The public is invited to meet a dog who survived injuries while serving in Afghanistan at the Eldred World War II Museum in Eldred, Pa. on Friday.
“The Hero’s Christmas” event will take place at 12:30 p.m. on 201 Main Street, Eldred, Pa., 16731.
Hero is an 8-year-old German Shepherd who suffered head injuries in August of 2021 and was flown out of Afghanistan for a surgery. Hero was then flown back to the United States for a second surgery and was forced to retire.
During Hero’s time with the Army, he was tasked with being the multipurpose K-9 who could detect explosives before they potentially killed United States military soldiers.
Hero had toured Afghanistan four times during his deployment and also served in South Africa, the Australian embassy; he responded to 13 commands in Dutch.
The other heroes in the story are Mia and Lalu Narayan of Coudersport, Pa., who adopted Hero and will be honored for their work with the dog. Hero will also be receiving a prestigious international award.
Hero is a German Shepherd and his tail was bobbed for safety reasons. Being bobbled, it prevents the tail from hitting trip wires. When he was sent into subjugation, the enemy could not use his tail to put him off balance.
At the event on Friday, you can meet Hero and hear from the owners as well as Eldred World War II Museum Executive Director Jesse Case and Curator, Education and Programs Director Steve Appleby.
Scott Burt, President of both the 142 year old Police Gazette Awarding Organization and also President of the Bare Knuckle Boxing Hall of Fame in Belfast, New York, travels the World over, presenting historic achievement awards.
Burt will be the master of ceremonies and present special honors during the event.
Burt said, “Although the Police Gazette will award Hero for his service in saving countless lives as an Explosives Detection Specialist, I will also honorarily induct Hero into the Hall of Fame.
“To get inducted into Belfast’s World-Renown Bare Knuckle Boxing Hall of Fame as an Honorary Member, one must have, by definition, brought a positive spotlight to our geographical area by his or her actions in their chosen area of combat.”
Burt added, “Hero is a perfect fit.”
Cookies will be provided by renowned bakers and pastry specialists Jody Stephan, a Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Arts graduate and Angelica Porcuri. There will also be hot chocolate and other light refreshments.
Students from Southern Tier Catholic will be attending the ceremony and we hope many more schools, organizations and military will do so too.
About the museum
Their mission statement is “To preserve and interpret the history of World War II.
To commemorate the contribution of 40 million Americans that supported the 16 million fighting soldiers during the epic struggle to defend freedom and democracy against the forces of greed and aggression.
(Visit their website HERE)
To help shape a stronger future for the United States by helping present and future generations understand the lessons of the 20th century.”
About Scott Burt
Although Scott is most noted for recognizing bare knuckle boxing Champions, the Police Gazette honors much more. The PG pre-dates both Ripleys and Guinness by several decades, being the grandfather of all achievement recognition organizations.
(Visit the Hall of Fame website HERE)
The Police Gazette started in 1881, recognizing achievements like first to row across the ocean, cannonball catching, teeth lift (1,000 pounds), and one-legged clog dancing to name a few. Just last month Scott recognized local-man’s Eric Jones Jack-O’-Lantern as the World’s Biggest.
It was carved in a military theme, and coincidentally even included a K9 Shepherd just like Hero.
OTHER IMPORTANT CONTRIBUTORS
Orthodontist Associate of WNY and Dr. Dominic A. Colarusso, Jr.; Graham’s Greenhouse of Bradford, Pa; Worth W. Smith with six area locations; Taylor and Armstrong of Eldred, PA; MF Tominez Promotions, LLC; Teri’s Treasures; Gypsy Soul Nutrition of Olean; Scot Miller dba Ellisburg NRG; Bare Knuckle Boxing Hall of Fame, Belfast, NY; Potter County Veterinary Clinic, Inc.; Shawn’s AutoXpress, Richmond, VA; Purple Heart Homes; Police Gazette Boxing Corporation, Belfast, NY; Alice Parker, Scio, NY
