Courtesy ASOMF
FAYETTEVILLE, North Carolina — The first memorial to Special Operations Forces (SOF) K9 soldiers killed in action was unveiled at the Airborne and Special Operations Museum in downtown Fayetteville July 27.
The memorial is a life-sized, bronze statue of a Belgian Malinois dressed in full combat gear. Surrounding the statue are paver stones listing the dogs that have been killed in action.
“Like their human counterparts, special operations multi-purpose canines are specially selected, trained and equipped to serve in roles not expected of the traditional military working dog,” said Chuck Yerry, president of the SOF K9 Memorial Foundation. “Truly daring and brave, these dogs often lead their soldier team members in the most dire conditions to save lives and complete the mission.”
The marker in front of the statue, titled “Constant Vigilance” reads: “The bond between a SOF handler and his K9 is eternal. Trusting each other is a nameless language. Here we honor the SOF K9s that have paid the ultimate price.”
www.asomf.org
