Hero Dogs: Secret Missions and Selfless Service

From World War I to nowadays, war dogs have served alongside the most valiant warriors in history's most decisive battles. Like the battlefields to which they are called, the war dogs' roles have evolved through the years. Missions have varied from landmine and tunnel detection to trackers and scouts. Today, war dogs are a primary asset when locating improvised explosive devices, the No. 1 killer of coalition forces in Afghanistan and Iraq. They are members of Special Operations teams conducting clandestine missions and they help guard some of the world's most dangerous terrorists. This photographic book opens with a salute to the history of combat canines of the past century. It then uses illustration and insight to take the reader inside the careful selection process and months of rigorous training required to join the ranks of these elite "military working dogs." Hundreds of never-before-seen photos reveal the lifelong bonds formed in the heat of battle as tales of selfless service in Iraq and Afghanistan are told by the war dogs handlers and commanders who were there. Many of these war dogs have earned recognition for their heroic actions. Hundreds struggle with wounds and post-traumatic stress. Dozens died in the line of duty. These are their stories. AUTHOR: Ronald L. Aiello served in the United States Marine Corps from 1964 to 1970. During this period Ron had the honour of serving with the First Marine Scout Dog Platoon. In the year 2000, Ron and four other Vietnam Veteran dog handlers formed The United States War Dogs Association, Inc., which is a non-profit organization of former and current U.S. military dog handlers and supporting members. The United States War Dogs Association is committed to promoting the long history of the military service dogs, establishing permanent war dog memorials, and educating the public about the invaluable service of these military working dogs to our country. Since founding the United States War Dogs Association, Ron has been guiding his organization as president, making decisions on a daily basis to make sure that our U.S. Military Working Dog Teams that are deployed to the Middle East are receiving complete support through "Operation Military Care, K9." This program supports U.S. Military Working Dog Teams deployed to the Middle East, in countries such as Iraq, Afghanistan, and Kuwait, through care packages and letter-writing. Lance M. Bacon is senior staff writer for Army Times, an independent weekly newspaper serving U.S. Army personnel and their families. He covers Army leadership, weaponry, training and tactics. His combat coverage in Afghanistan includes an award-winning piece on the Battle of Roberts Ridge. Bacon has served as city/military editor of the Jacksonville (N.C.) Daily News and managing editor of the Kinston (N.C.) Free Press. During his tenure, the Kinston newspaper was twice honoured as the best in the state for its category. It also received the Associated Press' Openness in Government Award and the coveted Freedom of Excellence Award. Bacon is a Marine Corps veteran with eight honourable years of service (1989-1997). He spent two years aboard USS Independence (CV-62), two years as platoon sergeant with the 2nd Light Armoured Reconnaissance Battalion in Camp Lejeune, N.C., and four years in Public Affairs. There, he received dozens of journalism awards, including being twice recognized as the Marine Corps' journalist of the year, and runner-up a third year. ILLUSTRATIONS: 150 colour photographs