The 10th Annual K-9 Veterans Day statewide observance was held Sunday at the American Legion Banquet Center, Fort Atkinson.
The afternoon’s program began with a wreath-laying ceremony held at the War Dogs Memorial in Fort Atkinson’s McCoy Park, and continued at the banquet center where some 80 people were in attendance.
Organized by the Kennel Club of Fort Atkinson, with coordination by club member Mabel Schumacher, the event has been held in Fort Atkinson since its inception, in 2015, when the Wisconsin Legislature proclaimed March 13 as K-9 Veterans Day.
As in previous years, K-9 units from several Wisconsin law enforcement agencies, members of War Dogs Milwaukee, a nonprofit organization composed of veterans and community members who work to create awareness about dogs employed during wartime, along with military veterans, active K-9 handlers, family members, and other guests, including their furry partners and friends, participated in the event.
Photos from the observance, taken by FAO photographer Kim McDarison, unless otherwise indicated, follow.
Advancing to the podium Sunday afternoon, Kennel Club of Fort Atkinson member and observance coordinator Mabel Schumacher welcomed those in attendance, noting that the day was meant to “honor working K-9s who protect and serve.”
Led by Richard Miles, chaplain, VFW Post 1879, members of an honor guard move through the crowd at the American Legion Banquet Center in Fort Atkinson. Honor guard members include: Joel Osmundson, commander, American Legion Post 166; David Behling, commander, VFW Post 1879; Don Gross, president, Chapter 409 Vietnam Veterans of America, and, carrying the War Dogs flag, John Meeks, executive director of U.S. War Dogs Chapter 3, Kokomo, Ind.
The honor guard arrives at the front of the hall where it posts the colors in advance of the K-9 Veterans Day observance.
Introduced by Kennel Club of Fort Atkinson member and observance coordinator Mabel Schumacher as a “retired veteran who also is active in the veteran community,” Dan Juday leads observance attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Lakeside Fire-Rescue Deputy Chief Brandon Whitmore offers comments about Mason Marowsky, a Fort Atkinson High School graduate who became, in 2022, the first recipient of the Terry Beck Scholarship, which was established by the Kennel Club of Fort Atkinson in coordination with the Fort Atkinson Community Foundation in 2021. Marowsky was additionally awarded the scholarship in 2023. Unable to attend Sunday’s observance, Whitmore, who works with Marowsky, offered praise of the intern, where he continues with his training. Lakeside Fire-Rescue serves the communities of Milton and Edgerton. Fort Atkinson resident, Terry Beck, for whom the scholarship is named, died, along with his K-9, “Seato,” during the Vietnam War in 1967.
Kennel Club of Fort Atkinson member and observance coordinator Mabel Schumacher holds out a coupon before presenting it to Lakeside Fire-Rescue Deputy Chief Brandon Whitmore, who received it on behalf of Lakeside Fire-Rescue intern and Terry Beck Protective Services Scholarship recipient Mason Marowsky, who was unable to attend Sunday’s event. The coupon entitles Marowsky “to the delivery of firetruck cookies to an Edgerton Fire Department training session.”
Kennel Club of Fort Atkinson member Mabel Schumacher presents Fond du Lac County Sheriff’s Office K-9 handler Deputy Blaine Evans with a plaque “in honor of extreme courage and service.” Evans and his partner, K-9 “Iro,” on Oct. 13, 2023, responded to a “disturbance with weapons” call. After gunfire was exchanged, Schumacher said, Iro was shot, and “gravely wounded.” The K-9 has since recovered and was on hand Sunday to participate in the Veterans Day event.
Accompanying his partner, Fond du Lac County Sheriff’s Office K-9 handler Deputy Blaine Evans, K-9 “Iro” surveys the crowd. A few remnants remain from his ordeal when he was shot and wounded last October while he and Evans responded to a call of “disturbance with weapons.”
