MA1 John Douangdara and MWD Bart
This is why NSAM exists. To honor those, both two and four-legged, who gave up everything for us.
They're worth remembering - in fact, we must remember them. 🫡
The National Service Animals Monument is of preeminent national importance and we're proud to be Congressionally-authorized to break ground in Washington DC in the coming years.
"Service and Sacrifice," sculpted by Susan Bahary, honors MA1 John Douangdara and Military Working Dog Bart. This US Navy working dog team was killed in action on August 6, 2011. Their selfless acts reflect core American values of service, sacrifice, responsibility, and compassion.
This piece was commissioned by the US War Dogs Association and organization president, Christopher E. Willingham. United States War Dogs Association has been a supporter of NSAM from the beginning, so much so that they were the title sponsor for Bonds of Service: A National Tribute event that took place last month. 🌟
We were joined by remarkable individuals from across the nation at Bonds of Service: A National Tribute taking place at the Military Women's Memorial in Arlington, Virginia. We're honored that John Douangdara's sister, Chan Follen (pictured at a US War Dogs Event in photo 3), was in attendance and laid a wreath in her beloved brother's honor. 💜
📷: www.susanbahary.com for photos 2 & 4, US
War Dogs Association for photos 1 & 3.
Visiting the National Service Animals Monument provides a powerful reminder of the vital roles that military working dogs and their handlers play in protecting our country. The sculpture "Service and Sacrifice," crafted by artist Susan Bahary, commemorates the heroic team of MA1 John Douangdara and MWD Bart, who were tragically killed in action on August 6, 2011. Their story is a moving testament to the bond between human and canine in military operations, highlighting values like responsibility and compassion. Having followed the development of this monument closely, I can say it is inspiring to see the Congressional authorization to break ground in Washington DC. The monument not only honors individuals like Douangdara and Bart but also represents the broader commitment of service animals across the armed forces. The involvement of groups like the US War Dogs Association, which commissioned the sculpture and continues to support NSAM initiatives, demonstrates the strong community dedicated to preserving this legacy. Attending the Bonds of Service: A National Tribute event at the Military Women's Memorial was a profoundly emotional experience. Seeing John Douangdara’s sister lay a wreath in his honor was a poignant moment, underscoring how these sacrifices touch families and the nation alike. For those interested in military history or animal service, this monument is a must-see as it promotes awareness and respect for working dogs who risk their lives alongside human soldiers. If you ever get a chance to visit or participate in events linked to the National Service Animals Monument, it’s an opportunity to reflect on the courage and dedication of service animals and their handlers. Their contributions have often gone unrecognized for too long, but projects like NSAM are changing that narrative, ensuring their sacrifices will never be forgotten.