Paws on the Ground - Longview, TX - Non-Specific Veteran Memorials on Waymarking.com

Plaque text:

Paws on the Ground

This military working dog is waiting for its missing master to return. The bond between a handler and a military working dog goes deeper than "man's best friend". They go through the same harrowing stresses of combat together.

Dogs have served in warfare for mor than 15,000 years. Napolean used them as guard dogs to ward off attackers. A Military Working Dog accompanied the Navy SEAL team that killed Osama bin Laden. Soldiers have relied on thousands duties, of military working dogs to help keep them safe, and make their jobs easier. The dogs are trained to perform scout detect explosives, to find illegal drugs, to search for missing comrades, find the enemy whether hiding in tunnels, under water, or in buildings. The dogs can achieve over a 98% success rate in detecting bombs.

They are loyal comrades and protectors of American troops in war zones and military installations around the world. Not only have thousands of these brave K-9s died in service to their country, they have saved several thousand GI lives in Vietnam alone, 4,900 military working dogs served and are credited with saving 10,000 human lives. Only 200 of the dogs made it home. They share the same risks as the ground troops, suffering injuries and sometimes death on the battlefield. These K-9 soldiers did not volunteer, but served with every ounce of dedication they had.

As of 2015, the only female dog handler Killed in Actionwas Army Sgt Zainah C. Creamer from Texarkana, Arkansas. While serving in Afghanistan, her unit was hit by an IED. Her dog, Jofa, survived.

Army SSGT Robert W. Hartsock is the only dog handler to recieve the Medal of Honor when he showed his heroism by saving several lives while serving in Vietnam with his scout dog, Duke.

God bless all those who served including our four legged troops. They pay the ultimate price as well. Look around you, our freedom is not free.

K-9 Promise
My eyes are your eyes to watch you and protect you and yours.
My earsare your ears to hear and detect evil minds in the dark.
My nose is your nose to scent the invader of your domain.
And so you may live, my life is also yours.

Type of Memorial: Non-Specific Memorial In Honor Of: All those who served including our four legged troops. Marker Text: See text above Who Put it Here?: Citizens of Longview Description of Memorial: A dog sculpture made of metal objects: tools, padlocks, and guns. A plaque nearby to the K-9s who serve in the military. These are located along the walkway in Veterans Plaza. Wars mentioned (Multi-war only): Not listed Date of dedication: Not listed

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Recent Visits/Logs:

Date Logged Log   03/17/2023 The Snowdog visited it