Kennel Club of Fort Atkinson member Mabel Schumacher, from left, Fond du Lac County Sheriff’s Office K-9 handler Deputy Blaine Evans, along with his partner, Iro, and two members of the kennel club, including Cynthia Hershman and Jan Holewinski, gather before K-9 Veterans Day attendees to display tokens of appreciation given by the club to the K-9 team.
A K-9 cookie, made especially for Iro, is among tokens of appreciation bestowed upon the Fond du Lac County K-9 team.
A cookie of the human variety is presented to K-9 handler Deputy Blaine Evans. Cookies, both for human and canine enjoyment, and dog biscuits awarded and distributed Sunday were made by Bon Ton Bakery in Jefferson.
Representing Jefferson and Watertown chapters of Modern Woodman of America, Amy Spangler enjoys the K-9 Veterans Day program. Two chapters of the organization, Schumacher said, will each be donating scholarships for K-9 handlers, and contributed funds in support of treats created by Bon Ton Bakery. The chapters additionally recognized the Jefferson County K-9 Unit with tokens of appreciation during Sunday’s observance.
Michael Levandowski, a board of directors member of Modern Woodmen of America (MWA) Chapter 5005 and also representing Youth Chapter 5005-1, both based in Watertown, from left; Deputies Kyle VandeZande, Scott Gukich and Greg Jansen, and David Nevin, a board of directors member of MWA Chapter 2638, based in Jefferson, gather during Sunday’s statewide observance of K-9 Veterans Day. During the event, the area Modern Woodmen of America chapters recognized the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit with certificates of appreciation for their service. The MWA chapters also gave a total $250 in the K-9 unit members’ names to Wisconsin’s Operational K-9 Medical Team, as well as $250 toward the K-9-shaped cookies and dog treats served at the event. Not pictured is Deputy Dylan Agnew. Chris Spangler photo.
“Nova,” a K-9 working with the Waupaca County Sheriff’s Office, is among dogs memorialized during Sunday’s event. More than 30 K-9s, many of whom were retired, passed away since the observance held last March. A slide presentation, honoring each dog, as presented during the observance, is here: http://fortatkinsononline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/FINAL-K9-Veterans-Day-024-PP-presentation-PDF.pdf.
Holly Gray rings the War Dogs memorial bell. The bell rang 32 times Sunday, in recognition of the passing of each K-9 between last March and Sunday. Gray is a volunteer with Vest-a-Dog, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing Wisconsin’s police dogs with first aid kits and protective law enforcement gear.
Oshkosh Police Officer Scott Sopata listens as the War Dogs bell rings in memory of fallen K-9s. The officer was recognized for having suffered the loss of a K-9 partner during his career. Sopata said the partner he lost was named “Magic.”
Ron Werneth, a nationally acclaimed military historian and author, having served as a historian for the Vietnam Dog Handlers Association, and as keynote speaker during the 2020 Wisconsin K-9 Veterans Day observance, introduces Sunday’s keynote speaker, U.S. Army Sgt. Gerald “Jerry” Witt, who served as a K-9 handler during the Vietnam War.
Jerry Witt, addressing those in attendance Sunday, shares the events he experienced while serving in Vietnam between May, 1968 and May 1969. During his tour of duty, he worked with three K-9 partners, “Duke,” “Skip,” and “Satan.” While he served with K-9 partner Skip, the dog was wounded in action and died of an infection while trying to recover from his wounds. Aided by slides and photographs, Witt’s presentation moved the audience and brought him a standing ovation.
Kennel Club of Fort Atkinson member Mabel Schumacher participates in a standing ovation delivered to keynote speaker Jerry Witt after he shared the events he, his K-9 partners, and fellow K-9 handlers experienced while serving in Vietnam.
While waiting for K-9 handlers to retrieve dogs from their vehicles in advance of a recognition, dubbed “Parade of K-9s,” Cody Crangle, a Marine veteran K-9 handler, talks about his experiences. Crangle, who recently lost his K-9 partner, “Flo,” participated in Sunday’s wreath-laying ceremony in McCoy Park.
