12/05/2012: "An Historic Day"

My understanding is that the Senate this afternoon passed the National Defense Authorization Act of 2013. Included in that act was the Canine Members of the Armed Forces. This part of the bill makes a lot of changes to how the Military Canine is designated in the Military, how it is treated, and what it is eligible for upon retirement. There will be medical benefits available for those who adopt these dedicated animals that will not involve additional federal funds. Most importantly from my standpoint is the Military Canine will no longer be designated as "equipment" while on active duty serving this country, and will not be classified as "surplus equipment" upon retirement. They will be Canine VETERANS who have served this country with dedication, loyalty, and sacrifice. Thousands of military personnel....handlers, combat, combat support, and support came home from a conflict because these dogs saved their lives. This has been decades in the making.

To all those who sent messages to our members of Congress to support this action I thank you. I thank all of you for your support of any kind towards what so many of us have worked for and hoped for.

Jim Frost
Veteran, 981st Military Police Company (Sentry Dog)