Mine Detection Dog (MDD) - A USMA Class of 1970 Initiative

FELLOW MEMBERS OF THE USMA CLASS OF ’70:

Last month, 6 USMA 1970 classmates met and committed to engage the Class of 70 to sponsor a life-saving mine detection dog (MDD) to represent our Class in detecting landmines, IED’s and other dangerous explosives that maim and kill hourly, paralyze communities and deny access to needed resources.  After rigorous training in Texas, our Class dog will serve 6-8 years in Iraqi Kurdistan, or some other war-torn country that we as a class would choose.

In 1997, classmates Perry Baltimore, Dan Layton and Joe Reeder, under the leadership of 32^nd Chief of Staff of the US Army and 2003 Sylvanus Thayer Awardee, General Gordon R. Sullivan, set up a non-profit (Marshall Legacy Institute (MLI)) that so far has trained 210 dogs that have worked extensively in clearing millions of acres of land in 12 severely contaminated countries. (For the past 19 years, Perry has devoted himself as full time MLI President). These 210 dogs have been sponsored by private Americans, foreign countries, and Members of Congress. The U.S. Department of State over the years has provided funding to train local handlers to employ the dogs safely and effectively abroad.  MLI, strongly endorsed by the Humane Society of the United States, has not lost a single dog in the line of duty.

The per dog cost to acquire, train, certify and deliver in country is $25,000.  The 6 of us have pledged $5,000 to jumpstart this, and very much welcome all classmates to help here, and add to the lives saved well into the 2020’s.  No contribution is too large or small. You can send cash or check (all tax-deductible) to the Marshall Legacy Institute, 2425 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 240, Arlington, VA 22025, or donate online at  www.marshall-legacy.org for the "USMA 70 MDD Campaign".  We tentatively liked the name Nam iho our 4 fallen classmates in Vietnam, but will defer to the donors, if there’s a better suggestion. 

On behalf of the families and children who, because of these dogs, can work and play without further fear of landmines, thank you for considering this appeal, and for helping us put Class of 70 "paws on the ground".  

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact John Marcello jjangler@aol.com;  or Greg Vuksich gvuksich@gmail.com

GO ARMY!

Perry Baltimore, Jim Crawford, John Marcello, Joe Reeder, Greg Vuksich, Jim Young

Here are some pictures of MDDs in action -


Again, no contribution is too small; nor is one too great! All  contributions for the dog  are fully tax-deductible. You may send cash or check to the Marshall Legacy Institute, 2425 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 240, Arlington, VA 22025.  You also may donate online at  http://www.marshall-legacy.org for the "USMA 70 MDD Campaign"

Thanks!