04/19/2011: "2012 Phoenix Veterans Day Parade."

Yes, We are already working on the 2012 Phoenix Veterans Day Parade. We expect up to three very special guests to be walking with us this year. The families of three fallen military canine handlers.

The family of Colton Rusk, Orange Grove, TX. Colton was killed in early December 2010 when he was shot by a sniper. His dog, Eli, covered Colton and had to be dragged off for medics to get to him. In February, 2011, the Marines retired his dog, Eli, and gave him to the family. Eli will accompany the Rusks to Phoenix and walk in the parade.

The family of William Crouse IV, originally from Fort Wayne, IN and living in South Carolina at the time of his death. In December, 2010, "Billy" and his dog, Cane, were approaching an IED. The Taliban deliberately detonated the bomb mortally wounding Billy, and killing Cane. As he was being loaded onto the helicopter, Billy called out for Cane to be put on the chopper with him. He died later.

The family of Dustin Lee is considering a return to the parade with Dustin's dog, Lex. Dustin was killed in March 2007 when an RPG round exploded. The Lee family was the first family allowed to adopt their son's dog. They were here for the 2008 Veterans Day Parade.

I not only want to honor these families for their sacrifice, and let them know their sons are not forgotten, but I would like to help these families ease their travel and lodging expenses here. I'm asking each of you to possibly consider a donation of $5.00, 10.00 or 20.00, whatever you see fit. Names and addresses will be kept confidential except to the families. Donations can be mailed to Jim Frost, 3713 E Yale St, Phoenix, AZ 85008. If this falls thru, donations will be returned unless you specify the money to go to the Parade Fund or to the Military Working Dog National Monument, as outlined on http://www.jbmf.us

I thank each of you who reads this and considers helping out. As always, any and all of your are invited to participate in the parade with the Salute to the Military Canine Entry.