Microphone in hand and addressing the audience, a veteran relates his experiences.
Kennel Club of Fort Atkinson member Rose Mansavage invites K-9s and handlers to participate in the Parade of K-9s. Within the activity, each K-9 team advanced to the front of the banquet hall where they were recognized by Jefferson County Sheriff Paul Milbrath. As the teams approached, each handler received a handshake from Milbrath and each K-9 received a Bon Ton biscuit.
Jefferson County Sheriff Paul Milbrath, at left, shakes the hand of Jefferson County Deputy Scott Gukich, who is accompanied by his K-9 partner,”Balko.”
Janet Siefert of the Newbold Fire and Rescue in northern Wisconsin participates in the Parade of K-9s with her partner, “Pyro.”
K-9 “Pyro,” waits patiently by the side of his handler, Janet Siefert. The K-9 team is from Newbold Fire and Rescue in northern Wisconsin.
Jefferson County Deputy Greg Jansen and his K-9, “Gader,” receive recognition from Jefferson County Sheriff Paul Milbrath.
Racine County Sheriff’s Deputy Nathan Poelmann and his K-9 partner “Simba” move to the podium for recognition and a treat.
Racine County Sheriff’s Office K-9 “Simba” gazes at Jefferson County Sheriff Paul Milbrath as he shakes hands with his handler, Deputy Nathan Poelmann.
Jefferson County Sheriff Paul Milbrath, at left, shakes the hand of Jefferson County Deputy Kyle VandeZande who is accompanied by his K-9 “Ruben.”
Manitowoc Police Officer Nick Place asks K-9 “Riley” for a moment of calm after receiving his Bon Ton biscuit from Jefferson County Sheriff Paul Milbrath.
Fort Atkinson Police Officer Adam Lawrence and K-9 “Smitty” participate in the Parade of K-9s.
“Sadie,” a 15-year-old Jack Russell/Rat Terrier mix, dances before receiving her Bon Ton biscuit. She is owned by Claudia Engle who is a member of the War Dogs Milwaukee group.
German Shepherd dogs “Wally,” 2, and “Charlie,” 7, accompany their owner, Angela Tojek, Wind Lake, in the Parade of K-9s. The three are members of the War Dogs Milwaukee group.
Angela Tojek, Wind Lake, and member of the War Dogs Milwaukee group, receives Bon Ton biscuits for her K-9s from Jefferson County Sheriff Paul Milbrath.
War Dogs Milwaukee member Angela Tojek, Wind Lake, communicates with German Shepherd dog, “Wally,” 2.
War Dogs Milwaukee K-9 member, “Mary Jane,” participates in the Parade of K-9s.
Members of the War Dogs Milwaukee group, along with Jefferson County Sheriff Paul Milbrath, standing third from left, gather after participating in the Parade of K-9s.
At the podium, Jefferson County Sheriff Paul Milbrath prepares to present Kennel Club of Fort Atkinson member Mabel Schumacher with a token of appreciation.
Jefferson County Deputy Scott Gukich, who is accompanied by his K-9 partner, “Balko,” from left; Kennel Club of Fort Atkinson member Mabel Schumacher; Jefferson County Sheriff Paul Milbrath; Jefferson County Deputy Greg Jansen and his K-9, “Gader”; Jefferson County Deputy Kyle VandeZande his K-9 “Ruben,” and Jefferson County Chief Deputy Don Hunter assembly following a presentation by the sheriff made to Schumacher of a “K-9 Merit Award,” offered, the plaque read, “in appreciation of your outstanding generosity and support.”
“Max,” a 5-year-old English lab, relaxes in advance of the K-9 Veterans Day observance held Sunday at the American Legion Banquet Center, Fort Atkinson. He and his owner, Carol Singer, are members of the War Dogs Milwaukee group.
Dustin Burchardt, an active military dog handler from Burlington, visits with John Meeks, a retired military dog handler and the exexecutive director of U.S. War Dogs Chapter 3, Kokomo, Ind.
