OVER FOUR YEARS OF SUPPORTING OUR K-9 TROOPS! Area of Operation Status - K-9 Teams Arriving/Departing

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1 K-9 Supply Program (10/18/09) OVER FOUR YEARS OF SUPPORTING OUR K-9 TROOPS! Hello everyone! We are currently supporting nine (9) kennels and thirty four (34) deployed Air Force, Army, and Navy teams as of October 18, October 2009 brings us to four years and two months of operation for our Old Dawgs & Pups and K-9 Supply program. Once again, I d just like to say thank you to all of you that have supported our awesome programs and especially our troops and their canine partners deployed down range. Our program now supports Air Force, Army, and Navy K-9 teams it just keeps getting better! Area of Operation Status - K-9 Teams Arriving/Departing We are currently supporting troops at FOB Warrior, Camp Cropper, Joint Base Balad, FOB Delta, and FOB Falcon, Iraq; Bagram, Afghanistan; Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar; Al Dhafra Air Base, United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Manas Air Base, Kyrgyzstan. We have ten (10) new Pups to introduce this month. Heading home: At the time of this report the following are either home or seriously packing: TSgt Andrew Bedell, SSgt Jorge Davila, SSgt Charles Dalton, SSgt Phillip Kittelson, SSgt Daniel Wilson, SSgt Kristen Smith, SSgt Jarred Johnson, SSgt Christopher Reynolds, SSgt Jorge Davila, and SSG Audra Rose, SrA Robert Elliott, and SrA Eric Vega. God Speed and welcome home! FOB Falcon, Iraq: SrA Tolbert Jefferies & MWD Rex from the 355 th SFS, Davis-Monthan AFB, AZ. He is supported by Ken Smerecki (U-Tapao & Pleiku). Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan: TSgt Danielle Russell from the 9 th SFS, Beale AFB, CA. She is supported by Phil Carroll (NKP & Takhli). SSgt Steven Gonzalez & MWD Bruno from the 355 th SFS, Davis-Monthan AFB, AZ. He is supported by Dave Broeker (U-Tapao). SSgt Daniel Flores & MWD Bill from the 49 th SFS, Holloman AFB, New Mexico. He is supported by Mike Regan (NKP) Manas Air Base, Kyrgyzstan: SSgt Patrick Meade, Kennel Master, from the 75 th SFS, Hill AFB, UT. He is supported by Bill Cummings (U-Tapao). SSgt Benjamin Vasquez & MWD Erick from the 75 th SFS, Hill AFB, UT. He is supported by Jim Coggins (NKP). Sra Patrick Lau & MWD Arek from the 75 th SFS, Hill AFB, UT. He is supported by Rich Vivio (U-Tapao) Joint Base Balad, Iraq: TSgt Mark Ochoa just advised us that there are new troops on the ground at JBB. We have made contact with SSgt Matthew MacKenzie from Vance AFB, OK, SSgt David Simpson from Spangdahlem AB, Germany, and SSgt Mark Delcambre from Maxwell AFB, AL. We are in the process of pairing them up this weekend. Stay tuned for more information next month!

2 Profiles and Photographs of members of Old Dawgs & Pups Janet (Sparkplug) Wise and Sarge Al Matthews Janet Wise and her dad MSgt (Retired) Al Sarge Matthews (Cam Rahn Bay, RVN, 483 rd SPS, 71-72) pictured at one of our VSPA reunions. These two have been with our program since we started in August of Sarge has gone on to his Last Guardmount and everyone who knew him misses his dearly! Janet and her mom, Pat, are carrying on the Matthews tradition of supporting those dawgs! Chief Rick Mattot/A1C Rick Matott Then and now! Rick Matott Ubon, where he served with MWD Prinz (K080). The A1C Matott, has gone to to great achievements specifically as he now serves as the Chief of the Bloomfield Hills (Michigan) Department of Public Safety. Rick is one of our go to guys as he has supported seven (7) dog teams since joining our program. Rick what happened to that hair??????????? You have rights don t answer that question! Thanks Rick for all of your support and we know we can count on your in the future to support our MWD teams. He is currently supporting Dustin Vigil and Rocky at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar.

