[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 2]
[House]
[Pages 2196-2198]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                RECOGNIZING MILITARY WORKING DOG PROGRAM

  Mr. MARSHALL. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to 
the resolution (H. Res. 812) recognizing the significant contributions 
of the Military Working Dog (MWD) Program to the United States Armed 
Forces, as amended.
  The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
  The text of the resolution is as follows:

                              H. Res. 812

       Whereas the Military Working Dog Program, or K-9 Corps, was 
     developed in 1942, shortly after the United States entered 
     World War II;
       Whereas all four branches of the United States Armed Forces 
     as well as other government agencies, including the Secret 
     Service, Central Intelligence Agency, and Transportation 
     Security Administration, use Military Working Dogs in service 
     to the country;
       Whereas Military Working Dogs are trained in explosive 
     detection, narcotic detection, sentry, patrol, tracking, and 
     other specific areas;
       Whereas Military Working Dogs, through their training, have 
     prevented injuries and saved the lives of thousands of United 
     States citizens;
       Whereas more than 19,000 Military Working Dogs were 
     acquired by the United States Armed Forces during World War 
     II and of those 19,000, a little more than 10,000 Military 
     Working Dogs were utilized in the war effort;
       Whereas more than 1,500 Military Working Dogs were employed 
     during the Korean War and 4,500 in the Vietnam War;
       Whereas, since September 11, 2001, Military Working Dogs 
     have served in Iraq and Afghanistan and have been employed in 
     detection work as part of homeland security and defense 
     efforts;
       Whereas today approximately 2,000 Military Working Dogs 
     serve at nearly 170 United States military bases worldwide, 
     including bases in 40 States and 3 United States territories;
       Whereas retired Military Working Dogs are recognized for 
     their lifetime of service in the United State Armed Forces; 
     and
       Whereas charitable organizations and community groups are 
     recognized for their work in coordination with the Department 
     of Defense to help bring Military Working Dogs stationed 
     overseas home to the United States for adoption when their 
     active duty days are over and provide support to active K9 
     military teams worldwide: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
       (1) recognizes the significant contributions of the 
     Military Working Dog Program to the United States Armed 
     Forces;
       (2) honors active and retired Military Working Dogs for 
     their loyal service and dedication to protecting the men and 
     women of the United States Armed Forces; and
       (3) supports the adoption and care of these quality animals 
     after their service is over.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
Georgia (Mr. Marshall) and the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. 
Jones) each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Georgia.


                             General Leave

  Mr. MARSHALL. I ask that all Members have 5 legislative days in which 
to revise and extend their remarks.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Georgia?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. MARSHALL. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  I rise today in support of House Resolution 812, recognizing the 
significant contributions of the Military Working Dog Program to the 
United States Armed Forces. I would like to thank my colleague from New 
Jersey (Mr. Lance) for bringing this measure before the House.
  Military working dogs contribute essential services to our Armed 
Forces through their capacity to detect explosives, illegal narcotics, 
and unwarranted persons beyond the capacity of any human patrol. They 
offer an invaluable ability for tracking missing people as well as 
fleeing suspects. Their support with sentry is crucial for the 
protection of our soldiers and civilians, and they are vital in so many 
different roles. Our military would not be as effective without them.
  Military working dogs serve the four branches of the military, the 
Secret Service, the Central Intelligence Agency, and the Transportation 
Security Administration. Their service has developed and expanded since 
their implementation in 1942 during World War II and has since played 
important roles overseas in Korea, Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan.

