Dear Fellow Vietnam Military Working Dog Handlers, Families and Friends We, as a nation and community of working dog handlers can never do enough to honor our fellow Vietnam veterans who have sacrificed so much for our great country. We gather at every opportunity to salute those who have served along with these courageous dogs by their side. Just as military Service was our generation's calling; our present duty remains as a brotherhood of veterans and who continue to educate, promote and preserve our incredible history and contributions of the military working dog and the legacy of our fallen comradres and K-9 partners. Please join us as I invite you to participate in a tribute to all Vietnam working dog handlers and their faithful K-9 companions: WHO: All Military Working Dog Handlers, former and current, from all Branches of Military Service, their families and the general public WHAT: Welcome Home Vietnam Dog Handlers ~ K-9's Ceremony WHEN: Friday, 24 September 2010, 10:00am - 12:00pm WHERE: War Dog Memorial, Sacrifice Field, Fort Benning, Georgia WHY: To reflect, recognize and remember the sacrifices made by our military men and dogs The day's sequence of events will begin at Sacrifice Field, across from the location of the former Fort Benning infantry Museum on Baltzell Avenue with a welcome home ceremony that will include the unveiling of the newest war dog pedestal within the War Dog Memorial. Upon completion of the morning's formal ceremony, the afternoon will remain open for rest or to enjoy the greater surrounding Ft. Benning/Columbus, Georgia area. Additionally, those who desire, may visit the new National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center, where you can join in a guided tour of this world class museum, take a stroll on Heritage walkway that connects the museum to a five acre parade field, enjoy lunch in the Fife and Drum restaurant, visit an authentic replica of a 1940s infantry company street featuring a chapel, barracks, mess hall and the headquartersand sleeping quarters once used by General George Patton. There is even an IMAX 3D theatre where award-winning documentaries and Hollywood blockbusters are shown. For more information, feel free to visit their website at http://www.nationalinfantrvmuseum.com/ or call (706) 6855800. In the evening around 6:00pm we'll meet at the Ft. Benning Conference Center for a simple, classic Benning buffet. Meal selection will consist of a choice of a tossed garden salad, red potato salad, bowtie pasta, fruit or a poppy seed slew. Enjoy a choice of baked chicken, sliced roast beef with au jus, salisbury steak with mushroom gravy, fried chicken or slice pork loin with a light rosemary sauce. Meal also includes two choices between roasted mash potatoes, mash potatoes with gravy, steamed red potatoes, rice pilaf, green beans, carrots, sweet peas, cut corn or blended vegetables. Each dinner includes water, tea, coffee and rolls. Approximate cost is $7.25 with gratuity. Thank you for your time and consideration and I hope you're able to join us for a special day to recognize those who are no longer with us and our continued commitment to honor their memory and sacrifice. Remember, everything we collectively do is all about the handler and his dog! Always Faithful, Forever Forward! Sincerely, Jesse S. Mendez, SFC, USA (Retired) (706) 563-1775 For Dinner RSVP: Contact Monica Mendez at avagrd008@gmail.com