3 We now have our own WEBPAGE for Old Dawgs & Pups! Don & Larry Poss approached us recently and asked if they could create and maintain a dedicated page on the VSPA website for Old Dawgs & Pups. We spoke at length during the VSPA reunion and between OD&P and the Poss Boys I think we have something that everyone is going to enjoy! Check it out at - Welcome New Feature - Old Dawgs and Pups! A new War-Stories main link featuring Newsletters for our Supply of K-9 handlers and MWD teams in Iraq, Afghanistan and other points in the AOR is now available. You can check out the Current and Archive Editions of K-9 Supply man, I didn t realize we ve done that many! You can also go direct to the site at Please bookmark this link so you can watch us build the site and watch us grow! Thanks Don and Larry for another great effort to support our deployed troops and to continue our K-9 traditions. 332 nd ESFS Joint Base Balad, Iraq We have new boots and paws on the ground at Joint Base Balad. We are in the process of pairing up six teams from Vance AFB, Oklahoma, Spangdahlem Air Base Germany, Maxwell AFB, Alabama, Moody AFB, Georgia, and Nellis AFB, Nevada. Stay tuned for more information next month concerning our pairings and hopefully some new photographs. Word has it that they need some reward toys and some other equipment for their patrols. We are working on providing that equipment as this report goes out this month. Helping Udders has a great reward and we will be working with them to provide the equipment for the troops at JBB. Thanks TSgt Mark Ochoa for introducing the new troops to Old Dawgs and Pups! We are looking forward to a great deployment and pairing up our old troops with these pups. 506 th ESFS FOB Warrior, Iraq Much like Bagram and several other locations, FOB Warrior is transitioning troops at this time. As we know, the deploying troops relieve those who have completed their tour and the other troops depart for their operational bases stateside and OCONUS. SSgt Jessica Sonnier is keeping us in the loop and when new troops are interested she turns them on to OD&P. Hopefully soon we will be receiving new troops to support at the Forward Operating Base. Thanks SSgt Sonnier and TSgt Gambrell for your support and guidance with the troops at Warrior. Manus Air Base Kyrgyzstan Well TSgt Joe Throgmorton is still helping us out! When Joe got home to Hill AFB, Utah, he had troops heading out the door for Manus Air Base, Kyrgyzstan. Kennel Master, SSgt Patrick Meade, contacted us and brought two other Hill troops with him for their first tour with OD&P. SSgt Meade is supported by Bill Cummings (U-Tapao), SSgt Benjamin Vasquez & MWD Erick are supported by Jim Coggins (NKP) and SrA Patrick Lau & MWD Arek are supported by Rich Vivio (U-Tapao). We know if Joe trained these troops that they are first class that s the way they roll at Hill AFB! From talking to SSgt Meade a good ole Maryland boy this is a great kennel of troops.

4 455 th ESFS Bagram, Afghanistan gearing back up! Kennel Master, TSgt Danielle Russell from Beale AFB, CA (on her second tour with us and supported by Phil Carroll Takhli/NKP), SSgt Steven Gonzalez deployed from Davis-Monthan AFB, AZ (supported by David Broeker U-Tapao), and SSgt Daniel Flores deployed from Holloman AFB, NM are now boots on the ground at Bagram. A little training at Camp Kujo Bagram, Afghanistan 10/8/ Staff Sgt. Steven Gonzalez, a dog handler from the 455th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, takes time out of training to reward Military Working Dog, Bruno, for his hard work and obedience here, Oct. 8, Ensuring the canines are trained on a daily basis assures the effectiveness of the dogs. "We patrol the base perimeter," said Sergeant Gonzalez. "He [Bruno] detects if anyone is outside the wire, he keeps us safe." Sergeant Gonzalez, a Converse, Ind. native, is deployed from Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz. (U.S. Air Force photo/senior Airman Felicia Juenke) 10/8/ Staff Sgt. Steven Gonzalez, a dog handler from the 455th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, gives his Military Working Dog, Bruno, a hand signal here, Oct. 8, Practicing nonverbal hand signals with the dogs allows for more stealth during operations. This particular signal tells Bruno to lie down. Sergeant Gonzalez, a Converse, Ind. native, is deployed from Davis- Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz. (U.S. Air Force photo/senior Airman Felicia Juenke) SSgt Gonzalez and Bruno are supported by David Broeker (U-Tapao). This dog is known for his fantastic work ethic if you don t believe it ask Steven about how much longer his right arm is compared to his left?

