 credits include Nellis/Creech AFBs,
MCAS Miramar Marines, and MCRD/San Diego Marines.
Thank you, Dear Lady.
Jameson (James) Holguin
James joined Dawgs for the Nellis AFB and MCAS Miramar Feeds in 2009 and has served in numerous capacities on the Military K9 Heritage Exhibit project at March Field Air Museum. James returned to the line up in 2010 for the February All Services Feed (MFAM) and the Pendleton/Camp Cann March feed. James returned to the 2011 line at the 2nd Annual ALL SERVICES FEED at MFAM.
James is the son of decorated U.S. Army Vietnam Veteran Edward Phillip Holguin (RIP).
We are genuinely honored.
Steve Hopkins
AWOL for 40 years, 8 months, and 22 days . . .
Steve made the trek from Enid, Oklahoma to Edwards AFB, California, to join the Old Dawgs for the 2nd Annual Edwards Feed.
A "bunker buddy" of Jon Hemp, Steve served with the 377th SPS/K9 Section at Tan Son Nhut Air Base, South Vietnam in '68-'69. Welcome Home, Good Friend!
Katie Hess
Katie is a founding crew member and the daughter of Feed the Dawgs Co-founder, Mike Mizak.
Katie's frequent participation in the bar-b-que program dates back to 2007. She has also served diligently on the Military K9 Heritage Exhibit at March Field Air Museum and most recently as the NCOIC of the Radio Dawg Project. Katie returned to the front with the band at the 2011 2nd Annual ALL SERVICES FEED at MFAM. In July she joined us for Navy/San Diego - yeoman's duty on the camera. A dedicated worker and a very creative young lady, we're very grateful for her hard work and contributions.
Twonika (T.J.) Jackson
aka: Colonel Jackson
TJ is a bonafide U.S. Air Force brat and descendant of an original Buffalo Soldier.
She joined Dawgs for the 2009 Edwards AFB, MCRD/San Deigo Marines, and San Diego Navy Feeds. She returned for the 2010 inaugural at Pendleton's Camp Cann, the 2nd Annual Edwards AFB, the Nellis/Creech AFB events, and the CNRSW Navy Feed. She is a high school teacher in San Bernardino, California. Son Theron (above) is presently serving as a Cadet in the Civil Air Patrol. We are truly graced.
Lacianne Leslie
Laci (Old Dawg Rufus Leslie's daughter) joined Dawgs at Camp Cann in March '10. She followed that up with MCAS Yuma Marines/YPG, and again joined Dawgs for the 2nd Annual CNRSW Navy San Diego Feed. Lacianne returned in 2011 to launch the year at Camp Cann. Thank you, Kid!
"Old Dawg" Rufus Leslie
Rufus is one of the original "Thai Dog Handlers" of the Nam Era and now a multi-decade "ICE MAN" on our southern border. We're grateful, Brother, for your service and dedication. Rufus joined Dawgs for the 2010 Camp Cann Event at Pendleton, the Nellis/Creech AFB Vegas" Event, MCRD San Diego Feed, and the CNRSW Navy gig. He joined in the inauguration of the 2011 year for the Feed Event at Camp Cann and the 2011 War Dog Memorial. Quite the artist - Rufus' talents are on display at the March Field Air Museum Military K9 Heritage Exhibit - "Though I walk through the valley . . . ."
Thanks Dawg!
Justin Lynum
Justin supported the Dawgs Cause throughout the 2009 "construction" of the Military K9 Heritage Exhibit at March Field Air Museum and the exhibit dedication in October 2009. He first joined the Feeds project for the Tucson-based 2nd Annual Davis-Monthan Feed Event on 5 June 2009 and climbed on again for the 2nd Annual Nellis/Creech AFB Feed Event on 26 June 2009. Never far away, Justin joined in on the 3rd Annual Edwards AFB Feed Event on 23 April 2011, 29 Palms Marines on 14 May, San Diego/Navy on 16 July, MCAS Miramar on 23 July, and MCRD/San Diego Marines on 6 August. Thanks, Kid. You make us proud.
