YAP Ambassadors Invited to Dedication of MWD National Monument
Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, TX, is the site of the U.S. Military Working Dog Teams National Monument, scheduled to be dedicated in October 2013. Thanks to the generosity of its founder, John Burnam, the Jr. Military Working Dog YAP Ambassadors, Pilots ‘n Paws members, and United War Veterans Council’s very own youth members from Step into their Boots will welcome guests to their booth at Lackland next fall.
The bronze dogs and dog handler of the U.S. Military Working Dog Teams National Monument will be unveiled for public viewing for the first time at the January 1, 2013, Rose Parade. Burnam is a Vietnam War veteran and Purple Heart recipient who served with the Army’s 44th Scout Dog Platoon. Two of the dogs he served with, Timber and Clipper, are featured in Burnam’s books, Tags of Courage and A Soldier’s Best Friend.
Lackland AFB is the home of the 341st Training Squadron and has trained Military Working Dog teams of the U.S. Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, and Coast Guard since 1958. Lackland AFB is also home to the new Department of Defense Military Working Dog Veterinary Service Hospital (dogvet.amedd.army.mil). In coordination with the Offices of the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of the Air Force, Lackland was selected as the location for the National Monument for Military Working Dog Teams.
The custom-made stained glass War Dogs Award that will be displayed at this year’s Veterans Day parade in New York City will be shown at dedication events and then be permanently placed in the auditorium of the Lackland Military Working Dog School. The award was designed, created, and donated by artist and retired NYC detective Gay Ann Wayne, who was also a member of the NYC/FBI Joint Terrorist Task Force for 19 years, including service during 9/11.