5 Camp Cropper Iraq Leatherman Surges and Ray Allen booties arrived at Camp Cropper none too soon! Below SSgt Chad Phillips puts the new Surge to work as he gets an obstacle in shape. Below left is SSgt Phillips with his new Thailand K-9 signature Surge! Kennel Master, SGT Chantel Razack tells us they love the equipment and to expect more photographs. They also received window tint and floor squeegees for the patrol vehicle and the kennels. SGT Razack is also sponsored by Dixie Whitman. Thanks goes out to Leatherman for these great products that we send down range. Thank you also Ray Allen for the great pricing on the booties for this kennel. Above left are SSgt Phillip Kittelson with Pidno (SGT Razack s dog) and SSgt Chad Phillips with his dog Golf modeling their new booties from Ray Allen. SGT Chantel Razack tells us the dogs are much for comfortable now with the booties. SSgt Kittelson is sponsored by Dale & Debbie Burton (U-Tapao) and Bill Cummings (U-Tapao). SSgt Phillips is supported by John Grammer (Korat). See more on SSgt Kittelson later in this report.

6 Joint Base Balad 332 nd ESFS - Iraq - Giving program some sure footing By Lee Anne Hensley (Hilltop Times staff) When Tech. Sgt. Joseph Throgmorton volunteered for a kennel master job at Joint Base Balad, Iraq, several months ago, he had no idea it would be what he describes as "probably the most complicated and the most stressful job I've had in my 13-and-a-half years (of service)." The kennel master from the 75th Security Forces Squadron Military Working Dog Unit here did not know what his mission would be until he arrived at JBB last January. When Throgmorton arrived there with his dog teams, he quickly learned there were several missions, and the largest of those missions would be to stand up a kennel for the 332nd Expeditionary Security Forces Group. "When I got there, I realized we were starting from scratch," Throgmorton said. "We were the first Air Force dog teams to be assigned to Joint Base Balad." The joint forces base had an existing kennel operated by the Army military working dog units and the original plan was to build an extension to that kennel for the 332nd ESFG to operate from. "Even though there was already an Army kennel established on the base, since our security forces group handled security on the base both inside and out, they saw a need to have dogs with the (Air Force) patrols and to minimize threats to the other squads patrolling outside (the perimeter) of the base," Throgmorton said. "They were originally planning to spend more money extending on to the existing Army kennel, but when I got there I gave them this idea which was a much cheaper option." Throgmorton proposed to build a separate kennel and training area for the 332nd ESFG MWD unit out of existing unused structures and members of his squadron helped with some of the building and assembling of the kennels. They erected a fence around the kennel area to have a training area, which was quickly utilized by the teams. "Once we realized that we would be doing outside-the-wire missions and leading patrols, within the first two weeks we spent morning, day and night training with buried ordnance and getting the dogs used to working long hours," Throgmorton said. "The handlers there stayed extremely busy," he said. When they were not assisting with the stand up of the new kennels, the dog teams had their primary missions to focus on. "There were two squadrons under our group and it was our job to provide dogs to both squadrons, whether it be to the 332nd Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron to provide counter-narcotics or explosive detection or to the 532nd Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron who would provide outside-the-wire activities like finding weapons caches and things like that," Throgmorton said. "One day they could be working for the 332nd and work a 12 hour shift and the next day they could be attached to the 532nd and be attached to a mission outside the wire." When the dog teams had the occasional break, work would still follow them home. As there were not operational kennels for the dogs to stay in when they were not working in the field, the dogs stayed with their handlers in their security housing units. The handlers had to take their dogs with them everywhere and when the handler wanted to eat at the dining facility, he either had to place the dog in a portable kennel in his room and hope the dog did not disturb his next-door-neighbor, or he had to ask another handler to "babysit" for him. The handlers were also responsible for exercising their dogs and maintaining the dog's strict training routine, even on the handler's day off, as well as assisting the dog with answering nature's call regardless of the handler's convenience. "The first couple of months were trying because he was still a young pup and we were both getting used to the deployment," said Staff Sgt. Meredith Clement, 75th SFS MWD handler, who spent the last six months with her dog, Basco, at JBB. "But now it is hard for me to be away from him. Last night was the first night I have been away from him since January, and it was a little rough."