                              {time}  1530

  The Military Working Dog Program has increased its role in 
safeguarding our homeland. Since September 11, 2001, our expanded 
homeland and defense efforts would not be as effective if it were not 
for the expanded effort of the Military Working Dog Program. Thousands 
of dogs serve every year both in the United States and around the 
world, and I am glad to be here today in honor of their service.
  I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. JONES. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Madam Speaker, I rise in support of House Resolution 812, which 
recognizes the significant contribution of the Military Working Dog 
Program to the United States Armed Forces. Dogs have long been known as 
man's best friend. They are brave, loyal, and trustworthy. It is not a 
coincidence that these are the same traits so valued by the United 
States military services. It is these qualities that have made our 
Armed Forces unsurpassed. It is no wonder that the natural bond between 
man and dogs and these shared characteristics have made military 
working dogs vital to the success of our Armed Forces since the K-9 
Corps was established during World War II.
  Prior to the Second World War, the only dogs employed by the military 
were sled dogs used by the Army in Alaska. War dogs, as they were 
called in World War II, were trained to be sentry dogs, scouts or 
patrol dogs, messenger dogs, and mine-detection dogs. Today, military 
working dogs provide critical services in explosives and narcotics 
detection, sentry, patrol, and tracking, not only to the military 
services but to the Secret Service, Central Intelligence Agency, and 
the Transportation Security Administration.
  Currently there are over 2,000 military working dogs serving at 
military bases throughout the world. Over 250 are serving in Iraq and 
Afghanistan alongside our troops fighting to rid the word of tyranny 
and terrorism. These dogs are credited with saving countless American 
and coalition lives by their actions and are recognized as a true force 
multiplier and enabler.
  Sadly, military working dogs experience the same hardships and 
horrors of combat as the men and women they work to protect, including 
paying the ultimate price with their lives. Since the beginning of the 
program, hundreds of dogs have been killed in action, 281 in the 
Vietnam War alone.
  On a brighter note, Madam Speaker, today's military working dogs are 
retired after their lifetime of military service. With the help of the 
countless charitable and community agencies working with the Department 
of Defense, these dogs are placed for adoption after their active duty 
service is over. They bring joy to their adoptive families and serve as 
ambassadors for the Military Working Dog Program.
  Madam Speaker, I would like to thank the gentleman from New Jersey 
for introducing this resolution to recognize the extraordinary military 
working dogs. I join him and all of my colleagues to honor these 
incredible dogs and their military handlers and to support adoption of 
military working dogs who have served this Nation so well. I therefore 
strongly urge all Members to support this resolution.
  Madam Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman who introduced this 
legislation, the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Lance).
  Mr. LANCE. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman from North Carolina 
and the gentleman from Georgia.
  Madam Speaker, I rise today as the proud sponsor of House Resolution 
812, legislation to honor and recognize the

[[Page 2197]]

