The Niles Star

War dogs deserve recognition

Dear editor:

I was a U.S. Army War Dog handler during the Vietnam War.

I am currently working on the K-9 Corps stamp committee, which is striving for national recognition of the war dogs through petitioning the U.S. Postal Service to issue a commemorative postage stamp honoring all the dogs who served our country in all the wars such as World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Afghanistan, Iraq and several other conflicts. Our country has never formally honored these great animals who served with loyalty, courage and obedience, sometimes at the cost of their own lives. They are military veterans of this great country and their recognition and honor is long overdue.

Each year, the postal service receives thousands of letters suggesting hundreds of different topics for new stamps. Since 1957, the Citizens Stamp Advisory Committee has reviewed many worthy subjects and has recommended a limited number based on national interest, historical perspective and other criteria.

They K-9 Corps has been an important part of the U.S. military and has included more than 32 different breeds. For example, sled dogs parachuted during World War II on rescue missions for downed airmen. In addition, dog teams averted more than 10,000 causalities during the Vietnam War and was so effective the Viet Cong placed a bounty on dogs and their handlers. Also, explosive detector dogs are used on a regular basis for presidential security.

A war dogs stamp would call attention to the service of the K-9 Corps, an important and unsung part of our nation’s military history. It would be a fitting tribute to the heroism of the war dogs past and present. I am sure it would be a stamp sought after by veterans, dog lovers, children and the general public.

Between veterans and dog lovers, we’re talking about a massive group of people who will purchase this stamp on dogs. The U.S. Postal Service relies on its Citizens Stamp Advisory Committee for recommendations on which stamps to produce and this board goes through about 40,000 suggestions per year.

Only 40 to 45 are chosen. But Bugs Bunny made the cut, along with Marilyn Monroe, and her contribution to the war effort was a hiked skirt.

The war dog stamp has been turned down twice. The Stamp Advisory Committee said, “This subject is not recommended for issue as not being of national interest.”

To send a letter to the Stamp Advisory Committee, mail to: Citizens Stamp Advisory Committee, United States Postal Service, 475 L’Enfant Plaza S.W., Room 4474 E, Washington, D.C. 20260-2437.

To show your support for this stamp, contact: War Dog Stamps Drive, c/o Dave Keeton, 402 Division St., Union City, MI 49094.

Hoping you will find it in your heart to honor this request, I remain,

Voice of the War Dogs,
Dave Keeton