Military dog named Chopper is honored with gorgeous statue recently unveiled in California
Humans aren’t the only heroes in the world. Military working dogs also serve selflessly beside their handlers in a variety of locations. One MWD, in particular, has been honored with a statue in Imperial Beach, California.
Chopper is honored for his service to his country
The German shepherd, named Chopper, served in the U.S. Navy beside Navy SEAL veteran Trevor Marosheck. Erecting a bronze statue in South Bay Veterans Park, military dignitaries took part in the ceremony for the dog, which died in 2018. As a part of the dedication service, Imperial Beach Mayor Serge Dedina had this to say about Chopper:
“Today we want to recognize a specific group of veterans, Military service canine veterans, who act as gate guards, scouts and have saved countless lives of their comrades.”
Pioneers when it comes to MWDs and their handlers
Together, Maroshek and Chopper helped found the Navy SEALs’ first canine unit in 2007. The two also helped start the SEAL Dog Foundation, which works to connect military veterans with service dogs. In fact, it was his fight to adopt Chopper that led to many of the rules that allow military veterans to keep their companions today.
Hailing from the Czech Republic, the jet-black, 87-pound Chopper served in Iraq and Afghanistan. There he saved countless soldiers with the American military from improvised explosive devices, or IEDs, and helped thwart attacks by the Taliban.
An example of Chopper’s service was an incident that took place in Afghanistan. Chopper was able to sniff out Taliban forces that were hiding in order to ambush the force he was with. Chopper was able to detect the enemy and helped buy enough time for the men in the unit to neutralize them.
“I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for him,” Maroshek said.
Adopting Chopper was a highlight of Maroshek’s life
After Maroshek retired in 2012, Chopper joined him at his home, becoming his service dog. “When I was able to adopt him and transition [him] to become my service dog that was probably one of the best days of my life,” Maroshek said.
Chopper was 13 years old when he died in 2018 and is succeeded by his son Thor.
The memorial is dedicated to all MWDs
While the statue and plaque memorialize Chopper, it is dedicated to MWDs everywhere. Without dogs like Chopper being a part of the military, the mission for U.S. forces around the world would be much more difficult.
A plaque on the memorial pays homage to Chopper, reading, “Chopper the Navy SEAL dog – saved my life on and off the battlefield.” Also at the ceremony was Captain Tim Slentz, a member of the Navy Special Warfare Team.
“Their contribution isn’t anything that’s history, it is ongoing and current and the fact that we could honor Chopper today is incredibly timely.” Capt. Slentz had to say about the contributions made by MWDs around the world.
Here is a video with more on the ceremony dedicating the statue to Chopper at South Bay Veterans Park.
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