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In loving memory
Vietnam Veteran, PVT US Army
Joe “The Dog Trainer” White
On March 13, 1942, the US Army developed the War Dog Program also known as the K9 Corps to support our soldiers during WWII. Military dogs had various roles during World War II, including scouting, protecting camps and supply lines, and rescuing pilots. The Vietnam War saw the biggest dog deployment in American military history.
It was Vietnam Veteran, Joe J. White, that lead the charge to honor these brave 4 legged heroes for their service to our Country. Joe was a dog handler and trainer in Vietnam and witnessed first-hand the important contributions of the military working dogs. He was also adamant to stop the practice of euthanizing these K9 service members after they completed their military duty. On June 11, 2015, bill H.R. 2742 was introduced “to support veterans and military dog handlers by ensuring that military working dogs come home to the United States after they have been relieved from their service in combat roles overseas.” Although this practice has been stopped (often the dogs live with their handler or a loving family), to date, this bill has not had forward movement.
Although Joe White passed away on October 24, 2009, his wife continued his mission to get this holiday recognized every March 13th. In 2010, K9 Veterans Day finally received its first formal recognition in New Jersey. Today, it is being recognized nationwide.
Today's military dogs are valued as important members of their military units and even have their own retirement ceremonies, awards, medals and memorial services. One important annual awards ceremony, Animals In War and Peace held their 4th annual event last week at the US Capitol recognizing our military and first responder dogs for their bravery and valor along-side their handlers.
K-9 Veterans Day also honors support animals for people with mental health concerns and other service dogs that assist the disabled. As therapy dogs, they provide comfort and support to veterans and civilians to alleviate stress, anxiety, and PTS symptoms. As service dogs, they assist individuals with disabilities, offering them greater independence and quality of life. These canine warriors continue to serve long after their official duties have ended, proving that their heroism extends far beyond their line of duty or battlefield.
All of us at Military Animal Project thank these K9 heroes for their unwavering loyalty to protect, serve and most importantly provide us every day with their unconditional love.
So take a moment today to honor, remember and celebrate these brave, dedicated and amazing canine companions.
