War Hero's work lives on
Compiled by Scott Floyd and Mimi Maddock

Johnny Mayo and his huskies continue to work to pay tribute to our war dogs who served in WWII, Korean and Vietnam Wars.

Manager Scott Floyd and Animal Supply House will host Johnny Mayo's War Dog Exhibit during the months of February and March at the Animal Supply House (next door to Sears) on Garners Ferry Road.

Vietnam scout dog handler Johnny Mayo will display his tribute to our nation's military working dogs. The exhibit has received national attention since 2003 as Johnny and his Siberian Husky Buck traveled with the exhibit as far north as New York City and west to Phoenix, Arizona. Buck worked tirelessly for 15 years with Johnny Mayo to bring tribute to the war dogs of WWII, Korea,and the Vietnam wars.

Five days after his death, Buck was recognized on the floor of Congress March 28, 2006, by Congressman Joe Wilson and March 29 by Congressman Walter Jones.

On Saturday, April 15, 2006, Buck was honored on the east and west coasts as over 100 friends gathered at the Pet Rest Cemetery to say goodbye to Buck, the War Dogs' Hero. There were four- legged friends as well, honor guard dog teams represented by Charleston AFB, Richland County Sheriff 's Department, Lexington County Sheriff 's Department, and Department of Corrections.

Buck

As the bagpipe music echoed through the pet cemetery at the opening march, a color guard of Vietnam Dog Handlers representing the Army, Marines, and Air Force placed the flags in line beside the final resting spot of Buck. Children shadowed the flag bearers and placed their own American flags in line beside Buck's grave site.

The exhibit is displayed annually at events in S.C., Ga., N.C., and Fla. educating all about the importance of War Dogs in our nation's military history. Many in the Columbia area have seen Johnny's exhibit at veterans events since 2001.

For more information contact Scott Floyd at 803- 647-7400