A bomb-sniffing military dog that has served two tours in Afghanistan was refused passage on a U.S. commercial flight to the Democratic National Convention last week by a pilot who was concerned the K-9 could be aggressive. The 6-year-old German shepherd named Kevin was prevented from boarding a US Airways flight from Phoenix, Ariz., to …
The Department of Veterans Affairs will pay service-dog benefits to veterans with vision, hearing or mobility-related injuries but not to veterans suffering only with post-traumatic-stress-disorder and other mental health disabilities. A 67-page, final draft of rules concerning veterans in need of service dogs was published today in the Federal Register and will become final in…
The Museum of American Illustration at the Society of Illustrators presents “Air Force Art,” opening September 5 through September 29, 2012. The exhibition showcases the original art from illustrators documenting the United States Air Force through a wide variety of technological and figurative works. Shortly after the Air Force became recognized as a separate service…
A military working dog (MWD) is a canine military member who aides their handler in performing security patrols or searching for and detecting explosives and narcotics. All MWDs, from every branch of the military, are sent to Lackland AFB, Texas for fundamental training. The training is composed of a 90-day course where the MWD is…
Canines are one of the best partners that we can have. I don’t want to sound demeaning, but they are also a great tool. The nose of a canine can sniff out suspects, drugs and explosives. Agencies around the world tend to spend thousands of dollars for a canine, most of the time that doesn’t…
About 11.11.11: V-DAY 11.11.11 is a feature-length documentary that examines what it means to be a veteran in America by telling the stories of some of the men and women who dedicate their lives to our country. Cameras followed veterans from every branch of war and times served on November 11, 2011 for a glimpse…
HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Riding in an armored truck over Afghanistan’s rutted dirt roads is scarcely a smooth or comfortable experience. Each bump is felt as springs groan and creak under the weight of the mine resistant, ambush-protected vehicle. The air conditioner circulates dusty air, and unless you’re right next to the vents, you’re drenched…
New York, NY – Military Working Dogs are more intelligent than second and first lieutenants, according to an article to be published next week in Army Times. The article, titled “Who’s Got the Smarts?” examines groups of soldiers from different ranks, military occupation specialties, and career branches, and then orders them by intelligence. “We factored…
Pet Expo 7 is fast approching and we at the United States War Dogs Association are excited to be part of this great yearly event. Stop by and say Hello.
Rebecca’s War Dog of the Week: Memorial for first female handler KIA By Rebecca Frankel Best Defense Chief Canine Correspondent On January 12, a bronze plaque was unveiled in front of the kennels at Fort Belvoir bearing the facility’s new name: “Sgt. Zainah “Caye” Creamer Military Working Dog Kennels.” It was a year ago…