Kristie Walker-Dober

Kristie Walker-Dober

KRISTIE WALKER-DOBER, Secretary, JBMF, Inc

I have recently relocated with my son Jacob to Northern Virginia after my recent marriage to the most incredible and amazing man, who is currently on Active Duty and stationed here at Ft. Belvior. I first met John, Richard and Larry at a presentation to the Department of Defense Military Working Dog Program Managers at Lackland Air Force Base when I was serving as a consultant to the Army's MWD program. There enthusiasm and passion for this great cause was eminent within minutes of our introduction. It was in spring of 2011 that John Burnam contacted me and asked if I would be interested in assisting with promotions and fund raising as a Board Member, I was nothing short of humbled at this great opportunity to be a part of something so much bigger than ourselves.

My love for dogs began as far back as I can remember, my grandmother had always had a love for German Shepherd Dogs and passed that same fondness to my mother, so I grew up with them my entire life. It seemed only natural to me after joining the Army in 1990 to pursue my interest in dogs by taking advantage of the opportunity to attend the Dog Handlers Course at Lackland AFB . I was blessed to have a Kennel Master that did more than teach me how to work a dog, but instilled in me a deep appreciation for their capabilities, effectiveness, and what a valuable asset they are to all facets of law enforcement. The contributions and sacrifices canines and their handlers have made throughout history have received little recognition until now. I have worked both as an Army and Civilian Dog Handler, but it was my work as a consultant in 2007 that reignited my true passion. While serving as a consultant to the Army Military Working Dog program I reengaged the Military Working Dog community on all facets to include training techniques, capability development, equipment requirements and analyzing the program as the second largest deployment of dog's since Vietnam.

I am honored to be a part of such a deserving monument that will not only recognize the courage and selfless sacrifice of so many, but enlighten the American People of the countless contributions these canines have made on behalf of their handler's and our Country.

John Burnam Military Dog Foundation

Canine Members of the Armed Forces Act

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