Jodi Burchardt holds “Peanut,” a 7-month-old Lagotto Romagnolo. Burchardt accompanied her son, Dustin, an active military dog handler, to Sunday’s event. The family is from Burlington.
Jefferson County Sheriff Deputies Kyle VandeZande and “Ruben,” Greg Jansen and “Gader,” and Scott Gukich and “Balko,” gather after the observance and visit with guests.
“Sadie,” a 15-year-old Jack Russell/Rat Terrier mix, perches in the lap of her owner, Claudia Engle, who is a member of the War Dogs Milwaukee group.
Sergeant Major Viridiana Lavalle, who served last year as keynote speaker during Wisconsin’s K-9 Veterans Day observance, is pictured with military gear. Information near her photograph notes that she is the “current U.S. Army Military Working Dog Program Manager. Donated by SGM Viridiana Lavalle, 2022.”
Fort Atkinson Police Officer Adam Lawrence and his K-9 partner “Smitty” visit with event-goers after the observance.
Ron Werneth, a military historian and author, shares his collection of military uniforms. Werneth served as the K-9 Veterans Day keynote speaker in March, 2020. Among his more recent projects, he is working on a book about Vietnam K-9 handlers, which includes a chapter about Fort Atkinson’s fallen Vietnam soldier Terry Beck and his fallen K-9, “Seato.”
Marine veteran K-9 handler and Milwaukee War Dogs member Cody Crangle, at left, visits with event keynote speaker Jerry Witt in advance of Sunday’s observance.
Oshkosh Police Officer and K-9 handler Scott Sopata finds a seat in advance of Sunday’s K-9 Veterans Day observance.
Butch Haita, at right, and Linda Haita, to his left, find seating with the War Dogs Milwaukee group in advance of the K-9 Veterans Day observance. The couple brought two dogs: “Gunner” and “Drago.”
Three German Shepherd dogs wait patiently in advance of Wisconsin’s annual statewide K-9 Veterans Day observance. The event was held Sunday at the American Legion Banquet Center, Fort Atkinson. The canines, “Lola,” 18 months; “Wally,” 2, and “Charlie,” 7, were among dogs representing the War Dogs Milwaukee organization, formed to represent the variety of dog breeds which have served in wars throughout history. The trio is owned by Angela Tojek, of Wind Lake.
Fond du Lac County Sheriff’s Office K-9 handler Deputy Blaine Evans and his K-9 partner, “Iro,” relax in advance of Sunday’s K-9 Veterans Day observance. The pair was recognized during the observance for bravery following events last October during which, while responding to a call of “disturbance with weapons,” Iro was shot. Six days after a blood transfusion and surgery, Iro was able to walk on his own.
Marine veteran K-9 handler Cody Crangle places a wreath on a statue which is a component of the War Dogs monument in Fort Atkinson’s McCoy Park. The ceremony was held Sunday afternoon as part of a K-9 Veterans Day observance, the second component of which was held at the American Legion Banquet Center, Fort Atkinson. The statewide K-9 Veterans Day observance has been coordinated annually since its inception in 2015 by the Kennel Club of Fort Atkinson and its treasurer, Mabel Schumacher, at left. Chris Spangler photo.
A statue of a German Shepard dog, meant to stand for all K-9s lost in wartime, is a component of the War Dogs memorial found in Fort Atkinson’s McCoy Park. The memorial further includes granite panels into which the images of Marine Lance Corporal Terry Beck and his K-9 partner “Seato,” are engraved. The K-9 team served during the Vietnam War. Both lost their lives in 1967. Beck was from Fort Atkinson. Chris Spangler photo.
Mabel Schumacher of the Kennel Club of Fort Atkinson speaks during the Wisconsin K-9 Veterans Day wreath-laying ceremony Sunday afternoon at Fort Atkinson’s McCoy Park. Chris Spangler photo.