There are so many feelings and thoughts, more then I could ever put to pen and paper. I knew it would be an emotional time, especially after reading about Don's visit to the memorial on Valentine's Day. I sat there in front of my computer, after reading Home At Last, and wept. Everything that had been buried inside me for these 32 years since I left Vietnam came flowing out. I have never felt so proud of what we tried to accomplish while serving our country.

Being there at the dedication was an honor and an awesome experience. It brought all the handlers together for one purpose. Whether they were Army, Navy, Air Force or Marines they were there to remember and honor their K9 partner.

Remembering my partner, Rinny A116, and all those long nights on post together.I depended on his eyes and ears and experience. He could hear the sound of the incoming rockets before me, and when he jumped into our bunker I was right behind him, no questions asked.

THANK YOU! Tom Mitchell for all your long hours bringing this all together; Mr. Tom Schomberg for creating a truly masterful work of art; Mr. Jeff Bennett and all the people at Natures Reciepe; and last but not least, all the skirts that put in so many hours.

A TRIBUTE TO THE WAR DOGS
by James W. Click
© , 2000
                           
    YOU GOT YOUR ORDERS TO GO.
TO DO WHAT YOU WERE TRAINED TO DO.
PROTECT THE PERIMETER OF A SPRAWLING BASE
OR WALK THE POINT OF A PATROL.
         
    WITH EYES AND NOSE AND EVEN YOUR EARS
       YOU DID YOUR DUTY WITH LITTLE OR NO FEAR.
         
TO DETECT AND WARN OF IMMINENT DANGER TO ATTACK AND HOLD.
         
WITH NO HESITATION AND A FERVENT DESIRE,
TO DO THE JOB EVEN UNDER HEAVY ENEMY FIRE.
         
YOU WERE A FRIEND AND A COMPANION EVEN A CONFIDANT.
WE WALKED THE WALK TOGETHER
BUT TODAY I MUST TALK THE TALK ALONE.
HOW TRUSTING AND LOYAL YOU WERE
BUT THEY SAID YOU COULDN'T ALL COME HOME.
BUT GOD'S WORD PROCLAIMS
"LET EVERYTHING THAT HAS BREATH PRAISE THE LORD"

YOUR TOUR OF DUTY IS LONG OVER,
YOU WORKED SO VERY HARD

MAYBE IN THAT HOUSE OF MANY MANSIONS
YOU ARE STILL STANDING GUARD.

James W. Click,
SGT. 366th SPS Đà Nàng,
Sentry Dog Section