significant contributions made by military working dogs to the United 
States military and to our Nation.
  Dogs have been used by people to help protect themselves and their 
property since ancient times. Trained dogs have been used by most of 
the world's military forces since the first military units were 
organized. From these ancient beginnings, the U.S. Armed Forces adopted 
the Military Working Dog Program, called ``the K-9 Corps,'' shortly 
after the attack on Pearl Harbor, when dog owners across the Nation 
donated their noble pets to assist soldiers and sailors in the World 
War II effort.
  Since that time, military working dog training has been continually 
refined to produce a highly sophisticated and versatile extension of 
the warrior's own senses. Military working dogs are trained in 
explosives detection, narcotics detection, sentry, patrol, tracking, 
and other specific areas. Even the most complex machines remain unable 
to duplicate the operational effectiveness of properly trained working 
dogs.
  The branches of the United States Armed Forces as well as several 
other governmental agencies incorporate military working dogs into 
their operations, including, as has been mentioned, the Secret Service, 
the Central Intelligence Agency, and the Transportation Security 
Administration.
  The United States military utilized more than 10,000 dogs in World 
War II. More than 1,500 military working dogs were employed during the 
Korean War, and 4,500 in the Vietnam War. Since September 11, military 
working dogs have served not only in Iraq and Afghanistan but also in 
detection work as part of homeland security and defense efforts. 
Approximately 2,000 military working dogs currently serve at nearly 170 
U.S. military bases worldwide, including bases in 40 U.S. States and 
three U.S. territories. Over the past six decades, these dogs have 
helped prevent injuries and have saved the lives of thousands of 
Americans.
  This resolution to honor these brave canines was inspired by a 
military working dog that was adopted by a family in Fleming, New 
Jersey, in my congressional district. Military Working Dog Ben C020 was 
retired from the Air Force last July after nearly 11 years of loyal 
service in the military. Ben, trained as a narcotics and patrol dog, 
served with a security unit at Bolling Air Force Base. As the premium 
narcotics dog in the unit, he was selected to deploy to Texas to assist 
the United States Customs and Border Protection agency, where he 
detected and prevented 300 pounds of marijuana from being smuggled into 
the U.S. in one month. Ben also worked in law enforcement, foot 
patrols, and resource security to keep employees, residents, and 
visitors at the Air Force base safe. In September, the Air Force 
awarded Ben with a medal of commendation to recognize the major 
achievements that he has achieved throughout his career.
  House Resolution 812 also recognizes community organizations for 
their efforts to assist in the adoption process of retired military 
working dogs. J.T. Gabriel, a constituent of mine and Ben's new owner, 
is the chief executive officer and founder of K-9 Soldiers, a nonprofit 
organization that supports military K-9 troops worldwide. In addition 
to providing support for active military working dog units, K-9 
Soldiers and many other community groups work closely with the adoption 
program at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas to help secure a home for 
military working dogs once they retire. Thanks to their efforts, 
hundreds of retired military working dogs have been able to find good 
homes and continue to lead happy and healthy lives after their years of 
loyal service to the Nation.
  I thank the chairman and the ranking member for allowing us to bring 
this resolution to the floor, and the Members who are cosponsors of 
House Resolution 812. I encourage all of my colleagues to support this 
resolution and honor the thousands of active and retired military 
working dogs that have helped save lives and protected the members of 
our Armed Forces in harm's way.
  Mr. MARSHALL. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  I simply observe that our very effective military dogs cannot 
function at all without their handlers, and so I would just like to 
recognize and thank those who work with these dogs and make them all 
they can be. The dogs are very important to security efforts by our 
Armed Forces, and without their handlers and the general support they 
receive from others, they would not be effective at all.
  I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. JONES. Madam Speaker, I would like to yield 2 minutes to the 
gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Thompson).
  Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support 
of House Resolution 812 recognizing the significant contributions of 
the Military Working Dog Program to the United States Armed Forces, and 
I thank my good friend from New Jersey for bringing forth this 
resolution.
  As my colleagues have stated, military working dogs have served side 
by side with the brave men and women protecting our Nation. They serve 
as loyal companions in combat and beyond to their handlers. Many of 
these working dogs serve on the front lines as bomb sniffing dogs, 
detecting explosives and other threats, but also working narcotics 
detection, patrols, and even as sentries, alerting our brave soldiers 
when they are in danger.
  Back in 2005, then Air Force Tech Sergeant Jamie Dana and her 
military working dog Rex were traveling in a convoy in Kirkuk, Iraq, 
after searching several villages for explosives. Rex, a 5-year old, 80-
pound German shepherd, had been working with Dana for more than 3 
years. Returning to base that evening, her Humvee was hit by an 
improvised explosive device. Dana was the most badly injured in the 
convoy, and was rushed to the operating room by helicopter, 
continuously asking if Rex had survived the blast.
  ``My heart was broken,'' Dana said. ``He was my best friend. Rex and 
I were together 24/7, and my life was in his hands, just as his life 
was in mine. I thought he was dead.''
  Dana then went through several surgeries and defied the odds, 
continuing to improve and get better. During her recovery at Walter 
Reed, she awoke one day to find a big surprise: Rex was there, alive, 
with little more than a slight burn on his nose.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The time of the gentleman has expired.
  Mr. JONES. Madam Speaker, I yield an additional 2\1/2\ minutes to the 
gentleman from Pennsylvania.
  Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Dana's best friend, Rex, was alive. 
However, the reunion was short-lived as Rex was scheduled to be brought 
back into service.
  Growing up in Smethport, Pennsylvania, in Pennsylvania's Fifth 
Congressional District, Dana has always loved animals, especially dogs 
and horses. During her recovery, she repeatedly asked to adopt Rex. 
However, she was not allowed to keep him until Congress, recognizing 
the importance of military working dogs, passed a measure that would 
allow certain exceptions for wounded veterans. Tech Sergeant Dana and 
others put their lives on the line every day in defense of this 
country, but so do their dogs. Their activities have truly touched the 
lives of so many, and I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting 
this resolution honoring military working dogs.
  Mr. JONES. Madam Speaker, I would think it is appropriate that I 
might say to everyone who has spoken today, thank you for your 
comments, but also I would like to share that the House has passed 
legislation that would allow a war dog memorial to be built at no 
expense to the taxpayer, either the building of the memorial or the 
upkeep. With that I would like to say to the gentleman from Georgia, it 
is a pleasure to work with you. You are one of the gentlemen who I have 
a greatest respect for in this House for your integrity.
  Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. MARSHALL. Madam Speaker, I appreciate the gentleman from North 
Carolina saying that since he is widely viewed in the House as being 
nothing but integrity.