Alan Kaul
Barbara Sladek
Two fantastic people who work their tails off and then disappear when kudos are being handed out - Alan, with Barbara's support, was the backbone of the Military K9 Heritage Exhibit graphics applications. Both joined Dawgs for the 2nd Annual Camp Cann event, MCRD/San Diego, 29 Palms Marines, and MCAS Miramar Feed. They're back in 2011 - Camp Cann Launch, the 2011 MFAM War Dog Memorial, Edwards AFB on 23 April,
Navy/San Deigo on 6 August, and NBVC Ventura on 27 August.
We are forever grateful.
Patricia Korzec
Director
March Field Air Museum
Patricia joined Dawgs for the Luke AFB Feed in Phoenix, Arizona - a "real boot!"
Patricia has also facilitated the adoption by the Feed the Dawgs program of the
Military K9 Heritage Exhibit at March Field Air Museum. She has coordinated and served extensively and selflessly on the exhibit
project committee.
"Sir" Geoffrey Middleton
aka: Aussie Dawg
Geoff and Syl Middleton of Brisbane (Chapel Hill/Gold Coast) joined in the festivities at the 2nd Annual Edwards AFB Feed the Dawgs Event. Geoff skillfully introduced us to culinary "barbie" talents from "down under" and kept up with the hungry Boots. Geoffrey and Sylvia returned in 2011 to boost the grill and chow line efforts at 29 Palms Marines, Vandenberg AFB, and Navy/San Deigo.
We are honored to know you.
We were genuinely impressed with Steve Hopkin's jaunt from Enid, Oklahoma, for the Edwards Feed. Sorry Steve, the Middletons have wupped your record distance traveled to a Feed the Dawgs event by a mere 9,000+ miles! Some walkabout!
We are also grateful to Geoff and Syl for their assistance in recognizing our Fallen Brother, Aussie Sapper Darren Smith and his MWD, Herbie ~ KIA 7 June 2010 ~ Afghanistan. Our Aussie Dawgs are also active in maintaining our PR efforts in the OZ Dawg Community ~ Official representatives of the 2nd Engineers, Brisbane.
Bob Morrison
Bob hails from the Tucson Chapter of AFSFA. He gives roots to the Feed the Dawgs Project effort at the Arizona air bases and at Fort Huachuca.
We first met Bob at the 2011 Davis-Monthan AFB Feed Event on 26 March. We were blessed to have him join in again at the 18th MP Dawgs Event at Fort Huachuca on 22 October and the Luke AFB Feed Event on 17 November 2011.
Kenneth Neal
Ken joined Dawgs for the 2009 Camp Pendleton Marines, Edwards AFB, Luke AFB, Nellis AFB, San Diego Navy, Davis-Monthon AFB, MCAS/YPG Yuma Marines, MCAGCC/3rd MEF, and MCAS Miramar Feeds. He has also served at the 13 February 2010 ALL SERVICES FEED, the 26 March "Camp Cann" Marines Feed, 2nd Vandenberg, 2nd Edwards, 2nd Davis-Monthan, 2nd 29 Palms Marines, 2nd CNRSW Navy, 2nd Miramar Marines, and 2nd Luke AFB events. The sometimes stealth Ken helped us launch 2011 with the Feed at Camp Cann, the 2011 War Dog Memorial, Edwards AFB, Nellis/Creech AFBs, and the inaugural NBVC Navy.
Ken is the highly skilled source for much of the photographic product that represents Feed the Dawgs. He is an exemplary ambasador of the fine organizations to which he belongs. And, he has become a significant icon of the Feed the Dawgs project. He is the recipient of the 1st Annual Feed the Dawgs Fred Lincolm Memorial Award.
The "boots" love him.
Corina Rodriguez
Corina was "drafted" into Dawgs by
Candie (Hemp) Bueno and has served at the
San Diego Navy Feed, on the Military K9 Heritage Exhibit preparation, MCAS Miramar Feed, the All Services Feed, the 2010 launch event at Camp Pendleton, 2nd Vandenberg, 2nd Edwards, 2nd Davis-Monthan, 2nd Yuma/YPG, 2nd 29 Palms Marines, the 1st NBVC Navy Ventura, and MCAS/YPG Yuma Marines events.
Genuine Lady Dawg! Thanks, Sarge!
