VFW Sends Treats to Dogs in Afghanistan

Reporter Marty Touchette of the Daily Review Atlas in Monmouth, Ill. writes that 120 pounds of dog biscuits will be sent to military and civilian dogs serving in Afghanistan thanks to a local VFW.

The dogs help guard bases and encampments, search for explosives, guard prisoners and perform many other vital functions.

Marty reports, "In addition, there are strays that live near the bases that occasionally get a treat. They also help perform a service for the troops by keeping vermin down in and near the bases."

"But most importantly, all of these four-legged friends serve as additional early warning systems to protect the troops against enemies. It can be hard to sneak up on one dog, but it’s even harder to sneak up on two — stray dogs barking in the distance can provide an early warning," according to Marty.

Many of the soldiers also are comforted by the dogs and find their loneliness eased a bit by their companionship.

It was Jim Zeilstra (currently deployed as a chief warrant officer in Afghanistan) who informed his wife, Lyn, of the need for treats. The collection effort was then spearheaded by Nancy Lovett, VFW Auxiliary senior vice president, who collected the treats. The auxiliary, along with the local Postmaster Annette Manthei and Lyn Zeilstra prepared them for shipment.

Anyone interested in helping can contact Postmaster Manthe at (309) 768-2106 or Sharon Ishmael at (309) 734-7769.

Shown above,Postmaster Manthe(left) and Lyn Zeilstra sit with Zeilstra’s dog Smokey.

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