7 Giving program some sure footing Continued Clement said the upside to spending 24 hours a day with her dog helped her to understand Basco's traits and personalities, but she and Throgmorton still see the overarching advantages to keeping the dogs in a centralized kennel. "It is easier to oversee all dogs if they are in one place and keeping a healthy living environment for them," Throgmorton said. "However, the handlers did a good job taking care of the dogs and everything worked out really well. Also, having the dogs living with the handlers made it easier to send the team out on a mission because the handler would already be with the dog." The kennels were scheduled to open before Clement returned to Hill Air Force Base, but she reports that plumbing and electrical issues barred the timely operation of the kennels before her return. Throgmorton believes the issues will be resolved and the kennels will be opened shortly and they will remain in operation until the closure of JBB. Throgmorton's team was also involved in starting two other missions at JBB: assisting the U.S. Customs Service with detecting outbound cargo for weapons and narcotics in order to expedite the customs process for returning military members and starting the animal-assisted medical therapy project called the K-9 Visitation Program at the base's Air Force Theater Hospital. The latter program began mid-may at the AFTH and was scheduled to perform rehabilitative visits to the hospital twice per month, depending upon the handler's schedule. The program also involved giving the hospital's medical staff a K-9 demonstration to educate them about the security force's mission. Likewise, the 332nd ESFG team shadowed the medical staff to understand their mission and see their common goals in the AOR. The Air Force MWDs helped with many morale activities on base, including providing K-9 demonstrations for more than 500 people in celebration of National Police Week 2009 held in May. "For the first time at Balad, we celebrated Police Week and we provided the K-9 demonstrations," Clement said. Clement and Basco also assisted in the U.S. Customs search and reported zero findings during their deployment. "It was good all around that we did not have any finds," Clement said, as it demonstrated a level of compliance by their fellow military members. The 332nd ESFG dog teams had many missions, and that was primarily due to the great need the base had for the military working dogs, Throgmorton said. "A lot of the dog teams there put forth great effort while deployed there," he said. "They would work back-to-back missions and never complain because they knew they were making a great impact." Although this was the most challenging project thus far in Throgmorton's career, he said it was also the most rewarding. "I had handlers knock on my door at night telling me they found a weapons cache or mortar, and one mortar found is one less mortar that would be used against us," he said. During his deployment, Throgmorton's dog teams found eight weapons caches and two improvised explosive devices before they had a chance to detonate. Throgmorton added that his dog teams completed more than 30 combat missions for a total of more than 200 hours. SSgt Angelo Angelo & MWD Tara and Kennel Master Joe Throgmorton

8 379th ESFS Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar Cool Vests are working at Qatar - Thanks again Helping Udders! Left When asked if Sinda likes his new vest here is the reply we received. You can tell that he is much more relaxed and ready to work when he's wearing it and the temperature soars past 100 degrees with 85% humidity here at Al Udeid! SSgt Jason Adams and MWD Sinda working the search pit. This team is deployed from the 37 th Security Forces Squadron Lackland AFB, Texas. This team is supported by Jim Hazelton (Korat). Jim s son, Travis, also handled Sinda during a deployed at Rustamiyah, Iraq. Right - The humidity has spiked here in the past few days, and Zico definitely appreciates being able to cool down a bit. SrA Lauren Frey and MWD Zico also photographed working in a search pit. This team is deployed from the 37 th Security Forces Squadron Lackland AFB, Texas. This team is supported by Mike Diercks (Korat). Below SSgt Dustin Vigil & MWD Rocky just chillin Look at that face I m talking about Rocky! This team is deployed from the 17 th SFS, Goodfellow FB, TX. He is supported by Rick Matott (Ubon).

