Dedication Day June 10, 2006 at Vietnam Veterans Memorial Holmdel, NJ Honored guest Sculptor Bruce Lindsay, Ron Aiello, President of U.S. War Dogs Assoc. Inc., Bob Thompson, Stephen G. Abel, LTC Robin K. King, Bob Cicero, Bucky Grimm, Craig Pache, James Gafgen, Jr., Carl Wooden

On May 10, 2002, Sculptor: Bruce Lindsay presented his model creation of the U.S. War Dog Memorial to Members of the United States War Dogs Association, President Ron Aiello, Col. Stephen G. Able, representative of the New Jersey Dept. of Military and Veterans Affairs and members of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Foundation. Bucky Grimm, Karl Gross, Bob Cicero and Bob Thompson.

The year 2000 officially has given us the United States War Dogs Association, Inc. and our first goal is to establish a U.S. War Dog Memorial, at the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Holmdel, New Jersey. Our goals are many and varied. There is still the War Dog Stamp project, to be realized. Military records concerning War Dogs and their Handlers have to be located, researched and documented. In the areas of educating the public, many of our members are out there giving shows, presentations and talks on the contributions War Dogs have made and continue to make to our country, their work must continue and be supported by the full membership.

U.S. WAR DOG MEMORIAL Located at the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Holmdel, New Jersey | www.uswardogs.org | Donations accepted.

"UGLY" helped save, recover many lives in Vietnam. Handler Michael "Doc" Spresser

On Saturday, August 22, 2015 Vietnam Veterans of American Chapter 850 dedicated their War Dog Memorial with the image of SSgt. Jason Spangenberg and his dog 'Rico'.

Military working dog handler Staff Sergeant Jason Spangenberg received the Bronze Star Medal for his courage and commitment during his two deployments to Afghanistan.

Spangenberg deployed to Afghanistan from March to August 2013, with his dog, "Rico." Together, they supported Army Special Operations forces in more than 100 combat missions. The pair also discovered more than 100 pounds of explosives in a four month period and the airman also taught more than 300 Afghan policeman on counter improvised explosive device tactics and techniques. Spangenberg was the only airman deployed with the Army special forces troops.

Dogs have been in combat with US soldiers during every major conflict, but they were not officially recognized until WWII. They are trained in bomb, weapon and drug detection, tracking, and to attack the enemy.

There are about 2500 dogs in active service today and about 700 deployed overseas. 85% of military working dogs are purchased from Germany and the Netherlands.

They are extremely valuable, and not just for their service. Only about 50% make it through training.
They aren’t all German Shepherds.

They can get PTSD. They mourn the loss of their handler and vice versa.
Until November 2000, military dogs were euthanize or abandoned after retirement.

Before November 2000 service dogs were considered “military surplus equipment” and deemed unfit to adjust to civilian life. These heroes were thrown away or put down instead of honored.

USMC Service Dog “Tank” with his handler.

President Clinton passed “Robby’s Law” in 2000 which allows handlers and their families first dibs at adopting military animals at the end of their useful service. The dogs are next offered to law enforcement, then adoptive families.

Organizations like Saveavet.org place these retired heroes with suitable families and ensure they are given the honorable discharge they deserve. There are currently long waiting lists of civilians who want to give these veterans a loving home in which to retire.

Patricia Gohl, Founder
No Dog Gets Left Behind provides financial support to reunite military personnel with the stray animals they found and bonded with while at war - a $4,500-per-pet proposition that includes vaccines, medical treatment, transportation and more. While the financial investment is high, the relief, comfort and joy this program provides soldiers is immeasurable. To date we have brought home over 27 dogs to be reunited with his/her soldier.
www.NDGLB.org or www.facebook.com/NoDogGetsLeftBehind