“Each December on National Wreaths Across America Day, their mission to Remember, Honor and Teach is carried out by coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery, as well as at more than 3,400 additional locations in all 50 U.S. states, at sea and abroad.”

National cemeteries across the country all come together simultaneously to participate in this event to honor our soldiers who served to provide us with the freedoms we have today.

LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry Dog Micah (Light of the Valley - Elk Grove, California) was invited to attend the ceremony at the Galt-Arno Cemetery in California to lay the wreaths on the military crosses & headstones as part of National Wreaths Across America Day. Pastor Michael Dube led the ceremony, which also included releasing of doves. After the ceremony, the volunteers placed the wreaths on the headstones. It was such an honor to be there to greet and meet the volunteers and military families.

LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry Dogs Pax & Phoebe (St. Paul - Fort Worth, Texas) participated in National Wreaths Across America Day in Texas. There are 783 graves marked from Civil War veterans through the current day. It was an opportunity to thank veterans and their families for their sacrifice and to show the ultimate respect to veterans we had never met but to whom we owe so much. It was a moment for all generations to honor the sacrifices the military men and women gave for others to be free. It was a privilege to participate. 

LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry Dogs Abraham & Beloved (Trinity - Hicksville, New York) were joined by members of their congregation, school, and Boy Scouts to lay wreaths at Pinelawn National Cemetery ad part of National Wreaths Across America Day.

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9           

On Friday, October 28, LCC Kare-9 Military Ministry returned to visit The United Service Organization (U.S.O.) at O'Hare International Airport in Chicago, Illinois, to provide comfort and support to those active military service members being deployed.

 LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry Dog Blitz (LCC Squad) and his veteran handler Bob spent time with service members from all branches traveling to different parts of the country and overseas.

One was returning to Italy from being on emergency leave, and another was traveling to Poland with his unit.
 
Blitz and veteran Bob brought a lot of comfort to our service men and women.

The United Service Organization (U.S.O.) offers a variety of services to active military personnel and their dependents, including free refreshments, information and referrals at O'Hare International Airport. The center provides men, women and families of the Armed Forces with a place to relax, enjoy a meal, check email and phone home before being deployed or just after traveling from overseas.

The USO at O'Hare has proudly provided programs, services, care and comfort to troops and their families since 1969.

On Saturday, September 24, LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry Dogs Brutus (LCC Squad) and Nigel (LCC Staff) were on hand to welcome the Gold Star 500 riders as they completed their ride at Great Lakes Naval Station in North Chicago, Illinois. This fifth annual event works to preserve the legacy and honor of those service men and service women from Illinois who have made the ultimate sacrifice in support of service to this great nation since 2001.

This year’s Gold Star 500 bicycle ride from September 20-24 had new faces from overseas as 12 riders and 12 volunteers from Poland joined the ride. These new participants included members of the Polish military and members of Polish families who have lost loved ones in Iraq or Afghanistan. This year’s ride started in Springfield with stops in Quincy, Galesburg, Rock Falls, and Woodstock before finishing at the Great Lakes Naval Station.

Many volunteers with Gold Star Mission are active or retired members of the Illinois National Guard, which has shared a State Partnership Program with Poland since 1993. Some of those volunteers co-deployed with the Polish to either Iraq or Afghanistan. The Polish participants learned about Gold Star Mission by meeting these troops and are considering starting a similar organization in Poland.

The Kare 9s brought their special love and compassion to the riders, families, and friends.