News & Events

On October 26th the Airman Heritage Foundation partnered with the 502nd Air Base Wing, 37th Training Wing, U.S. Army Veterinary Corps, and Transportation Security Administration Canine Training Center to recognize the 10-year anniversary of the Military Working Dog Teams National Monument. The day featured a Military Working Dog K9 Competition, demonstrations, adoptions, an official ceremony, and reception. Special remarks were provided by Commander, 37th Training Wing, Col. Lauren A. Courchaine and Assistant Chief, US Army Veterinary Corps, COL James W. Pratt. The event was headlined by MSGT John C. Burnam, U.S. Army Retired.

Master Sgt (U.S. Army retired) John C. Burnam is the founder of the U.S. Military Working Dog Teams National Monument. He served as an Army combat infantryman and scout-dog handler from 1966 to 1968. In 1983, he retired from the Army and made Washington, D.C. his home, spending 30 years in the computer science and information technology field. Burnam has been featured in several documentary films and published his first book, Dog Tales of Courage, in 2005. He is also the author of A Soldier’s Best Friend and Canine Warrior. His awards include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Air Medal, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry, Combat Infantryman Badge, and Meritorious Service Medal.

For more information about the Military Working Dog Teams National Monument, including details on how you can visit and provide support, visit https://myairmanmuseum.org/military-working-dogs.

A special thank you goes out to Airman Heritage Foundation Advisor, Christopher Dion, MSgt, USAF, Retired, for his dedication and effort to making this event the success that it was.