[[Page 2198]]

  Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 
812--to honor and recognize the significant contributions of the 
Military Working Dog, MWD, Program to the United States Armed Services 
in support of national security.
  Throughout the histories of warfare, from the days of the Egyptians, 
the Greeks and the Persians and the conquests of the Roman Empire to 
the United Nation's Police Action in Korea, the war in Vietnam, the 
Gulf Wars, and more recently during the Overseas Contingency 
Operations, dogs have undergone active service at the sides of their 
masters, they have played the role of hero, by showing bravery under 
fire, saving lives (often by sacrificing their own), and bringing 
comfort to the injured and infirmed.
  The call of modern warfare, as the Gulf Wars and later conflicts have 
demonstrated, exemplifies our use of the most sophisticated, 
technologically advanced equipment that the United States could procure 
to bring swift and decisive victory for a just cause. To this end, the 
U.S. had in the past expended every available resource to meet the 
ultimate goal while protecting the lives and resources of those 
fighting for it. Although the face of war has changed, some fundamental 
tools and weapons used in combat have not.
  Canines or War Dogs were used in warfare throughout history 
supporting combat operations. Long before the invention of gunpowder, 
dogs were gathered in columns; many of them clad in armor and spiked 
collars by the military forces of the Roman Empire. One of the first 
uses of canines in the United States Armed Services was during the 
bleakest time in this country's history, the Civil War, where dogs were 
used as messengers, guards and as mascots.
  Noting the overall contribution to the military forces' effectiveness 
the United States Armed Service made the canine force a formal part of 
the its military structure with the inception of the first War Dog 
Reception and Training Center established at Front Royal, Virginia in 
August of 1942. The completion of this center allowed for the training 
of 200 men and 500 dogs. But the enormous influx of dogs pushed these 
numbers up to 400 men and 900 dogs by June of 1943.
  Within a year the Armed Forces had procured up 11,000 War Dogs to 
serve in a variety of capacities--Sentry Dogs, trained to assist in 
guard duty at arsenals, ammunition dumps, ration depots, and water 
works; Attack Dogs, early in the canine program these dogs were limited 
in production but were invaluable in beach patrols or in any situation 
where trespassers might be at a distance from the sentry; Tactical 
Dogs, used in combat situations; and Silent Scout Dogs, trained as 
tactical dogs to give silent warning to their handlers of the presence 
of enemy troops.
  Additionally, there were also Messenger Dogs, trained to deliver 
messages on the battlefield as they were swift, sure of foot and could 
find their way in any type of weather. Casualty Dogs were trained to 
aid the medical corps in finding wounded soldiers on the battlefield 
and finding injured individuals in debris caused by bombings. The 
Sledge Dogs were particularly skilled in finding downed Airmen, 
Soldiers and marines in snowbound regions inaccessible by normal means. 
Then there were the Pack Dogs, trained to transport loads of up to 40 
pounds. They would be able to work with field units in carrying small 
machine guns, ammunition and food.
  During the Gulf War, at least 150 highly trained German Shepherds 
were used by the United States Armed Services to guard and protect 
their troops, supplies and aircraft.
  Military Working Dog, MWD, teams--dogs and handlers--perform a 
function vital for force protection. An estimated 2,300 working dogs 
were serving within the U.S. Department of Defense as late as 2004. 
These teams, from every military service, are deployed worldwide to 
support the war on terror, helping to safeguard military bases and 
activities and to detect bombs and other explosives before they inflict 
harm.
  The MWD teams are an integral part of the U.S. mission in Iraq and 
