From the President

by John R. Harvey

September, 2024

     You have often heard me talk about my close friend Robert (Bob) Stockman. In 1966 at the age of 17, Bob enlisted in the Marine Corps. After his first three-year enlistment, during which time he spent his first tour in Vietnam, he re-upped for another three years for the privilege of attending Scout Dog School at Fort Benning and returning to Vietnam as a dog handler. Based on his actions on January 14, 1970, he was awarded the Navy Cross. It was one of only 369 granted to Marines during the Vietnam War.
     It was great to spend time with him and his wife Julie at our last reunion in Reno. During one discussion between Bob and I, comparing the philosophers Descartes and Spinoza, our wives' eyes glazed over, and they finally said OK let's move on.
     Bob spent his twenty years in the Marine Corps retiring as a major. He went on to run a multi-million-dollar construction company and provided services as director of public works in a small town in Tennessee.  He ultimately decided to return to college and received his doctorate in psychology. He went from Sergeant to Major to Doctor.
     He spent several years practicing at the Vet Center in Phoenix before establishing a private practice in Fountain Hill, Arizona. While in Reno, I commented that he looked to be in fantastic physical shape. He replied that he had been working on an 80/20 fitness program to incorporate into his practice to help his patients enhance their satisfaction in life. The program includes sleep, nutrition, psychology and movement.
     Movement is where the application of the Pareto Principle comes in. The Pareto principle (also known as the 80/20 rule) is a phenomenon that states that roughly 80% of the outcomes (benefits) come from 20% of the causes (efforts). You don't necessarily need to go out and put is a five-mile run when a one-mile walk will reward you with 80% of the benefits.  The program's success is based on three primary concepts:

• First is Consistency, it is important that you believe that your program will be helpful to your life and health-span.

• Second is Novelty, your program should be varied such that you don't become bored and have your body adapt to your routine and become less effective.

• Third is No Minimums, you can start with having a goal of so many repetitions but do not see a minimum, therefore you will not feel that m you have failed.
  

     Create a baseline of statistics like weight, body measurements like waist size, body mass index, grip strength, etc. Establish your own personal program.  Monitor your progress but don’t obsess over it. So, decide that you are at least going to give it a try. Get up off of the couch. Have one less cocktail after or before dinner. See the results. Live a happier and healthier life. At our age we need all the help we can get.

       The VDHA was organized in 1993 by a group of six veteran war dog handlers who served during the Vietnam Conflict. One of their original goals was to search for and re-unite veteran war dog handlers and honor the memory of their war dog partners.
       As a result, the VDHA has grown from six members to approximately 2000 members. Our membership consists of veteran war dog handlers and dog loving supporters of all ages and gender.
       Many members have been featured in the print and film media, and during many of our nation's annually scheduled patriotic events. A significant achievement is the highly acclaimed TV documentary, "War Dogs, America's Forgotten Heroes." We welcome the informational contributions of all dog handlers from all eras.
       The VDHA was founded with three core objectives in mind:
• Educate the public of the accomplishments of dog handlers in the United States Armed Forces during the Vietnam Conflict and the dogs that served with them.
• Provide opportunities for the research and preparation of a detailed history of the use of dogs in the Vietnam Conflict.
• Locate and provide fellowship among dog handlers of all US Armed Services.
       The VDHA continues to be a part of war dog memorial projects throughout the country. Some have since been dedicated and more are on the horizon.
       Getting the US Postal Service to issue a War Dog Stamp that honors the service and sacrifice of the nation's war dogs is one of our goals.
       Educating the public on what these incredible four-footed animals have done to save American lives on the battlefields of foreign wars is always at the forefront of every effort we support or sponsor. During every modern War, WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Persian Gulf, Bosnia, Afghanistan, and Iraq, men have volunteered to serve as "Dog Handlers." The military duty of having served with a dog in War is a bonding relationship and memorable experience like no other, that lasts a lifetime.