State Rep. Will Bruck and the Michigan House this week recognized the service of military dogs and their handlers by declaring December 2024 as War Dogs Month in the state of Michigan.

Bruck, R-Erie Township, said war dogs often go unrecognized, but their presence on the battlefield and in rehabilitation centers has been invaluable.

“Throughout the history of the United States military, from World War II to the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, military working dogs have played a crucial role in safeguarding the lives of soldiers and civilians, acting as sentinels, scouts, and companions on the battlefield,” Bruck said. “This resolution recognizes not just the war dogs who have lived, slept, suffered, and protected our troops overseas during their service, but also their handlers.”

During World War II, war dogs saved an estimated 15,000 lives. In Vietnam, they were credited with saving at least 10,000 American soldiers. On approximately 87,000 missions, these dogs uncovered 2,000 tunnels and bunkers and facilitated 1,000 enemy captures and 4,000 enemy kills.

More recently, the impact of military working dogs has continued through subsequent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, and throughout the world.

During Bruck’s speech, local veterans Ken Moore and Al Bond, who both worked with war dogs, joined him on the House floor. Moore’s life was one of the 10,000 saved in Vietnam by his war dog, Lucky. Tragically Lucky lost his life at Tanson Nhut Air Force Base during the Tet offensive, one month after Moore had left Vietnam.

House Resolution 311 was adopted by the House with unanimous consent.

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