The first time I heard
about the Vietnam Dog Handlers Association was in 1997.
Norm Ream took me to meet Tom Mitchell to begin planning
the 1998 San Diego reunion. As our planning sessions
progressed it became very clear to me that this is a
very special group of people who are focused on remembering
their dogs. I immediately became a committed supporter
of VDHA. The gathering in San Diego was special as it
reunited VDHA members for three days of sharing experiences
and memories of Vietnam and the dogs that meant so much.
I was privileged to sit at the check-in table and watch
as many of you eagerly awaited the arrival of the friends
you had not seen for so long. I was moved to tears as
I witnessed the emotion of your reunions. The War Dogs
Memorial dedication was a very moving and long awaited
moment I will never forget. Just as the "War Dogs" movie
was a tribute to the dogs and their handlers, the Memorial
displays strength and integrity to all who visit. I join
all of you in offering my thanks to Jeff Bennett and
Tom Mitchell and all who made the memorial a reality.
I look forward to seeing you in Washington, D.C. for
the reunion on October, 2000.
Joan Elder, Miramar
Travel