9 379th ESFS Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar I was fortunate enough to receive the above items from (MSgt Retired) Bob Kisner, the Trainer at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar. I accepted the gift on behalf of all of Old Dawgs & Pups. Bob and Old Dawgs & Pups go way back two tours at Kirkuk, Iraq, the VSPA reunion at Moody, and this tour at Qatar, and he is just a class guy! I ve promised to wear the one on the right at the VSPA reunion at Luke the second week of October so keep your eye out for this fantastic gift. Ask to see the challenge coin it is beautiful. Thanks so much Bob for all that you have contributed to OUR program for the past four years. Georgia on their minds - Troops from Moody return home from JBB The boys are back in town! After a down time and some much deserved leave SrA Ted Bottle Knuckles Carlson & MWD Dutchy, SSgt Philip Dozer Mendoza & MWD Rico, and SSgt Angelo Red Dragon Reategui & MWD Tara returned to duty with the 820 th Group at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia. This was a powerful team that rebuilt the kennels at Joint Base Balad and completed more missions that we care to explain. These teams were supported by Dixie Whitman (FoK) and Greg Gines (Ubon) and Kelly Bateman (Ubon).and Dixie and Greg Gines respectively. We have supported thirty-six (36) deployments from Moody AFB since 2005.

10 Old Dawgs & Pups from Luke AFB united during VSPA reunion in AZ! Many of our Old Dawgs attended the VSPA reunion in Phoenix this month. During the reunion we had the pleasure of meeting one of the best kennels in the Air Force, the 56 th Security Forces Squadron, at Luke AFB, Phoenix, AZ. As many of you might know, the 56 th Nightfighters left Nakhon Phanom, Thailand in 1975 and was relocated stateside in Arizona. During the past four years we have supported five (5) handlers from Luke. Our thanks go out to Kennel Master TSgt Francis Warren and SSgt Kyle Alltop for being our POC for this reunion. Below you will see some of the moments we shared with the new Nightfighters of today. Standing - SSgt Kitts, SSgt Pillarella, SrA Worley, SSgt Bravo, and TSgt Warren Kneeling SSgt Alltop and SSgt Wilson Left: SSgt Justin Kitts (Supported by Phil Carroll (Takhli/NKP) and Patsy Perrotto (NKP) and SSgt John Pillarella (Supported by Bill Cummings (U-Tapao) and Dale/Debbie Burton (U-Tapao). Right: SSgt Phil Kittelson & MWD Oscar (Supported by Dale/Debbie Burton (U-Tapao) & Bill Cummings (U-Tapao).

11 Old Dawgs & Pups from Luke AFB united during VSPA reunion in AZ! SSgt Justin Kitts and Kisma taking a break during one of the many demos that the 56 th offered during the reunion. Can you remember this look from your dog? I sure can! Above - All of the members of the K-9 section gathered at the airport to greet SSgt Phil Kittelson boy this sure is different than our day! Kelly Bateman, Ernie Childers, and Bill Cummings had the honor and the pleasure of joining with the handlers of the 56 th to meet SSgt Phil Kittelson at the airport as he arrived. SSgt Kittelson and MWD Oscar were supported by the Burtons and Bill Cummings. Think Oscar wasn t glad to be home? He received a bunch of attention at his homecoming also.

12 Homecoming for our Pups As many of you may remember in the Winter/Spring of 2009 we support our first husband and wife team TSgt Joe Throgmorton (Kennel Master Joint Base Balad, Iraq) and SSgt Brandi Throgmorton (Al Udeid Air Base, Quatar). Well gang we finally got them together after their arrival home at Hill AFB, Utah. Oh, lets not forget that character in the middle MWD Argo! Joe - Thanks for your efforts while building that new kennel at JBB and for taking care of our pups during your tour. Brandi - Thanks for what you did at Qatar especially the extra duties that included the visits to the Wounded Warriors with Argo. This is what a class act looks like. There s one thing for sure this trio will experience many more separations and homecomings during their military careers. Joe was supported by Bill Cummings (U-Tapao) and Brandi was supported by Mike Diercks (Korat). Other News concerning OD&P Graduates! Janet (Sparkplug) Matthews (Friend of K-9) attended the Safeside reunion at Moody AFB, Georgia in September. As you know, Janet doesn t miss a K-9 demo. Of course, she pulled down the tail gate on a government vehicle and made herself comfortable. After enjoying the demo by the guys from the 820 th Janet (of course) stuck around to talk to the handlers. The subject of OD& P came up and two of our graduates surfaced! From there it went down hill (only kidding) they had a ball! She just happened to run into MSgt (Select) Randy Fontenot and TSgt (Select) Jim Parkis. They sat back and talked dogs and Old Dawgs & Pups. Randy was with us in 2008 at Manas Air Base, Kyrgyzstan, and he was supported by Charlie Blood (Udorn) and Jim was with us in 2008 at FOB Warrior, Iraq, and he was supported by Mike Clunis (Safeside). Thanks for the report Sparkplug and we know you represented us very well. She and Sarge Matthews have always been one of our largest supporters. Janet has been with us since our first kennel adoption in 2005 and to the best of my knowledge she has supported eight (8) dog teams since August of 2005 way to go Sparkplug!