Afghanistan, devoting many hours to carrying out all the traditional 
roles of military dogs. Guard duty is a basic MWD function, but their 
additional responsibilities include base security, individual and crowd 
control, tracking, and explosive and narcotic detection. Most dogs are 
dual-purpose trained: police dogs first, then with a specialty skill 
such as bomb detection.
  In Iraq and Afghanistan, several hundred Military Working Dogs 
perform their duties in the same hazardous environment as their 
handlers and other soldiers. They take on small arms fire, are bombed, 
suffer through the heat and sandstorms and a list of other dangers. 
However, they serve next to their handlers and soldiers without 
wavering.
  These warrior canines are truly an American treasure and after their 
patriotic service has expired and they are eventually retired we should 
all support their immediate adoption into a caring home.
  Again, I am an avid supporter of our military in all capacities 
including the Military Working Dog Program. These highly trained 
canines and their handlers are on the front lines of our national 
security and should be commended for years of dedicated and courageous 
service.
  Mr. GARRETT of New Jersey. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize 
some of the unsung heroes of our ongoing military campaigns in 
Afghanistan and Iraq: the Military Working Dogs (MWDs). For over 60 
years, military dogs have been working, serving, and risking their 
lives alongside our brave servicemen and women around the world. Like 
their handlers, these Military Working Dogs have served this country 
with honor and distinction, keeping our country safe both at home and 
abroad.
  During World War I, many dogs, beginning with the first military dog, 
Sergeant Stubby, served alongside American forces overseas. On March 
13, 1942, the Army Quartermaster Corps officially recognized and 
incorporated the so-called K-9 Corps. Between 1942 and 1945, over 
10,000 dogs were trained in the War Dogs program. Military dogs have 
continued to play an important role in the U.S. Armed Forces through 
the 20th century and into the 21st. Today, these four-legged soldiers 
serve alongside our soldiers overseas, searching for explosive 
components, drugs, and IEDs. As they do every day in our homes and 
yards, these dogs have proven to be man's best friend on the 
battlefield as well.
  I became aware of the important work of Military Working Dogs through 
Frank Yevchak, a constituent from Hewitt, NJ and founder of Support Our 
Four-Legged Soldiers. Frank and his organization have sent thousands of 
dollars of supplies to MWD handlers stationed in Balad, Iraq. Supplies 
range from cooling vests and blankets to toys and treats--whatever the 
handlers need to keep the dogs comfortable and able to complete their 
important jobs. Frank also includes letters and cards from local 
students in the care packages. Most recently, Frank has partnered with 
Macopin Middle School in West Milford. In the fall and winter, the 
``Paws of Love Campaign'' at the school was able to raise $1,200 for 
our soldiers and canine companions.
  As a dog owner, I understand the important traits of loyalty, 
courage, and dependability that these dogs give to our Armed Forces. 
Today, one day shy of the Military Working Dogs' 68th birthday, I 
recognize the important work of Military Working Dogs and thank their 
owners, trainers, handlers, and supporters for all they do for our 
soldiers and our Nation.
  Mr. MARSHALL. I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Marshall) that the House suspend the rules 
and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 812, as amended.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the 
rules were suspended and the resolution, as amended, was agreed to.
  The title of the resolution was amended so as to read: ``Recognizing 
the significant contributions of the Military Working Dog Program to 
the United States Armed Forces.''.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

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