Joe Scarr
Joe, a top-notch computer graphics gurru, was drafted by Jon Hemp the minute word was received from Darryl Worley that his song
"I Just Got Back From A War" was "gifted" to Feed the Dawgs. The kid does magic with computers! Tirelessly, Joe followed that trick with the reconstruction of some rather low quality video footage from the Military K9 Heritage Exhibit dedication and produced the fantastic product you see of MAC James D. Bruno's keynote address on October 17, 2009. Joe, you honor us, you honor your trade, and you honor your country. You're a DAWG!
Mike Schmitz
Mike is retired Air Force and currently on staff at the March Field Air Museum. Shown with Grandson Justin, Mike has been at the forefront of the support for the Military K9 Heritage Exhibit at March Museum. We finally drafted Mike into "field operations" and his participation on the grill at the 2nd Annual Davis-Monthan AFB Dawgs Feed. Mike returned (with Rachel) for the 2nd Annual MCRD/San Diego and 2nd Annual CNRSW San Diego Navy events. Ever ready, Mike and Rachel jumped to at the Camp Cann launch of the 2011 schedule and joined in again at Edwards AFB, 29 Palms Marines, Navy/San Diego, Marimar Marines, NBVC Navy Ventura, and THE LONG HAUL to Fort Huachuca's 18th MPs.
Thank you, Good Friend.
Rachel Schmitz
Rachel joined Dawgs for MCRD's 2nd Annual Feed and the CNRSW Navy San Diego gig. What a Lady! She put smiles on Leather Neck and Squid faces and kept the grill work on schedule and organized - a true Dawg Handler.
Rachel returned to the fold to help launch the 2011 Calendar of Events at Camp Cann, and joined in again on 29 Palms Marines, Navy/San Diego, Miramar Marines, MCRD/San Diego Marines, NBVC Navy Ventura, and the US Army at Fort Huachuca (a 1,000 mile weekend).
Thank you, Lady. You honor us.
Mike Seaver
SFO-based Mike Seaver treked to support the 2011 War Dog Memorial in 2011. When the opportunity for a more central California gig arose in September 2011, Mike joined the volunteer ranks at the Beale/Fallon/Travis 1st Joint K9 Barbecue. Always offering a "younger" perspective than that of the OLD Old Dawgs, veteran Dog Handler Mike adds significant enthusiasm for the Young Dawgs and a steady hand on the grill.
Thanks, Brother.
Gwen Sifuentes
Drafted by her daughter, Michelle, Gwen joined Dawgs at the 2009 Camp Cann, then Vandenberg, then Edwards, then MCRD/San Diego, then 29 Palms Marines, CNRSW Navy San Diego, then MCAS Miramar Marines . . . . we believe she has been sufficiently infected!
Gwen returned to the 2011 effort with a long haul to Nellis/Creech, Navy/San Diego, and NBVC Navy Ventura.
Thank you, Lady. The Boots love you and the Old Dawgs truly appreciate your dedication and genuine affection for our Young Dawgs.
Michelle Sifuentes
Collections Manager
March Field Air Museum
Michelle joined Dawgs for the 2009 Luke AFB and MCAGCC/3rd MEF 29 Palms feeds. She has extensively supported the Military K9 Heritage exhibit project at March Field Air Museum.
Hooked . . . Michelle returned in 2010 for the Camp Pendleton/Camp Cann, Vandenberg, Edwards, Nellis/Creech,
MCRD/San Diego, 29 Palms Marines, Navy/San Diego,
and MCAS Miramar. On 28 January 2011, she was back in the trenches in support of the Camp Cann Feed, 29 Palms Marines, Nellis/Creech AFBs, Navy San Diego, MCAS Miramar and Dawgs' very first NBVC Navy Ventura event.
We'll always be grateful.
Craig Smith
Craig Smith is another compliment to
the tradition and heritage of the
Thailand Dog Handlers of the Vietnam War.
Craig first joined us for the 2010 ALL SERVICES FEED, followed by Camp Cann Marines, Vandenberg AFB, and Navy San Diego.
With the launch of the 2011 events calendar,
Craig returned for duty at Edwards AFB.
We appreciate your effort and support,
Brother Dawg.