Senator wants to honor working military dogs, their handlers

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The Associated Press

This photograph taken July 25, 2011, shows Zzarr, a 6-year old Dutch Shepherd and K-9 handler US Army Sergeant Nathan Arriaga (partly hidden by Zzarr) of the US Forces Afghanistan K-9 unit, before leaving the Forward Operating Base Walton to patrol with 1st Battalion 67th Armoured Regiment, Task Force Dealers in the Arghandab district. Zzarr who has a rank of Staff Sergeant is a military working dog trained to detect bombs and improvised explosive devices (IED) and currently deployed in southern Afghanistan saving lives of coalition forces in its war against Taliban insurgents. Both Zzarr and K-9 handler Sgt. Arriaga did their first combat duty in Iraq in 2009. AFP PHOTO / ROMEO GACAD (Photo credit should read ROMEO GACAD/AFP/Getty Images)

HOLMDEL, N.J. — U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez wants to create a commendation for military working dogs and their handlers.

The New Jersey Democrat says his legislation would create the Guardians of America’s Freedom Medal. He made the announcement Saturday during the 10th anniversary rededication ceremony of the United States War Dog Memorial in Holmdel.

Menendez said the commendation would recognize the valor and meritorious achievement of the highly trained and skilled teams. It would be issued by each branch of the military.

Menendez says military working dogs have served on the front lines since World War I and continue to take on growing roles.

He said the dogs serve on the front lines, detecting improvised explosive devices and leading search and rescue operations. They also locate casualties, guard supplies and patrol secured perimeters.

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