13 Here s this month s update on the K-9 Supply Program At the time of this report we have 32 members of the Old Dawgs & Pups program actively supporting 34 handlers assigned to nine (9) kennels in Southwest Asia. Our K-9 Supply program has been coordinated and funded by the Old Dawgs & Pups. The supporters are members of the VSPA, VDHA, and friends of K-9. A total of 1,041 pieces of equipment has been delivered to our K-9 troops serving in the AOR from August 21, 2005 to September 15, Over 215 Old Dawgs and Friends have supported 183 K-9 personnel via our program. For additional information on the program please go to: Please review the photos, press releases, and more about our ongoing programs. We have purchased and shipped $11, of supplies for the 43 kennels solely via your personal donations. Including the Leatherman corporate and Helping Udders donations, the total is $42,359.00! Please note that this figure does not include all the goodies some of you have sent directly, or which came from other organizations we've been involved with but who shipped their donations independently. WAY TO GO K-9 SUPPLY! List of Supplies Shipped by Old Dawgs & Pups 181 Leatherman Surge Tools (125) Donated by Leatherman) * * The Leatherman Surge /Flashlights/Knives donation is valued at approximately $27, Thailand Challenge Coins (Donated & Purchased) 75 Guardian Pet Beds (Pet Edge) 75 * Leatherman Knives (Models: c33t, e55, e55b, e33l) 52 Kongs (Assorted sizes) 45 * Leatherman Serac S3 Leatherman Flashlights 40 Sponges 40 Cleaning/Scouring Pads 39 Thailand Historical Base Patches 30 Kygen Port-A-Bowls (Dressler s) 30 PSI Water Holes (Dressler s) 24 Kygen 2-In-1 Food/Water Bowls (Dressler s) 24 Rolls 26 x78 20% Dark Limo Window Tint (Checker Auto Supply) 22 Doggles (10 Pairs were donated) 19 VSPA Challenge Coins (Donated & Purchased) 16 Cooling Vests & Extra Cooling Packs (Helping Udders - Valued at $3,420.00) 16 Coastal Medium Firm Shedding Blades (Dressler s) 16 Classic Long Tooth Undercoat rakes (Dressler s) 15 Classic HG Food Dishes (Dressler s) 12 Coastal Large Slickers (Dressler s) 12 Heavy Guard Handled Water Pails (Dressler s) 10 Muzzles (Dressler s) 10 Heavy Duty Handled Pails - 9 Qt. - (Pet Edge) 10 Stainless Steel - 3 Qt Dura-weight Bowls (Pet Edge) 9 Hose Nozzles 8 K9 Bluelight Supplement (2 pound bags) (Dressler s) 8 Cooling Wraps (Roshgo Corp)

14 8 Cooldanna Cooling Mats (Roshgo Corp) 8 Sets of Flood Light Bulbs 8 24 Heavy Duty Floor Squeegees 7 Digital Thermometers 5 Set of four Ruff Wear Bark n Boots Grip Trex (Ray Allen) Foot Water Hoses 3 20 Heavy Duty Cleaning Brushes 3 12 Heavy Duty Cleaning Brushes 3 5 Heavy Duty Cleaning Brushes 3 Ceremonial K-9 Badges (Memorial) 2 Hose Reels - Wheels 2 50 Foot Water Hoses 2 Spray Bottles & Sprayers Foot Enclosed Hose Reels 1 Drink Mixes & Snacks (Large Box) 1 Case Toilet Paper (30 Rolls) 1 Syntek Hidden Sleeve (Ray Allen) * If you receive more than one copy It s a data base thing!